Hibernian Radio with Mike "Houli" Houlihan

Hibernian Radio heads to the diamond this week as hosts Mike and Paddy Houlihan welcome Ryan Flynn, the brand-new and first-ever CEO of Baseball Ireland. A Flynn with family roots in County Monaghan, Ryan has spent decades building baseball around the world, from Cooperstown and upstate New York to Olympic-hopeful programs in Guam, a national program in New Zealand, and now Ireland. Ryan lays out his ambitious vision for bringing baseball back to the country that helped build the game in America, growing from eight clubs and roughly 500 players into a sustainable national program with thousands of kids playing, affordable youth programs, stronger clubs, international competition, and eventually a path to the World Baseball Classic. He also explains why he wants to avoid the expensive travel-ball model and keep baseball accessible to Irish kids of every background. Paddy and Ryan discover a remarkable shared connection to Ilion, New York, before diving into the power of the Irish diaspora, the role Irish Americans can play in funding and developing the sport, and Ryan’s plans for a minor-league-style baseball hub near Dublin. Along the way, they talk Hall of Famers, Major League Baseball, Curtis Granderson, Chris Woodward, Little League, the All Blacks, and even a potential documentary series following Baseball Ireland’s rise, essentially Welcome to Wrexham with bats, gloves and a lot more rain. The lads wrap by rallying Irish Americans, especially here in Chicago, to help “bring baseball home” to Ireland. It’s a great conversation about baseball, Ireland, the diaspora, and what could become one of the most unexpected sporting stories of the next decade.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes acclaimed Chicago journalist, playwright, and performer Vicki Quade, creator of the international hit Late Nite Catechism. Together, Mike and Vicki reminisce about growing up in Chicago’s Irish Catholic neighborhoods, the unforgettable nuns who shaped their childhoods, and the unique blend of discipline, humor, and faith that defined Catholic school life. Vicki shares the remarkable story behind Late Nite Catechism and its many spinoffs, explaining how her religious comedies have raised more than $4 million for religious orders across the country. She talks about life on the road performing everywhere from major theaters to small Midwestern towns, the improvisational nature of audience participation, and the unexpected moments that make every performance different. Along the way, she reflects on the sacrifices made by generations of Catholic sisters and why supporting their retirement has become such an important part of her mission. The conversation also explores the changing role of the Church, the impact of Vatican II, and the sense of community that parishes and religious sisters brought to neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Filled with warm memories, plenty of laughs, and a healthy dose of classic Catholic humor, this episode celebrates the women who educated generations of Irish Americans and the enduring power of laughter to bring people together.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan welcomes Mike Corrigan, owner of Corrigan Financial Services and Proviso Township Supervisor, for a conversation about family, public service, and the values that have shaped generations of Chicago Irish families. Corrigan shares the remarkable story of growing up as the youngest of eight children in a family forever changed by hemophilia. He reflects on the incredible community blood drives organized to support his brothers, the lasting legacy of his late brother Marty Corrigan, and how those experiences inspired a lifetime of helping others. The conversation also highlights Corrigan’s work leading Proviso Township, where services like senior transportation, handyman assistance, youth programs, and emergency aid quietly improve the lives of thousands of residents. Mike explains why local government and community involvement still matter and why looking after your neighbors has always been part of the Chicago Irish tradition. Houli and Corrigan also discuss the work of One for the Kids, the Irish Fellowship Club, and several upcoming Hibernian Media events, including the Irish American Movie Hooley Film Festival, the August fundraiser, the Skinny & Houli live show, and this fall’s trip to Ireland. It is another episode celebrating faith, family, and the volunteers and community leaders who make Chicago a better place.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes John Gardiner, President and Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 1, for a conversation celebrating Chicago’s Irish labor tradition and the men and women who have helped build the city’s iconic skyline. One of 13 children raised in a proud Irish family with roots in Counties Clare, Cavan, and Antrim, John reflects on a lifetime of hard work that began at age 13 and led him onto the iron at 19. He shares the history of Ironworkers Local 1, explaining how the union grew from a mutual aid society formed to care for families after fatal accidents into one of the nation’s premier building trades organizations. Mike and John discuss the dangers and brotherhood of ironworking, the importance of safety, and the pride that comes with helping shape Chicago’s skyline. They also explore the union’s apprenticeship program, which is training the next generation of skilled tradespeople, and why exposing young people to careers in the trades has never been more important. The conversation also touches on family, faith, and service, as John talks about following in his father’s footsteps, working alongside his son Joey, and carrying forward the values that have defined generations of Chicago Irish families. Along the way, Mike and John discuss organized labor’s role in strengthening communities, supporting working families, and ensuring that the next generation has opportunities to build rewarding careers without necessarily taking the traditional four-year college path.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan welcomes back retired Chicago Police detective and FBI investigator Jim Sherlock for a deep dive into his book Murder in Canaryville, the true story of a decades-old South Side cold case that refused to stay buried. Jim takes listeners back to 1976 and the murder of John Hughes, a young man whose death shook the Bridgeport and Canaryville communities. Years later, while working cold cases with the FBI, Sherlock took on the investigation and quickly discovered something was wrong: key files were missing, evidence had disappeared, and questions remained about whether powerful people had helped bury the truth. Jim shares how he tracked down forgotten records, uncovered inconsistencies in the original investigation, and pursued answers despite resistance and missing information. He also talks about the witnesses who stood by their stories, the challenges of reopening old cases, and his hope that the book might finally bring attention and closure to the Hughes family. Mike and Jim also discuss Sherlock’s career in law enforcement, his time working major cases with the FBI, the emotional toll of homicide investigations, and the importance of supporting first responders dealing with trauma. They explore Jim’s current work at Mother McAuley High School, his involvement in the Irish community, and his grandchildren’s connection to Gaelic football.