Róisín Lee – Galway Girl

By Irish Boston Tourism Newsroom

Galway native Róisín Lee is a welcome presence on the Boston Irish scene since arriving here in September 2023. From her role at the Irish Pastoral Centre in Dorchester (IPC) to playing and publicizing GAA games at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton (ICC) she brings her love of Gaeilge and Irish culture into everything she does. We caught up with Róisín to find out more.

Where are you from in Ireland and how did you come to live in Boston?

I’m from Kilkerrin in Co. Galway, home of the five-in-a-row All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football champions! My first time in America was on a J-1 Visa in Chicago in 2022, and after that summer I knew I wanted to come back to the States, but to experience a new city. I chose Boston because I’d heard so much about its strong Irish community.

So far, I’ve really loved living in New England. I especially enjoy having four distinct seasons. While the winter can be tough, there’s always the promise of a bright, sunny summer ahead, which makes it all worthwhile.

Tell us about your role at the Irish Pastoral Centre.

I work as the Cultural & Development Manager at the Irish Pastoral Centre in Adams Village. My role is quite varied; I’m involved in promoting our programs and events and helping to share the IPC’s mission. A big part of what we do is connecting people and creating a welcoming, vibrant space for the Irish community and beyond. What I enjoy most is the sense of purpose from everyone I work with at the Centre.

The IPC supports people at all stages of life, and it’s very rewarding to be part of that. I especially value working with our senior community. They bring such warmth, experience, and character to the Centre. They remind me of where we come from and that each individual has a unique immigration story.

As a proud Gaeilgeoir (Irish language speaker), how do you perpetuate Irish language and culture in Boston?

I recently attended a Boston Pop-up Gaeltacht at the Banshee Pub in Dorchester with some of my teammates, where I reconnected with old friends and met new people, all through Gaeilge.

I also regularly attend events hosted by Irish organizations across the city. It’s a great way to stay connected to the Diaspora, build relationships and celebrate our shared culture. We’re very lucky in Boston, there’s always something happening, and plenty of opportunities to engage with Irish heritage in meaningful and enjoyable ways.

As a member of the Gaelic football team Boston Shamrocks, tell us about the GAA season at the ICC this summer?

We’re gearing up for another exciting summer of Gaelic games across the Boston Northeast GAA division. The season will see Men’s and Ladies Football, Hurling and Camogie in full swing, with the championship kicking off at the end of May and running through to mid-August. This is an especially big year: for the first time since 2021, Boston is hosting the USGAA North American Finals at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton from August 14–16, bringing players from all over to the United States to compete for the winning title!

In addition to playing in the GAA, I also serve as public relations officer for Boston Northeast GAA.

Recently, I took part in a panel discussion at Fenway Park for the launch of the Irish Government’s Sports Diplomacy Strategy, where I spoke about the growing impact of Gaelic Games across North America and its role in connecting communities, promoting Irish culture, and building strong transatlantic ties.

Thanks, Róisín!