The Monsignor Donal O'Carroll Division of the Ohio Ancient Order of Hibernians will hold its 30th annual Irish Gathering from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 13 in the grand ballroom of the Lafayette Hotel.
The gathering will feature a cross-section of Irish history and culture with traditional Irish music, dance and a menu with an Irish flair. Starting with the Irish socialization followed by a buffet lunch, the gathering will be topped off with music from the Celtic-influenced Boys of the Hock and the step-dancing Athens Irish dancers.
"The division has been here and involved in the community for the last 33 years," Tom Moran, chieftain of the O'Carroll Division. "It is our way of saying thanks. We are honored to be able to share a bit of ourselves and our lives with our friends and our community."
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded May 4, 1836, in New York City and is active across the United States. A part of the Hibernian mission is to aid Irish immigrants and to preserve the history, culture and heritage of the Irish.
The O'Carroll Division sponsors a raffle each year where signs, symbols and tokens of Irish luck, cheer and culture are prizes. This year Baker and Baker Jewelers of Marietta has sponsored a 6-inch Waterford Crystal bowl in the Killarney Pattern.
Studio on Third will turn up the volume as the joy and blessing of being Irish all comes together.
Fact Box
If You Go
What: 30th annual Irish gathering
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lafayette Hotel ballroom
Cost: $25 for adults; $10 for children
Reservations required by calling 373-5522 or emailingcorcoran01@suddenlink.net.
Advanced reservations are required and can be made at the Lafayette Hotel. For ticket information call (740) 373-5522 or 800-331-9336 or contact Pete Corcoran at corcoran01@suddenlink.net, Tom Binegar at binegarth@gmail.com, Chip Rogers at rogersc@ohio.edu or Jim Udell james.udell@bpd.treas.gov.
As part of the event, the Hibernians will present the 2011 Celtic Spirit Awards, which go to individuals, groups or businesses that have made significant contributions to help preserve and protect Irish culture and heritage, as well as to nurture the Irish language, music, song, dance, story telling, crafts and skills.
The recipients of the Celtic Spirit Awards - now in their second year - are: The Oak Room Restaurant, Athens, for its Irish atmosphere and hospitality; Bea Corra, head of the Mid-Ohio Valley Multi-Cultural Festival in Parkersburg; Rita Clerkin Kelly, of Alexandria, Va., who turns 90 this year, for her unwavering Irish loyalty and generosity over the last decade and a half; and the Riordan Family Farm for hosting Irish sports events and the promotion of Irish culture.
