Proof That "Irish Culture" Isn't An Oxymoron

Among the 147 things already on your "to do" list for St. Patrick's week, add one more.

Stop by the grand opening of the brand spanking new Irish Museum and Cultural Center on Saturday morning. The center is located in a spectacular new space in the lower level of Union Station on Pershing, right at the beginning point of the parade. The official ribbon cutting is at 10:00 AM, but the place will be open with music and activities all day. Featured on this inaugural weekend is a display on the history of the Irish in Kansas City, written by the ultimate authority on that topic, newly retired Irish Fest director Pat O'Neill, Jr. Pat, of course is the author of From The Bottom Up, the definitive tome of that history, and shame on you if you don't own at least one copy (Pat can remedy that, luckily. Call him at 816-561-7555 to get a copy).

The amount of work by all those involved in making this Irish center happen is staggering and you really should see the place. It's beautiful and is a long-delayed dream come true for the Irish in our town.

Call 816-474-3848 for more information.