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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T200000
DTSTAMP:20260918T165526Z
CREATED:20251126T184543Z
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SUMMARY:The Irish Famine Immigrant Experience on Staten Island
DESCRIPTION:The Irish Famine Immigrant Experience on Staten Island:\nA Lecture with Loretto Leary\nThursday\, October 15th\n6:30pm\nDoors open at 6:00pm\nIn the wake of the Great Irish Famine\, thousands of men\, women\, and children crossed the Atlantic in search of survival and opportunity. For many\, the Port of New York represented the promise of a new beginning. Yet for countless others\, it marked the tragic end of their journey. \nAt the Staten Island Marine Hospital and Quarantine Station—now the site of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal—thousands of famine immigrants perished shortly after arrival. Their suffering and resilience are commemorated in two nearby burial grounds that remain vital to understanding this chapter of Irish and American history. \nJoin Loretto Leary on Thursday\, October 15th at the Maine Irish Heritage Center at 6:30 PM for an illuminating exploration of Staten Island’s profound connection to the Irish Famine immigrant story and the enduring legacy of those who never reached the lives they dreamed of. \nAbout the Speaker:\nLoretto Horrigan Leary\, originally from Portumna\, County Galway\, has made her home in Connecticut for over three decades. A seasoned educator\, she has taught Language Arts at the elementary and middle school levels in Darien\, New Canaan\, Norwalk\, and Stamford. \nAs a freelance journalist\, her writing has appeared in publications such as The Irish Echo\, Irish Central\, Irish Examiner USA\, and Australia’s Irish Scene. \nCurrently\, Loretto serves as the Co-Chair of the Connecticut–Ireland Trade Commission. \nLoretto is pursuing her PhD at Trinity College Dublin\, where her research focuses on Irish American Famine memory and the memorial landscapes of New York\, with particular attention to Staten Island’s role in this transatlantic story of loss\, survival\, and remembrance.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/the-irish-famine-immigrant-experience-on-staten-island/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Irish-Famine-Lecture-banner-.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261014T193000
DTSTAMP:20260806T183843Z
CREATED:20260806T183843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T183843Z
UID:10001145-1792000800-1792006200@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Beginner / Intermediate Irish Session
DESCRIPTION:Beginner / Intermediate Irish Session at the Maine Irish Heritage Center (MIHC)\nIrish Sessions are social music gatherings\, where musicians play for themselves more so than any audience that might be present. Join us to play Irish Traditional tunes with others and expand your list of tunes over time. We’ll meet in the MIHC Library from 6 – 7:30 pm every Wednesday\, starting June 24. All instruments and experience levels are welcome. When you start a tune\, we’ll play at your tempo. There will be some time to socialize or confer before someone starts the next set of tunes. \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/beginner-intermediate-irish-session-10/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Weekly-Trad-Session-banner-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T140000
DTSTAMP:20260916T154454Z
CREATED:20260916T154454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T154454Z
UID:10001151-1791882000-1791900000@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Office Hours with Coco McCracken
DESCRIPTION:We are so excited to have the incredible author Coco McCracken on the Maine Irish Team as our Writer in Residence! \nCoco’s next office hours will take place on Tuesday\, October 13th\, from 9am -2pm. Please feel welcome to reserve a 45 minute appointment below and Coco can chat about writing in any way that might be helpful to you!* \n  \nMeet Coco:\nMaine Irish Heritage Center’s 2026-2027 Writer in Residence\nCoco McCracken is a photographer\, public speaker\, and writer based in Portland\, Maine. She is on the board of directors at the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and an Ashley Bryan Fellow. She is active in many communities from art to photography and non-profits. She’s especially dedicated to raising the voices of BIPOC Mainers and providing transparent access to resources that help creatives. \nCoco is the granddaughter of Kathleen Elizabeth Joan McNeilly\, who was born and raised in Bangor\, Northern Ireland. Her “Nanny\,” never knew her mother\, something that always confused Coco. What started out as a mystery became a detective hunt almost 10 years ago\, when Coco started to visit Ireland and piece together her broken family tree. \nJust after becoming a mother herself\, Coco went back to Ireland twice in order to sleuth around cemeteries\, churches\, and her grandmother’s old neighborhood. She sat in pubs and chatted with locals\, until finally she found her great-grandmother. \nToday\, she’s still working on her family tree\, while writing a book of essays on her process\, her complicated mixed-Chinese/Irish/Canadian identity\, and her bourgeoning passion with her matriarch’s homeland. \nNot only is Coco eager to discover more about her connection to Ireland\, she is passionate about connecting Mainers with the MIHC. Through cross-pollenating the communities she has access to\, with the folks at Maine Irish\, she believes a bountiful relationship could benefit both parties. \nCoco is also the creative director at paletmaine.com and hopes to document her time as a writer in residence with her camera when possible. \nPhoto credit: @Meredith Brockington \n  \n*Please note Coco is not able to edit anything at length but is happy to give feedback on short pitches and pieces.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/october-office-hours-with-coco-mccracken/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Coco-10.13.26-Office-Hours-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T210000
DTSTAMP:20260731T184236Z
CREATED:20260731T183704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184236Z
UID:10001133-1791487800-1791493200@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads "The Searcher" by Tana French
DESCRIPTION:A New York Times Bestseller\nA New York Times and NPR Best Book of the Year \n“This hushed suspense tale about thwarted dreams of escape may be her best one yet…its own kind of masterpiece.” –Maureen Corrigan\, The Washington Post \nA “taut\, chiseled and propulsive” (Vogue) novel from the author of the forthcoming novel The Hunter and the bestselling mystery writer who “is in a class by herself.” (The New York Times) \nCal Hooper thought a fixer-upper in a bucolic Irish village would be the perfect escape. After twenty-five years in the Chicago police force and a bruising divorce\, he just wants to build a new life in a pretty spot with a good pub where nothing much happens. But when a local kid whose brother has gone missing arm-twists him into investigating\, Cal uncovers layers of darkness beneath his picturesque retreat\, and starts to realize that even small towns shelter dangerous secrets. \n“One of the greatest crime novelists writing today” (Vox) weaves a masterful\, atmospheric tale of suspense\, asking what we sacrifice in our search for truth and justice\, and what we risk if we don’t. \nSee more Maine Irish Reads Events Here
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-the-searcher-by-tana-french/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Maine Irish Reads
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maine-Irish-Reads-Oct-26-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T190000
DTSTAMP:20260724T202933Z
CREATED:20260724T201843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T202933Z
UID:10001124-1790874000-1790881200@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Writes: October
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to present our second season of Maine Irish Writes\, an inclusive monthly writers’ group that will meet in the MIHC Library on the first Thursday of each month! \nLed by the incredible poet and author Robert Breen\, this welcoming writers group is open to all—whether you’re just starting out or deep into a manuscript. Bring your works in progress\, share your voice\, and receive supportive\, thoughtful feedback in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Together\, we’ll explore storytelling\, poetry\, memory\, and the written word in all its forms. Come to listen\, come to write\, come to connect. \nA few notes on the format of these Writers’ Group meetings: \nFor all interested writers \n\nDetermine your goal\, the primary target for your project— fiction\, poetry\, nonfiction\, memoir or autobiography.\nFor beginners this will be a discovery time\, your goal should be to have fun with this phase.\nTake time and have patience with yourself!\nWe ask that all members actively bring work to participate in each session\nThose that have work ready will be heard— with a 10-minute reading time and critique so to allow all to be heard.\nHave your written piece of literature with 3 copies allowing the group to follow and partake in the evaluation of the work.\n\nWriter’s Technique Method Used\nThe Layer Cake Method is a classic technique used to deliver constructive criticism without causing defensiveness. And keep the writer motivated while highlighting areas that need improvement. \n\n(Positive): Start with genuine praise. Highlight a specific strength\, like a strong voice\, sharp dialogue\, or an engaging hook.\n(Constructive): Insert the critique or area for improvement. Focus on actionable issues like pacing lags\, confusing plot points\, or passive verbs. Poetry example- the use of metaphors\, and forms.\n(Upbeat): End with encouragement and forward momentum. Reiterate your belief in the story or poem express excitement to read the next draft.\n\nCheck out the rest of the series dates HERE!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-writes-october-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maine-Irish-Writes-oct-26.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260927T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260927T170000
DTSTAMP:20260924T171119Z
CREATED:20260805T191759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T171119Z
UID:10001143-1790521200-1790528400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:POSTPONED: Susan Donovan Bernhard: WESTERLY
