scéala - Gaelic American Club

SCÉALA
Newsletter for the Gaelic-American Club
74 Beach Road, Fairfield CT 06824
www.gaconline.org
CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE One Hundred Thousand Welcomes
2
6
SAMHAIN November 2013
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We
have
been enriched by recent Irish
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1  12 NOON - 6 PM
cultural activities at our Club and
Elections for 2014 Executive Committee offices will be held on thank organizers: Jude Baldwin, Clan
Sunday, December 1, from 12 noon to 6 pm. All offices are for na Gael’s Playwright Contest and
a 1-year term, except Director, which is for a 3-year term. Readings; Noreen Forde, GAA Games
See Candidate Statements in special insert, page 3, and back and Irish Breakfasts; Kathy Thopsey
of calendar. All members in good standing as of Sept 30, 2013 and Robin Griskus, Day of Irish
are eligible to vote. Members must present their membership Language; Mary Ann Doonan, 1916
Easter Rising Memorial Benefit Concard or a photo ID in order to vote. (No exceptions)
Volunteers are needed for two hours shifts 12-2, 2-4, and 4-6 cert; and John Minehan, Irish History
for manning the machines, checking in voters, and verifying Lecture. Thank you to Kevin O’Neil
membership. Please call Mary-Ellen Vollemans, Moderator at and the Social Committee for a
203-372-3755. All other elections issues or concerns can be fun-filled Oktoberfest and to Fran
addressed by sending an email to “Elections” via the Contact Tartamella, the Event Committee,
GAC Stars and all supporters of the
Us page on the GAC website or call:
Dancing with the GAC Stars charity
Kathleen Blackall 203-374-7020 Eileen Lynam 203-330-9324
fundraiser - it was spectacular! Thank
Mary Ann Doonan 203-377-4586 Charlie Vaugh 203-374-7098 you to Den Fry and Kelly Takacs for
planning Celtic New Year / Halloween
MEMBERSHIP IS NOW ONLINE
parties.
The new system will result in a much faster response Join us for the Salon - a showcase of
to member queries and significant reduction in printing GAC talent - on Nov 1, and for Mass
and postage costs, but is reliant on accurate and up-to-date as we pray for deceased members on
email addresses. If your email address has changed since you Nov 3. Cheer with us at the Hanging
joined the club, or if you have never provided one, please let of the Jerseys and share a toast with
the committee know by providing it at www.gaconline.org/ friends at the Lighting of the Fire on
contact.html. You can check out your membership details by Nov 10. The Clan na Gael Players take
going to the club website www.gaconline.org and clicking on us back to the arctic frost of 1947 in
the "Membership" tab. Thank you - your help is very much their production of The Thaw, Nov 21
appreciated.
Donal Gleeson to 24. Stop by the Children’s Ice
Cream Social on Nov 23.
Happy Thanksgiving,
JOIN US IN THE PUB AT 9 PM
Jude Fitzgerald
Friday
Nov 1
The Ghost Riders
Events
Saturday Nov 2
Four of a Kind
SALON  Friday, Nov 1, 7:30 pm, p 4
Friday
Nov 8
Across The Pond
DECEASED MEMBERS MASS
Saturday Nov 9
Kurt & Helen Music
Sunday, Nov 3, 11 am, Msg. Walsh
Classic & Country Rock
ANGING OF THE JERSEYS
Sunday
Nov 10 Camac: 4-8 pm ~ Hanging of the Jerseys H
Sunday, Nov 10, 4 - 9 pm, p 4
Friday
Nov 15 Peter McKiernan
THE THAW presented by CLAN NA GAEL
Saturday Nov 16 The Crickstones
Thursday, Nov 21 - Sunday, Nov 24, p 4
CHILDREN’S THANKSGIVING ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Friday
Nov 22 Camac
Saturday, Nov 23, 11 am - 1 pm, p 4
Saturday Nov 23 The Irish Band
FAMILY FUN NIGHT  Friday, Nov 29, 6-9 pm
Wednesday Nov 27 The Highland Rovers
Executive Committee Elections
Friday
Nov 29 Once Removed
Sunday, Dec 1, 12 noon - 6 pm, p 1 & more
Saturday Nov 30 Pat Kane
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
CLUB ACTIVITIES
25 CARD GAME
Card players meet Thursdays at
7:30 pm
FÁILTE COMMITTEE
Welcome and assist people entering the Club. See Sue Allen.
