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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261119T180000
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DTSTAMP:20261102T215418Z
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SUMMARY:Claddagh Awards 2026: Honoring Pat Callaghan
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, November 19th\, 2026 \nThe Maine Irish Heritage Center’s Claddagh Awards return on Thursday\, November 19th! \nThe Claddagh Awards are a cherished tradition honoring the Irish values of friendship\, loyalty\, and community. Each year\, the award is presented to a distinguished individual in Maine whose life of service strengthens our communities and inspires others through their leadership and commitment. \nThis year\, we are honored to present the 2026 Claddagh Award to Pat Callaghan in recognition of his extraordinary career in news and broadcasting\, serving for decades as a trusted and judicious voice in the state of Maine. \nThe evening will also include the presentation of the Halla Cairde Award to Julia Lane and Fred Gosbee of Castlebay\, recognizing their enduring contributions to our community.  \nEvening Program \n6:00 – 7:00 PM | Reception in the Great Hall\nEnjoy a glass of bubbly and conversation in the Great Hall. Surrounded by gorgeous architecture\, stained glass\, and live music from the MIHC Session Players\, hosted by Bryce Potts! \n7:00 PM | Bell Ringing and Toast\nGuests are invited to gather as the bell rings out across Portland in honor of our Claddagh Recipient. \n7:00 –7:45 PM | Food & Bar Open in the Downstairs Function Room\nFood\, drinks\, and community. Complete with live music from Halla Cairde members\, Will Woodson and Cait Finley! \n7:45 – 8:45 PM | Awards & Speeches \n8:45 – 9:30 PM | Dessert and Social Connection\nAn opportunity to reconnect\, celebrate\, and enjoy community in the spirit of the Claddagh. \n  \n2026 Claddagh Award Recipient: Pat Callaghan\n \nPat Callaghan began his broadcast journalism career in 1978 at New Hampshire Public Television. \nBeginning in 1979\, he spent 43 years as a news anchor and reporter for NEWS CENTER Maine (WCSH6 in Portland and WLBZ2 in Bangor). Notable stories along the way included being on the air live when the Challenger space shuttle exploded in 1986\, and reporting from Belfast\, Northern Ireland when former Maine Sen. George Mitchell chaired the talks that culminated in the Good Friday Agreement. In 2015 Pat produced award-winning reports on efforts in Utah to end chronic homelessness. \nPat spent much of his time covering politics\, with extensive reporting from Washington\, DC and Augusta\, as well as covering Maine’s delegations at numerous national political conventions. He produced documentaries on notable Maine figures including Ed Muskie\, Bill Cohen\, Olympia Snowe and George Mitchell. \nHe is the host of “In The Arena\,” a Maine politics podcast available on the WMTW TV website and everywhere you get your podcasts. \nPat holds a BA in History from the University of New Hampshire. He is a member of the Maine Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the New England Emmy Awards “Silver Circle.” \nHe and his wife Karen are the parents of two grown children \n2026 Halla Cairde Inductees\, Castlebay: \nJulia Lane & Fred Gosbee have been exploring and transcribing archives of music collected in Maine in the early 20th century. Collectors ranged throughout the state gathering hundreds of traditional songs\, many of which are from Ireland\, brought by the people emigrating and settling here and working on the coast\, in the woods\, farms\, and factories. Field recordings and journals document over 1\,000 songs\, from which the duo have selected and arranged music for performance.  \nIn addition to singing these versions of old Irish music\, Castlebay shares the lore and history of this potent musical legacy\, which embodies stories of romance and rogues\, shipwreck and survival\, as well as a good dose of humor and blarney. The duo has transcribed many of these songs\, “mending” them\, and publishing a series titled Bygone Ballads of Maine. Volume 1\, Songs of Ships and Sailors\, was presented by Loomis House Press in 2021 and is available in local bookstores as well as online. Castlebay has recorded two albums of these songs\, Bound Away and The Maid on the Shore\, which are available from their website. A subsequent volume and recording of Maine’s Irish songs is in process.  \nFor over 30 years\, Castlebay has toured the eastern US\, Scotland\, England\, and Ireland\, being appreciated at arts centers\, folk clubs\, festivals\, schools\, and on radio and television. They have released over two dozen recordings\, and their music has been used on numerous video soundtracks. More information is available at their website: www.castlebay.net  \n\nPast Claddagh Award Recipients \n• 2025 – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree\n• 2019 – George Campbell\, Jr.\n• 2018 – David T. Flanagan\n• 2017 – Senator Susan Collins\n• 2016 – Michael Connolly\n• 2015 – Jim Wellehan\n• 2014 – Sara J. Burns\n• 2013 – Moira Hastings Fuller\n• 2012 – Senator George J. Mitchell\n• 2011 – William J. Ryan\n• 2010 – Cynthia Murray Beliveau\n• 2009 – Gerard P. Conley\, Sr.