Category: Special Events

Executive Committee Elections 2027

At the October 9th Membership Meeting the following members were announced as candidates for the 2027 Executive Committee. Election will be held on Sunday December 6th from 12-6pm. Please remember to bring your GAC Membership Card (the white scrip/key card) when voting.

BIOS

Kathryn Murphy O’Donnell
Candidate for President

Kathryn is honored to be nominated for the position of Executive Committee President. A graduate of Fairfield University, Kathryn brings nearly 30 years of experience in capital markets banking, offering a robust financial, analytical, and organizational skill set to the committee. An active and proven community leader, she currently serves on the board of the Back Yard Beekeepers Association. Her extensive governance experience also includes tenures on the Patterson Club’s Finance Committee, the St. Thomas Aquinas HSA School Board, and active membership in the Greenfield Hill Garden Club.

Raised as the youngest of seven children, Kathryn holds a lifelong appreciation for her Irish heritage. For years, the Gaelic American Club has provided her family with an excellent resource for passing along this love of Irish culture to her three children—Deaglan, Ronan, and Maeve—through traditional music, dance, literature, and Gaelic sports. Kathryn and her husband, Michael, enjoy spending time on the west coast of Ireland, where they are currently renovating their pre-Famine farmhouse on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula.

Faith Maciver
Candidate for President

I am running for President again because I believe my experience, leadership, financial expertise, dedication, and continued involvement have prepared me to serve our membership again and help guide the Gaelic American Club into the future.

Over the years, I have devoted countless hours to our Club through leadership and volunteer service. I have served on the Executive Committee as President, Vice President and Financial Secretary, as well as on the Audit Committee. These roles have given me a strong understanding of the Club’s operations, finances, and responsibilities, preparing me to make informed decisions that support our long-term success. During my last term as President along with the Executive Committee, we were able to bring our Club’s finances back to solid ground, enabling the last two Executive Committees to carry that forward. We were able to increase Membership involvement at meetings and events as well as introducing Christmas Bonuses for our dedicated paid staff.

Financial responsibility will remain a top priority. My experience as President, Vice President, Financial Secretary, service on the Audit Committee, and professional financial background have equipped me to make sound financial decisions and work collaboratively with the Executive Committee. As President, I will continue to seek opportunities to increase revenue, manage expenses responsibly, protect our assets, and strengthen our financial stability. A strong financial foundation is essential to preserving our traditions, maintaining our facilities, and ensuring a successful future for our Club.

My commitment to the Club is year-round. I regularly attend events, volunteer my time, and support the Club whenever needed. I host our monthly Trivia Night, bringing members together for fun, friendship, and fellowship. For many years, I have also organized the Senior Luncheon and continue coordinating our Annual Holiday Food Drive in support of Operation Hope.
These experiences have given me a deep understanding of our members’ interests, ideas, and priorities. I believe effective leadership means being present, listening, and working together. I will encourage greater volunteerism and member participation by creating opportunities for everyone to share ideas, get involved, and contribute to the continued success of our Club.

As President, I will lead with integrity, open communication, and accountability. I will listen to our members, respect their opinions, and work closely with the Executive Committee to make thoughtful decisions in the best interests of the Club. Every member deserves to feel heard, informed, and included. My goal is to strengthen our organization while preserving the welcoming, active, and family-oriented atmosphere that makes the Gaelic American Club so special.

I currently serve as Treasurer of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, where I am proud to work alongside fellow GAC members to preserve and promote our Irish heritage for future generations. This commitment reflects the importance I place on protecting our history, culture, and traditions.

Looking ahead, I want to build on what makes our Club special while welcoming new ideas, activities, and events that engage and encourage members of all ages. Strengthening participation among current members and creating more opportunities for fun and fellowship are essential to our Club’s social and financial future.

I have demonstrated my commitment through years of leadership, financial stewardship, volunteer service, and active involvement. I am ready to bring that experience, dedication, and vision to the presidency, working alongside our members and Executive Committee to strengthen our Club both financially and socially for years to come. I look forward to a second term as President so I can accomplish my remaining goals and finish what I had started.
Thank you for your support, your confidence, and your vote. It would be an honor to serve as your President and continue working together to build a strong future for our Club.

