Join us on this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast as we sit down with one of the true legends of the bagpiping world, Eric Stein.
With nearly 60 years of involvement in the piping community, Eric has evolved from a young student in Long Island’s Saffron United pipe band to one of the most influential "impresarios" in modern solo piping. He’s the driving force behind legendary events like the Metro Cup, the Sun Belt Invitational, and the Ardmore Cup, creating stages where the world’s best pipers can compete and push the art form to new heights.

It’s an honest look at the hard work and love required to keep the piping community thriving today.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Early Years: How an 11-year-old kid from Long Island fell in love with the pipes and navigated the local band circuit.
• Building Stages: The origin story of the Metro Cup and why Eric felt it was necessary to innovate competition formats to keep them exciting for players and audiences alike.
• The Funding Struggle: A transparent look at the difficulty of securing sponsorships for the arts and why, unlike other musical disciplines, piping often struggles to attract large-scale commercial backing.
• The Future of Piping: The challenge of recruiting younger generations and the vital need for a "young rock star" or a fresh, startup-style approach to capture the modern imagination.
• Anecdotes from the Circuit: Stories of piping icons like Terry Tully, unforgettable pub sessions in Dublin, and the magic that happens when the competition ends and the real music begins.

Connect with Eric
Eric is actively looking for the next generation of leaders, collaborators, and potential sponsors who want to ensure the future of solo piping remains vibrant. If you have ideas, interest, or questions, you can reach out to him directly:
📧 Eric Stein Email: ericmstein53@gmail.com

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“The job is Irish.” In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast, we pull up a stool with a true legend of the FDNY, Retired Chief of Department Ed Kilduff. Over a 37-year career, Chief Kilduff rose through the ranks—serving as a leader during the recovery efforts of 9/11 and eventually becoming the department's highest-ranking uniformed officer in 2010. He joins us to discuss the history, the grit, and the "commonality" that has defined the FDNY for over a century!

We step inside the "snug" for a deep dive into the DNA of the New York City Fire Department. Chief Kilduff shares the incredible story of his great-great-grandfather—a fireman/laborer—who served with the Fighting 69th during the Civil War. We explore how the grit and military tradition of these early Irish soldiers laid the vital groundwork for the FDNY to evolve into the world-class paramilitary organization it is today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Commonality" of the Kitchen: Why the Irish were historically drawn to the fire service and how that cultural bond—defined by the stalwart presence of those who came before—shaped the department's unique humor, loyalty, and grit.
• Legacy of the Civil War: The story of John Kilduff and the 69th New York Infantry at the Siege of Petersburg.
• A Living Memorial: The Chief’s emotional visit to the Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale, Ireland, where 343 trees stand for our fallen brothers.
• The Heart and Soul: The pivotal role of the FDNY Emerald Society Bagpipe Band in rallying the department during times of mourning and celebration.
• Never Forget: A candid look toward the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of America—and how we keep the promise of "Never Forget" alive for the next generation.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Getting Salty Podcast (Chief Kilduff’s Career in Depth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gibHMm61vE
• Support the Mission: Help keep the promise of Never Forget. Join the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for just $11 a month at http://t2t.org
• The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan: A must-read for any fan of Irish history.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the SUBSCRIBE button and the bell icon so you never miss a story from the Snug. Sláinte!

Follow The Irish Snug Podcast:
Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug
#FDNY #IrishHeritage #NeverForget #Ireland

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-*DOCUMENTARY ON NEARY’S*
*Neary’s: The Dream at the End of the Rainbow*
https://www.amazon.com/Nearys-Dream-at-End-Rainbow/dp/B08B1MH7WJ

In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast (formerly Pubs & Pints), host Tim Grant sits down with Una Neary to honor the incredible life of her father, the legendary Jimmy Neary, and the storied history of Neary’s on 57th Street.

For nearly 57 years, Neary’s was more than just a restaurant and pub; it was a cornerstone of New York City’s social and political fabric. From its opening on St. Patrick’s Day in 1967 to its final farewell in July 2024, the establishment remained a sanctuary of old-school hospitality, famous for its strict dress code, impeccable service, and the warm presence of Jimmy himself—a man who emigrated from Tubbercurry, County Sligo, with nothing but a dream and a legendary work ethic.

*Una joins Tim to pull back the curtain on what made Neary’s so special. They discuss:*
- *The Legacy of Jimmy Neary:* From his humble beginnings in Sligo to becoming one of New York’s most beloved hosts.
- *A Room Full of Legends:* Stories of the famous patrons who called Neary’s home, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, author Mary Higgins Clark, and countless giants of industry and politics.
- *The Neary’s Standard:* Why the dress code and the "customer first" philosophy never wavered in over half a century.
- *The End of an Era:* The difficult decision to close the doors and how the family is preserving the memory of a New York institution.

