St. Patrick's Political Roast In Newton? Try Dunn-Gaherin's

NEWTON, MA — When you think of things Irish, and St. Patrick's Day around Newton the first thing to pop into thought might not be "politics," but it might just be Dunn-Gaherin's Irish pub in Newton's Upper Falls.

Dunn-Gaherin's has been tucked away on Elliot Street since it opened 1991, but it feels like this old-world meets new-world establishment has been there for much longer. What is new is their traditional St. Patrick's Day breakfast and political roast.

"When it comes to politics whether it's national or local politics, people get all worked up and stressed out and wired up. But [this is] a moment to get everyone to remember that these are all just regular folks and we can have a little fun together. It's not all about fighting and conflict and tension," said Jerry Reilly a co-organizer of the event.

Friday, March 16 (the day before Saint Paddy's Day) the pub will be hosting an "Irish breakfast" of tea and coffee and Irish bread complete with a who's-who of Newton's political world: Look for Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Former Mayor and Gubernatorial candidate Setti Warren, Jay Gonzalez (also a candidate for governor), City Councillors including President Marc Laredo, and Sen. Cindy Creem to be hob nobbling with the best of them.

Last year’s event was planned in 48 hours, said Reilly. Dunn-Gaherin's owner Seana Gaherin had the idea and then Reilly and Chris Osborne of Better Life Food threw the event together to great success.

Although there will be food treats, the main breakfast event is the political roast. Politicians will take the mic for a couple of minutes each and so, too, will a couple of cheeky MCs.

Chairman of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce Greg Reibman and City Councilor Josh Krintzman will be the master of ceremonies on the microphones and ensure everyone feels included and picked on in friendly fashion. Speakers will have about 2 minutes to speak, but said Reilly, "it's kind of a loose thing, it's a lot of fun, but there's no serious stuff at all, that's actively discouraged," he said.

The event is akin to something he put on for a story slam back in November. Leading up to the elections he hosted a special edition of the local story telling event inspired by Moth Radio and invited 17 candidates to come and speak on a theme. The idea there, too, was not to stump or wax political, but to just tell a good story.

"People loved it," he said. "It's just a reminder that these are neighbors and friends and people in our community."

And reportedly Gaherin has a few last minute surprises up her sleeve, too. Whatever that may mean.

Read more from Village 14: Second annual Newton Paddy's Day Political Breakfast

>> How are you planning to celebrate Saint Paddy's Day? Drop us a line and let us know! Jenna.Fisher@Patch.com.

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