Put your faith back in Faith.

Cosbie Marable III
Candidate for Vice President

Cosbie Marable III is a technology leader with extensive experience building software, improving business systems, and leading development teams. In senior roles at Icon International, JayStar Group, and Market Data Retrieval, he modernized applications, streamlined operations, and translated complex business needs into practical technology solutions. His expertise spans software development, data and cloud platforms, systems architecture, artificial intelligence tools, and team leadership. Across these disciplines, he has remained focused on making technology more reliable, efficient, and useful for the people and organizations it serves.

Known to his friends as Coz, he is a Connecticut native, the father of four children, and the husband of Kathy Niznansky. He currently mentors in Fairfield University’s Ignatian Spirituality Program. Coz is also a former member of Milford’s Irish Heritage Society, where he performed with the Tara Theatre Group in its production of “The Hostage.” He later served as drum major of the IHS Pipe Band, leading the group in Milford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fairfield’s Memorial Day Parade.

Coz competed in the GAC’s 2023 Dancing with the Stars fundraiser on behalf of his charity, the Hole in the Wall Gang, and served on the judges’ panel at this year’s event.
Coz has also used artificial intelligence to launch a music career as Blu Shadie, one of his two AI personas. Four of his songs are now available on major streaming and social media platforms.

Tom Harding
Candidate for Vice President

I have previously served on the GAC Executive Committee as Treasurer, Financial Secretary and most recently President. As Treasurer, I was a member of the financial team that improved the accounting and budgeting process that enabled the club to be more financially stable. As Financial Secretary, I was a member of the committee that navigated the club through COVID. We were able to keep the kitchen open and retain and compensate all employees. I installed credit card processing right before the pandemic shutdown. This allowed the club to accept pandemic friendly contactless payments. As President, the Executive Committee was able to replace and fix a leaky roof, repair the water damage to Carolan Room Ceiling, replace a broken HVAC unit and pay off the mortgage.

I have served as a member of the budget committee responsible for the club’s annual budget from 2018 – 2024. I enjoy volunteering at the club when needed and look forward to serving and cleaning up at the senior lunch every month.

I hope to continue serving the club and its members as Vice President 2027

Theresa V. Fumo
Candidate for Treasurer

I am seeking to return as Treasurer of the Gaelic American Club, having previously served one term in this position. I currently serve as Treasurer of my condominium association and bring more than 25 years of professional management experience, including budgeting, financial oversight, contract negotiations, and working with boards of directors. Now retired, I have more time to dedicate to the Club and would welcome the opportunity to contribute my experience, commitment, and attention to detail to help ensure the Club’s continued financial stability and success.

Tom Egan
Candidate for Treasurer

My name is Tom Egan, and I was born and raised in Stamford, CT. All my grandparents immigrated to Stamford from Ireland. I am a graduate of Sacred Heart University with a BS in accounting. I am currently employed with Hoffman Engineering, LLC as a Senior Accountant for the last eleven years. I have been a member of the Stamford Ancient Order of Hibernians since the mid 80’s and a member of the Gaelic
American Club for the past several years. I’ve held the position of treasurer, at the Gaelic American Club in 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024. In addition, I also serve on the Board for St. Patrick’s Gaelic Football & Hurling Club as Treasurer since 2011.

Michael Fenton
Candidate fof Sergeant at Arms

Brief Professional History:

Community Safety Official (Special Police Officer) Town of Fairfield

Retired Senior Proposal Manager with recognized leadership ability, strong work ethic and organization skills. Possess more than 38 years of defense industry (Sikorsky Aircraft) experience in business acquisition and project management. Specifically, well versed in U.S. military, international military, and commercial helicopter proposal, pricing preparation and reviewing performance plans, schedules, controls, and company industrial processes. Significant campaigns include Germany CH-53K Program, Israel FMS CH-53K Price & Availability, Pratt & Whitney F135 Propulsion Program, U.S. Military Multi-Year VII/VIII BLACK HAWK/SEAHAWK Helicopter Program, U.S. Navy MH-60S, CH-53K Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot 5/6, 7/8, and VH-92A Presidential Helicopter Program.

