His Family Survived War, Murder & Migration… Here’s Their Story | Tommy Whyte

Introduction to Tommy White: The episode introduces Tommy White as a long-time friend of the host, with a friendship spanning over 30 years, originating from their time in a FDNY Bagpipe Band where Tommy was the chairman around 1994.Irish Heritage and Family History:Tommy delves into his strong Irish roots, noting that all four of his grandparents immigrated from Ireland independently and later met in the States.He shares anecdotes about his maternal grandparents, who, despite meeting in the U.S., were from neighboring towns just outside Killarney and likely met at a Kerry dance.His paternal grandparents also hailed from adjoining counties in Ireland (Offaly and Westmeath) and met after immigrating.Tommy's mother was born in the U.S. but grew up in Ireland, returning before high school to settle in the Bronx.His paternal grandfather, Chris White, was a decorated World War I hero who fought as an American and later owned a string of successful restaurants and a speakeasy in Manhattan, including Whit's Cafe where Kennedy's now stands.A tragic family story is recounted about his great-uncle, John White, who was shot and killed in his bar during a confrontation.Another poignant story involves Tommy's great-grandmother's grandfather, a Civil War veteran who was also shot and killed for his wallet after church, with his family later formally forgiving his killer.Tommy mentions restoring an old famine-era cottage with a cousin in Ireland and the ongoing research into his family tree, including a possible ancestor who was a Brooklyn fireman during the Great Blizzard of '88.He also shares a harrowing family story about his maternal grandfather's brother, who, along with his track gang, was tragically killed by a train while on a de-energized track.A close call for his grandfather, who avoided a fatal train derailment by stopping to buy a turkey on his way home from work.The White family is believed to be descendants of St. Oliver Plunkett.Personal Experiences and Connections to Ireland:Tommy describes his upbringing in an "absolutely Irish" household, filled with Irish music.He notes that his connection to his Irish heritage has remained consistently strong throughout his life.His first trip to Ireland was in his early to mid-twenties, with the bagpipe band.He discusses how he re-established connections with his paternal family in Tipperary, including a memorable first meeting with his cousin at "Whites Grocers".Tommy highlights the unique camaraderie of meeting distant relatives in Ireland compared to the U.S..Favorite pubs include McCarthy's in Fethard, Tipperary, known for its history, and Dailies in Derry, which reminds him of old Bronx pubs.Career and Notable Bagpipe Band Memories:Tommy shares his path to becoming a firefighter, joining the department in 1978 after not being able to get into Local 3 as an electrician.He speaks highly of his career as a firefighter, expressing no regrets.A particularly memorable and suspenseful story involves a trip to Portlaoise Prison with fellow band members Bobby and Joe Murphy, where they unknowingly sailed "into a hornet's nest" due to Joe's friend being a high-profile prisoner involved in an IRA gun-smuggling operation with the Boston mob.He talks about hiking in Donegal with a group of friends, including Dermot, whom he reconnected with after many years.You can view the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/w1WnHGq0jsc?si=N-mwDRxrWBdCiDI7Send us Fan MailSupport the show