Pat O’Neill fondly recollects his friend Shaun Brady, who was not only someone who could stand his ground but was also a man blessed with a great sense of humour and a tender heart. Brady, originally from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, lost his life when he was shot outside his restaurant in Kansas City, as a result of an armed conflict. Brady was a distinguished chef and held a significant role in the Irish-American community, his involvement being particularly noticed in the annual Kansas City Irish Fest, which is just around the corner. Brady’s KC, his much-loved restaurant, was famous for its traditional Irish cuisine and the Irish culture was central to the festival.
Other news today includes the proposed increase in childcare subsidies worth an average of €33 extra a week starting Monday, the barring of Israeli firms from securing State defence contracts, according to Tanaiste, and the anticipated loss of 300 jobs due to the impending closure of the Cardinal Health facility in Tullamore.
Pat recounts that Shaun was a very accepting individual, with his staff and patrons being diverse. Brady was passionate about exposing people to the cuisine that he was brought up on. After earning his degree from Technological University Dublin, previously known as DIT, he crossed paths with a woman from Kansas during her visit to Ireland and the two tied the knot in 2005. Pat O’Neill shares the tale of Brady’s life and the profound sadness felt within the tight-knit Irish community in Kansas. This story has been relayed by Bernice Harrison and produced by Declan Conlon.