Irish Community Connections

Photo: George Waldron

St. Patrick’s Celebrations at the IPC

Photo: Connell Gallagher

Later this month, Boston will serve host to the 2013 World Irish Dancing Championships. 7,000 dancers and their family members, friends and spectators from Ireland and elsewhere worldwide, are expected to hit town for the competition which will take place from March 24-31 in the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Boston Hotel. The “Worlds,” as they are popularly know will bring some excitement to the area — along with, of course, a hoped-for economic windfall.

Anna Liffey’s Irish Pub will host a fundraiser for Dennis Leary Firefighter Foundation to benefit the New Haven Regional Fre Academy. The event features a live performance by Hamden’s Benny Mikula from the band Alpaca Gnomes. Actor/comedian Dennis Leary’s charity is sponsored nationally by Guinness. The event will feature Guinness specials, prizes, and hands on Pour Your Own Pint lessons on pouring the perfect pint.

Jodie joined us from South Shore Elder Services this week at Café Eireann. She presented to a strong group of 42 seniors and shared some great money management tips and advice. Here are just a few Jodie shared with us:

“The Gathering” is spreading the word to urge Irish emigrants and their descendants to return to Ireland through a large advertising campaign. The IIIC is delighted to have known one of the contributors to this great effort: Shay O’Donnell, a graduate of the Tyrone Donegal Partnership’s Wider Horizons program, facilitated by the Irish International Immigrant Center.

The Burren’s Tommy McCarthy has produced a romantic comedy of music rivalry called “The Fiddlers of Inishbofin,” which will make its debut this Wednesday, March 13.

With Senator Jack Hart’s departure from the legislature, after 11 years of exemplary service to the people of South Boston and beyond, City Councilor Bill Linehan will be taking over as host of the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Breakfast.

On Thursday Feb 28, four members of the local media went head-to-head in a ‘Pour the Perfect Pint’ competition in Dillon’s on Boylston Street. The event was held in support of the Leary Firefighters Foundation and attendees on the night were encouraged to donate money to the cause.

In November 2010 members of the Irish community gathered at Faneuil Hall to celebrate the successful launch of Irish Network Boston. In the ensuing two and a half years the organization has grown in size and reputation. With close to 300 members, regular gatherings and events, and a diverse Board made up of people from across the Irish community, Irish Network Boston continues to deliver real value and opportunities for its members.

For more information, such as parade maps, city information, parking sites and parade orders, visit the official parade website at www.stpatricksdayparade.org and click on "parade day."

- Mick Moloney: Roots of American MusicThursday, March 7th, 7:30 p.m. Musician, author and folklorist Dr. Mick Moloney presents Irish and African roots of American music. Admission is $10 per person.

The event will kick off with an open bar from 7-9pm, generously donated by proprietor, Jason O’ Brien.
'Amadans and Bodhrans' will follow 'Green Ispini' and a live DJ will take the crowd into the early hours of the night.

'Amadáns and Bodhráns' includes two Munster men, Michael Murtagh and James Powell, who are determined to let people know that “Craic agus Ceol” is back in vogue! This unique band blends traditional Irish tunes with country and rock n roll classics to create their "folk n roll" genre.

As part of the Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations, the New York Irish Center is hosting an Irish-Trivia night, Wednesday 13th March 2013 at 07.30pm.

A table quiz with a difference, all questions will be asked as Gaeilge and in English so everyone is sure to leave with a cūpla focail at the end of the night and maybe even some of our great prizes. It should be a great nights fun. Team tables are $40.00 for a team of four can be purchased online on our website.