The Irish Cultural Center is linking up with Irish historian, Sean Murphy, to introduce our community to live, weekly online Irish history courses. Sean presents two monthly topics, divided into four-week modules. Courses are presented on Zoom. Each student will receive an electronic copy of each presentation.

The first topic is a general history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. The course module for February 2024 is The Norman Conquest of Ireland. Takes place on Thursdays, February 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 7:30–9:00 pm. Download course flyer >

The second topic is a general history of each of the thirty two counties in Ireland. Featured in February 2024 is County Dublin. Takes place on Thursdays, February 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 6:00–7:30 pm. Download course flyer >

To Enroll
The enrollment fee is $100 for each four-week course. Please contact Sean directly for information or to enroll in his course(s) – send an email to seanmurphy630@gmail.com or register at www.irishhistory.online.

About Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy was born in Dublin and came to live on Cape Cod in 2005. He has a passion for his homeland and loves to share his knowledge and interest about his heritage through classes, workshops and conversation. He is a teacher of Irish history, music, and dance.

Join us in the Irish Cultural Center Book Club. We’ll enjoy good craic and delve into Irish and Irish-American literature, with guided discussion in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. This event is open to all.

Our meeting will take place on Thursday, February 8 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC. 

We are reading The Whitest Flower by Brendan Graham. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to get settled, perhaps grab a drink, mix and mingle. You are welcome to stay after at the Trinity Pub to socialize with dinner or drinks. 

To Register
The Book Club is free to join. Please register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Register online >

The Whitest FlowerAbout The Whitest Flower
Rich and epic Historical Fiction set against the backdrop of the Great Famine. It is August 1845. In Dublin’s Botanic Gardens, Phytophora infestans is discovered for the first time. The bacteria blooms throughout the country, blighting potato crops and creating what becomes known as the Great Famine, an event of holocaust proportions that affects every man, woman and child in Ireland. Ellen O’Malley is one such victim. As the blight ravages the land, Ellen loses her husband. Alone and vulnerable, she is duped into going to Australia to seek a better life, leaving three of her beloved children behind. Travelling aboard a coffin ship, she arrives emaciated and ill with her new baby. But the country proves a harsh and brutal landscape and a change in fortunes seems further away than ever. But Ellen, a woman with an indomitable spirit, is determined to rise above her oppression and bring her family together once more. (text from Amazon)

Available from several vendors online or your favorite local book shop. Or, check your local library.
Amazon.com (new) >
Better Worlds Books (used) >

Books for Upcoming Meetings
March: The Parish and The Hill by Mary Doyle Curran

The Irish Cultural Center is linking up with Irish historian, Sean Murphy, to introduce our community to live, weekly online Irish history courses. Sean presents two monthly topics, divided into four-week modules. Courses are presented on Zoom. Each student will receive an electronic copy of each presentation.

The first topic is a general history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. The course module for January 2024 is The Viking Invasions of Ireland. Takes place on Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 7:30–9:00 pm. Download course flyer >

The second topic is a general history of each of the thirty two counties in Ireland. Featured in January 2024 is County Longford. Takes place on Thursdays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25 from 6:00–7:30 pm. Download course flyer >

To Enroll
The enrollment fee is $100 for each four-week course. Please contact Sean directly for information or to enroll in his course(s) – send an email to seanmurphy630@gmail.com or register at www.irishhistory.online.

About Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy was born in Dublin and came to live on Cape Cod in 2005. He has a passion for his homeland and loves to share his knowledge and interest about his heritage through classes, workshops and conversation. He is a teacher of Irish history, music, and dance.

Join us in the Irish Cultural Center Book Club. We’ll enjoy good craic and delve into Irish and Irish-American literature, with guided discussion in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. This event is open to all.

Our meeting will take place on Thursday, January 11 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC. 

We are reading This is Happiness by Niall Williams. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to get settled, perhaps grab a drink, mix and mingle. You are welcome to stay after at the Trinity Pub to socialize with dinner or drinks. 

To Register
The Book Club is free to join. Please register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Register online >

This is HappinessAbout This is Happiness
Niall Williams’ latest novel is an intricately observed portrait of a community, its idiosyncrasies and its traditions, its paradoxes and its inanities, its failures and its triumphs. Luminous and otherworldly, and yet anchored with deep-running roots into the earthy and the everyday, This Is Happiness is about stories as the very stuff of life: the ways they make the texture and matter of our world, and the ways they write and rewrite us.

The rain is stopping. Nobody in the small, forgotten village of Faha remembers when it started; rain on the western seaboard was a condition of living. Now–just as Father Coffey proclaims the coming of electricity–it is stopping. Seventeen-year-old Noel Crowe is standing outside his grandparents’ house shortly after the rain has stopped when he encounters Christy for the first time. Though he can’t explain it, Noel knows right then: something has changed.

