by John Kearns
Photos by Daisy Kearns

On Friday December 4, 2015,  a group of IAW&A artists from New York City traveled to Verplanck, NY to share the stage with artists from the Hudson valley.  Dan Dennehy of the Hudson Valley Irish Center was our gracious host and the Irish Consulate of New York was generous enough to provide funding for transportation and other expenses.

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Dan Dennehy

Dan Dennehy welcomed everyone to the salon.

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John Kearns

John Kearns introduced IAW&A and read an excerpt from his novel in progress, Worlds.

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Kathleen Donohoe

Kathleen Donohoe read from her forthcoming novel, Ashes of Fiery Weather.

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Tim Murphy

Tim Murphy, “the Bard of the Hudson Valley,” performed two songs including a moving original about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

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Ray O’Hanlon

Ray O’Hanlon, Senior Editor of the Irish Echo, spoke about immigration and the difficult process of writing books.

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Marie Reilly and Krista Charles

Marie Reilly, Protocol Officer of the Irish Consulateand Krista Charles played some traditional Irish and American tunes including, “Ashokan Farewell.”

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Delicious food during the break!

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Irish Business Organization President, Sean McNeill, enjoyed the salon.

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Shane Cahill

Vice Deputy Irish Consul General of New York, Shane Cahill, spoke a few words of welcome.

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John McDonagh

John McDonagh presented a scene from his play, Cabtivist, in which Stephen Fry visits an Italian social club in Queens.

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Guenevere Donohue

Surprise performer, Guenevere Donohue, sang an original Christmas song.

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Marianne McShane

Marianne McShane told a traditional story about Saint Brigid and Bethlehem.

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Tim Dwyer

Tim Dwyer presented his poetry in English and original music in Irish.

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Ray Bermingham

Ray Bermingham sang a song and recited Percy French’s, “Galloping Hogan.”

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Malachy McCourt

Malachy McCourt shared his memories about Christmas, including his receiving a toy train 75 years after praying for it.

See you at the IAW&A Christmas Salon at the Cell Theatre, 338 W. 23rd St., at 7 pm on December 15th!  Honor Molloy and John Kearns will co-host.