DESCRIPTION:A Maine Irish Author Event\nDue to pending inclement weather\, this event has been POSTPONED! We are working with Susan to determine a new date in Spring of 2027. Stay tuned!\n\nJoin us on Sunday\, September 27th for a lovely afternoon of conversation with bestselling author Susan Donovan Bernhard! \nSusan will discuss her novel WESTERLY in conversation with Louise Miller\, of A CITY BAKER’S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING and THE LATE BLOOMER’S CLUB. \nBooks will be available for purchase and signing at the event\, courtesy of Perkins Cove Bookshop. \n  \nAbout WESTERLY:\nIn an unforgettable saga of survival\, motherhood\, sisterhood\, and the secrets that haunt us\, one desperate decision creates a fault line that spans decades and threatens to break a family wide open. \nIn 1946\, two German sisters\, child refugees in a program dubbed Operation Shamrock\, arrive in West Cork\, Ireland to live in foster care while Europe recovers from war. Nearly fifty years later\, on a fateful day in a bustling Maine farmhouse\, an Irish newspaper clipping threatens to unravel Faye Sullivan’s carefully constructed life with husband William and daughters Maeve and Molly\, a life already on the brink of collapse. \nFrom Germany to Ireland to coastal Maine\, this tender family saga explores identity\, reconciliation\, and the true meaning of home. \nTo purchase in advance\, please visit Perkins Cove Bookshop in Ogunquit or head to https://www.susanbernhard.com/westerly \n\n\n\nAbout Susan Donovan Bernhard:\n \nSusan Donovan Bernhard is the bestselling author of the novels Westerly and Winter Loon\, which won the Boston Authors Club Julia Ward Howe Prize for Fiction. She is a Massachusetts Cultural Council fellowship recipient\, a GrubStreet Novel Incubator program graduate\, and a Tennessee Williams Scholar to the Sewanee Writers’ Conference. A dual citizen of the United States and Ireland\, Susan was born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana and graduated from the University of Maryland. When she’s not traveling\, she lives and writes in Massachusetts. Learn more at https://www.susandonovanbernhard.com/ \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAbout Louise Miller: \nLouise Miller is the author of THE CITY BAKER’S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING and THE LATE BLOOMERS’ CLUB. In addition to being a novelist\, she is a professional pastry chef\, an art school dropout\, a certified field naturalist\, an old-time banjo player\, an obsessive moviegoer\, a meditation enthusiast and an amateur flower gardener. Louise lives in Boston\, MA\, where she lives with her partner and an assortment of cats. Learn more at http://www.louisemiller.net\n \n  \n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/susan-donovan-bernhard-westerly/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:book-talk,Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Susan-Donovan-Bernhard-WESTERLY-banner-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260913T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260913T170000
DTSTAMP:20260909T001001Z
CREATED:20260827T145950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T001001Z
UID:10001146-1789308000-1789318800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:CANCELLED: Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Party
DESCRIPTION:This event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.\nLive Music • Dancing • Sing-Along • Food • Cash Bar\nJoin us for an afternoon of great Irish fun! Grab your dancing shoes for the Ceili (don’t worry\, instruction included!)\, sing along to some folk favorites\, and enjoy a fabulous Irish step dance exhibition from Stillson School of Irish Dance! This family-friendly celebration brings music\, movement\, and community to the start of your fall. Plus\, enjoy light food and soft drinks included with admission\, and a cash bar for something a little stronger. \nProgram:\n1:30 PM: Doors Open\n2:00 – 2:30 PM: Live Irish Traditional Music\n2:30 – 4:00 PM: Ceili Dance with Morrigan Burns & The Portland Ceili Band\n4:00 – 4:30 PM: Irish Folk Song Sing Along\n4:30 PM: Stillson School of Irish Dance Performance \nGet Your Tickets Now!\nAdvance tickets help us plan the food and drinks and prices go up at the door\, so don’t wait!\n• Adults: $20 in advance / $25 at the door\n• Children under 18: Free!\n• Family (4 Adult Tickets): $50 in advance / $60 at the door
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/halfway-to-st-patricks-day/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Halfway-to-St.-Patricks-Day-cancelled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T140000
DTSTAMP:20260831T174827Z
CREATED:20260831T174759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T174827Z
UID:10001148-1789030800-1789048800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Office Hours with Coco McCracken
DESCRIPTION:We are so excited to have the incredible author Coco McCracken on the Maine Irish Team as our Writer in Residence! \nCoco’s first office hours will take place in September on Thursday the 10th\, 9am -2pm. Please feel welcome to reserve a 30 minute appointment below and Coco can chat about writing in any way that might be helpful to you!* \n  \nMeet Coco:\nMaine Irish Heritage Center’s 2026-2027 Writer in Residence\nCoco McCracken is a photographer\, public speaker\, and writer based in Portland\, Maine. She is on the board of directors at the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and an Ashley Bryan Fellow. She is active in many communities from art to photography and non-profits. She’s especially dedicated to raising the voices of BIPOC Mainers and providing transparent access to resources that help creatives. \nCoco is the granddaughter of Kathleen Elizabeth Joan McNeilly\, who was born and raised in Bangor\, Northern Ireland. Her “Nanny\,” never knew her mother\, something that always confused Coco. What started out as a mystery became a detective hunt almost 10 years ago\, when Coco started to visit Ireland and piece together her broken family tree. \nJust after becoming a mother herself\, Coco went back to Ireland twice in order to sleuth around cemeteries\, churches\, and her grandmother’s old neighborhood. She sat in pubs and chatted with locals\, until finally she found her great-grandmother. \nToday\, she’s still working on her family tree\, while writing a book of essays on her process\, her complicated mixed-Chinese/Irish/Canadian identity\, and her bourgeoning passion with her matriarch’s homeland. \nNot only is Coco eager to discover more about her connection to Ireland\, she is passionate about connecting Mainers with the MIHC. Through cross-pollenating the communities she has access to\, with the folks at Maine Irish\, she believes a bountiful relationship could benefit both parties. \nCoco is also the creative director at paletmaine.com and hopes to document her time as a writer in residence with her camera when possible. \nPhoto credit: @Meredith Brockington \n  \n*Please note Coco is not able to edit anything at length but is happy to give feedback on short pitches and pieces.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/office-hours-with-coco-mccracken-9-10/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Coco-9.10.26-Office-Hours-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T210000
DTSTAMP:20260512T210345Z
CREATED:20260512T205429Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T210345Z
UID:10001119-1783020600-1783026000@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:The Power of the Prompt by Lara O'Brien: A Maine Irish Author Event
DESCRIPTION:Join us at 7:30pm on Thursday\, July 2nd for an exciting evening with Author Lara O’Brien! \nLara will discuss her new book\, “The Power of the Prompt.” Books will be available for sale at the event! \nInterested in joining Lara for an exclusive writing workshop? Click HERE! \nAbout Lara:\nLara O’Brien is the founder of Howth Writing Workshops and Retreats\, a community group she started at her kitchen table. From this small setting\, Howth Writing Workshops has grown to include writing retreats on Martha’s Vineyard\, New York\, Maine\, and the mountains of Cádiz\, Spain\, where she co-hosts writing and yoga retreats at Suryalila. \n​ \nPassionate about stories\, music\, and community\, in 2023 she combined that passion with “Hooks & Reels” — an evening of story and song where local musicians and writers showcase their work for the community. Hooks & Reels has grown to be a regular and popular fixture on the Howth Community Calendar\, inspiring the work of many upcoming artists\, writers\, and musicians. \nIn 2025\, Trinity College Dublin recruited her to create and present Storytelling for Cultural Communications and Innovation at their Business School. She facilitates youth summits on writing and leadership\, and songwriting workshops for youth groups\, and is an AsIAm Champion supporting the autism community. \n​ \nShe also championed the restoration of the historical Howth ÉIRE 6 sign\, officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins. She is the convener of the ÉIRE 6 Restoration Group and the Howth Community and Arts Group. \nLara divides family life between Howth\, Dublin\, \nand Vinalhaven\, Maine. When not writing\, she is found hiking trails\, listening to music\, or relaxing with her husband\, children\, and friends. \n  \nAbout the book:\n\nTHE POWER OF THE PROMPT\n\n\nGrowing a Writing Community —How a Little Scribble Goes a Long Way\n\n\nWhat happens when a few curious writers gather around a kitchen table in a small coastal village? \nThey begin to write — and something remarkable unfolds. \nThe Power of the Prompt is the story of how a simple writing practice grew into a thriving creative community. Blending memoir\, storytelling\, and practical guidance\, Lara O’Brien invites readers into the heart of her workshops — where words spark connection\, courage\, and friendship. \n​ \nIt’s a book for anyone who’s ever thought\, “I’d love to write\, but I don’t know where to start.” Part inspiration\, part how-to\, and part love letter to creative community\, The Power of the Prompt reminds us that every story begins the same way — with one brave line on the page.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/the-power-of-the-prompt-lara-obrien/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lara-Obrien-book-event.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T190000
DTSTAMP:20260602T183915Z
CREATED:20260512T204942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T183915Z
UID:10001118-1783011600-1783018800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:The Power of the Prompt: Writing Workshop with Lara O'Brien
DESCRIPTION:Join us from 5-7pm on Thursday\, July 2nd for an exclusive writing workshop with Author Lara O’Brien! \nWorkshop slots are limited\, so don’t wait to secure your spot! \nInterested in hearing Lara talk about her new book\, “The Power of the Prompt”? Check out her Maine Irish Author Event HERE! \n  \nAbout the Workshop:\nEvery workshop and retreat begins the same way — with a simple prompt\, a pen\, and a circle of people ready to explore what stories are waiting to be told. \nThese gatherings are for anyone who wants to write\, whether you’re starting a memoir\, finding your creative spark again\, or simply curious about the stories you carry. Together\, we write to prompts\, listen to one another\, and share encouragement in a kind and supportive space. \nOur writing workshops and retreats take place in atmospheric venues that inspire creativity — from cozy kitchens by the sea and yoga centers under the Spanish sun\, to quiet studios on islands off the coast of Maine or Martha’s Vineyard. Each location has its own magic\, but the spirit is always the same: community\, creativity\, and the power of the prompt. \n  \nAbout Lara:\nLara O’Brien is the founder of Howth Writing Workshops and Retreats\, a community group she started at her kitchen table. From this small setting\, Howth Writing Workshops has grown to include writing retreats on Martha’s Vineyard\, New York\, Maine\, and the mountains of Cádiz\, Spain\, where she co-hosts writing and yoga retreats at Suryalila. \n​ \nPassionate about stories\, music\, and community\, in 2023 she combined that passion with “Hooks & Reels” — an evening of story and song where local musicians and writers showcase their work for the community. Hooks & Reels has grown to be a regular and popular fixture on the Howth Community Calendar\, inspiring the work of many upcoming artists\, writers\, and musicians. \nIn 2025\, Trinity College Dublin recruited her to create and present Storytelling for Cultural Communications and Innovation at their Business School. She facilitates youth summits on writing and leadership\, and songwriting workshops for youth groups\, and is an AsIAm Champion supporting the autism community. \n​ \nShe also championed the restoration of the historical Howth ÉIRE 6 sign\, officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins. She is the convener of the ÉIRE 6 Restoration Group and the Howth Community and Arts Group. \nLara divides family life between Howth\, Dublin\, \nand Vinalhaven\, Maine. When not writing\, she is found hiking trails\, listening to music\, or relaxing with her husband\, children\, and friends. \n  \nAbout the book:\n\nTHE POWER OF THE PROMPT\n\n\nGrowing a Writing Community —How a Little Scribble Goes a Long Way\n\n\nWhat happens when a few curious writers gather around a kitchen table in a small coastal village? \nThey begin to write — and something remarkable unfolds. \nThe Power of the Prompt is the story of how a simple writing practice grew into a thriving creative community. Blending memoir\, storytelling\, and practical guidance\, Lara O’Brien invites readers into the heart of her workshops — where words spark connection\, courage\, and friendship. \n​ \nIt’s a book for anyone who’s ever thought\, “I’d love to write\, but I don’t know where to start.” Part inspiration\, part how-to\, and part love letter to creative community\, The Power of the Prompt reminds us that every story begins the same way — with one brave line on the page.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/the-power-of-the-prompt-writing-workshop-with-lara-obrien/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lara-Obrien-workshop.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T203000
