Singing and Policing Are a Match, Says Cambridge Lt. Pauline Wells (Continued from Page 1) America’S Darkest Days, How I Felt,” She Says), but Vice and Support
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May 2017 Boston’s hometown VOL. 28 #5 journal of Irish culture. $2.00 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2017 bostonirish.com Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. ‘The Peacemaker’ lays out the trials and successes of Padraig O’Malley By Peter F. StevenS BIr StaFF His work is of world importance – literally so. At a recent screening of the documentary “The Peacemaker” at Plimoth Plantation, the person- al struggles of Padraig O’Malley are presented on a parallel track with his labors to bring conflict resolution to the world’s bloodiest, most intractable trouble spots. O’Malley, the John Jo- seph Moakley Professor of International Peace and Reconciliation at the Uni- versity of Massachusetts Lt. Pauline Wells singing the anthems at the March 19 St. Patrick’s Breakfast. Don West photo Boston, has worked tire- lessly in such lethal locales as Iraq, Nigeria, Kosovo, Padraig O’Malley Singing and policing are a match, and Northern Ireland. Traveler for peace As the film explores, years, the award-win- the 73-year-old O’Malley ning Cambridge-based says Cambridge Lt. Pauline Wells draws upon his experi- filmmaker James Demo ences with addiction, By Sean SmIth Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium and events. She has headlined benefit accompanied O’Malley to approaching wars and direct and produce “The SPecIal to the BIr Faneuil Hall – in nearly 16 years of concerts (some of which she attends conflict as a form of that It’s not that Pauline Wells wasn’t singing professionally. “I had such in civilian attire) to support military Peacemaker,” a docu- disease. Confronting cul- mentary that, in Demo’s used to singing: Growing up in a huge stage fright. But when we veterans, foster children, homeless tural and historical de- family with strong Irish roots, and were on the dance floor together, I people, and others in need, and she words, “takes viewers into mons both internal and Padraig O’Malley’s world a father who loved to sing, there just quietly sang along to the songs has sung at naturalization ceremo- external – in the form of were plenty of opportunities for her that were playing, and he loved it. nies for new American citizens. Her of negotiations and confer- one’s entrenched enemies ences with leaders from at home or in the church choir. But He always encouraged me. And then repertoire includes many familiar -- requires the help of getting up by herself to sing in front one year, he got me singing lessons Irish and Celtic as well as Ameri- war-torn regions. fellow “addicts” of other I n t e r v i e w s w i t h of a roomful of people – let alone a as a Christmas present. That was can songs, contemporary as well as war-ravaged regions, as packed stadium? Not a chance. how it started.” traditional, including the likes of O’Malley and key figures well as peace brokers. He in his life paint an intricate Her husband, however, had other Wells has become an iconic figure “Fields of Athenry,” “Tell Me Ma,” believes addiction treat- ideas. in Boston, not only as a singer but “Hard Times,” “Ride On” and “Auld portrait of what motivates ment techniques can work him to take on the seem- “This is all Richard. If not for also as a police officer – roles she Lang Syne.” at the negotiation table. him, I never would’ve tried,” says regards as intertwined – performing On May 11, Wells will perform For more than five (Continued on page 17) Wells, who has made more than 500 the national anthem in full uniform for a cause that is particularly near public appearances – including at at civic, charitable, and other special (Continued on page 15) Photos of the event, Page 6 GPA players get big Boston welcome at inaugural event By BIll Forry Corkery— was on hand for the dinner edItor and reception, which featured Irish The first-ever Boston gala devoted sports commentator and TV personality exclusively to a celebration of Gaelic Marty Morrissey in the role of master of Games players was a smashing success ceremonies. Aidan Browne, a partner last month as a sell-out crowd packed the at event sponsor Sullivan & Worcester State Room overlooking the city’s harbor and chairman of Boston Friends of the to dine and drink with an all-star line-up GPA, kicked off the night with a rousing of GAA stars past and present. introduction of the cause itself— which The gala —hosted by the newly formed was aided immensely by the work of the Boston Friends of the Gaelic Players Irish American Partnership, the key