Craic on the Coast: An AOH Podcast

From Lord of the Dance to the ICC | Declan Crowley Interview

Welcome back to another episode of Craic on the Coast! In Episode 32, Michael Schilling and Greg Shanahan sit down with Declan Crowley — former Lord of the Dance principal performer and current Cultural Programmer for the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston. Declan shares his incredible journey from competitive Irish dance champion in upstate New York to performing internationally with Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and Feet of Flames. The conversation explores the global growth of Irish dance, touring life, Irish identity abroad, and the future of Irish cultural preservation in America. The episode also dives deep into everything happening at the ICC: ☘️ Irish music sessions ☘️ GAA & rugby ☘️ Dance & language classes ☘️ Upcoming concerts and events ☘️ The Heritage Pub reopening ☘️ Why the ICC remains one of the most important Irish cultural institutions in the United States If you love Irish culture, music, dance, history, storytelling, or community — this episode is for you. Irish Cultural Centre of Greater BostonHome | Irish Cultural Centre Greater Boston [https://www.irishculture.org/] About Craic on the Coast: 📩 Have a story to tell or a topic you want us to cover? 📧 Email:📩 craiconthecoast@gmail.com (Story ideas, guest pitches, topics you want covered) 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craiconthecoast (Clips, episodes, behind-the-scenes, events) 🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves Irish history, culture, or heritage storytelling. Craic on the Coast is a podcast dedicated to exploring Irish history, culture, music, community, and the stories that connect Ireland and Irish America — with a special focus on the South Shore of Massachusetts and the wider Irish diaspora. Hosted by Michael Schilling, Greg Shanahan, and Shaun Morgan, Craic on the Coast features conversations with historians, musicians, authors, community leaders, and cultural figures who bring Ireland’s past and present to life. Each episode blends thoughtful discussion, accessible storytelling, and good craic, making history and heritage engaging for both casual listeners and lifelong enthusiasts. Whether we’re unpacking pivotal moments in Irish history, highlighting modern cultural connections, or spotlighting community-driven initiatives, Craic on the Coast is about connection, curiosity, and keeping Irish stories alive. #CraicOnTheCoast #IrishCulture #LordOfTheDance #IrishDance #ICC #BostonIrish #GAA #Riverdance #IrishMusic #IrishAmerican

Inside the Rose of Tralee 🌹 | Boston Rose Maeve Kelly & Roses from Around the World

Welcome back to Craic on the Coast! 🇮🇪 🌊 In Episode 31, we sit down with Maeve Kelly, the Boston Rose, alongside four incredible Roses representing communities from around the world. Together, we dive into what it truly means to be part of the Rose of Tralee—from the pride of representing your community to the friendships, stories, and unforgettable moments that come with it. This episode is a celebration of Irish culture, global connection, and the modern meaning of identity through the Rose experience. 🌹 In this episode: What it takes to become a Rose Representing Boston and the global Irish diaspora Behind-the-scenes of the Rose of Tralee journey Personal stories from Roses across the world Why this tradition still matters today About Craic on the Coast 📩 Have a story to tell or a topic you want us to cover? 📧 Email:📩 craiconthecoast@gmail.com (Story ideas, guest pitches, topics you want covered) 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craiconthecoast (Clips, episodes, behind-the-scenes, events) 🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves Irish history, culture, or heritage storytelling. Craic on the Coast is a podcast dedicated to exploring Irish history, culture, music, community, and the stories that connect Ireland and Irish America — with a special focus on the South Shore of Massachusetts and the wider Irish diaspora. Hosted by Michael Schilling, Greg Shanahan, and Shaun Morgan, Craic on the Coast features conversations with historians, musicians, authors, community leaders, and cultural figures who bring Ireland’s past and present to life. Each episode blends thoughtful discussion, accessible storytelling, and good craic, making history and heritage engaging for both casual listeners and lifelong enthusiasts. Whether we’re unpacking pivotal moments in Irish history, highlighting modern cultural connections, or spotlighting community-driven initiatives, Craic on the Coast is about connection, curiosity, and keeping Irish stories alive. #irishhistory #IrishIndependence #EasterRising #AmericanRevolution #IrishCulture #HistoryPodcast #IrishAmerican #CraicOnTheCoast