DTSTAMP:20260616T174128Z
CREATED:20260402T185657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T174128Z
UID:10000836-1782412200-1782419400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Irene M. Drago's Irish Timber
DESCRIPTION:Irene M. Drago’s Irish Timber\nA Maine Irish Author Event\nThursday\, June 25th\n6:30pm\nDoors open at 6:00pm\nJoin us for an incredible evening of literature and history with Maine Author Irene Murtagh Drago as she discusses her latest novel Irish Timber. \nBooks will be available for sale and signing at the event from Print: A Bookstore! \nAbout the Book:\nInspired by true events\, Irish Timber is a standalone novel and a follow-up to Lavinia Wren and the Sailmakers. In the summer of 1931\, Susie Rowley travels to Ireland with her cousin\, a friend\, and the undoubtable Eliza Willey Walker. Eliza convinces the band of Yankee scholars to investigate the wreck of her grandfather’s ship\, the Alfred D. Snow. When Susie falls for Hugh Larkin\, a medical student from County Wexford\, their quest takes a detour. Later\, she returns to Dublin and takes a job at the national library working for Dr. Richard Hayes. The librarian is soon drafted by Irish Military Intelligence\, and Susie\, a gifted linguist\, is asked to join him to catch a German spy. As war engulfs their world\, Yankee and Irish families alike demonstrate the power of love and the enduring value of Irish timber. \n\n\n\nAbout the Author:\nIrene M. Drago is the award-winning author of three historical novels\, Daughters of Long Reach\, The Maine Point\, and Lavinia Wren and the Sailmakers. She also speaks three languages. During the Cold War\, she honed her Russian skills by working for the D.O.D. Later\, she taught Spanish at the high school and college level. Irene Murtagh Drago learned how to tell sea stories from her father\, a chief petty officer who served on U.S. Navy ships from 1940 to 1980. Her paternal grandparents were born in Ireland and her maternal grandparents were the children of Irish immigrants. Their voices bring a lilt to Irish Timber. \nLearn more at irenemdrago.com
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/irene-m-drago-irish-timber/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:book-talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Irene-M.-Dragos-Irish-Timber-banner-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T170000
DTSTAMP:20260618T201938Z
CREATED:20260428T193853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T201938Z
UID:10001109-1781967600-1781974800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:POSTPONED: Plight of the Bumble Bee: Film Screening with Live Soundtrack
DESCRIPTION:*****EVENT POSTPONED*****\nPlight of the Bumble Bee: Film Screening with Live Soundtrack          \nSaturday\, June 20th\n3:00pm\ndoors open at 2:30pm\nJoin us on Saturday\, June 20th at 3:00pm for a truly one-of-a-kind experience! We will be screening Brenda Castle’s outstanding short film\, “Plight of the Bumblebee\,” complete with a LIVE musical soundtrack performed by three phenomenal musicians\, including Brenda herself! \nGeneral admission tickets are available for $25\, and you can snag priority seating for $40. Don’t wait! General Admission goes up to $35 at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \n  \nDo you think you know about bees?\nPlight of the Bumble Bee is a captivating short film that takes you deep into the world of bees and their profound connection to Irish religion\, folklore\, and biodiversity. This thought-provoking documentary explores the vital role bees play in our ecosystems\, the challenges they face\, and how we can help ensure their survival. \nWith moments of sadness\, humour and ultimately hope\, the film beautifully weaves a narrative that highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity\, both in Ireland and across the globe. It debunks common myths about bees and biodiversity\, offering fresh insights and inspiring viewers to take action. \nThe documentary features heartfelt interviews\, including with the likes of Kilkenny native\, 81-year-old Peter Walsh\, who has been counting bees in the same spot in Kilkenny since 1959\, environmental psychologist Christine Mullan-Jensen\, and Skerries locals Charlie and Marion Heasman\, who have created a remarkable 5km-long biodiversity corridor. The stories of the Irish saints associated with our bees are colourfully animated by Ruth Clinton and Clare Henderson. \nAccompanied by a unique live soundtrack of traditional Irish music composed by Brenda Castles and performed by Brenda on concertina\, guitarist Tony Byrne\, and violinist Erin Hennessey\, Plight of the Bumble Bee is a celebration of nature\, community\, and resilience. \nPrepare to be inspired. Prepare to act. This is a story not just about bees\, it’s about us all. \nAbout Brenda Castles:\n \nBrenda Castles hails from Co. Meath and honed her concertina skills under the tutelage of Rena Traynor and Mícheál Ó’Raghallaigh. She released two solo albums of concertina music in 2016 and 2021. \nBrenda is a seasoned performer and often graced stages alongside Mick Moloney’s Green Fields of America. Beyond her musical endeavours\, Brenda has delved into the realm of film\, creating and producing the evocative short film ‘Plight of the Bumble Bee\,’ complete with a traditionally inspired soundtrack of her own composition\, for which she received the Brian O’Donovan Award in January 2025. The film was shortlisted for the 2025 Powerscourt Nature Media award. \nNotable recent Irish performances include a headline solo concert at Temple Bar TradFest\, Dublin\, an appearance on Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ’s Late Late Show\, Earth Rising Festival in the Irish Museum of Modern Art\, and the ITMA’s Drawing From the Well concert in Dublin’s National Concert Hall. \nAbout the Other Musicians!\nEimear Arkins\nEimear Arkins is an award winning musician and singer from County Clare. She has toured throughout the US\, Ireland and beyond with acclaimed bands like Cherish The Ladies\, Téada\, and Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas. She is regularly seen performing with harp player and St Louis native\, Eileen Gannon and guitar/bouzouki player and singer David McKindley-Ward. Eimear has also toured extensively with the international music organization Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann on concert tours throughout Ireland\, Britain\, North America and Canada and with the internationally renowned show Brú Ború. Eimear is a qualified Irish music and dance instructor and has performed and given workshops at festivals all over the world including Féile Séamus Creagh\, Newfoundland; Catskills Irish Arts Week; Viljandi Pärimusmuusika Festival\, Estonia; St Louis Tionól; Canadian Celtic Celebration\, and Festival Interceltique de Lorient\, France. In June 2018 she released her debut album\, What’s Next? and was awarded “Best Newcomer” from LiveIreland in 2019. Eimear released her second album\, Here & There\, in 2024 featuring collaborations with David McKindley Ward\, Eileen Gannon\, Alan Murray and Kevin Buckley. She was named one of The Irish Echo’s top 40 under 40 honorees in 2025 and was awarded ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ from Ireland Tonight. Eimear and Eileen Gannon recently released their duet album The Belles of St. Louis. \nLearn more: www.eimeararkins.com or www.facebook.com/eimeararkinsmusic \nEamon O’Leary\nEamon O’Leary\, from Dublin\, is a long time resident of New York City. A singer and string player\, with deep roots in the world of Irish trad\, he is one half of The Murphy Beds with Jefferson Hamer. Their debut album was described by The Hufffington Post as one that “bears repeated listening from start to finish\, with ten beautiful\, crystalline songs.” He is also a member of The Alt with Nuala Kennedy and John Doyle. His songwriting can be heard\, most recently\, on The Silver Sun from Reveal Records. \nLearn more here: https://www.westcorkmusic.ie/artists/2025/eamon-oleary/ \n\n\nCheck out the trailer for the film here:\n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/plight-of-the-bumble-bee-film-screening-with-live-soundtrack/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Plight-of-the-bumblebee-banner-postponed.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T203000
DTSTAMP:20260608T174104Z
CREATED:20260529T171925Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T174104Z
UID:10001121-1781377200-1781382600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Ulysses for Beginners 2.0
DESCRIPTION:BLOOMSDAY PORTLAND 2026\nMIHC and AIRE THEATER\nCELEBRATE JAMES JOYCE’S ULYSSES \nSATURDAY\, JUNE 13\, 7:00pm \nBloomsday returns! In a Portland tradition that dates back to 2004\, the MIHC and AIRE Theater proudly presents Ulysses for Beginners (Version 2.0) This entertaining performance piece\, written by AIRE Artistic Director Tony\, uses lots of humor to explain the story line of James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses. Compressing the entire 818 pages of the novel into one packed hour. Come celebrate with the rest of the world that Dublin day\, June 1904 that the book Ulysses takes place. \nThis is a guide through the intricacies of what some consider the greatest novel ever written — with a touch a wit and a bit of irreverence. “This piece is designed for those that have never read the book and have absolutely no intention of doing so.” Saturday\, June 13\, at 7 p.m. At the Maine Irish Heritage Center at 34 Gray Street\, Portland\, ME This event is free with a suggested donation of $10! \nWe’ll also have a cash bar with exciting Joyce-themed menu options!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/ulysses-for-beginners-2-0/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ulysses-for-beginners-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T213000
DTSTAMP:20260609T184226Z
CREATED:20251222T193345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T184226Z
UID:10000818-1781031600-1781040600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Onóir: Live in Concert
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, June 9\n7:30 PM\nDoors open at 7:00pm\nMeet & Greet from 6:30-7:00pm!\nMeet and Greet doors open at 6:00pm \nExperience the electrifying sound of Onóir live in concert at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. Hailing from Ireland’s West Coast\, Onóir brings a fresh\, contemporary edge to traditional Irish music\, blending rich vocal harmonies with modern arrangements and deep roots in the Irish tradition. \nKnown for their dynamic performances and innovative sound\, Onóir creates music that is both grounded in heritage and unmistakably of the moment. This concert offers an intimate opportunity to hear one of Ireland’s most exciting young groups in a historic setting that celebrates Irish culture\, past and present. \nWhether you’re a longtime lover of Irish music or new to the tradition\, this promises to be an exceptionally memorable evening of live performance. \nGeneral admission tickets are $40 in advance\, and Meet and Greet tickets are $55 in advance. Don’t wait to get your tickets\, prices will go up at the door! \nAbout the Band:\nContemporary Irish folk group Onóir formed in 2020\, when Donegal musicians; Tom McHugh\, Declan Gaughan\, Deane Connaghan\, and Diarmaid McGee\, joined forces to create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballad; “The Auld Triangle”\, the video went on to be seen by over 3 million people worldwide. These talented musicians with distinctive vocal styles are setting new standards with incredible musical arrangements and harmonies that mark them out as unique.  \nOnóir are selling out venues in record time as their impassioned audiences are taken on a musical odyssey. From their new take on traditional Irish ballads all the way through to up-tempo modern Irish classics. From tears to laughter\, enjoy the onstage chemistry\, excitement\, and banter in a show not to be missed.    \nLearn more about the artists at: https://onoirmusic.com/home
