Irish American Cocktail Party to be held March 16

The Amherst Gaelic League members (from left to right) Mike McGuire, Tom Loughlin, Mike Dolan and Mike Flynn, gear up for the 35th annual Irish American Cocktail Party being held on March 15. Photo by John Rusac Purchase photos at www.BeeNews.com

The Amherst Gaelic League will host the 35th annual Irish American Cocktail Party, to benefit the Belfast Summer Relief Program, from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Friday, March 16 at the Hearthstone Manor, 333 Dick Road, Depew.

The event is the largest St. Patrick's Day party in Western New York, Mike Dolan of the AGL, said.

The party will honor the AGL's Irishman of the Year, Mike Flynn. A co-founder and past president of the AGL, Flynn has held leadership positions with numerous other local Irish cultural organizations, including the Blackthorn Club, the WNY Famine Committee, the United Irish American Association, Tom Carroll Division No. 1 Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Knights of Equity, Court 5.

Flynn was honored as the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Irishman of Year in 2001.

The AGL has contributed to the Belfast Summer Relief Program for more than 10 years and has been the largest financial provider in bringing more than 1,200 children from Northern Ireland for a six-week trip to WNY.

Tickets are $25 presale and $35 at the door and includes open bar, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment by the Celtic band, "Penny Whiskey," the Rince na Tiarna Irish dancers, and traditional bagpipers.

For information or tickets call, 834-9510 or 835-7638.