Why the Irish Language Is Making a Comeback (And Why It Matters)

Is the Irish language (Gaeilge) making a comeback? 🇮🇪 In this episode of Craic on the Coast, we sit down with Mollie Guidera (Irish with Molly) to explore the growing global movement to revive and reconnect with the Irish language.Check out this video - ⁠https://youtu.be/gmGFA6r0sOY?si=qkQILWgGlEt2q1ix ⁠From Ireland to the United States and across the diaspora, more people than ever are rediscovering Gaeilge—not just as a language, but as a deeper connection to identity, culture, and heritage.We dive into: Why Irish (Gaeilge) is experiencing a cultural resurgenceThe emotional and cultural power of the language Why traditional teaching methods failed—and what works now How YOU can start learning Irish today The role of Irish Americans in keeping the language alive This conversation is part history, part culture, and part call to action. 🍀 Whether you're Irish, Irish-American, or just curious—this episode will change how you think about language and identity. 🎶 NEW SEGMENT: South Shore SessionsStick around until the end of the episode for our latest South Shore Sessions—highlighting the music, venues, and people keeping Irish tradition alive right here on the South Shore. 🔗 Connect with Molly Guidera https://www.irishwithmollie.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irishwithmollie/ — Irish language content, behind-the-scenes, lesson updates 🇮🇪 ▶️ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@irishwithmollie — Irish language videos and storytelling 🇮🇪📩 Have a story to tell or a topic you want us to cover?📧 Email:📩 craiconthecoast@gmail.com(Story ideas, guest pitches, topics you want covered) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/craiconthecoast(Clips, episodes, behind-the-scenes, events) ▶️YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@CraicontheCoast(Full video podcast episodes & bonus content)🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves Irish history, culture, or heritage storytelling. Craic on the Coast is a podcast dedicated to exploring Irish history, culture, music, community, and the stories that connect Ireland and Irish America — with a special focus on the South Shore of Massachusetts and the wider Irish diaspora. Hosted by Michael Schilling, Greg Shanahan, and Shaun Morgan, Craic on the Coast features conversations with historians, musicians, authors, community leaders, and cultural figures who bring Ireland’s past and present to life. Each episode blends thoughtful discussion, accessible storytelling, and good craic, making history and heritage engaging for both casual listeners and lifelong enthusiasts. Whether we’re unpacking pivotal moments in Irish history, highlighting modern cultural connections, or spotlighting community-driven initiatives, Craic on the Coast is about connection, curiosity, and keeping Irish stories alive. #IrishLanguage #Gaeilge #LearnIrish #IrishCulture #IrishHeritage #LanguageRevival #IrishDiaspora #CelticCulture #CraicOnTheCoast #IrishAmerican #BostonIrish #SouthShoreMA

Episode 29: Irish History Comes Alive Davy Holden on Ireland Tours, Revolution & Easter Rising

