James McDonagh is receiving The Celtic Cross Award. He is the chairman of the Brooklyn Irish American Parade, held every March in Park Slope. His mother, Kathleen, helped to found the parade more than 40 years ago.

The 36th annual Great Irish Fair of New York, a family-friendly event celebrating Irish-American faith, heritage and culture, will be presented by The Irish American Building Society Charities, Inc., on Saturday, Sept. 16, beginning with Mass at 10 a.m. at the Ford Amphitheater at the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Main Stage 10 a.m. – Mass 11 a.m. – Awards Ceremony 12 – 1:30 p.m. – Andy Cooney 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. – O’Malley Dance Academy, Pipe Band Segue 2:30 – 4 p.m. – Unforgettable Fire 4:15 – 4:45 p.m. – Buckley School of Dance, Pipe Band Segue                5 – 6:30 p.m. – The […]

Regulars at the Great Irish Fair need little introduction to this year’s Chief Brehon, James F. O’Dea. Though some may not recognize his name, they surely know the sound of his voice.

A champion Irish step dancer, Caitlin Therese Ward is no stranger to the Great Irish Fair. Since she was a young girl, her family attended the annual event and even designated it as a time for reunions.

Award-winning author Alice McDermott, whose writing captures the lives and experiences of Irish-Americans, is serving as The Bard of the Fair.

Father Brian Jordan, O.F.M., chaplain at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, was a personal friend of Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., for 25 years, and last spoke to him during morning prayer on Sept. 11, 2001.