Here are the event details:

Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Place: Massachusetts Historical Society, 1154 Boylston Street, Boston

Tickets: For information on tickets, please contact Keeper of the Silver Key Sandra Moody at: sandralmoody@yahoo.com

About This Year’s Recipients 

Silver Key Recipient John Curran

Co. Kerry native and longtime Belmont resident John Curran is well-known throughout the Boston Irish community — and particularly in the Irish music community. 

 John came to the U.S. in 1955, and since then has made a big impact in Boston.  His many accomplishments include being a co-founder of the Hanafin-Cooley (Boston) branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and a founder of the Irish Cultural Centre of New England. 

John may be best known for his 30 years of showcasing and promoting Irish music and culture as host of The Sound of Erin Irish radio show.

 A Belfast native, Chris earned his law degree from Boston College and is now a partner in the Sedna Law firm.    

 Chris’s commitment to helping immigrants to the U.S. goes far beyond his paying clients.  When not practicing law, Chris provides pro bono legal services for the legal clinics run by both the Irish Immigration Center and the Irish Pastoral Centre.

 In 2006 Chris was one of several lawyers receiving the Irish Immigration Center’s Solas Award.  He is also a recipient of the PAIR Project of Boston’s Detention Attorney Award (2006) and Appreciation Award for Outstanding Public Service (2007).  Chris is also on the Board of Trustees for the Irish Pastoral Centre.

Silver Key Recipient Larry Reynolds

 Larry Reynolds is one of the most well-known Irish musicians in the Greater Boston area and has dedicated countless hours to keeping the Irish music tradition alive in Boston. 

Larry honed in craft in Galway (where he was born and raised) and then brought his gift to us when he emigrated to Boston in 1953.  He currently lives in Waltham.

 A long-time member of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, he is currently the Chairman of the Hanafin-Cooley branch.

We hope you will join us for this exciting evening!

Here’s what we had to say:

“The friendship, service and hard work Senator Kennedy has given to the people of Boston, America and Ireland is unparalleled in history. While his passing leaves an unfillable void and sadness, it is with warm hearts that we look upon him and his legacy. There will never be another Ted Kennedy, but we can all strive to be like him in his dedication, hard work, and support of those who have less than we do.”

Our statement and those of others’ can be viewed at:

Irish Echo Newspaper

Friday, May 22, 2009

Granary Burying Ground, Boston

Grave of former Society President William Hall

Charitable Irish Society wreath at the grave of William Hall

Society members

Society members

Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner

Featured speaker: Dick Flavin

Honored guests: Irish Minister Pat Carey, Irish Consul General for Boston David Barry

Location: Union Club, 9 Park Street, Boston, MA

Featured speaker and Society member Dick Flavin with Board Member Catherine Shannon

Outgoing President Charlie Dumbaugh presents incoming President Kelley Kassa with the President's Medal

Irish Minister of State Pat Carey

We’re in the planning process for our 2009 Silver Key Awards.  Three outstanding Irish and Irish-Americans have agreed to be honored at our October event.  Full event details will be announced shortly!

Our June newsletter shines a spotlight on long-time Society member Lenahan O’Connell, promotes some recent lectures in Ireland given by Board Member and Past President Catherine Shannon and more. 

Click here for the June Newsletter!

Join the Society for a casual gathering to listen to Larry Reynold’s famous traditional Irish seisun!

When: 7:30pm, Monday, July 20, 2009

Where: Green Briar,  304 Washington Street, Brighton

We’re in the process of planning the 2010 St. Patrick’s Dinner.  Last year’s speaker, Society Member Dick Flavin, will be hard to top.

If you have a recommendation for the featured speaker, please email Kelley at: KLKassa@yahoo.com