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Springfield’s Jeanne Ahern is joining the ICC board
By Irish Echo Staff
letters@irishecho.com
Irish culture in western New England is getting a boost with the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England announcing two new members to its board of directors.
Brian Q. Corridan and Jeanne Barnes Ahern, both of Springfield, Mass. joined the board recently, starting out three year terms.
Corridan, well known across the region as the voice of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade, is President and Chief Operating Officer of Corridan & Co., a Chicopee-based investment firm.
In 2013, Corridan was chosen Holyoke’s parade grand marshal.
Married to Paula Corridan and the father of three, he holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stonehill College.
“There is quite simply nothing like being an Irish-American,” Corridan said.
“I look forward to taking my heritage to the next step on the board of the Irish Cultural Center.”
Ahern grew up in Framingham in a close-knit Irish-American family, and has lived in Springfield all of her adult life.
Married to Brian Ahern, she holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from Westfield State College.
She is a congressional aide to U.S. Congressman Richard Neal.
Both Neal and Ahern have been strong supporters of the ICC since it was founded in 1999.
“My grandparents came from Ireland. I have a grandmother from Clifden, County Galway, and a grandfather from Donegal,” said Ahern.
“My dad instilled a great interest and love for our Irish heritage, and I’m happy to be a part of the Irish Cultural Center board.”
ICC President, Sean Cahillane, welcomed both Ahern and Corridan to the board, saying their heritage, enthusiasm and love of Irish culture make them positive assets.
“They’re activists in the community, they’re very well respected professionally, and they have strong connections to their Irish heritage,” Cahillane said.
“We’re thrilled to have them on board.”
The Irish Cultural Center was established in 1999 to foster an appreciation of Irish culture in Western New England.
Its mission is to cultivate a connection with Ireland, through the arts, culture, history, language, and heritage.
The center offers opportunities to engage in educational, travel, and social events that promote Irish culture.
For more information, contact the Irish Cultural Center at (413)265-2537, or email irishcenter@elms.edu.