\n• 2008 – Governor Joseph E. Brennan \nLearn more about past claddagh winners here: https://maineirish.com/videos/  \n  \nThis Year’s Performers: \nWill Woodson and Cait Finley\, Halla Cairde Members\nCaitlin Finley (fiddle) and Will Woodson (flute\, uilleann pipes) play sparky and driving traditional Irish music that’s grounded in the textures and rhythms of the rich Irish-American soundscape of the 1920s and 30s. With roots in the living Irish musical cultures of Boston\, New York City\, and Philadelphia\, and a tremendous admiration for the first generation of recorded Irish musicians\, the duo conjures up the sounds of the dance halls\, vaudeville theaters\, and house sessions central to Irish-American music from the first half of the twentieth century. Their sophomore album\, “Once Through the Hall”\, released in May 2026 and hailed as “a masterpiece” by Dan Neely of the Irish Echo\, is a celebration of this music\, and features fiery duet playing on uilleann pipes\, fiddle\, and flute. The entirety of the material is sourced from early wax cylinder and 78 recordings\, “echoing the influence of past masters\, but delivered in a manner which shows Caitlin and Will are truly masters in their own right” (John McEvoy). The duo have performed or taught at many of the premier traditional Irish music concert series\, festivals\, and tionóls around the US\, and are increasingly being featured in Ireland as well\, most recently in Dublin as part of Na Píobairí Uilleann’s concert series\, “Session with the Pipers”. Cait and Will live in Portland\, Maine.\n \nMIHC Session Players\, hosted by Bryce Potts \nIrish Sessions are social music gatherings\, where musicians play for themselves more so than any audience that might be present. The MIHC Session Players meet every Wednesday in the MIHC Library to play Irish Traditional tunes with others. All instruments and experience levels are welcome. \nBryce Potts is a fiddle enthusiast living in Portland\, Maine. Focusing on Celtic\, Old-Time\, and Contra Dance musical traditions\, they organize social playing events around southern Maine. To learn more about traditional music opportunities in the area\, contact them at brycepotts16@gmail.com. \nIf you are interested in learning more about the weekly sessions\, head here: https://maineirish.com/series/beginner-intermediate-irish-session/ \n  \n\nThank you to our Sponsors!\nLibrary Sponsors:\nPatricia McDonough Dunn\nRose Window Sponsors:\nRichard Brown & Family\nCoffee By Design\n \nWMPG 90.9 FM\n \nStained Glass Sponsors:\nPortland Downtown\n \nJohn Foley\nCairde Sponsors:\nKat Moraros Photography\n \nInterested in becoming a sponsor for this event? See more details below\nTo secure your sponsorship\, click HERE or email lauren@maineirish.com\n  \n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/claddagh-awards-2026/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261123T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261123T210000
DTSTAMP:20261014T194357Z
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SUMMARY:Casco Song & Ballad Circle
DESCRIPTION:Casco Song & Ballad Circle at the Maine Irish Heritage Center\nThe Casco Song & Ballad Circle will meet at the Maine Irish Heritage Center Library on the 4th Monday of every month from 7-9 PM to share traditional songs. Some participants sing ballads: stark\, spellbinding story-songs handed down orally as homespun entertainment. But traditional songs of any kind\, from any tradition\, in any language\, are welcome!  \nBring a couple of your favorite old songs\, ballads\, shanties\, seasonal songs\, pub songs\, or what have you—memorized or not—and share them with our friendly circle. Unaccompanied voices are the norm\, but you’re welcome to accompany your own song on an instrument if you choose. Or\, just come to listen and immerse yourself in the world of these tales and their tunes! If a song has a chorus to join in on\, we’ll learn it together by ear\, but solo songs are great\, too. This is a participatory event where everyone is welcome regardless of ability\, expertise\, or confidence. \nThese sessions are free to attend\, and a suggested donation of $5 per session will be gratefully accepted. All funds raised through donations will go straight back into MIHC programming! We ask that you RSVP before each session you expect to attend\, even if at the last minute.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/casco-song-ballad-circle-2/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
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ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261217T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261217T210000
DTSTAMP:20261030T165737Z
CREATED:20261022T002157Z
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SUMMARY:Ireland With Michael: A Celtic Christmas
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, December 17th\n7:00pm\nDoors Open 6:30pm\n\n\nJoin Michael Londra\, host of the popular PBS series Ireland with Michael\, for a magical evening of Irish music and Christmas celebration! \n\n\n\n\nIreland with Michael – A Celtic Christmas brings the warmth\, music\, and spirit of Ireland to the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston for one special holiday performance. Gather your friends and family for a festive evening of music\, memories\, and a little Irish Christmas magic! \nDon’t wait to buy your tickets – Priority Seating is only available in advance\, and general admission prices go up at the door! \n\nAbout Michael Londra and Ireland with Michael\nMichael Londra is an Emmy-nominated Irish singer\, producer and television host originally from Wexford\, Ireland. Internationally recognized for his musical career and his passion for Irish culture\, Londra is the creator and host of Ireland with Michael\, the popular Public Television travel and culture series that brings the beauty\, history\, music and people of Ireland to American audiences. \nNow in its sixth season\, the series airs on Public Television stations across 49 states and is available to stream on PBS Passport. A seventh season is scheduled to premiere in January 2027. \nLondra has dedicated much of his career to celebrating and promoting Ireland’s remarkable artistic and cultural heritage\, introducing American audiences to Irish musicians\, performers\, craftspeople\, destinations and traditions. \nWebsite: www.michaellondra.com
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/ireland-with-michael-a-celtic-christmas/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tickteted Performance
