Irish fest expected to be ‘bigger and better’

By Deborah Rose

Large crowds are once again expected to flock to downtown New Milford the first full weekend of September.

That’s when the Litchfield County Irish American Club will present its second annual Irish Fest.

The event will be the focal point of the center and lower part of the Green Sept. 7 from noon to 9 p.m. and Sept. 8 from noon to 6 p.m.

“It will definitely be bigger and better” than in the past, said Chris Cosgrove, president of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) LCIAC and chairman of the two-day event.

“People can expect an authentic Irish festival,” Cosgrove said, citing authentic music, dancing games, food, and cultural offerings.

The entertainment tent will be expanded from 30’ x 90’ to 30’ x 140’ this year to accommodate more offerings and seating for attendees who want to avoid the sun and/or rain.

The Ruffians will headline Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. The band is described as “an American Gen Y version of Pogues,” according to the Chicago Sun Times.

Other entertainment will include Kyle Coughlin & Sean, who will perform traditional Irish music and ballads Sept. 7 at 12:15 p.m. and Sept. 8 at noon; Thorne Academy of Irish Dancing Sept. 7 at 1:30 and 4 p.m. and Sept. 8 at 1:30 p.m.; a harpist and uilleann pipe performer Sept. 7 and Sept. 8 at 2 p.m.; music by Keltic Kick Sept. 7 at 2:30 p.m.; the New Milford High School Dance Team Sept. 7 at 4:30 p.m. and Sept. 8 at 4 p.m.; the Dave Patton Band, which will perform traditional Irish music, Sept. 7 at 5:15 p.m. and Sept. 8 at 2:30 p.m.; Celtic Cross Pipe & Drums at 6:45 p.m.; and The Ale Hounds, a quartet that plays Celtic-based folk, rock and traditional music,  Sept. 8 at 4:30 p.m.

Cosgrove emphasized the Irish games such as tossing a sheath pitchfork and hay bale over a goal post and Irish hurling.

“They were popular last year, so we’re bringing them back,” Cosgrove said, noting versions of each will be available for children.

“You’re not going to find them anywhere else,” he said of the games.

New this year will be Gaelic language lessons.

“The entertainment isn’t only authentically Irish, but it’s top notch,” Cosgrove related.

An exhibit about the Irish Famine and a display about Irish sports will be featured in the cultural tent, and individuals will be on hand to discuss Gaelic football and other major Irish sports.

Rounding out the festivities, of course, will be food and drinks, with expanded offering of each.

“Instead of just corned beef on rye sandwiches, we’ll be doing corned beef and cabbage dinners and a few other surprises,” Cosgrove said.

In addition, Irish beer, including Guinness and Smithwick, will be available.

The picturesque Green will add to the lively events, according to the organizers.

“The venue certainly adds something to the festival…. doing it right on the Green,” Cosgrove said. “It’s a beautiful venue. And folks can wander around downtown, too.”

A few downtown businesses are expected to offer specials and/or promote Irish-themed products.

LCIAC member Paul Murphy said he looks forward to this year’s festival, which he anticipates will be the biggest and most attended event that’s going to happen on the Green.

“Expectations are high,” he said, noting the event is the club’s major fundraiser that supports various projects and needs in the community. 

“We want to make a lot of money,” Murphy said. “But we don’t keep any of it. It all goes back into the community.”

In less than two years, the LCIAC has donated $50,000 to local individuals and families in need.

This will be the third Irish Festival will be held on the Green. The first in 2022, the Greater Danbury Irish Festival, was sponsored by the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center and the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Danbury, of which several members of the Litchfield County Irish American Club are also a part.

A group of local residents formed Litchfield County Irish American Club and launched its own Irish Fest in 2023.