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*UPDATE – CANCELED* Unfortunately Mike Bernard has had to cancel this event due to unforeseen circumstances. We hope to reschedule for the future. 

The Irish Cultural Center presents a special evening with Mike Bernard, author of the ‘Boston Irish Belt Trilogy’ novels. Join us on Tuesday, November 4 for a discussion including his local inspirations, writing process, Hollywood screenplay adaptations, Irish Catholic guilt and passive aggressive mothers (definitely not his own!). The evening also includes a delicious pasta dinner buffet in honor of his novel Gaelic & Garlic: A Boston Love Story (last month’s ICC Book Club choice).

Tickets are $18 for ICC Patrons / $20 General (includes dinner buffet of pasta, meatballs, salad and garlic bread). The Trinity Pub bar will be open to purchase drinks.

All are welcome to attend – whether you’re a Patron, a Book Club member or simply a fan of great literature!
• Doors open at 5 pm
• Pasta dinner buffet starts at 5 pm
• Author presentation takes place from 6:15–7:15 pm

Mike will have copies of his books for sale. We look forward to welcoming you for an engaging and enjoyable evening!About the Author
Mike Bernard is a multi-optioned screenwriter, author and playwright. His work has been recognized internationally in the Academy Nicholl Fellowship, PAGE, ScreenCraft, New York and Los Angeles Screenplay competitions. His ‘midlife crisis’ writing career began when all his children and all his money went off to college. Mike is a graduate of Providence College and Boston College High School. He resides on Cape Cod with his wife Michele. He spends his summers losing to someone twice his age in Pickleball, and his winters aimlessly roaming the aisles of Home Depot.

About the ‘Boston Irish Belt Trilogy’
Gaelic & Garlic: A Boston Love Story (Charlestown)
A hilarious and heartwarming story about discovering love when you least expect it, and finding comfort in family and traditions. Sláinte and Alla Salute!

The Crossing Guards (Southie)
An uplifting story about finding love and friendship in unlikely places, reminding us to keep our hearts open and soldier on. Semper Fi.

Crossing the Sagamore (Dorchester)
A tribute to the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness and music.

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, November 13 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC.

We are reading Dark Lies The Island: Stories by Kevin Barry. 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 >

NEW! In addition to our regular dinner menu, we are now offering a specially priced Book Club Buffet, available as an option at registration. This buffet will be offered exclusively to Book Club attendees at $15.50 per person, plus tax and tip. Guests of Book Club attendees are also welcome to partake in the buffet. November buffet menu: salad, veg medley, meatloaf with demi glaze, roasted garlic mash, chicken piccata.

About the Book
Kevin Barry’s deliciously wicked collection Dark Lies The Island delivers on the many reckless promises made by his virtuosic and prizewinning debut novel, City of Bohane. It firmly establishes him as both a world-class word slinger and a masterful storyteller.

“[Kevin Barry] isn’t sparing with his powers. Even his throwaway lines are keepers.” ―The New York Times

“Outstanding . . . [These] stories triumph . . . They are funny, sad, troubling, illuminating, often in equal measure.” ―Financial Times

“Stealthy and shimmering . . . Darkness abounds in these thirteen stories, though it takes its different forms: vileness, foreboding, ignorance, isolation, self-delusion, despair.” ―The Boston Globe

“[Kevin Barry’s] prose is almost literally indescribable . . . It’s not hard to see a devoted following accrue around this singular talent.” ―Irish Independent

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
• December 11, 2025: Time of the Child by Niall Williams

Join us in the ICC’s Trinity Pub for a Pop Up Gaeltacht on Wednesday, October 22 from 6:30–8 pm with Fulbright Irish language instructors Michaela Burke, currently teaching this year at Elms College, and Danielle O’Neill, visiting from Notre Dame. Practice your cúpla focal in a relaxed setting, and enjoy the trad tunes from our weekly Irish music session.