FAIRFIELD GAELIC PIPE BAND
We meet Mondays, 6:45 pm at
First Church Congregational.
Ted Rappa (203) 874-1183
FRÉAMH ÉIREANN
GENEALOGY GROUP
Our next meeting is Saturday,
November 9 at 10:30 am.
Susan Callahan: (203) 255-3905
or 7cs7cs@optonline.net
GAC BOWLING LEAGUE
Join us on Sundays at 6:30 pm at
Nutmeg Bowl in Fairfield.
Donna Lillis (203) 373-9129
Hilary Koreeda (203) 335-6861
GOOD & WELFARE
A Mass card will be sent to
the family of Margaret
Feeney, who passed on Sept
21: husband Jim; children and
spouses: Jimmy and Caroline,
John and Liz, and Joanne and
Terry Rooney. A sympathy card
will be sent to Wayne and Mary
Lou Schalich, on the passing of
their son Fred on Sept 13.
Get well wishes to Dave
Boyle, Patty Brady, Carmene
Carolan, and Allida Finnegan.
HOUSE COMMITTEE
P.K. Lenihan 203-261-6656
IRISH INSTRUMENT SESSIONS
Join us Mondays, 8 pm
IRISH LANGUAGE
Foghlaim Gaeilge Learn Irish!
Beginners classes meet at 6:30
pm and Intermediate classes
meet at 7:15 pm on Thursdays
in the Cultural Room on the
second floor. For more info,
please contact Kathy Thopsey:
kthopsey@fairfield.edu.
IRISH LITERATURE GROUP
Gloria Piche 203-260-4037
LIBRARY
As a polite reminder, please
return any overdue books so
others may enjoy them.
Peggy Corcoran 203-870-6043
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
This month’s meeting will be
held Friday, Nov 8 at 8 pm.
Candidates for the 2014 Executive Committee will be introduced. Meetings are open to all
Members. Minutes from the
previous meeting are posted on
the Bulletin Board.
Irish Interests
Sat Nov 2 - Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee
Grand Marshal Cruinniú at GAC, 6 - 11 pm, Elizabeth Power (203)
255-0257. See October Newsletter for more info.
Sat Nov 9 - St. Patrick’s Centennial, 4 pm Mass, 6:30 pm Dinner,
Dave Howe: davehowe173@gmail.com or (203) 767-6519.
See October Newsletter for more info.
Sat Dec 7 - Cherish the Ladies, 8 pm, presented by Sacred Heart
University Cultural Studies and the Shamrock Traditional Irish
Music Society, www.edgertoncenter.org or 203-371-7908.
See October Newsletter for more info.
Fairfield University’s Irish Studies Program is planning to offer Irish
Language classes for core language credit provided that is sufficient enrollment. Contact Dr. Pearson: npearson@fairfield.edu
SCÉALA
The December issue deadline is
Nov 8. Please submit news to
‘Newsletter’ via the website or
to the Newsletter mailbox.
Thank you to Susan Drew for
taking Executive Committee
candidate photos.
SENIORS
Join us for lunch on Thursday,
Nov 14 at 12 noon. Call for reservations by Sunday, Nov 10:
Ann Hague
203-374-5198
Shirley McMenamy 203-268-5083
Sally Savage
203-366-4826
A very special thank you to our
President Jude Fitzgerald for arranging the field trip to Ireland’s
Great Hunger Museum and
thank you to Phyllis Billings and
Manager Tom for helping out
with lunch. Mary Ann Doonan
SET DANCING
We dance Thursdays, 7:30 pm.
All are welcome! We will take a
break on Nov 21 & 28.
