Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In honor of the all-things-Irish holiday, we are thrilled to announce that later this Spring, our very own President and Director Siobhan A. Reardon will be honored as one of 11 inspirational Irish women by the Society of Commodore John Barry (the Irish Center) and the Irish Immigration Center of Greater Philadelphia. The Inspirational Irish Women Award recognizes women of Irish descent in the Delaware Valley who have distinguished themselves in the areas of public and community services, business, charity, philanthropy and the arts.

In celebration of the award, the Irish Center and the Irish Immigration Center have commissioned artist Patrick Gallagher to create a series of portraits of inspirational Irish and Irish-American women from our region. The portraits will be unveiled on May 23 during a reception at the Irish Center and will remain on display in the Commodore Barry Room for several months. Congratulations to Siobhan and the rest of the women being honored!

And in the spirit of St. Patty’s Day, let’s talk about books by the Irish and Irish-Americans. Do you have any favorites? Last year, we mourned the death of one of the most well-known modern Irish-American authors, Frank McCourt. Listen here for podcasts from his visits to the Free Library for 'Tis and Teacher Man.