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/onoir-live-in-concert/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Onoir-Banner-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T160000
DTSTAMP:20260402T195542Z
CREATED:20260402T195542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T195542Z
UID:10000838-1778925600-1778947200@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:MIHC Day of Caring 2026
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 16th\n10:00am-4:00pm\nWe are looking for:\nPainters | Carpenters | Cleaners | Gardeners\n  \nThe Center – originally St. Dominic’s Church – was constructed in the late 1800s\, and has long served as one of Portland and Maine’s preeminent cultural centers\, meeting spaces\, research institutions\, libraries\, concert halls\, wedding venues\, and more. \nWe are hosting this Day of Caring to ensure our beloved space receives the attention it needs and deserves. With many important concerts\, fundraisers\, and cultural festivals on the horizon\, this is the perfect chance to donate your skills\, tools\, and passion for just a few hours. \nIf you or your organization are interested in volunteering for this event\, please contact us at volunteer@maineirish.com. We want to ensure your skills and expertise are put to the best use possible! \nDay of Caring Project Options:\nInterior Cleaning: \nSweeping\, mopping\, vacuuming\, and dusting \nExterior Cleaning: \nPicking up trash\, removing debris\, etc \nGardening: \nWeeding\, pruning\, and otherwise tending to flowerbeds \nPainting: \nRepainting doors\, pillars\, walls\, and trim \nCarpentry: \nFixing doors & cabinets\, repurposing old scrap wood \nSpecial Projects: \nWe have a number of larger carpentry & electrical projects for larger\, experienced teams.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/mihc-day-of-caring-2026/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Day-of-Caring-Graphic-2026-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260509T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260509T173000
DTSTAMP:20260421T193825Z
CREATED:20260421T191524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T193825Z
UID:10000842-1778342400-1778347800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Myths\, Fables\, and Fairies
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Saturday\, May 9th from 4:00pm for Myths\, Fables\, and Fairies\, a workshop with Ann V. Quinlan!\nThis will be a 90 minute workshop\, with a Q&A following. Light refreshments will be available\, and doors open at 3:30pm.\nLike a pot of strong Irish tea\, Irish native Ann V. Quinlan is steeped in an unending discovery of Ireland’s ancient past. In “Myths\, Fables\, and Fairies”\, Ann draws on childhood memories of open fields\, woodland fairies\, and the joy of living close to the earth. She remains connected to ongoing discoveries by Irish archaeologists and storytellers. The workshop will connect the vivid\, mythic past of Ireland with the achingly beautiful landscape of today. \nGeneral Admission entry is $25\, or snag priority seating for $40. Act fast – general admission goes up to $35 at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \n  \nAbout Ann:\n \nAs a native Irish-born and raised storyteller\, educator\, and creative leader\, Ann V. Quinlan’s work bridges Ireland’s rich mythic traditions with contemporary life. Drawing on a childhood immersed in Ireland’s landscapes and folklore\, she brings a deep\, personal connection to the themes explored in her workshop\, “Myths\, Fables\, and Fairies.” Professionally\, Ann is an accomplished entrepreneurial strategist\, and she has also served in leadership roles across nonprofit\, arts\, and civic organizations\, including here at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. Through her storytelling and teaching\, Ann invites participants to rediscover Ireland’s ancient past and its enduring resonance in the present day.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/myths-fables-and-fairies/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Myths-Fables-and-Fairies-BANNER.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T180000
DTSTAMP:20260414T223028Z
CREATED:20260414T222501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T223028Z
UID:10000841-1777051800-1777053600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Easter Rising Commemoration
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, April 24th\n5:30pm\nOn the Steps of the Center\n\nPlease don your Easter Lily and join us for a reading of the Irish Proclamation on the steps of the Irish Heritage Center before we ring the bell in honor of those brave Irish men and women who\, against all odds and despite defeat\, shook the British Empire to the core as we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Easter Rising.\n\n\n110 years ago\, a group of 1200-1600 members of Irish Volunteers\, Irish Citizen Army\, and Cumann na mBan marched into Dublin city center to face a British force of approximately 16000. The event that took place from April 24th until April 29th 1916 would become forever known as the Easter Rising. The heavy-handed British response to the Rising turned a largely unpopular rebellion into the catalyst for Irish Independence.\n\n\nThe rising began shortly after Padraig Pearse read the Irish Proclamation aloud on the steps of the General Post Office in Dublin at 12:45 PM on April 24th.\n\n\nThe Proclamation had seven signatories: Thomas Clarke\, Seán Mac Diarmada\, Thomas MacDonagh\, Padraig Pearse\, Éamonn Ceannt\, James Connolly\, and Joseph Plunkett\, all of whom were executed by firing squad in the days immediately following the Rising.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/easter-rising-commemoration/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Easter-Rising-Commemoration.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T190000
DTSTAMP:20260401T195511Z
CREATED:20260401T195511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T195511Z
UID:10000835-1776787200-1776798000@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:National Library Week: Extended Hours!
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, April 21st\n4pm-7pm\nApril 19th-25th is National Library Week! In honor of that\, we are keeping our Library open late on Tuesday\, April 21st. If you’re not able to visit the library during our regular operating hours\, this is your chance to check out the library and if you are a member you can check out a book. Join us for light snacks and tea! \nWhile here\, you can: \n\nTry out our Irish trivia game or one of our Irish themed puzzles\nWe’ll also put out a few crossword puzzles to challenge you\nCheck out our extensive collection of LP’s and CD’s (and maybe take a listen!)\nSee what we have on local history and genealogy\nChallenge yourself with some Irish Language books\nLearn more about the MIHC\, and the programs we offer\nJust enjoy our lovely space and connect with other members. 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/national-library-week-extended-hours/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/National-Library-Week.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T210000
DTSTAMP:20260324T224810Z
CREATED:20260312T155632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T224810Z
UID:10000833-1776535200-1776546000@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:A Fragile Peace: Documentary Screening and Talkback
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, April 18th\n6:00pm\nDoors open at 5:30pm\nA FRAGILE PEACE\nBREXIT AND NORTHERN IRELAND\nTHE INTERNATIONALLY AWARD WINNING FILM\nWill Brexit destroy the peace and bring back violence to war torn Northern Ireland? \nJoin us on Saturday\, April 18th\, for a screening of this incredible documentary\, immediately followed by a talkback with Director Rory Duffy! General admission tickets are just $20\, or snag priority seating for just $30! Don’t wait to buy your tickets – prices go up at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \n**please note\, the date has changed from the original post\, and will now be SATURDAY\, April 18th!** \nSYNOPSIS \nA Fragile Peace: Brexit and Northern Ireland is a film about the intersection of history and the present\, about a peace agreement that many assumed was solid but now faces new and unexpected challenges due to Brexit. \nThe Good Friday Agreement\, signed in 1998\, created a delicate balance of identities\, political parties\, and loyalties within Northern Ireland. However\, Brexit has reopened a wound that many thought was healed\, casting uncertainty on the future of this hard-won peace. \n  \nDIRECTED BY RORY DUFFY\nRory Duffy is an award winning documentary filmmaker\, and adjunct professor of United States history at City College of New York. As an actor\, Rory has had recurring roles on Blue Bloods\, Law and Order SVU\, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. His masters thesis on the John F. Kennedy Administration won the Judith Stein Prize in Political Economy. \nOn stage and screen\, he has worked with director Hal Hartley\, Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons\, and Amy Sherman-Palladino. \nHis production company Maci Duffy Productions\, which he co-runs with his wife Hyun Joo Lee\, produces films with a concentration on history\, politics\, and art. \n  \n\nTHE SUBJECTS:\nDAMIAN MCGENITY \nPolitical Activist and Farmer \nDamian McGenity is a political activist and farmer who faces financial ruin due to Brexit. A supporter of peace in Northern Ireland\, Damian joined Border Communities Against Brexit to maintain the peace and save his family farm. \n  \nMARTINA ANDERSON \nPolitician and former combatant \nMartina Anderson is an Irish politician from Northern Ireland. She became involved in the Irish Republican movement in the late 1970s and is a former IRA volunteer. \nIn June 1986\, she was convicted of conspiring to cause explosions and sentenced to life in prison. Today\, she is working towards uniting Ireland through politics. \n  \nARON HUGHES \nPolitical Activist \nAron Hughes was too young to vote in the Brexit referendum and has taken to the streets to advocate for a second Brexit vote. He now runs an organization that brings the youth of Belfast together in a safe welcoming space. \n  \nCREW CREDITS\nHYUN JOO DUFFY\nProducer \n \nRONAN KILLEEN\nCameraman \n \n  \nPRESS\n“Responsible history as it occurs\, frankly portrayed.”\n— Hal Hartley\, director Henry Fool\, Ned Rifle \n“The acclaimed documentary keeps picking up prestigious new awards.”\n— Cahir O’Doherty \n“A Fragile Peace reminds us that we should always be careful whenever we believe history has reached an endpoint.”\n— Patricia Harty\, Editor in Chief\, Irish America \n  \nAWARDS\nBest Picture\nLondon Movie Awards \nBest Documentary Feature – Winner\nNew York Monthly Film Festival\nNew York Movie Awards\nCrown Points International Film Festival\nQueens (Unisphere) Film Festival\nCork Indie Film Award\nMassachusetts International Film Festival \nBest Film Essay\nArea 51 Film Festival \nBest International Documentary Feature Film\nAustin International Art Film Festival \nBest Feature Documentary – Nominee\nCopenhagen Doc Only\nBig Apple Film Festival\nLiverpool Indie Awards \nFinalist\nOut of the Can International Film Festival\nDarkland Film Festival\nHawaii International Film Awards\nPrazske Filmove Ceny\nIndiemania \n  \nGET IN TOUCH\nEmail\nAFRAGILEPEACEFILM@GMAIL.COM \nInstagram\n@AFRAGILEPEACEMOVIE
