Irish Chicago - Aidan Quinn

Host Aidan Quinn

Born in Chicago, Aidan started his acting career on the Chicago stage and went on to play the title role in... READ BIO

Irish Chicago - Dan Andries' Blog

Producer's Blog

Exclusive Q & A and behind-the-scenes blogging with Producer Dan Andries. MORE


Young Irish

The Cleary Family


While many Irish-American families in Chicago are three are four generations deep, many of Chicago's Irish have immigrated fairly recently. Ireland's fluctuating economy in the 1980s and 1990s prompted many of its young people, like John Cleary, to look elsewhere for work. Following his graduation from college, John saw little prospect for landing a job that would give him enhanced skills and advancement. A friend of his had a brother in Chicago, and in 1995, after some brief stops in Ocean City, Maryland and New York, John made it to the Midwest. He and his friends got started waiting tables and tending bars. Though John was a CPA, restaurant management became his focus. It was a social industry that allowed him to meet lots of different people and other recent immigrants.

The same month that John arrived in Chicago, Trish began working at another Chicago restaurant, following her recent move from the East Coast.... READ STORY

Irish Chicago is made possible through the generous support of The William F. O'Connor Foundation, in Memory of Billy O'Connor; Walsh Construction; and Robert & Joan Clifford.

Additional support is provided by Mr. & Mrs. W. James Farrell and O’Briens Restaurant and Bar.

 
 
 
 
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