Skip to Content

Events

Mon Jan 23, 2012
Irish language classes

Irish language classes at Elms College beginning in January

The Irish Cultural Center, in cooperation with Elms Colleges, is pleased to announce that the following Irish Language courses will be offered in the spring semester beginning on January 23: Novice Irish 2, Intermediate: Advanced Practice 2, and Introductory Irish Language 2. We are fortunate that, once again, an Irish Language Fulbright Teacher, Padraic Deiseach, will play a key role in the Irish Language offerings.

Padraic Deiseach will teach the three-credit course, Novice Irish 2 Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. from January 23-May 7, 2012. To enroll, visit or call the registrar’s office at 413-265-2314. Those who wish to audit the course pay half the tuition: for people 65 or older the cost is $100, plus a $20 registration fee.

On Wednesday evenings from 6:40-9:10 p.m. Padraic Deiseach will teach the Intermediate: Advanced Practice Irish Language 2 course from January 25-May 9, 2012. The course will be offeredeither for three credits or on a non-credit basis through the Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. This course is designed for students who have studied with Tom Moriarty and Chip Costello over the years, and who wish additional opportunities to practice and develop their ability in the language. To enroll for credit, visit or call the registrar’s office at 413-265-2314. To enroll for non-credit, visit or call the Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at 413 265-2490: cost is $175. ICC members receive a $50 discount.

Introduction to Irish 2, taught by Tom Moriarty, with the assistance of Padraic Deiseach, will be offered on Tuesday evenings from 6:45-8:45 from January 24-May 8, 2012. It is focused on all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening in an interactive enjoyable experience for those with little or no prior study of the language. To register, call the Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at (413) 265-2490. Cost: $150. ICC members receive a $50 discount.

For further information, call the Irish Cultural Center at 413-265-2537, or Tom Moriarty at 413-592-6951.

 

Irish Language Registration Form

 

Wed Jan 25, 2012
Winter Film Series - Ties That Bind

Travel with us as we journey through Ireland from County Meath, to Dublin, to County Cavan to County Galway. And all of this without boarding an airplane or riding a coach. It will happen all through Irish films which remind us of the “ties that bind.”

Each of these films shows the Irish in the above listed counties and the characters all in unique situations Our free Irish film series will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays and a Thursday beginning on January 25, 2012.

January 25  “The Secret of Kells” is set in County Meath.(2009) This animated feature tells the story of the illuminated Gospel book in Latin. Magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes in this sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. It features the voices of Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally, Evan McGuire and Christen Mooney. Elms College Professor Jason Murphy will host and introduce the film.

Tue Jan 31, 2012
Celebrate the Feast of St. Brigid

On January 31, we will celebrate for the second year in a row, the feast of St. Brigid with Brigid cross making instruction.

St. Brigid’s Eve allows us to offer a program ensuring that we keep strong “the ties that bind”

Padraic Deiseach, Fulbright teacher of the Irish language at Elms College invites all to attend St. Brigid’s Eve, Tuesday, January 31, 2012. at 7 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Center, 3rd floor of Berchmans Hall.

Deiseach will give a few words on St. Brigid, followed by instruction on St. Brigid cross making. Julia Campbell who teaches arts and crafts at Celtic Adventures for Kids will assist him. Hopefully, all attendees will complete and take home their own St. Brigid’s Cross. Light refreshments will be served: a free will offering will be accepted. Berchmans Hall is handicapped accessible.

Background information:

Brigid’s cross, though not recorded before the seventeenth century, is an Irish symbol. Though a Christian symbol, it possibly derives from the pagan sun wheel. It is usually made from rushes or, less often from straw. It comprises a woven square in the center and four radials tied at the ends. This year we will use reeds.

Brigid’s crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, who is venerated as one of the patron saints of Ireland. The crosses are traditionally made on February 1, which in the Irish language is called Lá Fhéile Bhríde (St. Brigid’s feast day), the day of her liturgical celebration.

Many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses. It was traditionally believed that a Brigid’s Cross protects the house from fire and evil. It is hung in many Irish and Irish-American kitchens for this purpose. Brigid’s cross is an unofficial symbol of Ireland.

Wed Feb 1, 2012
Winter Film Series - Ties That Bind

Travel with us as we journey through Ireland from County Meath, to Dublin, to County Cavan to County Galway. And all of this without boarding an airplane or riding a coach. It will happen all through Irish films which remind us of the “ties that bind.”

