In Irish, the phrase “Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam,” means “A country without a language is a country without a soul.” For centuries, the Irish language in Ireland was suppressed and diminished, but it was never completely eradicated. As a way to preserve the culture and to connect to the soul of Ireland and our ancestors, many people both in Ireland and also around the world study the Irish language.

To that end, the Irish Cultural Center and Elms College are pleased to offer a range of Irish classes for the 2015/2016 academic year. In addition, this partnership is again successful in bringing to campus our sixth consecutive Irish Language Fulbright Teaching Assistant, Síle Dolan, who has a B.A. in Irish and French from National University of Ireland in Galway and has completed her work for a M.A. in Irish Language from University College Dublin. She brings a great deal of talent, enthusiasm, and experience and will help us showcase and develop the language in our community.

Síle will teach a Novice class for credit on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. She will also teach the Intermediate class, which may be taken on a credit or non-credit basis. This meets on Wednesday evenings.

In addition, members of the ICC will instruct non-credit course offerings. There will be two sections of First Year Irish, which is designed for those who have no, or very little, knowledge of the language. Gerald Costello, who has participated in Immersion Programs in Kerry and Connemara and has taught Irish at local schools, will teach one section on Tuesday evenings. Kathleen Gilhooly, a recently retired English teacher at Springfield Central High School, an instructor at the ICC’s Lá na Gaeilge and the Celtic Adventures for Kids camp, and who has been studying Irish since 1981, will teach the other First Year Irish section on Thursday nights.

On Monday nights, Chip will teach First Year Irish, Semester Two for those who have had one semester of Irish or its equivalent.

On Saturday mornings, Kathleen will teach Second Year Irish for those who have had one year of Irish or its equivalent.

On Tuesday nights, Tom Moriarty will teach Third Year Irish, a course designed for those who have had two or more years of Irish but are not yet prepared to enroll in the Intermediate class. Tom, a professor emeritus at the Elms and a founding member of the ICC, also began studying Irish in 1981, and has taught Irish for many years. He has participated in Immersion Programs in Kerry and Donegal.

On Friday nights, an informally structured Irish study group for advanced learners meets on a regular basis throughout the year, including summers. This group has been meeting since 1984, with various members, and is always eager to welcome new participants.

The ICC does have funds that have been provided by donations in memory of John Johnson. If you are aware of anyone who would like to study the language and might need some assistance, please call the ICC at 413-265-2537 for details.

If you have any comments or suggestions, or would like to become a member of the Irish Language subcommittee of the ICC, please contact geraldf.costello@gmail.com, thomasf.moriarty@gmail.com, or gilhoolyk231@comcast.net.

We look forward to seeing you this fall!
ICC members receive a discount on class tuition.

Learn more about each class and download the registration form.
Or call the Registrar’s office at 413-265-2314.

ICC New Sign and Location

The Irish Cultural Center is pleased to announce its new future location at 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield, MA. It is the former home of the Elks Lodge. The ICC has signed a twenty-year lease with the City of West Springfield, and in due time will be moving to its new location. View photos from the official lease signing ceremony on July 28, 2015.

ICC President Sean F. Cahillane said the Irish cultural organization is thrilled to have a new home with room to hold lectures and concerts, sports events, meetings, as well as an ICC museum and library. Since it began in 1999, the ICC has been based out of the Elms College in Chicopee, MA, hosting events there and at various other locations, and recently struggling for space as the college continues its own expansion.

“The West Springfield property is the perfect space for us. We have been looking for some time for a suitable property that we can call home, and that can meet all of our needs,” Cahillane said. “This is clearly it. We’re happy to be working with the City of West Springfield on our new location.”

Cahillane said the ICC will continue its strong collaboration with the Elms, including offering Irish language classes this year, with a sixth consecutive Irish Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant.

President Sister Mary Reap, IHM. Ph.D., says “The community of the College of Our Lady of the Elms is delighted to learn that the Irish Cultural Center has acquired a new home in West Springfield. We have been very happy to house the offices on our campus for many years. But, we are also very pleased that the membership and activities have grown to a level where more space is sorely needed. Our partnership will continue just as it has continued with the Polish Center that also began on the campus and moved to larger space as it grew. We look forward to this next phase of development for the Center and for the additional ways in which the Irish culture, so important to our history, can be passed on to future generations.”

The lease on the property, which includes a two-story building and 27 acres with parking lots and ball fields, is the culmination of an extensive search of dozens of alternative sites examined over the course of the last 12 months.