Brian Reynolds (203) 214-2921
SOCIAL COMMITTEE
We are in need of volunteers to help with the New
Year’s Eve Party. Send an email
to “Social Committee” via the
Contact Us page on the website.
THANKSGIVING
FOOD DRIVE
We are in need of
canned
vegetables,
stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce,
soups, peanut butter, juice, tuna
and other non-perishable foods.
Please leave your donations in
Club foyer through Nov 21. We
are also accepting monetary
donations to buy turkeys.
Mary Ann Doonan 203-377-4586
Phyllis Billings 203-254-0606
GAC BUSINESS DIRECTORY/TRADES LIST: Are you a doctor, attorney, engineer, or other professional?
It's easy to place your profession in the Directory: go to www.gaconline.org/directory1.html,
click on GAC Businesses Directory and follow prompts to add your listing.
CANDIDATES FOR 2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
3 of 4
 SERGEANT-AT-ARMS 
JAY DUNN
I have been a resident of Fairfield for over 25 years living with my wife Cheri and son
Shayne Patrick. I have volunteered many hours to the youth sports programs in
Fairfield, coaching both baseball and football. I served as Vice President of Fairfield
Pop Warner for four years. I am the owner of WJ Dunn Construction and have been in
business for 20 years. Both Cheri and I enjoy our time spent at the GAC whether it be
socializing with friends in the pub or setting up for Dancing with the GAC Stars. Most
recently I enjoy helping out the guys at the Monday night BBQ. That being said, I’m
ready to do more and that is why I am running for Sergeant-At-Arms. I want to help improve the club
any way I can. I’d like to wish all the candidates Good Luck on the election. Thank you, Jay Dunn
TERRY ROONEY
Terry, whose parents hail from County Leitrim and County Mayo, his wife Joanne, and
their daughters Maggie and Kathleen, reside in Fairfield where they are active
members in the GAC. Terry is a licensed electrician and a proud member of I.B.E.W.
Local 3 in New York City. His hobbies/interests are woodworking, Irish history, sports
(particularly NY Jets & Islanders) and the GAA. Terry believes the Club is critical to
“keeping the Irish tradition alive” in Fairfield County and is running for Sergeant-AtArms to deepen his commitment to the Club’s social and cultural mission. The Club has
played a big part in their developing friendships with other families of young children. As Sergeant-AtArms, he will work hard to make sure that the Club is a place where all members feel welcome and is
filled with a wide range of activities from children’s crafts, bowling & softball, to drama, the arts, &
traditional Irish music & dance.
Sunday, December 8, is the alternate date for Executive Committee Elections should
there be severe inclement weather. The decision to postpone shall be announced
by 11 a.m. on December 1 on the radio and all available GAC media sites.
PROPOSAL OF
AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS

An amendment to the Bylaws was proposed at the
Membership Meeting on August 9th and will be
presented at the Membership Meeting on November 8th. At that time, it may be discussed, withdrawn, or adopted by two-thirds or more of the
members present and voting in favor of the adoption. The bold text is indicative of the proposed
amendment to eliminate the regular monthly
meeting in August. The purpose of the proposed
amendment is in light of the challenge of having a
quorum present during summer holidays to
conduct the meeting.
Article VIII - Meetings and Elections: “8.1 The
regular monthly meeting of the GAC shall be held
at eight o’clock in the evening on the second Friday
of each month except the month of August.”
CELTIC CHRISTMAS FAIR * Saturday, Dec 7th
Irish gifts, beautiful crafts & raffles to support
our charities. More in December Newsletter.
For tables: Mary Ann Doonan 203-377-4586
or Phyllis Billings 203-254-0606
ST. PATRICK’S GAELIC FOOTBALL CLUB
Annual Dinner Dance
Saturday, December 7th * 7 pm at GAC
Celebrating our 10th Anniversary and honoring
inaugural Board of Officers and Coaches: Patricia
Burns, Paddy Coyle, Tamara Coyle, Jim Croker,
Ann Curtin, Jude Fitzgerald, Maura Maher, Patrick
Maher, Sharon McCloskey, Orla McKeown, Joey
Moran (in Memoriam), Tommy Moran, Patricia O
Dwyer, Liz O Dwyer, Thomas Ruddy, & John
Sweeny. Live Music by Peter McGuire Band.
