The Sligo Association of Boston
Sligo of Boston Association History
In 2006, a group of people originally from County Sligo met at the West Roxbury Pub in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. Once there, they decided to form an association that would represent the community in the Boston area by bringing together association members and friends with events that celebrated some of the culture, traditions, and history of Ireland and County Sligo in particular.
That July, the group elected officers and submitted a charter application to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Thus, The Sligo Association of Boston was officially born.
Later that year, we launched our first two major events: The Golf Tournament and The Family Christmas Party. While both have become annual staples in the association’s schedule and grown in success with each passing year, The Family Christmas Party in particular has become an event that provides exciting opportunities for the younger generations. Notably, the toddlers have a chance to receive presents from Santa Claus himself and college-bound children or grandchildren have the opportunity to win one of three $1000 Scholarship Awards during the event’s raffle.
Over the last decade-plus, though, our largest, most well-attended event has been The Saint Patrick Banquet. Since 2009, the banquet has been held at Florian Hall in Dorchester, typically on a Sunday evening in March prior to the actual holiday. Like our Family Christmas Party, the banquet features a raffle, the proceeds of which are ultimately donated to a worthy cause. In recent years, the recipient has been the Irish Pastoral Center in Dorchester – an institution dedicated to helping immigrants spiritually and financially.
Beyond these big annual events, we at The Sligo Association of Boston have continued to gather regularly at the Waterford Restaurant and Pub in Dedham, meeting the first Monday of each month, roughly ten months out of the year, with anyone welcome to join at any time.
Céad Míle Fáilte!
A Little About Sligo
Located on the northwest coast of Ireland, County Sligo is known for both its distinctive landmarks, such as the Caves of Kesh and Benbulben Mountain, and its place in Irish folklore. Known to some as “The Land of Heart’s Desire,” County Sligo has been home and source of inspiration to many notable, historical figures – including the Yeats brothers (Nobel laureate William Butler Yeats and artist Jack Yeats), the Gore-Booth sisters (poet Eva Gore-Booth and revolutionary Countess Markievicz), and countless traditional and contemporary musicians.
Like many other Irish Counties, Sligo has seen a great deal of emigration over the last two centuries, with thousands carrying the county’s traditions and culture across the world. Many took their passage directly to North America – often to New York, Quebec, New Brunswick, and, finally, Boston. Since its establishment, The Sligo Association of Boston has worked to celebrate and promote the beauty and heritage of County Sligo through regular meetings, festivities, and cultural events. In the spirit of hospitality, the group welcomes anyone interested in promoting and enjoying the bounty Sligo has to offer.