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/a-fragile-peace-documentary-screening-and-talkback/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fragile-peace-banner-CORRECT-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T210000
DTSTAMP:20260402T140643Z
CREATED:20260313T204726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T140643Z
UID:10000834-1775934000-1775941200@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Poetry Night
DESCRIPTION:In Celebration of National Poetry Month & Seamus Heaney’s Birthday\n\n\nSaturday\, April 11th\n\n7:00pm\nDoors open at 6:30pm\nJoin us for an evening of poetry in celebration of National Poetry Month and Seamus Heaney’s birthday! We will have readings from three incredible poets\, followed by a Q&A with the audience. \nDoors open at 6:30 PM\, and readings begin at 7:00 PM. Admission is free\, and books will be available for purchase at the event \n\n\n\nFeaturing:\n\n\nAudrey Gidman\, Luke Morgan\, Julia Bouwsma\n\n\n\nAbout the Poets:\nLuke Morgan\nLuke Morgan is an Irish poet and filmmaker. He was the recipient of the Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Award 2025\, an award given annually by the University of St. Thomas\, Minnesota. “Blood Atlas”\, his third collection from Arlen House\, was published in 2025 and completed with the assistance of a bursary from The Arts Council of Ireland. His other two collections are “Beast” (2022)\, and “Honest Walls” (2016). As well as poetry\, Luke is also part of an award-winning Irish filmmaker duo\, “Morgan Brothers”\, with his brother\, the composer Jake Morgan. Among their recent work is the film\, “The Boat”\, which was Executive Produced by Brendan Gleeson and longlisted for an Academy Award. He lives and works in Galway\, Ireland.\n\nBooks by Luke Morgan:\nBlood Atlas (2025: Arlen House\, distributed in US by Syracuse University Press)\nBeast (2022: Arlen House\, distributed in US by Syracuse University Press)\nHonest Walls (2016: Arlen House\, distributed in US by Syracuse University Press)\n\n\n\n\nAudrey Gidman\nAudrey Gidman is a queer poet living in the midcoast. She is the author of the chapbooks body psalms (Slate Roof Press\, 2023)\, which won the Elyse Wolf Prize\, and griefnotes (Porkbelly Press\, 2026). She has received fellowships from Out in the Open and Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance\, and her work has been supported by The Sable Project and Vermont Studio Center. She serves as guest editor for Frontier Poetry\, chapbook editor for Newfound\, and occasional manuscript reader for Alice James Books. She is the Poet Laureate of Belfast\, Maine. Connect with her here: audreygidman.substack.com\n\nBooks by Audrey Gidman\nbody psalms (Slate Roof Press\, 2023)\ngriefnotes (Porkbelly Press\, 2026)\n\n\n\nJulia Bouwsma\nJulia Bouwsma lives off-the-grid in the mountains of western Maine where she works as a poet\, homesteader\, editor\, teacher\, and small-town librarian. She is Maine’s sixth Poet Laureate\, currently serving a term from 2021 to 2026\, and is the author of three poetry collections: Death Fluorescence (Sundress Publications\, June 2025)\, Midden (Fordham University Press\, 2018)\, and Work by Bloodlight (Cider Press Review\, 2017). She is also the librettist for the short chamber opera\, Ghost Apples\, created in collaboration with composer Nathan Davis and to be performed by the Halcyon Quartet in the fall of 2025. Bouwsma’s honors include a 2024 Poet Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets and two Maine Literary Awards. Her work can be found in various publications including Ecotone\, Green Mountains Review\, Kenyon Review\, Plume\, and Poetry Daily. She has taught in the Creative Writing department at the University of Maine at Farmington\, serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance\, and works as the Library Director for Webster Library in Kingfield\, ME.\n\nBooks by Julia Bouwsma\nDeath Fluorescence (Sundress Publications\, June 2025)\nMidden (Fordham University Press\, 2018)\nWork by Bloodlight (Cider Press Review\, 2017)\n\n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-poetry-night-2/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Poetry-night-2026-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T210000
DTSTAMP:20260402T222317Z
CREATED:20251031T121416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T222317Z
UID:10000770-1775244600-1775250000@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Paddy Cullivan's 'The Murder of Michael Collins'
DESCRIPTION:Friday April 3rd\, 7:30pm\nDoors open at 7:00pm\n  \nPaddy Cullivan returns to the Maine Irish Heritage Center! Join us for an incredible evening of history\, entertainment\, and good craic. \nGeneral admission tickets are $25 in advance\, or snag priority seating for $35! Don’t wait to get your tickets: general admission goes up at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \nPlease note\, Priority Seating is SOLD OUT! \nABOUT THE SHOW: THE MURDER OF MICHAEL COLLINS\nHistorical Entertainer Paddy Cullivan brings you the incredible story of the death of Ireland’s first Commander-in-Chief. An audio-visual spectacular featuring hundreds of images\, shocking new research and incredible songs\, Paddy dares to unravel the secrets and lies around what happened that fateful day in Béal na mBlath\, 22nd August 1922. \nDid Michael Collins have a secret son in London? Was he really going to keep to the Anglo-Irish Treaty or was he planning to resume the war? If the anti-treaty side shot him\, why did the Free State instigate a massive cover-up? How can one of the most important men in Irish history have no autopsy report\, no investigation\, inquest or even a death cert? And who really shot Michael Collins? Why is there such reticence from certain quarters – to this day – to find out the truth? \nNo less complex or mysterious than the death of JFK and with as many twists and turns\, ‘The Murder of Michael Collins’ is a fascinating rollercoaster ride that will change your perceptions of Irish history forever… \n  \nABOUT THE ARTIST:\nPaddy Cullivan is an acclaimed Irish entertainer renowned for his versatility in music\, comedy and historical storytelling. As frontman of The Camembert Quartet he captivated audiences for 20 years with the band’s unique blend of humor and musical talent. This led to their becoming House Band on the world’s longest running chat show\, the (Irish) ‘Late Late Show’ for over a decade\, along with presenter Ryan Tubridy. \nCullivan’s passion for history is evident in his solo ‘historical entertainment’ shows which he devised and performed since 2016\, including “The Murder of Wolfe Tone” and “The Murder of Michael Collins”. These shows combined storytelling\, music and visuals to explore pivotal events in Irish history. His latest project\, “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Ireland\,” offers an optimistic vision of a future United Ireland\, combining humor and hope to inspire audiences. Paddy Cullivan continues to be a dynamic force in Irish culture\, engaging and educating through his diverse creative endeavours. \nFor more info\, visit https://www.paddycullivan.com/ \n  \nREVIEWS\nA huge hit online\, Paddy has brought this mind-blowing solo show to the stage – here are just some of the reviews… \n★★★★★ \n‘Mesmerising stuff – a complicated story\, brilliantly told.’ – Ronan McGreevy (Irish Times) \n★★★★★ \n‘Agatha Christie meets Monty Python – a century-year-old mystery with the best form of comedy; tinged with unpalatable truth’ – Oliver Callan \n★★★★★ \n‘Begging for the live stage – superb job’ – Erskine Childers \n★★★★★ \n‘This is worth watching for the tune about mediocre Irish political leaders through the ages alone! ‘Safe Pair of Hands’ – instant classic.’ – Tadhg Hickey (online political comedy genius) \n★★★★★ \n‘In awe of the research you have done\, the way you have put the story together and presented it.’ – Mags Amond (Trinity College School of Education) \n★★★★★ \n‘Great show Paddy\, scholarly and entertaining’ – Mick O’Dea (Former RHA President) \n★★★★★ \n‘A must watch for anyone interested in Irish history and politics’ – Dr. Wayne O’Brien (Northumbia University) \n★★★★★ \n‘Amazing work – hard history told with a light touch. Comhghairdeas’ – Mary Lou McDonald (President of Sinn Fein) \n★★★★★ \n‘Greatest show on the Emerald Isle!…essential viewing for the price of Dublin pint!’ – Sean Napier (The 1798 Belfast walking tour) \n\n \n\nSupport for Paddy Cullivan’s tour comes in part from Culture Ireland
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/paddy-cullivans-the-murder-of-michael-collins/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Paddy-Cullivan-MOMC-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T100000
DTSTAMP:20251230T185418Z
CREATED:20251230T185418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T185418Z
UID:10000822-1773736200-1773741600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:St. Patrick's Day West End Walk
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a celebratory walk through the West End\, and an Irish flag raising in Harborview park! We will gather in the Function Room before ringing our historic bell to kick off our walk. Followed by tea and Irish bread at the Center to warm up and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! \nThis event is free for all to attend!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/st-patricks-day-west-end-walk-2026/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/St.-Patricks-Day-West-End-Walk-2026.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260315T160000
DTSTAMP:20260311T201856Z
CREATED:20260129T173335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T201856Z
UID:10000828-1773579600-1773590400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Maine Irish Heritage Center
DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, March 15th\n1pm-4pm\n\nJoin us after the IAC St. Patrick’s Day Parade over at the Maine Irish Heritage Center for a sham-rocking good time! \nCelebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music\, dance\, food\, and family-friendly fun at the Maine Irish Heritage Center! This annual community celebration brings together traditional Irish culture\, local performers\, and festive activities for all ages inside our historic building. \nEvent Schedule\n1:00–3:00 PM – Live music with Jim Sharkey\n2:00–2:30 PM – Photo opportunities with Saint Patrick\n3:00–3:45 PM – Performance by Stillson School of Irish Dance\n3:45–4:00 PM – Raffle winners announced \n(times subject to change) \nAvailable Throughout the Event\n\nTraditional Irish Bake Sale – Enjoy a selection of homemade Irish and Irish-inspired treats prepared by community volunteers\, including breads\, sweets\, and seasonal favorites. Items will be available for purchase while supplies last.\nBar Serving Irish Classics – The bar will feature a curated menu of Irish beer\, cider\, and Irish Coffee\, along with non-alcoholic options.\nBook and Rummage Sale in the Library – Browse a wide assortment of gently used books\, Irish literature\, music\, and unique finds. Proceeds support ongoing programs\, archives\, and preservation efforts.\nKids’ Crafts and Activities With Jennifer Comeau – Family-friendly craft stations and hands-on activities designed to introduce children to Irish culture through creativity and play.\nGuided Sanctuary Tours – Step inside the historic sanctuary for informal tours highlighting the building’s architecture\, history\, and its role in Portland’s Irish community.\n\nCheck out our Food Trucks!