12/18/2025
Craic, Comhrá, and Coffee: A Gaelic Brunch to Remember at Ernie O’Malley’s.
Gaeilge on the Menu: Language and Tradition Thrive at Special Holiday Brunch.
On the afternoon of Saturday, December 13th, Irish speakers gathered at Ernie O'Malley's for a Gaelic brunch. The event was free, and Ernie's provided a special menu featuring a full Irish breakfast or any other entrée for $25.00, with the first drink free. Tea and coffee were also available. More than one attendee noted that the menus being printed fully as Gaeilge was the first sign that this was to be a special day. To their credit, Ernie O'Malley's operated all afternoon under the motto of "Gaeilge á Labhairt Anseo" (Irish spoken here). To keep the immersion effect going, the management even saw to it that there were Irish-speaking staff, allowing attendees to place orders as Gaeilge.
The primary focus of the day was to create a welcoming atmosphere for speakers to engage with one another in friendly comhrá (conversation). There was a mix of different levels; attendees ranged from new students to native speakers who grew up speaking it at home in the Gaeltachtaí. There was even the presence of a completely new phenomenon (at least to us old-timers): the "online Gaeilge influencers"! It must be noted that while the Irish was overall of a high standard, everyone was encouraging to the newer learner.
Tim Morrissey was the MC for the afternoon and began by welcoming all present. Next, Mairéad Ní Dubhda joined Tim to jointly recite the Easter Proclamation, Forógra na Poblachta. Mairéad's father, Seamus, was a traditional Republican well known and liked both in the States and back at home. Seamus was a Gaeilge advocate and a native speaker from Corca Dhuibhne. Tim is an Irish language teacher in NYC who teaches in an amiable but thorough manner, always seeking to ensure the new learner may build confidence and overcome any initial frustrations. He currently holds classes at Ernie O'Malley's. Tim proved vital to the success of the day.
Next up was Mícheál Ó Coisdealbha of Cumann na Saoirse Náisiúnta (National Irish Freedom Committee). Mike is a native speaker from Spiddal, Co. Galway, and he spoke of the importance of language. A long-time Gaeilge activist, Mike also brought a number of books and learning aids that he has used down the years teaching himself. He was delighted with the turnout. He helped to organize language brunches in the early 2000s; these events were lecture-based, and attendees were either native speakers or academics. What a change in two decades! While all ages were present, this event leaned young. This correlates to the growth and enthusiasm for the language back home. He was delighted to speak with young people from counties in Ireland where there had been no Irish at all when he left home to go abroad. He was also very impressed with the overall standard of Irish being spoken.
Then followed the function proper, allowing people to mingle and chat, with old friends catching up and new friendships being made. Orders for coffee, breakfast, and yes, pints, were placed fully in Irish. Newer learners practiced by introducing themselves, while more seasoned Gaeilgeoirí fell into deep conversation. When the two 'types' met, the newer student received only comradely encouragement. One innovative idea that must be mentioned was the circulating of a questionnaire asking attendees what advice they had for any future events. Suggestions that came to mind were to hold alcohol-free events and a return to the lecture series, where a topic could be picked to be discussed or debated. All the suggestions are being taken seriously, and the committee was grateful to receive so many.
A traditional session led by Chris Byrne and Ursula Garry was also a part of the cultural day. The music was fantastic and lively, with toes tapping and 'hups' abounding. In between the reels and hornpipes, attendees were encouraged to step forth and 'give us a song.' The rule was that it had to be sung in Irish. Almost ten singers stepped forward, including comedic songs, laments, recitations, and sing-alongs. Some of the singers were Brian McCamly, Maggie Hubbard, Dáithí Mac Lochlainn, Keith Erik Brown and Chris Byrne. We don't mean to leave any others out, only we missed getting names—send in your name and it will be added! Thank you to all the musicians and singers who helped make the day so enjoyable. Also available were tickets for an upcoming raffle to be held by Saoirse don Phailistín NYC.
The organizing committee for the Gaelic brunch included Mícheál Ó Coisdealbha, Tim Morrissey, Úna Mac Lochlainn, and Máirtín Ó Coisdealbha, with assistance from Joe Ó Broin, Éadaoin Fay, and Patrick Williams. It is hoped that a larger committee may come out of this, with representatives from the various NY tri-state language clubs and schools, in order to facilitate both future events and assist in coordination between them. Last but not least, we wish to thank the owners, management, and staff of Ernie O'Malley's, who went above and beyond to ensure a great event for all.
