Local Irish enthusiast to speak on 'All Things Irish'

+ Local Irish enthusiast to speak on ‘All Things Irish’
Irish history isn’t just a hobby for Dick O’Dowd – it’s in his blood. The Irish enthusiast and historian first began researching his roots in the 1960s, and his passion for all things Irish has been strong ever since.
O’Dowd and his wife, Karen, managers of LaPlaya Condominiums, have made dozens of trips to Ireland over the years. On their last trip in 2009, the O’Dowds had a serendipitous meeting with the artist who hand-carved their newest chess set. The O’Dowds stopped at a small roadside shop in Northern Ireland and learned that the artist lived right up the road. The shop owner gave Colm McCann a call, and the O’Dowds spent the rest of the afternoon visiting with the artist and touring his studio.

“That’s how everyone is there,” says Karen O’Dowd. “They are all so friendly.”

O’Dowd will share stories from his travels and his knowledge of Irish history and culture at his presentation,
“All Things Irish,” which takes place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at SunTrust Bank, 510 Bay Isles Road. The presentation is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; RSVP by calling O’Dowd at 323-9635 or e-mail [email protected].