Hundreds of family, friends, and acquaintances gathered at Florian Hall last Sunday (Oct. 2) for a benefit to support the Moore family of Lower Mills. The family’s patriarch, Ciarán Moore, is recovering from a traumatic brain injury suffered in a vicious assault last December 2021 in Adams Village.

Irish bands played away while folks watched the New England Patriots-Green Bay Packers game, enjoyed refreshments, and bid on hundreds of items in a silent auction.

Ciarán was a construction foreman and is on the long road to recovery from the injury and not able to work. Already, community members have rallied over the last 10 months to support Ciarán’s wife, Shauna, and their three children: Eve, Emme and Micheál. Those in attendance represented the Irish community in Boston, St. Brendan’s School and Church, members of the clergy and so many other supporters.

Mother Olga, of the Sisters of Nazarene in Quincy, has been a spiritual and emotional support to the family, as she has been for other Dorchester families suffering massive challenges. She made an appearance at the benefit and headlined the speaking program and the blessing.

“That’s the amazing thing about the Irish people, they really come together when one of their friends has been hurt,” she said.

Ciarán is originally from Co. Laois and Shauna is originally from Co. Antrim. They settled in Lower Mills 20 years ago.

Father Dan Finn with Bridget and Brendan Fleming.

Dan O’Connor and James O’Donohue staffed the donation box.

Jinty McGrath and his Irish band entertained throughout the afternoon – one of several Irish bands that donated their time to entertain during the benefit.

Bill, Anne, and Tina Kennedy were just a few of the hundreds that showed up to support the Moore family on Oct. 2.

Hundreds of folks from Dorchester and beyond showed up at Florian Hall on Sunday, Oct. 2, for the Moore Family Benefit.

Fran and Rita McCarthy showed up to support the Moore Family.

Musician Jinty McGrath with Grainne and Forde O’Mahoney.

Mother Olga of the Sisters of Nazarene in Quincy led the speaking program with Eve and Emme Moore.

Fergus Punton and Pat Murphy.

Ray and Stephanie Butler admire a donated painting in the Silent Auction alongside Mike Carey.

Volunteers on the Benefit Committee included Cliola Martin, Nessa Oates, Aaron Moore, and Tom McKenna.

Seth Daniel photos