Education:

  • BA in Political Science – University of New Haven
  • MBA – Sacred Heart University

Personal Interests/Hobbies:

  • Enjoy coaching, gardening, reading and gatherings/vacations with friends and family. Also, actively supporting/participating in veteran and first responder causes and activities.
  • Member of the Gaelic American Club for over 30 years.
  • Member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AoH) for over 40 years.
  • Auxiliary member of the Bridgeport Port 5.

Maura O’Malley
Candidate for Sergeant at Arms

I am excited to announce my candidacy for Sergeant at Arms of the Gaelic American Club. Serving this community is deeply personal to me. My dedication to the GAC is rooted in a long family tradition of leadership and service, having watched both my father and my brother proudly serve as President of the Club.

Growing up with my parents who by example taught me the true value of our heritage, our camaraderie, and the hard work it takes to keep our club thriving. As Sergeant at Arms, I will bring that same commitment to upholding our traditions, maintaining order at our meetings, and ensuring a welcoming, respectful environment for every member. I would be honored to earn your support and continue my family’s legacy of service to the GAC.

I am actively involved with the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, where
I currently serve as Treasurer. I manage the committee’s budget, financial reporting, and
fundraising initiatives to help bring the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, community
events, and Irish heritage scholarships to life each year.I have been happily married to my husband, Denis O’Malley, for 44 wonderful years.

Together, we raised four sons—Kevin, Jack, Denis, and Brendan—passing down the
values and warmth of our cherished Irish traditions. Today, our family has grown to
include three wonderful daughters-in-law, Kate, Rachel, and Brooke, and four
grandchildren who keep life lively and full of joy.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

  • Director of Fairfield Schools Food Service Director 2014-2022
  • Director of the Bridgeport Food & Nutrition Department, October 2004 to 2014
  • Assistant to the Director, November 1999 to 2004
  • 1996 to 1999 High School Nutrition Supervisor
  • 1992-1996 Clerical Aid Food & Nutrition Services Bridgeport, CT BOE
  • 1982-1985 Child Care Supervisor Commonwealth of Massachusetts Nutrition Services
  • 1979-1982 Nutrition Education Specialist Bridgeport CT

EDUCATION:

  • UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT, Bridgeport, Connecticut
  • Master level courses in Nutrition studies.
  • UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT: Bridgeport, Connecticut
  • Bachelor of Arts 1977
  • ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF MERCY, LAURALTON HALL, Milford, Connecticut
    Diploma 1973

 

Auditions for Clan na Gael’s Fall Production

Clan na Gael Presents

THE FACE ON THE BARROOM FLOOR,  by Tim Kelly

A Melodrama full of laughs and engaging characters including a charming young singer, a dastardly villain, a lovestruck painter – among many other zany characters racing in one door and out another all inviting you to laugh out loud and boo the villain if you chose.

Auditions Notice for “The Face On The Barroom Floor”

September 27th and 28th from 1 -3:30pm

Needed are a variety of Men and Women age ranges 20’s to 70’s and one girl age range between 8-14

We are an open welcoming group who are still growing in this our 38th year of presenting plays by or about the Irish. We also need staff of all kinds. Come play with us!

Production dates are Nov. 20, 21, 22 at 8:00pm and Sunday 23rd at 2:30pm

For further info: opeggyo812@gmail.com

 

Cultural Night 03/11 @ 6:30pm

Cultural Night Wednesday March 11 @ 6:30pm

A showcase of Irish music, dance, language, drama & sports. Featuring The Shamrogues,  Lenihan School of Irish Dance, St. Patrick’s Gaelic Football Club, Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band, Clan na Gael, Set Dancers & Irish Language Club.

 

Hanging of the Jerseys

Hanging of the Jerseys
Sunday November 15th 4-7pm

Join in the revelry and fun of this fine tradition celebrating All-Ireland Hurling Champs Limerick, All-Ireland Football Champs Mayo and St. Patrick’s Hurling & Football Club. Music by Camac and plenty of food & craic for all so come early to get your seats. Mícheál Hallissey 646-866-3357.

