Former Bronx man to direct West Coast Arts Center

Thom MacNamara, a Bronx native, has been named executive director of An Claidheamh Soluis/The Celtic Arts Center in Los Angeles. The board of directors unanimously approved MacNamara to fill the position formerly held by Sean Fallon Walsh until his death, from cancer, last year.

As director, MacNamara’s responsibilities will include fund-raising, administration and public relations. He first joined the organization in 1994 as a member and has served as vice president of the board for the last year. He has helped produce numerous shows over the years, including "Sea Marks," "Bad Habits" and "Saoirse," the annual tribute to the heroes of 1916.

"In a time when appreciation for traditional forms of folk art is eroding at Internet speed, it is an honor and a challenge to be given the responsibility of preserving the proud heritage of our Celtic culture for future generations," MacNamara said.

MacNamara grew up in the Kingsbridge area of the Bronx and learned to appreciate his Irish heritage while working in Gaelic Park at the concession stand on Sundays. When he moved to the West Coast, he searched for some place with the same atmosphere.

An Claidheamh Soluis/The Celtic Arts Center is the West Coast sister organization to the Irish Arts Center in New York City. Brian Herron, grandson of Irish patriot James Connolly, founded both organizations and An Claidheamh Soluis is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Celtic culture. Brian Herron, grandson of Irish patriot James Connolly, founded both organizations and An Claidheamh Soluis is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Celtic culture. It offers free Irish language classes, Ceili dance classes and hosts one of the best traditional music seisiuns west of the Rockies every Monday night. It can be found on the Internet at www.celticartscenter.com.