Representatives from the Maine Irish Heritage Center and organizations from across Irish New England stand in front of the Heritage Center’s green doors. The restoration of the doors was funded by the Irish Emigrant Support Program.
Photo by Lauren Stockless, Maine Irish Heritage Center.
The Maine Irish Heritage Centre in Portland recently opened its doors to welcome a delegation from Ireland led by Irish Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming.
According to a press release, the event was a unique opportunity to bring together members of the local community and Irish leaders.
Minister Fleming spoke about the links between Ireland and Maine and the importance of the Irish Government’s diaspora strategy.
The pastor then traveled to Bath, where he served as keynote speaker at the christening of the USS Patrick Gallagher.
The Heritage Centre provided Irish flags for the ceremony and the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band, which played during the christening, was conducted by MIHC board member Tom Ryan.
“We were delighted to welcome Minister Fleming and our friends from the Irish community in New England,” said MIHC Board Chairman James McClay.
“It was an honor to come together in our historic building and celebrate Maine’s rich Irish heritage. The visit is truly a testament to the Irish community in Maine and all of New England.”
The center is housed in the former St. Dominic’s Church. Eric Brown, the center’s executive director, said the visit was a testament to the long tradition of connection between Maine and Ireland, “and also to the current vibrancy of Maine’s increasingly diverse communities.”
