Diocesan News

A Guide to the 32nd Great Irish Fair

Irish Catholic faith, culture and heritage will be on display at the 32nd annual Great Irish Fair of New York this weekend, Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, September 15.

The fairgrounds are located at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, adjacent to MCU Park. The fair runs 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, rain or shine.

Admission is $12 per day for adults, ages 12 and older; or $30 per day for a family of four (two adults and two children). Children under age 12 are admitted for free. There is a $15 fee for unlimited use of the rides.

All net proceeds from the fair benefit Catholic schoolchildren in Brooklyn and Queens.

Early attendees will be able to attend 10 a.m. Mass on both days. Auxiliary Bishop Paul Sanchez is expected to celebrate Mass on Sept. 14. All are welcome to attend.

Local musicians will be playing both traditional and contemporary Irish music on both days. Among those scheduled to perform are Eddie Deacy, The Canny Brothers, Shilelagh Law, The Screaming Orphans, Band of Rogues, Unforgettable Fire, Greg Harrington and Jameson’s Revenge.

Dancers and Pipers

Also scheduled to perform are the step dancers from the Buckley School of Irish Dance and the O’Malley School of Irish Dance, and the pipers from the Breezy Point Catholic Club Pipes and Drums and the FDNY Pipe Band.

Vendors and neighborhood pubs will recreate their venues for two days on the fairgrounds, where they will offer great food and drink.

A separate area at the fairgrounds will be set up with children’s rides and attractions, including magic shows, face painting, balloonists and more.

Third Annual Race

Individuals and families are also welcome to participate in the third annual 5K Race/Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Registration is at 10:30 a.m., and the race begins at 11 a.m. All runners have complimentary entry to the fair that day.

The race starts and finishes at West 21st Street on the Riegelmann Boardwalk in front of the Old Children’s Building on Coney Island Beach.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners.

Adult registration is $30 in advance, $40 on the day of the race. Youth registration (age 15 and under) is $15. To register in advance, go to www.nycruns.com.

All registration fee proceeds go to the Futures in Education Scholarship Fund.

For more details about this year’s fair, visit www.gifnyc.com.