This is the story of all that was to follow: Christy’s long-lost love and why he had come to Faha, Noel’s own experiences falling in and out of love, and the endlessly postponed arrival of electricity–a development that, once complete, would leave behind a world that had not changed for centuries. (text from Amazon)

Available from several vendors online or your favorite local book shop. Or, check your local library.
Amazon.com (new) >
Better Worlds Books (used) >

Books for Upcoming Meetings
February: The Whitest Flower by Brendan Graham
March: The Parish and The Hill by Mary Doyle Curran

New Year's Eve from Ireland

Online tickets are sold out. Please call 413-342-4358 to check availability. 

Join us at the ICC’s Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub on the evening of December 31, 2023 from 5–9 pm as we ring in the New Year with a live broadcast of the ball drop in Dublin, Ireland. 

Gather together and enjoy a delicious upscale buffet dinner, with choices including:
• Baked Stuffed Shrimp
• Pasta Primavera
• Holiday Ham Carving Station
• Chicken Poulet
• And a selection of choice side dishes

We are excited to have Jimmy McArdle, an original member of the Irish folk band The Bards, and Jerry Murphy, Holyoke’s accomplished accordion player, providing great Irish music and entertainment from 5–8 pm.

We will have a champagne toast at 7 pm as we watch the ball drop in Dublin.

Tickets
$65 ICC Patrons / $70 General – includes buffet, music and complimentary champagne. Advance tickets are required; tickets are non refundable.

Order tickets online >

Get tickets online
Or call 413-342-4358 or order at the Trinity Pub.

The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England Board of Directors and Development Committee announce a capital campaign to fund completion of the $5 million project renovating its headquarters at 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA.

The campaign seeks to raise $2 million to complete the Community Performance Center, which will serve the needs of the greater region for concerts, events, meetings and private banquets. The remainder has been raised through individual donations, company gifts, grants — both government and private — and an ongoing cadre of volunteer help since the ICC moved into the building in 2017.

ICC President Sean F. Cahillane and Development Committee members Edward Sullivan, William Carey and Kevin O’Connor joined Mayor William Reichelt in announcing the campaign, which will officially launch in the spring of 2024. The leadership team is being assembled for the campaign.

“These past years have been a labor of love, helping to create this facility that has brought so much enjoyment to so many,” Cahillane said. “We look forward to the next step of our mission and the completion of our center.”

The facility had been vacant for five years when the ICC took possession of it from the City of West Springfield nearly seven years ago. Since then, the threadbare shell has been converted into a vibrant, Irish country-style restaurant, pub and meeting and gathering place for Patrons and the community. It includes 11,500 square feet of space on four floors. The facility has become the perfect home for the ICC, which was established in 1999.

“Our museum and library have wonderful collections. The soccer and rugby pitch is home to the Springfield Rifles Rugby Team,” Cahillane noted.

Sullivan praised the ongoing team effort between the ICC and the City of West Springfield.

“The partnership between the ICC and the city is tremendous,” said Sullivan, who is President of the West Springfield City Council, former mayor and President of the West Springfield Sister City Organization which ties the city with Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland, and Valdarno, Italy.

Sullivan added, “We look forward to bringing this one-of-a-kind facility and performance center to fruition.”

Mayor Reichelt said the ICC has been a popular gathering spot for city residents and will have even more to offer when the project is complete.

“I’m thrilled to see the ICC reach the final phase of its development,” Reichelt said. “The center has become the cultural crossroads for people, especially those with Irish heritage. We’re proud to host them. I look forward to the completion of this project and the continued success of the ICC.”

O’Connor agreed, praising all those who have given time and funding to make the center the success story that it is.

“It’s exciting as we move into the final development phase of the ICC,” O’Connor said. “What an incredible amount of work has gone into the building and grounds over the past several years to provide a space for everyone in our communities to enjoy time with friends. The ICC has hosted activities and events for people to join in sharing of knowledge about their Irish heritage, to experience the Irish culture and for everyone in the region with community driven events.”

“Kicking off this capital campaign brings us the funding we need to complete the community performance center; the long-range vision by some very dedicated volunteers is coming together. I welcome everyone to learn how they can help bring this final phase to reality,” O’Connor added.

Carey spoke for all when he said, “We are looking forward to the culmination of our years-long endeavor to provide a world class venue to celebrate the Irish heritage of the people of Western New England and beyond.”

The Development Committee will formally announce the campaign in the spring of 2024.

Building montage for capital campaign

Join us in the Irish Cultural Center Book Club. We’ll enjoy good craic and delve into Irish and Irish-American literature, with guided discussion in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. This event is open to all.

Our meeting will take place on Thursday, December 14 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC. 

We are reading An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to get settled, perhaps grab a drink, mix and mingle. You are welcome to stay after at the Trinity Pub to socialize with dinner or drinks. ICC Patrons plus one guest receive 10% off food orders on Thursdays through December.

