Stepping Out

Those pipes come calling

Nassau County’s Irish Festival returns to Nickerson Beach

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As the calendar turns to fall, it’s time once again to share in the delights of all things Irish at the Feis and Irish Festival, presented by the Nassau County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladis AOH. This beloved tradition brings out visitors and participants to enthusiastically partake in that lively traditional celebration of Irish dance, music, piping, drumming, language, and athletics known as a feis (pronounced fesh).
The dancers are ready and the pipes are calling all to the 44th annual Nassau County Feis and Irish Festival, which is back at Nickerson Beach, in Lido Beach, on Sunday, Sept. 18, beginning at 9 a.m.
Young and old — and in between — are sure to have a fabulous time with live music all day long, entertainment and attractions, including Irish step dancing, bagpiping, Irish vendors, traditional Irish singing, children’s games, Irish language, Irish art, and Gaelic Cúl Camp, along with plenty of food and beverages.
Settle in for the day, ready to experience the age-old traditions of this fascinating event. Both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Nassau County sponsor the feis.

Centuries of tradition are shared at the Nassau AOH Feis

From as far back as 18th century Ireland, communities would come together for special festivals of dance and music — involving competitions, laughter and good times. That tradition continues here in Nassau County, where the AOH’s eight strong divisions organize competitions of dance and piping and bestow awards on the best.
Since 1972, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has presented Nassau County with its annual feis, a celebration of Irish culture and history, held every year in September.
The Nassau AOH welcomes everyone to enjoy its traditional dance and piping competitions, along with an Irish Marketplace, featuring all sorts of Irish-related goods and treats for sale, and a special area for the kids.
And since it’s a Sunday, mass will be said in the morning, at 11 a.m.
It’s a day that focuses on the always vibrant, age-old traditions. The dance competition showcases hundreds of the finest Irish dancers in the New York metropolitan area, and pipers from all around who come to perform and compete. The sheer energy of the step dancers is intoxicating and many visitors come just to see them being judged, so they can move on to championships. Winners from last year’s feis move on to national competition and even international competition. The dance competitions make this the premiere feis in the New York area, which offers a grand showcase for the talents of these dynamic young ladies.
There are competitions in Irish singing and piping and drumming as well. And don’t miss the judging of the Irish-Soda-Bread-baking contest. There will be games for children, and Irish football matches, Irish storytelling, and displays of Irish art.
Besides these traditional forms of entertainment, a special musical act is featured each year, always adding some additional excitement to the day.

Nassau AOH Feis’ 2016 Honoree
This year’s honoree is renowned Hibernian and long time Feis and Festival chairman and treasurer Jack Ryan, a member of AOH Division 15 in Massapequa, an AOH Nassau County Board officer and New York State AOH officer.
John M. (Jack) Ryan joined the AOH in 1973 at Division 15 in Massapequa Park. He served the division as president, vice president, recording secretary and sentinel. In 1976 he was a founding member of the Tara Pipe Band and serves as a drum major. He served on the Division’s Board of Trustees for 20 years.
Ryan joined the Nassau County Feis Committee in 1975 and has served as general chairman, piping and drumming chairman and currently serves as the corporate treasurer. He has served on the County Board as president, vice president, recording secretary and treasurer. He is now serving as chairman of the standing committee. In 1991 he was elected as aide to the grand marshal of New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He has been awarded National Life Membership in the Order.
On the state level, Ryan served two terms as state director of District Six, and has also served as state organizer and Catholic Action chairman. For the last 10 years he has served as the state chairman of Veterans Affairs.
Ryan, who lives in Massapequa Park, is married to the former Noreen Keenan of the Bronx. The couple has four daughters: Patricia, Kathleen, Noreen and Mary Ellen. They are the proud grandparents of 13 children.

An Ancient Order
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, founded in New York in 1836, now has more than 80,000 members in 46 States, Canada and Ireland. It was founded to protect the Roman Catholic clergy and the Church itself from attack.
The organization’s roots are deep in Irish history. It has grown to become the largest and most influential Irish Catholic men’s organization in the world.
For more information on the Nassau County Hibernians, visit www.nassauaoh.com or the New York State Hibernian website at www.nysaoh.com.

Nassau AOH Feis
When: Sunday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $10 per person. Children under 16 free.
Where: Nickerson Beach, 880 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach. For more information, call (646) 481-3347 or visit www.NassauAOHfeis.com.