March is not just Women's History Month; it's also Irish American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history and contributions of the Irish community in the United States. Buffalo, New York, with its diverse cultural tapestry, embraces this celebration with open arms.
Historical Significance:
Irish American Heritage Month holds historical relevance as it commemorates the Irish immigrants' substantial impact on American society. During the 19th century, a large wave of Irish immigrants arrived in Buffalo, seeking a better life and contributing significantly to the city's growth. This month serves as a reminder of their struggles, achievements, and the cultural legacy they left behind.
Influential Irish Americans:
Buffalo boasts a remarkable list of influential Irish Americans who have left an indelible mark on the city and beyond. From politicians to athletes, their stories inspire us. One such luminary is Grover Cleveland, a former U.S. President with strong ties to Buffalo. Buffalo's Irish American community has also produced notable figures like Tim Russert, a revered journalist and moderator of NBC's Meet the Press.
Irish Heritage Events in WNY:
Buffalo comes alive with the luck of the Irish throughout Irish American Heritage Month, providing opportunities for everyone to join the celebration:
Irish Heritage Speaker Series DATE: March 6, 2024 - Recurring weekly on Wednesday
TIME: Starting: 6:00 PM
WHERE: Tewksbury Lodge
Tewksbury Lodge will feature guest speakers each Wednesday in March discussing the Irish Heritage of Buffalo.
3/06/24 – Week #1: Tim Bohen, author of “Against the Grain” will speak on “how the Irish shaped downtown Buffalo”
3/13/24 – Week #2: Gene Overdorf, local historian will talk about “The Beachers” and the fascinating people and place of the small lakeside enclave that became the first home of many Buffalo’s earliest Irish families.
3/20/24 – Week #3: Mark Goldman, author of several books including “City on the Lake” will present “Bishop John Timon and The Making of Buffalo’s Irish Community.”
3/27/24 – Week #4: Thomas “Tee” Caulfield will speak on the “Orange and the Green” how did politics and identity become so colorful?
"Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade
DATE: March 16th, 2024
TIME: 12 PM
WHERE: The Valley Community Center | 93 Leddy Street, Buffalo, NY 14210 United States
Parade kicks off at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Streets around the parade route will close to traffic by 10:30 am.
Irish hooley to follow in the Valley Community Center featuring music by The Reardon and Garvey Band. Beverages, merchandise, corned beef sandwiches, Irish potatoes, and pizza for sale
DATE: March 17th, 2024
TIME: 2 PM
WHERE: Delaware Avenue in the City of Buffalo
40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
DATE: March 15 -17, 2024
TIME: From: 05:00 PM to 11:00 PM
TICKETS: $10-$15
Join us at the 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, presented by the Niagara Falls Ancient Order of Hibernians!
Festivities kick off at 4:45 p.m. with the ‘World’s Shortest Parade’ at the corner of Rainbow Boulevard and Old Falls Street. Traditional Irish food, drinks, and live entertainment from a DJ, the Restless Soles and the McCarthy School of Irish Dance will follow inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center until 11 p.m. There will be family-friendly games and activities to keep guests of all ages in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
St. Patrick's Weekend at the Buffalo Irish Center DATE: March 15 -17, 2024
TIME: All Day
WHERE: Buffalo Irish Center, 245 Abbott Road, Buffalo 14220
https://stepoutbuffalo.com/event/st-patricks-day-weekend-at-the-buffalo-irish-center/ https://www.buffaloirishcenter.com/
Friday, March 15th doors open at 3:00 pm with music all night by Gerry Dixon, 3 Parts Whiskey, The Mulligans, & McCarthyzm. Irish dancers will perform at 5:30 & 7:30 pm. FREE admission.
Saturday, March 16th Catholic Mass at 10:30 am. Irish breakfast will be served at 11:30 am (cost $30 & tickets available at the Center or Tara Gift Shop). Doors open to the public at 12:00 pm with music all day by Kevin McCarthy, Ryleigh, The Irish Tweeds, & Setanta. Irish dancers will perform at 4:40 & 7:30 pm. Cover charge of $10 for anyone 17 & over.
Sunday, March 17th doors open at 12:00 pm with music all day by Kevin Flanagan, Steve Harrision, Kilrush, & Himself. Irish dancers will perform at 4:30 & 7:00 pm. Cover charge of $10 for anyone 17 & over.