By April Drew

AT the heart of every Irish community is an Irish centre, and Long Island is no exception.

Now celebrating 75 years in existence, the Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens based in Mineola – commonly known as the Irish American Center -- has for the longest time been the backbone for the Irish in the region.

In commemoration of the center’s 75-year anniversary, the Irish community in Long Island will celebrate in style over an action packed weekend scheduled for October 20-22. Chairman of the events Committee Pat Browne told the Irish Voice that it would be a fantastic weekend with plenty of entertainment.

“On October 20 we will be showing a movie about the center’s past and present dating back to 1953. Because the center was originally a movie theatre we are going to honor that by having a ticket booth, serving popcorn, soda and candy,” says Browne.

Kitty Kelly and the Mike Keogh Band will supply the music and dancing for the weekend. The Long Ireland radio show hosted by Tony Jackson will broadcast live from the center on October 21, and on Sunday the locals will celebrate international cultures.

“When we started out in 1931 we didn't have a premises so the meetings were held in different venues such as the Polish American Society and Sons of Italy, so on the 22nd we are going to remember our international friends by having Croatian entertainers and Portuguese dancers,” says Eileen Cronin, an active member of the centre.

In 1953, 22 years after its conception, the committee bought the old Wilson Movie Theater on Willis Avenue, which at the time was in dire need of restoration. This was no challenge for the talented Irish carpenters, plumbers and tillers who were at large in the community.

“There was no shortage of skills to do the jobs. Every talent an Irishman has is on display in that center today. The care and concern that people put into the center was overwhelming,” says Cronin.

Although the committee at the time had very little funds, a personal guarantee that the money would be paid in full by a member, Peter McCullough, was accepted by the then owner, Bertha Uhlenddorf, and the contract was singed on March 14, 1953.

It only took six months for the labor to be completed and the doors to the center were opened. The work didn't stop there.

Major renovations have taken place over the years. The balcony was enlarged, a new bar was constructed, a cocktail lounge, library and new kitchen and, best of all according to Cronin, “a wonderful dance floor was put down. You can glide across it with little effort. It’s fabulous.”

There was always plenty of life and soul at the many events held at the center and always plenty of shenanigans going on.

“I remember one night, a gentleman by the name of John Howard from Co. Clare was helping us out in the kitchen making tea and buttering scones,” recalls Cronin.

“John is as handy as a small pot. We were chatting about something and when I put my coat on I realized I couldn't get my hand into my coat pocket. What had John Howard gone and done, he had sewn the pockets of my coat shut. Well, we laughed!”

The dance hall can accommodate more than 300 guests at any given time.

The centre is the home to an Irish literature library, the renowned Donny Golden School of Irish Stepdancing, the Inis Fada Pipe Band, the Pete Kelly School of Music, the Denis O'Sullivan school of Irish Adult Set Dancing and the Irish language lessons.

Several wonderful dancers have come through the Donny Golden School, including the famed Irish dancer Jean Butler, original female star of Riverdance.

For further information on the 75-year-celebrations of a famous Irish American institution, visit www.irishamericansoc.com.