local Association— also served as a launch organization in support of the dinner. pad to announce the return of hurling The Gaelic Players Association Séamus Darby (far right) who scored perhaps the most famous goal in GAA to Fenway Park with a pair of matches (GPA) represents more than 2,200 cur- history to give Offaly an upset win over Kerry during the 1982 All-Ireland planned for this November. rent Gaelic footballers and hurlers in Final, is shown during an interview with his Kerry counterpart, Tommy An array of legends— including Ireland. Its services include personal Doyle, and sports commentator Marty Morrissey at the Boston Friends of 17-time All Ireland champion Briege (Continued on page 19) the GPA Dinner on April 7. Bill Brett photo Page 2 May 2017 BOSTON IRISH RePORTeR bostonirish.com bostonirish.com May 2017 BOSTON IRISH RePORTeR Page 3 Volunteers pitch-in, recall victims on One Boston Day By JennIFer SmIth flecting, it’s about moving rePorter StaFF forward for us as a family More than 100 peo- and as a community.” ple gathered in Peabody Mayor Martin Walsh and Square on Saturday, April Gov. Charlie Baker joined 15 to mark One Boston in the moment of silence Day and share a moment at 2:49 p.m. — the time of of silence with the Richard the first explosion — as the family, whose 8-year-old bells of All Saints’ Church son Martin lost his life dur- rang out. “It’s just amazing ing the bombing attack at that the community that the Boston Marathon four we’re in today, Dorches- years ago. ter, it’s just amazing that The day of public service every time you’re asked, and unity commemorates you rise to the occasion,” those lost in the twin Walsh said. bombings on April 15, Earlier that afternoon, 2013 — BU student Lingzi volunteers cleaned and Lu, and Medford’s Krystle beautified stretches of Campbell were also killed Dorchester Avenue. New in the blasts. MIT Police plantings stood in the Officer Sean Collier, who square. Food tents and can- was killed three days vasses bearing messages of later by the bombers, and solidarity rose outside Ash- mont Station. Members of Jump Into Ireland- Tourism Ireland hosted an annual sales presentation April 13 to Boston- area travel Boston Police Officer Den- and media professionals at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. Delegations from12 Irish tourism compa- nis Simmonds, who died Team MR8, some of whom nies were joined by TI North America eVP Alison Metcalfe and her staff to showcase travel options to a year after he sustained would run the Marathon Ireland. See ed Forry’s column, page 4. Sandie McDaid photo injuries during a confronta- two days later, draped blue tion with the killers, were and white ribbons around also remembered at the the Peabody Square clock ceremony. tower. Taking a peek inside The Industry, Standing beside a white “The work you did today, wreath, and flanked by it looks incredible,” Bill his wife Denise and their Richard said. “I just want next pub-eatery in Adams Village children, Henry and Jane, to thank you on behalf of our family, and you know, Landmark – another new Bill Richard said, “People By BIll Forry look at us and ask how we when we go across the edItor eatery that has opened in street for hot dogs and ice what was once Gerard’s do it. It’s within our family, It’s called The Industry, it’s the strength of our fam- cream and some drinks to- a 140-seat lounge and – are all booming at the day, think of Martin, ‘cause moment. ily. But if you look to your restaurant serving up left and look to your right I mean like most kids, it American comfort food “We think we will get a was his favorite food.” lot of people from around and look around, this is the and a large variety of reason,” he said. “This is A number of runners wines and whiskeys, and the village who’ll want to from Dorchester plugged walk here,” said Arrow- how we do it. This is how it’s is on track for a sum- we get by. This is how we along and made it through mertime completion in smith, a native of Ireland’s the Boston Marathon’s 26 County Louth. “It’s going move forward. Adams Corner. The eatery He added: “And One Bos- miles and 385 yards of will replace Sonny’s, the to be a neighborhood winding road from Hop- place.” ton Day, while it’s about longtime neighborhood hanging wreaths and re- kinton to Boylston Street. hangout that was sold last year to David Arrowsmith and Martin Davis. This is the first restau- rant-bar project for the duo. Arrowsmith, who Inside The Industry— co-owners David Arrowsmith owns Neponset-based and Martin Davis are supervising the complete Capital Construction, is renovation of the old Sonny’s in Dorchester’s Adams leading a team of builders Corner.