New York State Senator Sean Ryan says he has secured a $1 million capital grant to fund a renovation project at the Buffalo Irish Center.
Senator Ryan announced the funding at a special celebration that featured music from Buffalo’s Emerald Isle Band, a performance by students from the Rince na Tiarna Irish Dance School, and a poetry reading by Keelie Sheridan of the Irish Classical Theatre Company.
The Irish Center , said a release from the senator's office, has been a South Buffalo fixture since 1970 and today is home to nearly 20 clubs, most of whom were on hand for the announcement.
"The building, which was a YMCA before it became home to the Irish Center, was built in 1926 and is in need of updates. The $1 million in state funding will pay for renovations to the Irish Center’s dance studio, kitchen, and pub."
Senator Brian Kavanagh, president of the American-Irish Legislators Society of New York State, traveled to Buffalo for the announcement.
Also in attendance were Senator April Baskin, Assemblymember Pat Burke, Assemblymember Bill Conrad, and Assemblymember Jon Rivera.
Senator Sean Ryan said: “The Buffalo Irish Center has been an anchor of South Buffalo for over fifty years. It has served as a community gathering space and a place for an entire generation of Buffalonians to connect with their Irish heritage. This capital funding will help the Irish Center continue to be a wonderful community resource for generations to come.”
Tim Flanagan, Chairman of the Buffalo Irish Center Board of Directors, said: “The Buffalo Irish Center is very grateful for the support provided by Senator Sean Ryan for our capital campaign as we continue to work to secure the Irish Center for future generations.”