Each of these films shows the Irish in the above listed counties and the characters all in unique situations Our free Irish film series will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays and a Thursday beginning on January 25, 2012.

February 1 “Rat”is set in County Dublin (2000) with Pete Postlethwaite, Imelda Staunton, Frank Kelly, David Wilmot, Kerry Condon, Andrew Lovern. The everyday life of a typical Dublin family, including the relationships with the neighbors and local priest, is portrayed. The only thing different about this family is that the father has turned into a rat. The family takes it quite well, though they do wonder about the financial implications of the father not working. But everyone, even the local barman, recognizes him in his new species.

Wed Feb 8, 2012
Winter Film Series - Ties That Bind

Travel with us as we journey through Ireland from County Meath, to Dublin, to County Cavan to County Galway. And all of this without boarding an airplane or riding a coach. It will happen all through Irish films which remind us of the “ties that bind.”

Each of these films shows the Irish in the above listed counties and the characters all in unique situations Our free Irish film series will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays and a Thursday beginning on January 25, 2012.

February 8 “Playboys”filmed in County Cavan. (1992) with Robin Wright, Albert Finney, Aidan Quinn. A young woman, Tara Maguire scandalizes her provincial Irish village in the 1950s by having a baby out of wedlock, and refusing to name the father. She has a rare beauty and every man in town desires her, especially Sergeant Hegarty. The arrival of a dramatic troupe stirs things up even more, especially when she falls in love with one of the "Playboys," Tom Casey.

Thu Feb 16, 2012
Winter Film Series - Ties That Bind

Travel with us as we journey through Ireland from County Meath, to Dublin, to County Cavan to County Galway. And all of this without boarding an airplane or riding a coach. It will happen all through Irish films which remind us of the “ties that bind.”

Each of these films shows the Irish in the above listed counties and the characters all in unique situations Our free Irish film series will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays and a Thursday beginning on January 25, 2012.

February 16 “Cré na Cille” (Graveyard Clay) is set in County Galway. (2007) Irish language with English subtitles. With candid wit and black humor, the film tells the intersecting stories of the occupants of a community of corpses in an Irish cemetery. The buried souls bring their gossip, rivalries and vendettas to life in this surreal and sarcastic take on rural Ireland. It is based on Máirtín Ó Cadhain's novel, widely considered one of the greatest Irish novels of the twentieth century. Fulbright teacher, Padraic Deiseach will host and introduce the film.

Note this film is scheduled for Thursday.

Sun Mar 11, 2012
Irish Ceili

The Irish Cultural Center in collaboration with the Sons of Erin invite one and all to gather at the Sons of Erin, 22 William St., Westfield for an Irish ceili on Sunday March 11 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. We will have set dancing with ceili musicians providing the music. We encourage families with children to attend this free event. Those who come will learn a few set dances with directions, enjoy good company and share in a great social event. We will serve light refreshments, including Irish tea and breads.

Local musician Leo Doherty will provide the music while Mary Ellen O’Brien and Kelly O’Sullivan will lead participants. The music is cheerful and lively, and the basic steps can be learned easily; a short instructional session is provided for new dancers before the start of the dance itself.

Wed May 2, 2012
Documentary - “Men of Ventry.”

Brenda ni Shiilleabhain will present a documentary on the “Men of Ventry." at 7pm.

Sat Aug 25, 2012
Notre Dame vs. Navy Game in Dublin, Ireland

10-DAY TOUR TO IRELAND & THE NOTRE DAME/NAVY GAME IN DUBLIN

August 25-September 3, 2012- “Journey of the Soul” IRELAND TOUR

The excitement is building!  In 2012 the Irish Cultural Center will be heading off to the Emerald Isle for another grand 10-day tour, but this time we are offering a very rare opportunity to see the famed University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish play against the Naval Academy’s Midshipmen on Irish soil.  This will be the second time in their 86-year history that the rivals have played in Ireland at the “Emerald Isle Classic”—the only other time they played in Ireland was in November of 1996! 

Enjoy Ireland’s history, scenic beauty and rich cultural traditions–and witness a game of a lifetime!  Built-in flexibility to explore on your own or to engage in other options such as golf, historic walking tours, harbor cruises, culinary delights (especially in Kinsale, Ireland’s Gourmet Capital!), etc.  

