Next to pubs, Irish music is one of the most identifiable and recognizable aspect of the culture of the Celts.  Many Irish music groups can be found in Richmond, but this is not the only way to experience the sounds of Ireland.  On the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, Rosie Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant transforms into the home of an Irish jam session.  The participants in this session are not a collective group and have no practices.  The individuals show up with instrument in hand and form a circle and compare song knowledge.  Music starts at 8 p.m. 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Catholic Priest with many hats

 

Father Wayne Ball juggles many duties as pastor, lawyer, and administrator, but feels close ties to Irish community in Richmond.

Knowing his roots is a staple of life for Father Wayne Ball, a leader in the Irish community. Whether he is leading a commemorative mass or practicing canon law, Ball understands the importance of cultural history and the impact it can have. 

Father Ball, originally from Danville, relies on technology to aid him in his daily inclusion of history.

“I don’t wear one hat,” Ball said.  “And I thank God for the modern technology of email and cell phones.”

Juggling what he calls his many ministries, Ball is the pastor of St. John’s Parish, a canon lawyer at the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, and, as of July 1, administrator of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. 

In this new role, Ball is responsible for the operations of the church as well as leading mass and other activities. 

Bryce Miller, minister of music at St. Patrick’s, is excited to have Ball in this new role.

“We are excited to have him and the passion and energy he brings to us at St. Patrick’s,” Miller said.  “He is a passionate and intelligent homilist, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of music, he is very well traveled, and he is a techno geek.  I am looking forward to working with him.”

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church is located in Church Hill and is the religious home to approximately 130 families.  Though exact numbers are unavailable, Ball points out that a significant portion of the community is still of Irish descent and “proud” of that piece of the parish.

“The faith for Irish Catholics has always been a significant part of the culture,” Ball said.  “I think that continued and really formed the foundation of life here. In many ways that little building, as small as it is, is a pillar of Irish Catholic community in Richmond.” 

As St. Patrick’s approaches its 150th anniversary in June 2009, Ball is busy making plans for the celebration as well as preparing to lead the church.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pubs are a staple of Irish culture in both the motherland and Richmond.  In Shockoe Bottom, three Irish pubs can be found that have their own set of regulars as well as attract many visitors.  Sinė Irish Pub and Restaurant and Rosie Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant are modeled after traditional pubs, with both having accents from Ireland incorporated into the buildings and decorations.  McCormack’s Irish Pub is less traditional and features more of a punk rock feel.  By combining these three establishments in the Shockoe area is it easy to experience nightlife in Ireland right here in our own backyards.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“One of the things I’ve planned as part of that celebration is having a history professor from Catholic University come down and do an evening to talk specifically about the American catholic context in which this parish was founded by Irish immigrants,” Ball said. “We want to try and provide not only time to celebrate but time to look back at that history and provide some educational opportunities to remind us of where we came from.”

Ethel Cooley, Ball’s office assistant at St. Patrick’s, pointed out that not only is Ball interested in the current state of the church, but also interested in the history of St. Patrick’s and the Irish community of Richmond. 

“He seems to be interested in it all,” Cooley said.  “From the history to the everyday lives of the members of our congregation, he loves it all.”

Ball showed this history enthusiasm as he noted that Irish immigrants were unwelcome in America in the 1850s because of their Catholic faith.  But, today he says St. Patrick’s Church is a pillar in the community, with very few being unfamiliar with the Irish Festival held each year in Church Hill around St. Patrick’s Day.

“Rarely have I seen a parish where the community is so deeply, emotionally invested in it,” Ball said.  “You will find people all over the city of Richmond when you mention St. Patrick’s that have some connection to it.  I think you would find very few people in Richmond who aren’t familiar with the Irish Festival.”

After studying theology at Catholic University and canon law at the Gregorian University in Rome, Ball said he is privileged to be where he is today and honored by the duties of his various jobs. 

“As a priest, you have an opportunity to touch people’s lives in a way that very few people have the opportunity to do,” Ball said.   “You are invited into the most joyful moments and the saddest moments. You get to be part of those most important moments of people’s lives, the life changing moments.” 

Despite the challenges Ball in the juggling of various jobs, Willeen Kirby, a member of St. John’s Parish, said she has rarely seen him overwhelmed.

“In the four years I’ve known Wayne as our pastor, he has never seemed stressed,” Kirby said.  “He’s up to a challenge.  He likes to be busy, and he likes versatility.  He likes running, because that’s what he’s meant to do.”

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Facts about Irish Culture

 

Irish culture in Richmond is alive and well with 10,697 Irish populants in Richmond according to the 2000 Census.  There are several organizations and festivals that drive the culture.  St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with many Irish congregants, holds the Church Hill Irish Festival yearly.  This annual event had live bands, traditional Irish food and drink, children’s games and rides, Celtic vendors, local crafts, and head shaving.  Another festival held in the fall of the year is the Richmond Highland Games and Celtic Festival.  The festival provides two days of music, food, sports competition, dance competition, and harp competition.  During the festival, there is a parade of clans, societies, and pipe bands as well as living history encampments.  Those who have a knack for all things Irish can explore the Irish-American Society of Greater Richmond whose main mission is to promote Irish culture and heritage through education and public forums.  The group meets monthly at various locations in Richmond.  Each meeting is focused on some topic of culture or heritage.  Previous topics have included traditional Irish dance, sports, genealogy, music, and authors. 

(Reported in July 2008)