Boston: Irish – Bill Brett

After 170 years, the sacrifice of hundreds of Irish refugees recognized with Deer Island memorial

May 26th, 2019 Comments Closed

PHOTO BY BILL BRETT This portrait of William T. O’Connell, who worked for years to build the Irish Famine Memorial in Boston Harbor was taken for Bill’s fifth book, “Boston: Irish.” Bill and his wife, Rita, worked for years to build the memorial. Both O’Connells died before the memorial was built. By Carol Beggy WINTHROP — Some 600 people gathered on a bright Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend to dedicate a permanent marker to…

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Recent Events

Boston Irish Reporter honors Scannells, Father Doc, and Dr. McGill

October 22nd, 2018 Comments Closed

SEAPORT — From the Boston Irish Reporter: “A couple who have spent decades helping Boston kids stay safe and achieve their dreams; a Catholic priest who ministers to the city’s most vulnerable; and a pioneering physician with roots in Dublin [are] the honorees at this month’s Boston Irish Honors luncheon, the season’s premier celebration of Irish-American achievement in Massachusetts.” The ninth annual luncheon, which serves as an anniversary celebration for the Boston Irish Reporter, was…

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Boston: Irish

Charitable Irish Society honors two at Copley Plaza event

October 8th, 2018 Comments Closed

*UPDATED: More photos added to gallery. COPLEY SQUARE — The Charitable Irish Society held its annual Silver Key Awards Reception at the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel on Oct. 4. The Society, which was formed in Boston in 1737, honored Paul Doyle and former state senator Linda Dorcena Forry at the event. The Society was started to “cultivate a spirit of unity and harmony among all resident Irish and their descendants in the Massachusetts Colony and…

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Bill Brett Boston

Memorial Celebration Set for Mary Kakas

June 21st, 2018 Comments Closed

PHOTO OF MARY KAKAS BY BILL BRETT FOR BOSTON: IRISH HINGHAM — A memorial celebration for Boston businesswoman and social philanthropist Mary Kakas will be held on Saturday, June 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham. Kakas, who will be remembered for her indefatigable efforts on behalf of the causes and people she supported, had lived in Hingham and Hull before moving to Boston several years ago. She was a South…

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Boston: Irish

This St. Patrick’s Day we raise money to support the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry and honor 3 from Dorchester

March 17th, 2018 Comments Closed

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BRETT FAMILY The Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry in Dorchester feeds thousands of people each year. DORCHESTER — On this St. Patrick’s Day 2018, more than 100 people will gather at St. Teresa of Calcutta Church to raise money and support for the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry named for Bill Brett’s mother. The breakfast, which last year raised more than $100,000, is hosted by Jim Brett. The entire Brett family,…

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