The Irish Snug Podcast
Pull up a stool and settle in. The Irish Snug Podcast is your dedicated corner for the stories, history, and characters that make Irish pub culture legendary. From the storied wood of Manhattan’s iconic bars to the hidden gems of the Irish countryside, we sit down with the people who keep the tradition alive. Whether it’s a deep dive into family legacies or a chat with a local regular, we’re capturing the spirit of Ireland, one pint and one story at a time. (Formerly the Pubs & Pints Podcast).
Rooted in the Irish tradition of
great storytelling, each episode invites listeners to pull
up a stool and enjoy tales that range from laugh-out-
loud funny to deeply moving.
The Irish Snug Podcast
Eddie Boles
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In this episode of the "Pubs & Pints Podcast," [00:04] host Tim Grant talks with Ed Boles, a longtime friend, about his Irish upbringing in Woodside, Queens, and his deep connection to Irish culture. Eddie is a retired Battalion Chief in the New York City Fire Department.
Key discussion points include:
- Family Background and Woodside: Ed's parents immigrated from Ireland; his mother from Donegal in 1950 [06:35], and his father from Sligo, an accomplished Gaelic football player who eventually opened "The Castle Inn" in Woodside [13:20]. Ed highlights Woodside as a predominantly Irish, working-class neighborhood [05:23], a "safe haven" for new Irish immigrants [15:53].
- Childhood Memories of Ireland: Ed recounts spending summers on his grandparents' farm in Donegal, starting at age five, working the hay and turf, and experiencing life in their thatched cottage [21:40]. He also shares a story of flying to Ireland alone at ten years old to continue working on the farm [24:02].
- Gaelic Football: Ed's passion for Gaelic football is evident, having played for the FDNY Gaelic football team for many years [24:52]. He explains how the sport was a central part of the Irish community in New York, with families gathering at Gaelic Park in the Bronx [25:38]. He also touches on the historical rivalry between Gaelic football and rugby in Ireland [27:15].
- Favorite Irish Pubs and Locations: Ed shares his recommendations for visiting Ireland, including Kilmainham Gaol and The Brazen Head in Dublin [48:29]. He also discusses memorable pubs in Belfast, including one that was bombed shortly after his visit in 1997 [52:07]. He describes his annual three-day pub crawl with friends to different towns across Ireland [55:02].
- Irish Music: Ed talks about his journey into playing the bodhrán and tin whistle after 9/11 as a stress relief [01:03:15], eventually forming a band called Celtic Blend [01:07:01]. He mentions a documentary and book about Tommy Potts, a Dublin firefighter and famous fiddle player, whose music was inspired by a tragic fire [01:04:46].
You can listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jesIyT-xUWY
