Something in the Eire

While certainly much has changed during the last year throughout the world, one thing remains the same. March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day, is a beloved day that most folks love to celebrate whether they hail from the Auld Sod, have a bit of Irish blood in their ancestry, or just wear a little green to enjoy on this special day with their family and friends.

For the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, a fraternal organization based in New Bedford, every day is a commitment and dedication of the 200 men who volunteer throughout the year to a variety of causes that benefit the community.

The organization’s current president, Murray Curhan of Mattapoisett, says the group was founded in 1941 and was initially named in honor of Robert Emmet, an Irish patriot who was hung for treason in the early 1800s.

“Our name was changed to the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of New Bedford in 1955,” Curhan adds, noting that all members must have some Irish heritage, be sponsored by a member in good standing, be voted by the board, and then be approved by the membership.

“We’re holding our own,” he continues, adding that the organization continues to thrive and holds numerous fundraisers and events throughout the year. Although plans are temporarily on hold due to the pandemic, the group has hosted the annual New Bedford Half Marathon, which began four decades ago, for the past 10 years, hosts an annual golf tournament, sponsors scholarships for individuals related to organization members as well as to students residing in Greater New Bedford, coordinates food and charity drives, and hosts social events for members and their guests where they celebrate their Irish heritage.

“We also participate in the famous parade in Boston and in the annual Feast of Blessed Sacrament,” Curhan continues. “It’s a really good group of gentlemen and everyone is passionate about the Friendly Sons. We raise a lot of money that we put back into the community. We are a 100 percent, all-volunteer organization.”

Something in the Eire

Christopher Donnelly, a New Bedford teacher and native of County Derry, Northern Ireland, joined the Friendly Sons in 1990 and presided as the organization’s president for three years.

“Our mission statement is to preserve Irish culture,” he emphasizes, adding that the organization’s members remain active throughout the year in a variety of charitable endeavors – just not only during March and around St. Patrick’s Day.

“It’s very important to give to the local community,” Donnelly continues, adding that last year the Friendly Sons donated $20,000 in scholarships to community residents or members of the organization’s family.

Donnelly says the Friendly Sons are indeed most proud of the Irish monument that was constructed and installed back in 2005. The large Celtic cross was installed on E. Rodney French Boulevard in the Whaling City.

“The display includes an American and Irish flag and park benches where people can sit and look out at the harbor,” he shares. Donnelly added that John Hume, a Derry native and Nobel laureate who was instrumental in achieving peace not only in Ireland but also in other parts of the world, spoke at the dedication ceremony and other related events.

In addition to his community work, Donnelly also conducts periodic tours to Ireland complete with visits to Derry, where the Friendly Sons are warmly greeted with cordial Irish hospitality.

Ryan Donovan, a member of the Friendly Sons for 14 years, shares that he began volunteering as a young man with his father James, who continues to also be an active member of the group.

“I feel like I can make a difference in the community,” Donovan says, adding that he chairs the group’s Technology Committee in addition to serving in several other capacities within the organization.

He adds that new members, provided that they meet the established criteria, are welcome to join and share their talents and ideas as they strive to seek to build the community.

Donovan notes that among the many social activities that he’s enjoyed as a participant, are his two trips to Ireland, where the members were warmly greeted with Irish hospitality and good cheer.

“It’s pretty cool,” he reminisced. “All the sights were breathtaking.”

For more information about the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of New Bedford, visit their website: friendlysonsofstpatrick.com.