Lauralton Hall will celebrate the Irish on Saturday, March 1 with its popular Irish Night, an evening of congeniality and Irish entertainment that celebrates the school's long affinity for Irish culture and hospitality.
Founded by the Sister of Mercy over 100 years ago, Lauralton Hall is committed to “empowering women for life,” and fostering a community atmosphere enriched by the Mercy tradition.
“The Sisters of Mercy were founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin,” said Lauralton Hall President Antoinette Iadarola. “Irish Night pays homage to Lauralton Hall's Irish roots while also raising money for the restoration of our historic Carriage Barn.”
Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. and guests will be greeted by the sound of TRAD, a foot-stomping trio with Lauralton Hall faculty member and Celtic music master, Damien Connolly and his wife Sally.
The evening will officially start with the award-winning Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band.
Once Removed, a musical group of family members that drives their audience to sing along, will add their musical talents to the mix, and step dancers from Sheeaun Academy of Irish Dance, Bridgeport, will provide a taste of the old Irish céilis with their jigs and reels.
“This will be our fourth year performing at Lauralton Hall's Irish Night,” said Moira Speer-Warren, director of the Sheeaun Academy of Irish Dance, “and we love it. The crowd is always so responsive and it's a great way to kick off the season. The event feels authentically Irish as everyone jumps in to join the dancing, singing and playing music.”
The evening will culminate with the Highland Rovers Band. Drawing from the diverse New York Metro music scene, the Highland Rovers Band fuses popular rock percussive rhythms, bagpipes, fiddle and vocal harmonies to create an intricate and fresh sound.
“One of the great things about Irish Night,” said Event Coordinator Kathleen Donahue, “is that there is something for everyone. It brings the community together and most importantly, our proceeds are directed to the restoration of the Lauralton's historic Carriage Barn, which will be the new Center for the Visual and Performing Arts.”
There will be a Best Table contest which offers guests the opportunity to become as creative and competitive as they like, decorating their tables in the spirit of the season. Trophies will be awarded.
A “Luck of the Irish” raffle includes many sought after prizes. Coffee, tea and dessert will be provided. Bring your own beverages, ice and snacks.
The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy/Lauralton Hall is located at 200 High Street. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. Advance reservations are necessary, and cost is $25 per person. Register online at lauraltonhall.org.
For more information, contact Kathleen Donahue at 203-877-2786, ext. 114, or kdonahue@lauraltonhall.org.