SPRINGFIELD — 94.7 WMAS and Audacy Springfield announced the donation of five picnic tables and four garden benches to the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England. This contribution aims to enhance the community experience at the center’s expansive athletic fields, providing comfortable seating for patrons, athletes, and families.

The furniture carries a unique story of local craftsmanship and education. The pieces were hand-built during the Original Western Mass Home and Garden Show held at the Eastern States Exposition in March. The construction was a collaborative effort between students from Westover Job Corps and the Home Builders Institute, showcasing the skills of future tradespeople to thousands of event attendees.

The Irish Cultural Center, located in West Springfield, serves as a hub for cultural preservation, sports, and community gatherings. The addition of these five picnic tables and four garden benches will provide much-needed infrastructure for the athletic fields, which host a variety of matches and community events throughout the year.

Ashley Menard

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Irish Cultural Center (ICC) of Western New England announced the hiring of Ashley Menard as general manager of the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub.

Menard has been working in restaurants since 2002, most recently in the beverage distribution industry. She is excited to share her passion and knowledge within this new role.

“I am thrilled to join the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub as it has built a strong reputation for quality and hospitality,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside this team as we continue to grow and successfully meet the needs of our guests.”

Executive Director Caroline Morrissey added that “Ashley joins the ICC at an exciting time, and we are delighted to welcome her as general manager. Her experience, leadership, and genuine commitment to hospitality will be a wonderful addition as we continue to grow our programs and enhance the experience for our community.”

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICCWNE) announced several recent appointments to its executive committee and board of directors.

President Sean Cahillane, Vice Presidents Ed Sullivan and Kevin O’Connor, Treasurer Stephanie Joyce, and Secretary Lynn McCarthy have been formally approved as the ICCWNE’s executive committee and voted in by the full board of directors.

The board’s unanimous endorsement reflects broad support for its leadership and direction and underscores its confidence in the committee’s ability to guide the ICCWNE’s strategic priorities and uphold the organization’s mission.

“Working alongside such a dedicated and thoughtful executive committee is a privilege,” Executive Director Caroline Morrissey said. “Each member brings invaluable experience and a deep commitment to the Irish Cultural Center’s mission. Together, we are strengthening the ICCWNE’s programs, expanding our reach, and building a vibrant future for our community.”

The executive committee serves as the ICCWNE’s core leadership team, helping guide major decisions, support organizational planning, and ensure smooth and effective operation. It works closely with the executive director in day-to-day operations and ensures that key decisions are made efficiently and responsibly.

“We have been blessed all these years with a dedicated board of directors led by a strong, capable leadership team,” Cahillane said. “This newly elected executive committee will strive to make our mission come to life, as well as seeing to the completion of our Community Performance Center, thus capping off a seven-year, $4 million-plus buildout.”

The ICCWNE has also elected new members to its board of directors. Hilary Sullivan and Brendan Fitzgerald recently joined the board and are committed to helping the ICCWNE grow as a center of Irish culture and community in Western New England.

Caroline Morrissey

WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield native Caroline Morrissey has been named the first executive director of the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICCWNE), bringing with her a wealth of global experience and a deep passion for Irish heritage.

Morrissey, a Colby College alumna, earned her master’s degree in international administration with a policy focus from the University of Denver. She spent nearly a decade working in post-conflict zones across Africa, most recently serving with President Carter’s the Carter Center in Liberia, before returning to Western Mass. just before the pandemic.

Since returning, she has been an active member of the ICCWNE’s events committee, where she founded the new book club — a now-thriving literary group that she continues to moderate monthly. In summer 2024, she took on a larger leadership role by joining the board of directors.

“It’s a privilege to serve as the ICCWNE’s first executive director, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation created by so many dedicated volunteers while expanding the ICCWNE’s reach, programs, and partnerships across Western New England,” Morrissey said.

The newly established executive director position is made possible in part through the support of the government of Ireland. Serving as the ICCWNE’s chief administrator, the executive director will oversee daily operations, guide the implementation of the strategic plan, and expand cultural programming and community reach.

ICCWNE President Sean Cahillane welcomed Morrissey to this new position, recognizing her dedication and breadth of experience.

“Caroline’s passion for cultural engagement, combined with her extensive international work and deep Irish roots, make her a tremendous addition to our leadership team,” Cahillane said. “She has already contributed so much to the ICCWNE, and we’re thrilled to have her guiding us into the future.”

Executive Vice President Ed Sullivan added that “the addition of Caroline to the ICCWNE as the executive director could not come at a better time. Caroline’s experience, along with her energy and passion to advance the Cultural Center as a local, regional, and international hub, is impressive. We are excited to have her on board.”

A lifelong traveler who has visited 50 countries, Morrissey takes immense pride in her Irish heritage, with family ties to County Galway, Westmeath, and Wexford. She is also the proud new mom of Mae, a beloved presence at ICCWNE and likely its youngest patron.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England (ICCWNE) announced several recent appointments to its board of directors to help to expand its programming and outreach in the community. The new board members are Lynn McCarthy, Rose Boyle, Sean Fitzgerald, and John McMahon.

The Irish Cultural Center was established in 1999 to foster an appreciation of Irish culture in Western New England. Located at 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield, ICCWNE aims to cultivate a connection with Ireland through the arts, culture, history, language, and heritage. The nonprofit organization offers opportunities to engage in educational, travel, and social events that promote Irish culture.

McCarthy, Boyle, Fitzgerald, and McMahon are all committed to helping ICCWNE grow as a center of Irish culture and community in Western New England, including the completion of its new Community Performance Center.