A Toast To Tom, From His Daughter

My family is so happy that my Dad, Tom McGowan, will be this years honorary irishman!

My dad was very proud of his irish heritage and loved the Irish culture and the country itself. While many people may claim they are Irish, my dad proudly carried his Irishness through the world everyday by being happy, fun, and kind.

He always provided ways to help my family to embrace our Irish heritage. We participated in Irish dance all throughout elementary school (until my dancing became to unbearable to watch
and I was allowed to quit), and we played the fiddle and tin whistle in an Irish band.

We also attended many St. Patricks day parades- one I can specifically remember was on his birthday last year, which was spent outside in the freezing weather at the Hartford St Patrick’s day parade, before going to our hockey games.

He would always celebrate our Irish heritage by spending every Christmas Eve in Irish pubs, and most importantly bringing us to Ireland 5 times. What was remarkable about my experience in Ireland was how comfortably we fit in there- in particular how comfortably my dad fit in there. I could tell my dad felt at home at the golf courses and Irish pubs, and he loved the music, countryside, and most importantly the people and their strong faith.

Between his devotion to religion, love of golfing, fun personality, and friendliness, all he was missing was the accent! I know being the Irish man he was, he would never miss a celebration, and I am sure he is here with us tonight.
I would like to give a toast to my dad… to Tom McGowan!