Fairfield University kicks off St. Patrick's Day with Ireland's "Tony Kenny's Ireland" | Press Releases

Image: Dublin City Musicians

The Father John M. Conlisk Irish Scholarship Program will present the entertainment extravaganza "Tony Kenny's Ireland" on Friday, February 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University.

"Tony Kenny's Ireland" from Jury's Hotel in Dublin, features a talent showcase of singers, dancers and comedians, including duo of laughter and song Mac & O, comedian Al Banim, dancer and choreographer Enda Dunne, the Dublin City Musicians and the award-winning Dublin City Dancers.

Ireland's "Entertainer of the Year" in 1998, Tony Kenny has won critical acclaim for performances on stage and television, and as part of the cast of Dublin's famous Jurys Irish Cabaret. Kenny performed at the White House on St. Patrick's Day in 1995 and was honored in 2001 by Irish President Mary MacAleese. The recipient of the Performing Artists Trust Society Annual Award for lifetime achievement in the performing arts, Kenny has produced 12 recordings. His latest CD is called "Sentimental Irish."

Peggy O'Connor of WVOF-FM Radio's "Irish Melodies" program said the Kenny dancers remind her of the Riverdance show.

Joining Kenny and his crew at the Quick Center will be the 75-member Gaelic American Glee Club of Fairfield, which will provide its unique interpretation of traditional Irish songs.

Proceeds from the concert help support the Fr. John M. Conlisk Scholarship Program at Fairfield University. The scholarship is named for Fr. John M. Conlisk, a 1954 graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School who served the Diocese of Bridgeport.

The scholarship, which is awarded each year to an MBA or MS in Finance candidate from Ireland, pays full tuition, room and board, as well as medical insurance expenses. The scholarship has provided 12 Irish-born students the opportunity to live and study at Fairfield University. It is dedicated to perpetuating the Irish culture and strengthening educational and cultural relationships. Vincent McCarthy, a graduate of the University of Limerick, is this year's recipient, while Seán Maher won the scholarship last year.

Admission is $25. For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, visit the website, www.quickcenter.com.