Councilor Bill Linehan

Front and Center

Photography by Jennifer Bodnar

Bill Linehan is shaking things up this St. Patrick's Day.  After an abrupt resignation from Senator Jack Hart, leaving not only the First Suffolk Senate seat vacant but also leaving the key role of the St. Patrick's Day Breakfast vacant as well, City Councilor Bill Linehan will step up to the plate and take center stage as host of the 2013 St. Patrick's Day Breakfast.  This is the first time a city councilor will take on this role in the history of the breakfast.

"To my knowledge only the sitting state senator has hosted it, but no sitting city councilor ever has hosted this breakfast.  District Councilors were established in 1983 and the breakfast goes back to the 1950's," says Linehan. 

Normally, the sitting state senator has a year to prepare for an event of this magnitude.  Linehan had just five weeks when the baton was passed.  In such a compressed time frame, the pressure is on for Linehan to test his comedic chops.  He has called upon the help of the public by issuing a press release asking for help in the jokes department.  Send your favorites to: Linehanforcitycouncil@gmail.com.

"The singing part of the breakfast is not a problem for me.  Telling jokes, well that’s a little more difficult," says Linehan.  Having a natural ease at the mic, Bill Linehan's personality shines in front of an audience.  When asked what to expect this breakfast, "Lots of surprises," says Linehan with a smile. 

The scoop on Councilor Bill Linehan:

Where did you grow up? I'm a Lower Ender!  D St. Projects till I was 13 and moved to Andrew Sq until I got married.
 
Family:  Wife – Judy and four children (two daughters and identical twin sons) along with six grandchildren, son of Edie and the late Jack Linehan and the oldest of 8 children - 4 brothers, 3 sisters

Schooling:  St.Peter's School, South Boston High School, and UMass Boston 
 


How long have you been interestedin politics?  I was 15 years old, hanging out in Andrew Sq. across from the Flaherty Campaign Headquarters. Free donuts and soda were offered and I've been hooked on politics ever since. I don't eat donuts or drink soda anymore but I still have a passion for politics and all it can offer.
  


Favorite Irish song to sing: Four Green Fields.  It's a very poignant and haunting tune that describes the Irish struggle

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Favorite restaurants in Southie: For fish; Shenanigans, Italian - Porto Bello, Breakfast -  Mul’s, late night,  Franklin Southie
 


Favorite Bar: Shamrock Pub for beer, Seaport Hotel Bar for Jack with Mike the bartender,  Atlantic Beer Garden for the view
 


Favorite spot in Southie: Carson Beach were I start my run every morning. 
 


10 Things You Might Be Surprised to Know about Bill Linehan



• At age 40, I ran the Boston Marathon in 2:55
 

• I drove a cab for a living at one time
 

• Performed on stage at Boston's Symphony Hall
 
Met the President of Ireland, Mary McAlese and she told me she was born a Linehan 
 

• The first time I ever met my wife, I walked her down the aisle at a friend’s wedding and married her 6 months later
• Jumped roof top at the Quincy Quarries at 100 feet
 

• Altar Boy
 

• Snow Plow Driver
 
• 
Shot par on the back 9 at George Wright once
 

• Directed Boston's first World Championship, IAAF Cross Country Championships at Franklin Park in 1992
  


Favorite part about living in Southie?  It's convenient.  I was born at the Carney (Marion Manor) and I will be waked at O'Brien's just a few steps away!



The Breakfast will be broadcast live on New England Cable News (NECN) starting at 10am on Sunday March 17th.   We have a feeling Bill Linehan will do just fine as this year's host.