No matter where you turned at Penn’s Landing on Sunday, there was no escaping Irishness. You had Fintan Malone, Mary Malone, Den Vykopal, Bud Burroughs and Kevin Brennan playing traditional Irish music up in the music tent, assorted paddy rockers like the Bogside Rogues or Blackthron down on the main stage, hordes of Irish dancers—from the Coyles to the Cummins to the Reel Colleens—entertaining crowds in two locations. Timmy Kelly, the Irish community’s good luck charm, was there to sing a few Irish tunes. There were vendors selling everything from Claddagh rings to Irish water ice. Perhaps the only un-Irish element was the one everyone seemed to like the best—plenty of bright sunshine.
Organizer Michael Bradley presented awards for Man and Woman of the year to four individuals who have done outstanding volunteer work in the Irish Community: Emmett Ruane of Emmett’s Place, Kathy Orr & Bob Kelly of CBS3, and Mike Driscoll, owner of Finnigan’s Wake.
We were there most of the day and took in the sights and sounds. And now we’re sharing them with you.
- View photo essay of the day’s festivities.
- View as slideshow.
- View the Mass at the Irish Memorial.
- View as slideshow.
View videos:
Timoney Dancers
http://irishinphilly.com/video/timoneypennslanding09
Coyle Dancers
http://irishinphilly.com/video/coylepennslanding09
Rince Ri Dancers
http://irishinphilly.com/video/rinceripennslanding09
Celtic Flame Dancers
http://irishinphilly.com/video/celticflamepennslanding09
Irish Traditional Musicians
http://irishinphilly.com/video/irishmusicpennslanding09