Boston Beara Society

Celebrating 300 years of Irish contributions to the state of Massachusetts

---

September 19th – 24th 2023

Exactly 300 years ago, in 1723, John Owen O’Sullivan of the Clan O’Sullivan Beare immigrated to Berwick,
Maine. His sons would contribute greatly to the State of Massachusetts. All four fought in the Revolutionary War. One, James, became Governor of Massachusetts, while his brother John became Governor of New Hampshire. Special events organized by the Boston Beara Society and Beara Tourism in cooperation with Cork and Kerry County Councils will commemorate this unique anniversary, coinciding with Maura Healey’s term as Governor of Massachusetts. Maura’s ancestors came from the same corner of Ireland as John Owen O’Sullivan.

Note: Some of the events require purchase of tickets. Please see the links below to purchase tickets for each event. Alternatively, you can purchase a single ticket for all 4 ticketed events for $220 by clicking on this secure Stripe link.

ITINERARY

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – 6:00 PM

Meet & Greet Dinner Reception at MJ O’Connor’s in Boston Park Plaza Hotel | Open to the Public
Vice Consul General in Boston, Paul Rooney, will welcome the Mayors from Cork and Kerry, delegates from Cork and Kerry County Councils, and other special guests.
Tickets $70 pp available via clicking on the Stripe link.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – MORNING EXACT TIME TBA

Boston City Hall Reception | Limited availability
City Council President, Ed Flynn and the Boston City Council have officially invited representatives of Cork and Kerry County Councils and community representatives from Ireland to a reception at Boston City Hall.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – MORNING EXACT TIME TBA

Massachusetts State House Reception | Limited availability
A reception will be held at the Massachusetts State House, for representatives of Cork Co and Kerry Co Councils as well as community representative from Ireland.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 – 8:00 AM

Berwick Historical Society & Master John Sullivan’s School House* | Limited availability/Lunch provided.
Learn about the remarkable family of Master John Sullivan and his wife Margery Brown Sullivan who settled on Pine Hill in today’s Berwick, Maine.
Price: $64 payable securely via this Stripe link

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

11:30 AM – USS Constitution Museum & Ship | Limited availability/Lunch provided
Special Guest, Kelly Sullivan Loughren, granddaughter of Albert Leo Sullivan, youngest of the five Sullivan brothers who lost their lives together aboard USS Juneau during World War II; for whom the USS The Sullivans (DDG 6) warship is named.
Price: $52 payable securely via this Stripe link

7:00 PM – Midnight – Social Gathering at Irish Social Club of Boston | Open to the Public
Club President, Richie Gormley and The Boston Beara Society and the Beara Tourism proudly present a Celebration of 300 years of Irish contributions to the state of Massachusetts. Entertainment by Tommy Byrne and Jerry Bailey and Special Guests include Kelly Sullivan, sponsor of the USS the Sullivans and Councilor Caroline Cronin for Cork Country Council.
Donation: $20pp at the door and proceeds will be donated to the West Roxbury VFW Post 2902

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

11:00 AM – Irish Pastoral Center Sunday Morning Gathering | Open to the Public
Come see the new facility at Adams Corner, meet their dedicated staff that have carried on their mission since its founding in 1987, preserving Irish heritage and serving Boston’s immigrant community. Coffee, tea, donuts provided.
1:00 PM – South Shore Irish Heritage Trail* | Limited availability
Guide Robert Chessia, President, Scituate Historical Society will provide an insightful tour of the historical Irish town of Scituate, home of the Maritime & Irish Mossing Museum and the Easter Rising Memorial. Time will be allotted for lunch.
Price for bus: $34 payable securely via this Stripe link

*Bus leaves for Berwick and for Scituate, from Adams Village, Dorchester

For more information e-mail: Mike Dwyer – mikedwyerinc@comcast.net