For Immediate Release:
September 29, 2009
Contact:
John O’Toole, Co-Chair – jotoole@oldetownere.com
Sean Weir, Co-Chair – weirsean@comcast.net

Boston’s First Irish Heritage Festival Plans Underway

Boston – For months, detailed planning has been underway to launch the first Adams Corner Irish Heritage Festival (IHF).  Community leaders and the local businesses have come together to establish this annual celebration honoring the history and culture of Boston’s extensive Irish community and promote an old fashioned, carefree family festival here in Dorchester.

The date is Sunday, October 11 from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Dorchester’s historic Adams Corner. The day will have the new and old customs of dance, music, set dancing and Gaelic sports along with activities for children. Applications are being accepted for local vendors who will showcase the many talents and crafts of Boston’s vibrant Irish community.

“The entertainment line-up includes: Robbie O’Connell, Aoife Clancy, Larry Reynolds, The Harney Set Dancers, Erin’s Melody, Celtic Cougars and growing by the day,” according to Mairin Keady of the entertainment committee.  “This is very exciting and will truly be a hand-slapping, foot-tapping day in Dorchester.”

“It is important to recognize and celebrate all of the contributions made by the Irish in the formation and development of the City of Boston,” said John O’Toole, Co-Chair. “The community is coming together to ensure its own‘s history and culture is passed on and we are truly proud to be part of it,” added Sean Weir, also Co-Chair of the Festival.

This first celebration is dedicated to the memory of Michael Joyce, a man who did so much for so many. His roots were in Bealadangan, Carraroe in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. His heart was in Dorchester and his life was at the State House. Through his actions he taught us the true meaning of life: people helping people. Plans are underway for a permanent memorial in the City and the Committee is honored to remember this special man.

The Committee is united in wanting to give back to the neighborhood and the beneficiary of this year’s festival is going to be St. Brendan’s School in Dorchester.

The Irish Heritage Festival is an open invitation for the Irish, the Irish at heart and the Irish-for-a-day and those OFD (originally from Dorchester) and OFI (originally from Ireland) to experience the dynamic “village area” of Adams Corner.  Boston’s Irish community is very much alive and hundreds, if not thousands, are expected to turnout for this first annual event.

Visit www.irishheritagefestival.com for sponsorship information and event details.