AN INCREASE in the number of Irish people living in Portugal has also meant an increase in events celebrating the Irish culture in Lisbon. The first major event of 2005 for the Irish Portuguese Friendship Society, was a concert in January to celebrate the completion of the restoration of the roof and tabernacle in the Irish Dominican Church of Bom Sucesso. The concert was by Anuna, an Irish choir whose music was particularly well-suited to this 17th century church. The evening was attended by more than 200 guests.
The next date for your calendar is Saturday, March 5 when a Gaelic Games Day will be held at St. Julian’s School in Carcavelos.
The day promises to be a lot of fun as children and adults alike are induced into the mysteries of Gaelic football, with all willing attendees then taking part in a match. The day will end with a session of traditional music, whetting the appetite for one of the biggest dates in the Irish calendar – St. Patrick’s Day.
The society is holding its annual and popular St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday, March 12 at the Marriott Hotel, in Avenida dos Combatentes. The evening will include a dinner followed by live music and dancing.
An ongoing programme of events includes a return visit by Michael O’Rourke for a concert of classical music in April, followed by the Bloomsday celebration of the writings of James Joyce in June.
• Anyone wishing to contact the Society, should call Mary Vermet on 219 243 858, Conor Gilin on 919 713 692 or Siobhán Keating on 967 345 998.