Trad for Trócaire

Trad for Trócaire  Sunday November 15th 2-4pm

Fairfield Prep’s Irish Club will host its annual Irish music-and-entertainment fundraiser for Trócaire.  Trócaire, which means compassion in Gaelic, is Ireland’s largest international charitable-aid organization.  The event, which will include Irish music from ‘Ceol Agus Craic’, dance and poetry readings, will take place at Fairfield’s Gaelic American Club from 2PM to 4PM .  This Event is free and open to the public, but contributions will be gladly accepted in support of Trócaire’s efforts to alleviate poverty in some of the most distressed regions in the world.  Join us for some great craic and a great cause!

 

Celtic Christmas Fair

Saturday December 6th 9-3pm

Saturday December 6th 9-3pm

The Fair features Irish vendors and unique crafters’ so there’s something special for everyone! Come and get your holiday photos taken with Santa by the GAC’s Stone Hearth.  Enjoy a special Lunch served by The Lenihan School of Dance (who will certainly do a step or two). Proceeds from lunch benefit The Lenihan Dancers’ Fund.

Vendors please contact Kelli at bkgrady@msn.com if you’d like to
be part of the Celtic Christmas Fair!

 

Irish History | Stair Na Héireann

STAIR NA HÉIREANN | IRISH HISTORY

History of Aran Knitting and Irish Clans | Sunday, October 11 at 2pm

Calling all knitters. Here’s a chance to share your knitting projects. The lecture, presented by Nancy Geary, Executive Director of the New Canaan Museum and Historical Society, will cover the history of Aran knitting and its connection to Irish clans and identity. If you have, or are in the process of knitting, any Aran style projects (or any projects with an Irish/Celtic motif), bring them along and we will put them on display.

Some examples of Aran Stitches:

  • The Cable – an integral part of a fisherman’s life, is a wish for safety and good luck when fishing
  • The Honeycomb – represents work and its sweet reward as a reminder of the hard working honey bee
  • The Diamond – is the universal symbol of wealth and prosperity, truly a girl’s best friend
  • The Zig Zag Stitch – represents the ups and downs of love as well as the twisting cliff paths of the Aran Islands

While most Aran/Celtic patterns are knitted, it would be interesting to have some crochet pieces on display as well.

To help with the placement of the items, let us know prior to October 11 if you would like to display your finished or unfinished projects.

Any questions, please contact us at gaclectures@gmail.com

Tickets for the Lecture:

Sunday, Oxtober 11, 2026 @  2:00 pm
Gaelic American Club
74 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Tickets – $5.00 (Students with ID $2.00)
Sorry we cannot accept GAC script or credit cards
Register online: gaclectures@gmail.com. Subject: Irish History. Please
provide name, address, phone and email.

GO RAIBH MILE MAITH AGAT

The Fréamh Éireann Genealogy Group would like to thank Féile and the Irish Language Group for their continued sponsorship of our Irish History Lectures.

First Friday Trad Musican 6-8PM

November 6 — Jerry O’Sullivan

Jerry O’Sullivan, America’s premier uilleann piper, will join the Shamrogues for the traditional music session. Jerry is a gifted ambassador of the Irish pipes, maintaining the historic traditional and melodies of the instrument while expanding its range into the new genres of music and media. His mastery of the instrument, traditional knowledge, versatility, and dedication to education truly make him America’s premier uilleann piper. In addition to his own recordings and appearances worldwide, Jerry has appeared on more than 90 albums and has performed or recorded with the Boston Pops, Don Henley, Paul Winter, James Galway, Dolly Parton, the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Eileen Ivers, and others.

 

 

 

Lá Gaeilge

Saturday, October 3th, 2026 from 8:30am – 4:30pm
A day of Irish Culture and language sponsored by Féile, Inc.

Lá Gaeilge ~ Irish Language Day: Includes Irish language classes on all levels,
cultural workshops, guest speakers, lunch, seisiun, and door prizes. Come meet new friends and old. Have fun and learn Irish!

$60 for the day (student discount available) Eventbrite registration:

https://rb.gy/ovrrwq

Contact : Robin Griskus 203 233 4979  or rdgriskus@aol.com.

