“The job is Irish.” In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast, we pull up a stool with a true legend of the FDNY, Retired Chief of Department Ed Kilduff. Over a 37-year career, Chief Kilduff rose through the ranks—serving as a leader during the recovery efforts of 9/11 and eventually becoming the department's highest-ranking uniformed officer in 2010. He joins us to discuss the history, the grit, and the "commonality" that has defined the FDNY for over a century!

We step inside the "snug" for a deep dive into the DNA of the New York City Fire Department. Chief Kilduff shares the incredible story of his great-great-grandfather—a fireman/laborer—who served with the Fighting 69th during the Civil War. We explore how the grit and military tradition of these early Irish soldiers laid the vital groundwork for the FDNY to evolve into the world-class paramilitary organization it is today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The "Commonality" of the Kitchen: Why the Irish were historically drawn to the fire service and how that cultural bond—defined by the stalwart presence of those who came before—shaped the department's unique humor, loyalty, and grit.
• Legacy of the Civil War: The story of John Kilduff and the 69th New York Infantry at the Siege of Petersburg.
• A Living Memorial: The Chief’s emotional visit to the Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale, Ireland, where 343 trees stand for our fallen brothers.
• The Heart and Soul: The pivotal role of the FDNY Emerald Society Bagpipe Band in rallying the department during times of mourning and celebration.
• Never Forget: A candid look toward the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of America—and how we keep the promise of "Never Forget" alive for the next generation.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Getting Salty Podcast (Chief Kilduff’s Career in Depth): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gibHMm61vE
• Support the Mission: Help keep the promise of Never Forget. Join the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for just $11 a month at http://t2t.org
• The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan: A must-read for any fan of Irish history.

If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the SUBSCRIBE button and the bell icon so you never miss a story from the Snug. Sláinte!

Follow The Irish Snug Podcast:
Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug
#FDNY #IrishHeritage #NeverForget #Ireland

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-*DOCUMENTARY ON NEARY’S*
*Neary’s: The Dream at the End of the Rainbow*
https://www.amazon.com/Nearys-Dream-at-End-Rainbow/dp/B08B1MH7WJ

In this episode of The Irish Snug Podcast (formerly Pubs & Pints), host Tim Grant sits down with Una Neary to honor the incredible life of her father, the legendary Jimmy Neary, and the storied history of Neary’s on 57th Street.

For nearly 57 years, Neary’s was more than just a restaurant and pub; it was a cornerstone of New York City’s social and political fabric. From its opening on St. Patrick’s Day in 1967 to its final farewell in July 2024, the establishment remained a sanctuary of old-school hospitality, famous for its strict dress code, impeccable service, and the warm presence of Jimmy himself—a man who emigrated from Tubbercurry, County Sligo, with nothing but a dream and a legendary work ethic.

*Una joins Tim to pull back the curtain on what made Neary’s so special. They discuss:*
- *The Legacy of Jimmy Neary:* From his humble beginnings in Sligo to becoming one of New York’s most beloved hosts.
- *A Room Full of Legends:* Stories of the famous patrons who called Neary’s home, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, author Mary Higgins Clark, and countless giants of industry and politics.
- *The Neary’s Standard:* Why the dress code and the "customer first" philosophy never wavered in over half a century.
- *The End of an Era:* The difficult decision to close the doors and how the family is preserving the memory of a New York institution.

Pull up a stool and join us for a heartfelt conversation about family, the Irish-American experience, and the magic of this iconic establishment.

*Connect with The Irish Snug Podcast:*
* Website: https://www.theirishsnugpodcast.com/
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@irishsnug
* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1V1xWuVTsJ13NpbcRIQrHW
* Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-irish-snug-podcast/id1842749209
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579093757528&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=lbRgbnHdrwCYz894&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1aKUFcBbxa%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_snug

*About the Podcast:*
Hosted by a retired FDNY Captain, The Irish Snug Podcast features interviews with a wide range of guests—from pub owners and historians to musicians and local regulars. While it deeply honors Irish and Irish-American roots, the podcast is open to anyone with a compelling story tied to Irish culture, pub culture, folklore and history.

The episodes often blend personal anecdotes with cultural insights, capturing the "craic" and the timeless tradition of sharing a pint and a tale.

#Nearys #IrishHeritage #NYC #JimmyNeary #TheIrishSnug #Podcast #Storytelling #IrishAmerican #NYCRegulars #Sligo #PubCulture

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In this episode of the Pubs & Pints Podcast, we sit down with John "Chickie" Donohue, the man behind the incredible true story that inspired the major motion picture, The Greatest Beer Run Ever. Imagine being 8000 miles from home, in a war zone, and you 'bump' into a friend of yours from home who just happens to be there to give YOU a beer!

Chickie shares the heartwarming and serendipitous details of his 1967 journey from a New York City pub to the front lines of the Vietnam War. What started as a tribute to neighborhood friends turned into an epic adventure that redefined the meaning of loyalty and friendship. We dive deep into his motivation, the reality of the war zone, and how he managed to deliver those beers against all odds.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

• The Neighborhood Pact: The moment at Doc Fiddler’s pub that sparked the mission to bring beer to the "boys in Nam."
• Getting to Vietnam: The logistical hurdles and the lucky breaks that got Chickie onto a merchant marine ship headed for the war zone.
• Life on the Ground: Chickie’s firsthand accounts of the Tet Offensive and the stark contrast between the reports at home and the reality on the front lines.
• The Meaning of a Cold One: Why a simple can of Pabst Blue Ribbon meant so much to the soldiers in the jungle.
• From Real Life to the Big Screen: Chickie’s thoughts on seeing his life portrayed by Zac Efron and the legacy of his journey.

LINKS

• The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Book): https://www.google.com/search?q=The+G...
• The Greatest Beer Run Ever (Movie): https://www.google.com/search?q=The+G...
• Pubs & Pints Website: http://pubsnpints.com

#NYC #Inwood #Vietnam #Irish #Pubsnpints

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