2005 Milwaukee Irish Fest
Milwaukee Irish Fest's very special guests for 2005, our 25th anniversary year, were the President of Ireland Mary McAleese along with Minister Ó Cuív, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States Noel Fahey, and other dignitaries from Ireland and Northern Ireland. The president’s address to Irish Fest was held on Saturday at the Aer Lingus Stage at 3:00pm. Milwaukee Irish Fest also published a book on Irish Fest history and a double CD called Silver.
Celtic Roots Stage was launched in 2005, celebrating Irish culture's influence on American Popular music. Entertainers for the Music of the Generations showcase included David Kincaid, Mick Moloney, Bruce Molsky, a George M. Cohan Revue, A Tribute to Bing Crosby, Liam Clancy, Carmel Quinn, Salt Creek, and The Garrison Brothers.
Cultural offerings included the History of Irish Circuses, Irish weaver Beth Moran, St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations throughout the world, Paddy Postcards in Caricature, and customs related to Irish wakes. A History of the Gaelic Athletic Association exhibit was featured, and the Ward Irish Music Archives presented the American Irish Entertainment Hall of History.
Entertainment highlights included Schooner Fare, Tommy Makem, Danu, Paddy Reilly, Leahy, Off Kilter, Green Fields of America, Cherish the Ladies, Gaelic Storm, The Bridies, Armagh Rhymers, Black Brothers, Liz Carroll & John Doyle, Young Dubliners, Black 47, Wolfstone, and Seven Nations. Dancers included the Glencastle Irish Dancers, Trinity Irish Dancers, Cashel Dennehy Irish dancers, Kinsella Irish Dancers, Caledonian Scottish Dancers, and Gillan School of Highland Dance.