Rose Baker, an ICC board member who lives in West Springfield, said the new space would serve as a vehicle to highlight the area’s rich Irish culture. “This location will allow the ICC to offer a collaborative, unique space where people can come together to celebrate and promote the Irish culture and heritage,” Baker said. “As a resident of West Springfield, the City provides an extremely supportive community that embraces the development of long-term relationships.”

The ICC’s name is also changing to the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, to reflect the broadened scope of their mission and membership. The new facility and name change are the culmination of two years of strategic planning.

Mayor of West Springfield, Ed Sullivan, said he is delighted the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England has chosen West Springfield as its home. “I believe this will be a great partnership and I am looking forward to the Center becoming an integral part of the fabric of our community and region. I look forward to the opportunities the Center will provide to educate others on the rich history of the Irish both in the United States and Europe. May the great luck of the Irish be with the Center for decades to come.”

The ICC will soon launch a capital campaign to raise funds for the refurbishment of the building. During this process, the ICC will move forward, expanding event offerings, community outreach and member benefits, thus fulfilling the promise of keeping the Irish arts alive.

The Irish Cultural Center was established in 1999 to foster an appreciation of Irish culture in Western New England. The mission of the Irish Cultural Center is to cultivate a connection with Ireland, through the arts, culture, history, language, and heritage. The Center offers opportunities to engage in educational, travel, and social events that promote Irish culture.

The Irish Cultural Center is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable cultural organization.

We at the Irish Cultural Center are celebrating over fifteen years of following our mission of keeping the Irish arts alive with the various events we offer throughout each year – from speakers to films, from concerts with exciting new musicians to our annual Christmas with an Irish Touch celebration, from Celtic Adventures for Kids to Irish Language classes and group cultural visits to Ireland. In everything we do, we strive to provide our members and the general public with many varied events.

This summer, we are proud to showcase traditional and popular Celtic music with our Summer Concert Series. We have lined up three shows with highly acclaimed performers who represent the best of the Celtic music world, from masterful trad to dynamic, original tunes. This type of connected event series is a first for us, and such a musical celebration continues our mission of promoting the Irish arts by bringing new music to the community.

The series will include Canadian Celtic group Searson on July 11, eclectic fiddle
and folk with House of Hamill on July 19, and an Irish trad trio with Matt Molloy of The Chieftains on August 9. We encourage you to visit the links above to learn more about these world-class performers.

We are offering sponsorship opportunities for the entire Summer Concert Series. Sponsors’ logos will be displayed prominently on signage at all three shows, and will be linked on our website with each event listing. Sponsors will also receive complimentary tickets to each show. We hope you will be interested in supporting us in this ambitious undertaking. Kindly complete the information on the enclosed form and return it along with your payment to the Irish Cultural Center by July 8. The Irish Cultural Center is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit organization. Download the sponsorship form here.

We thank you in advance for supporting us.

Sincerely,
Sean F. Cahillane
President
Board of Directors

The Irish Cultural Center is proud to showcase traditional and popular Celtic music this summer with a series of concerts. We have lined up highly acclaimed performers who represent the best of the Celtic music world, from masterful trad to dynamic, original tunes. This musical celebration continues the ICC’s mission of promoting the Irish arts by bringing new music to the community.

Searson – High Energy Canadian Celtic
Favorites of the Celtic music world, Searson’s special album release show will feature their original Ottawa Valley style music mixed with Celtic, East Coast and Scottish, which includes high energy fiddling, passionate vocals and step dancing. Sisters Erin and Colleen Searson perform on a variety of instruments, including fiddle, piano, and vocals. Rounding out the group are Danno O’Shea on drums, and Fraser Gauthier on bass and acoustic guitar.
Learn more and get tickets.
Date: Saturday, July 11
Time: 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:00)
Where: Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road (Route 5), Holyoke, MA
Tickets: $20 for ICC members / $23 for non-members / $28 at the door

House of Hamill – Trad Irish Fiddle and Eclectic Folk
Brian Buchanan (of Jubilee Riots, formerly Enter the Haggis), and Rose Baldino (of Burning Bridget Cleary) team up for an intimate, relaxed performance of trad Irish sets and songs, and original compositions. Brian and Rose are both accomplished traditional fiddle players and classical violinists, and together, they write unusual new fiddle tunes while also breathing new life into traditional and contemporary songs.
Learn more and get tickets.
Date: Sunday, July 19
Time: 3:00 pm
Where: Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park Street, Chicopee, MA
Tickets: $15 for ICC members / $18 for non-members (please purchase by July 16)

