The Irish Cultural Center wishes to extend our sincere condolences to the Sweeney family on learning of the passing of Peggy Sweeney Koch.  Margaret Mary (Peggy) Sweeney Koch, 46, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away August 3, 2010. She is survived by her children, Brendan Louis and Emily Claire Koch; her siblings, Kathleen, Patrick (Lesle), Tim, Ellen, and Michael (Kelly) Sweeney and Bridget (Mike) Martin; her nieces and nephews, Erin (Matt) Morgan, Kelly (Todd) Ahern, Sean Sweeney, and Liam, Kieran, and Mary Kate Martin; her grandniece, Addison Morgan; her grandnephew, Jack Ahern; her aunts, Sister Kathleen McPeak, S.S.J., Ruth Bittner, and Toshie Sweeney; her uncle, Harry McPeak; numerous cousins; and her close friend, Mike McCormack, and his daughters, Reilly, Shay, and Megan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Ellen ("Peggy") and Lawrence Xavier Sweeney. Peggy was born in Phoenix on January 11, 1964. She attended St. Mary's Elementary and High Schools. She and Bert Koch were married for twenty years and resided in California during that time. After returning to Phoenix, Peggy was employed at St. Francis Elementary School for several years. Donations in Peggy's name may be made to the St. Francis Elementary School playground fund (4715 N. Central, Phoenix, 85012).

The Irish Cultural Center wishes to extend it's thanks and appreciation to New York Life Insurance for their generous grant donation of $500.00.  Glenda Walker, who is member of our Board of Trustees and a docent on Thursdays is a retired New York Life employee and it is through her that we are eligible for this grant.

EventsThe Celtic Crafters at the ICC will meet  Saturday, September 18th at 10:00 am at the Irish Cultural Center.  For further information, please contact Patricia Prior at priorhomes@cox.net or 480-242-3500

The Arizona music community was shocked early in 2010 when Jane announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Over the years many of us have had the pleasure of knowing Jane Hilton; whether we took fiddle classes from her, watched her on stage or shared the stage with her, she has touched many lives with her music and her endearing personality. Jane is one of the most genuine and talented women I have met; her integrity, her passion for music and her compassion for people are all things that come to mind immediately when I hear her name.

The attached artwork represents a sticker that has been created as a fundraiser* to help Jane throughout this difficult time in her life. 

What, you may ask, is a Docent?  A docent is basically a friendly person who greets guests at the Irish Cultural Center and provides tours of the facilities.  Training will be given about all the attractions we have.  It’s a great way to meet people from all over the world.  When not conducting tours, the docent may help in the gift shop or with office work.  It’s a fun way to help the ICC, so please contact Mary Moriarty at 602 258 0109 to volunteer.

As a feature we are including the ICLF Board Committee Meetings Minutes

Danielle McBurnett, the 2010 Arizona Rose had a whirlwind tour of County Clare over the weekend before joining the 31 others in Dublin today who are competing in the 51st annual Rose of Tralee International Festival.   She arrived in Ennis after a visit to Chandler's Sister City of Tullamore

The 2010 Rose of Tralee will be aired live on Monday, August 23rd and Tuesday, August 24th at O'Connor's Pub located at 2601 West Dunlap in Phoenix.  The live broadcast will start at 12:00 noon on both days.  Come out and cheer our Colleen/Rose, Danielle McBurnett.

The Sister Cities of Tucson - Roscommon invite you to come and celebrate Tucson’s founder, Hugo O’Conor’s birthday too!
DATE: August 29th, 2010
TIME: 2pm to 5pm
PLACE: O’Shaughnessy’s
2200 N Camino Principal
(near Tanque Verde & Kolb)
A $5.00 Cover gets you:
Entertainment to include Music & Song, Irish Step, Tap, Folklorico Dancers, & featuring Hugo O’Conor
Bagpipe Band a slice of birthday cake one (1) non-alcoholic drink
Full Menu & Cash Bar Available

ARIZONA DANCER AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS TCRG - IRISH DANCE TEACHER'S CERTIFICATION

Arizona’s newest Irish Dance teacher is the first to be born and raised in Arizona, and to have received all her training in the state.