The Irish Heritage Trail Expands
Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail was created in 1994 to chronicle the illustrious history of the city’s Irish community. In 2025, we began adding new landmarks to the trail in downtown Boston and the neighborhoods, while also expanding the trail across Massachusetts. We are excited to add these two special landmarks to the Irish Heritage Trail in 2026.
TOM BRADY STATUE
Gillette Stadium in Foxborough
A larger-than-life bronze statue of legendary quarterback Tom Brady was unveiled in August 2024 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, where Brady led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and 17 division championships in his 20 years here.
The 12 foot Brady statue is located in the plaza outside the Patriots Hall of Fame at Gillette Stadium.
“Brady’s career with the Patriots was nothing short of legendary. Drafted 199th overall in 2000, he rose from sixth-round obscurity to become the face of an NFL dynasty, leading the Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and 17 division championships in 18 seasons as a starter,” writes patriots.com.
“Renowned for his clutch performances, relentless drive, and exceptional leadership, Brady transformed the Patriots into perennial contenders. His tenure in Foxborough remains one of the most dominant and decorated runs in NFL history. The statue preserves his placement as a ‘Patriot for life’ and enshrines his legacy as the greatest of all time.”
Adding Brady’s statue to the Irish Heritage Trail is a fitting tribute to one of the region’s most beloved sports figures and Irish-Americans. The Brady family emigrated from Ireland to Boston in the 1850s and lived here for several years before heading out to California.
HARRY MCDONOUGH SAILING CENTER
Castle Island in South Boston
The Harry McDonough Sailing Center is a non-profit sailing center providing inner- city youth with a safe, fun and accessible environment. Adding the Sailing Center
to the Irish Heritage Trail honors its founder, Harry McDonough (1921-1990), a proud Irish-American from South Boston who taught generations of children the fundamentals and joys of sailing. The free program runs each summer.
“The Harry McDonough Sailing Center stands as a shining embodiment of South Boston’s finest traditions of compassion, generosity, and an enduring spirit of community,” said Senator Nick Collins, who represents South Boston and the First Suffolk District. “The legacy of Harry
McDonough himself, marked by his indomitable optimism and can-do resolve, continues to inspire and guide the exceptional work carried out at this remarkable institution.”
“Over the years, the Center has been a magical place for thousands of children from across greater Boston, ages 8 to 14, who get to enjoy their summers in a beautiful outdoor setting while learning positive life skills through sailing,” said Denise Cohen, a member of the Board of Directors of the Harry McDonough Sailing Center. “We have Harry to thank for that.”
The beautiful nautical mural at the Center, created by South Boston Arts Association, is a replica of Irish artist John Skelton’s painting, “Landing the Curragh.”
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