IBAM! Chicago 2024

Diary of my experience at IBAM! Chicago 2024

Jim Hegarty

When I received an invite from Cliff Carlson to attend IBAM! Chicago 2024 to talk about my book and show the film “The Hegartys of The Laurels” being aware that copies of the book had found their way around the world because of the correspondence I received from far-flung places. I was delighted and surprised that my story had reached the renowned IBAM! Celebration organisers.

My family story is about my father and aunts, who all were officers in the Cork No 1 Brigade during the Irish War of Independence and Civil War. Like many other families of unsung heroes, their stories of bravery are now only being told for the first time. This is especially true for women’s important role in the struggle for Irish freedom.

When we arrived in Chicago, we stayed at the Drake Hotel and met up again with Kevin Newman and Mary Abroe whom we had befriended when they had visited Dublin. I had given a talk arranged by Kevin about the book and showed some family military artifacts of the time. Kevin and Mary have a great interest in Irish and American history.

When we arrived at the Irish American Heritage Center for the first day I was surprised at the sheer size and scale of the centre, amazed at the work the volunteers had achieved when we entered, we (family all travelled) were given a tour of the premises. It made us proud to be Irish so far away from home and part of their welcoming community.

It was a privilege to give Librarian, Leah Steele and her team in the fantastic library a copy of my book. Hopefully, some of the members will enjoy reading it. This visit also allowed us to meet other authors, such as Judy Burke, and buy some of her work, which is now being enjoyed in family homes in Dublin.
Friday evening, we were guests at the concert given by the amazing award-winning group Altan who set the tempo for the rest of the festival.

Saturday was always going to be a busy day for me with the film, talk and panel session to be arranged.
It became a day to remember for the family when just prior to my talk and showing of the film Cliff advised me that the Choir was going to sing the song composed by John Murphy in honor of ” The Hegartys of the Laurels.” This was such a lovely surprise.

As a result of the book being published, I had heard it sung before when a Garden of Remembrance and Reflection was opened to honor my aunts and family by Cork City Council. And later, when the film was screened in Cork City Hall. I did not expect to hear the choir’s version in Chicago, which was so emotional. When I played it for my siblings on my return to Ireland, it brought tears to their eyes, so thank you, Dr.Christine Lawless, for your beautiful version and for your company of singers.
What was also very special was the presence of The Lord Mayor of Cork Dan Boyle (Dan was in fact born in Chicago) together with the Consul General of Ireland in Chicago Brian Cahalane, both attended all the events.

Later in the afternoon I had the pleasure of sharing the panel: “A Tale of Two Cities” with my fellow Corkonians author Cónal Creedon, multi-talented tenor, Paddy Homan and food expert Bríd Butler. The Moderator for the session was the excellent Dr.Mary McCain, part of the faculty at De Paul University, who put us all at ease, so thank you, Mary, for making it such a pleasant experience.

The evening was very special with the Gala Ball and presentation of Awards. Both the Irish and American National Anthems were sung by Paddy Homan with such gusto it made everyone present proud of our Irish and American heritage. We had the pleasure of sharing our table and evening with Kevin, Mary and Judy and could not ask for better company or a venue in the centre.

All the good things came to an end and IBAM! Chicago 2024 was a phenomenal experience. When we finally had to leave Chicago to return home, we left with so many great memories and new friends. Thank you, Cliff, for reaching out to me with your invitation to be part of such a great occasion to promote Irish Culture. Good luck for the future and may your efforts and membership of the centre continue to grow.