Irish Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) Micheál Martin took time out on his visit to Western Massachusetts to honor the last living woman from the Great Blasket Island in County Kerry, Ireland, in a celebration of the centennial of her life.

Surrounded by her loving and large family, Mairead Kearney Shea, now 100, was the beneficiary of many exemplary words and a plaque with photographs of her today, when she came to the United States at age 26, and as a young girl on the remote island that was evacuated in 1953. The framed piece also includes a stone from the Great Blasket Island.

Speaking at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, Martin said, “It is a great privilege and honor for me to be here with Mairead. This is a lovely, lovely moment that symbolizes the extraordinary connection between this part of the world and a wonderful part of Ireland, which is the Dingle Peninsula and the Blasket Island itself.”

Martin addressed the crowd at first speaking in Irish, giving credit to the Dingle Peninsula in West Kerry as the place where he learned the language fluently as a young man. The tiny island nearly three miles off that coastline was home to a close-knit community– many who wrote books about their lives and culture – until isolation and a dwindling population triggered its exodus.

Martin was the guest of Congressman Richard E. Neal of Springfield, who has been instrumental in both the Good Friday agreement and ongoing political negotiations between the United States and Ireland, most recently with regards to Northern Ireland and Brexit. The pair, along with U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin, marched in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 19. Kearney Shea’s presentation followed the parade at the ICC in West Springfield.

Neal said Springfield was influenced positively by the islanders who came over in the mid 20th century.

“Millions of Irish nationals immigrated across the Atlantic to take part in the American Dream and make their mark on our nation’s history,” Neal said. “As one of the two remaining Great Blasket Islanders, Mairead Kearney Shea represents thousands of native Irish speakers who settled in the Greater Springfield community to make a better life for themselves and their families. Their stories speak not only to a great cultural achievement by the people of the Great Blasket Islands, but also to the profound connection between our region and the island of Ireland.

“You can’t imagine America without the Irish, and you can’t imagine Springfield without the Blasket Islanders.”

For her part, Kearney Shea was pleased for the recognition of her long life and of the importance of the island where she grew up.

“We had a great day,” she said. “Just to have an honor like that is really something. At my age, it’s not the end, and I know that now.”

Born on December 28, 1922, Kearney Shea was the youngest of seven children of Peats Tom and Nellie Shea Kearney. She came to Springfield in the 1940s and worked as a seamstress at the former Berkshire Maid, owned by the Joseph family.

She married Springfield firefighter Patrick Shea in 1960, and together they had four children – Patrick, John, Thomas, and Theresa. The senior Patrick Shea died in 2007. She is now the grandmother of seven.

Theresa Shea called the event “an incredible, incredible day. She was so beyond excited. The recognition of her lineage means so much to her. The skills the island gave her – the tenacity, the fortitude and resilience – gave her the courage to come over here and start a new life. My mother is the history of the island.”

ICC President Sean F. Cahillane is the nephew of Kearney Shea. Together with her elder sister, Eileen Kearney Cahillane and many other islanders, Mairead forged a new life in Springfield and kept close ties with hundreds who came over from the Dingle Peninsula.

“Having grown up in the culture of the Blasket Island here in Springfield, surrounded by so many islanders, I feel I have a unique view of the world. I’ve had a rare and cherished Gaelic experience,” Cahillane said.

Among many relatives at the ceremony, including children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, was retired Springfield Police Officer Michael Carney.

Carney noted that his father, the late Michael Carney, grew up with his first cousin Mairead on the Blasket Island and remained close with her after they both emigrated to Springfield. Young Michael knows her as a loving elder with a wry sense of humor.

“It was an honor to be there for her centennial celebration,” he said. “To see her recognized reminds me of her and her friendship with my Dad, and her true spirit to the Irish community. Mairead has always been bubbly and very funny, always cracking her Irish wit.”

The Great Blasket Island is one of six islands in the archipelago that is the westernmost outpost in Ireland. It is now reachable by boat, and is a favorite spot for locals as well as tourists, campers, and hikers.

See more photos of the celebration in our Facebook gallery >

Honoring Mairead Kearney Shea

Honoring Mairead Kearney Shea

Congressman Richard E. Neal (left) and Tánaiste Micheál Martin (right) with Mairead Kearney Shea and members of her family.

Watch the WWLP 22News coverage of the event >

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 April 2023 is Republic of Ireland 1998–2019. Takes place on Thursdays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 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 April 2023 is County Offaly. Takes place on Thursdays, April 6, 13, 20 and 27 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 call 508-790-0438.

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. 

Irish Sweater Raffle

The ICC is holding a special raffle as part of our St. Patrick’s Week celebrations. Enter for a chance to win a beautiful green hand knit Irish sweater from Dingle Linens. The sweater’s retail value is $350 and is approximately a Women’s L or Men’s M. 

Raffle tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. They are only on sale in person at the ICC’s Trinity Pub until March 17. The drawing will be held on March 17 at 7 pm during the New Leaf performance on St. Patrick’s Day. Please note table reservations are completely booked for this evening.

