First Festival Held At Aviator Complex In Brooklyn

This past weekend saw the first ever Irish festival take place at the Aviator Complex in Brooklyn. 

Featuring performances by acts such as The Wolf Tones, Seanchai, the Pat McGuire band, The Moonshiners, Mary McCabe, Brian Monahan and Jameson's Revenge, revelers enjoyed an Irish atmosphere in the New York sunshine. 

Patrick McGuire, of the Pat McGuire band, who now lives in Moycullen Co. Galway, expressed his delight at the introduction of an Irish festival in Brooklyn and echoed the words of the other musicians in his hope that it would become a successful annual event. 

Chris Byrne of Seanchai commented, "It may be difficult for the first couple of years, but they seem to have it together here."

Brendan Burke, designer of the 'Wild Rover' clothing range was present at the two-day event to promote his Irish themed t-shirts. 

Stepping away from the more tradition images of Ireland, such as shamrocks and harps, Burke's aim is to continue creating an edgy, street style for Irish Americans. 

He spoke about getting the idea for his design, "I was on the subway listening to the song 'Wild Rover' and it just came to me.  I couldn't wait to start!"

Writer Malachy McCourt was honored with The Gleeson Award on the first day of the festival. 

The award, which is new and named after Brooklyn's own Jackie Gleeson, aims to acknowledge those who use the arts, entertainment or literature to showcase the vibrant spirit of Brooklyn natives. 

Malachy McCourt is a Brooklyn born author, actor, wit, raconteur, and restaurateur, and like Jackie Gleeson, has traveled far and wide, but has always retained his Brooklyn roots and attitude. 

Speaking to The Irish Examiner, the writer of 'History of Ireland' amongst seven other books, said, "Despite Ireland's reputation for literature being worldwide, none of the Irish festivals have any place for Irish literature, but yet today we have four nobel prize winners in attendance. Kevin McCabe, the organizer, has immediately included literature."

Other writers in attendance included Mary Pat Kelly, author of 'Galway Bay', Dan Barry, New York Times columnist and writer of 'City Lights' and 'Pull me up', and Malachy McCourt's brother Alphie. 

Malachy McCourt referred to his book 'A History of Ireland' as a history written by a triumphant loser, and went on to express his wish that the festival becomes a permanent fixture in the annual calendar of Brooklyn.