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, May 9 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC.
We are readingSmall Things Like These by Claire Keegan. 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.
About Small Things Like These Small Things Like These is award-winning author Claire Keegan’s landmark new novel, a tale of one man’s courage and a remarkable portrait of love and family. It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church. (text from Amazon)
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday hours: The Trinity Pub bar is open from 4–10 pm. The Irish House Restaurant serves dinner from 5–9 pm. Open to the public.
The Whip City Animal Sanctuary holds an afternoon of bootleg merriment, with a special menu, drinks, games and contests. Please note this event is not associated with the ICC; we are not handling ticket sales. Tickets can be purchased by emailing Sonia Henderson at whttygre65@yahoo.com. $25 per person, 21+ only.
Geezer plays on Friday, April 19 from 6–9 pm. Playing a mix of old school rock, blues, and classic top hits from the 60’s to the 90’s, these are hits that all ages can enjoy! If you would like dinner reservations, please call 413-342-4358. All are welcome to come and enjoy the music. Thanks to our Business Sponsors.
Join us at the ICC on Wednesday, April 24 for a presentation on the 1916 Easter Uprising, in our Celtic Room from 5–6:30 pm. Space is limited; we ask that you register ahead for this free event.
This fascinating talk will include the history of background rebellions and disappointments leading to the 1916 rebellion, “hero and heals” of the revolt, and the aftermath of the revolution. The three presenters, W. Michael Ryan, G. Anthony Ryan and William O’Riordan, have a wealth of experience and interest in Irish history.
Presented by: W. Michael Ryan Ret. Judge, District Court, Hampshire County Former Northwestern District Attorney, Hampshire and Franklin counties, and town of Athol
G. Anthony Ryan Ret. Asst Superintendent, Hampshire Regional School District
William O’Riordan Ret. Chief Probation Officer, Hampshire County Probate Court
Join us at the ICC on Wednesday, April 24 for a presentation on the 1916 Easter Uprising, in our Celtic Room from 5–6:30 pm. Space is limited; we ask that you register ahead for this free event.
This fascinating talk will include the history of background rebellions and disappointments leading to the 1916 rebellion, “hero and heals” of the revolt, and the aftermath of the revolution. The three presenters, W. Michael Ryan, G. Anthony Ryan and William O’Riordan, have a wealth of experience and interest in Irish history.
Presented by:
W. Michael Ryan
Ret. Judge, District Court, Hampshire County
Former Northwestern District Attorney, Hampshire and Franklin counties, and town of Athol
G. Anthony Ryan
Ret. Asst Superintendent, Hampshire Regional School District
William O’Riordan
Ret. Chief Probation Officer, Hampshire County Probate Court
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. 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 May 2024 is The Flight of the Earls and the Plantations of Ulster. Takes place on Thursdays, May 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 May 2024 is County Roscommon. Takes place on Thursdays, May 2, 9, 16 & 23 from 6:00–7:30 pm. Download course flyer >
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 seanmurphy630@gmail.com 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.
Creating Space for Community The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England moved into the vacant facility in 2017 and began work immediately to redevelop the threadbare shell into a thriving cultural and community center. The facility is now a fixture in the local community and in the regional Irish landscape where Irish heritage can be preserved, promoted, and nurtured.
Completing the Facility’s Final Transformation The next step is to renovate the top floor to accommodate our Community Performance Center, provide total accessibility for all, and create a comfortable and safe environment in which to welcome the public to a variety of concerts and cultural programs by touring professionals as well as regional performers. The Community Performance Center will help facilitate the ICCWNE’s long-term sustainability and present an opportunity for the broader community to utilize the unique space.
Renovating the entire ICCWNE is a $5.5 million project. As of early 2024, we have already raised and prudently spent $3.5 million. Funds raised have gone towards renovating the first three floors and providing access throughout the facility. We need to raise another $2 million to complete the final renovations of the facility in order to use the Center to its full capacity and potential. We are grateful to have also received a Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund matching grant.
We invite you to play your part in the success of this project and in sustaining the Irish Cultural Center’s future.
Our Vision for the Future Our vision is for the ICCWNE to be a vibrant, high-quality community space, centered around an appreciation of Irish culture. We have seen tremendous evidence that our vision is captivating and inspiring new audiences and there is a desire for more. The ICCWNE brings people and families together, and in today’s world, building connections through culture, performance, companionship, food, and scholarly endeavors is critical.
