An Afternoon for the Gift of Irish Culture

By Katie McFadden

We’re two months away from Irish month in March, but on Sunday, January 4, Rockaway got a taste of Irish culture with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann’s second annual Traditional Irish Music and Dance event at the Knights of Columbus.

The afternoon was made possible by the Killoran-Clancy-Whelan and Mulligan-­Quinn branches of Comhaltas, an international organization that promotes Irish music, dance and language, and the event included all of the above and more! Guests were treated to a lunch buffet catered by Bagel & Barista Station, music and Irish dance performances and event organizer Annmarie Acosta Williams even taught a little Irish language, helping everyone learn numbers one through 12 in Gaelic, in preparation for the 12 Days of Christmas. The event continued the celebration of Christmas much like Ireland does, celebrating Women’s Christmas each year on the day of the Epiphany, January 6.

In addition to receiving the gift of traditional Irish music and dance performances, everyone was welcome to take a little something home with them, with lessons on how to do some group ceili dances. Participants of all ages filled the dance floor, kicking and swinging to the music with smiling dance partners. And some lucky winners went home with a little more, as more than 20 prizes were given to raffle winners, made possible by generous local businesses and individuals. Plus, one lucky winner took home a 50/50 prize over $1K. All money raised help’s support the local Comhaltas branches so they can send their musicians and dancers to competitions.

Acosta Williams hopes to grow the organization so that similar events can be held in the future. “It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces at the same time, dancing, laughing, and enjoying the event together. We can’t thank the Rockaway community and businesses enough for their support, and are looking forward to hosting future events,” she said.  “All are invited to become members of the Killoran-Clancy-Whelan branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. We welcome everyone to become more involved.”

To learn more and to request a membership form, email Rinceceol@aol.com

Photos by Katie McFadden