Traditional Irish Stick Fighting demonstration at Alpha-1 Fundraiser
Saturday, March 9, 2024 / 7:00 pm- 11:00 PM
Boston Marriott Newton, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton MA 02466
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Alpha-1, is an inherited, degenerative disorder affecting the lungs and liver. Despite being rare, Alpha-1 is the only proven genetic cause of COPD.
Saint Patrick’s Day holds special meaning for the American Alpha-1 community, as the Alpha-1 Foundation’s founder, John Walsh, who suffered from the disorder, was of Irish descent. He established Massachusetts’s first Celtic Connection celebration 16 years ago as an awareness fundraiser.
Each year, a worthy physician is recognized by the “Shillelagh” award. The Shillelagh is the traditional fighting stick of Ireland, a symbol of Irish strength and resilience and this year, for the very first time, Irish Stick Fighting will be demonstrated on the CELTIC CONNECTION stage.
We are honored to announce the appearance of instructors John Borter and Trish Chiovari of DOYLE IRISH STICK FIGHTING, WHISKEY STICK FACTION, N.Y.
Bataireacht, or Irish Stick Fighting is a storied form of self defense, play and matter of Irish pride. John and Trish are certified instructors of the Doyle style and have introduced this rewarding practice to hundreds of students from their schools in Albany, Watervliet, Rochester NY, and Frackville PA, as well as teaching students worldwide across the US, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Croatia, Hong Kong, utilizing an online distance learning program via Zoom. John and Trish are true friends to the community and generous supporters of the Alpha-1 cause.
The event will also feature a world class Irish Step Dancing demonstration by the students of the internationally renowned, Harney’s Academy of Irish Dance. To accompany the delicious Irish dinner, traditional Irish music will be performed by Hogan’s Goat and there will be plenty of high spirited fun as well as an auction of Irish and just plain wonderful items and experiences, all to raise much needed cash for Alpha-1 research.
This St. Patrick’s Day season, it is worth noting that a study presented at the Irish Thoracic Society’s annual scientific meeting for 2008, highlighted the elevated prevalence of Alpha-1 in Ireland. This awareness only heightens the need for Alpha-1 detection and the research needed to find a cure for this dreaded disorder. Free and confidential testing for Alpha-1 is available at alpha1.org.
Interviews available with John Borter and Trish Chiovari of the Irish Stick as well as Richard Lovrich, Alpha-1 Patient Advocate.
Richard Lovrich / Lovrich@me.com / 518 461 7493