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan welcomes back retired Chicago Police Captain Brendan McCrudden, who reflects on a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement and his new mission of serving those who serve others. After retiring at the end of 2024, Brendan has dedicated much of his time to The Well Resource Center, a nonprofit providing free, confidential mental health counseling and support for police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMS personnel, and their families. Brendan shares the story behind The Well, founded by Matt and Audra Blair, and explains how it has grown into a trusted resource where first responders can find counseling, peer support, fitness programs, family activities, and a welcoming community without fear of stigma or professional repercussions. He also previews the organization’s annual Called to Serve Gala at Joe’s Live in Rosemont this November, which helps fund these lifesaving services. Along the way, Mike and Brendan discuss the realities of modern policing, the importance of family, faith, and community, and the proud Irish tradition of public service that has shaped generations of Chicago’s first responders. Brendan also shares stories from raising five children, his work with the Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and why supporting the mental health of those on the front lines has become one of the most important missions of his life.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan welcomes back retired Cook County Sheriff’s Police officer Ed Graney, whose remarkable career has taken him from the Cook County Jail to the skies above Chicago as a tactical flight officer, and now into the classroom as a professor of police operations at Chicago State University. Ed shares stories from nearly three decades in law enforcement, including working inside the jail as a young officer, flying helicopter missions with infrared technology to track suspects, and taking part in major narcotics investigations. Along the way, he reflects on the realities of police work, the camaraderie that carried officers through difficult days, and the importance of passing those lessons on to the next generation of law enforcement professionals. The conversation also explores Ed’s life beyond policing, from earning a third-degree black belt in aikido to appearing as a background actor on Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med. Mike rounds out the show with updates on Hibernian Media events, including the annual pilgrimage to Ireland this October, a fundraiser at Chief O’Neill’s, a look ahead to upcoming guests, and, naturally, one of his classic jokes.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Paddy Houlihan welcomes back John O’Connor, a retired Chicago Police Department sergeant, longtime coach, and current educator at Mount Carmel High School. Drawing on 25 years with CPD and decades of coaching experience, John reflects on a life dedicated to service, mentorship, and helping young people find their path. The conversation explores John’s transition from the 9th District to the classroom, where he now teaches AP Psychology, works in admissions and student engagement, and coaches freshman football at Mount Carmel. Paddy and John discuss the surprising similarities between policing, coaching, and teaching, and why positive male role models remain so important in the lives of young men. John also highlights Mount Carmel’s First Responders Club, a growing program that supports students whose parents serve as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders. He shares the powerful impact of taking students to the St. Jude Memorial Parade and helping them better understand the sacrifices their families make every day. The discussion touches on Mount Carmel’s tradition of service, its diverse student body drawn from more than 100 ZIP codes, the value of athletics in building community, and the school’s mission of helping boys become responsible young men. John also offers insight into freshman football, admissions, shadow days, and scholarship opportunities available to prospective students. It’s an uplifting conversation about faith, family, service, and the lasting impact one person can have on the next generation.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan celebrates the 50th anniversary of Riley’s Daughter with a special tribute to the late Boz O’Brien, one of the South Side’s most beloved publicans and storytellers. Built around clips from Boz’s final interview, the episode serves as both a history lesson and a love letter to a man whose personality helped define generations of Chicago Irish life. Listeners hear Boz at his absolute best, spinning stories about the legendary San Diego Chicken, St. Patrick’s Day antics, soda bread contests, political adventures with Mayor Richard M. Daley, and the origins of Riley’s Daughter itself. Whether recalling neighborhood characters, Bears events gone sideways, or Irish traditions that became community institutions, Boz’s humor, warmth, and gift for storytelling are on full display. Mike also looks ahead to the upcoming Skinny & Houli Return to Ireland trip this October and thank listeners for their support of Charlotte “Lottie” Houlihan’s NYU songwriting fundraiser. The episode closes with Hibernian Radio’s traditional remembrance of recently departed members of the Irish American community, honoring lives well lived and legacies that continue on. Part tribute, part time capsule, and part South Side Irish oral history, this episode captures exactly why Boz O’Brien remains one of the great characters in Chicago Irish history.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan broadcasts from Robert’s Westside during a fundraiser for his granddaughter Charlotte “Lottie” Houlihan and her band, Lottie and the Drama, as she prepares for an elite summer songwriting program at NYU. Mike also updates listeners on upcoming Hibernian Media events before dipping into the archives for a special From the Vault conversation with Brendan O’Brien, son of the late Boz O’Brien, the beloved longtime owner of Riley’s Daughter. Brendan shares memories of growing up in Riley’s Daughter, where his father spent nearly 50 years building not just a bar, but a gathering place for generations of South Siders. He reflects on Boz’s sudden passing, the tremendous support from family, friends, and patrons, and the lessons his father taught about community, loyalty, and hard work. The conversation is filled with stories about St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, soda bread contests, political fundraisers, Irish traditions, and Boz’s famous love of poinsettias. Brendan also discusses the challenges of carrying on a family business while preserving the legacy of a man whose impact stretched far beyond the neighborhood pub he loved. It’s a warm, funny, and nostalgic look back at one of Hibernian Radio’s favorite interviews, celebrating fathers, family, friendship, and the neighborhood institutions that keep Chicago’s Irish community connected.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Mokena and Orland Park), Flood Bros., Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers