Slainte

I confess I'm not a big one for the New Year's resolutions. Seems to me that you're only setting yourself up for disappointment if you fail to abide by them, which of course you will. So instead of promising myself to eat healthier, exercise more, stop kicking the cat, etc., I'll indulge in a holiday tradition I enjoy much more. And one that requires minimal follow up action.

A toast.

To outgoing Irish Fest director and my good friend Pat O'Neill, Jr., whose insight, wisdom and wit will be sorely missed at our biweekly board breakfast meetings. One of our founders at Irish Fest, Pat is a talent without peer and a huge reason that we've become the successful event that we have. I can think of no one I admire and respect more.

To incoming director Erin Kiekbusch, a woman for whom the appellation "Sunshine" by which she's known at Irish Fest, could not be more appropriate. Her 1000 watt smile, boundless energy and enthusiam will be a great addition to our board. May we get all our future appointments so right.

To our wonderful committee chairs, who do the lion's share of the real work at Irish Fest, while we upstairs get all the credit. Believe me, we know who the real heart and soul of KCIF is and it's you. Here's to another great year of working together.

To our volunteers, without whom, and I mean this very literally, we're nothing.

To our sponsors, past present and future. May 2007 bring you prosperity and success, and the wisdom to share some of it with us.

To our 70,000 customers, the folks for whom we put this whole thing on every year. The very best part of Irish Fest weekend is seeing all your smiling faces come through the gates.

To the artists who graced our stages these past four years and to those who'll join our family in 2007. We're proud to have the reputation for the best hospitality in the Irish Fest biz, and we promise to work hard to maintain it while you're with us.

To all my colleagues and counterparts in Irish and Celtic festivals across the country who've shared so much of their experience and knowledge with us here, as we continue learning how to make this thing go. Our door and our hearts are always open to you and we hope to see you all here in Kansas City this Labor Day weekend.

To all my fellow directors, a finer group of people I've never known.

And to you who take the trouble click your way here to Tir na Blog and read the stuff I post here. I know you sometimes have to wade through a lot of chaff to get to the real info, but I'll try to at least keep it entertaining while you're here. Keep reading and tell your friends to stop by, too. I love the company.

Everybody now, glasses in the air. Come on, it's midnight or close to it somewhere. Here's to you and yours and to a great new year.

Slainte agus tainte! Go mbeire muid beo ar an am seo aris!