$75 ticket includes a terrific meal & open bar
Special commemorative journal will be published
Visit www.stpatricksgfc.org or
e-mail admin@stpatricksgfc.org
The 2014 Festival Committee is asking any
and all aspiring graphic artists to help us
with this year's apparel design. Entries can be
submitted to 2013festival@irishfestival.org.
Hard copies can be left either in the Feile mailbox
at the Club or mailed to the GAC, attention
Festival Committee. Submission deadline: Dec 1.
CLAN
NA
GAEL presents
THE THAW
THURSDAY, NOV 21 AT 8 PM
FRIDAY, NOV 22 AT 8 PM
SATURDAY, NOV 23 AT 8 PM
SUNDAY, NOV 24 AT 2:30 PM & 7:30
Sunday, Nov 10  4 - 9 pm
PM
Set in Wicklow 1947, when Ireland was hit with
an arctic frost followed by six weeks of continuous snow. The setting is the kitchen of a farmhouse owned by John Dan (Noel McGovern)
where he lives with his sister Mary Jo (Susan
DeVaney) and his son Derry (Griffin Reidy).
Seeking shelter for the night, before the snow
begins, are Soren (Emily Callahan) a young
widow, and her Aunt Violet (Joyce Fox). Two
townsmen (Pat Lane and Mat Apgar) appear
regularly updating the family on the current
news and conditions. Stacia Foy (Breda
O'Sullivan), the town healer and gossip, brings
not so welcome news. Niellus (Steven Bennett)
referenced often, is hardly seen. Six weeks being
snowbound, mixed with secrets, clashing personalities and uneasy relationships culminates with
the coming of the thaw. Directed by Peg
O'Leary. Cabaret seating. Cash bar. Tickets $15.
Reservations: Tricia Money
TheThaw@optonline.net or 203-333-4736
CELEBRATE with
DUBLIN supporters who captured the
All Ireland Senior Football Championship
CLARE supporters who captured the
All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
ST. PATRICK’C GFC U10S who
captured the CYCS Championship
Music by Camac  4 pm - 8 pm
Light Fare will be Served  Come Out & Join the Fun
SALON - Friday, November 1 ~ 7:30 pm
A showcase of GAC talent - artwork, poetry,
music, authors, playwrights, singers and
storytellers. Please join us to marvel at the talent
within our membership. A reception will follow the
performance. The Salon is being offered without
cost, however reservations are a necessity as seating is limited. RSVP: Call Peg at 203-261-4944 or
send e-mail to opeggyo812@gmail.com.
CHILDREN’S THANKSGVING ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Saturday, Nov 23rd * 11 am - 1 pm
Kelly: kellyanntackacs@yahoo.com
Happy Thanksgiving
Address Service Requested
Gaelic American Club
74 Beach Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
www.gaconline.org
Presorted First Class Mail
U.S. Postage Paid
Fairfield, CT 06824
Permit # 288
Schedule Pub Hours Dinner
NOVEMBER
Mon & Tues
7 pm - 12 mid
Wed & Thurs
5 pm - 12 mid
Friday
4 pm - 2 am
Saturday
12 noon - 2 am
Sunday
12 noon - 12 mid
SAMHAIN
2013
5 pm - 9 pm
5 pm - 10 pm
5 pm - 10 pm
5 pm - 9 pm
Lunch & Brunch HOW TO REACH US
Office
(203) 254-0673
Fax
(203) 254-3012
Pub emergencies (203) 254-2723
Membership
(203) 256-0380
Scrip
(203) 254-8502
12 noon - 3:00 pm
Social
(203) 418-7676
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Website
www.gaconline.org
CÉAD MÍLE
FÁILTE
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Domhnach
Luan
Máirt
Céadaoin
Déardaoin
Aoine
Satharn
Samhain Gaelic for “summer’s end”, was
an ancient Celtic feast, marking the end of
the “lighter half” of the year and the beginning of the “darker half”. In dark silence,
comes whisperings of new beginnings, the
stirring of the seed below the ground.