Dingle Linens has been a beloved part of the Dingle Peninsula Showcase at the Big E for many years, as well as hosting a Christmas Fair at the ICC. The inspiration for Fran’s hand knit sweaters come from the rugged landscape and tradition of the Aran Islands. These sweaters are made with love and pride by women who learned the traditional stitches from their mothers and grandmothers.

Make a plan to visit the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub for dinner or to attend our St. Patrick’s Week festivities and be sure to purchase your tickets for a chance to win this beautiful Irish sweater! See our events schedule below.

Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub hours:
Wednesday–Saturday 4–10 pm (kitchen closes 9 pm)
Sunday 1–6 pm (bar only; kitchen is closed)

Thursday, March 9
6–8 pm: Celebrity Bartending for the West Side Irish Club

Friday, March 10
5–5:30 pm: Cassin Academy of Irish Dance

Saturday, March 11
6–9 pm: The Stout Porters

Wednesday, March 15
6–8 pm: Board & Sip Workshop (advance tickets required)
6:30–9 pm: Traditional Irish Session

Thursday, March 16
5–5:30 pm: Black Rose Academy of Irish Dance
6–8 pm: Pop Up Gaeltacht

Friday, March 17
12 pm: Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub opens
5–5:30 pm: Cassin Academy of Irish Dance
6–9 pm: New Leaf
7 pm: Raffle Drawing
(please note table reservations on March 17 are completely booked)


 

Happy St. Patrick’s Season! This time of year, people around the world celebrate all things Irish. It’s also the perfect time to give a special monetary gift to the Irish Cultural Center.

We know how important it is to preserve and promote Irish culture. As spring approaches, the ICC looks forward to hosting events to share Irish culture with our community.

We ask that you consider making a special St. Patrick’s donation to the ICC. This donation is over and above the annual Patron contribution. Your gift allows us to continue to build our Irish gathering place, a place that we all can be proud of, a place where we can continue to offer cultural programming and good times with friends and family.  

St. Patrick’s Day is about appreciating culture, family, friends, and those who came before. This is the perfect time to honor or remember a loved one with a donation in their name.

You can easily donate online, set a gift in any amount, and include the name of a loved one you wish to honor. Visit our donation page and select “St. Patrick’s Day Gift” in the drop down menu.

We are so thankful for your support of the Irish Cultural Center. On behalf of our staff, board members and volunteers, we hope you have a happy and healthy St. Patrick’s Day.

This is also the perfect time to become an annual Patron donor!

Pop Up Gaeltacht for Seachtain na Gaeilge

Join us at the ICC for a Pop Up Gaeltacht on Thursday, March 16 from 6–8 pm with Fulbright Irish language instructor Emer Maguire and Conradh na Gaeilge Iarthar MA. Practice your cúpla focail just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. We are taking part in the international Seachtain na Gaeilge festival, the biggest celebration of the Irish language across the world which takes place March 1–17 each year.

Open to anyone with an interest in the Irish language, regardless of level or ability. This is a great opportunity for people of all levels to come together and speak or listen to the Irish language with friends. Come join us – there will be caint, comhrá agus craic. Everyone is welcome – tá fáilte roimh chách!

Contact Emer Maguire to let us know you are coming or if you have any questions: maguiree@elms.edu.

The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub is open from 4–10 pm (kitchen closes at 9 pm). View our St. Patrick’s Week menu. We encourage you to make a reservation if you would like to join us for dinner – please call 413-342-4358.

ICC on Mass Appeal

Thanks to Mass Appeal for inviting us to the studio on February 24, 2023. Ellen Redman and Kathleen Doe talk to Patrick Berry about how our inaugural Tin Whistle for the Complete Beginner workshop is going, the history of the tin whistle, and our Irish trad session at the ICC. Click to watch the segment online >

The Tin Whistle program is supported in part by a grant from the West Springfield Arts Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Update: Table reservations are completely booked. The bar is available for drinks, standing room only. Thank you for joining us at the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub to celebrate!

The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub opens early at 12 pm on Friday, March 17 for St. Patrick’s Day. We are offering a special limited menu: Reuben Sandwich, Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner, Beef Stew, Seafood Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bread Pudding. Kitchen closes at 9 pm.

At 5 pm, we welcome the students of the Cassin Academy of Irish Dance for a special performance.

The festivities continue with New Leaf from 6–9 pm. New Leaf is John Tabb on button accordion, Kira Jewett on fiddle and Jim Bunting on guitar, vocals and bouzouki. Together they play traditional tunes with tight, driving rhythm, interspersed with Jim’s unique take on Ireland’s song repertoire.

The Trinity Pub closes at 10 pm.

St. Patrick's Day Entertainment

Join us at the ICC’s Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub this winter and spring for fun DIY craft events!

