Marquette University’s Minor in Irish Studies invites students, alumni and friends to enjoy Irish Fest, held Aug. 13–16, on Milwaukee’s lakefront. The festival, one of the world’s largest celebrations of Irish culture, features music, dance, storytelling, cultural exhibits and educational programming.
Marquette will be represented throughout the weekend, including a performance by Céilí Nights on Friday, Aug. 14, at 8:45 p.m. at the CelticMKE Stage. The group includes Rev. Ryan Duns, S.J., chair of the Department of Theology, and Brigid Kinsella-Alba of the Office of Mission and Ministry.
Faculty also will participate in the festival’s Hedge School lecture series. Dr. Tim McMahon, professor of history and co-director of Marquette’s Minor in Irish Studies, will speak on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 5:15 p.m. McMahon’s talk, “Plain Tom Shaughnessy: The Lord from the Third Ward,” tells the story of Thomas Shaughnessy, who was born in Milwaukee to Irish immigrant parents and went on to serve the Third Ward on the Milwaukee Common Council while working for the Milwaukee Road. In 1882, he accepted an offer to move to Montreal, where he ultimately rose to be president of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. He was knighted and ultimately granted the title of Baron Shaughnessy of Montreal and Ashford (Co. Limerick).
Learn more about the Minor in Irish Studies on the program website and view the full Irish Fest schedule on the festival’s website.