3 Daylight Saving
4
Time Ends
6:45 Gaelic Pipe Band
11am Deceased
at the church
Members Mass
6:30 GAC Bowling League 8pm Irish Instrument
Session
at Nutmeg Bowl
10
Thanksgiving
Food Drive
through Nov 21
Executive Committee
Elections
Sunday, Dec 1
5
Election Day
7:30 Exec Committee Mtg
Open to all Members
Lenihan Dance Lessons
4pm Children 8pm Adult
1 All Saints Day
Celtic New Year
Pub Dining Only
7:30pm Salon
♫ Ghost Riders
9 pm In the Pub
Reminder
Please Sign-In Guests
(maximum of 4)
Please Return Your
Glasses to the Bar
6
7
8 Scéala deadline
14
♫ The Crickstones
9 pm In the Pub
Pub Dining Only
22 Pub Dining Only
6:30pm Irish Language I
7:15pm Irish Language II 8 pm The Thaw
Clan na Gael play
7:30pm 25 Card Game
♫ Camac
8 pm The Thaw
9 pm In the Pub
Clan na Gael play
23 Pub Dining Only
28
30
Lenihan Dance Lessons
4pm Children 8pm Adult
♫ Informal Music
7-9 pm In the Pub
17
19
20
21
Lenihan Dance Lessons
4pm Children 8pm Adult
♫ Informal Music
7-9 pm In the Pub
26
27
2:30pm The Thaw
25
Clan na Gael play 6:45 Gaelic Pipe Band
at the church
Clan na Gael play 8pm Irish Instrument
6:30 GAC Bowling League
Session
7:30pm The Thaw
at Nutmeg Bowl
9 Pub Dining Only
10:30 Genealogy Group
13
12noon Seniors Lunch
6:30pm Irish Language I
7:15pm Irish Language II
♫ Peter McKiernan
7:30pm 25 Card Game
9 pm In the Pub
7:30pm Set Dancing
24 Pub Dining Only
♫ Four of a Kind
9 pm In the Pub
♫ Informal Music
7-9 pm In the Pub
12
6:45 Gaelic Pipe Band
at the church
6:30 GAC Bowling League 8pm Irish Instrument
at Nutmeg Bowl
Session
All Souls Day
Pub Dining Only
6:30pm Irish Language I 8 pm Membership Mtg
7:15pm Irish Language II ♫ Across The Pond
7:30pm 25 Card Game
9 pm In the Pub
7:30pm Set Dancing
11 Veterans Day
4-9 pm Hanging of
the Jerseys
6:45 Gaelic Pipe Band
Music by ♫ Camac
at the church
Lighting of the Fire
6:30 GAC Bowling League 8pm Irish Instrument
Session
at Nutmeg Bowl
18
2
Pub Dining Only
15
29 Pub Dining Only
♫ Kurt & Helen Band
Classic & Country Rock
9 pm In the Pub
16
Pub Dining Only
11am-1pm Children’s
Ice Cream Social
8 pm The Thaw
Clan na Gael play
♫ The Irish Band
9 pm In Pub
Pub Dining Only
6-9pm Family Fun Night
Lenihan Dance Lessons
4pm Children 8pm Adult
♫ Highland Rovers
9 pm In the Pub
Kitchen Closed
Pub Open 11 am - 4 pm
♫ Once Removed
9 pm In the Pub
♫ Pat Kane
9 pm In the Pub
CANDIDATES FOR 2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DIRECTOR
4 of 4

JAMES CAROLAN
I have been a member of the Gaelic American Club for over 14 years and have
enjoyed raising my children in a community that my grandparents, Mary and Patrick
Carolan helped establish and foster. My family’s strong Irish heritage has provided
the foundation that I value as an adult. Through our son’s involvement in Gaelic athletics, I have gained a love for Gaelic sports that is shared by our entire family. My
professional background is in information technology. In my current role at a large
corporation I lead a team that delivers innovative digital products to a global client
base. I wish to be Director of the Gaelic American Club because I have a strong connection to my roots
and to the Gaelic American Club itself. I would be honored to contribute to the further success of our
club and look forward to the opportunities that it presents.
