Hibernian Radio Podcast, Sat. November 11, 2023

Kelley Leyden

Fox’s Pizza in Orland Park & Mokena, Guinness, Madden Funds and Flood Brothers Disposal present the Hibernian Radio Hour at our newest recording location known as ‘The Bunker’. Our guest this week is the 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen and Chicago’s 2023 Rose of Tralee, Kelley Leyden. Kelley grew up in Orland Park, attended Carl Sandburg High School and studied to become an X-ray technician at Moraine Valley Community College. She has been working as an officer with CPD for over 5 years and also works as an x-ray radiologist once a week. “The past 5 years have flown by!” She dives into her trip to Ireland for the Rose of Tralee contest last August, describing the tour she took around the country with the other Roses as well as what it was like being interviewed onstage by Dáithí Ó Sé. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was amazing!” She currently works in the 22nd District as the Youth Liaison Officer, visiting local schools and giving presentations on important safety topics. These two discuss the rise in carjackings and Kelley takes a look back on her time working downtown during the 2020 riots. “It’s not just Chicago, it’s all over the place!” Kelley also mentions the reason why she returned to the medical field and how she’s delighted to be back working at Christ Hospital. Kelley’s parents, Catherine & Mike, met shortly after Catherine emigrated from County Cork and she talks about how they got to travel around Ireland during the her time in the Rose of Tralee contest. Teaching students about ‘The Irish goodbye’, her experience as the St. Patrick’s Day Queen and Kelley’s future plans for her career in Law Enforcement are just some of the many topics these two pals discuss on this week’s show. Another great interview with this charming lady who is “a terrific representation of Irish American woman hood!”. Houli brings us up to date on some upcoming events including our own Annual Hooligan Ball on December 16th at Barney Callaghan’s. We hope to see you all there! The Emerald Society are having their Turkey Dinner Night on November 16th at the FOP Lodge, with music from the Larkin & Moran Brothers and The Pipes & Drums of The Emerald Society. Then it’s over to the obituaries followed by a quick trip to ‘Houli-Town’.