S1E1: Helen Ward

11/24/20 • 34 min

Our very first episode! Though still a teenager, Helen Ward left her small village in rural County Longford, Ireland, in 1960, to come to New York. Now a mother, a grandmother, and a widow, living in the traditionally Irish neighborhood of Woodside, Queens, she has led a full life, with its share of ups and downs, including one very traumatic family event. Learn of her tough upbringing in Ireland, finding her own voice in America, her sustaining faith, and dealing with the pandemic of 2020. And after six decades in New York, she's still smiling! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @CenterPieceNY or visit us at CenterPieceNY.com. Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And thanks to Purple Planet for the music!

Previous Episode

Introducing CenterPieceNY

We will be dropping our first couple of full episodes in the run up to Thanksgiving (that's before November 26th, for those of you who do not live Stateside). In episode 1, we'll be talking with Helen Ward, a great lady who came to New York in 1960, and who has led a remarkable life since. In episode 2, Mike Doherty, from South Armagh, tells of his service in Vietnam, his love for the US, and the many twists and turns on the road since he arrived in New York in 1963. In the meantime, you can listen to this introductory episode, where I chat with George Heslin of the New York Irish Center. It will give you a sense of what this podcast is all about. Twitter and Facebook: @CenterPieceNY Website: CenterPieceNY.com Thanks to Purple-Planet for the music!

Next Episode

S1E3: John McGurrin

John McGurrin was a mere lad of twelve years when his family upped stakes in his native County Cavan, Ireland, and headed for New York, unlike many Irish immigrants who arrive on the shores of the United States as young, single adults. It was 1955 and he had his whole life ahead of him, a life that brought him and his family great tragedy and hardship in his adopted country, but also great opportunity and excitement. It's been a life where he's travelled the world over, and a life he continues to live to the fullest, sixty five years later. It's been a life where he's helped many, of all backgrounds, in all sorts of difficulty, in his work and as a volunteer. He has embraced the cultures of many lands, and yet his love for his own Irish culture is deep. He is both outward looking, a cosmopolitan, but remains true in his heart to Ireland, a Hibernian. Listen and learn the rhythm of John's life through his stories.
And given the season that is in it, and following the year the world has had. we include a special message about self-care, from Rebecca Skedd, CEO of Solace House.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @CenterPieceNY or visit us at CenterPieceNY.com. Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And thanks to Purple Planet, and the group Sláinte, of Tacoma, Washington, via freemusicarchive.org, for the music!