Visits/tours included: 

Breathtaking Dingle Peninsula tour, Blarney/Blarney Woolen Mills, Old Midleton (Jameson) Whiskey Distillery, 400 year old English Market in Cork City, Adare (Ireland’s Prettiest Village), the magnificent Gardens of Powerscourt in County Wicklow, Medieval Kilkenny, Ticket to the Notre Dame vs. Navy Game (covered spectator seat on the Notre Dame Side of the stadium—50 yard line!) with box lunch…and more!

We’ve secured top rated hotels in Ireland’s most sought after locations!  This is truly a “Journey of the Soul Tour” (our 7th!) not to be missed!  A once in a lifetime unforgettable experience!

The tour is well-rounded, with visits to some of Ireland’s most historic and romantic settings with multiple night stays for a more leisurely tour.  Our hotels include 2 nights in the colorful town of Dingle, 2 nights in the beautiful historic & enchanting harbor town of Kinsale/Oysterhaven Bay, one night in the medieval castle town of Kilkenny and 3 nights in the heart of Dublin’s fair city on Merrion Square. 

This is an exclusive, “one-of-a-kind” customized tour. Land cost is only $2,049 pp/sharing room and includes hotels, transportation to and from the airport from Elms College as well as all transfers and touring in Ireland—13 meals including 8 full Irish breakfasts, 3 table d'hôtedinners including a welcome drink the first night, 1 Farewell Dinner with Irish entertainment in County Meath, and 1 Box Lunch and game ticket, all hotel tips/taxes.   Group Airfare is sold as a package with our land arrangements for an additional $1,069 + departure tax (non-stop from Boston via Aer Lingus).  As of October 1, 2011, a $1,700 non-refundable deposit per person will be needed to secure your spot. Final Payment is Due May 1, 2012.  Optional travel protection is strongly recommended ($144).  Space is limited to ONLY 45. 

We purposely planned multiple night stays in our centrally located hotels:

2 Nights in DINGLE (Dingle Benners Hotel – (www.dinglebenners.com)
2 Nights in KINSALE (Carlton Hotel & Spa – (www.carltonkinsalehotel.com)
1 Night in KILKENNY (Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel – (www.rivercourthotel.com)
3 Nights in DUBLIN, Merrion Sq. (Mont Clare Hotel – (www.montclarehotel.ie)
 

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR RESERVATIONS PLEASE CALL KATHY GALLIVAN AT (413) 536-9709 OR Email: KGallivan04@gmail.com or Gallivan@admin.umass.edu

TESTIMONIALS:

“Thank you for organizing this fantastic trip!  Mike and I have told so many people about how great it was.”   Paula S., Wilbraham, MA

 “I can certainly say that the members of our Ireland trip are among the nicest, kindest, friendliest, fun-loving people I've ever been with.  I had an amazing time... the countryside along the northern shore of Ireland is breathtaking…Thank you again for a most excellent tour of my homeland… had been to Ireland about 7 or so times, but this trip was the most fun of all”  Elizabeth B., Rhode Island

“Thank you…for your guidance and loving care.  It will continue to make me smile to have shared time with such very caring & happy people.”  Marie M., New York

 “Thank you so much.  Again, I want you and Joyce to know how much I enjoyed the tour.  The two of you are very energetic and professional in the manner with which you take care of so many people of diversified interests and backgrounds.  It certainly was educational, thought-provoking and memorable… You are both doing a wonderful job working on the required details for successful tours.” Bridget S., Pennsylvania

“Michael & I really enjoyed this past trip as our plans were to go to Italy but decided to join the Elms tour and we are glad we did.”  Erin D., Wilbraham, MA

“Great job…We were very happy with the tour.  Best hotels overall that we’ve been to in about 10 European trips! Super guides…I am most grateful!”  Mary F., Northampton, MA

“The whole trip was just fabulous.  We saw an incredible amount of things, ate great food and made many wonderful friends on the tour.”  Chris P., Chicopee, MA

“Every day was better than the day before.  Tour guide (Terry) was super!  Martha M., West  Springfield, MA

“We really enjoyed Terry O’Connor.  He was very interesting, personable & humorous.  Excellent driver & guide!”  M & E, Wilbraham, MA

“We loved it all!”  Ruth B., Easthampton, MA



facebook.com/IrishCulturalCenter