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 just listen to the Irish language with friends. Come join us – there will be comhrá agus craic (conversation and fun). Everyone is welcome – tá fáilte roimh chách!

The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub bar will be open. Dinner is served from 5–9 pm. If you would like to join us for dinner, we encourage you to make a reservation – please call 413-342-4358.

West Springfield native Caroline Morrissey has been named the first Executive Director of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, bringing with her a wealth of global experience and a deep passion for Irish heritage.

Morrissey, a proud Colby College alumna, earned her Master’s in International Administration with a Policy Focus from the University of Denver. She spent nearly a decade working in post-conflict zones across Africa, most recently serving with President Carter’s The Carter Center in Liberia, before returning to Western Massachusetts just before the pandemic.

Since returning, she has been an active member of the ICCWNE’s Events Committee, where she founded the new Book Club—a now-thriving literary group that she continues to moderate monthly. In summer 2024, she took on a larger leadership role by joining the Board of Directors.

“It’s a privilege to serve as the ICCWNE’s first Executive Director, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation created by so many dedicated volunteers while expanding the ICCWNE’s reach, programs, and partnerships across Western New England,” Morrissey said.

The newly established Executive Director position is made possible in part through the generous support of the Government of Ireland. Serving as the ICCWNE’s chief administrator, the Executive Director will oversee daily operations, guide the implementation of the strategic plan, and expand cultural programming and community reach.

ICCWNE President Sean F. Cahillane welcomed Morrissey to this new position, recognizing her dedication and breadth of experience.

“Caroline’s passion for cultural engagement, combined with her extensive international work and deep Irish roots, make her a tremendous addition to our leadership team,” Cahillane said. “She has already contributed so much to the ICCWNE, and we’re thrilled to have her guiding us into the future.”

Executive Vice President Ed Sullivan said, “The addition of Caroline to the ICCWNE as the Executive Director could not come at a better time. Caroline’s experience, along with her energy and passion to advance the Cultural Center as a local, regional, and international hub is impressive. We are excited to have her on board!”

A lifelong traveler who has visited 50 countries, Morrissey takes immense pride in her Irish heritage, with family ties to County Galway, Westmeath and Wexford. She is also the proud new mom of Mae, a beloved presence at the ICCWNE and likely its youngest Patron.

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 ICC extends a warm welcome to Michaela Burke, this year’s Irish Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant at Elms College. She is the sixteenth consecutive FLTA to teach Irish language classes through the partnership between Elms College and the ICC. Michaela is from Co. Mayo. She has a BA in Education, Math and Irish, and is presently working on her MA in Irish Language at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick. She is looking forward to collaborating on several ICC cultural events throughout the year. We hope she has a wonderful experience here in western MA!

The Irish Cultural Center invites you to an evening with New York Times bestselling author Betsy Cornwell, on Tuesday, October 7. Join us as she shares readings from debut memoir, Ring of Salt, and stories of Irish mythology, followed by a Q&A.

Please register in advance online >

All are welcome to attend this free event – whether you’re a Patron, a Book Club member or simply a fan of great literature. Guests are welcome to make an optional donation of $5 – $10 at the door to support the ICC and help offset costs. The ICC will donate a portion of the proceeds to Safe Passage. 

Join us for this engaging evening: 
• Doors open at 5 pm, with apps provided and the Trinity Pub bar open for purchase (please note there will be no restaurant food service)
• Author talk with Q&A takes place from 6–7 pm

About the Author
Betsy Cornwell is a New York Times bestselling author of six novels and founder of The Old Knitting Factory, an arts residency and retreat space for single parents in Connemara. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame and a BA from Smith College, and currently teaches at the University of Galway. She serves as a mentor for the Irish Writers Centre and was the first recipient of their Blue Mountains (Australia) Residency in 2023.

Her debut memoir, Ring of Salt, is forthcoming from Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster (USA) and Renegade/Hachette (Ireland/UK) in 2025 (forthcoming on September 30). She received the Markievicz Award in 2024 for her work on this project.