Irish history, revolution, and the stories that connect Ireland and Irish America take center stage in this episode of Craic on the Coast as we welcome back historian and storyteller Davy Holden. You will not believe some of the stories he shares with us. Check out this video - ⁠https://youtu.be/gmGFA6r0sOY?si=qkQILWgGlEt2q1ix⁠ [https://youtu.be/gmGFA6r0sOY?si=qkQILWgGlEt2q1ix] In Episode 29, we explore Irish history through a revolutionary lens, including how the American Revolution inspired Ireland’s own fight for independence, the roots of Irish republican thought, and why these stories still matter today. Davy also shares details about his first guided Irish history tour, designed to bring people to the real places where Ireland’s past was shaped. We also discuss our spring collaboration with Davy, including a Plymouth, Massachusetts workshop rooted in revolutionary history and his role as keynote speaker at our Annual Easter Rising Commemoration in Scituate, MA. This episode blends serious history, accessible storytelling, and good craic, making it perfect for history lovers, Irish culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the deep connections between America and Ireland. 🔗 Connect with Davy Holden 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davy_holden/ — Irish history content, behind-the-scenes, tour updates 🇮🇪 ▶️ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davyholden — Irish history videos and storytelling 🇮🇪 📩 Have a story to tell or a topic you want us to cover? 📧 Email:📩 craiconthecoast@gmail.com (Story ideas, guest pitches, topics you want covered) 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craiconthecoast (Clips, episodes, behind-the-scenes, events) ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@craiconthecoast (Full video podcast episodes & bonus content) 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Lj0N7qJCQUz2hvCXtxb90 [https://open.spotify.com/show/1Lj0N7qJCQUz2hvCXtxb90] (Subscribe & listen to all episodes) 🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves Irish history, culture, or heritage storytelling. Craic on the Coast is a podcast dedicated to exploring Irish history, culture, music, community, and the stories that connect Ireland and Irish America — with a special focus on the South Shore of Massachusetts and the wider Irish diaspora. Hosted by Michael Schilling, Greg Shanahan, and Shaun Morgan, Craic on the Coast features conversations with historians, musicians, authors, community leaders, and cultural figures who bring Ireland’s past and present to life. Each episode blends thoughtful discussion, accessible storytelling, and good craic, making history and heritage engaging for both casual listeners and lifelong enthusiasts. Whether we’re unpacking pivotal moments in Irish history, highlighting modern cultural connections, or spotlighting community-driven initiatives, Craic on the Coast is about connection, curiosity, and keeping Irish stories alive. #IrishHistory #IrishIndependence #EasterRising #AmericanRevolution #IrishCulture #HistoryPodcast #IrishAmerican #CraicOnTheCoast

Episode 28: Feeding the Future: The Hibernian Hunger Project

Summary: In Episode 28 of Craic on the Coast, hosts Michael Schilling and Greg Shanahan sit down with William “Bill” Sullivan, National Chair of the Hibernian Hunger Committee for the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). Bill shares the origins of the Hibernian Hunger Project, a national initiative rooted in both compassion and Irish historical memory. The conversation explores: * How the Hunger Project was founded and its mission at the national level. * Why hunger relief resonates deeply within Irish and Irish-American communities. * How local AOH divisions — including the Father John Murphy Division in Plymouth — put the national vision into action with community food drives, pantry partnerships, and volunteer service. * Stories of impact from around the country and the ongoing work to educate and serve. This episode blends history and heart — showing how remembrance of Ireland’s past fuels meaningful action today. 📌 Show Notes & Links✝️ Ancient Order of Hibernians — Official Resources * Hibernian Hunger Project (official AOH page): https://aoh.com/hibernian-hunger-project/ [https://aoh.com/hibernian-hunger-project/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Bill Sullivan — National Chair, Hibernian Hunger Committee: https://aoh.com/nationalofficers/bill-sullivan/ [https://aoh.com/nationalofficers/bill-sullivan/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Podcast (Apple Podcasts): Craic on the Coast — An AOH Podcast Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craic-on-the-coast-an-aoh-podcast/id1797805001?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Podcast (Spotify & other platforms): https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/craiconthecoast [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/craiconthecoast?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Spotify for Creators [https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/craiconthecoast?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Instagram — Craic on the Coast: https://www.instagram.com/craiconthecoast/ * Email: craiconthecoast@gmail.com * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aohplymouth/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthAOH/ [https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthAOH/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📺 Listen & Follow Craic on the Coast☘️ Father John Murphy Division — AOH Plymouth * Hibernian Hunger Project * Ancient Order of Hibernians * AOH charity work * Irish American community service * Food insecurity * Food pantry donations * Hunger relief programs * Great Hunger history * Irish diaspora * Plymouth Massachusetts podcast * South Shore Massachusetts * Irish history podcast * Irish culture podcast * Volunteer community outreach * Nonprofit service organizations