Irish Network USA Annual Conference to be held in Boston

Irish Network Boston (IN Boston) will be the hosts for the 2015 Irish Network USA National Conference taking place from Thursday, November 5th to Saturday, November 8th. The conference will also coincide with the 5th anniversary of IN Boston, which will take place at the Massachusetts State House on Friday, November 6th.

Since its inception in 2010, IN Boston has worked to promote the enduring link between Ireland and the United States. The organization holds unique events, member to member networking opportunities, partnerships and information sharing with local and national sister Irish organizations. IN Boston was one of the first chapters to be founded under the umbrella organization, Irish Network USA (IN USA), which is now 20 chapters strong and continues to grow. From Boston to California, collectively Irish Network is comprised of some 4,000 members.

Guests at the November 6th IN Boston anniversary event will be entertained by Hogan's Goat and served hors d'ouvres, including event staples - Guinness Irish Stew and Mashed Potato Bar. There will also be open bar including craft Irish brews. The Irish Ambassador to the United States Anne Anderson will be in attendance.

For further information and to book tickets for both the IN USA national conference and the IN Boston 5th anniversary celebration visit conference2015-inusa.nationbuilder.com. A full outline of the conference itinerary is also available at the website.

The Left Handed Hurl

By Francis Scullion

A new book of fiction based around the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

In the last few weeks Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland have been promoting the climax of our unique national sports to overseas press groups. Now the unique nature and excitement of Gaelic games is also captured in a new book of fiction called "The Left Handed Hurl". A Gaelic fan in Northern Ireland has written the first ever fictional story based around the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.

The Left Handed Hurl, which was launched as an e-book in August, immediately hitting the Top 100 Best Seller lists in Amazon UK, follows the lives of the management and players of a county team as they strive to achieve the ultimate prize and win the All Ireland Hurling Championship. Tipperary hurling legend Tony Maguire missed his chance at All Ireland glory due to injury. Now he risks losing the love of his life and alienating his family when he returns to the game as manager of a down on their luck county side. His doubts are pushed aside when he discovers the young, left handed and extremely talented Paul Claridge. Set in 1989 the story follows the difficulties encountered by the team, its manager and star players as they try to lead normal lives at the height of the Northern Irish troubles and attain the ultimate prize in the world's fastest field sport.

Among the first reviews on Amazon, The Left Handed Hurl was described as "A truly inspirational book; highly recommended for anyone with an interest in hurling as well as an interest in Irish culture." The novel is a gripping read for anyone interested in a good story about hurling, about Ireland during the troubles, about a time when things were different.

“From the opening paragraph the story is fantastic, well-crafted, very visual and atmospheric, pulling the reader right in.” – Anthony Quinn, Best selling author of The Blood Dimmed Tide.

The Author, Francis Scullion, originally from Antrim, but living in Tyrone for the past twenty years, has built a successful international career as an expert in avian, exotic animal and wildlife medicine and runs his private veterinary practice dealing with consultancies in the UK and overseas. With a passion got Gaelic Games, Scullion says." Hopefully this book will allow Irish people all over the world the chance to suspend belief and for a moment feel like they are back home in the heart of it all again,” he said. The e-book has been such a runaway success that it is now also available in paperback. Details of how to get the book can be found at www.thelefthandedhurl.com

The Dunleavy Family

Champions of Advocacy, Legacy and Love.

By Mary Swanton
 

The Dunleavy Family is well known in the Boston Area. Gerry, from Clare and his wife Toni (Dublin) live in Winchester and have had 5 children. Sadly, their son Michael passed away at age 8 in 2002.To that end, the Michael J Dunleavy was formed in memory of this vibrant and courageous boy who inspired so many with his courage and desire to help other children with cancerous brain tumors, other illness and their families.

On October 9th, the Burren will host : “FROM CLARE TO HERE” An Evening of Traditional Music Songs and Stories from the Banner County of Clare. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Michael J Dunleavy Foundation. All are welcome and the event begins at 7.30pm.

Both Gerry and Toni also campaign for and fully support the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress.Their son John recently participated in a press conference at TD Garden to launch a public awareness campaign for Down Syndrome. Two years in the making, "Your Next Star" came about because of increasing awareness of the challenges facing adults with Down syndrome looking for meaningful work opportunities in their communities.

John Dunleavy interned at the TD Garden through a program at Winchester High School where he was a student. He left such an impression that he was immediately hired upon graduation. Now, five years later, John is a beloved veteran member of the Bruins front office. Four days a week, John takes the commuter rail to work. He is responsible for mailings, maintaining photocopiers, filling orders, and stocking the break room. He has his own official badge, which allows him to cross the street to another building to work on ticketing projects for the Bruins and Celtics. John even works the games, carrying cables and taking care of other tasks in the control room.

“As soon as John walks into the building, everyone’s mood instantly changes,” says Bob Sweeney, the Executive Director of the Boston Bruins foundation and former Bruin. “I think John is one of our most valuable employees and I’m proud to call him my co-worker.”

On October 11th in Wakefield, 3,500 people who have pledged their support will join together as they walk around beautiful Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield. The day includes pre-walk activities, opening ceremony, a three-mile walk, family festival, and post-walk entertainment.

No doubt John will be there!

For more information on advocacy and national opportunities for teens and adults with Down Syndrome, please visit www.yournextstar.com

Irish Social Club notice to Members


The ISC wishes to inform its members that there will be no election of officers at the ISC on Friday, October 23rd.

Months mind Mass for Pat Bergin

There will be a months mind mass in memory of Pat Bergin on Monday October 5th at 7.00pm at Our Lady of Good Council Church in Quincy. All are welcome.

South Boston Billy Higgins honored for quiet leadership

By Steve Allen

PINCH Foundation (People in neighborhoods can help) is pleased to announce that South Boston’s Billy Higgins was honored with the 2015 Jack Leary Quiet Leadership award on Friday September 25th.

During the non-profit’s annual fundraiser and awards ceremony at the West Roxbury Elks, Executive Director Frank Sullivan, said:“Jack Leary would, without hesitation, approve and be proud of such recognition for Higgins, a most deserving honoree. From South Boston to Southill, Limerick, Ireland, from Florian Hall to Farragut Road, Billy Higgins’ life mirrors Jack’s many values and attributes. Noteworthy is Billy’s willingness to day in and day out, compassionately, honestly, selflessly and generously give to others.“We are privileged and honored to present the 2015, ‘Jack Leary Quiet Leadership,’ award to Billy Higgins.