Golden Givers: McGraw's Irish Pub
By: Maureen McGuire
Updated: November 12, 2012
The owners and patrons of McGraw's Irish Pub are some of the best people you will ever meet, and the proof is in the party they threw for 100-year-old Marty O'Keefe.
For nearly two years, McGraw's Irish Pub in East Rochester has served as a meeting house for Irish culture and music. One night, more than a dozen musicians gather for an impromptu session led by Marty O'Keefe. Marty is 100 years old and beloved by many in the Irish community.
"Absolutely, wonderful man," said pub owner John McGraw.
For decades, Marty has been an unofficial ambassador for new arrivals from Ireland, and his love of music is unparalleled. He plays the fiddle and the concertina, and with John McGraw's help, recorded his first CD at the age of 92.
"I think what's so wonderful about it is that with all the new technology the music is getting better," Marty said.
"We're delighted to have him around for so long, he's such a joy to be with and he's never lost that twinkle in his eye," said John Finucane.
For Marty, the pleasure is in the people.
"He's a wonderful guy, wonderful family, eight children, lots of great grandchildren. At 100 who wouldn't," McGraw said.
For nearly two years, McGraw's Irish Pub in East Rochester has served as a meeting house for Irish culture and music. One night, more than a dozen musicians gather for an impromptu session led by Marty O'Keefe. Marty is 100 years old and beloved by many in the Irish community.
"Absolutely, wonderful man," said pub owner John McGraw.
For decades, Marty has been an unofficial ambassador for new arrivals from Ireland, and his love of music is unparalleled. He plays the fiddle and the concertina, and with John McGraw's help, recorded his first CD at the age of 92.
"I think what's so wonderful about it is that with all the new technology the music is getting better," Marty said.
"We're delighted to have him around for so long, he's such a joy to be with and he's never lost that twinkle in his eye," said John Finucane.
For Marty, the pleasure is in the people.
"He's a wonderful guy, wonderful family, eight children, lots of great grandchildren. At 100 who wouldn't," McGraw said.
