The Irish want you!

The Syracuse Irish Festival filled Clinton Square this weekend with community, joyous laughter and emerald green everything.

Irish musicians and dancers provided an authentic backdrop for the day’s festivities. Music filled people’s ears as volunteers sold jewelry, t-shirts and various merchandise. Local food vendors and Guinness taps kept the crowd energized throughout the day. An estimated 1,000 people were in attendance, according to event organizers.

The festival provided a snapshot of Irish heritage. Its organizers ensure that Irish culture remains not just a weekend celebration, but a constant presence. Former Ancient Order of Hibernians president Jim Egloff, a longtime festival organizer, believes the festival’s success lies in the younger generation.

“We need to start replenishing us old guys,” Egloff said. “We’re all getting older.”

The AOH, founded in 1837, is an Irish Catholic organization that supports both faith and Irish tradition. The organization is dedicated to providing protection, support, and community for the Irish, according to its website.

Whether through dances, live music or community service, Egloff said he hopes these activities will draw in a new generation that can continue to keep the Irish heritage alive.

The McDonald School of Irish Dance performed on Saturday, thrilling the crowd with traditional Irish steps. Dancers of all ages were able to showcase their talents and light up the crowd.

One of the dancers noted her favorite part of the festival is “seeing the people get excited.”

This kind of joy, Egloff said, is exactly what can inspire others to carry on their organization.

Music also plays an important role in the AOH mission. By programming and highlighting authentic Irish bands, the festival keeps its traditions relevant, while also appealing to the younger generation.

The festival’s lineup includes old and new styles to ensure every member of the audience can sing along. For Egloff, the music is his favorite part of the festival. He said it is more than entertainment — it’s artists who remind him that the Irish heritage is still in Syracuse and worth celebrating.

The AOH was originally founded to “defend the priests from the crown and all those nasty Englishmen,” Egloff said.

Now, it’s much more than that. The organization’s members volunteer at charities such as the Francis House, organize golf tournaments, donate and help out at food banks and participate in parades throughout the year. 

Egloff served as president beginning in 1999, leading the AOH for more than two decades before he retired in 2021. However, his involvement with AOH has not slowed. He said he continues to stay involved purely “because it’s fun.” 

As the Irish Festival ended, Egloff sees the bigger picture. He views the celebration as a chance to enjoy Irish traditions from music to food, but also as an entrance for new members to join. For him, the AOH is more than an organization; it symbolizes the past, present and future of Irish culture.