Join Pittsburgh Irish Football Teams

Want to learn an exciting new sport this summer, get fit and make some new friends? The Pittsburgh Irish Football Teams are recruiting players for their upcoming season. The majority of players have never played the game before joining and have all levels of ability and interest.

The game can best be described as a mixture of Soccer, Rugby and Basketball - but it's even better than that! The Pittsburgh Celtics Men's Team (18+), Pittsburgh Celtics Youth Team (U12, U14, U16) and The Pittsburgh Banshees Ladies (16+) play between early May and Labor Day weekend each year against teams from Baltimore, Cleveland, Detroit, Frederick MD, Washington DC with the aim to become National Champions!

For more information contact Robert Tierney 412.478.2799.

A Day of Gaelic Games - May 30

The Pittsburgh Celtics GFC present A Day of Gaelic Games (Irish Sports) Saturday May 30th, 2009 at Founders Field (101 Eisele Road, Cheswick, PA15204). Come join us to experience a flavor of Ireland's greatest sports: Football (Men's, Ladies & Youth) and Hurling (Men's) - Camogie (Ladies). Games start at 11:30 p.m. feature teams from Pittsburgh, Akron, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, Frederick, MD and Washington D.C.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Complimentary beer, soda & food (while it lasts!) For more information contact Robert Tierney 412.478.2799.

Ireland at Sea

Come sail away on Isle Inn Tour's annual Ireland at Sea adventure from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to the exotic Western Caribbean stopping at Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Key West, FL. The trip is January 24 - 30, 2010.

While aboard the Carnival Freedom, you will be entertained by Seamus Kennedy, Harry O’Donoghue, Fiona Molloy, Guaranteed Irish and brilliant Irish Dancers. These concerts are exclusively for Ireland at Sea guests and are in addition to the ships regular entertainment.

You will also enjoy the following private functions:
• 1 hour open bar cocktail party
• Traditional music workshop
• Seamus’ famous pub quiz (prizes)
• Whiskey Tasting
• Penny Whistle & Bodhran lessons -bring your instrument and join in-
• Irish dance lessons/Ceili workshop
• Hospitality desk
• Impromptu music sessions

From $839* per person

* Price based on Category 4B cabin and is per person sharing. Port taxes are additional and are subject to change: $225. Prepaid gratuities are: $60. Airfare is not included; inquire about air from your home city.

Don’t miss out on this week of “craic” in the azure waters of the Caribbean - you are guaranteed a fun time!

How To Make Your Own Bailey's

It's pretty easy to make your own Bailey's - see recipe here.

Ireland Travel Sites

Here are a few more travel sites to inspire you to travel to Ireland or simply enjoy some Irish entertainment. Courtesy of a cool site Irish Fireside, here is their list of the Best Websites for dreaming about Ireland:

1. www.Ireland360.com Enjoy these spectacular interactive 360˚ views of various sites in Ireland.
2. www.comhaltas.ie Witness traditional Irish song and dance in their video section.
3. www.IrelandExpert.com Pat Preston’s Irish travel resource with a great forum to ask your questions
4. www.IrelandYes.com Michele Erdvig’s Irish travel resource with a great forum to ask your questions
5. www.inyourpocket.com/ni/city/belfast.html - Get to know Belfast and other cities in Northern Ireland.
6. http://www.inyourpocket.com/ireland/city/dublin.html - If it's on in Dublin, it's In Your Pocket.
7. www.knockahopple.com Liam’s Cottage (from Irish Fireside) in Ireland
8. www.LamplighterStudio.com Liam’s shard jewelry
9. www.celticharpmusic.com
10. www.celticmusicpodcast.com
11. www.cowboycraic.com
12. www.enchantingireland.com
13. www.engagingireland.com
14. www.irishfolktours.com
15. www.dublinjourney.com
16. www.greendragonartist.com
17. www.indietravelpodcast.com
18. www.thegamertraveler.com
    

Super Bowl XXXVI Halftime Show with U2

I'm sure Bruce Springsteen is going to put on a heck of a halftime show at this Sunday's Super Bowl, but I doubt he'll outperform the U2 lads from Dublin who nailed the best one ever!

Superbowl XXXVI Halftime Show - Featuring U2

Irish Song - New Years Day

U2 performing New Years Day live in 2001 in Co. Meath, Ireland.

Irish Song - Silent Night

Enya with Silent Night in Irish.

Irish Song - Rocky Road to Dublin

Luke Kelly does a great rendition of the Rocky Road to Dublin.

Irish Song - The Foggy Dew

Sinead O'Connor and the Chieftains.

December's Irish Entertainment Calendar

Courtesy of our good friend Diane Byrnes and Echoes of Erin, below you'll find a Pittsburgh Irish Entertainment Calendar for December. Be sure to listen to Diane's radio show, Echoes of Erin every Sunday on WEDO-AM 810AM from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 2
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412-279-0700, features Irish Night, Harp & Guinness Specials from 8:00 PM. Dennis Murphy is now bartending on Thursday’s. 412.279.0770.

Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, presents Ceili Dancing at 7:30 PM 412.642.6622.

Friday, December 5
Pittsburgh Ceili Club, Workshop & Ceili at VFW, 1820 Morningside Ave., Morningside. Workshop 7:00 PM, Ceili 8:00 PM. Information: Bob Kaniecki, 412-486-2684.

Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, features Guaranteed Irish at 9:00PM. The group will perform one week-end night per month over the next several months.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, features Tony Egan, on vocals, guitar & harmonica at 9:00PM.

Saturday, December 6
The Claddagh Irish Pub & Restaurant, South Side Works, 412-381-4800, presents Christopher Laughrey with Casey Deely & Blake Ragghianti, 8:30PM. During the evening there will be a reception for the History Channel’s Deep Sea Detectives and renowned author and undersea explorer, Gary Gentile.

Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, presents 8th Street Rox, ‘non-Irish Music Night’, 9:00 PM.

Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, features Ballad Singer, Mike Gallagher, 9:00 PM.

Monday, December 8
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, 412-279-0700, features an Acoustic Jam Session, 7:00 PM.

December 3 – 20
Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre (www.picttheatre.org) presents ‘Dublin Carol’ at the Henry Heymann Theatre, at the Stephen Foster Memorial on Univ. or Pgh. campus; directed by Jackie Maxwell. Tickets: ProArts, 412.394.3353, online: www.proartstickets.org.

Thursday, December 11
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, presents Mark Guiser on Vocals & Guitar at 8:30PM. IAUC Christmas Party 6:30PM, all are welcome.

Friday, December 12
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, features Sean McClorey on Vocals & Guitar at 9:00PM.

Saturday, December 13
The Irish Centre of Pittsburgh will host their General Meeting at 6:30PM followed by a Christmas Party at 7:30PM. Entertainment with Mark Dignam. There will be food & drink and a visit from Santa Claus for the children. Information: Jim Graven 724.834.0233.

All Ireland Social at the American Legion Hall, 5857 Forbes Ave. in Squirrel Hill, 8:00PM. Music with CCE Musicians. Information: Ray Connolly at 412-373-7252.
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, features Jack Puskar on Vocals & Guitar at 9:00PM.

Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, presents Cue Ball at 9:00 PM.

Sunday, December 14
Echoes of Erin on WEDO 810 AM @1:00PM. The Ireland Report from Dublin with Ann Bray.

The Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh is seeking Host Families for young adults, 18-26, from Ireland and Northern Ireland. Call 412.394.3900, Website: www.iiofpitt.org.

Friday, December 19
The Claddagh Irish Pub & Restaurant, South Side Works, 412-381-4800, presents Ballad Singer, Mike Gallagher, 10:00 PM.

Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, presents Tim & John’s Christmas Extravaganza, 9PM.

Saturday, December 20
Paddy’s Pour House, 215 East Main Street, Carnegie, features Ballad Singer, Mike Gallagher, 9:00 PM.

Sunday, December 21
Echoes of Erin on WEDO 810AM @ 1:00 PM. The Ireland Report from Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh with Davy Kettyles.

Saturday, December 27 & Sunday, December 28
Winter Feis at the Pittsburgh Airport Hyatt Regency. Contact Jim Graven for details at 724.834.0233 or kayaks204@verizon.net.

Sunday, December 28
Echoes of Erin on WEDO 810AM at 1:00 PM. The Ireland Report from Belfast with Mairtin O’Muilleoir, Belfast. www.belfastmedia.com.

Wednesday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave., in The Strip, will rock in the New Year with Red Hand Paddy from 9:00PM. Champaign Toast at 8:00PM and Midnight.

HERE'S A QUICK LOOK AHEAD TO 2009!

Friday, January 2 & Saturday, January 3, 2009
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle, 2329 Penn Ave.,412-642-6622, in The Strip presents Seamus Kennedy with song, stories, and lots of laughs, 9:00PM.

Saturday, January 31
St. Andrew’s Society presents the Burns Supper, details, TBA. Information: Cheryl Campbell ccampbell@standrews-pgh.org.

January 31 – February 2, 2009
Irish Festival Cruise aboard Celebrity Cruise Line’s ‘Summit’ sailing the Southern Caribbean. Entertainment with Cherish The Ladies, The Black Brothers, Johnny McEvoy, Tommy Sands, Liam Tiernan, The Matt Cunningham Band, Don Stiffe, Donny Golden, Dan Stacy, and Maura O’Connell. 1-800-441-HARP. Online www.irishtours.com.

Irish Song - A Pair of Brown Eyes

The Pogues' video for A Pair of Brown Eyes.

Irish Song - Black Velvet Band

Traditional Irish tune, "The Black Velvet Band," performed by the Dubliners.

Irish Song - Lay Me Down

The Frames have existed since 1990 and consist of survivors of Dublin's prolific early 1990s rock-and-roll scene. In 2007 The Frames toured Australia and New Zealand as the support act for Bob Dylan.

Irish Song - The Old Bog Road

Johnny McEvoy performing the classic "The Old Bog Road".

Irish Song - Whiskey in the Jar

Thin Lizzy formed in Dublin, Ireland in 1969. They are best known for their songs "Whiskey in the Jar", "Jailbreak", "The Boys Are Back in Town" and "Bad Reputation", all major international hits still played regularly on hard rock and classic rock radio stations.

Happy Halloween

Some interesting readings about Irish Halloween traditions here. Have a good one.

Irish Song - Dearg Doom

Horslips were a 1970s Irish rock band that composed, arranged and performed their music based on traditional Irish jigs and reels. They were one of the first, if not the first, of the Celtic rock bands of that era.

Oldies Dance to Benefit Doug Bado's Family - This Friday!

Please join us this Friday, October 24 at the Heidelberg Fire Hall for an Oldies Dance featuring The Mansfield Five.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A hot buffet will be available at 7:00 p.m. The Mansfield Five will perform at 8:00 p.m.. Tickets are $25 and include beer and a Chinese Auction.

All proceeds will benefit the Doug Bado Family.

Advance tickets only - call Bernie Donnelly at 412.279.8220, Lynn Kist at 412.429.7084 or Denny Donnelly at 412.276.9312.

Irish Song - Rat Trap

The Boomtown Rats, led by Bob Geldof, were a new wave band from Dún Laoghaire, Republic of Ireland. This is their song "Rat Trap", which became the first ever rock song by an Irish band to reach #1 in the UK.