In this episode of the "Pubs & Pints Podcast," [00:02] host Tim Grant interviews Donna Abraldes, whose family's Irish dance journey led to a remarkable discovery of her roots and a famous great-grandfather.
Key discussion points include:
- Irish Dance Connection: Donna explains how her daughters' participation in Irish dance led to connecting with long-lost relatives in Ireland [00:15].
- Family History: Her great-grandfather, Bartley Ferguson, immigrated to America at 25 through Ellis Island and was a sparring partner for famous boxer Jack Johnson [02:26]. He was also a celebrated Irish footballer, winning the Croagh Patrick Cup three times with the Stephanites team in the early 1900s [06:46].
- Discovering Relatives in Ireland: A letter sent by her cousin to the family's original home in Ballina, County Mayo, led to reconnecting with Bartley's youngest brother Charlie's daughters [04:42].
- Emotional Reunion: Donna describes an emotional first meeting with her Irish cousins at an Irish dance competition in Dublin [05:46].
- Visiting Family Landmarks: She recounts visiting Mo Claire's pub in Ballina, where a picture of her great-grandfather's championship team is still displayed [06:31], and the small, two-bedroom cottage where he grew up with his siblings [08:26]. She also mentions visiting the Merry Monk, a lively pub in Ballina, where her daughters performed Irish dances [11:37].
- NYPD Heritage: Donna's paternal grandfather, Walter Ferguson, was a decorated NYPD detective who guarded Elvis and the Beatles and died in the line of duty [22:50]. Her father was also a New York City firefighter [24:58].
- Irish Dance Impact: Donna reflects on how Irish dance provided her daughters with discipline, lasting friendships, and a strong connection to their Irish heritage, including opportunities to travel the world [29:11].
You can watch to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q7DnglZe-0
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