Patrick Vincent (“Vinny”) O’Malley is a beloved figure in Portland’s Irish community and a steadfast advocate for Maine’s working people. Growing up on Portland’s West End, Vinny became deeply involved in community life and later played a key role in the revival of Saint Dominic’s as the Maine Irish Heritage Center. His career reflects a lifetime of service. Vinny worked as a community organizer during the pivotal activism of the 1970s, a cab driver with Town Taxi, and a proud member of the Portland Longshoremen’s Benevolent Society (ILA Local 861). His public service reached new heights when Governor John Baldacci nominated him to serve on the Maine Unemployment Insurance Commission, a position he held for 12 years, where he played a significant role in protecting and supporting Maine workers across the state. Known for his humor, generosity, and fierce loyalty, Vinny has stood by hundreds of Portlanders in moments of need—as a neighbor, advocate, and friend. He and his wife Michelle recently welcomed a joyous new chapter with the marriage of their son Ian in 2025. Join host Michael Connolly as he sits down with Vinny to reflect on labor, community, advocacy, and the enduring spirit of Portland’s Irish West End.
The Heart of Maine – Episode 8 – Michael Brennan
Michael Connolly sits down with former Portland Mayor Michael Brennan, a lifelong public servant whose impact on Maine spans decades. From social work and child welfare advocacy to legislative leadership and city governance, Brennan’s career reflects a deep commitment to the people of Portland and the state of Maine. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mike shares stories from his early years, the path that led him into public service, and the values that continue to guide him today. He discusses his proud Irish heritage, rooted in Inishnee, a small island off Roundstone in County Galway, and his family connection to former Maine Governor Joe Brennan through the Mulkerrins.
The Heart of Maine – Episode 7 – Coilin Hernon
In this episode of The Heart of Maine, host Michael Connolly sits down with Cóilín Hernon (Cóilín Ó hIarnáin)—a renowned boatbuilder from Galway, Ireland—whose life’s work has been dedicated to preserving the craft of the Galway Hooker, Ireland’s iconic traditional sailing vessel. Born in Rusheenamanagh, Carna, County Galway, and now based in Galway City, Cóilín shares stories of his early life, his transition from teaching to boatbuilding, and his deep connection to Ireland’s maritime heritage. During his first visit to Portland, Maine, Hernon reflects on the historic ties between Galway and Maine—connections forged through generations of chain migration—and the enduring kinship that continues to unite families across the Atlantic. It’s a rich conversation about craftsmanship, culture, and the call of the sea that binds Ireland and Maine together.
The Heart of Maine – Episode 6 – Bob Greene
Explore the inspiring life of Bob Greene, who grew up in Portland, Maine’s Black neighborhood on Munjoy Hill during the 1930s and ’40s. After graduating from Portland High School in 1953, Greene began a journalism career that spanned five decades as a global sports reporter for the Associated Press. As an Associated Press reporter, Greene became one of the leading voices covering tennis from the 1950s through the 2000s. Along the way, he crossed paths with sports legends and world leaders, including three American presidents. In this conversation with author Michael Connolly, Greene reflects on: Growing up Black in Portland and the importance of Munjoy Hill’s community His family’s eight-generation history in America, dating back to the 1700s Encounters with presidents, Kennedys, and icons of sport His decades-long career reporting on world tennis How race and civil rights shaped his life and work A remarkable life story connecting Portland’s past to the world stage. Perfect for those interested in African American history in New England, civil rights in Maine, or the history of tennis journalism and sports reporting.