Emotional Michael Flatley opens Irish America Hall of Fame

‘I’m reminded of all the tears that were shed in this spot'

CATHY HAYES,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, July 9, 2011, 7:33 AM

Updated Thursday, July 14, 2011, 3:51 PM

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An emotional Micheal Flatley shed tears yesterday as he was inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame in County Wexford as 400 invited guests looked on, including Ireland’s tourism minister Leo Varadakar.

The heritage museum and emigrant heritage center is located near New Ross and is the same place where John F. Kennedy’s ancestors emigrated to America, reports the Irish Times.

The newly built center is on the quayside beside the replica famine ship 'The Dunbrody.’ The center was built at a cost of $4 million.

Flatley stated: “I’m reminded of all the tears that were shed in this spot, how many mothers cried here.”

Addressing his mother Eilish, who was also there along with his family, he said: “Mam, I’d be nothing without you; I’m so proud to be your son.”

His own son Micheal, now four was also present for the ceremony, as well as his wife Niamh.

The Irish America Hall of Fame was created in conjunction with our sister publication Irish America Magazine. Irish America Magazine editor Patricia Harty was also at the event.

As part of the new museum visitors are given a recreated trip on board the famine ship to America. Minister Varedakar drew the name of a famine immigrant Biddie Keogh who traveled in steerage to the new world.

He drew the “three pounds and 10 shillings” ticket of Biddy Keogh and was sent below-deck to experience how those who traveled in steerage made the journey.

Others inducted into the hall of fame included President Clinton, businessmen Don Keough, Denis Kelleher, and Bill Flynn, famed doctors, humanitarian Dr.Kevin Cahill and Nobel Prize Winner Dr. James Watson, who discovered DNA, Jean Kennedy Smith, writer Mary Higgins Clark, and philanthropist Chuck Feeney

Actors created a pageant showing the hardship of the emigrant experience.

A woman wearing a shawl keened: “What’s going to become of us, God only knows.”

Sean Reidy, the CEO of the Dunbrody Famine Ship, stated the vessel "illustrates the passion and drive of the Irish to succeed in difficult circumstances".

Minister Varadkar said the center "will play a vital role in keeping Ireland attractive to overseas visitors."

The Irish America Hall of Fame officially opens in Ireland - PHOTOS

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ancavker | Jul 11, 2011, 04:24 PM EDT

cillowen: Agreed. I will never understand this Irish obsession with the royal family. Such a yawn.

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mcdolan | Jul 11, 2011, 12:01 PM EDT

@bogsidebunny -- Anything that brings tourism back into this country is worthwhile in the first instance, and secondly, if it weren't for Irish Americans keeping the culture and interest in Ireland alive we would be sunk with the mad scramble to become 'europeans'.

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bogsidebunny | Jul 10, 2011, 05:47 AM EDT

Yet another Blarney spin machine to capture American's money. Don't buy into the cute hoor tails Yanks. It's all about greed and collecting moola!

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aoibhinn | Jul 09, 2011, 10:25 PM EDT

Patricia, Going on Friday to check out new place and to take kids ...

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cillowen | Jul 09, 2011, 04:56 PM EDT

nice going with something of importance that serves the homebody irish and their diaspora scattered. the royalty craven subjects must be torn having to serve the ould oppressor who still excites the majority of them. How do i know? by observing their giddiness (women in particular) at queen's visit and honor said entity bestows on her never-lost subjects.

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PatriciaHarty | Jul 09, 2011, 03:22 PM EDT

I was delighted at the opening of Irish America Hall of Fame and the emigrant heritage center. Michael Flatley was a huge hit with everyone. He couldn't have been nicer and I think everyone in the place must have had their photo taken with him. The Dunbrody is an exact replica of an ship that sailed from New Ross to Gross Ile in Canada and also made trips to New York. You really get a sense of what it must have been like to spend 5 to 6 weeks in cramped conditions (no toilets, just buckets) whole families sharing one bunk and very little by way of rations. It's amazing that anyone survived at all. It really says a lot about the tenacity of the Irish that they were able to overcome such hardship, and you come away with a new appreciation for what our ancestors went through. Altogether, a very moving experience. I urge you all to put it on your list of places that you have to visit. I promise you you won't be disappointed.

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aoibhinn | Jul 09, 2011, 11:41 AM EDT

"The heritage museum and emigrant heritage center is located near New Ross ... The newly built center is on the quayside beside the replica famine ship 'The Dunbrody.’ " 'Near' New Ross? It is less than 300 yards from the official center of New Ross town! For anyone who wants to visit it, it's off the N25, on the river side, just south of the bridge over the River Barrow (that takes you to/from Waterford).

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