\nNoble BBQ\nServing slow-smoked meats and classic barbecue sides\, Noble BBQ brings bold flavors and hearty comfort food perfect for a winter celebration. Learn more: noblepizzaandbbq.com \nCheese the Day\nOffering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with creative combinations\, plus vegetarian-friendly options and warm comfort-food favorites. Learn more: www.cheesethedayme.com \nFred’s Fried Dough\nFreshly made fried dough served hot with a variety of sweet toppings\, delivering a classic festival treat for all ages. Learn more: www.facebook.com/fredsfrieddough/ \nPlot Twist Pretzels\nHandcrafted soft pretzels with both savory and sweet flavor twists\, paired with house-made dips and sauces. Learn more: www.facebook.com/plottwistpretzels/ \n \nMore about our Kids Corner with Jen Comeau!\nAuthor\, Songwriter\, and Storyteller Jennifer Comeau is excited to read and lead a call-and-response song from her children’s book\, “The Inside of ME\,” which features nine special outdoor places in Maine. She also has a crafty game she wants to share: Create Me a Story\, where families or groups draw 3 characters\, 2 places\, and 3 objects. Using these prompts\, together\, they create a story! Expect laughter\, props\, mischief\, broken rules\, and always a “happily ever after” ending!\n\n\nAbout Jennifer:\n\nOf Irish descent\, anything connected with creativity\, storytelling\, singing\, and laughter is Jennifer Comeau’s jam. She inspires humans big and small to remember their connection with the rest of the natural world. A certified Forest Therapy Guide\, singer-songwriter\, and author-speaker\, Jen is published in four anthologies. Her children’s book\, “The Inside of ME” won a Nautilus Gold for Books that Change the World and received a 5-star rating from Reader Views. Her debut novel\, A Moon in All Things—a heroine’s journey to reclaim the old nature ways—[2025 12Willows Press]—was a finalist in the Independent Author Network’s Best Book of the Year contest and received 5 stars from IndieReader Reviewhouse. Jen has produced two albums of original music. \nWebsite: www.jennifercomeau.com Email: jen@jennifercomeau.com \n\n  \n  \n  \nJoin us for an afternoon of music\, tradition\, and community as we celebrate Irish heritage together. This event is family-friendly and open to all. \n  \nFor more information on the parade\, click HERE!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/st-patricks-day-celebration-at-the-maine-irish-heritage-center-2026/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/St.-Patricks-Day-at-the-Maine-Irish-Heritage-Center-2026-banner-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T190000
DTSTAMP:20260302T165134Z
CREATED:20260119T192542Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T165134Z
UID:10000826-1772989200-1772996400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Shalom and Shamrocks: an Irish-Jewish Corned Beef Feast (SOLD OUT)
DESCRIPTION:This event is SOLD OUT!\nSunday\, March 8\, 2026 \n5:00 PM\nAt the Maine Irish Heritage Center\nIrish corned beef dinner or Jewish corned beef sandwich on rye? Why choose one when you can have both? \nJoin the Maine Jewish Museum and the Maine Irish Heritage Center for our second annual Shalom & Shamrocks\, a festive\, flavor-forward evening celebrating shared foodways\, music\, and immigrant histories — bringing together the luck of the Irish and the chutzpah of the Jews for a joyful night in Portland. \nWhat’s on the menu (literally):\nCorned beef\, cabbage\, and colcannon alongside a Jewish deli buffet — plus red ale and Dr. Brown’s.\nAnd for dessert? Guinness brownies and black-and-white cookies\, because Irish-Jewish harmony is sweet. \nThe story behind the feast:\nDid you know the iconic Irish corned beef dinner has Jewish roots? \nIn the early 20th century\, Irish and Jewish immigrants often lived side by side in American cities. Irish immigrants noticed that the corned beef enjoyed by their Jewish neighbors was similar to bacon — but cheaper and more accessible. Kosher butchers\, in fact\, counted nearly as many Irish customers as Jewish ones. \nIn that spirit\, Shalom & Shamrocks brings together people of all backgrounds to celebrate shared immigrant experiences through food\, music\, and memory\, right here in Portland. \nLive music & special guests\n\nKlezmer musicians\nWill Woodson (flute\, uilleann pipes) & Cait Finley (fiddle)\, performing dynamic Irish music rooted in early-20th-century Irish-American traditions\nSpecial appearance by Hasia R. Diner\, author of Hungering for America\, exploring Italian\, Irish\, and Jewish foodways in the age of migration\n\n???? Expect sparky tunes\, deep roots\, and a room full of joy. \nTickets\n\n$60 — General admission\n$100 — Supporter ticket (helps fund future programs like this)\n\n????️ Space is limited — and we sold out last year — so don’t wait! \nTickets go on sale at 10:00am on Monday\, January 26th! \nAbout the Artists:\nHasia R. Diner \nHasia R. Diner is Professor Emerita at the Departments of History and the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University\, and Director of the Goldstein-Goren Center for American Jewish History. She is the former series editor for our Goldstein-Goren series in American Jewish History. Among her many books are Hungering for America: Italian\, Irish and Jewish Foodways in the Age of Migration\, The Jews of the United States\, 1654 to 2000\, We Remember With Reverence and Love: American Jews and the Myth of Silence after the Holocaust\, 1945–1962\, and Immigration: An American History\, with Carl Bon Tempo. \nWill Woodson & Cait Finley \nWill Woodson (flute\, uilleann pipes) and Cait Finley (fiddle) 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. In 2019\, the two recorded their debut album\, “The Glory Reel” alongside box player and piano accompanist Chris “Junior” Stevens\, which Dan Neely of the Irish Echo called “a fabulous album from three of Irish America’s finest.” During the pandemic years\, the two made “The Phonograph Project”\, a Patreon-supported series examining 78 recordings of traditional Irish music made in New York City in the 1920s and 30s. More recently\, they’ve made musical appearances at the St. Louis Tionól\, the Patrick J. Touhey Memorial Weekend in Boston and the Ward Archives “Archiving Irish America” conference in Milwaukee. Cait and Will live in Portland\, Maine\, and host a regular weekly session at The Continental that starts at 8 pm on Sundays. You can find them online at woodsonfinley.com. \nKlezmer Musicians \nThe Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine has hosted a monthly Klezmer Open Jam Session since May 2023. Sponsored by the JCA and led by members of the Maine’s very own klezmer band\, the Casco Bay Tummlers\, it has proven to be popular with local musicians – of all levels – interested in the music of eastern European Jewry. We have an average attendance of 15-25\, so there’s room for you\, too! All instruments and singers are welcome.  Or just come to listen and enjoy the heimish vibe! (Check out www.mainejewish.org/jcaevents for more info). \nThe Casco Bay Tummlers have been moving audiences – in their hearts and on their feet – for well over 30 years in southern Maine and beyond. We are very happy that we are still performing and playing for all sorts of celebrations and delighted to have the opportunity to share our love of this music through the JCA’s jam sessions. For more information on the band\, visit cascobaytummlers.com. All four of our albums are available at cascobaytummlers.bandcamp.com and on most of your favorite streaming platforms. \n  \nThis event is generously sponsored by The Holiday Inn by the Bay!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/shalom-and-shamrocks-2026/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Shalom-and-Shamrocks-banner-UPDATED.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260306T213000
DTSTAMP:20260306T222538Z
CREATED:20260112T171822Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T222538Z
UID:10000824-1772825400-1772832600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Paul Byrom LIVE in Concert
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 6th\n7:30pm\nDoors open at 7:00pm\n***Meet & Greet after the Show!***\nFollowing the huge success of his 40 city tour with Celtic Thunder\, original member\, Paul Byrom returns to America this March with his own solo tour “Songs From Home”. Performing many fan favourites from his 8 solo albums and telling endless amounts of stories in between. This is a concert like no other. So whether it’s songs such as Danny Boy\, You Raise Me Up\, Irelands Call or Isle Of Hope\, this is a show that will take you on a journey to the isle across the sea. General Admission tickets are only $40\, or score yourself early access to a meet and greet with Paul for only $55! \nGet your tickets now: CLICK HERE!\n \nAbout Paul\n\n  \n\nPaul Byrom is considered by many to be one of Ireland’s finest crossover tenors. Starting in the business at a very young age\, the Dublin-born singer has been in the music industry for over 30 years. Paul has performed in a wide range of productions\, from operas and oratorio to recitals and in particular\, musical theatre. \nAfter releasing his first album at age 14 (The Golden Voice of Paul Byrom)\, Paul got a taste for recording studios and soon became a recording artist. Subsequently\, he recorded his first major album as a tenor (VELVET)\, in 2005 and swiftly followed this with his first Christmas album (I’ll Be Home for Christmas) in 2008. \nThis has led to many appearances on Irish television and national radio stations. \nPaul is also very fond of acting and made his onscreen debut in Ireland’s longest-running soap\, “FAIR CITY” where he appeared regularly as Maurice the chef for a short stint. \nHis talent as a singer has taken him far and wide\, and some of his many career highlights include performing for dignitaries such as Emperor Akihito of Japan\, former Irish Presidents Mary McAleese and Mary Robinson\, and more recently\,  United States President Barack Obama. \nIn 2007\, Paul was approached to become one of the original soloists in the hit show Celtic Thunder. He toured America\, Canada and Australia with the group and had six No. 1 World Billboard Chart albums with the group. This allowed Paul to perform on many international TV shows including “The Today Show.” \nAfter leaving the production in 2010 to continue his solo career\, his subsequent album (This is the Moment) debuted at No. 1 on the World Billboard charts and was shortlisted for a Grammy nomination. \nThis has led to a successful solo touring career and he now performs his shows regularly throughout Ireland\, North America and Canada. In 2013\, Paul filmed his first solo TV special for Public Television\, called “This is the Moment Live”\, with his orchestra. It has aired throughout the United States\, Canada\, Australia and indeed at home here in Ireland. Paul followed this up with his 6th studio album\, (Thinking of Home) which reached the top of the iTunes\, Amazon and World Billboard charts and features two of his own\, original songs. He has been named IRISH TENOR OF THE YEAR by the Irish Music Association on two separate occasions. \nPaul is an avid sports fan and has been invited regularly over the past 15 years to perform the anthem for the Boston Celtics and again recently he did this on his past tour. He has also performed at six All-Ireland Finals\, and at many international rugby games including a recent performance for the Ireland v England game in Dublin. He was hugely honoured to be the official voice on “Ireland’s Call” for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 which has now been streamed over 3 million times. \nDespite 2020 being a catastrophic year for many in the music and entertainment business\, Paul released his biggest album to date with a full 65 piece orchestra (What I Did for Love). The album showcases Paul in his best light. What I Did For Love is his most crossover album to date and debuted in the top ten IMRO charts and no.1 on iTunes. \nPaul’s latest album BY CONTRAST  is as the title suggests\, completely different to the previous\, in that it is an acoustic album with some of his favourite Irish and crossover songs on it. \n2025 has picked up where he left off with a recent tour of North America and will be returning to Celtic Thunder this Autumn after 15 years to tour with them for two months across America. \nLearn more at https://paulbyrom.ie/