 

 

 

GAC Blood Drive

The GAC Blood Drive is November 25th from 8am – 1pm

Come roll up you sleeves and give a pint!
Did you know one Blood Donation could save up to three lives?!

Anyone wanting to donate should contact the Red Cross first at www.redcrossblood.org.

 

25 Card Game

JOIN US – SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15TH AROUND NOON (IRISH TIME) NEW PLAYERS WELCOME

 

How 25 is played:

The game of 25 can be played with any number of players, preferably from 5 to 10, not to exceed 10 players. The object of the game is to see who gets 25 first. Each trick is considered 5 points. To begin the game, any player can deal out the cards. The first player to receive an ace is the player who actually gets the first deal. Each player receives five cards. When the dealer is finished dealing the cards, he turns up the next card. This card is called the head trump. Then each player looks at his hand to see how many trump cards he has. The more trump cards a player has, the better his chances are of reaching 25.

The leadoff man to start the game is to the player’s left. If he leads off with a trump, then all players have to play a trump if they have one. Otherwise, they can play any card. If a player has trump, and does not play it, he is guilty of reneging A simple thought to remember is, “the more of the red, and the less of the black.” Another thought is to watch who is getting close to 25. This is called keeping the game “IN.” It is okay to play a trump card anytime a player wishes. The Ace of Hearts is always a trump regardless of what is played. The 5 card is the best card when trumps are up, followed by the Jack of Trumps, followed by the Ace of Hearts.

A complete description of the game would take several pages. The game of 25 is best explained by sitting down and playing an actual game with people who have been playing the game for years. In short, hopefully in some way, this has helped to bring the basics of the game to you.

The late Tom McInerney, a long-standing member of the club, donated this article.

Ryan Mahoney Joins Team at Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc.

Ryan Mahoney will assist with planning and exhibition of IGHM collection from Quinnipiac University.

Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc., established by members of the Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield, CT, is excited to announce that longtime museum professional Ryan Mahoney will be joining the association as an advisor.

Mahoney most recently served as the Executive Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at Quinnipiac University from 2017-2021 where he provided general management and oversight of all administrative operations of the museum, while managing all aspects of the collection’s care and maintenance. From 2013-2017, Mahoney was the Executive Director of the Irish American Heritage Museum in Albany, NY and he currently works at Springfield Museums in Springfield, Mass., where he helps develop gallery and exhibition themes and supervises installation of exhibition areas.

Mahoney has a dual bachelor’s degree in history and political science from St. John Fisher College and a master’s degree in public history from the University at Albany. He brings over 15 years of professional experience in the museum field to the team at Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc. Mahoney also has served as a national board member of the Irish American Cultural Institute, as well as a board member of the United Irish Societies of the Capital District, Inc. In 2016, Mahoney was named an Irish “Top 40 Under 40” by the Irish Echo.

“To say I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to work with this collection and help in the development of its new home would be an understatement,” said Mahoney. “This collection is powerful. Not only does it tell the story of Ireland in the 19th-century, but it also draws parallels to many contemporary issues that we see worldwide. The artwork here inspires conversations and provokes questions. It makes a topic like the Great Hunger more accessible to visitors of all ages.”

Mahoney added: “The Gaelic-American Club should be commended for the work that they have done to keep this collection together and home here in Connecticut. Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc. is assembling an impressive team of professionals to make sure this project is done correctly. This joint effort will secure the future Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum collection and ensure that it will thrive for generations to come.” (For more information visit https://www.ighmf.org/)

About the Gaelic-American Club of Fairfield

The Gaelic-American Club was founded in 1948 in Bridgeport by a group of Irish immigrants for the purpose of maintaining and celebrating Irish culture. By promoting social, civic, and cultural activities, the GAC continues long held Irish traditions and educates future generations. Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) and operates as an association of the Gaelic-American Club.

Community Support for Museum’s Move to Fairfield

St. Patrick’s GAA Club, Fairfield CT

IRELAND’S GREAT HUNGER MUSEUM TREASURES SAVED
Saving Art Treasures Critically Important to the Irish Community

Fairfield, Connecticut. March 3, 2022 – St. Patrick’s GAA Club welcomes the transfer of the collection from Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum to the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield, Connecticut.

