American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist, born 1910 in Panama, died 24 November 1959 in Boston, Massachusetts
Irish was raised in Boston, played in Blanche Calloway’s orchestra summer 1938, joined joined Teddy Wilson 1939, with Benny Carter 1940-1941, then with Fletcher Henderson 1941-1942. Briefly with Don Redman 1943,then formed own band. Moved back to Boston to teach at the Academy of Music in Arlington, a position he held until his death.