ROSE LEAHY
Rose Leahy has served as Scéala Newsletter Editor for the past three years, concurrent as Communications Chairperson for the past two years, keeping members
connected with news. She has served on the Social Committee for the past four years,
bringing members together for a craic. Rose served as interim Recording Secretary in
2012, coordinated reservations for Clan na Gael plays, and volunteered at many Irish
Festivals since becoming a member in 2000. Rose holds a master’s degree in
management from Fordham University and a master’s degree in industrial/
organizational psychology from Fairfield University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from
Pace University and has corporate and non-profit manager experience. “I ask for your vote and
welcome the opportunity to build on these experiences to serve the members of the Gaelic American
Club, celebrate our Irish heritage and culture, and encourage more members to participate in
activities so our Club may continue to flourish.”
RICK REIDY
Most Friday and Saturday nights Rick can be found greeting club members and guests,
overseeing the sign-in book as a member of the Fáilte Committee. Rick has been a
GAC member since 1988 and served as Sergeant-At-Arms in 2009-2010 and 20122013. Rick is an original member of the GAC Pipe Band: Bass Drummer, and served on
their Board. Rick served on the Bar Committee and the Welcoming Committee, whose
purpose: meet new members and issue them membership cards and scrip. Rick has
been on the Board of Pop Warner Football, has been an active member of the Ancient
Order of Hibernians, and has coached and managed many Little League and Babe Ruth teams in
Fairfield. Rick works in the Public Works Department of the Town of Fairfield, serving two years as
Local 191 Vice President. Rick would be honored to serve as Director for the Club he loves.
TOM WALSH
I have been a member of the GAC for fifteen years. I served two years as VicePresident, worked two years on the Newsletter, two years on the IT Committee, and
two years on the Elections Committee. I also have worked with Clan na Gael on
numerous plays as a financial assistant. I believe my work at the GAC and my thirty
plus years of successful business ownership and management give me the
qualifications to be a director where I can advise the best course of action for the GAC
leading into the future. I am married to Ann and our three children grew up with the
club and became members themselves when they turned twenty-one. I would appreciate the
opportunity to serve the GAC in this position.
CANDIDATES FOR 2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT
JUDE FITZGERALD
1 of 4

Incumbent
I am deeply humbled and proud to serve as the Club's President and seek re-election
to continue the important work of fulfilling the Club's mission: "to promote social,
civic, and cultural activities" for the Irish and Irish-American community. I strive for a
Club that is: welcoming; culturally vibrant; host to a robust calendar of social activities
for Members of all ages, & the place where members feel "at home" to share a hearty
meal, and some cheer, with family & friends. In the past year, we have significantly
improved the quality & diversity of the menu, emphasizing fresh food from local
providers & restored profitability of dining services, implemented a vision of hospitality across all
staff, and established new cultural activities including tours & trips to the Famine Museum & Gaelic
Park, Writer's Salon, and so much more. With your vote, I promise to continue this progress so that
our Club fulfills its important mission.
CHUCK O’CONNOR
In the last 22+ years as a member, I have been: Director; Chairman/Co-Chairman
Social Committee - “Dancing with the GAC Stars” started with our committee;
Founder of “Person of the Year” Banquet; Member of Expansion Committee; and
Captain of G.A.C. soccer. My family comes from both Donegal and Kerry. Employed:
Town of Fairfield for 26 years. I have my own contracting business. Attended Fairfield
Schools and Fairfield University. My decision to run for President comes from my love
for this club. I want to see the technology we paid for used, such as the POS system,
so members can use credit/debit cards. Currently working on a network system to help newly arrived
Irish find a connection here in the U.S. As president I would be your voice to make improvements in an
already great establishment, that should be run by its members not a board or committee.
