606. Saint Patrick’s Day and Irish Events – February and March, 2016

St. Patrick’s Day, is March 17.

Toronto honours the patron saint of Ireland and things Irish with one of our biggest parades on Sunday, March 13 starting at 12 noon. For the parade route, see: http://stpatrickstoronto.com/.

Special Mass on Sunday February 28 at 3:30 p.m. in St. Cecilia’s Church, 161 Annette Street (Keele and Dundas area). For more information call 416-769-8163 or email: stceciliatoronto@gmail.com.  Principal Celebrant and Homilist His Eminence, Thomas Cardinal Collins, Archbishop of Toronto.  Solemn blessing of the Shamrock, Irish Harpist Eithne Heffernan. Ceremonial Co-Ordinator  Hugo Straney. The Parish of St. Cecilia was founded in 1895 by Irish missionary priests who had followed the post-famine immigrants from Ireland. After Mass, there will be an informal reception in the parish hall. Irish coffee will be available and a selection of soda bread and scones, etc .http://bit.ly/1T2wdEG.

Saturday, March 12, 7 to 11 p.m. St. Patrick’s Céilidh at Montgomery’s Inn. Irish stew, fresh baked bread and live traditional music featuring Gin Lane. Admission: $5+HST. Cash bar, $5 for a bowl of stew while supplies last. Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas Street West (at Islington Avenue) in Etobicoke, http://www.montgomerysinn.com/events/current-events.

March 4-6. Irish Music Weekend. Workshops, concerts, and ceili are featured at the 25^th anniversary Traditional Irish Music Weekend. Tranzac Club, 292 Brunswick Avenue between the Spadina and Bathurst stations south of Bloor. For the  schedule, see: http://bit.ly/1Rr12Rx. For performer bios: bit.ly/1POc2Yf. For ticket prices: bit.ly/1ShqjP4.

Thanks to Maureen Oleary for telling us about the Irish Music Weekend. She can also tell you about other Irish events in Ontario at: moleary2001@rogers.com.