In this moving episode of The Heart of Maine, Michael Connolly sits down with Fran Seeley (nee McDowell), whose remarkable life bridges revolutionary Ireland and the classrooms of Portland, Maine. Born into a working-class Dublin family with roots in the historic...
Jean Haney
The Heart of Maine – Episode 9 – Vinny O’Malley
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...
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...
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...
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...
The Heart of Maine – Episode 5 – Kevin Battle
In mid-20th-century Ireland, thousands of babies born in church-run “Mother and Baby Homes” were taken from their unwed mothers and sent abroad for adoption, often without consent, in a system that blurred charity, coercion, and profit. Battle was one of those...
The Heart of Maine – Episode 4 – Sam Webb
Born in Hallowell, Maine in 1945, Sam Webb's political journey began far from the centers of power. Educated at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and the University of Connecticut, he was deeply influenced by the American War in Vietnam and the political...
The Heart of Maine – Episode 3 – John Kerry
In this episode of The Heart of Maine, we sit down with John Kerry, a Portland native whose remarkable career has spanned public service, sustainable energy leadership, and national policy. From serving as a Maine state senator to leading energy initiatives across the...
The Heart of Maine – Episode 2 – Margaret Connolly Craven
In this episode of The Heart of Maine, host Michael Connolly sits down with Margaret Connolly Craven for a heartfelt conversation about identity, heritage, and belonging. Born in Galway and raised in Ireland, Margaret later made her home in Maine, where she served in...
The Heart of Maine – Episode 1 – Kevin Concannon
In the debut episode of The Heart of Maine, Michael Connolly talks with Kevin Concannon, a Lewiston native whose career in public service has spanned decades and crossed state and federal lines. From his early days in Maine state government to his appointment as Under...
Irish Heritage – Best of All Things Irish in Maine 2022
Enjoy the 2022 showcase of the "Best of All Things Irish in Maine" recorded on Novemebr 19, 2022 in front of a live audience at the Maine Irish Heritage Center in Portland, Maine.
Maine Irish – Francis Ford
Kathryn Fuller-Seeley expertly presents the life of Francis Ford, from Portland Maine, who was a prolific pioneer in the silent film era as an actor, writer, and director. Directing legend, John Ford, credits his older brother for giving him his start in Hollywood and...
St Paddys Day Parade – Portland Maine – March 2022
The first St. Patrick's Day Parade in Portland since the beginning of the 2020-2022 Pandemic, celebrated on Commercial Street in Portland Maine and the after party at the Maine Irish Heritage Center.
Maine Irish – Tribute to John Ford
In this interview, hosted by Michael Connolly, former Portland Mayor, Jack Dawson recalls the dramatic events surrounding the commissioning and creation of the statue of John Ford.
Maine Irish – John Ford – Poet
An in-depth interview about the legendary filmmaker John Ford who hailed from Portland, Maine. Join renowned film scholars Joseph McBride, author of the biography "Searching for John Ford," and Gerald Peary, editor of "John Ford: Interviews." The conversation covers...
Irish Heritage – Dirigo O’Reilly
A whimsical and humorous song about a first-generation Irishman who is Maine's version of the Wild Colonial Boy......a boy who loves his native state so much he adopts the state motto as his first name. It's the story of "Dirigo O'Reilly"
Irish Heritage – Crafting Celtic Jewelry
Crafting Celtic Jewelry A brief video showing the basic techniques used to create my jewelry focused on my original Celtic Art designs and a brief background into the design meanings.
Irish Heritage – Belfast Hornpipe
"Belfast Hornpipe" (Traditional; transcribed by James Galway) featuring Pamela Kinsey on Penny Whistle
Irish Heritage – Stillson Strong
Amazing footwork, discipline, and spirit merge to make this stunning display of traditional Irish Dance, pandemic style. Each dancer performed from their home on camera and the result is choreographed to perfection. Enjoy!
Irish Heritage – Or Donn – Auburn
Original acapella song and lyrics performed by the composer. Details how Auburn, Maine acquired its name...from Ireland.
Irish Heritage – James Joyces – The Dead
Presenting the end of James Joyce's short story "The Dead" as a monologue, as in John Huston's film version.
Irish Heritage – Irish Mothers
Original song composed and performed by Joe Markley or Portland, Maine for Maine's bicentennial. "Irish Mothers" is a tribute to the hardworking Irish men and women who found their place in the sun in Maine and to the Irish Mothers who supported them and taught us all...
Irish Heritage – Building Up and Tearing England Down
The Napper Tandies have been playing music together for nigh on twenty years, thrilling audiences with their particular brand of Irish music. Consisting primarily of piano accordion, banjo, bouzouki, and upright bass, they put their own particular stamp on classics...
Irish Heritage – Best of All Things Irish in Maine 2020
Featuring a delightful mix of all things Irish in Maine, the 2-hour program live-streamed on November 22, 2020, and is available for replay now.