Author: icc-admin

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.

As a Patron of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, you know how important it is to preserve and promote Irish culture. As spring approaches, the ICCWNE looks forward to hosting events and educational programs to share Irish culture with our community.

To celebrate this season, we ask that you consider making a special St. Patrick’s donation to the ICCWNE. This donation is over and above your annual Patron contribution. Your gift allows us to continue to build our Irish gathering place, including our soon-to-be completed Community Performance Center, where we can 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 >

Click to easily donate online, set a gift in any amount, and include the name of a loved one you wish to honor. 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 renew your Annual Patron Donor status if you haven’t already. Learn more >

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, April 9 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC.

We are reading Ring of Salt by Betsy Cornwell. 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 >

In addition to our regular dinner menu, we offer a specially priced Book Club Buffet at $16.50 per person, plus tax and tip. Guests of Book Club attendees are also welcome to partake in the buffet. Choose this option at registration.

About the Book
At twenty-four, Betsy Cornwell runs away to Ireland for a fresh start. Leaving behind a painful past, she chases her dream of becoming a novelist to the misty shores of the Aran Islands. Five years later, Betsy is trapped in an abusive marriage, isolated and afraid with a newborn baby. On her son’s first birthday, she must flee home again, this time turning to the women around her—her local survivor support group, a trusted family friend, and an online Smith College alumnae network—for help she’d never known she could ask for.

When she discovers a historic knitting factory and former cinema on Ireland’s rugged Connemara coastline, left empty and crumbling for years, that precarious dream becomes her lifeline.

Ring of Salt combines a powerful and relatable narrative of survivorship and healing with lush writing about the windswept landscapes and rich mythology of rural Ireland to craft a real-world fairy tale about the ordinary, but no less life-changing, forms of magic we can all access: vulnerability, community, and the power of telling your own story.

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

Books for Upcoming Meetings
• May 14, 2026: The Pull of the Stars: A Novel by Emma Donoghue
• June 11, 2026: How the Irish Won the American Revolution: The Forgotten Heroes of America’s War of Independence by Phillip Thomas Tucker

History of the Irish in West Springfield: Presented by Anne Mattina
Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 pm

This event is free and open to all – please register ahead online >

Join us at the ICC for an afternoon learning about the history of the Irish in West Springfield and the village of Mittineague. Anne Mattina presents a wealth of information and historical photos from her research, to be included in an upcoming book published by the city of West Springfield. The Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase; light appetizers to be served.

Registration is free; to support the ICC and help offset costs, we kindly suggest a donation of $5 – $10 at the door if able.

Join us for a season of St. Patrick’s fun with Irish culture, music, dance, food and drink at the ICC’s Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. Plus, check our events calendar for all our regular live music events and Six Nations Rugby throughout the month.

FRIDAY, MARCH 6
• 4:30–6:30 PM Pop Up Gaeltacht >
Open to anyone with an interest in the Irish language. Practice your ‘cúpla focal’ just in time for St. Patrick’s Day!

SATURDAY, MARCH 14
• All Day Super Saturday Six Nations Rugby >

SUNDAY, MARCH 15
• 3 PM Talk: History of the Irish in West Springfield
Join us at the ICC for an afternoon learning about the history of the Irish in West Springfield and the village of Mittineague, presented by Anne Mattina. Learn more and register >

TUESDAY, MARCH 17 • St. Patrick’s Day
The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub opens at 2 pm with a full bar and a special St. Patrick’s menu. The kitchen closes at 9 pm. Please note! Table reservations are fully booked on March 17. Standing room at the bar for drinks only.
• 4–6 PM Cassin Academy of Irish Dance >
• 6–9 PM Kilashandra >
• 7 PM Raffle Drawing for Irish Knit Poncho >

We strongly encourage you to call 413-342-4358 and make a table reservation for the following dates.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
• 6:30–9 PM Trad Irish Music Session >

THURSDAY, MARCH 19
• 6–9 PM The Ireland Parish Band >

FRIDAY, MARCH 20
• 6–9 PM The Blaney Brothers >

SATURDAY, MARCH 21
• 6–9 PM The Corner Boys >

Please note we are closed to the public on Sunday, March 22 for a private event. 