“This is terrific opportunity to preserve the unique artistic remembrances of the Great Hunger so that our community never forgets this tragedy,” said Jimmy Feeney, Chairman of St. Patrick’s GAA Club. He further added, “We are so grateful that the leadership of Quinnipiac University and the Gaelic American Club could work together and find a solution that maintains the public’s access to this important historical collection.”
In addition to preserving and promoting Gaelic games in Fairfield County, St. Patrick’s GAA Club supports Irish cultural programs and initiatives including traditional Irish language, music, dance, and literature.

Fairfield University’s response to Gaelic American Club saving and preserving Irish artifacts from Great Hunger Museum

The Irish Hunger Museum is not only among the most important Irish cultural institutions in the region and nation, but it’s collection is a crucial example of the role of art in rendering the human dimensions of loss, trauma, and the unspeakable. The museum represents and commemorates loss, injustice, and dehumanization. To see the museum survive, to have such a respected institution as the Gaelic American Club involved in its’ stewardship, and to have it located in such a well travelled area as downtown Fairfield is a blessing to us all.

Nels Pearson, PhD
Director, The Humanities Institute

Ancient Order of Hibernians JKF Division 1 Bridgeport, CT

It truly is great news to hear that Quinnipiac University is going to gift the entire collection of Art and artifacts of the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum to the Fairfield Gaelic American Club. As an Irish American I am proud of our heritage. As President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians JKF division 1, Bridgeport, CT my chest swells with pride that such an important collection will be in Fairfield. “Fair play to ye” and well done.

If there is anything our organization can do to assist in transfer and set up of the collection do not hesitate to reach out to me. I know our membership will be overjoyed and “over the moon”, happy to hear the news when it is public knowledge.

Mark T. Ryan DMD
President
AOH JFK Division 1
Bridgeport CT

View Letter

(For more information visit https://www.ighmf.org/)

St Patrick’s Day Photo Gallery

“Cead mile failte, 100,000 welcomes. Ireland and the Irish are famous for that sentiment, for the sincerity of their welcome and I want you to feel that uniquely Irish sentiment here today. I want you to feel like you’ve been welcomed home.

This past year, Ireland has felt much further away than any time is our life time and we appreciate even more our heritage, our culture and our home. We appreciate even more what’s it like to have a club like this, where we can feel that welcome, where we can meet a friend, enjoy their company, truly like a home away from home.

We pray that in this coming year, we can reflect NOT on what we’ve lost this past year, but what we’ve gained. An appreciation of what is truly precious in this life, the connection to those we love, and a deeper appreciation of what home and family really means.

We, as a community have learned that we must never take for granted what it means to have a home like this to come to. We must always remember the work the previous generations of Irish men and women have invested, and we must endeavor to continue their work so that our children can feel the same connection to our heritage that brought you all here today.

So today I wish you, with all my heart, Cead mile failte. Welcome home, and a very Happy St Patrick’s Day.”

Gerry Forde
GAC Executive Committee President

Fantastic Start to Fundraising Efforts for Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, INC

(Left to right) John Foley President of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc. Amy O’Shea Vice President of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc. Connecticut State Senator Tony Hwang Dr. Christine Kinealy PhD founding director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute Gerry Forde President of the Gaelic-American Club.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians hosted breakfast at the Gaelic-American Club on Sunday March 6th and a total of $10,000 was donated to the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc.

Dr. Kinealy was the guest speaker for the event and was introduced by Amy O’Shea. The following was Amy’s speech.

“Good morning everyone. My name is Amy O’Shea and I’m delighted to be the very first speaker from Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield.

The journey you join us on today started when a few Gaelic-American board members joined the fight to reopen a shuttered museum in Hamden and it continued months later when we hosted an event there in the pouring rain in October.

What followed was months of quiet negotiations and representation of the Irish-American community in Connecticut.

Months of late night phone calls, text messages, emails and meetings in Hamden and Fairfield which lead us to this momentous decision by Quinnipiac on Friday.

The decision to transfer this great collection to the Gaelic American Club right here in Fairfield.