Pull up a stool and join us for a heartfelt conversation about family, the Irish-American experience, and the magic of this iconic establishment.

*Connect with The Irish Snug Podcast:*
* Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug
* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW
* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug

*About the Podcast:*
Hosted by a retired FDNY Captain, The Irish Snug Podcast features interviews with a wide range of guests—from pub owners and historians to musicians and local regulars. While it deeply honors Irish and Irish-American roots, the podcast is open to anyone with a compelling story tied to Irish culture, pub culture, folklore and history.

The episodes often blend personal anecdotes with cultural insights, capturing the "craic" and the timeless tradition of sharing a pint and a tale.

#Nearys #IrishHeritage #NYC #JimmyNeary #TheIrishSnug #Podcast #Storytelling #IrishAmerican #NYCRegulars #Sligo #PubCulture

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In this episode of the Pubs & Pints Podcast, we sit down with John "Chickie" Donohue, the man behind the incredible true story that inspired the major motion picture, The Greatest Beer Run Ever. Imagine being 8000 miles from home, in a war zone, and you 'bump' into a friend of yours from home who just happens to be there to give YOU a beer!

Chickie shares the heartwarming and serendipitous details of his 1967 journey from a New York City pub to the front lines of the Vietnam War. What started as a tribute to neighborhood friends turned into an epic adventure that redefined the meaning of loyalty and friendship. We dive deep into his motivation, the reality of the war zone, and how he managed to deliver those beers against all odds.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Neighborhood Pact: The moment at Doc Fiddler’s pub that sparked the mission to bring beer to the "boys in Nam."
• Getting to Vietnam: The logistical hurdles and the lucky breaks that got Chickie onto a merchant marine ship headed for the war zone.
• Life on the Ground: Chickie’s firsthand accounts of the Tet Offensive and the stark contrast between the reports at home and the reality on the front lines.
• The Meaning of a Cold One: Why a simple can of Pabst Blue Ribbon meant so much to the soldiers in the jungle.
• From Real Life to the Big Screen: Chickie’s thoughts on seeing his life portrayed by Zac Efron and the legacy of his journey.

LINKS

• The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Book): https://www.google.com/search?q=The+G...
• The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Movie): https://www.google.com/search?q=The+G...
• Pubs & Pints Website: http://pubsnpints.com

#NYC #Inwood #Vietnam #Irish #Pubsnpints

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CONNECT WITH MULVIHILL LYNCH SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE:
*Website: https://www.mlsirishdance.com/

In this episode of Pubs & Pints, Tim sits down with Debbie Lynch-Webber, the owner and director of the Mulvihill-Lynch School of Irish Dance. Together, they explore the vibrant world of Irish dance, its deep-rooted traditions, and the evolution of the sport from local parishes to global stages like Riverdance. Debbie shares her journey as a dancer and educator, the importance of community in the dance world, and how she continues to inspire the next generation of performers.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Heritage of Irish Dance: Debbie’s personal history with the art form and how the Mulvihill-Lynch school became a cornerstone for the community.
  
  
• The Post-Riverdance Era: How the global phenomenon changed the perception and popularity of Irish dance forever.
  
  
• Beyond the Steps: The discipline, friendships, and life lessons learned through competitive and performance-based dancing.
  
  
• The Role of the Teacher: Debbie’s philosophy on teaching and maintaining the "soul" of Irish culture through movement.
  
  
• Podcast Connection: Tim and Debbie discuss their shared history and the impact the school has had on families, including Tim's own daughter.
  
  

Whether you're a long-time fan of Irish culture or just curious about the world of jigs and reels, this conversation offers a warm and insightful look at a beloved tradition.

ABOUT THE PUBS & PINTS PODCAST:
Rooted in the Irish tradition of great storytelling, Pubs & Pints captures the magic of conversations shared over a pint—whether it's in a cozy local pub or around the kitchen table. Join Tim as he explores the history, the people, and the heart behind the culture. Please follow, share, and subscribe to your favorite socials below.

CONNECT WITH PUBS & PINTS:

• Website: https://pubsnpints.com

#PubsAndPints #IrishDance #IrishCulture #DebbieLynch #MulvihillLynch

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Connect with Séamus Doohan:

• Website: walkingdonegal.net
• Email: walkingdonegalireland@gmail.com
• Instagram/Socials: @walkingdonegal

In this episode of Pubs & Pints, host Tim sits down with Séamus Doohan, a man whose life is woven into the rugged landscape of Falcarragh, County Donegal. Séamus isn't just a local; he is a storyteller, a walking guide, a historian, and a passionate advocate for the Irish language.

