Irish Counsel General visits Cultural Center Date: 3/2/2017 WEST SPRINGFIELD – In what was once an essentially abandoned building, a memorial to the accomplishments of Irish immigrants is about to begin a new chapter.
On Feb. 24, board members of the Irish Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts (ICC) welcomed Fionnuala Quinlan, the Boston Irish Consul General, for a preview of the facility that should open to members within the next two weeks.
ICC Board President Sean Cahillane explained to Reminder Publications much work had to be done to the former Elks Club on Morgan Road. The first phase of the project has been completed with offices on the building first floor and an Irish pub/restaurant on the lower lever.
The second phase will be the creation of a museum area and a performance center. Cahillane said in order for those areas to come online an elevator must be installed to make the building accessible to the disabled.
He said there would be a “good long rest from phase one” before work on phase two begins.
The pub area takes up most of the footprint of the lower level with huge picture windows overlooking the playing field in the rear of the building. Cahillane said the ICC undertook a 20 year-lease of the building from the city.
The pub with warm woods and stained glass resembles an Irish pub. Cahillane pointed out the bar even has a “snug,” a closed in area where traditionally women could enjoy a drink in relative private.
The bar area is called “The Trinity Pub,” although Cahillane said not for possible obvious reasons such as Trinity College, Dublin or the Holy Trinity. Instead the name honors the three volunteers who designed and built the area: Bev Brown, William Cary and Dan McGrath.
Delaney House Executive Chef Michael Corduff, who was attending the visit from Quinlan, is involved in the food service for the pub, Cahillane added. He called the pub “more like a fancy Dublin restaurant – like an Irish version of The Fort.”
Irish performers are expected to make the pub a regular part of their touring circuit, he added.
Cahillane explained the not-for-profit ICC is in partnership with the city on the development of part of the 22 acres on which the building sits. He explained a grant the city received to build nature trails through the property would create a pedestrian link to both the high and middle schools. A playing field is planned that can be used for adult rugby, Gaelic football and little league soccer, he added. The ICC is planning to build an Irish thatched cottage on the grounds as part of the museum.
The ICC, originally founded in 1999, has received “wide, wide support from the Irish community of Western New England,” Cahillane said. Numerous people have donated books and other artifacts that illustrate Irish culture, he added.
Cahillane views the ICC as “a monument from the Irish community for the next 100 years.”
Local officials praised the ICC. State Sen. James Welch sees it as a “great economic development project.” He added, “It’s centrally located and will draw from other communities.”
Mayor William Reichelt recalled how the building was in poor condition with broken windows and a heating system that didn’t work. He explained the city was considering demolition before the ICC made a bid.
“It’s an incredible feat to have it finally accomplished,” Reichelt said of the ICC.
Quinlan praised the facility and said, “It feels like an Irish pub.”
Cahillane said the ICC is inviting people to join as a member with various levels of support starting $75 annually. For more information, go to www.IrishCenter.wne.org.
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