The ICC invites you to a special evening with acclaimed author Kevin O’Hara, on Tuesday, August 26. Join us as he shares stories and images from his unforgettable journey across Ireland with a donkey cart – the basis for his beloved book, Last of the Donkey Pilgrims. Kevin will present a 50-minute slideshow of his travels, followed by a Q&A. This heartfelt, humorous and inspiring talk is not to be missed!

All are welcome to attend this event – whether you’re a Patron, a Book Club member or simply a fan of travel and great literature. Registration is free; to support the ICC and help offset costs, we kindly suggest a donation of $5 – $10 at the door.

PLEASE NOTE: This event is full; we cannot accommodate walk-ins. 
Please register in advance online >

Join us for this engaging evening and enjoy the company of fellow readers and travelers.
• Doors open at 5:30 pm
• Author talk with Q&A takes place from 6–7 pm
• The Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase
• Following the talk, enjoy complimentary pizza and dessert provided by the ICC Book Club (please note there will be no restaurant food service)

About the Author
Kevin O’Hara, of Pittsfield, MA, is a longtime columnist for The Berkshire Eagle, and is the author of three acclaimed books: Last of the Donkey Pilgrims, A Lucky Irish Lad, and Ins and Outs of a Locked Ward. In 2012, Kevin was the proud recipient of the John F. Kennedy National Award, for being “an outstanding American of Irish descent.”

The Irish Cultural Center is your place to experience the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup! Join us at the Trinity Pub for watch parties of select matches during the tournament on our big screen tv. Sponsored by the Springfield Rifles Rugby Club. The Trinity Pub will be open for all matches with drinks and a limited menu.

FRIDAY • AUGUST 22
USA vs England @ 2:30 pm (LIVE)

SUNDAY • AUGUST 24
Ireland vs Japan @ 3 pm (tape delay)

SUNDAY • AUGUST 31
Ireland vs Spain @ 3 pm (tape delay)

SATURDAY • SEPTEMBER 6
USA vs Samoa @ 3 pm (tape delay)

SUNDAY • SEPTEMBER 7
Ireland vs New Zealand @ 3 pm (tape delay)

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, August 14 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC.

We are reading This Must Be The Place by Maggie O’Farrell. 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! We’re always looking for ways to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone, though we’re limited by the layout and capacity of our kitchen. 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.

August Book Club Buffet: Baked Scrod, Chicken Piccata, Roasted Red Peppers, Vegetable Medley, Salad, Dessert.

About the Book
Daniel Sullivan leads a complicated life. A New Yorker living in the wilds of Ireland, he has children he never sees in California, a father he loathes in Brooklyn, and his wife, Claudette, is a reclusive ex–film star given to pulling a gun on anyone who ventures up their driveway. Together, they have made an idyllic life in the country, but a secret from Daniel’s past threatens to destroy their meticulously constructed and fiercely protected home. Shot through with humor and wisdom, This Must Be the Placeis an irresistible love story that crisscrosses continents and time zones as it captures an extraordinary marriage, and an unforgettable family, with wit and deep affection.

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
• September 11, 2025: Good Behaviour by Molly Keane
• October 9, 2025: Gaelic and Garlic: A Boston Love Story by Mike Bernard
• November 13, 2025: Dark Lies the Island by Kevin Barry
• December 11, 2025: Time of the Child by Niall Williams

The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England is saddened to learn of the passing of Mairead Kearney Shea, who was the last living woman from the Great Blasket Island in County Kerry, Ireland. 

Born in December 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 – and seven grandchildren.

ICC President Sean Cahillane is the nephew of Kearney Shea. “My Aunt Mairead is the last of the original Blasket Island clan. My aunt and godmother, she was a woman of class and all good things. She will be greatly missed here but will be with her many Island family members in the next world. Farewell to a great lady.”

In 2023, Irish Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) Micheál Martin took time out on his visit to Western Massachusetts to honor Kearney Shea in a celebration of the centennial of her life at the ICC, along with Congressman Richard Neal and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin.

Surrounded by her loving and large family at the celebration, she was the beneficiary of many exemplary words and a plaque with photographs. The framed piece also included a stone from the Great Blasket Island.

The ICC offers sincere condolences to her family and friends here in western Massachusetts and Ireland.

The Irish Cultural Center has linked 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, on the topics of Irish history and Irish counties. On enrollment, participants will receive the Zoom link, a copy of each week’s PowerPoint presentation, and additional background materials. The courses may be taken as recordings if Thursday presents access difficulties for any reason. Participants also have a half hour one-on-one session with Sean to answer any questions on the course content.