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/paul-byrom-live-in-concert/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Paul-Byrom-March-26-banner-.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260301T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260301T170000
DTSTAMP:20251230T183928Z
CREATED:20251230T183410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T183928Z
UID:10000820-1772366400-1772384400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Irish Day at the Maine Celtics
DESCRIPTION:Maine Celtics vs. Windy City Bulls\n\n\n\nMarch 1st\, 2026 at 12:00 PM\n\n\n\nPortland Exposition Building\, 239 Park Ave\, Portland\, ME 04102\n\n\n\nPurchase Deadline: Feb 15\, 2026 11:59 PM EST\n\nThe Maine Celtics are excited to host the Maine Irish Heritage Center on March 1 at 12 PM as we take on the Windy City Bulls at the Portland Expo! All tickets purchased through this special ticket offer will include a FREE Maine Celtics Hat! \n*$5 from every ticket purchased will be donated back to the Maine Irish Heritage Center! \nYou will receive an order confirmation email from letsgo@fevo.com immediately after your purchase. All tickets are mobile. All sales are final. \nYou will receive an email before the game with instructions on how to pick up your free hats at the game. \nGet your tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/MIHC25
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/irish-day-at-the-maine-celtics/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Irish-Day-at-the-Maine-Celtics.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260206T213000
DTSTAMP:20251230T180228Z
CREATED:20251230T180228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T180228Z
UID:10000819-1770406200-1770413400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Brian Conway & Brendan Dolan Live in Concert
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, February 6th\n7:30pm\nDoors open 7:00pm\nJoin us for an evening of incredible music from two legendary artists: Brian Conway and Brendan Dolan! Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in some traditional Irish tunes. General Admission tickets are $25\, or you can snag priority seating for just $35! Don’t wait – General Admission prices go up at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \nAbout the Artists:\nBrian Conway:\nNew York born fiddler Brian Conway is a leading exponent of the tastefully ornamented Sligo fiddling style made famous by the late Michael Coleman. The winner of two All- Ireland junior titles in 1973 and 1974 and the All-Ireland senior championship of 1986\, Brian’s early studies were with his father Jim of Plumbridge\, County Tyrone and with Limerick born fiddler/teacher Martin Mulvihill. However\, it was the legendary fiddler and composer Martin Wynne who taught him the real secrets of the County Sligo style. Later\, Brian met and befriended the great Andy McGann of New York\, a direct student of Michael Coleman\, who further shaped his precision and skill on the instrument. \nIn 1979\, Brian recorded a duet album\, The Apple In Winter (Green Linnet) with fellow New York fiddler Tony Demarco. He released his debut solo CD\, First Through the Gate\, on the Smithsonian-Folkways label in July 2002. This CD was voted the Album of the Year by the Irish Echo. Brian is also featured on the CD\, My Love is in America\, recorded at the Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival\, and on the documentary “Shore to Shore” which highlights traditional Irish music in New York. He is considered one of the musical rocks of the New York area. \nIn 2007\, Brian released a CD titled A Tribute to Andy McGann on the prestigious Irish Label Cló Iar-Chonnachta. This CD pairs up Irish Music legends Joe Burke and Felix Dolan along with Brian in a CD which has received glowing accolades since its release in the summer of 2007. Brian followed this CD with a much-anticipated Solo CD titled “Consider the Source” in deference to the rich environment from which Brian learned his music. This CD was released in 2008 on the Cló Iar-Chonnachta Label. This CD features guest appearances by music greats Niamh Parsons\, Dan Milner\, Billy McComiskey\, Joannie Madden\, Felix Dolan\, and Brendan Dolan. Earle Hitchner of the Irish Echo described this CD as “Easily one of the best releases this year.” Brian followed up that recording with the highly acclaimed Pride of New York\, and last year\, in 2017\, recorded with the group Gailfean\, featuring John Whelan\, Mairtin DeCogain and Don Penzien. \nBrian remains faithful to the rich tradition handed down to him. The distinctness of his tone\, the lift of his playing\, and the deft ornamentation he brings to the tunes have placed him among the finest Irish fiddlers of any style\, Sligo or otherwise. He has performed all over North America from San Francisco to New York and places in between\, such as Chicago\, Milwaukee and Colorado. His talents have also been enthusiastically received throughout Ireland and the rest of Europe. He is also considered one of the premier instructors of traditional Irish music who has mentored many fine fiddle players\, including several who have gone on to win All-Ireland championships. \nLearn more at www.brianconway.com \n“Certainly one of the finest Irish-American musician fiddlers…”\n– Dirty Linen Magazine  \nIrish Echo’s Top Trad Artist for 2008 \nBrendan Dolan:\nBrendan is the son of legendary pianist\, Felix Dolan\, and set dancer\, Joan Dolan. Brendan learned his music from his parents while growing up in Golden’s Bridge\, NY. playing frequently at events with their neighbors\, Eugene and Celia Clancy and their children at Irish events around Westchester County.  While at college at Brown University\, Brendan connected with local musicians in Providence\, Rhode Island and became passionate about the music.  With New York transplant\, Jimmy Devine and his student Tina Lech\, Brendan began playing ceilis and occasional sessions with the Providence Ceili Club.  After graduation\, Brendan starting playing regular ceilis with accordionist Kevin Killeen at St. Mary’s in Woodside where he was encouraged by accordion great\, Gerry Lynch. \nThroughout the 1990s\, Brendan worked in advertising and played ceilis\, sessions and concerts on the weekends\, most often with accordionist\, Patty Furlong and Mayo native fiddler\, Fiona Doherty.  At the same time\, Brendan regularly played for dance competitions along with his father throughout the year. \nDuring this time\, Brendan learned the whistle and the flute from his father and from the great flute players\, Joanie Madden and Catherine McEvoy.  He got to know and play with many of the great New York musicians such as Eamon O’Leary\, Patrick Ourceau and Dana Lyn playing sessions at places like Mona’s and The Scratcher. \nIn the late 90s\, Brendan went back to school to study music at SUNY New Paltz and music education at Queens College.  After teaching at St. John’s Preparatory School in Astoria and at Franklin Central School in Franklin\, NY\, Brendan began teaching Irish music at the Mineola Irish Center and the New York Irish Center in Long Island City. He also started teaching and coaching groups in the Pearl River assisting the great musicians and teachers\, Rose Flanagan\, Margie Mulvihill and Patty Furlong. \nAfter earning a Master’s degree in Irish Studies at NYU\, Brendan spent the next three years as the main archivist on the Mick Moloney Irish-American Music and Popular Culture Collection. \nHe is currently Music Director at Avenues: The World School in Manhattan\, while continuing to play and teach Irish music. \nOver the years\, Brendan has recorded with Patrick Ourceau\, Patty Furlong\, Kathy Ludlow and Mary Coogan\, Billy McComiskey\, Brian Conway\, Mick Moloney and The Green Fields of America and the Pride of New York\, of which he is a member. \nBrendan also taught at the Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins West Virginia\, and continues to teach at the Irish Arts Week in East Durham\, New York. \n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/brian-conway-and-brendan-dolan/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Brian-Conway-Brendan-Dolan-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260203T203000
DTSTAMP:20260115T175720Z
CREATED:20260112T165718Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260115T175720Z
UID:10000823-1770143400-1770150600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Author Talk: Betsy Cornwell
DESCRIPTION:In conversation with Patrisha McLean\nTuesday\, February 3rd\, 2026\n6:30pm\nDoors open at 6:00pm\n  \nJoin us for another Brigid’s Day program: a Maine Irish Author Talk with Betsy Cornwell! Focusing on her new memoir\, “Ring of Salt\,” Betsy will be in conversation with Patrisha McLean\, founder of Finding our Voices. We will have books for sale (and signing!) at the event from Print: A Bookstore! \n  \nAbout the Author:\nBetsy Cornwell is a New York Times bestselling author of six novels and founder of The Old Knitting Factory\, an arts residency and retreat space for single parents in Connemara. She holds an MFA in creative writing from the University of Notre Dame and a BA from Smith College\, and currently teaches at the University of Galway. She serves as a mentor for the Irish Writers Centre and was the first recipient of their Blue Mountains (Australia) Residency in 2023. \nLearn more here: https://www.betsycornwell.com/about \n  \n\n\nAbout the Book:\n“Extraordinarily moving\, exquisitely written and socially revolutionary”—The Irish Times \n“Ring of Salt is so vast and tender and urgent\, it’s almost like reading a novel. I couldn’t put it down. I haven’t cheered for a heroine like Betsy in ages.” —Jen Hatmaker\, author of Awake \nFor readers of Maggie Smith and Stephanie Land\, an inspiring and lyrical memoir about a writer and mother who flees an abusive marriage and must learn to reclaim the story of her life through a search for home on Ireland’s wild\, western coast. \nAt twenty-four\, Betsy Cornwell runs away to Ireland for a fresh start. Leaving behind a painful past\, she chases her dream of becoming a novelist to the misty shores of the Aran Islands. There she meets a handsome and charming horse trainer\, and her life takes on the glow of a fairy tale when they elope to Gretna Green. \nFive years later\, her happy ending has twisted into a nightmare. Betsy is trapped in an abusive marriage\, isolated and afraid with a newborn baby. On her son’s first birthday\, she must flee home again\, this time turning to the women around her—her local survivor support group\, a trusted family friend\, and an online Smith College alumnae network—for help she’d never known she could ask for. \nAfter a brush with homelessness\, she struggles to scrape together a living for herself and her son. On sleepless nights\, she scrolls through real estate listings that might as well be castles in the air\, and starts to foster an impossible dream: What if she could use her writing to buy a home\, one that no one could take away from her and her baby? One that might become a haven\, not just for her family\, but other single parent artists and writers\, too? \nWhen she discovers a historic knitting factory and former cinema on Ireland’s rugged Connemara coastline\, left empty and crumbling for years\, that precarious dream becomes her lifeline. Over the next two years she works to crowdfund the old knitting factory’s purchase by sharing its story and her own\, in candid posts that range from the unexpectedly steep learning curves she encounters with home renovations and internet dating\, to her heartbreaking fight to keep custody of her son\, with her growing online community. But as the deadline to buy nears\, she realizes she will have to reckon with everything she believes about family\, survival\, and what happily-ever-after truly means for her dream to have any chance of coming true. \nRing of Salt combines a powerful and relatable narrative of survivorship and healing with lush writing about the windswept landscapes and rich mythology of rural Ireland to craft a real-world fairy tale about the ordinary\, but no less life-changing\, forms of magic we can all access: vulnerability\, community\, and the power of telling your own story. \n\nAbout Patrisha McLean:\nPatrisha McLean is the Founder+CEO of the grassroots nonprofit Finding Our Voices which is breaking the silence of domestic abuse across Maine.. She is also the host of the Let’s Talk About It podcast that is conversations with survivors of domestic abuse\, and an online book club featuring authors talking about the domestic abuse in their books\, lives\, countries. \nBetsy Cornwell is the guest of the online Finding Our Voices Book Club on March 24 at 1 p.m. Info and sign-up is here: https://findingourvoices.net/book-club \n  \nAbout Finding Our Voices:\nFinding Our Voices is the grassroots nonprofit breaking the silence of domestic abuse across Maine as well as providing resources and peer-support to women survivors. Its programs include preventive and educational outreach to students; access to donated dental care; financial assistance; and online support groups and Healing Together retreats. For more information visit https://findingourvoices.net \n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-author-talk-betsy-cornwell/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:book-talk