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ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261220T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261220T153000
DTSTAMP:20261029T160225Z
CREATED:20261029T160225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261029T160225Z
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SUMMARY:Solstice Storytelling at the Maine Irish Heritage Center
DESCRIPTION:The Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling to Maine this winter! We will have warm drinks\, and the light in the Great Hall on the Solstice is incredible – watch the Stained Glass come to life as we share stories with each other! \nIn days gone by neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house\, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation\, and to hear stories of their community\, its history\, old tales handed down by the ancestors\, some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people. \nWe invite you to join us this Solstice in the Great Hall! Bring a story\, a poem\, a song\, or simply come to listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making. \nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: 34 Gray Street\, Portland ME\nTime: 2:00pm-3:30pm\nHost: Cathy Furness\nStory Guidelines:\n\nStories\, songs\, or poems should be 10 minutes or less\nA timekeeper will help us keep things moving\nNo hate speech – creative freedom is welcome\, but kindness and inclusivity are essential\n\n\nAll are welcome – come to share or simply to listen\n\nStorytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. This gathering of storytellers is part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/solstice-storytelling-at-the-maine-irish-heritage-center-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
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ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261231T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261231T220000
DTSTAMP:20261022T163133Z
CREATED:20261022T161137Z
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SUMMARY:New Year's Eve on Irish Time with Bailey's Mistake
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, December 31st\n7:00pm\nDoors open at 5:30pm\nCome ring in the New Year at the Maine Irish Heritage Center with Bailey’s Mistake\, a Celtic-inspired\, four-piece folk band from right here in Maine. Known for their pulsing sound driven by bass\, drums\, and guitar\, and lifted by hearty vocal harmonies\, thrilling bagpipes\, and whistle tunes\, Bailey’s Mistake creates an irresistible energy that fills the room. \nDoors open at 5:30; Happy Hour at 6 PM – with opening act Jim Sharkey! The main show starts at 6:50 with a 10-minute countdown to the New Year’s celebration in Dublin at 7 PM. Advance general admission tickets are $35; $45 day of the show. There will be a cash bar with plenty of bubbly available for your New Year’s toast! Grab your friends\, fill a table\, and prepare to rock in the new year! \nWe also have table packages available. These packages include tickets\, light snacks\, a bubbly toast\, and celebratory New Year’s swag! Tables are only available in advance! See below for pricing. \nAbout the Band: Celtic American roots music from Maine’s Bold Coast\n \nBailey’s Mistake is a not-quite-traditional\, Celtic-inspired\, four-piece folk band from Maine. The group mixes traditional music from Ireland\, Scotland and Newfoundland with brand new songs about contemporary life in New England. Bailey’s Mistake’s pulsing sound is driven by bass\, drums and guitar and topped off with hearty vocal harmonies and thrilling bagpipe and whistle tunes. \nBailey’s Mistake is made up of four seasoned musicians who all went to the same rural high school in Maine — aptly named Bonny Eagle. Collectively\, they have about 110 years of touring musical experience. \nTroy R. Bennett plays guitar\, sings soulful lead and writes most of the band’s original songs. Travis Cote learned to play the bagpipes at 10 and thrills audiences with his rhythmic\, majestic sound. Dean Clegg is the band’s inventive percussionist and oversees all technical aspects of every show. Rob Babson plays bass\, sings delicate harmonies and is the band’s musical leader. \nBailey’s Mistake has played gigs all over New England. The band is also recording and releasing one new song\, every month\, throughout 2025. \nThe band takes its name from a legend told for generations along the Maine coast. Back in the 19th century\, there was a certain ship captain named Bailey. He was trying to guide his vessel safely around West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and into Lubec Harbor. Unfortunately\, it was a foggy night and he missed. Instead of safe harbor\, Bailey ran aground in a shallow\, rocky inlet just south of the lighthouse. \nBut rather than face the wrath of the ship’s furious owners in Boston\, Bailey and his crew unloaded the lumber they had on board\, built houses in the cove and settled down with several local ladies. \nTo this day\, on most good maps\, that little harbor is simply labeled “Bailey’s Mistake.” \nLearn more about Bailey’s Mistake: https://www.baileysmistakemusic.com/ \n\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\n  \nAbout the Opening Act: Jim Sharkey\nJim grew up in County Roscommon\, Ireland. His songs reflect the Irish tradition as well as singer-songwriter music he grew up listening to. Regarding his original compositions Sean Smith\, BostonIrish Contributor\, November 2024 writes “there’s such an innate gentleness to his music\, a care and concern expressed about our humanity\, on a large and small scale\, and that tenderness is once again abundant on his fourth album\, “Our Old Village”.   \nLearn more at https://www.jimsharkeymusic.com \n  \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/new-years-eve-on-irish-time-with-baileys-mistake-2026/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
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