1. History of Northern Ireland/6-Counties 1920-1937
Thursdays: July 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 7:30–9 pm.
• View course information and register >

2. History of County Fermanagh
Thursdays: July 10, 17, 24 & 31 from 6–7:30 pm.
• View course information and register >

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 [email protected] 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.

In the world of Irish literature, June 16 is a momentous day. June 16, 1904 is the day immortalized in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses, which follows Leopold Bloom’s life and thoughts throughout this single day. The festival of Bloomsday has become a beloved celebration of the novel and its characters, and special events are hosted in Ireland and throughout the world.  

The ICC was excited to launch our first annual event for Bloomsday this past June 16. The free event was open to everyone in the community. There was no need to have read Ulysses to attend; but hopefully our guests were inspired to pick up the novel again or for the first time.

We welcomed our featured speaker, Prof. Abby Bender of Sacred Heart University, to give a fascinating look at James Joyce’s epic novel. An Associate Professor of Languages and Literature at Sacred Heart University, Prof. Bender directs the Center for Irish Studies and teaches at Sacred Heart’s campus in Dingle.

Prof. Bender presented her new research and thoughts focused on “Gathering Crumbs in James Joyce’s Dublin.” She explored the case of perhaps the most insubstantial and transitory object in the novel, the crumb. James Joyce’s encyclopedic novel Ulysses is famously considered not only the greatest, but one of the most difficult books ever written. Joyce famously said, “I’ve put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant.”

Prof. Bender followed the breadcrumbs – and sometimes, as Joyce wished, were unable to follow them – and guided attendees in finding the way, from this most insubstantial thing, to some of the novel’s big insights.

She spoke of her first time presenting at the ICC, “It was such a pleasure to talk about Ulysses with the engaged group of listeners at the ICC. So many people seemed keen to start – or restart – reading this wonderful novel! Over many years of reading it, I am always finding new sites of interest in Ulysses, and I hope these new thoughts I shared on Bloomsday, focused on at-risk children, parents, and breadcrumbs, piqued some interest. Ulysses may involve work, but it always repays the work we put into it.”

Refreshments for the event also had a Bloomsday theme. The ICC’s Trinity Pub provided light appetizers, including the novel’s famous gorgonzola sandwich that Leopold Bloom orders at Davy Byrne’s Pub. This was a popular and tasty choice among the guests.

The ICC was proud to add this new celebration of Irish culture to our programming and look forward to making this an annual event with more ways to celebrate James Joyce each year.

Prof. Bender has provided some suggestions for resources for reading Ulysses:
• Ulysses Guide >
• U22, The Centenary Ulysses Podcast >

Visitors to the Trinity Pub’s patio at the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England are treated to the charming backdrop of a traditional Irish streetscape, complete with unique storefronts sponsored by local businesses. This spring, the streetscape gained a new addition, thanks to a creative collaboration between the ICC and carpentry students from the Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative.

Under the guidance of instructor Paul Iellamo, students constructed a storefront sign for new sponsor Powers Law Group. The project was unveiled on June 9, when Attorney Mary Powers saw the finished piece for the first time.

“I was impressed with the creativity of the students and how particular they were in creating the sign,” said Powers. “We are committed to supporting our community and are very proud of our Irish heritage. We believe the ICC serves as an important conduit with our sister city and for Americans in the area reconnecting with their Irish roots.”

The partnership was supported by West Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Stefania Raschilla, who praised the value of hands-on learning experiences like this one.

“These experiences allow students to apply the skills they’re learning in real-world settings, giving them a sense of ownership and pride in their work,” Raschilla said. “When students see their craftsmanship on display, it not only reinforces the relevance of their education but also builds confidence and a stronger connection to their community.”

She added that community-based learning fosters collaboration, creativity and problem-solving skills. “Whether it’s with local businesses, cultural institutions or civic organizations, these collaborations can have a lasting impact for the students and the community as a whole,” she said.

The ICC was proud to host the project and celebrate the talents of local students. 

Interested in becoming part of the Irish Streetscape? Storefront spaces are available for sponsorship, and the ICC welcomes inquiries from local businesses and supporters – please call 413-333-4951. 

Earlier this spring, the ICC hosted a special event for our Patrons at the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. It was a chance to say thank you for their support, share updates on our Capstone Campaign for the Community Performance Center, and enjoy the company of friends who care deeply about the future of the ICC.

The event was lively and well attended, with a warm buzz of conversation and connection throughout the evening. We were honored to be joined by Mayor Will Reichelt and Senator John Velis, whose support underscores the vital role the ICC plays in our community, not just for our Patrons, but for everyone to enjoy. ICC President Sean Cahillane, Co-Vice President Kevin O’Connor, and Treasurer Stephanie Joyce also gave remarks.

