First-timers at the annual Birmingham Irish Cultural Dinner might at first think it is all just fun and games – a fraternity party for adults wearing green. They quickly realize that the fun time is for the greater good.
The annual dinner and entertainment event raises tens of thousands of dollars to transport needy children to and from their health procedures. Have you ever thought about that? Insurance and Medicaid may pay for medical procedures, but what about ambulance or other transport to and from? That’s where KidOne Transport comes in. It covers and arranges the transportation of sick or injured children when needed.
Birmingham’s annual Irish Cultural Dinner is usually on the weekend closest to St. Patrick’s Day, which is always on March 17. This year, the dinner is on Friday, March 14.
The event is at 7 p.m. at the Stadium Club of BJCC Protective Stadium, adjacent to the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center at 1020 24th Street North.
Tickets to the event can be found here.
Miniature donkeys will be outside the entrance along with Scottish bagpipers.
Many people will wear green costumes, ranging from classic formal Irish suits to outlandish mishmash outfits.
You’ll hear Irish music, see Irish dancers, and, of course, enjoy Irish food. Last year, dinners have served herb and garlic-roasted Cornish hen, corned beef with cabbage, lemon, and buttered salmon, Irish stew from the recipe of Marty Connor’s grandmother, bread pudding with whisky sauce, and more.
The Greater Birmingham area is quite cosmopolitan. There are organized heritage groups, events, and restaurants featuring the Old South, Greeks, Italians, Lebanese, Germans, Cubans, Scots, African-Americans, Japanese, Chinese, and Irish. Who have I left out?
“Birmingham doesn’t have a whole lot of truly Irish people,” event chieftain Marty Connors said. “But you don’t have to be Irish to appreciate the country.”
The Birmingham Irish Cultural Dinner was started in 1981 by political consultant Connors and the late Paul McMahon. They hosted a St. Patrick’s Day dinner in a private condo. The popular event has grown into larger and larger venues as the years have passed. Now, Protective Stadium.
The Birmingham Irish Cultural Society is a group of men who aren’t all Irish but who all enjoy having a good time celebrating Ireland’s most recognizable holiday.
“St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland,” Connors said. “He brought Christianity to the isle. So, this is not about girls in tank tops. Ultimately, it’s the celebration of friendship, fraternity and the patron Saint of Ireland,” which, Connors said, is something every member can appreciate regardless of their heritage.
You will see dozens of politicians and elected officials there (who will be Irish for at least this one night). State Sens. Dan Roberts (R-Mountain Brook), April Weaver (R-Brierfield) and Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills). Former Birmingham Mayor William Bell. Jefferson County Commission president Jimmy Stephens. Commissioner Joe Knight. Centerville Mayor Mike Oakley. State Rep. Arnold Mooney (R-Indian Springs) and his wife Kelly, newly-elected State School Board member. State Rep. Mike Shaw. Former Secretary of State John Merrill. Former State Rep. Jack Williams. Former State Rep. Johnny Curry. Hoover City Council member John Lyda. Shelby County Judge Patrick Kennedy. Hoover City Councilman Steve McClinton. Alabama Republican Party chair John Wahl.
There will be plenty more.
The event is called “the most political non-political event.”
"Show the fatted calf, but not the thing that fattened him.” - Irish Proverb.
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