The Irish Cultural Center is linking up with Irish historian, Sean Murphy, to introduce our community to live, weekly online Irish history courses. The courses are presented using Zoom. If you are unfamiliar with Zoom, no problem. Sean will contact you directly and assist you to get connected.

Sean presents two courses, divided into four-week modules. The first is a chronological general history of Ireland from ancient times to the present day. Students can enroll on a rolling basis for those parts of Irish history they are most interested in or have the time to participate in. The course module for September is The Protestant Ascendency and the Penal Laws: Late 17th and 18th Century Ireland. Takes place on Thursdays, September 9, 16, 23 & 30 from 7:30–9:00 pm. Download course flyer. 

The second course is a general history of each of the thirty two counties in Ireland. This covers the major events from ancient times to the present day. A profile of the major clans and of the most famous individuals from the county will be featured. Segments will also focus on historic sites, the county name, landscapes, and music and dance. This course will be particularly useful to those interested in their Irish heritage, seeking to understand their ancestral home, and the reasons their ancestors left. Featured in September is County Galway. Takes place on Thursdays, September 9, 16, 23 & 30 from 6:00–7:30 pm. Download course flyer. 

The enrollment fee is $80 for each four-week course. Courses are presented on Zoom. Each student will receive an electronic copy of each presentation. The classes are one and a half hours long to allow adequate time for questions and answers.

To Enroll
Please contact Sean directly for information or to enroll in his course(s) – send an email to [email protected] or call 508-790-0438.

About Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy was born and reared 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. Over the past twelve years he has taught courses at the Irish Cultural Center of New England in Canton, Cape Cod Sons of Erin, Cape Cod Cultural Center, the Cotuit Center for the Arts, and at venues on Nantucket.

His interest in Irish history and culture stems from his involvement in a wide range of community activities in Ireland starting in the late ’60’s. In 1998 he was elected as the representative of the community and voluntary sector on the Dublin City Development Board that produced the strategic Plan “Dublin: A City of Possibilities 2001-2012.”

In 2014 and 2019 he was awarded the Thomas P McCann “Altruism Award” trophy by the Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day Committee for his “support and commitment to the Culture and Heritage of Ireland and its people.” He leads a traditional Irish music session in O’Shea’s Old Inne in West Dennis every Sunday night. He speaks on Irish cultural and historic issues at libraries, and at private and community events across the Cape and beyond.

A strong partnership with Elms College and the Irish Language Fulbright Program served as the foundation for a great 2020/2021 academic year for Irish language learners at our Irish Cultural Center. Registrations for classes increased and new activities were introduced resulting in more local visibility for the language.

Gita Gallagher, our eleventh Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA), was an incredibly positive ambassador for the language, her culture, county, and Ireland itself. She played an instrumental role in establishing a local branch of Conradh na Gaeilge enabling students and others the chance to use their spoken Irish. In addition, she contacted writers and musicians to participate in Zoom presentations and our annual language Day. Gita has many new friends in western Massachusetts and her influence will continue to be felt.

We offered five classes at various learning levels last year on Zoom, necessitated by the pandemic. As usual, Kathleen Gilhooly provided great help by teaching two classes. Zoom has enabled us to attract some students from outside our immediate area including eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Our annual Lá na Gaeilge (Irish language day) held on Zoom had over one hundred registrations. The theme for the day was “Voices of Cork.” UCC professors Aidan Doyle and Ríona Ní Churtáin presented on poet Seán Ó Ríordáin, while another poet, Greg Delanty, offered commentary on his newly published translations of Ó Ríordáin’s poetry. Bilingual poet Siobhán Ní Dhomhnaill also presented readings of her selected works, and traditional musicians Clíona Halley and Darragh Carey-Kennedy joined us live from Ireland. 

As the fall 2021 semester approaches, we are very blessed to welcome our twelfth Fulbright, Réaltín Nic Giolla Chainnigh (Mc Elhinney), from Inis Eoghan, Donegal. Réaltín attended the University of Ulster. In addition to her love of the Irish language, she has a keen interest in Gaelic football. She is an accomplished athlete who has played on her local club, school, and university teams. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge of the Irish language and Gaelic football with us. By the way, she likes her Lyons Tea.

As you can see, the Irish language is alive in our area. Join us this semester and make some new friends. Language learning is more fun and effective as a social event. Classes this fall will again be taught on Zoomclick for more info on class schedules and to enroll.

– written by Irish language instructor Gerald Costello

The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England thanks PeoplesBank for their recent $500 donation to support our mission of preserving and promoting the Irish arts, culture, language and heritage. Pictured: Nicole Stevenson, Banking Center Manager West Springfield and Laura Hurley, Chief Advancement Officer ICCWNE.

PeoplesBank Check Donation

Sangria Pairing Dinner

Please join us at the Irish House Restaurant for a special Sangria Pairing Dinner on August 12 at 6:00 pm; dinner begins at 6:30 pm. Four courses, including Burrata Caprese Crostini with Prosciutto, Pasta Fagioli, Frutti di Mare Seafood, and Tiramisu, are paired with four perfectly chosen sangrias to accompany the meal.

