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.

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Join host Tim Grant in a fascinating discussion with Derry native, Dermot McElholm, as they dive deep into Irish culture, history, and the unique pub life both in Ireland and New York City.

Dermot shares captivating stories of his family's ancestry, including his paternal grandfather's internment by the British after the partition of Ireland and his time teaching Irish to prisoners on the HMS Argenta. He offers a poignant description of growing up in Derry during "The Troubles," including the lasting impact of Bloody Sunday in 1972.

The conversation shifts to Dermot's five years bartending in New York's Kinsale Tavern, comparing the distinct drinking cultures and colorful characters—like the legendary "Marathon Man"—he encountered in the American "melting pot."

Highlights Include:

• The decline of rural Irish pubs due to changing laws and social dynamics.
• The joys of hiking and connecting with nature in Ireland, including a detailed look at the history and folklore behind natural landmarks like the Poison Glen and the dolmens (ancient burial chambers).
• The importance of preserving Irish place names and folklore from Anglicization and modern forgetfulness, including the stories behind Sawel and Shantallow.
• Personal reflections on life, nature, and the value of a good conversation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in authentic Irish life, history, and the enduring bond of friendship forged over a perfect pint of Guinness.

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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-mwDRxrWBd

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