irishphiladelphia.com

A free street fair, Blackthorn, Broadway stars, men in kilts, bagpipes, Celtic rockers Jamison. . .it’s the mother of all Irish weekends. And Happy Mother’s Day to all you Moms!

When the curtain falls on the last Riverdance show at the Merriam later this week, it will be the last show ever in Philadelphia. And in June, Riverdance will leave North America for good. For lead dancer Caterina Coyne, it’s likely to be a bittersweet moment.

The station’s young jazz program director took time from a busy on-air pledge drive to tell us how she fell for Coltrane, big bands and “Paper Moon.”

The Young Irelands Gaelic Football Club held a successful night of boxing (and some sumo wrestling) last weekend. It was all to raise money for the club. See our photos and video from photographers Eileen Mcelroy and Una Mullan.

The John Byrne Band will be in Berwyn at a new venue, there’s a beer fest in Burlington, and there are four Irish plays to choose from this week from Friel, Walsh, and McDonagh, plus “Riverdance” is making its last appearance in Philly. Controversial priest Roy Bourgeois will also be in town to screen a documentary on women’s ordination. Enjoy!

The brand-new Irish Heritage Theatre has been a long time coming, but with its ambitious first play, Brian Friel’s “Philadelphia, Here I Come!,” it’s ready to entertain you.

Join the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums on the Parkway Sunday (along with some great Irish groups) for a benefit block party. That’s just one of many Celtic-themed events this weekend. There’s some benefit fisticuffs at the Irish Center, singer-pianist Cahal Dunne in Plymouth Meeting, The Priests in Collingswood, and the great Randal Bays and Davey Matthias in Lansdale, Coatesville, and West Chester. And more!

Put up your dukes (and your cash) and put the local GAA club’s “Fight Night” on your card.