New York morphs into a different entity when it experiences heavy rainfall, as it did all of Tuesday. Sweeps of water overflow from awnings and street signs, countless weary shoes grow dark and saturated, umbrellas collide and the typically crowded subway steps get grimy. The atmosphere becomes tense and agitated. Those scenes are quintessentially Gotham. The journey from Manhattan to Maspeth – a suburban locality in Queens that was once home to a large Irish community – is about 50 minutes if you take the 7 or E line to Jackson Heights and a brief bus ride. Regardless of how many times the short trip from the bustling metropolis to these Irish neighbourhoods is made, the stark contrast in their characters consistently inspires awe.
The sense of shock over the murder of Sarah McNally, a woman from Longford town who lost her life after being assaulted in the bar where she served drinks on Grand Avenue in Maspeth, is likely to linger even once the trial of Marcin Pieciak ends. Pieciak, aged 36, stands formally accused of second-degree murder and was indicted in court on Friday, however, he didn’t attend the hearing as his lawyer indicated he was in hospital receiving treatment for self-inflicted injuries.
This savage act of violence took place in a communal, social milieu and drew a flurry of attention from the city’s media, known for their sensationalist reporting style of murder crimes. The sudden surge of journalists and TV crews outside the bar transformed an already traumatic situation for the victim and her loved ones into a surreal nightmare. The sheer horror and incomprehensibility of Sarah McNally’s death were magnified by the sight of her face and pictures of The Céilí House, her place of work, featuring prominently in city news stories, undoubtedly exacerbating the sorrow and disarray.
On a silent Tuesday afternoon, The Céilí House exuded an atypical hush. The lady managing the bar, surprisingly approachable, swiftly gave way to a flood of emotions at the utterance of Sarah’s name, yet maintained her calm and refrained from indulging in conversation, understanding the solemnity of the moment. On the other side of the bar, a collection of candles, cards, and snaps of Sarah were displayed, a silent tribute to a lost friend. The two men engrossed in their drinks at the bar gave an impression of a typical quiet bar moment. Had the reception been bit cold to an outsider trying to gather insights, it wouldn’t have been completely unexpected. Yet, the ambiance, though worn-out, was rather inviting.
A brief visit at The Céilí House is enough to comprehend its significance to its Maspeth locals. It is somewhat a replica of numerous Irish American bars in regard to its settings and aura; characterized by dim lights, dark wooden interiors, and an atmosphere that spells congenial simplicity. It stood as Sarah McNally’s workplace, however, it was, and continues to be, more than just that. Post her departure, the tributes revealed: the place had been her second home, surrounded by friends who admired her. Irish bars which serve the neighbourhoods in America are not just places to enjoy a drink while watching a game, they are refuges for countless Irish immigrants who made New York their home over the years.
What stands out about The Céilí House is its symbol of Irish heritage, a rare sight on Grand Avenue. Across the road, Bukowski’s, another bar, elegantly honours the author Charles Bukowski and the county of Longford. Amid the transatlantic keepsakes, Bukowski quotes jostled for position with a Gaelic football with Abbeylara written on it and a Ballinalee street sign. It’s ironic how such collectibles may seem insignificant in Irish pubs, however, in a city like New York, they take on a special significance, transporting you back to a world you recognise.
On the whole, Grand Avenue in Maspeth is a tireless amalgamation of eateries and retail outlets, with no pronounced ethnic preference. It’s not distinctly recognisable as an Irish precinct, a stark contrast to what it used to be.
Eileen Reilly has resided in Maspeth for three decades and notes the substantial arrival of Irish immigrants when she initially relocated there. As Director of Maspeth Town Hall, Eileen oversees a variety of social and educational initiatives. The new residents, having left their families behind in Ireland, developed a strong sense of community, often visiting each other during holidays like Thanksgiving. They participated in the Tiger Foundation’s programs aimed at alleviating poverty in New York City, with some families maintaining their friendship since their children were toddlers. However, the shift in Ireland’s economy meant many immigrants returned home, with various outcomes.
During my unexpected phone call around 5pm, she was kindly willing to talk despite being about to head home. Just a brief stroll away from The Céilí House is the imposing dormer bungalow that hosts the Maspeth Town Hall. This building, painted cream and adorned with large panelled windows, has been a Maspeth landmark since the late 19th century; it originated as a Brinkerhoff farm schoolhouse and later served as a police station. Today, it offers community services to the town’s locals, from school pupils to elderly citizens.
Reilly supervises an after-school scheme serving close to 2,000 children across areas such as Corona, Woodside, and Ridgewood, employing almost 300 individuals. Staff members pleasantly greet her with “good night, Miss Reilly” from the corridor as they finish their day, underscoring the building’s status as the central hub of civic life in Maspeth.
Reilly, herself of Irish descent, was aware of Sarah McNally’s tragic demise. She knew McNally was Irish, but beyond that her knowledge was limited.
The news came as quite a surprise. We have a significant number of elderly residents here, and learning of such a dreadful incident is just terrible, particularly for that young woman. Despite the odd occurrence in the main street, this is generally a peaceful neighbourhood where residents feel secure. It’s well-patrolled by our local 104th police precinct, although foot patrols are less frequent these days due to financial constraints.”