We dive deep into the folklore and reality of Donegal life, from the legendary prophecies of St. Colum Cille to the heartbreaking history of the "Bridge of Tears," where generations of Irish emigrants said their final goodbyes before walking to the ports of Derry. Séamus shares how he transitioned from a "football fanatic" to a professional mountain guide, helping visitors uncover secret waterfalls, ancient ruins, and the medicinal secrets of local wildflowers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Pub Culture of Falcarragh: Comparing the social life of the 1990s to today and the magic of a "singing circle" at the Shamrock Lounge.
• The Bridge of Tears: A moving look at the path taken by those leaving Ireland for America and how Séamus helps their descendants reconnect with that emotion today.
• St. Colum Cille & Ancient Manuscripts: The history of the "Dove of the Church," the first-ever copyright battle, and the sacred Cathach manuscript.
• The Poisoned Glen & Mistranslations: How a simple linguistic error turned the "Heavenly Glen" into the "Poisoned Glen."
• The Irish Language Revival: Séamus’s journey with Gaelic and his experience guiding famous polyglots like Ari Smith (Xiaomanyc) through the Donegal Gaeltacht.
• Archaeology and Art: A look at Séamus’s latest passion—painting the shadows and light of old Irish customs.

Whether you have Donegal roots or simply love a good story told over a pint, this conversation with Séamus Doohan is a journey through the heart of the "Forgotten County."

Featured Links & Publications:

• Condé Nast Traveler: Donegal, Ireland: A Land of Myth and Music
• France TV Feature: Watch Séamus on France TV
• Walking Donegal on YouTube: Watch the Landscape
• The Irish Language Journey: Séamus and Ari Smith (Xiaomanyc)

About Pubs & Pints: Join Tim as he explores the history, the people, and the stories behind the world's most iconic Irish pubs and the characters who make them home.

#PubsAndPints #Donegal #Ireland #WalkingDonegal #IrishHistory #Gaelic #Falcarragh #IrishPodcast

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30 Years at Guinness, Rural Ireland, and Publican Stories with Des Roche

Description:

In this episode of the Pubs and Pints podcast, I sit down with my good friend Des Roche. Des is a true gentleman from County Galway, Ireland, with an incredible wealth of stories. He spent 30 years working for Guinness, starting as a merchandiser and moving into sales, giving him a front-row seat to the characters and culture of Irish pubs.

A few years after retiring from Guinness, Des began driving tour buses around Ireland, meeting people from all over the world, but mostly from the US. That is actually how we met—Des has been the driver for the group I travel with for our annual Ireland Pub Crawl for the past three years, and he’s become a great friend.

We crack open a cold one (tea for Des, Guinness for me!) and discuss everything from growing up in rural 1970s Ireland without running water to the specific science behind the "widget" in a can of Guinness. Des shares hilarious stories about eccentric publicans, a gripping family story involving the Black and Tans, and gives us some insider travel tips for the best chowder and scenic drives in Ireland.

In this episode, we cover:

• 0:00 - Intro & catching up.
• 06:30 - Growing up in East Galway in the 1970s & 80s.
• 15:40 - The science of Guinness: Gas mixes, clean glasses, and the perfect pour.
• 31:00 - Des’s 30-year career at Guinness & the launch of the "Widget" can.
• 37:00 - Hurling: Injuries, passion, and the pride of the club.
• 46:00 - Travel Tips: Dingle, The Healey Pass, and finding the best Seafood Chowder.
• 55:00 - Funny stories about Irish Publicans.
• 1:14:00 - A brush with history: The Black and Tans raid.
• 1:20:00 - Music memories: The Wolf Tones, Luke Kelly, and a Christy Moore anecdote.

Question of the day: I’m trying to learn the rules of Hurling so I can follow the matches better from the US. If you have any resources or tips for a beginner watching the sport, let me know in the comments!

Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more stories from the pub!

#PubsAndPints #Guinness #IrelandTravel #Galway #IrishHistory #Podcast

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Join us for a powerful episode of Pubs & Pints as we welcome Matt Long—FDNY firefighter, 9/11 responder, and ultimate survivor. Matt shares the incredible story of his near-fatal accident and his miraculous journey from a 1% survival rate to running marathons. This is an episode about grit, the power of the human spirit, and finding hope in the darkest of times. 🍻🚒 #PubsAndPints #MattLong #Resilience #FDNY #Inspiration

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