Praise for Ring of Salt
“A beautiful story of resilience, hope, and hard-earned triumph, written in sentences as incandescent as the Irish coastline. Readers will cheer for Betsy Cornwell!” — Christie Tate, New York Times bestselling author

“Beautiful and deeply moving . . . Cornwell explores what it takes to start over with honesty, humor, and courage. A must-read.” — J. Courtney Sullivan, New York Times bestselling author

“Emotional, spellbinding, inspirational, Ring of Salt is a tour-de-force of a book.” — Sam Blake, #1 Irish Times bestselling author

West Springfield, MA – On September 6, 2025, board members and staff of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICCWNE), West Springfield City officials, and the leadership of the Balise Auto Group gathered at 429 Morgan Road for a ribbon cutting for the newly named Balise Field at the ICCWNE.  

The Balise Auto Group recently made a 5-year commitment to support the ICCWNE’s $2 million Capstone Capital Campaign. Funds from the campaign are being used to complete the Community Performance Center, which will serve the needs of the greater region for concerts, events, and private functions. Notably, the Community Performance Center will provide a home for local, regional, national, and international performance groups, making it a full-scale regional base for Irish heritage and culture as well as a center for cross-cultural collaboration. 

The Balise Auto Group’s donation also includes the naming of the playing field. 

Members of Balise Auto Group attending the ribbon cutting ceremony were Jeb Balise, President & CEO, Alex Balise, Director of Marketing, and Ben Sullivan, COO.

“My daughter, Alex, and I are proud to be part of something special here,” said Jeb Balise. “The Irish Cultural Center plays a meaningful part in making our diverse West Springfield community such a special place to live, and the renovations being made will bring even more people together in this beautiful and welcoming space.”

Balise Field is used as the home field for the Springfield Rifles men’s and women’s rugby teams, as well as one of the playing fields for the West Springfield Youth Soccer Club. The location has become a hub for community sports, as well as introducing spectators to rugby. 

“We are truly thankful to the Balise family for their remarkable generosity,” said Caroline Morrissey, ICCWNE Executive Director. “Their support ensures the Irish Cultural Center continues to grow as a place for culture, sport, and community. It is an honor to be here today and name our Rugby Pitch and Soccer Field after Balise Auto in recognition of their lasting impact.”

Also attending the ribbon cutting were West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, ICCWNE President Sean Cahillane, Executive Vice President Ed Sullivan, Co-Executive Vice President Kevin O’Connor, Treasurer Stephanie Joyce, and board members Will Carey and Bill Flaherty.

Ed Sullivan is looking forward to many years of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and community involvement at the Balise Field. 

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the Balise family and their tremendously respected brand. Their contribution will ensure many generations of youth and adults will have access to these community-centered facilities,” Sullivan said. 

Members of the Springfield Rifles Women’s Rugby Club and Hartford Women’s Rugby Club, who had played a match at the Balise Field earlier in the day, joined in the ceremony, while the Springfield Rifles Rugby Club were practicing for their afternoon match against the Cape Cod Rugby Club. 

On September 9, 2025, the ICC celebrated the annual Irish Pavilion Dingle Showcase at The Big E and West Springfield’s Sister City connection. At the reception and dinner were Michael Foley (Cathaoirleach, Kerry County Council), members of the Kerry County Council, Dingle Peninsula Tourism, Explore Western Mass, our Irish affiliate organizations, the crafters and merchants of the Big E’s Dingle Showcase, Irish Fulbright Michaela Burke, Mayor Will Reichelt, and our ICC board, staff, volunteers, and Patrons. Jimmy McArdle and Jerry Murphy provided the music for a wonderful evening.

The ICC also hosted another special guest September 12 –13. The historic Sam Maguire Cup is awarded yearly to the winner of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Won this year by County Kerry’s Senior Football Team, the Cup was on display for public viewing exclusively at the Irish Cultural Center for two days. Players on the Kerry team also traveled over to tour with the Cup and meet fans.