To Register
The Book Club is free to join. Please register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Register online >

An Irish Country ChristmasAbout An Irish Country Christmas
Barry Laverty, M.B., is looking forward to his first Christmas in the cozy village of Ballybucklebo, at least until he learns that his sweetheart, Patricia, might not be coming home for the holidays. That unhappy prospect dampens his spirits somewhat, but Barry has little time to dwell on his romantic disappointments. Christmas may be drawing nigh, but there is little peace to be found on earth, especially for a young doctor plying his trade in the emerald hills and glens of rural Ireland. Between their hectic medical practice, Rugby Club parties, and the kiddies’ Christmas Pageant, the doctors still find time to play Santa Claus. Snow is rare in Ulster, and so are miracles, but that doesn’t mean they never happen. (text from Amazon)

Available from several vendors online or your favorite local book shop. Or, check your local library.
Amazon.com (new) >
Better Worlds Books (used) >

Books for Upcoming Meetings
January: This is Happiness by Niall Williams
February: The Whitest Flower by Brendan Graham
March: The Parish and The Hill by Mary Doyle Curran

Giving Tuesday

GivingTuesday is a Global Generosity Movement on November 28, 2023. There are two ways to support the Irish Cultural Center on this day of giving! 

Click to Donate to Giving Tuesday        Click to Become an ICC Patron

We are so proud of what the Irish Cultural Center has accomplished in the past 20+ years as an organization, and we look forward to expanding in the years to come with your help. The ICC is a gathering place, connecting people to each other and helping us all to preserve American-Irish heritage and culture.

Your support allows us to share Irish arts and culture in the community by providing in-person events, virtual events, and educational programming. A traditional Irish music seisiún, concerts, Irish language classes, children’s events, book readings, Irish-oriented lectures, political discussions, international relations, GAA sports, and student international exchange are all examples of what we offer, many of them free, and all available to the public.

The latest phase of construction at the ICC is our Community Performance Center.

Without financial donations, these achievements would not be realized. In these uncertain times, financial support is more vital than ever to help keep the ICC going into the future. GivingTuesday is the perfect time to make a one-time tax-deductible gift in any amount. 

This is also the perfect day to become an ICC annual Patron. A Patron is a person who has made a commitment to preserve, promote and cherish our Irish culture and heritage. The success and continued growth of the ICC is only possible because of the enthusiasm and sustaining commitment of our Patrons. Learn more about Patron levels and benefits.

We are so thankful for your support.

The Irish Cultural Center is linking up with Irish historian, Sean Murphy, to introduce our community to live, weekly online Irish history courses. Sean presents two monthly topics, divided into four-week modules. Courses are presented on Zoom. Each student will receive an electronic copy of each presentation.

The first topic is a general history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. The course module for November/December 2023 is The Island of Saints and Scholars. Takes place on Thursdays, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14 & 21 from 7:30–9:00 pm. Download course flyer >

The second topic is a general history of each of the thirty two counties in Ireland. Featured in November/December 2023 is County Kilkenny. Takes place on Thursdays, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14 & 21 from 6:00–7:30 pm. Download course flyer >

To Enroll
The enrollment fee is $90 for each four-week course. Please contact Sean directly for information or to enroll in his course(s) – send an email to seanmurphy630@gmail.com or register at www.irishhistory.online.

About Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy was born in Dublin and came to live on Cape Cod in 2005. He has a passion for his homeland and loves to share his knowledge and interest about his heritage through classes, workshops and conversation. He is a teacher of Irish history, music, and dance.

Christmas Music with the Tavern Carolers

Celebrate the holiday season at the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub with your family and friends! Enjoy a delicious meal in our beautifully decorated pub while listening to some of the area’s best Christmas music from the Tavern Carolers.

PERFORMANCE DATES

Wednesdays
Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm • Doors open at 5 pm
• December 13: Purchase tickets online > 
• December 20: Purchase tickets online > 

Fridays
Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm • Doors open at 5 pm
• December 8: SOLD OUT 
• December 22: Purchase tickets online > 

Saturday
Music 5:30 – 8:30 pm • Doors open at 5 pm
• December 23*: SOLD OUT 

Sundays
Music 4 – 7 pm • Doors open at 3:30 pm
• December 10: Purchase tickets online > 
• December 17: Purchase tickets online > 

TO ORDER TICKETS
Advance tickets for a specific date are required. Ticket price includes a full meal with entree of your choice, soup or salad, and dessert. Meal choice must be made at the time of ticket purchase (see below for menu options). Full bar will be open for purchase.

Ticket Cost: $52 ICC Patron / $58 general public 
(Includes music, meal and server gratuity.)

*The December 23 performance includes a $20 Kids Ticket option, which comes with a kids meal of Chicken Fingers or Grilled Cheese, Fries and a Hot Fudge, Caramel or Raspberry Sundae.

Purchase tickets online (see links above), or call the restaurant at 413-342-4358. Tickets are date specific, non transferable, non refundable. We expect these shows to sell out – be sure to get your tickets soon! Please let us know if special seating accommodations are required.

MEAL OPTIONS (Each includes soup or side salad and choice of dessert)
• Sliced Pork Roast with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable
• Stuffed Haddock with Rice Pilaf and Vegetable
• Chicken Marsala with Rice Pilaf and Vegetable
• Eggplant Parmesan

The Pork, Haddock and Chicken meals can be prepared gluten free by request the day of the event.