Irish Trad Ensemble with Matt Molloy of The Chieftains
This intimate performance will feature the Irish trad superstar ensemble of Matt Molloy of The Chieftains on flute, John Carty on fiddle, and Arty McGlynn on guitar, on their first ever tour of the USA. Matt and John come together to explore the rich and varied tapestry of the fiddle and flute tradition. Arty’s subtle and imaginative guitar playing is the perfect accompaniment to Matt and John’s unique duet.
Learn more and get tickets.
Date: Sunday, August 9
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Where: Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park Street, Chicopee, MA
Tickets: $20 for ICC members / $23 for non-members (please purchase by August 6)

Irish Trad Trio with Matt Molloy

The Irish Cultural Center invites you to an intimate performance of the Irish trad superstar ensemble of Matt Molloy (The Chieftains), John Carty and Arty McGlynn, on their first ever tour of the USA.

Matt and John come together to explore the rich and varied tapestry of the fiddle and flute tradition, which they both love. Both Matt and John play strictly within the tradition, yet when playing together both are exhilarated by the boundlessness of each other’s playing. Arty’s subtle and imaginative guitar playing is the perfect accompaniment to Matt and John’s unique duet.

This special performance will take place on Sunday, August 9 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at the Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park Street in Chicopee, MA.

Tickets are limited for this intimate event. Advance purchase by August 6 is recommended. Cost is $20 for ICC members, and $23 for non-members. Tickets are available online or by calling the Irish Cultural Center at 413-265-2537.

You may purchase food and drinks at the Collegian Court during the show. Parking is available in the Collegian Court lot, on street, and at the Center Street Chicopee Savings Bank, which is a short walk across the street to the restaurant. Please note the direction of one-way streets when planning your visit.

 


Special thanks to our Summer Concert Series Sponsors:
Mary Ellen O’Brien | DPM Associates, Inc. | Kathleen Doe Creative Design

All sales are final. Refunds are given ONLY in the event of cancellation by performers.

House of HamillThe Irish Cultural Center invites you to an afternoon of Irish fiddle and folk music with the group House of Hamill. This new collaboration is comprised of Brian Buchanan (of Jubilee Riots, formerly Enter the Haggis), and Rose Baldino (of Burning Bridget Cleary). This intimate, relaxed performance will include trad Irish sets and songs, and original compositions.

House of Hamill will perform on Sunday, July 19 at 3:00 pm at the Collegian Court Restaurant, 89 Park Street in Chicopee, MA.

Tickets are limited for this intimate event. Advance purchase by July 16 is recommended. Cost is $15 for ICC members, and $18 for non-members. Tickets are available online or by calling the Irish Cultural Center at 413-265-2537.

You may purchase food and drinks at the Collegian Court during the show. Parking is available in the Collegian Court lot, on street, and at the Center Street Chicopee Savings Bank, which is a short walk across the street to the restaurant. Please note the direction of one-way streets when planning your visit.

About House of Hamill

In 2014, Brian joined Rose onstage at the Folk Alliance conference in Kansas City. The two performed with virtually no rehearsal for over an hour, and their connection was powerful and immediate. A few months later Brian moved from Canada to Philadelphia, and as a tribute to the first tune Rose ever taught to Brian, House of Hamill was born.

Brian and Rose are both accomplished traditional fiddle players and classical violinists, and despite being young, have over 25 years of writing and performance experience between them. Together, they write unusual new fiddle tunes while also breathing new life into traditional and contemporary songs. Both are confident and unique lead vocalists, and the blend of their two voices in harmony is hypnotic and irresistible.

Whether House of Hamill is covering one of their favorite songs in a new way or stomping through a set of original jigs and reels, their chemistry onstage is always engaging and often hilarious. Spend an hour listening and you’ll leave with tired feet, a huge smile, and a new appreciation for the versatility of folk instruments in a modern context.


Special thanks to our Summer Concert Series Sponsors:
Mary Ellen O’Brien | DPM Associates, Inc. | Kathleen Doe Creative Design

All sales are final. Refunds are given ONLY in the event of cancellation by performers.

Searson

The Irish Cultural Center invites you to an evening of music with Searson, from Ontario, Canada. Searson are known for their own original Ottawa Valley style music mixed with Celtic, East Coast, and Scottish, which includes high energy fiddling, passionate vocals and step dancing. This is a special album release show! Local Irish dance students will join in the fun, as Searson premieres songs from their latest album.

The sisters perform on a variety of instruments, including Colleen Searson on fiddle and vocals, and Erin Searson on piano, tenor guitar and vocals. Rounding out the group are seasoned musicians Danno O’Shea on drums and percussion, and Fraser Gauthier on bass and acoustic guitar.