We are so very grateful that Quinnipiac is entrusting us with this incredibly important and prestigious collection and we fully understand and are prepared for the enormity of the responsibility we have undertaken.

The announcement has already been met with such an unbelievable outpouring of support from the Irish American community and we thank you for joining this small group at the beginning of our journey.

Over the coming months we will build something new and beautiful and we will show the world that Irish-America is as strong as ever. We will build on the story that Dr. John Lahey started and we will tell the story of our ancestors and how we got here.

Today I have the great honor to introduce someone who knows this great collection like no other and one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Great Hunger. It is truly my great pleasure to introduce Dr. Christine Kinealy.”

A total of $10,000 was donated to the Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum of Fairfield, Inc. at the event.  Many thanks to Ted Lovely family , the AOH for matching their donation and those who donated anonymously.

(For more information visit https://www.ighmf.org/)

Family Fun Night

Friday Oct 30th from 6-9pm with a $7 kids only buffet

Family Fun Night is an opportunity for our young families to come down to the club and have some fun and a meal together.  Family Fun Night takes place the last Friday of the month from 6-9pm. (except for February)   Joe and his staff will provide a ‘kid-friendly’ delicious $7 buffet.

Just a reminder,  The buffet is strictly for the kids, parents are asked to order from regular GAC menu  – so kids please remember there’s no sharing with the parents!

PLEASE watch your children. Kids are NOT to leave the room without a parent. Toys are NOT to be brought into the Carolan Room from the Reidy (children’s) Room. NO toys or running on the dance floor. Please pick up food spills and help clear your table.

 

Any questions call Bette Leary at 203-767-0117.

Lets also keep in mind the GUIDELINES for use of the children’s room

Welcome to the GAC’s Children’s Room  dedicated in memory of Richard & Vivian Reidy

#1   Room Monitor is NOT a BABYSITTER!  Room Monitor is responsible for the contents of the room and safety of the children while in the room.  Parents are responsible for their children and guests behavior, whereabouts and use of items in this room.  Parents will be notified if any misbehavior or disrespect for the room or others is shown. The parent’s membership may be in jeopardy if behavior is not corrected or use of room is abused.  

#2 No Food or Drinks are allowed in this room by children.  If an adult chooses to bring in a beverage while watching their children, please make sure it is not left in the room.  The monitor is not there to clean up after adults.

#3 If you’d get in trouble at home for doing something, you’ll get in trouble here.  This room is a privilege for all children to enjoy and feel at home within the club, but just like any privilege it can be revoked.  

Just like on the pitch:

1st =  Warning – Parent is notified and child’s name is put in the book.

2nd = Yellow Card – Access to the room is suspended for a period of time.

3rd = Red Card –  Parent is required to go before the Executive Committee to explain, suspension or loss of family membership is possible.

Don’t be THAT kid or don’t be THAT parent that feels above the rules!  

#4 Common Sense Parenting is expected.  Intended for children 13 years and younger.  Parents may use discretion as to what age they feel their children are able to be in the room without parent supervision however, under 5 years of age supervision is required.
“Is leathan doras an teachín bhig”

“Wide is the door of the little cottage”  – Irish proverb

For more information, please email Bette Leary (203)767-0117

GAA Games from Ireland

GAA at the gac

 

Gaelic Football

Gaelic Football can be described as a mixture of soccer and rugby, although it predates both of those games. It is a field game which has developed as a distinct game similar to the progression of Australian Rules. Indeed it is thought that Australian Rules evolved from Gaelic Football through the many thousands who were either deported or immigrated to Australia from the middle of the nineteenth century. Gaelic Football is normally played on a pitch (playing field) approximately 137m long (150 yards) and 82m wide (90 yards).

The goalposts are the same shape as on a rugby pitch, with the crossbar lower than a rugby one and slightly higher than a soccer one. The ball used in Gaelic Football is round, slightly smaller than a soccer ball. It can be carried in the hand for a distance of four steps and can be kicked or “hand-passed”, a striking motion with the hand or fist (similar to serving in volleyball). After every four steps the ball must be either bounced or “solo-ed”, an action of dropping the ball onto the foot and kicking it back into the hand. You may not bounce the ball twice in a row. To score, you put the ball over the crossbar by foot or hand / fist for one point or under the crossbar and into the net by foot or hand / fist in certain circumstances for a goal, the latter being the equivalent of three points. Each team consists of fifteen players, lining out as follows: One goalkeeper, three full-backs, three half-backs, two midfielders, three half-forwards and three full-forwards.

