Hudson Valley Irish Center and Library

The Hudson Valley Irish Fest uses your donations to fund the Fest operations, donations to support local charities, and in the creation of the Hudson Valley Irish Center, now located at Assumption School Annex on 1st Street in Downtown Peekskill.

The Hudson Valley Irish Center now holds an extensive library of Irish literature and historic documents, The Hudson Valley Irish Library includes the collections of stalwart’s Ray Bermingham and Ray O’Hanlon, editor of Irish Echo newspaper. Our  Library curator, Liam Murphy eagerly awaits donations from authors, publishers, and private donors.

IMG_2432Following the 2009 Hudson Valley Irish Fest, a joint donation with the Peekskill St. Patrick’s Parade Committee to the Peekskill Field Library created the Dr. John McGurty, Sr. Literature and Media center dedicated to Irish history, literature and culture. Increased membership and activity in our local Irish organizations, Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 18 and the formation of the new Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 18 can be directly attributed to the Fest.

 

 

We are members of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce and we’re proud to share the date with the Rotary Horse Show, located at Blue Mountain. Many of our families share double duty volunteering and participating at both great events.

IMG_1966Larry Kirwan, Playwright, Author, Founder/ Leader of Legendary Black 47, President of Irish American Writers & Artists, Celtic Crush SiruisXM radio host performs live at the Hudson Valley Irish Center.

 

 

IMG_2055_2

 

All sides of the spectrum of young and old enjoy the cultural and educational programs at the HVIC.

IMG_2040

The Hudson Valley Irish Center is grateful to our patrons, the Irish Abroad Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Consulate General of Ireland New York. Last year we welcomed Consul General of Ireland Ciaran Madden and family to the Fest. We thank the Consulate General of Ireland for each year presenting a Heritage Grant from the Irish government to enable us to continue a series of programs that promote Irish and Irish American heritage, culture, music, arts and literature in the Hudson Valley Irish Center and the Lower Hudson Valley.

IMG_2992

Easter Week 2015 the Center welcomed Dr. Ruan O’Donnell, University of Limerick Head of History Department and 16 Lives Series Co-Editor and author of the series biography of Patrick Pearse, for a talk on ‘Irish America’s Important Role in the Easter Rising’

IMG_2046

June 2015 saw the Hudson Valley Irish Fest & Center’s part in the Centenary Commemorations of Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa’s Passing with a GAA 7’s Match at Gaelic Park and Commemoration that was recognized as the Official Opening Event of the Global 1916 Easter Rising Centenary Commemorations by Irelands Minister of Foreign Affair Charlie Flanagan. Teams came from as far as Detroit, Michigan. Then-Consul General of Ireland Barbara Jones participated and representatives of the O’Donovan Rossa family, Williams and Rossa Cole filmed the event for their documentary project. www.rossafilm.com

We welcome you to join us at the Hudson Valley Irish Fest Center.