By: Denise Foley

You have an unprecedented chance to hear the real life story of famous disabled writer and artist Christy Brown on Thursday, May 1, after watching the biopic made of his life, “My Left Foot.” It’s the last film in the Irish Film Series co-sponsored by The Irish Center, WTMR radio host Marianne McDonald, and www.irishphiladelphia.com.

Brown’s friend, Hyacinthe O’Neill, of Mt. Airy, will be on hand to introduce the film and answer questions. See our story.

On Saturday, Camden Catholic High School Alumni Association is sponsoring a “huge” Irish festival on its grounds from 4 to 10 PM, featuring performances by Blackthorn, Irish dancers, bagpipers, drum corps, as well as fun and games. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. The price includes barbecue-style food, Irish drink, a pig roast and entertainment. For more information call the school, 856-663-2247 ext. 114 or go to www.camdencatholicalumni.org .

That same evening, the Donegal GFC will hold its annual dinner dance and $10,000 drawing at the Irish Center. Our boys, also known as the Four Provinces, overcome adversity -- the bus carrying the team to New York's Gaelic Park for the Senior Football Finals last year was wrecked in an accident-- to win the Senior Finals. Tickets are $40 and are available at the door and at www.donegalphilly.com.

For those of you who can’t get enough of Irish step dancing, the McDade School of Irish Dance is holding its Four Provinces Feis (for future reference, when you see the word it means a dance competition) at the Marple Sports Arena in Broomall on Sunday.

Tuesday, April 29, is the opening day of the Frank McCourt off-Broadway hit musical, The Irish. . .and How They Got That Way at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Tickets are $28. The show runs through June 29 and there are weekend matinees.

On Thursday, May 1, celebrate the beginning of May with Solas, an internationally known group with local connections (like some of us, Seamus Egan is from Hatboro) that’s appearing at one of our favorite venues, the Sellersville Theater.

On Friday, May 2, head down to the Tuckerton Seaport in Tuckerton, NJ, to hear McDermott’s Handy in concert.

Check out our calendar for more details. Unless it’s back in rehab with Lindsay, Britney, or one of the Baldwin brothers. Oh no, it's right over there. Whew!