Event Information

Celtic Rock ’08 takes place on Saturday, October 18th at the Irish American Community Center (IACC), 9 Venice Place, East Haven and offers an eclectic assortment of Irish music in all its forms and varieties from 12:00pm until 8:00pm. 

Headliners at this first annual gathering include Black 47, with its unblinkingly political and thoroughly Irish form of rock n’ roll. Its songs cover topics from conflict in Northern Ireland to civil rights and urban unrest in contemporary New York. The Highland Rovers Band fuses popular rock percussive rhythms, bagpipes and vocal harmonies to create an intricate and fresh sound. The band’s danceable music showcases its universal appeal to both modern rock lovers and audiences searching for a distinct Celtic flavor. Unforgettable Fire brings the very best U2 tribute possible to the stage. They do everything in their power (from wardrobe to lighting) to recreate the live U2 concert setting. Let’s not forget Joe Hurley & Rogue’s March. Their eclectic blend of rock & roll, country, punk and pop is thoroughly infused with a distinctly Irish influence.

Renowned Donegal fiddler P.V. O’Donnell will regale the crowd with jigs, reels, and hornpipes played in his own authentic traditional style. Organizers are still signing up bands, and more will participate. Additional local Irish musicians will also perform. Michael Lombardi of the popular television series Rescue Me will serve as emcee for the Festival, and Celtic Rock ’08 extends our sincere thanks to the Leary Firefighters Foundation. You may find more information on the foundation on the web at www.LearyFirefighters.org.

There will be kids’ activities on offer, and children under 16 will be admitted free of charge. Food and full bar will be available all day. Tickets are $40 for a full day of music and fun.

For more information and directions visit www.iacc-ct.com. Please contact Packy Lillis 203.823.260, Chris Doyle 203.537.8729 or Bill Hylton 203.494.5802 about sponsorship enquiries and opportunities.

What is Celtic Rock '08?

Celtic Rock ’08 is a benefit concert for the New Haven Youth Gaelic Sports program under the auspices of the Irish American Community Center, a not-for-profit organization committed to the preservation and practice of Irish culture and heritage. The program is for kids from ages six to sixteen and offers training and competition in Irish Gaelic football and hurling. We are raising funds to attend the GAA Continental Youth Championships in San Francisco, California, in July of 2009.


Why should I become a sponsor of Celtic Rock '08?

Your business will enjoy a uniquely high profile in your target market as we promote it on the web, in newspaper copy, program book, and radio. Your name will firmly penetrate the whole region, and the Irish community in particular, through multiple media. Needless to say, you can count on significant exposure at the event itself!


How is my sponsorship of Celtic Rock ’08 special and unique?

Your sponsorship benefits a truly unique cultural enterprise. If your business is Irish in nature, then you know how GAA sports reach into the very fiber of independence, nationalism, patriotism, and pride. As a sponsor, you are actively promoting that rich heritage here in America. If your business is unrelated to Hibernia, suffice it to say that you will attach your name to an amazingly exciting athletic endeavor that is steeped in history and culture in legendary proportions.


What kind of program am I supporting?

New Haven Gaelic Sports, revived in 2004, is the strongest program of Irish sport in Connecticut. We have a vibrant schedule of Gaelic football competition in both New York and New England, and are committed to growing an equally thriving hurling program through the next decade. 2009 will be our fourth year of competition on a national level. We have over 100 kids enrolled, are growing in leaps and bounds, and are here to stay thanks to sponsors like you!


Families interested in learning more about New Haven Gaelic Sports and joining the program may contact the team registrar at wendy.mackey@yale.edu