Irish festival on Sunday
Nassau Hibernians invite all to celebrate at Molloy College in Rockville Centre
There is perhaps no more exquisite way to rejoice in all things Irish than to participate in or attend that most traditional celebration of Irish dance, music, piping, drumming, language, soda bread, and athletics known as a feis (pronounced fesh). Lovers of any and all of these fine activities will surely enjoy Sept. 19 when the Nassau County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians holds their 38th annual AOH Feis and Festival on Long Island. Experience this delightful event on the campus of Molloy College in Rockville Centre. Both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Nassau County sponsor the feis.
Nassau AOH’s feis will be held at Molloy, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre, starting at 9 a.m. Admission is $10.
This year’s feis is dedicated to the memory of AOH National Life member, co-founder and first Feis Chairman John P. Bownes and LAOH member Kathy Hayes. Paddy McCarthy, publisher of the Irish Examiner, is the honoree.
About the Nassau AOH Feis
From as far back as 18th century Ireland, communities came together for special festivals of dance and music. There were competitions, laughter and good times. The tradition lives on in Nassau County, where the AOH’s eight strong divisions join to organize competitions of dance and piping and present awards to the best.
Nassau AOH’s feis welcomes everyone to enjoy its traditional dance and piping competitions, along with an Irish marketplace featuring all sorts of of Irish-related goods and treats for sale, and a special area for the kids.
And since it’s a Sunday, Roman Catholic mass will be said in the morning, at 11 a.m. The day centers around Irish tradition. The dance competition may be the premiere feis in the New York area, while pipers from all around come to perform. There are competitions in Irish singing and art as well. And don’t miss the judging of the Irish-Soda-Bread-baking contest! There will be games for children, and Irish football matches. Entertainment includes this year’s special guest, the U2 tribute band 2U. They’ll perform at 4 p.m.
