Kansas City Irish Fest wraps up with Celtic rock, Shaun Brady memorial
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The last day of Kansas City’s Irish Fest capped off several days of music, food and fun.
For some, like Chad O’Brien, it’s a chance to celebrate Irish heritage.
“Coming to the Irish Fest has always been something I’ve done growing up in Kansas City, something I’ve always loved,” he said.
“Celebrating your heritage, seeing, you know, just friends and family you run into and just being part of something that’s part of your heritage.”
Sunday morning, they held a service for Shaun Brady, who was killed last week before the festival began. The service was held in the same time slot as the Irish Breakfast, which he would have hosted.
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“I’m loving it. It kind of has like that feeling of the community getting together and just having a good time,” said Zander Steyn.
He was born and raised in South Africa and was sporting a South Africa shirt at Irish Fest.
“All the different cultures, religions, all of that. I’m just it’s just a blast. Reminding me of the festivals from back home,” he continued.
He said in addition to the warm and welcoming atmosphere, the artist shops and food stands also reminded him of his home.
“Especially with like a lot of festivals that go on back in South Africa and the small town that I lived in, like all the people around us, just little shops all over. It’s just, just a good time. I’m enjoying it.”
One of the highlights of Sunday’s festival was the music, with Kansas City-based Celtic rock band The Elders finishing the night.
“There have been a lot of great musicians that come out of Kansas City over the years that I grew up with,” said O’Brien.
He specifically mentioned Flannigan’s Right Hook, who were capping off their performance around 5:30. But one of the best parts of the festival was the drinks.
“Guinness and some Jameson,” O’Brien said.
“You know, that’s what makes the day right?”
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