The South Boston Boys & Girls Club held its 40th annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon on Friday, March 11. It was an auspicious event – the weather, the location in the Westin Boston Waterfront’s “Laugh Boston Comedy Club,” an enthusiastic sell-out crowd, the upcoming Daylight Savings change, and of course, a corned beef and cabbage feast all combined to make a truly festive event. Twenty-four tables were filled to overflowing. Even the jokes from our elected officials garnered laughter.
South Boston Clubhouse member Tara Murphy received a Boys & Girls Club “Youth of the Year” Award from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, which was presented to her by Sen. Linda Dorcena-Forry and Rep. Nick Collins. She was also the Luncheon’s keystone speaker. Her beautiful given name, Tara, is the mount in County Meath where the ancient rulers of Ireland worshipped, as well as the name of Scarlett O’Hara’s plantation in “Gone with the Wind.” Congratulations, young lady.
Irish music was provided by perennial favorites Curragh’s Fancy. The Laugh Boston space, with its tiered seating and intimate performance stage was an ideal locale for a festive get-together. Fr. Joe White gave a blessing. The Host and Master of Ceremonies was John Tobin. His jokes suited the eclectic crowd, were well delivered, and were of many vintages – this writer recalls hearing one of John’s jokes (the one about the dog who can say “roof,” “rough” and “Ruth”) an even 60 years ago (seriously!).
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito delivered St. Patrick’s Day greetings, and spoke of how much the Boys & Girls Clubs have meant to their communities. Mayor Martin J. Walsh echoed these sentiments, and mentioned the fact that 2016 was the 100th anniversary of Ireland’s Easter Uprising. He also made some humorous comments about this year’s shortened parade route.
City Councilors Bill Linehan (South Boston) and Michael Flaherty (at-large) followed, and tried out their St. Patrick’s Day breakfast jokes. Sen. Linda Dorcena-Forry told a couple of Trump jokes – the Donald seemed to be a favorite topic at the luncheon. Rep. Nick Collins spoke of his engagement and upcoming marriage this summer.
Dave Russo closed out the successful luncheon program with his comic routine. Thanks are extended to the 40th St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon Committee: Dianne Cavaleri, Tom Costello, Doreen Heath, Gail Hobin and Gerry Vierbickas.
Boston City Councilor Bill Linehan voices his support for South Boston’s Boys & Girls Club at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon on Friday, March 11, 2016.
It was a sold-out, shoulder-to-shoulder, standing-room-only crowd for the 2016 Boys & Girls Club Luncheon on Friday, March 11, 2016.
Harry Duvall, executive director of the South Boston Boys & Girls Club, enjoys the after-lunch program in the Laugh Boston Comedy Club at the Westin Boston Waterfront.
Tara Murphy receives her Youth of the Year Award from the Massachusetts House, presented to her by Rep. Nick Collins and Sen. Linda Dorcena-Forry.