The ICC is holding a special raffle as part of our St. Patrick’s Season celebrations. Enter for a chance to win a beautiful Irish Cable Knit Poncho made of Merino wool. The poncho’s retail value is $125 USD and is approximately a Women’s M/L size.

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 at 7 pm during the Kilashandra performance on St. Patrick’s Day. Please note! Table reservations are fully booked on March 17. Standing room at the bar for drinks only.

Make plans to visit the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub for dinner or to attend our St. Patrick’s festivities and be sure to purchase your tickets for a chance to win this beautiful Irish poncho!

You do not need to be present to win.

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, March 12 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC.

We are reading The Tide Between Us: An Irish-Caribbean Story of Slavery and Emancipation by Olive Collins. 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 >

In addition to our regular dinner menu, we offer a specially priced Book Club Buffet at $15.50 per person, plus tax and tip. Guests of Book Club attendees are also welcome to partake in the buffet. Choose this option at registration.

About the Book
1821: Among the thousands of Irish deportees to the Caribbean British Colonies is a 10 year old Irish boy, Art O’Neill. As an Indentured Servant on a sugar plantation in Jamaica, Art gradually acclimatises to the exotic country and the unfamiliar customs of the African slaves. Eventually Art is promised seven gold coins for seven decades of service. He doubts his master will part with the coins. The morning Art sets out to claim his gratuity, he ignores his sense of foreboding that he may not return home alive.

Ireland 1991: One hundred years later a skeleton is discovered beneath a fallen tree on the grounds of Lugdale Estate. By its side is a gold coin minted in 1870. Yseult, the owner of the estate, watches as events unfold, fearful of the long-buried truths that may emerge about her family’s past.

Inspired by the true historical story of 2,000 Irish children deported to Jamaica and the statistics that 25% of Jamaican citizens claim Irish ancestry. The Tide Between Us is a powerful novel documenting real events and the resilience of the human spirit.

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

Books for Upcoming Meetings
• April 9, 2026: Ring of Salt by Betsy Cornwell
• May 14, 2026: The Pull of the Stars: A Novel by Emma Donoghue
• June 11, 2026: How the Irish Won the American Revolution: The Forgotten Heroes of America’s War of Independence by Phillip Thomas Tucker

On January 24, 2026, Congressman Richard Neal and the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England hosted a special screening of the award-winning documentary ‘Gerry Adams: A Ballymurphy Man’ at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield. This exciting event was a regional exclusive; it marked the first time the public was able to view this critically-acclaimed film about the former Sinn Féin leader in a New England cinema.

Following the screening, a reception and Q&A was held at the Irish Cultural Center. Featured speakers at the Q&A event were Congressman Richard Neal and Ciarán Quinn, Sinn Féin Representative to the USA and Canada, with producer and moderator William Tranghese.

ICC Executive Director Caroline Morrissey said, “It was an honor for the ICC to host the first public New England screening of ‘Gerry Adams: A Ballymurphy Man.’ The strong turnout and thoughtful conversation reminded us how deeply people care about understanding Ireland’s history and its path toward peace. We’re thankful to Congressman Neal, Billy Tranghese and Ciaran Quinn and all who helped bring this special event to our community.”

Enjoy a delicious, romantic dinner with your special someone on Saturday, February 14 in the comfort and hospitality of the Irish House Restaurant. A crackling fire, cozy ambience, and live music make this a special evening.

Cost is $75 per couple. Includes: 1 Appetizer, 2 Entrées, 1 Dessert, 2 Glasses of Champagne. Server gratuity not included.

Reservations are required, please call 413-342-4358. Please select meal choices when making your reservation. Special event menu only this evening. Regular menu not available.

