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Overcast The pipes are calling at Molloy College
Nassau County's Hibernians gather for their annual celebration
There is perhaps no more exquisite way to rejoice in all things Irish than to participate in or attend that most traditional celebration of Irish dance, music, piping, drumming, language, soda bread, and athletics known as a feis (pronounced fesh). Lovers of any and all of these activities will surely enjoy Sept. 18 when the Nassau County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians holds their 39th annual Feis and Irish Festival on Long Island.
This annual festival kicks off the fall season in a most delightful way. Experience the age-old traditions of this fascinating event on the campus of Molloy College. Both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Nassau County sponsor the feis.
Nassau AOH’s feis will be held at Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., in Rockville Centre, starting at 9 a.m.
This year’s feis honors its longtime chairman, Edward F. Friel, who retired from heading up the event after the 2009 feis.
“It’s a tremendous honor,” said Friel, who was the chairman from 2003-2009. “It means even more to me because I am following in the footsteps of my Uncle John.”
Friel’s ‘Uncle John’ is former Feis Chairman and AOH National Life Member John Bownes, who passed away last year.
Friel is a longtime member of the Padraic Pearse Division 3 of the AOH in the Five Towns. He has served on the division, county and state levels of the AOH, while also heading up special events such as the feis and AOH county ball. He lives in Westbury, with his wife, Nina.
About the Nassau AOH Feis
From as far back as 18th century Ireland, communities came together for special festivals of dance and music. There were competitions, laughter and good times. The tradition lives on in Nassau County, where the AOH’s eight strong divisions join to organize competitions of dance and piping and present awards to the best.
Since 1972, the Ancient Order of Hibernians have presented Nassau County with the annual Irish Feis and Festival. Nassau AOH’s feis welcomes everyone to enjoy 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.