Guests had the opportunity to tour the fourth floor and see the progress of our future Community Performance Center – a multi-purpose event space that reflects our vision for expanded programming, concerts, lectures, and events. While there’s still more fundraising and construction to do before the Performance Center is fully complete, Patrons were wowed by the transformation so far. Many remarked on the beautiful view looking out over the field and nature trail.

We’re currently getting closer to the installation of a new staircase that will connect the upper floors and transform the lower office space. The installation of a new elevator will follow. This next step is an exciting milestone in our campaign, and one we can’t wait to share with you!

We’ve been fortunate to receive generous capital support from local businesses, individuals, and foundations. Throughout the evening, we emphasized how essential our Patrons and friends are to this effort. 

Learn more about the Capstone Campaign and ways to support the ICC > 

See more photos in our Facebook gallery >

Join us at the ICC on Monday, June 16 and take part in the worldwide festival of Bloomsday! We welcome our featured speaker, Prof. Abby Bender of Sacred Heart University, to present a fascinating look at James Joyce’s epic novel. There is no need to have read Ulysses to attend this talk; but hopefully you will be inspired to read it if you haven’t.

Register: This event is free and open to all. We ask that you please register ahead > 

Gathering Crumbs in James Joyce’s Dublin
James Joyce’s encyclopedic novel Ulysses is famously considered not only the greatest, but one of the most difficult books ever written. Joyce famously said, “I’ve put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over what I meant.” But this story of one day’s events in Dublin, Ireland, also proceeds through the most banal of actions and objects: characters use the bathroom, buy milk, wash laundry, and dispose of trash. This talk explores the case of perhaps the most insubstantial and transitory object in the novel, the crumb. We follow the breadcrumbs—and sometimes, as Joyce wishes, are unable to follow them—and find our way, from this most insubstantial thing, to some of the novel’s big insights.

Doors open at 5 pm; the presentation begins at 5:30 pm and will last for about 45 minutes. We’re sure you will have some questions for the Q&A to follow.

The Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase. Light appetizers will be provided. Plus, try the novel’s famous gorgonzola sandwich that Leopold Bloom orders at Davy Byrne’s Pub.

Bloomsday celebrates June 16, 1904, the day immortalized in James Joyce’s 1922 novel Ulysses. The novel follows Leopold Bloom’s life and thoughts in a single day. ~ The James Joyce Centre

About Prof. Abby Bender
Abby Bender is Associate Professor of Languages and Literature at Sacred Heart University, where she directs the Center for Irish Studies and teaches at Sacred Heart’s campus in Dingle. She is the author of Israelites in Erin: Exodus, Revolution, and the Irish Revival (Syracuse UP, 2015). Her recently published articles include “Irish Jewish Studies at the Border: Precarious Solidarity from Ulysses to Nine Folds Make a Paper Swan,” in American Journal of Irish Studies (2021), “Nursing the Revival: Patrick Pearse, Breastfeeding, and Sacrifice” in The Irish Revival: A Complex Vision (Syracuse UP, 2023), and “Shame and the Breastfeeding Mother in Ireland,” in Irish Shame: A Literary Reckoning (Edinburgh UP, 2025). She is the Irish Studies delegate for the Modern Languages Association, and recently completed a term as Literature Representative for the American Conference of Irish Studies. Her current book project examines representations of Irish motherhood and the cultural and literary history of breastfeeding in Ireland.

Come be inspired by the beautiful harmonies of the Earls and Pearls, a select group of vocalists from the former Dan Kane Singers. If you loved hearing them at our Tavern Carolers events, you will love them even more as they sing a collection of popular songs from across the decades. The Earls and Pearls have been performing in the greater Springfield area for many years at local town senior centers, summer town concerts, Irish concerts, Bishop Masses, and more. A delicious Specialty Summer BBQ Buffet created by Chef Anthony Padilla is included in ticket purchase.

Thursday, June 26
Doors open at 4 pm • Music starts at 6 pm (note time change)
• Purchase tickets online >

TO ORDER TICKETS
Purchase tickets online (see links above) or call 413-342-4358. Advance tickets for a specific date are required. Ticket price includes music performance, Chef Anthony’s Summer BBQ Buffet, and gratuity (for food only). Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase.

Ticket Cost: $45 ICC Patron / $50 general
Includes music, buffet meal and server gratuity (for food only)

The buffet will include: Sausage with Peppers and Onions, BBQ Chicken, Corn on the Cob, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, House Salad and Rolls.

Tickets are date specific and non-refundable. Please let us know if accessible seating is required.

Presenting Business Sponsor: Westfield Bank. Thanks to all our sponsors.