SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The 33rd annual Irish Fest raised thousands of dollars for St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s Church on Lowell Avenue on Friday and Saturday.
The money raised goes towards the church’s food pantry, as well as other projects in Tipperary Hill. For Tim Gaughan, the Irish Fest’s chairman, the money isn’t the most important thing.
“This has become much more than just a fundraiser, this is about community, it’s about parish, it’s about neighborhood,” Gaughan said.
The festival featured local vendors with traditional Irish music and dance.
The church also held Mass during the festivities on Saturday. The pews were nearly filled. Having a full building isn’t guaranteed for many churches across New York with religious attendance trending downwards. Pew Research’s Religious Landscape study found that in 2023-24, 50% of New Yorkers went to church rarely or never.
Gaughan acknowledged this reality, mentioning the consolidation of St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s as a “stark reminder” of the challenges the church faces.
“They’re not easy choices, but we have to move on and figure it out,” Gaughan said.
Despite these difficulties, he maintains faith that this trend isn’t permanent.
“I think we’re going to see a resurgence,” Gaughan said.
The Tipperary Hill Irish Fest spans generations, even in its leadership.
Jack Hughes: A little rain never hurt anybody, right? The 33rd Annual Irish Fest battled the elements to showcase all the Irish community of Tipperary Hill has to offer, from drinks to food to music and dance. For Irish Fest chairman Tim Gaughan he follows in the steps of his parents, who helped start the festival in 1992. Gaughan began his involvement in the festival on their recommendation.
Tim Gaughan: There’s a little term we use, and it’s called voluntold.
Gaughan believes that it was working with his partners on the committee that contributed to his current appreciation of his responsibilities.
Gaughan: Most of us grew up together, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything, and what we’re looking forward to as well is handing it off to the next generation.
Hughes: That next generation will inherit one of the biggest events Tipperary Hill has, one that raises thousands of dollars for the community year after year. Jack Hughes, NCC News.