The Irvin Dolan Memorial Fund to be held in Boston

A special evening will take place on Saturday, June 7, at The Hibernian Hall, Watertown to raise money for Galway native, Irvin Dolan, who died suddenly in March. Dolan, who was originally from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway died at the age of 48, leaving behind a wife and a young son.

The event is being hosted by Irvin’s close friends to defray the cost of funeral arrangements and help support the Dolan family and the future of Sean’s education. Entertainment will be provided by The Auld Locals, Finbar Doyle, Mick Carr. Irish Dancers & Traditional Music, and Silent Auction.

The event starts at 4 - 9pm at The Hibernian Hall, 151 Watertown Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Suggested Donation of $100 (includes raffle ticket with 1st Prize - $7,000 2nd Prize - $2,000; 3rd Prize - $500 4th Prize - $500). For tickets and more information contact: Mick Carr (617) 797-3083; David Kelly (857) 928-0505; Paul Dullaghan (617) 293-5634; Mike King (617) 640-1434; Mike Newell (617) 448-5609

Mayor’s Office hosts press conference on DACA & DAPA programs

The Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians hosted a press conference to discuss future steps regarding two of President Obama’s executive actions on immigration: expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents), at a press conference at City Hall on May 13. Speakers included city officials and community organizations who have come together to advocate for these programs.

At the press conference it was announced that the City will organize a free legal clinic on Saturday, May 30 to support immigrant families looking to qualify for the President’s executive actions and thereby qualify for a work permit, social security number, protection from deportation, a Massachusetts driver’s license, and in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Alejandra St. Guillen, Director of the Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians said “It is a priority for our office to educate our communities about changes to our immigration system and help connect them to city and community resources. Despite the legal hold up in the courts, we are continuing to help immigrants prepare so that when applications are released, individuals are ready to immediately apply.”

The Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC) is one of the organizations that will be present at the clinic. Jeannie Kain, Managing Attorney at the IIIC said “the IIIC was thrilled when DAPA was announced. We are hopeful that the court injunction will be lifted, and we look forward to helping the community apply for DAPA when that time comes. We stand in solidarity with the Office of New Bostonians in its efforts to assist families with the DAPA process”.

The free immigration legal clinic will be from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. by appointment at the Mario Umana Academy, 312 Border St. in East Boston and is available to anyone who may be DACA or DAPA eligible. People can register by calling 617-635-4141. Further information is also available from the IIIC by calling 617-542-7654.


Cardinal O’Malley, Jim Brett honored at Emmanuel College Commencement

Emmanuel celebrated its 93rd Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 9th, on the College’s campus. Archbishop of Boston Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, OFM Cap. delivered the Commencement address and received an honorary doctor of humane letters for his extraordinary leadership of the Archdiocese of Boston and for his efforts to advance the Catholic Church's global mission.

Cardinal O’Malley was also presented with a plaque, announcing the newly named Cardinal Seán O'Malley Center for Mission Ministry at Emmanuel College.

President and CEO of the New England Council, James T. Brett, was presented with an honorary doctor of laws for his efforts in transforming the region into an economic powerhouse by building alliances among businesses and nonprofits while advancing regional interests in Washington, D.C.

The College conferred 674 degrees in during the ceremony, including traditional undergraduate Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, as well as Bachelor of Science and master’s degrees through Emmanuel’s Graduate and Professional Programs.

Bridge dedication in honor of Brigadier General William J. Gormley

Join the Gormley family and members of the West Roxbury community on Memorial day, Monday, May 25 at 3:00 PM for the dedication of the Brigadier General William J. Gormley Memorial Bridge at the corner of Mount Vernon Street and Centre Street across from the Y.M.C.A. Governor Charlie Baker will participate in the ceremony.

Brigadier General William J. Gormley of West Roxbury, who was a commander in the Massachusetts National Guard oversaw security of troops during the Boston busing crisis in 1974, and rode in chase vehicles behind Pope John Paul II and Queen Elizabeth II during their visits to the Hub.

Parking available at Blue Hill Bank. All are welcome.