This is the weekend that former Philly (and Galway) folklorist and musician Mick Moloney comes back to town with some friends to hold a benefit concert for St. Malachy’s School in north Philadelphia.
St. Malachy’s, founded in the mid 19th century by Irish immigrants, is unique among the area’s Catholic parochial schools. It doesn’t charge tuition or take money from the Archdiocese. It’s supported strictly by donation, and the concert on Sunday, November 1, is the big fundraiser. It’s usually standing room only, so get there early. The concert is held in the jewel of a church next to the school and we’re betting Clancy Brothers’ alum Robbie O’Connell is one of the “friends” this year.
It’s one of four fabulous concerts in the area this week. But before that. . . .
On Saturday, the Irish community celebrates national Ancient Order of Hibernians President Seamus Boyle—a Philly boy—at a testimonial dinner at the Radisson on Route 1 in Philadelphia.
Also on Saturday, the group Burning Bridget Cleary will be performing a Halloween Show at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia. This is an exciting, up-and-coming Celtic group that’s worth stiffing some trick-or-treaters to see.
Then, on Monday, the previously mentioned Robbie O’Connell will be doing a special peformance at The Shanachie Pub in Ambler. But save some of that yen for Irish music for Friday night, November 6, when Pat Egan, Laura Byrne Egan, and Jim Eagan come to the Irish Center and sing and play the songs of local composer Ed Reavy.
On Tuesday, November 3, author and filmmaker Mary Pat Kelly will be at Villanova reading from her book, “Galway Bay,” which is based on the story of her great-great-great grandmother who escaped from Ireland in the 1840s and settled in Chicago. Kelly has produced several award-winning PBS documentaries including “To Live for Ireland,” a portrait of Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume. She has also worked as a Hollywood screenwriter.
On Tuesday night, Seamus Hegarty, Bishop of Derry, who is visiting the area will celebrate a Mass at 7 PM at the Irish Center.
On Friday, the Church of the Holy Family in Sewell, NJ, has invited the Hooligans to help them celebrate their first Irish Festival, which will include dancers, bagpipers, and food.
Details? You know where to look.
