DAILY BRIEFING NEWS IN BRIEF

IRISH HERITAGE MONTH EVENTS IN FULL SWING

There are numerous Irish Heritage Month events scheduled for southeastern Connecticut this month with last Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Norwich kicking off the festivities.

Irish Heritage Month recognizes the history and culture of Ireland and the Irish-American population and its contributions to American society, economics, education, entertainment, sports and politics.

New London’s parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 12, with Mystic’s slated for Sunday, March 19.

The John P. Holland Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) has also scheduled two heritage events that are open to the public. The first, a free Irish Genealogy Workshop, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at St. Bernard's School, with Ellen Bohan of the New Haven Irish-American Historical Society the featured speaker. Advance registration is appreciated.

Forty Thieves Pub in Groton will host “Irish Hooley at Hanafins" from 1 to 5 p.m. March 25. The free event will feature Irish music and dance with The Spirited Soles Irish Step Dance School, the traditional Irish music RAM band, along with a demonstration of adult Irish step dancing. Advance registration is appreciated.

Other events in the area include include Music of Ireland at the Westerly Public Library at 1 p.m. Saturday, Shamrock Tea with the Blarney Stone band at St. Joseph’s Church School Hall in New London at 4 p.m. March 18 and the popular Irish bands "High Kings" and "Gaelic Storm" at the Garde Arts Center in New London at 7:30 p.m. March 21.

The Kate Theater in Old Saybrook will show "Celtic Tenors" at 7:30 tonight. "Lunasa" is scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, the Best of Boston St. Patrick's Day Comedian Festival will play at 8 p.m. March 17 and "Young Dubliners" at 7 p.m. March 19.

For more information on the events email jimgall127@gmail. com or call (860) 739-8216.