Forward Tómas Kennedy is a 6th year student; midfielder Barry ‘Dan’ O’Sullivan is a veterinary surgeon; and fullback Jason Foley is a primary school special needs assistant. Kerry GAA Secretary Peter Twiss also traveled with the trophy.

Pictured: ICC President Sean Cahillane, Tómas Kennedy, Barry ‘Dan’ O’Sullivan, Jason Foley, Kerry GAA Secretary Peter Twiss, ICC Events Coordinator and General Manager Conor Driscoll.

Vendors, artisans and businesses from the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland, are showcasing their art, crafts and products in the Irish Pavilion in the Big E’s Young Building throughout the fair.

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

We are reading Gaelic and Garlic: A Boston Love Story by Mike Bernard. 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 >

NEW! In addition to our regular dinner menu, we are now offering a specially priced Book Club Buffet, available as an option at registration. This buffet will be offered exclusively to Book Club attendees at $15.50 per person, plus tax and tip. Guests of Book Club attendees are also welcome to partake in the buffet.

About the Book
Among the most overlooked ethnic problems in the country was the division between Irish and Italians. Historically two of the poorest immigrant communities, they clashed on everything from jobs to housing to politics. As rivals, both were always treated with suspicion and fear. No Italian boy would ever bring an Irish girl home to dinner, and the Irish were even less welcoming.

When East Boston’s Antonio Domenicio Riccardo Maximilianus PrestiDiGiovanni meets Charlestown-tough Margaret Katherine Philomena Coventina O’Shaughnessy (for a combined total of 39 syllables!) they have no idea how their lives are intersected. Richie and Mary Kate both live in a world where things should have been – but one simple decision changed the whole trajectory of their lives.

Gaelic and Garlic is a heartwarming and hilarious story about discovering love when you least expect it, and finding comfort in family and traditions..

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

Books for Upcoming Meetings
• November 13, 2025: Dark Lies the Island by Kevin Barry
• December 11, 2025: Time of the Child by Niall Williams

For all of you Gaelic Football fans, we have a special treat for you! The Sam Maguire Cup is here in Western Massachusetts to see and touch. The historic All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Cup, first awarded in 1928, was won this year by County Kerry’s Senior Football Team.

The Sam Maguire Cup will be on display for public viewing exclusively at the Irish Cultural Center for two days this week. All are invited to visit the ICC this Friday, September 12 from 12 – 9 pm, and Saturday, September 13 from 9 am – 1 pm.

The Cup will then travel to the Big E on Saturday afternoon for a viewing at the Irish Pavilion in the Young Building, before returning to Kerry on Sunday. Accompanying the Cup are three members of the Kerry Championship Team: Jason Foley, Tomás Kennedy, and Barry Dan O’Sullivan, along with Kerry GAA Secretary Peter Twiss.

We hope to see you here!
~ Ed Sullivan, Mick Corduff and Sean Cahillane of the Irish Cultural Center

From the Kerry GAA:
The bond between Kerry GAA and the USA is a testament to the enduring connection between the Kerry diaspora and their roots. Over the years, the Kerry community in the USA has played a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of Gaelic games in the county. Your generous fundraising efforts have become a cornerstone of our success. With your support, we have realized our dream of creating an American university-style GAA campus with the construction of the much envied Kerry GAA Centre of Excellence, a state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture future generations of players across all codes and levels. Equally important, this relationship helps maintain a strong connection between the Kerry diaspora and their home, fostering a deep sense of belonging and pride in Kerry’s sporting and cultural heritage. By supporting these initiatives, members of the Kerry diaspora in the USA remain actively engaged with their roots, celebrating shared traditions and ensuring that Kerry’s legacy of excellence in Gaelic games thrives on both sides of the Atlantic.

All those coming out to see the historic Sam Maguire trophy, please consider a donation to help us finish the GAA Campus in Kerry.