User:Geo Swan/Guantanamo Gazette/McCarthy's kick up heels at O'Kelly's

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 * February 8, 2008
 * McCarthy's kick up heels at O'Kelly's
 * Story by MC1 Robert Lamb
 * NAVSTA PAO

Whether you wore a kilt or just a smile at the grand opening of O'Kelly's Irish Pub you had to be impressed with the transformation of that part of the Windjammer.

O’Kelly’s opened Saturday night, Feb. 2, to a packed crowd of locals and well wishers, all of whom were greeted by a traditional “bagpiper” and music from various genres on the entire island of Ireland. The totally remodeled Acey Deucey Club was designed to look like an old fashioned Irish Public House(Pub). The name O’Kelly’s was in honor of long time Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) resident and regular bartender, Kelly Garland, who also works at the W.T. Sampson High School. Garland was extremely impressed with the large turnout of support that he and the pub received that night.

“I’m honored that my fellow co-workers from MWR would name a bar after me,” said Garland. “Or it just means I have been in GTMO way too long! I was very pleased that many of my closest friends were able to come that night. I hope to see them in the pub more often in the future,” he added.

Speaking of an extremely impressive evening, what about the McCarthy clan, who wore their Irish heritage on their sleeves, or their shoulders, and gave us all a night to remember. The clan consists of Mr. and Mrs. Capt. Patrick McCarthy, Dee Dee, Eryn, Patrick Jr. Aidan and Seamus. They all had a part in the opening night festivities. They were accompanied by a band out of the Annapolis, Md. area, called ‘Off The Boat’ with James Gallagher as the lead vocalist.

Eldest child, Dee Dee, who’s an expert on Irish history, was trying her best all night long to teach the crowd a little about her proud heritage. Her familiarity and knowledge of traditional Irish songs was a great help to those who wished to sing along. The crowd sang and clapped their way through some of the most traditional Irish dirges that GTMO has ever heard. “My wife Dee and I are extremely proud of our children,” the McCarthy patriarch said.

Eryn, who’s a W.T. Sampson High School senior and an accomplished Irish Step Dancer, had all the Irish eyes upon her as she danced to the traditional music. “Audiences are usually never quite sure what to do when I start dancing; most people have never ever heard of Irish Dancing, but after a step or two, they get a little more comfortable, and really seem to enjoy it,” said Eryn.

Eryn has been dancing since she was 11 years old and choreographed the dances herself for this occasion. Her dream is to become a champion in the art of Irish Step Dancing.

“One very special thing about the opening night was that I didn't dance by myself, my brothers were also up there with me,” she added.

Not to be outdone by the lasses and also to make it a family affair, the boys (Patrick, Aidan and Seamus) learned a step or two from their sister and also sang along with their mom and dad during the bands performances.

“I really enjoy it when other people join in, it adds to the energy to the dance,” said Eryn.

Any event that combines music, dancing, good conversation among family and friends has to be a hit. And having a place that reminds you of home will always be a good place to be.

During the evening when people were asked about the new look of the place the one continuous response was that it made people feel that they were back in the states.

“I would like to thank Capt. Leary and Craig Basel for having the foresight to envision this concept. It really shows what the facilities in GTMO can look like. What a team they make! O’Kelly’s is a tremendous addition to the variety of entertainment in Guantanamo,” McCarthy said

“Saturday night made me feel like I was at home. It was fantastic to bring the sounds of Ireland to GTMO, and even more fantastic to see the residents of the Naval Station, whether JTF, NAVBASE, Hospital, contractor, civilian employee, or dependent, react so positively to the entire experience.

There is no doubt that O’Kelly’s will be a mainstay here for years to come.”