26th annual Irish Gathering

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March 11th, 2007

The celebration of the Feast of the Good Saint Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland, originated some 1513 years ago upon his death March 17, 493. For the last 26 years the Monsignor Donal O’Carroll, Washington County Division #1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), has sponsored the Irish Gathering to honor and perpetuate St. Patrick’s memory. The AOH is a Catholic Irish-American fraternal organization that was founded May 4, 1836. Active across the United States, the order seeks to aid newly arrived Irish immigrants and to preserve Irish culture and heritage.

This year’s activity will be held Sunday, March 11, 2007, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Lafayette Hotel Ballroom in Marietta. In addition to a buffet of traditional Irish fare, the heritage and the culture of the Irish will be showcased with traditional music and dancing. The Celtic band, The Boys of the Hock, will be featured along with traditional Irish dancing by the Athens Irish Dancers, under the direction of Ms. Sue Farley. Accompanied by The Boys of the Hock, with sound by Third Street Music, and assisted by Ms. Farley and the Athens Irish Dancers, guests will be invited join in the popular Irish céili (KAY-lee) dance. The céili is the Irish version of the square dance.

Tom Moran, president of the Msgr. O’Carroll Division, noted, “We are proud of our culture and our heritage. This is the time of year when everyone is Irish! All are welcome to this fun–filled, family-oriented gathering!”

In addition to music and dance, there will be a raffle with a grand prize — a piece of exquisite Irish Waterford Crystal, donated by Baker & Baker Jewelers, Inc. of Marietta  — as well as other Irish items.

Division President Moran, reflecting on the success of past Irish Gatherings, said, with a twinkle in his eye and a lilt in his voice, “As my dear and sainted mother used to say, ‘If you’re there, you’re there. If you’re not, surely you’ll be missed!’”

Advance reservations are required. To make reservations for the 26^th Annual Gathering, please call the Lafayette Hotel at (740) 373-5522 or (800) 331-9336. Tickets may be purchased in Marietta from Neil McGlynn, (740) 373-0706, or Pat Kelly, (740) 374-6781, and in Athens from Chip Rogers, (740) 593-7405. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 10 years of age and younger and may be obtained from any Washington County Division member.