Searson will perform on Saturday, July 11 at 8:00 pm at the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road (Route 5) in Holyoke, MA. Doors open at 7:00. The Delaney House opens at 5:00 for those who wish to have dinner; reservations are recommended.

Tickets are general admission, table seating. Cost is $20 for ICC members, and $23 for non-members. Limited tickets are available at the door for $28. Tickets are available online until 8:00 am on July 11 or by calling the Irish Cultural Center at 413-265-2537 (phone orders end on July 9).

Searson has just released their eighth studio album. This Celtic Roots album contains a mix of original vocal and instrumentals as well as traditional instrumental tunes. “Stars Above the Farm” is named after the sisters’ parents’ farm in the Ottawa Valley, Ontario where the girls grew up. The concept for this album has been rooted around stories and tunes about the Ottawa Valley and the history of the Searson family. Along with the band’s original fiddle sets on this album, listeners will hear a wide variety of Canadian and Irish style of fiddling on “Stars Above the Farm.” Searson has been touring for over a decade throughout Canada, the United States, and Europe. Composing all their own songs and fiddle tunes have made them the accomplished performers that they are today. Learn more about these dynamic performers.


Special thanks to our Summer Concert Series Sponsors:
Mary Ellen O’Brien  |  DPM Associates, Inc.  |  Kathleen Doe Creative Design

 

All sales are final. Refunds are given ONLY in the event of cancellation by performers.

Pass on the Heritage | July 27 –31, 2015 | Download a registration form.

Celtic Adventures for Kids is a week-long program designed to give children in Grades 1 through 9 an introduction to the richness of Irish culture, through the auspices of the Irish Cultural Center at Elms College in Chicopee, MA. Space is limited. Sign up early!

Daily Activities Include:
– Irish language
– Irish dance
– Irish music
– Arts & crafts
– Storytelling/literature
– Games

What to bring: Sneakers with non-marking soles; soft dance shoes if your child has them; swimsuit and towel; lunch (optional: money to purchase snacks.) The Maguire Center swimming pool will be available for the children to use daily during the week; lifeguard is on duty.

The program is in session from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Participants should be dropped off between 8:45 and 9:00 am at the Maguire Center. Pick up is promptly at 3:00 pm at the Maguire Center.

WHEN: Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, 2015
WHERE: The Maguire Center at Elms College, Chicopee, MA
COST: $200 per child; $20 discount for Irish Cultural Center members; $20 discount for each additional child from the same family
NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT: $50 with registration due by June 11, 2015
BALANCE DUE BY JULY 10, 2015
Please make check payable to Irish Cultural Center at Elms College.
Download a registration form.

Celtic Adventures for Kids

Sunday, April 12 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at the Elms College Alumnae Library. Free and open to the public. 

Dr. Catherine Shannon

The Irish Cultural Center will present a lecture on the USS Jamestown’s voyage to Cork, Ireland in 1847, “It is Not an Everyday Matter to See a Nation Starving: Captain Robert Bennet Forbes and the 1847 Voyage of the USS Jamestown to Cork, Ireland.” The lecture will be given by Catherine B. Shannon, Ph.D., professor emerita, of Westfield State University on Sunday April 12, 2015 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the Elms College Alumnae Library Theater.

Dr. Shannon will discuss the voyage of the USS Jamestown which left Boston on March 28, 1847, loaded with more than 800 tons of provisions and supplies for the starving people of Ireland in the darkest months of “Black 1847,” the year the Irish Famine peaked. The New England Relief Committee, which was comprised of Boston Catholics and Protestants cooperating in an effort to collect money, and bring food to Ireland, organized the voyage. The committee collected approximately $150,000 in food and cash, which accounted for half of the $300,000 that was sent from Boston to Ireland in 1847.

Dr. Shannon describes that “she will discuss Captain Forbes’s effort to insure that the supplies reached the Irish people in the most efficient and fastest way possible, and his reactions to what he witnessed in Ireland upon arrival there in mid-April.” Shannon relates: “This episode was a unique instance when the historic suspicions and hostility that divided the Boston’s Irish and Yankee Communities were cast aside and were replaced by cooperation for a great humanitarian purpose.”

Dr. Shannon will be honored for her works by the Eire Society of Boston on Saturday April 25, 2015 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel at the 78th Gold Medal Dinner and Award Ceremony at 6:00 pm. Each year the Eire Society honors a person who exemplifies the best of Irish Culture and ideals.