Live Music with Rosemary Caine
5 – 8 pm
Enjoy an accompaniment of beautiful music by renowned Irish harpist Rosemary Caine, with fiddler Chris Devine. Rosemary’s life as a songwriter and composer started after she took up the Irish Harp in 1998. She has written, produced and collaborated on five Irish themed musicals, and founded Wilde Irish Women.

Valentine’s Dinner Menu

Appetizer (choice of 1)
• Cucumber Chili Lime Salad
• Seafood Cakes with Red Pepper Remoulade
• Shrimp Cocktail with Cocktail Sauce

Entrée (choice of 2)
• Roast Cod with Piccata Sauce and Rice
• Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri and Mashed Potatoes
• Chicken with Pan Jus and Mashed Potatoes

Dessert (choice of 1)
• Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Sauce
• Cheesecake with a Choice of Sauce
• Tiramisu

Guinness Six Nations Rugby is back at the Trinity Pub for 2026! Sponsored by the Springfield Rifles Rugby Club, the ICC continues our tradition of hosting viewing parties for select matches during the tournament on our big screen tv. The Trinity Pub bar will be open for all matches.

THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 5
Ireland vs France @ 3:10 pm (kitchen opens at 4 pm)

SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 7
England vs Wales @ 11:40 am (kitchen opens at 1 pm with a limited menu)

SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 14
Scotland vs England @ 11:40 am (kitchen opens at 1 pm with a limited menu)
Ireland vs Italy replay from earlier in the day immediately follows

SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 21
Scotland vs Wales @ 11:40 am (kitchen opens at 1 pm with a limited menu)
Ireland vs England replay from earlier in the day immediately follows

FRIDAY • MARCH 6
Ireland vs Wales @ 3:10 pm (kitchen opens at 4 pm)

SUPER SATURDAY • MARCH 14
Ireland vs Scotland @ 10:10 am
Wales vs Italy @ 12:40 pm
England vs France @ 4:10 pm
The pub opens at 10 am; kitchen opens at noon with a seasonal limited menu. Ireland vs Scotland is a potential Six Nations Championship matchup!

West Springfield, MA – The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England announces several recent appointments to its Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

President Sean Cahillane (Springfield), Vice Presidents Ed Sullivan (West Springfield) and Kevin O’Connor (Westfield), Treasurer Stephanie Joyce (Holyoke), and Secretary Lynn McCarthy (West Springfield) have been formally approved as the ICCWNE’s Executive Committee and voted in by the full Board of Directors.

The Board’s unanimous endorsement reflects broad support for its leadership and direction and underscores its confidence in the Committee’s ability to guide the ICCWNE’s strategic priorities and uphold the organization’s mission.  

Executive Director Caroline Morrissey stated, “Working alongside such a dedicated and thoughtful Executive Committee is a privilege. Each member brings invaluable experience and a deep commitment to the Irish Cultural Center’s mission. Together, we are strengthening the ICCWNE’s programs, expanding our reach, and building a vibrant future for our community.”

The Executive Committee serves as the ICCWNE’s core leadership team, helping guide major decisions, support organizational planning, and ensure smooth and effective operation. It works closely with the Executive Director in day-to-day operations and ensures that key decisions are made efficiently and responsibly.

President Sean Cahillane is looking forward to a great year to come. “We have been blessed all these years with a dedicated Board of Directors led by a strong, capable leadership team. This newly elected Executive Committee will strive to make our mission come to life, as well as seeing to the completion of our Community Performance Center, thus capping off a seven-year, $4 million-plus buildout,” he stated.

The ICCWNE has also elected new members to its Board of Directors.

Hilary Sullivan (West Springfield) and Brendan Fitzgerald (Agawam) recently joined the Board and are committed to helping the ICCWNE grow as a center of Irish culture and community in Western New England.

The Irish Cultural Center was established in 1999 to foster an appreciation of Irish culture in Western New England. Located at 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield, MA, the mission of the ICCWNE is to cultivate a connection with Ireland, through the arts, culture, history, language, and heritage. The ICCWNE offers opportunities to engage in educational, travel, and social events that promote Irish culture.

The Irish Cultural Center, Inc. of Western New England is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization.