Two of the most popular events will take place tomorrow, however: the Western Region U.S. Feis Irish Dance Competition and the Denver Gaels’ showcase of Irish sports. “These are ancient Irish sports, and they’re an immensely important part of Irish culture that sometimes gets overlooked in the U.S.,” says Denver Gaels spokesman Brian McCarthy. “We can trace hurling and camogie all the way back to the ancient myth of the Irish hero Cú Chulainn, who earned his name after slaying this nasty wolf creature with a hurley and a sliotar, the stick and ball that are central to the games we still play today.”
In addition to the sports and the music, there will be food, kids’ activities and other entertainment, all at Clement Park, 7306 West Bowles Avenue in Littleton. The festival goes from 5 to 10 p.m. tonight; admission is free until 7 p.m., when tickets cost $5. Activities continue tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; tickets for those days are $12 in advance, $15 at the gate. For more information, go to www.coloradoirishfestival.com.
July 8-10, 2011