Tickets are $45 for ICC Patrons, $50 for general public. There is a special ICC Patron presale for the first 7 days – tickets for the public go on sale August 4. General public may call for reservations during this time, and will be placed on a wait list until the presale is over. Seating is limited for this special event – for tickets, please call 413-342-4358.

Download information flyer and full menu.

SUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET
Come join us for brunch served from 10 am – 1 pm. Dine inside or on our outdoor patio. Featuring a delicious offering of brunch items for a traditional Irish breakfast, and much more for every palate. $21.95 per person and $10.95 for children 10 & under. Plus classic brunch cocktails and our Bloody Mary bar with all the fixings.

On Sunday afternoons, the Trinity Pub is open from 1 – 6 pm (kitchen is closed). 

For reservations, call 413-342-4358 or reserve online at OpenTable.

Margarita Pairing

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has moved to Thursday, June 10. Please join us at the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub for a special Tequila Pairing Dinner on June 10 at 6:00 pm; dinner begins at 6:30 pm. Four courses, including Smoky Tuna Tostada, Lemon Chicken Soup, Chicken and Seafood Paella, and Tres Leches Cupcakes, are paired with four perfectly chosen tequila cocktails to accompany the meal.

Tickets are $45 for ICC Patrons, $50 for general public. There is a special ICC Patron presale for the first 7 days – tickets for the public go on sale May 19. General public may call for reservations during this time, and will be placed on a wait list until the presale is over. Seating is limited for this special event – for tickets, please call 413-342-4358. 

Download information flyer and full menu.

Lá na Gaeilge (Irish Language Day) took place virtually on Saturday, May 1, 2021. It was hosted by Irish Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant, Brigita Gallagher, and Irish language instructor Gerald Costello, who taught this year’s Irish language classes for the Irish Cultural Center and Elms College. This annual program represents a joint commitment by Elms College and the ICC to provide various cultural benefits to the community.

Although we could not gather in person this year, we were excited to celebrate virtually with Irish language learners and our wonderful guests. We were joined by great talent centered around the theme “Voices from Cork.” It was a wonderful morning of appreciation of the Irish language and music. We want to extend a huge thanks to all the presenters who gave their time and talents to join us. 

The entire presentation was recorded, and is available for all to view.

> Watch Section One.
This first section includes readings of selected original works in Irish and English, and discussion with bilingual poet Siobhán Ní Dhomhnaill. Siobhán’s book of poetry, Ait Iontach agus Bheith Beo is available online.

> Watch Section Two.
This second section includes traditional Irish music with Clíona Halley and Darragh Carey-Kennedy as they join us from Ireland. For more information about their group, Fiárock, visit their Facebook and Youtube pages.

> Watch Section Three.
This third section includes a presentation by UCC Professor Ríona Ní Churtáin on poet Seán Ó Ríordáin, plus new translations of a few Ó Ríordáin poems read by poet Greg Delanty in English and UCC Professor Aidan Doyle in Irish. Books by our presenters are available to purchase online: No More Time by Greg Delanty and North American Gaels: speech, stories, and song in the diaspora by Aidan Doyle. Seán Ó Ríordáin’s book, Apathy is Out with translations, is also available.

 
 

Elms College and the Irish Cultural Center welcome you to this series of discussions presented by our Irish Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant, Brigita GallagherBrigita is from Co. Cork. She completed her Undergrad studies in Irish and French, and her Graduate studies in Education, all at University College Cork. She taught at St. Mary’s High School in Midleton, Cork. 

No registration required, just click on the link at the start of each presentation. 

Monday, May 3
A discussion with Annie Hughes on the geomapping of Sean Nós Music
Annie HughesWe welcome the wonderful Annie Hughes from Dublin Ireland as she discusses her project for her Master’s Thesis with Trinity College Dublin on the geomapping of Sean Nós Music, being an accomplished sean nós singer herself.
Time & Date: May 3, 12:15 – 1:15 pm
Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 941 4562 9650
https://elms.zoom.us/u/acd4Q9Z5F3

 

Tuesday, May 4
A discussion with Arthur Mathews
Arthur MatthewsArthur Mathews is an Irish-born comedy writer and actor. He has written and contributed to many different television comedies including Father Ted, Big Train and Toast of London. Join us to dive into a discussion on everything comedy, Irish and Craggy Island.  
Time & Date: May 4, 12:15 – 1 pm
Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 991 1279 3124
https://elms.zoom.us/j/99112793124 

 

Wednesday, May 5
The story of Kindred Spirits – the solidarity between the Irish and the Choctaw Nation
Ann-Marie AhernFianna Fáil Councillor Ann-Marie Ahern will tell the story of the link between the Irish people and the Choctaw Nation. A story of solidarity that goes transatlantic. The story is illuminated by the monument Kindred Spirits in Midleton, Co. Cork and to this day has people in awe across the globe.
Time & Date: May 5, 12:15 – 1:15 pm
Location: Zoom Meeting ID: 913 2920 7078
https://elms.zoom.us/j/91329207078