11 Mar A few ways to celebrate Irish Week in Pioneer Square

Next week, I will post my roundup of special places to celebrate this great holiday (my last name is Kelly, after all) — but here’s a few to kick off the celebrations:

FRIDAY, MARCH 11
Mayor’s Irish Week Proclamation Luncheon
Noon, F X McRory’s. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and Galway Mayor Michael Crowe will be in attendance as City, State and County Proclamations of Irish Week 2011 are issued. Also among the special guests will be the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshals, Mike and John McKay, and other dignitaries. Advance reservations are required – for tickets ($30 pp for the salmon lunch) and more information, click on www.irishclub.org or call Jane at 206-361-1713.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13
Matt Talbot Dinner
6 pm, F X McRory’s. This annual fundraiser for Seattle’s downtown Homeless Program named for Dubliner Matt Talbot, completely closes down F X McRory’s to raise funds for the Belltown area treatment program serving the homeless, addicted and mentally ill, and also to fund their new transitional housing for homeless women. Tickets ($100 suggested) at Talbot@irishclub.org or www.mtcenter.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Seniors’ Luncheon
2 pm, F. X. McRory’s. A special St. Patrick’s Day lunch for Irish Seniors and their spouses or significant others, organized by the Irish Immigrant Support Group. There’s a special seniors’ menu (Salmon or Corned Beef) at $10 pp. Advance reservations are required – please make reservations to Lorraine at Seniors@irishclub.org.