irishphiladelphia.com

Most people think of Tay-Sachs as a deadly inherited disease that cripples and kills young Jewish children. While it’s most common among Eastern European Jews, as many as 1 in 50 Irish-Americans is a carrier. A local medical center is offering free testing for Irish-Americans and two Irish couples whose children were afflicted are helping spread the word.

There’s a benefit for Project Children, a hot afternoon of sizzling Gaelic athletic action, and plenty of Irish music to carry you through the week.

Last week’s “Honoring Heroes Block Party” drew close to 2,000 guests at Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe along the Delaware. Half of the day’s proceeds benefited Philadelphia Firefighter Pat Nally, seriously injured in an April warehouse fire and building collapse in Kensington.

Take in the tunes, dance, food, and Celtic merch on a beautiful afternoon and evening (so the weather service predicts) along the riverfront.

From the first tune by Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums to the ceremonial first pitch by St. Patrick’s Day grand marshal John Dougherty, Irish Phillies fans rocked Citizens Bank Park.

Among the beneficiaries of Saturday’s “Honoring Heroes Block Party” is firefighter Patrick Nally of Ladder 16, injured in the April 9 Kensington warehouse fire that claimed the lives of comrades Lt. Robert Neary and firefighter Daniel Sweeney. You’re invited!

The Shanachie Irish Pub in Ambler may have closed its doors, but the Tullamore Crew Catering Company is going to help you “Experience a bit of Ireland, one bite at a time.”

Niamh Parsons and Graham Dunne played the Ceili Group concert at The Commodore Barry Center in Mt. Airy last Saturday night, where they wowed the sold-out crowd.