Growing Up Between Ireland and New York (The Irish-American Story) | Tommy Feighery

Tommy Feighery was born in Long Beach, New York to Tom and Nancy Feighery. In 1971, his parents moved the family to his mother’s native Country Offaly, where they spent the next eight years raising him and his eight siblings. They moved back to the United States in 1979 and settled in Carmel, New York.   For more than 30 years, Tommy owned and operated Fiddler’s Green Pub in Carmel, a gathering place for many, particularly those of Irish descent who regularly stopped in the share a story or pint with friends and watch some Gaelic games. Fidds will always hold a special place in his heart and if those four walls could talk….   This episode features a lively conversation with Tom Feighery, covering his deep Irish roots and life in New York. Tom shares stories about:Irish Heritage: Born in America, but living in Ireland until he was 13 years old played an important part in Tommy's love of sports as well as his connections and life-long friends in both America and Ireland.Gaelic Sports & FDNY: His time playing Irish football for the West Putnam Gaels (including their minor championship win in '84), his impressive kicking ability, and his family's connection to the FDNY.Iconic Pubs and History: Hilarious and heartwarming tales from growing up around the family bar, Fiddler's Green in Carmel, NY. He recounts generational bar stories, from the best pints of Guinness in Ireland (including a mention of  Beirns in Roscommon) to the legendary story of his father stealing the "Blue Ball"... and it's return back to town.The Irish-American Experience: The chat also touches on the importance of pubs as community centers in rural Ireland, the impact of the smoking ban and cell phones on the pub industry, and memorable experiences seeing the Wolf Tones.It’s a great mix of family history, pub culture, and Irish-American life.Send us Fan MailSupport the show