After last weekend’s Midwinter Scottish-Irish Festival in Valley Forge, I’m all pumped for St. Patrick’s Month. If you missed last weekend’s craic, you’re in luck. There’s more this week.
Remarkable Tipperary-born uilleann piper Michael Cooney will be appearing at the Coatesville Cultural Center on Sunday night. Winner of multiple All-Ireland championships in pipes and whistle, Cooney will be accompanied by guitarist/singer Pat Egan.
On Sunday morning, AOH Div. 22 is hosting an Irish benefit breakfast at Smoke Eater’s Pub at Franklin and Sheffield Streets in Philadelphia. And who is the recipient of this benefit? Aside from you, the money will go to the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Hibernian Hunger Project and the charities sponsored by Division 22.
In the Lehigh Valley, the Dublin Philharmonic plays Russian classics at Lehigh University’s Zoellner Center on Sunday afternoon. In York, PA, the Screaming Orphans (you may have seen them last weekend in Valley Forge) will perform at a benefit at the Harp and Fiddle Pub and Restaurant for the York St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Irish items will also be up for auction.
There’s also a benefit for the Allentown St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday at Callaghan’s Pub on Tilghman Street.
Sunday night (yes, we’re still at the weekend), Irish singer-songwriter Noellie McDonnell will open for folk-pop winger Patty Larkin at the World Café Live in Philadelphia.
McGillins, a great Center City Irish pub, has some fun events planned this week, including its popular St. Patrick Daze—Countdown to St. Patrick’s Day event. Music will be provided Bostonians Patsy & John. On tap: Authentic Beamish Irish Stout, Seamus Irish Red Ale and O’Reilly’s Irish Stout from Sly Fox Brewery in Phoenixville, plus Chocolate Leprechauns. To eat: bangers and mash (Irish sausage and mashed potatoes), Shepherd’s pie, Irish lamb stew and corned beef with cabbage throughout March.
On Friday, Irish Ambassador Michael Collins will be in Philadelphia to give out the annual Taoisech and Ambassador’s Award at a luncheon at the Ritz Carlton in Center City sponsored by the Irish American Business Chamber and Network.
If you’re in Kennett Square on Friday night, head over to Kennett Flash for an evening of Irish and American folk music with Danny Quinn.
At Finnigan’s Wake in Philadelphia, there’s a beef-and-beer fundraiser Friday night for the Cardinal Dougherty soccer team. Music will be provided by The Hooligans, the Bogside Rogues, and No Irish Need Apply.
As we always remind you, check our calendar for all the details. And in these tough times, support your local Irish pub and merchant! Eat, drink, and shop Irish!