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ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T163000
DTSTAMP:20260129T155735Z
CREATED:20251222T185329Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T155735Z
UID:10000817-1769956200-1769963400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Multigenerational Writing Workshop with Irish Author Áine Greaney
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with The Telling Room!\nSunday\, February 1st\n2:30-4:30pm\nAll are welcome\, entry is free!\nJoin us at the Center for an exciting afternoon of storytelling and reflection with acclaimed Irish author Áine Greaney\, in partnership with The Telling Room. This multigenerational writing workshop invites participants to come just as they are—no prior writing experience required! \nRooted in the spirit of Imbolc\, this session will explore themes of looking back and looking forward\, drawing inspiration from personal memory\, family stories\, and hopes for the season ahead. The workshop will include guided writing prompts\, followed by an optional sharing circle. Áine will also share selections from her own work\, alongside participants who wish to read aloud. \nDesigned for middle schoolers and up\, this program is ideal for individuals\, families\, and friends who want to write together across generations. Expect an encouraging\, accessible environment that centers voice\, story\, and connection. All are welcome\, however\, and we will have activities for any young friends who may not be ready to engage in the writing but wish to attend! \nDetails:\n???? At the Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray Street\, Portland Maine\n???? 2:30–4:30 PM\nCoffee\, tea\, hot cocoa\, juice\, and light snacks will be provided! \nThis is a special opportunity to take a workshop with Áine Greaney and engage directly with an internationally published Irish writer in an intimate\, community-centered setting. \nAbout Áine Greaney: \nÁine Greaney grew up on a small farm in County Mayo\, Ireland. In the late 1980s\, she joined the 200\,000 (approximately) young Irish who left their native land to emigrate to the U.S.\, the U.K. and elsewhere. \nGreaney’s fifth published book\, “Trespassers and Other Stories” was released in spring 2025 and is now available to order from the publisher and wherever good books are sold. Trespassers is a transatlantic collection of literary stories about characters (mostly women) who feel perpetually displaced or stuck in misfit places. \nIn America\, Greaney’s work has been cited in “Best American Essays\,” and her second novel\, “Dance Lessons” was named a “great group read” by the Women’s National Book Association. Her essay\, “Sanctuary” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. \nIn addition to her books (Simon & Schuster\, Writers Digest/Penguin Random House\, Syracuse UP)\, her essays\, features and stories have appeared in Creative Nonfiction\, The Boston Globe Magazine\, The New York Times\, Books Ireland\, KevinMD\, Another Chicago Magazine\, NPR’s WBUR Radio\, Salon\, The Mindful Word\, IMAGE Magazine\, The Irish Times\, The Wisdom Daily\, Pulse: Voices from the Heart of Medicine\, Tendon\, Johns Hopkins Center for Medical Humanities and many other publications. \nA trained teacher with a master’s degree in English and certified in leading expressive writing workshops\, she has designed and led creative and wellness writing events for 20+ years. \nLearn more about Aine Greaney: https://www.ainegreaney.com/ \nAbout the Telling Room: \nThe Telling Room was founded in 2004 by three writers—Sara Corbett\, Mike Paterniti\, and Susan Conley—who imagined that getting in touch with the youth of Portland and their stories could be like putting your ear to a seashell and hearing the whole ocean. They were right! \nEnthusiasm and demand for our programs grew exponentially—The Telling Room now works with over 2\,500 young writers each year\, reaching students and teachers from over 50 schools and serving more than 100 communities across the state of Maine annually. \nOur accomplishments have been recognized with awards and major funding from the National Endowment for the Arts\, the Maine Alliance for Arts Education’s Imagination Intensive Communities program\, Maine Arts Commission\, and the Maine Humanities Council among many others. \nIn November 2015\, our Young Writers & Leaders program won a prestigious National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award as one of the top 12 youth arts and humanities programs in the nation. In 2024\, we were awarded the Golden Apple Award by the Maine Education Association. \nLearn more about the amazing organization and the programs they offer here: https://www.tellingroom.org \n  \nGenerously Sponsored by Holiday Inn by the Bay!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/multigenerational-writing-workshop-with-irish-author-aine-greaney/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Telling-Room-Writers-Workshop-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260201T140000
DTSTAMP:20260128T150947Z
CREATED:20260112T175950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T150947Z
UID:10000825-1769950800-1769954400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Women in Social Services Panel
DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, February 1st\n1:00pm-2:00pm\nJoin us for an incredible and lively panel discussion on Women in Social Services in honor of  Brigid’s Day. We will be joined by a group of phenomenal panelists who will discuss their experiences and the current healthcare climate. \nThere will be light food and warm beverages available for purchase. All are welcome for this free event! \nOur Panelists:\nCatherine Cooper\, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for VA Maine\nCatherine Cooper is a clinical social worker with more than 25 years of human services experience. She currently serves as VA Maine’s Program Manager for the Suicide Prevention Program and has been in this role since August 1\, 2022. Previously she was an Emergency Department Social Worker in Massachusetts and has held a variety of leadership positions for agencies serving adults with disabilities\, unhoused individuals and children involved in the child welfare system. Catherine also maintains a small\, part-time private practice as a therapist. She lives with her spouse and their cat in the 1840’s house of their dreams in Augusta. \nHannah Longley\, Clinician and Critical Incident Responder\, Dochas Wellness\nHannah Longley\, LCSW is a mental health clinician\, educator\, and advocate with nearly two decades of experience in crisis intervention\, trauma-informed care\, and statewide systems development. She is the Owner of Dochas Wellness\, LLC\, providing mental health training\, consultation\, and specialized support to organizations and communities across Maine. Hannah serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Central Maine Community College\, where she teaches public safety\, psychology\, and sociology courses and contributes to workforce development in crisis response.\nPreviously\, she was Director of Advocacy and Crisis Intervention at NAMI Maine\, leading statewide training initiatives\, advancing Platinum-level Crisis Intervention Teams\, managing state and federal grants\, and advocating for mental health policy and crisis system reform. Her earlier work includes leadership roles in crisis services and serving as Psychological Health Coordinator for the Maine Army National Guard. Hannah is nationally recognized for her work in law enforcement–mental health collaboration and has received multiple state and national awards. She holds a BA in Psychology from Wheaton College and an MSW from Boston College\nMary Ann Folley\, School social worker\, Bonny Eagle Middle School\nMary Ann Folley\, LCSW. I graduated with my master’s degree in Social Work concentration Child Welfare\, in 2003 from the University of Vermont. While in graduate school\, I started with grassroots social work\, working as a residential counselor for Northeastern Family Institute NFI. Upon graduation\, I went to work for SRS (current day DCF) in Vermont. I remained in that position in Vermont until 2009 when I moved to Maine. I worked for DHHS in Biddeford Maine from 2009 until 2015. After the death of my college friend and colleague Lara Sobel in Vermont\, I began to question the safety of my position. Lara was shot and killed in the parking lot of the DCF office I worked at\, by an angry parent. That same weekend\, a friend and principal at Bonny Eagle Middle School reached out and asked if I would apply for a job at his middle school. Although my heart lay with children in foster care\, I took the chance and got the job. This is my 10th year with Bonny Eagle Middle school as their General Education Social Worker. This means any student\, whether they have a special education identification or not\, can meet with me. We also have 2 other dedicated Special education social workers in our building.  I pull from all of my social work experience and schooling in each position I have held.  I thoroughly enjoy working with students in some of the most challenging schooling years of their life. If I can be a blip on their radar\, that they recall with fondness then I have done my job. \nKiley Wilkens-O’Brien\, Public health strategist\, death doula\, and leader in suicide prevention\, postvention\, and crisis system reform\, Covenstead\nKiley Wilkens-O’Brien is a public health strategist\, death doula\, and nationally recognized leader in suicide prevention\, postvention\, and crisis system reform. Her work bridges frontline care and systems change\, grounded in a deep commitment to dignity\, consent\, and meaning-making. She has led the development of Maine’s Suicide Mortality Review initiative\, supported the launch of 988 and oversaw creation of novel community-based crisis services\, such as the Living Room Crisis Center and Children’s Behavioral Health Urgent Care. She advises state and national partners on ethical\, person-centered approaches to distress. Through her community practice\, Covenstead\, she creates spaces for honest conversations about grief\, survival\, and the realities of being human.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/women-in-social-services-panel/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
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ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
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