Gaelic League to hold annual party March 14

The Amherst Gaelic League will host the 36th Annual Irish-American Cocktail Party to benefit the Belfast Summer Relief Program.

The party will honor the AGL's 2008 Irishman of the Year, Michael G. McGuire. A co-founder of the AGL, McGuire is a former Amherst town council member and deputy supervisor. He is also an active member of Christ the King parish in Snyder.

The BSRP has hosted more than 1,200 children from Northern Ireland, placing them with host families for a six-week vacation in the Western New York area.

Through various fundraising efforts, the BSRP provides airfare, ground transportation and insurance to the children. The AGL has contributed to the BSRP for more than 10 years and is currently its largest financial supporter.

The party is from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Friday, March 14 at the Hearthstone Manor, 333 Dick Road, Depew.

Dolan said the event is the largest St. Patrick's Day party in Western New York.

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

For information or to purchase tickets, call Dolan at 834-9510 or Dennis Lennon at 835-7638.