VICE-PRESIDENT 
GERRY FORDE
Incumbent
Céad Míle Fáilte,
I have been devoted to the Gaelic American Club since becoming a member in 2000,
having served as Vice President in 2013. I would like to continue to do so to improve
the importance of our Gaelic American Club and our Irish heritage. My wife Noreen
and sons Timothy & Brian have contributed and volunteered our time on committees:
the Sports GAA Games from Ireland; the Hanging of the Jerseys; members of St.
Patrick’s GFC; and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Also have been
involved with Clan na Gael plays on and off the sets. So with my many encounters and experiences
and time as Vice President, I would love to continue to do so and ask for your support and vote in the
upcoming year.
FAITH MACIVER
During my time as a member of the GAC, I have served in several capacities including
Chairperson of the Audit Committee in 2010 and 2011 and Financial Secretary in 2012
and 2013. Having served the past 2 years on the Executive Committee, I am extremely
familiar with all aspects of how the GAC functions. In the coming years, I hope to tap
the experience and knowledge of our original members to teach the younger generations our Irish traditions and Club purposes, the very things that make this Club what
it is. My husband Angus and I live in Stratford and have 4 children. I am the owner of
my own accounting practice in Stratford, Emerald Accounting Services. I believe my experience with
the Gaelic American Club and my professional accounting career qualify me for the office of Vice
President and I would be honored to have your vote and support.
CANDIDATES FOR 2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
RECORDING SECRETARY
2 of 4

AOIFE RINALDI
Aoife was born in Dublin and moved to the U.S. when she was eight years old. She is
married to Peter Rinaldi and has two children, Sean Arthur (4) and Maebh Colette (1).
Aoife has been a member of the GAC since 2009 and has recently joined the
Children’s Social Committee. She graduated cum laude from the University of
Delaware and received her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law. For the
past nine years, Aoife has practiced as a Trusts and Estates lawyer in Stamford.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY 
JAMES WALTER KEATING
My wife Maurya and I have been members of the GAC since 2008. I was formerly on
the Audit Committee, Expansion Committee and was Financial Secretary from January
2009 to January 2011. Currently on the Scrip Card Committee. Director of External
Financial Reporting - Westwood One, Inc. Fairfield resident, graduated University of
Notre Dame. Three children, Christine, Theresa and Robert. Always available to talk
about Notre Dame football.

TREASURER 
PATRICK “MUSHA” MAHER
Commonly known as "Musha", has been an active member of the Gaelic American
Club for 20 years. As an active member he has done all he can to help the club move
forward into the future. He completed a 1 ½ year term as a Director and ran last year
for office. Musha facilitated the construction of the newly renovated dining area, bar
and facilities at the club and has worked with, and constructed sets for, the Cla na Gael
Players. In addition to his construction work, Musha has put on his dancing shoes and
participated in Dancing with the GAC Stars, a wonderful fundraiser that gives back to
the community. Musha is looking forward to a great 2014 year with the club and as nominee for the
Executive Committee he hopes to see that it is fantastic.
JUDY SULLIVAN
I have been a member of the Gaelic American Club for 15 years, after emigrating from
Dublin, Ireland in 1998. I sing in the band Camac. We love playing at the Club. We have
played every year for the last 11 years at the ‘Hanging of the Jerseys’ which is always a
very successful event. I have two children, Alan and Jennifer. I worked in Mercedes
Benz Service as the cashier. I am the Manager at Squash Alley, in Stamford, for 10
years now. I am a Massage Therapist at Massage Envy. I also have my own Massage
clients. I manage or managed all the accounts re: billing, invoicing, cashiering, credit
card payments etc. for all these jobs (excluding Massage Envy). I would like to thank the
Membership for this opportunity to serve on the committee and help grow the Club and its Irish
heritage. Go raibh maith agat.