Our home will provide a full range of opportunities for everyone to explore, celebrate, and preserve Irish heritage. We invite the support and engagement of both the Irish-American and broader community.
Ways to Give Just as we will invite the community to our renovated Center, we invite you to play your part in the success of this project and in sustaining our future. We have created the following ways for interested individuals, families, businesses, and foundations to help provide the financial resources necessary to meet the facility goals for the ICCWNE. All contributions are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.
• Cash Gifts (outright gift or a 3-year pledge) • Gifts Of Securities And Securities Transfers • Matching Gifts • Memorials And Tributes • Bequests • Annuities • Remainder Trusts • Real Property
For more information or to arrange a pledge or gift, please contact: Sean Cahillane, Campaign Co-Chair 413-348-5849 • 413-333-4951 • irishcenterwne@gmail.com
At a festive reception on April 2, 2024 featuring Massachusetts Congressman and Honorary Campaign Chair, Richard Neal, West Springfield Mayor and Campaign Committee member, William Reichelt, and ICCWNE Board President and Campaign Chair, Sean Cahillane, the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England announced the formal launch of its Capstone Capital Campaign to raise the final $2 million needed to complete its facility at 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA.
Funds from the Capstone Campaign will be used to complete the Community Performance Center, which will serve the needs of the greater region for concerts, events, meetings, 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 space will be able to house performances by major Irish cultural groups, such as Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, as well as regional performers of all ages.
“What a fine example this project is, of building and strengthening the bonds that tie us together,” said Congressman Neal. “The essence of the ICCWNE is community, and this space provides a place for cultural expression and for people to gather in friendship while sharing their cultural heritage. I am so proud of the progress that has been made, and am gratified that completion is now in sight.”
“We’ve been working diligently throughout the winter to build campaign momentum,” Cahillane said, “and we are so grateful to our good friend Congressman Neal for agreeing to be honorary chair. His support for our Center has been instrumental in our success to date.”
According to Cahillane the Capstone Campaign is close to reaching its first milestone – meeting a $200,000 challenge grant from the Mass Cultural Council’s Mass Cultural Facilities Fund. “We are very close to achieving this important match, so I encourage folks to step up now.”
The Center is encouraging families to come together to coalesce family commitments, and is seeking grants and corporate support as well. “Just as our Center strengthens ties and bonds between and across groups and generations, this campaign can build and strengthen community and familial bonds as well,” said Cahillane.
Formerly the home of the Elks Lodge, the facility had been vacant for five years prior to the ICCWNE taking possession of it through a partnership with the City of West Springfield. Improvements have included developing a vibrant, Irish country-style restaurant, pub and meeting and gathering place for Patrons and the community. It includes 11,500 square feet of space on four floors. The facility has become the ideal setting and home for the ICCWNE, which was established in 1999.
Mayor Reichelt said the ICCWNE is a vibrant gathering spot, and that the Community Performance Center will expand the impact that the Center as a whole has on city residents and visitors alike.
“The progress that the campaign has been making is truly impressive, and I look forward to additional milestone announcements and construction later this year,” Reichelt said. “The Center has become a cultural crossroads for West Side, especially for those with Irish heritage. We’re proud to host them and to see the Community Performance Center complete.”
Congressman Richard NealWest Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt and ICCWNE President Sean CahillaneFuture home of the Community Performance Center on the 4th floorMayor Will Reichelt, Congressman Richard Neal, ICCWNE Vice President Ed Sullivan, and ICCWNE Board Member Will Carey / Congressman Richard Neal being interviewed about the campaignIrish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub during the campaign launch / Trad Irish Session musicians David Clopp, Ellen Redman, and Seán Burke
Join us at an info session on Sunday, April 14 at 10:30 am at the ICC for those interested in this trip! The ICC’s Ellen Redman, David Clopp and John Tabb host this musical trip, The Sights and Sounds of Western Ireland, from August 29 – September 9, 2024. Travelers will spend two nights in Clifden, four nights in Galway and four nights in Westport.
Highlights include Kylemore Abbey, Knock Shrine, Corrib River Cruise (with Irish coffee), Cnoc Suain Culture, Nature and Heritage Experience, Yates tour in Sligo with Yates expert Damien Brennan, Killary Fjord Cruise, Cliffs of Moher and more, with lots of Irish music and craic.
About Small Things Like These 
