Hibernian Radio with Mike "Houli" Houlihan

Paddy Houlihan w/ Pat Quane

This week on Hibernian Radio, Paddy Houlihan hosts and is joined by Chicago Firefighter and union candidate Pat Quane to discuss contract enforcement, union advocacy, and the future of IAFF Local 2. With 22 years in the fire service, including 17 years with the Chicago Fire Department, Quane shares his experience in modernizing grievance tracking systems and the importance of transparency and efficiency in representing members. Pat emphasizes the need for face-to-face communication, improved steward training, and faster grievance and arbitration timelines. He also highlights recent union wins, including a key duty injury case, and outlines his priorities as a candidate for Director of Contract Enforcement ahead of the March 4 election, with ballots mailing January 29.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park, Flood Brothers, Madden Funds and Local 130 Engineers

Dan Shine

In this reflective year-end episode of Hibernian Radio, host Mike Houlihan closes out the final show of the year, marking 354 episodes and reflecting on the program’s long-standing connection to the Irish and Irish-American community. Mike thanks listeners for their continued support and highlights the importance of year-end donations to Hibernian Media, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit behind the show. The episode features a conversation with Dan Shine, a retired Chicago Police Department lieutenant and Navy veteran, who shares his personal and professional journey. Dan discusses his path from the Navy to a career in law enforcement, his assignments throughout Chicago, and the lessons he learned through years of service and leadership. Dan also reflects on his travels to Ireland and his strong connection to Irish culture, sharing stories that highlight the bonds between Ireland and the Irish diaspora. The episode concludes with New Year’s reflections, gratitude for listeners and supporters, and a preview of upcoming community events, including the Monthly Movie Hooley screening of Redemption of a Rogue on Saturday, January 17, at 7:00 PM at Gaelic Park.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park, Flood Brothers, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week’s Christmas Eve episode of Hibernian Radio features host Mike Houlihan revisiting a classic conversation with longtime friend and Chicago legend Skinny Sheehan. The holiday broadcast celebrates Skinny’s 76th birthday and reflects on a life dedicated to community, service, and storytelling. Skinny shares highlights from his career at McCormick Place and his ongoing work with Special Olympics Chicago, which serves more than 7,500 athletes. The conversation is filled with humor and heart, touching on fundraising efforts, union and community partnerships, plans for a new West Side sports center, and memorable trips to Ireland. Listeners also hear behind-the-scenes stories from the Polar Plunge, now a major fundraiser raising millions of dollars annually for Special Olympics. Mike wraps up the Christmas episode with community announcements, including the January 17 screening of Redemption of a Rogue, Hibernian Media’s end-of-year donation appeal, and important dates for the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen contest. The show closes with holiday wishes, Irish humor, and a reminder of the power of generosity and community during the Christmas season.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park, Flood Brothers, Madden Funds and Local 150 Operating Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, host Paddy Houlihan welcomes listeners to episode 352, featuring a compelling conversation with special guest Joe Mauriello, a veteran law enforcement officer whose career placed him at the center of some of the most significant moments in Chicago history. Joe shares the path that led him into public service, including his time in the Illinois Air National Guard and his years with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police. Listeners hear Joe’s firsthand account of being the first Sheriff’s Police officer to respond to a burglary call at the home of John Wayne Gacy, long before the full scope of Gacy’s crimes was known. Joe also recounts his experience working the scene of the American Airlines Flight 191 crash in 1979, offering a powerful and sobering perspective on one of the darkest days in the city’s history. The conversation also explores Joe’s later work in the State’s Attorney’s Office and his remarkable parallel career in sports, where he officiated more than 2,000 amateur boxing bouts and worked as a judge and timekeeper in professional wrestling.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike and Paddy Houlihan go into the vault to revisit their conversation from earlier this year with Father Ryan Brady, pastor of St. Christina’s Parish and newly appointed chaplain of the Chicago Fire Department, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on faith, vocation, and service. Father Brady reflects on his upbringing on Chicago’s southwest side, the lasting influence of his grandparents’ devotion, and his unconventional path to the priesthood after years in sales and charitable work. He shares how philosophy, mentorship, and perseverance shaped his calling, and what it means to serve both a parish community and first responders as a fire department chaplain. The episode also highlights the importance of finding God in everyday life, the role of community in sustaining faith, and the responsibility of being present for others in moments of hardship. Along the way, the show promotes upcoming Irish cultural events, including the screening of Older Than Ireland, the annual Hibernian Houlihan Ball, and programming at the Irish American Heritage Center. The conversation closes with reflections on pilgrimage, prayer intentions for listeners, and plans for Father Brady’s return to the program in the new year.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park, Flood Brothers Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 