March 15 – Board & Sip Workshop – SOLD OUT
Join Board & Brush South Hadley for a St. Patrick’s-themed workshop at the ICC, on Wednesday, March 15 from 6–8 pm. Customize a wooden wall art project with your choice of Irish design, stain and paint colors.
Learn more and register >

March 23 – Paint & Sip Workshop – SOLD OUT
Join us on Thursday, March 23 at 6 pm for an Irish-themed Paint & Sip event. Paint along with artist Joan Nelson as she leads you step by step, with all the materials provided, in a fun and no pressure evening of painting a beautiful Celtic tree of life scene.
Learn more and register >

April 6 – Beer & Wine Glass Painting Party
Join us for Beer & Wine Glass Painting on Thursday, April 6 from 7–9 pm. Instructor MaryBeth Reed from Paint Craze will guide you through the process of custom painting your glasses in spring and floral themed designs.
Learn more and register >

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 March 2023 is Six Counties/Northern Ireland 1981–1998. Takes place on Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16 & 23 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 March 2023 is County Kildare. Takes place on Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16 & 23 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 call 508-790-0438.

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. 

The Irish Cultural Center Inc. of Western New England is currently accepting inquiries to fill the position of Cultural Functions & Events Planner. Please read detailed job description below.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Cultural Functions & Events Planner
February 1, 2023

Part Time Administrative Position.
30 Hours Per Week. $31,200 Annual Salary / $600 Per Week.

Required hours are 11:30 to 4:30 – Monday through Friday, must be available with the balance of hours totaling 30 hours as needed for evenings and weekend undertaking requiring the presence of the Associate.

The Cultural Functions & Events Planner is responsible for planning, promoting and managing cultural events at the Irish Cultural Center Inc. of Western New England (ICCWNE). This position requires independent decision making to manage and support all aspects of an event booking, including fee negotiation, proposal preparation, contract development and client correspondence. The planner collaborates and negotiates with vendors and suppliers to coordinate equipment rentals, customized décor, food and beverage needs and entertainment, among other requirements. Constant prioritization is required to ensure events are planned and executed in a timely, efficient manner. The Cultural Functions & Events Planner reports directly to the ICCWNE President, and the Events Committee, and will also work closely with the Restaurant Committee.

Responsibilities Include:
• Execute creative and engaging events that are in line with the vision and mission of the ICCWNE.
• Promote the event facilities at the ICCWNE to potential customers via in person and social media communication while collaborating with the ICCWNE’s graphic designer and marketing professional.
• Development of and marketing the facility rental, creating and utilizing promotional materials while collaborating with the ICCWNE’s graphic designer and marketing professional.
• Develop, monitor and update internal events calendars to reflect upcoming events and meetings. Monitor and ensure fulfillment of each event from start to finish. Develop and produce reports on successes of events.
• Seek and maintain Patron and Business Sponsorship of the ICCWNE.
• Develop a relationship with local tourism officials and private and public officials to promote the ICCWNE as the venue of choice for meetings, receptions and ceremonial events.
• Act as a liaison for the Irish visitors, vendors and public officials while in the ICCWNE’s geographic area.
• Maintain current volunteers, while recruiting new volunteers, vetting them accordingly.
• Outreach to traditionally under-represented groups to include LGBTQI and mixed ancestry Irish as well as support Irish immigrants that are residing in Western New England.
• Ensure each event reflects the client’s goals and exceeds expectations.
• Identify, source, and coordinate support services for events (gifts, photographer, audiovisual, transportation, etc.).
• Manage project plans to ensure events are on track and that deadlines are met.
• Oversee the set-up, execution and clean-up of scheduled events.
• Verify invoices and coordinate supplier payments.
• Attend all ICCWNE Board of Directors meetings, Events Committee meetings.
• Any additional administrative tasks associated with events and facility rental.

Position Requirements:
• Three years of successful experience including organizing and promoting events and/or administrative or sales activities working with a non-profit organization or similar entity.
• Strong project management skills with significant exposure to food and beverage set up and entertainment sourcing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple external suppliers and internal ICCWNE staff.
• Strong organizational skills, time management skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to multitask efficiently.
• Experience with event contract negotiations with demonstrated negotiation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other technology.
• A motivated self-starter.
• Experience with development and promotions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including advanced written and oral communication.
• Creative thinking and problem solving.
• Willingness to work with board members, committee members, volunteers, donors and vendors.
• A passion for preserving, promoting and showcasing the Irish Culture and Heritage.
• A flexible work schedule to include some evenings and weekends. 25 hours of office work, with the flexibility to accommodate appointments to plan events.

Performance Reviews:
• A performance self-evaluation which will also include a section on recommendations for future goals and a more effective operation of the functions and events department will be required two weeks before Performance review.  
• This position will be informally reviewed at a 90-day point and formally reviewed at the 6-month point during the first year, and annually every six months after that. The six-month annual reviews will be held on April 1st and September 1st the review will be conducted by the Events and Restaurant Committees.

Send resumes and inquiries for the Events position to Meaghan Coffey Serafin: click to email or call 413-575-5773 with questions.