Goalkeepers may not be physically challenged while inside their own small parallelogram, but players may harass them into playing a bad pass, or block an attempted pass. Teams are allowed a maximum of five substitutes in a game. Players may switch positions on the field of play as much as they wish but this is usually on the instructions of team officials. Officials for a game comprise of a referee, two linesmen (to indicate when the ball leaves the field of play at the side and to mark ’45” free kicks and 4 umpires (to signal scores, assist the referee in controlling the games, and to assist linesmen in positioning ’45’ frees). A goal is signaled by raising a green flag, placed to the left of the goal. A point is signaled by raising a white flag, placed to the right of goal. A ’45’/’65’ is signaled by the umpire raising his/her outside arm. A ‘square ball’, when a player scores having arrived in the ‘square’ prior to receiving the ball, is signaled by pointing at the small parallelogram.

Hurling

Hurling is a game similar to hockey, in that it is played with a small ball and a curved wooden stick. It is Europe’s oldest field game. When the Celts came to Ireland, as the last ice age was receding, they brought with them a unique culture, their own language, music, script and unique pastimes. One of these pastimes was a game now called hurling. It features in Irish folklore to illustrate the deeds of heroic mystical figures and it is chronicled as a distinct Irish pastime for at least 2,000 years.

The stick, or “hurley” (called camán in Irish) is curved outwards at the end, to provide the striking surface. The ball or “sliothar” is similar in size to a hockey ball but has raised ridges. Hurling is played on a pitch approximately 137m long and 82m wide. The goalposts are the same shape as on a rugby pitch, with the crossbar lower than a rugby one and slightly higher than a soccer one.

You may strike the ball on the ground, or in the air. Unlike hockey, you may pick up the ball with your hurley and carry it for not more than four steps in the hand. After those steps you may bounce the ball on the hurley and back to the hand, but you are forbidden to catch the ball more than twice. To get around this, one of the skills is running with the ball balanced on the hurley To score, you put the ball over the crossbar with the hurley or under the crossbar and into the net by the hurley for a goal, the latter being the equivalent of three points. Each team consists of fifteen players, lining out as follows: 1 goalkeeper, three full-backs, three half-backs, two midfielders, three half-forwards and three full-forwards.

Irish Language ~ Foghlaim Gaeilge

The club generally has multiple Irish Language classes at various levels during the school year. If you have some Irish Language knowledge already, you may be able to join one of them. New classes for absolute Irish Language beginners only start every two to three years. We’re happy to take your name and notify you when such classes start.

We also have a full day of Irish Language/Culture on the first Saturday of October every year, which when there is enough demand, we will create introductory sessions for those new to the Irish Language. You will also find these items advertised in the club’s newsletter.

For more information or to register your interest email the following two individuals and one of them will get back to you within a few days Robin Griskus 203 233 4979 (RDGriskus@AOL.com and Des Nolan (DesNolan@Optimum.Net).

UPCOMING EVENTS

Lá Gaeilge

Saturday, October 3th, 2026 from 8:30am – 4:30pm A day of Irish Culture and language sponsored by Féile, Inc. Lá Gaeilge ~ Irish Language Day: Includes Irish language classes on all levels, cultural workshops, guest speakers, lunch, seisiun, and door prizes. Come meet new friends and old. Have fun and learn Irish! $60 for the … Continue reading Lá Gaeilge

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Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society (STIMS)

Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society (STIMS), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Irish music and culture.

STIMS’s all-volunteer performance group The Shamrogues  play traditional Irish reels, jigs, hornpipes, and airs on a variety of traditional and modern instruments and song,  The meet on  Wednesday  for Trad Music Seisiún (7-9pm) and they welcome new musicians join in, if you don’t play, come listen and tap your feet to this amazing group of musicians.

In addition STIMS host’s the First Friday Trad Musicians and  The Traditional Irish Music Concert Series.