Weekend Update

Before we look forward to a massive week for Kansas City's Irish tribes, a look backward to a few events that took place this past weekend.

Saturday morning, a good friend and a great man was honored at the KC Irish Center. John O'Neal was the recipient of the Irish Center's first Chieftain Award for his years of selfless service to the Irish ciommunity. John and his lovely wife Ethel who were named Mr. and Mrs. Irish Fest 2009, were on hand along with their children and grandchildren and a who's who of the local Gaels. I can't imagine a better or more deserving honoree. John's been battling some very serious health issues for quite some time now and it was great to see him looking trim and hale. Congratulations to all the O'Neals.

Sunday afternoon the Irish Fest Kids Club took to the streets of Brookside for the annual St. Patrick's Day Warm Up Parade, passing out mounds of candy to less-cool kids along the route. It was to be charitable a less than ideal day for a parade but those stalwart youths represented us very well. Maybe we should just turn the fest over to these trainees now.

And yesterday afternoon you had to check your calendar to remind yourself that it wasn't the 17th at Browne's Irish Market. An absolutely huge crowd was on hand under the big tent to welcome Guinness master brewer Fergal Murray to town and to get trained in the art of the perfect pint. KC Irish Fest alums The Three Dollar Band provided the (other) entertainment. Keep Browne's in mind for your all important St. Patrick's Day breakfast on Wednesday. Located right at the beginning of the parade route at 33rd and Penn, it's Gaelic Ground Zero for the big day.