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Arts & Entertainment

A Good Old Irish Time

Brady Park packed on Irish Night.

As the saying goes, if you are lucky enough to be Irish, then you are lucky enough. That was proven to be true on Saturday night as nearly  a thousand people packed in to Brady Park to enjoy the festivities of Irish Night.

The options were seemingly unlimited. While all sorts of entertainment went on throughout the evening, there was no shortage of other attractions. If hungry, there was a whole table devoted to baked goods including soda bread  Many chose to enjoy chicken, hot dogs or hamburgers. To drink, there was water, soda, beer, wine, and of course, Irish coffee.

Irish Night has been a tradition in Massapequa Park since 1975. It was put together by Division 15 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. Junior Past President Ed McGlade knows that events like this are all about taking a break from stress.

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"We just want people to have a good time," McGlade said. "In a beautiful outdoor setting, it just doesn't get any better."

Shopping was also an option, as there was jewelry, shirts and hats that all tied in with the Irish heritage. There was also a 50/50 raffle. Last year's 50/50 winner left the event early, only to receive a phone call that they had just won more than $2,000.

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Proceeds for the event help pay for the band, and a large majority goes to local charities in the area.

The opening act was the Willie Lynch band and they were a huge hit. The people were instantly on their feet dancing. Then, the crowd was dazzled by the students of the Inishfree School of Irish Dance, and then the entertainment was capped off with the Tara Pipes and Drums, which was popular as well.

"This is just a great event for the community," Joan Boyle said. "I have lived here over 50 years, and there aren't many things that give me as much joy as this does."

The event also drew some public officials. Assemblyman Joe Saladino, who is a lifelong Massapequa resident, was one of the speakers.

"I just spent the whole week in Albany looking forward to Irish Night," Saladino said. "Where do you think I would rather be?"

Another attendee was Massapequa Park Deputy Mayor Jeffrey Pravato, who was ecstatic at the turnout for the event.

"Everybody is Irish tonight in Massapequa tonight," Pravato said. "It's a great community and a great way to start off the July 4th week."

Yet again, the event was a success, and there's no reason why Massapequa residents shouldn't expect the same next year."

"I think they come back for the music," McGlade said. "We change it every year, and it just doesn't get any better than this."

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