Oisin MacDiarmada of Teada will be bringing Irish Christmas in America to the Philadelphia Irish Center.
Between a hefty dose of turkey and getting up at 3 AM to be first in line at Walmart, you’re all probably going to sleep through the weekend. But, seriously, if you wake up from your nap occasionally, consider being Irish by:
- Attending the 122nd Donegal Ball on Saturday night. Not only is Blackthorn playing (Blackthorn!), part of the evening is turned over to the selection of the next Mary from Dungloe from Philadelphia. The winner of this annual pageant will go to Dungloe, County Donegal, next summer (provided there still is an Ireland) to compete in the international event.
- Listening to the Sunday Irish radio shows on WTMR-800AM starting at 11 AM. Vince Gallagher and Marianne MacDonald will be launching their next appeal for funds to help pay for the shows, which have been a Delaware Valley tradition for many years. Consider whether you could be an advertiser for the shows, that reach thousands of people from all over the Philly area and New Jersey. If you have an Irish-themed business or are an Irish-themed person yourself, you may be able to reach your target audience via Irish radio.
- Sunday-brunching in Bethlehem at McCarthy’s tearoom which features a delicious menu and traditional Irish music.
And during the week:
On Tuesday three of Ireland’s top young novelists—Kevin Barry, Claire Kilroy and Paul Murray (longlisted for England’s 2010 Book Prize) will read from their recent works at Villanova University’s Falvey Library Lounge.
On Wednesday, the Brehon Law Society is having its annual Christmas part at Tir Na Nog.
On Thursday, continue in the Christmas spirit when the Irish American Family History Society holds its Celtic Christmas Celebration at the Camden County Library Voorhees Branch. Hopefully, you won’t have to keep your cheer to a dull whisper.
Three fun events next Saturday:
The Peter J. Hanlon Memorial Jingle Bell Run sets off from St. George’s Catholic Church at Venango and Edgemont Streets in Philadelphia to raise money for charity in the name of a former officers of AOH Div. 87 who dies in 2007.
The Philadelphia Rose of Tralee will be holding its annual Santa’s Workshop and Christmas celebration at The Irish Center. There will be arts and crafts, face painting, games, raffle prizes, food and a visit from Santa. Bring canned food donations—one can equals one free raffle ticket! Kids and parents can meet the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Rose of Tralee, Mairead Conley.
The Celtic Tenors will be performing with the Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra at the Patriots Theater at Trenton’s War Memorial on Saturday night.
As always, you can find details and even maps on our interactive calendar.
And don’t forget to get your tickets to see Irish Christmas in America, which comes to the Irish Center on December 12. Featuring Irish band Teada, singer Seamus Begley and a remarkable Irish dancer from Connemara, Brian Cunningham. Get ready for a warm, wonderful Christmassy evening with some amazing music. Contact Jim McGill at ceiliconcerts@gmail.com or Tom Walsh at the Irish Center (215-843-8051).
And while you’re feeling the Christmas spirit, consider “Dublin Carol,” a play by Conor McPherson at the Amaryllis Theatre on Sansom Street in Philadelphia which opens for a two-week run starting December 7. This take on Dickens involves a Dublin undertaker whose life was nearly destroyed by drinking who, while telling his young assistant about his life one Christmas eve, is interrupted by a mysterious visitor who brings his past and present together, and threatens his future. Call 215-717-2173 for tickets.