Father-and-son hosts Paddy and Michael Houlihan celebrate a major milestone with the 350th episode of Hibernian Radio, reflecting on the show’s longevity, consistency, and deep roots in the Irish-American community. They thank listeners and supporters who have helped sustain the program over the years. The episode highlights a busy December, headlined by the Hibernian Hooligan Ball on December 14th at Barney Callahan’s Irish Pub, along with screenings of the documentary Older Than Ireland on December 12th and 13th. Both events underscore Hibernian Media’s mission of storytelling, connection, and community. Special guest Richard “Chubbs” Polfus joins the show to talk about the 25th anniversary of Christmas for a Cause, a fundraiser that has grown from a small toy drive into a major charitable event benefiting Fisher House, Shriners Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Special Olympics, and more. The event features raffles, split-the-pot, live music, and a call for attendees to bring unwrapped toys. The episode serves as a reminder that Hibernian Radio is built on showing up, supporting one another, and giving back.

Sponsored By:

Madden Funds, Local 150 Operating Engineers, Fox’s Pizza of Mokena and Orland Park and Flood Brothers Disposal

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan hosts a Thanksgiving edition dedicated to the final recorded interview with James “Alamo” Lynch, a Vietnam veteran and Chicago Police officer whose life and stories became a cornerstone of the program. The replay features Alamo reflecting on his childhood on the South Side, his combat years in Vietnam, and nearly four decades on the CPD, including his time serving as Mayor Daley’s bodyguard. His storytelling ranges from moments of danger to run-ins with icons like De Niro, Nicholson, and Mel Gibson, all delivered with the humor and grit listeners loved him for. Alamo also speaks candidly about his battle with prostate cancer, the loss of friends, the weight of age, and the importance of faith, family, and the tight-knit Irish American community that shaped him. Mike closes the episode with updates on December events, including the next Movie Hooley screening of Older Than Ireland and the upcoming Hibernian Hooligan Ball. This Thanksgiving show is a tribute to Alamo’s legacy and his lasting place in the Hibernian Radio family.

Sponsored By: Flood Brothers Disposal, Fox’s Pizza, Madden Funds and Operating Engineers Local 150.

This week on Hibernian Radio, hosts Mike and Paddy Houlihan focus on the upcoming screenings of Older Than Ireland as part of the Irish American Movie Hooley Salon Series. The film will be shown on December 12 at Gaelic Park and December 13 at the Irish American Heritage Center. Paddy notes the significance of the documentary and its place in the ongoing effort to bring Irish storytelling to Chicago’s Irish community through monthly screenings. In addition, the episode features a great archived interview with Detective Kevin Forrest of the Lyons Police Department. Forrest discusses his work as a forensic investigator, the range of cases he handles, the importance of treating people with respect, and the role of faith in maintaining perspective. He also shares memorable stories that illustrate the daily realities of police work.

Sponsored By: Madden Funds, Local 150, Fox’s Pizza of Orland Park and Mokena and Flood Brothers Disposal.

This week on Hibernian Radio, Paddy Houlihan welcomes back cardiologist, sports medicine specialist, and Executive Director of the Chicago Irish Singers Club, Dr. Christine Lawless. Christine talks about the remarkable growth of the club, which has expanded from three people at its first meeting to more than 260 members, and explains the group’s mission to preserve traditional Irish singing for future generations. Christine is joined in the studio by two rising voices from the club, Matt Jenrick and Zach Holbrook O’Neil. They discuss their paths into Irish singing, their passion for the Irish language, and how the club has strengthened their connection to heritage and community. Christine also highlights recent performances, including a collaboration with the Shannon Rovers and the famine commemoration at Gaelic Park. The group talks about upcoming holiday events, the distinct style of Irish vocal tradition, and the importance of welcoming new singers.

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

On this week’s Hibernian Radio, father and son duo Mike and Paddy Houlihan take listeners on an engaging journey through the world of Irish and Irish American culture in Chicago. From the origins of Hibernian Radio in 2014 to the growth of their radio programs and the Irish American Movie Hooley Film Festival, Mike and Paddy reflect on the joys and challenges of building a community-driven media platform. They share candid insights into running a not-for-profit organization, securing grants, and supporting Irish artists and filmmakers. This episode covers the launch of the monthly Movie Hooley series, with upcoming screenings at the Irish American Heritage Center and Gaelic Park, including Our Irish Cousins and Older Than Ireland. Michael and Paddy discuss the importance of curating films that celebrate Irish heritage and creating meaningful community experiences. Listeners will enjoy personal stories, career reflections, the heartfelt obituaries segment, lively banter, and the signature humor of the Houli Town segment, all celebrating the rich tapestry of Chicago’s Irish community. The episode wraps with announcements for upcoming events, including the annual Hibernian Hooligan Ball on Dec. 14th.

Sponsored by: Madden Funds, Fox’s Pizza, Flood Brothers Disposal and Local 150 Operating Engineers