Introduction to Tommy White: The episode introduces Tommy White as a long-time friend of the host, with a friendship spanning over 30 years, originating from their time in a FDNY Bagpipe Band where Tommy was the chairman around 1994.
- Irish Heritage and Family History:
- Tommy delves into his strong Irish roots, noting that all four of his grandparents immigrated from Ireland independently and later met in the States.
- He shares anecdotes about his maternal grandparents, who, despite meeting in the U.S., were from neighboring towns just outside Killarney and likely met at a Kerry dance.
- His paternal grandparents also hailed from adjoining counties in Ireland (Offaly and Westmeath) and met after immigrating.
- Tommy's mother was born in the U.S. but grew up in Ireland, returning before high school to settle in the Bronx.
- His paternal grandfather, Chris White, was a decorated World War I hero who fought as an American and later owned a string of successful restaurants and a speakeasy in Manhattan, including Whit's Cafe where Kennedy's now stands.
- A tragic family story is recounted about his great-uncle, John White, who was shot and killed in his bar during a confrontation.
- Another poignant story involves Tommy's great-grandmother's grandfather, a Civil War veteran who was also shot and killed for his wallet after church, with his family later formally forgiving his killer.
- Tommy mentions restoring an old famine-era cottage with a cousin in Ireland and the ongoing research into his family tree, including a possible ancestor who was a Brooklyn fireman during the Great Blizzard of '88.
- He also shares a harrowing family story about his maternal grandfather's brother, who, along with his track gang, was tragically killed by a train while on a de-energized track.
- A close call for his grandfather, who avoided a fatal train derailment by stopping to buy a turkey on his way home from work.
- The White family is believed to be descendants of St. Oliver Plunkett.
- Personal Experiences and Connections to Ireland:
- Tommy describes his upbringing in an "absolutely Irish" household, filled with Irish music.
- He notes that his connection to his Irish heritage has remained consistently strong throughout his life.
- His first trip to Ireland was in his early to mid-twenties, with the bagpipe band.
- He discusses how he re-established connections with his paternal family in Tipperary, including a memorable first meeting with his cousin at "Whites Grocers".
- Tommy highlights the unique camaraderie of meeting distant relatives in Ireland compared to the U.S..
- Favorite pubs include McCarthy's in Fethard, Tipperary, known for its history, and Dailies in Derry, which reminds him of old Bronx pubs.
- Career and Notable Bagpipe Band Memories:
- Tommy shares his path to becoming a firefighter, joining the department in 1978 after not being able to get into Local 3 as an electrician.
- He speaks highly of his career as a firefighter, expressing no regrets.
- A particularly memorable and suspenseful story involves a trip to Portlaoise Prison with fellow band members Bobby and Joe Murphy, where they unknowingly sailed "into a hornet's nest" due to Joe's friend being a high-profile prisoner involved in an IRA gun-smuggling operation with the Boston mob.
- He talks about hiking in Donegal with a group of friends, including Dermot, whom he reconnected with after many years.
You can view the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/w1WnHGq0jsc?si=N-mwDRxrWBd
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