The Luck (and fun) of the Irish

Toss out the Shamrock Shake and immerse yourself a little further in Irish culture this St. Patty’s Day. The Irish-American Society of New Mexico is hosting a much-anticipated party this month at the German American Club featuring the Duke City Ceili Band and the Brightburn Academy Irish Dancers, among many other performances.

This celebration has been in the planning stages for months, because, as the Irish-American Society of New Mexico President Caren Nicholson Garcia says, “when you plan a St. Patrick’s day party, you never wait till the last minute!” Admission for adults is $10, and children 12 and under are free. If you’re feeling the Irish spirit after clover day, Garcia says that joining the Society is a great way to meet a diverse group of people and learn all about Celtic culture. Not Irish? No prob. The only requirement for membership is an interest in Ireland— plus a $20 membership fee.

The Society itself, founded in 1975, celebrated 48 years in ABQ just last month. Besides a killer St. Patrick’s Day party, the monthly meetings, which are held at the German-American club on Menaul, have a little something for everyone. “I found the Irish American Society of New Mexico four years ago and started my term as President at the start of this year, and it’s been wonderful to meet so many intelligent people,” says Garcia. “Our meetings aren’t really meetings in that most of the time is spent in having a musical group perform for us or a lecture on Irish history.” While you don’t have to be a member to attend meetings, the fee covers honorariums to the music groups, decorations, and rent for meeting space. Plus, you receive their monthly newsletter, The Irish Times. For more info, head over to irishamericansociety-nm.com. —ET