November 2015 Boston’s hometown VOL. 26 #11 journal of Irish culture. $1.50 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2015 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. bostonirish.com 2015 BOSTON IRISH HONOREES The Evans family (from left): Paul, William, James, Thomas and John with Mayor Walsh and Ed Forry. Margaret Brett photos Boston Globe CEO Michael Sheehan, Boston Irish Reporter publisher Ed Forry and Bill Kennedy, who introduced Sheehan. Ed Forry of the Reporter with honoree Margaret Stapleton. Evans family, Mike Sheehan, Margaret Stapleton feted The city’s top policeman, a by the Boston Irish Reporter, South Boston has excelled the ranks of John Hancock leading media executive, and drew over 300 attendees. It in law enforcement, the fire Insurance and Financial a pioneering philanthropist included remarks from Mayor service, and business while Services to become a vice- were the honorees at this Martin Walsh, who introduced inspiring new generations of president before her retire- year’s Boston Irish Honors Boston Police Commissioner Bostonians to be engaged citi- ment and has been a leading luncheon, the season’s premier William Evans and his broth- zens. Also honored at the event donor and advisor to the Pine celebration of Irish-American ers Paul, John, Thomas, and were Michael Sheehan, the Street Inn. The program was achievement in Massachu- James — who were honored chief executive officer of the moderated by Boston Red Sox setts. The luncheon at the as an exemplary Boston Irish Boston Globe, and Margaret “poet laureate” Dick Flavin. Seaport Boston Hotel, hosted family. The Evans clan of Rev. Tom Kennedy Stapleton, who rose through Coverage, Pages 18-24 delivered the invocation. 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For tickets, visit REDSOX.COM/IRISHFESTIVAL AIG FENWAY HURLING CLASSIC | DUBLIN VS GALWAY | FENWAY PARK | 11.22.15 bostonirish.com November 2015 BOSTON IRISH REPORTER Page 3 They’re lining up for the AIG Fenway Hurling Classic Ticket sales are said to be brisk for the the AIG Fenway Hurling Classic that is set for Fenway Park on Sun., Nov. 22. Gates will open at 11a.m. and the game begins at 1 p.m. Hurling, the world’s fastest field sport, returns to Fenway Park for the first time since 1954 as two of the sport’s biggest teams – Dublin and 2015 All- Ireland Finalist Galway – compete on the pitch. The festivities will include a lively Irish festival complete with Irish food, music, and dancing, featuring Bos- ton’s favorite the Dropkick Murphys. The game will form part of an Irish Festival at Fenway Park on that weekend where all aspects of Irish culture and music will be celebrated. It will be played the day after Boston College takes on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame at Fenway Park in a much anticipated college football game. Dublin’s hurlers, of whom AIG Insurance of Ire- land are the official sponsors, will take on Galway, which recently lined out against Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Hurling Final. The AIG Fenway Hurling Classic was in the plan- ning stages for months and has the full support of the GAA, the GPA, both the Dublin and Galway county Mayor Marty Walsh and incoming Red Sox president Sam Kennedy unveiled plans for the AIG Fenway Hurling Classic and Irish Festival at Fenway Park. Hurlers Dave Collins (Galway) and Mark Shutte boards, the North American GAA board and FSM. (Dublin) were on hand for the announcement in August. Ed Forry photo Aer Lingus, the official airline partner of Dublin GAA and the official travel partner of the GPA, are the Red Sox. Back then All-Ireland Champion Cork for their professionalism and co-operation in getting also backing the match and will provide flights for defeated an American Hurling selection. this event off the ground. the entire travelling party. Says General Manager at AIG Ireland, Declan Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group President Super 11s, the brainchild of the GPA, is an eleven O’Rourke, of the upcoming event: “We are absolutely Sam Kennedy added; “Hurling is one of the most aside format of traditional hurling. It was developed delighted and hugely proud to be able to bring hurl- electrifying sports in the world and we think fans specifically to allow hurling to be played in stadiums ing to the iconic Fenway Park in Boston. I don’t need are going to enjoy watching all the fast-paced action and venues all over the world where the pitch size to explain the close ties the city of Boston has to as two of the most