This interview with two Irishmen was conducted by Mike Connolly of the Maine Irish Heritage Center on May 14, 2024, at the Portland Media Center.  It relates stories concerning life in the northern and eastern regions of Maine, their families, politics, and several anecdotes they were willing to share.  One particularly comical story is about the unofficial raising of the Irish flag over the State House in Augusta.

Jack Cashman’s career has put him in a number of roles, although the title of “Amazon Best Selling Author” is a relatively new one. Coming from a background of small business ownership, real estate, and insurance, Cashman was first elected to serve in the Maine House of Representatives in 1982. After five terms in office and some time away from state government, he returned to public service in 2003 in a variety of roles with the administration of Maine Governor John Baldacci. Cashman’s first book, An Irish Immigrant Story, was published in 2018 as a historical novel based on the story of his own family’s journey from Ireland to the United States during the time of the Potato Famine. Cashman’s unique background of business owner, elected office-holder, and government official combine with his creative mind to bring together a collection of stories unlike any author working today. Jack has spent nearly all of his life in Maine, and currently lives in Hampden with his wife of nearly 50 years, Betty. They are the proud parents of two sons and grandparents of five granddaughters.

Milton (Milt) McBreairty was born in Eagle Lake, Aroostook County, in 1951.  His family lived in Allagash, but they shortly thereafter moved to Caribou. His father fought in World War II and after the war worked at Loring Air Force Base. Milt graduated from Caribou High School and soon became an apprentice electrician.  He became a full member of IBEW Union 567 and thereafter served the union in several capacities, including 18 years as Business Manager, often meeting in the Labor Temple on Exchange Street in Portland. His family were proud of their Irish roots and being from Allagash, “Moose-towners” as they were often called.  Allagash was home to many Irish families in addition to the McBreairtys, such as O’Learys and Kellys. Milt’s Kelly forebears arrived in America in the early 17th century, and the McBreairtys first arrived in New Brunswick from Killybegs, County Donegal. Today Milt lives in Bangor and enjoys his annual fishing trip on Madawaska Lake.

Mike Connolly volunteers at the Maine Irish Heritage Center and has conducted many interviews with Portland’s Irish community over the years.  He retired from teaching history at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in 2020 after thirty-six very enjoyable years.  He has published three histories and one novel, Murky Overhead (2021), and is presently working on number two, Ever the Twain Shall Meet.