Join us for a powerful episode of Pubs & Pints as we welcome Matt Long—FDNY firefighter, 9/11 responder, and ultimate survivor. Matt shares the incredible story of his near-fatal accident and his miraculous journey from a 1% survival rate to running marathons. This is an episode about grit, the power of the human spirit, and finding hope in the darkest of times. 🍻🚒 #PubsAndPints #MattLong #Resilience #FDNY #Inspiration

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Tommy Feighery was born in Long Beach, New York to Tom and Nancy Feighery. In 1971, his parents moved the family to his mother’s native Country Offaly, where they spent the next eight years raising him and his eight siblings. They moved back to the United States in 1979 and settled in Carmel, New York.

For more than 30 years, Tommy owned and operated Fiddler’s Green Pub in Carmel, a gathering place for many, particularly those of Irish descent who regularly stopped in the share a story or pint with friends and watch some Gaelic games. Fidds will always hold a special place in his heart and if those four walls could talk….

This episode features a lively conversation with Tom Feighery, covering his deep Irish roots and life in New York. Tom shares stories about:

Irish Heritage: Born in America, but living in Ireland until he was 13 years old played an important part in Tommy's love of sports as well as his connections and life-long friends in both America and Ireland.

Gaelic Sports & FDNY: His time playing Irish football for the West Putnam Gaels (including their minor championship win in '84), his impressive kicking ability, and his family's connection to the FDNY.

Iconic Pubs and History: Hilarious and heartwarming tales from growing up around the family bar, Fiddler's Green in Carmel, NY. He recounts generational bar stories, from the best pints of Guinness in Ireland (including a mention of Beirns in Roscommon) to the legendary story of his father stealing the "Blue Ball"... and it's return back to town.

The Irish-American Experience: The chat also touches on the importance of pubs as community centers in rural Ireland, the impact of the smoking ban and cell phones on the pub industry, and memorable experiences seeing the Wolf Tones.

It’s a great mix of family history, pub culture, and Irish-American life.

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Join host Tim Grant in a fascinating discussion with Derry native, Dermot McElholm, as they dive deep into Irish culture, history, and the unique pub life both in Ireland and New York City.

Dermot shares captivating stories of his family's ancestry, including his paternal grandfather's internment by the British after the partition of Ireland and his time teaching Irish to prisoners on the HMS Argenta. He offers a poignant description of growing up in Derry during "The Troubles," including the lasting impact of Bloody Sunday in 1972.

The conversation shifts to Dermot's five years bartending in New York's Kinsale Tavern, comparing the distinct drinking cultures and colorful characters—like the legendary "Marathon Man"—he encountered in the American "melting pot."

Highlights Include:

• The decline of rural Irish pubs due to changing laws and social dynamics.
• The joys of hiking and connecting with nature in Ireland, including a detailed look at the history and folklore behind natural landmarks like the Poison Glen and the dolmens (ancient burial chambers).
• The importance of preserving Irish place names and folklore from Anglicization and modern forgetfulness, including the stories behind Sawel and Shantallow.
• Personal reflections on life, nature, and the value of a good conversation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in authentic Irish life, history, and the enduring bond of friendship forged over a perfect pint of Guinness.

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