accomplished and talented coun- is smaller than the traditional hurling pitch. Only Ireland and that is why it is a fitting venue to play ties compete on the pitch at Fenway Park. We are goals can be scored in the adapted game. Training host to one of our national games. always looking for opportunities to bring new and sessions to ensure the players become fully accus- “We have enjoyed a hugely successful relationship exciting events into Fenway and whether you’re a tomed to the rules will be organized by the GAA with Dublin GAA since late 2013 and this is another fan of hurling or new to the sport the AIG Fenway and GPA in advance of the trip. sign of our support for them. It also marks our first Hurling Classic and Irish Festival promises to be It will be the first time since November of 1954 that official partnership with the GAA at national level a great event.” hurling will be played at the world famous home of and also with the GPA and I’d like to thank them Irish Network/Boston hosting national parley Delegates from across those enduring links American Chamber of the United States will for the benefit of all,” Commerce Ireland. descend upon Boston said Sean P. Moynihan, Other notable partici- this month for Irish President of IN/Boston. pants include Johanna Network USA’s annual The conference will Murphy, CEO of Con- national conference, fea- focus on the economic, nect Ireland; Joe O’Brien turing plenary sessions, educational, cultural, of Crosscare Migrant a special celebration at and sporting partner- Project in Dublin; Pro- the State House, and a ships that have always fessor Liam Kennedy of festival celebrating Irish been such a critical the UCD Clinton Insti- culture and film. component of the rela- tute of American Stud- The four-day program tionship between the ies; John Cunningham, runs from Thurs., Nov. two countries. Trans- chairperson of the GAA 5, through Sun., Nov. 8. atlantic trade will be North America; and Registration details are a major focus with key Stewart Matthews of available at irishnet- participants to include: the Northern Ireland workboston.net. Gary Hanley of Invest Bureau. Irish Network Boston Northern Ireland, Mark “Since our first con- (IN Boston), in partner- Gallagher of Silicon Val- ference in 2013 INUSA ship with the Consul- ley Bank, Dave Greaney has continued to go from ate General of Ireland of Synergy Investments, strength to strength,” Boston, is hosting the Larry Naughton of Cho- stated Steve Lenox, weekend. “With 2016 ate Hall and Stewart, president, INUSA. “We marking the centennial and Ryan McDermott are grateful for all the anniversary of the Eas- of the Boston Irish Busi- work that IN Boston Irish Network/Boston president Sean Moynihan meets with Mayor Marty ter Rising, the confer- ness Association (BIBA). is putting into making Walsh as the five-year-old Irish group makes plans to host a national Irish ence will celebrate and The conference will INUSA15 a success, and Network conference in the city this month. Photo courtesy IN/Boston. analyze the importance bring together partici- are looking forward to Friday evening will House on Beacon Hill. traditional beef stew, of the past 100 years of pants for a high-impact having lively discussion mark an important In partnership with the Irish salmon, a unique the relationship between agenda featuring key- about where the future historical event for IN consul general of Ire- selection of Irish cheeses Ireland and the United notes by Ireland’s am- takes an organization Boston as the organi- land in Boston, guests from throughout Ireland, States, but more impor- bassador to the United that remains committed zation celebrates its will be entertained with and a selection of unique tantly, it will outline a States, Anne Anderson, to engaging the ‘Global 5th anniversary at the traditional Irish mu- craft brews. strategic vision to best and Mark Redmond, Irish’ in every corner of Massachusetts State sic, Irish fare including continue and build upon chief executive of the the USA”. A Charitable welcome Eire Society installs Jim Murphy, 1932-2015 Jim Murphy, a veteran for new consul general and professor of English The Charitable Irish new slate of officers and literature at Massa- Society will host a wel- chusetts Maritime Acad- come reception for the The Eire Society of Boston has announced its emy and Boston College, newly arrived Consul slate of officers for the 2015-2016 season.They are: and a lover of Ireland, General of Ireland, Fion- Thomas Carty, president; Robin Tagliaferri, first died last month.