It’s difficult—maybe impossible—to think of an event that the Philadelphia Emerald Society Pipe Band has not helped commemorate, mourn or celebrate.
“They’re simply ubiquitous,” says Maureen Callahan of the Mayo Association of Philadelphia. “Every event you go to, they’re there. The band has provided the soundtrack of Irish culture in the Philadelphia area for decades. They’re part of so many events from one year to the next, and not just on St. Patrick’s Day. They’ve been there for the good times and the tough times. It’s hard to imagine the Irish community without them.”
This year, in honor of the band’s longstanding presence at all things Irish, the Mayo Association of Philadelphia is presenting them with the Tom O’Malley Annual Meitheal Award at the 117th Mayo Association Charity Ball, to be held November 4 at the Commodore John Barry Arts & Cultural Center (the Irish Center). Callahan is chair of the Meitheal Award committee.
“Meitheal” is an Irish word relating back to harvest times when people came together to help one another out. And, as Callahan suggests, that word aptly describes the band, which, coincidentally, is celebrating its 50thanniversary this year. The late Tom O’Malley, in whose name the honor is conferred, is remembered as a former president of the Mayo Association of Philadelphia and “a man of great honor who worked tirelessly for the Irish community.”
John Collins, Emerald’s pipe major and longtime member of the band, recalls receiving the phone call informing him of the Mayo Association honor. He was, in a word, gobsmacked.
“I was very taken aback,” Collins says. “It came out of nowhere. I’m still kind of curious as to who was thinking of us. We haven’t done anything out of the ordinary over the last few years—our St. Patrick’s stuff, our summer parades. I was kind of surprised.”
On the other hand, Collins concedes, there is quite a history, and maybe this award is not so surprising. “I always felt that we were the go-to band for all the Irish events,” he says. “It’s hard to think of an event or group this band hasn’t played for. The Friendly Sons, the Irish Memorial, the Philadelphia Emerald Society, St. Patrick’s Day events. We were always the band to call for individual pipers as well.”
The band has, at various times in its history, come out on top in regional competition as well. It has also competed at the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships. For those who think of pipe bands only in terms of parades and playing “Amazing Grace” at funerals, for Emerald, at least, there has always been a lot more to it than that. Emerald pipers have always taken great pride in the quality of their music, and their years of competition experience have only served to hone those skills.
The consensus is that Emerald began in 1973, formed by members of the old Clan na Gael band, Collins says. The band had been thinking about how to celebrate its decades of music making. “And this came along,” says Collins. “So, we decided, why don’t we all just come and go to dinner? I don’t think the Mayo Association even knew this was our 50th. So, this award comes at an interesting time. It’s icing on the cake.”
It goes without saying, perhaps, that the band will suit up and perform at the dinner.
Also being honored are two people who, like Emerald, are not inclined to boast about their accomplishments. Mike and Linda Bradley will be recipients of the President’s Award.
Michael J. Bradley, Jr., has his finger in many pies and is perhaps best known as the director of the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day parade from 2000 to 2020. Linda, at least as self-effacing as Mike, describes herself as “the woman behind the man.” Anyone who knows Linda Bradley understands that that does not come close to describing her contribution to the Irish community. Both are members of the Mayo Association.
Though he is known for his connection to all things Irish in the Delaware Valley, Michael Bradley believes he is better known for his involvement in Catholic elementary education. “I’m on the executive board of elementary education that oversees all Catholic elementary schools, and chairman of the board for Delaware County elementary schools,” he explains. A proud alum, he has also been on the Penn State board for 33 years. He has been a member of the Mayo Association for 25 years.
“It’s one thing to be honored at all, but another thing to be singled out by your peers in Mayo,” Mike says. “It’s right up there. An organization that has stayed around as long as Mayo has is impressive to me. They are the nicest, kindest people. They are really into their roots. They don’t do it to get their picture taken. I like that about those people. But there’s no way I do any of this by myself. Linda is as big a part of it as I am. I’m just really happy about that.”
“My father’s roots are from Mayo,” Linda adds. “Receiving this award is just humbling. I’m very proud, honored and pleased to have been chosen.”
Now retired, Linda says that when she’s not babysitting, she has had more time to become involved in things. “The people I’ve met through the Irish community are just so welcoming,” she says. I love attending all the Irish affairs. They work hard, they’re loyal, and they do a lot to keep the tradition going.”
The feeling is mutual, says Mayo Association President Cathleen Lynskey.
“They have decades of wisdom and presence, and just know-how in the Irish community,” she says. “That’s been a huge help for me. We’re so lucky to have so many amazing folks, but I just feel like Michael and Linda are such good, stand-up people. For Michael and Linda, in the five years I’ve been vice president and then president, they’ve always been unsung heroes. That’s the difference with Michael. He’s fully in. And it’s not just Michael, it’s Michael and Linda together. They make a great team.”
The Mayo Ball this year features the music of Andy Cooney & His Band. And as always, the event features the Miss Mayo and Little Miss Mayo pageants. Ticket price is $30 per person, or $35 at the door.
More information and tickets: https://mayophiladelphia.com
