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.
Dan Dennehy
Dan Dennehy welcomed everyone to the salon.
John Kearns
John Kearns introduced IAW&A and read an excerpt from his novel in progress, Worlds.
Kathleen Donohoe
Kathleen Donohoe read from her forthcoming novel, Ashes of Fiery Weather.
Tim Murphy
Tim Murphy, “the Bard of the Hudson Valley,” performed two songs including a moving original about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Ray O’Hanlon
Ray O’Hanlon, Senior Editor of the Irish Echo, spoke about immigration and the difficult process of writing books.
Marie Reilly and Krista Charles
Marie Reilly, Protocol Officer of the Irish Consulate, and Krista Charles played some traditional Irish and American tunes including, “Ashokan Farewell.”
Delicious food during the break!
Irish Business Organization President, Sean McNeill, enjoyed the salon.
Shane Cahill
Vice Deputy Irish Consul General of New York, Shane Cahill, spoke a few words of welcome.
John McDonagh
John McDonagh presented a scene from his play, Cabtivist, in which Stephen Fry visits an Italian social club in Queens.
Guenevere Donohue
Surprise performer, Guenevere Donohue, sang an original Christmas song.
Marianne McShane
Marianne McShane told a traditional story about Saint Brigid and Bethlehem.
Tim Dwyer
Tim Dwyer presented his poetry in English and original music in Irish.
Ray Bermingham
Ray Bermingham sang a song and recited Percy French’s, “Galloping Hogan.”
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.