LOS ANGELES—With Saint Patrick’s Day upon us, it seemed appropriate that Irish folk would contribute to the list of best Irish Films. So I went right to the source—the local Irish pub, Finn McCool’s on the corner of Main and Hill streets in Santa Monica, where nearly all the staff hails from Ireland.
Eugene Ganley, a 28 year old well-mannered fellow, originally from the West of Ireland, has worked at the authentically Irish establishment for 5 years. Ganley, had these favorite films to share:
Into the West (1993)
Written by Michael Pearce and Jim Sheridan, it stars Gabriel Byrne and Elle Barkin. This award winning family film mixes modern day Dublin with old world magic and folk tales of a family of Travellers (Irish gypsies) and a mystical white horse.
Magdalene Sisters (2002)
Written and directed by Peter Mullan is the haunting true story of the Catholic Church run ‘Magdalene Laundries’ (Magdalene Asylums )where young women, considered fallen’ in society, could be rehabilitated for the offences of flirting with a boy or being the victim of a rape.
The Quiet Man ( 1952)
John Wayne and Maureen O ‘Hara play quick tempered lovers that explore the clash between Irish-American and Irish cultures. Set in 1930s Ireland, this love story/drama is a beloved classic that portrays a native retired boxer that comes home to Ireland to claim his heritage and roots.
Deirdre, the sweet lass tending bar, concurred, “Into the West” was her number one favorite Irish film as well. In fact, she made a point to say that any film that Gabriel Byrne(Irish actor, film director, and producer, “The Usual Suspects,” “Miller’s Crossing,” “Stigmata,” and “In Treatment”) is in is good by her.
Deirdre also adds to the list:
The Commitments (1991)
Poor Irish musicians in the film identify with the poor black American population, and start a blues band covering American classics with levity and charm.
“We know how to tell a good story” explains Ganley, who says Irish culture is about close family life, very social and very friendly.
He continued to tell me about the Irish communities in Southern California, which is biggest in Santa Monica, Orange County, and Long Beach. Ganley reveals that the best authentic Irish spots in the area are the Old Dubliner in Long Beach, O’Malley’s on Seal Beach, and of course, Finn McCool’s with a combined traditional Irish menu along with many fusion dishes.
Geraldine Gilliland, from Belfast, owner and Chef of Finn McCools serves up Fish and Chips served in newspaper, Bangers and Champ with gravy, Galway wings with Blue Cheese Dip, Celtic quesadillas, (Irish Boxty with jack and cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Pico de Gillo), as well as Gastro –Pub dogs, sliders, burgers (many vegan and vegetarian options), and a stellar desserts.
Ganley prefers the menu’s Irish breakfast.
Celebrating its 9th anniversary this Saint Patrick’s day, Finn McCool’s, offers an all day roast and live Traditional Irish music each Sunday, featuring the enchanting Marian Tomas Griffian, who can make anyone yearn for the green rolling hills of Ireland.
“Best music session in LA” assures Ganley.
Eugene Ganley, a 28 year old well-mannered fellow, originally from the West of Ireland, has worked at the authentically Irish establishment for 5 years. Ganley, had these favorite films to share:
Into the West (1993)
Written by Michael Pearce and Jim Sheridan, it stars Gabriel Byrne and Elle Barkin. This award winning family film mixes modern day Dublin with old world magic and folk tales of a family of Travellers (Irish gypsies) and a mystical white horse.
Magdalene Sisters (2002)
Written and directed by Peter Mullan is the haunting true story of the Catholic Church run ‘Magdalene Laundries’ (Magdalene Asylums )where young women, considered fallen’ in society, could be rehabilitated for the offences of flirting with a boy or being the victim of a rape.
The Quiet Man ( 1952)
John Wayne and Maureen O ‘Hara play quick tempered lovers that explore the clash between Irish-American and Irish cultures. Set in 1930s Ireland, this love story/drama is a beloved classic that portrays a native retired boxer that comes home to Ireland to claim his heritage and roots.
Deirdre, the sweet lass tending bar, concurred, “Into the West” was her number one favorite Irish film as well. In fact, she made a point to say that any film that Gabriel Byrne(Irish actor, film director, and producer, “The Usual Suspects,” “Miller’s Crossing,” “Stigmata,” and “In Treatment”) is in is good by her.
Deirdre also adds to the list:
The Commitments (1991)
Poor Irish musicians in the film identify with the poor black American population, and start a blues band covering American classics with levity and charm.
“We know how to tell a good story” explains Ganley, who says Irish culture is about close family life, very social and very friendly.
He continued to tell me about the Irish communities in Southern California, which is biggest in Santa Monica, Orange County, and Long Beach. Ganley reveals that the best authentic Irish spots in the area are the Old Dubliner in Long Beach, O’Malley’s on Seal Beach, and of course, Finn McCool’s with a combined traditional Irish menu along with many fusion dishes.
Geraldine Gilliland, from Belfast, owner and Chef of Finn McCools serves up Fish and Chips served in newspaper, Bangers and Champ with gravy, Galway wings with Blue Cheese Dip, Celtic quesadillas, (Irish Boxty with jack and cheddar cheese, sour cream, and Pico de Gillo), as well as Gastro –Pub dogs, sliders, burgers (many vegan and vegetarian options), and a stellar desserts.
Ganley prefers the menu’s Irish breakfast.
Celebrating its 9th anniversary this Saint Patrick’s day, Finn McCool’s, offers an all day roast and live Traditional Irish music each Sunday, featuring the enchanting Marian Tomas Griffian, who can make anyone yearn for the green rolling hills of Ireland.
“Best music session in LA” assures Ganley.
Friends Read Free