The area of Maspeth, as Reilly notes, once had a predominantly Irish character. Situated in the ever-changing borough of Queens, Maspeth maintains its distinctive identity. Despite the distant outlines of city skyscrapers visible from the bridge in the mist-laden sky, Maspeth stands apart. The town’s marble insignia showcases the face of a Native American with the caption: Mespeatches Indian 1638. Further along, a 9/11 memorial pays tribute to the 25 locals who perished on that fateful day in 2001. Squad 288 suffered the highest single casualty toll among all FDNY fire stations. Denis Carey, Thomas Gardner, John Fanning, and Captain Patrick Waters are among the 11 lives honoured there. The locality has witnessed a significant surge in property prices over the years, leading some long-standing residents to sell out. Over the last few decades, the traditionally homogeneous community has become multi-ethnic without compromising its unique identity.
“Indeed, it’s a very pleasant area,” remarks Reilly. “People, irrespective of their nationality, tend to maintain their homes well. The sense of community here is stronger, and people are much more accepting of newcomers as compared to five years ago. However, with everybody preoccupied with work and rarely home, the dynamics of neighbourly interaction has certainly changed.”
Sarah McNally made New York her home a decade ago when she relocated from Longford in her early thirties – a young age in the grand scheme of things, but one that necessitates courage and independence to build a new life across the Atlantic. Similar to many Irish expatriates, she found employment in the city’s bustling hospitality sector.
Despite a substantial decrease in the number of Irish individuals relocating to New York since the mass influx of the 1980s and 90s, the city continues to be adorned with thriving Irish pubs, thanks to their well-established reputation and effective management. Among the many Irish expatriates in the city was Sarah McNally, a cherished member of this community. Following her untimely demise last Saturday, pictures circulated depicting a woman with a heartwarming, sincere countenance. Recollections shared by customers in the immediate aftermath of the tragic events emphasized her amicability and generosity, illuminating the profound shock that had settled over their community.
The demise of Sarah McNally has left a deep impression on both the Irish community within New York and further afield in the Irish homeland because it is an incident that touches a raw nerve, resonating with the universal, enduring story of Irish migration. Over the years, countless Irish individuals have embarked on a similar journey, finding solace in the well-knit network of Irish pubs dotted across various boroughs. These establishments serve as beacons, providing guidance, adaptation advice and friendship, all of which can prove to be invaluable assets in a vast, unfamiliar metropolis.
In New York, Irish pubs typically adhere to community allegiances rooted in different Irish counties, such as Donegal, Longford, and Kerry, to name just a few. In past decades, all a newcomer needed to access these supportive networks was the pub’s address and the name of a contact who could potentially offer work or direct them to available opportunities.
These traditions persist to this day, cementing the role of these pubs as secure harbours for both their patrons and staff. The horrific violence subjected upon Sarah McNally has shattered this sense of safety. The Céilí House was not simply Sarah’s workplace; it was the heart of her community, the place where she was surrounded by friends until her final moments last Saturday.
The Irish community’s reaction to the heart-wrenching event was instantaneous. A fund was rapidly established to remember Sarah, with supporters describing her as a cherished Queens bartender whose life was tragically cut short.
“Sarah is someone we held dear and whose loss we felt deeply,” was written.
“Through this memorial fund, we aim to show our unwavering support to Sarah’s family back in Ireland and gather funds to commemorate her memory in New York. Anyone acquainted with Sarah would know how compassionate she was and how she had a keen memory for small details about everyone she interacted with. Sarah had a special place in the heart of her Céilí House family, and they adored her.”
The sudden, unprovoked attack resulted in a heartrending loss for the victim’s family. We are utilising every possible measure to ensure justice prevails. This statement came from Melinda Katz, the Queens district attorney. The family, overwhelmed by grief, traveled to the city this week to escort their departed loved one back home. They have since requested respect for their privacy.
Joseph Kenny, the NYPD’s chief of detectives, provided details about the ongoing investigation last Thursday. He confirmed that the late Sarah McNally was romantically involved with the individual now accused of murdering her, and the two shared a residence in Glendale, close by. A detailed account of the gruesome assault allegedly perpetrated by Marcin Pieciak was included in the briefing, a common practice in the US, contrasting Ireland’s approach. The horrific details of the case are deeply unsettling.
Melinda Katz, notoriously familiar with violent offences in her professional capacity, stated on Thursday that the community of Queens was left appalled by the attack’s nature. She further commented, “We are committed to ensuring there’s justice for the victim and her family.”
In the bar industry, we create networks of acquaintances. Even in a world where remote work is common and countless hours are spent looking at computer screens, the bar environment remains a hub of social interaction. Over her decade-long stay in New York, Sarah McNally must have touched many lives, establishing valued friendships with many now left heartbroken and in disbelief. Her memory will likely persist in the minds of New Yorkers. It wouldn’t be surprising if there were a solemn moment of reflection at Gaelic Park’s major GAA match this coming weekend. At present, her closest relations understandably find it too distressing to communicate their feelings about her loss. Another Saturday dawns, and words fail to express the sorrow.