Sober Seventeenth, Inc. presents a lively, family-friendly, alcohol-free St. Patrick's Day celebration with the best of Irish entertainment and culture on March 17th, 2016 at Ahern's Banquet Center in Avon Lake. Tickets include food, soft drinks, entertainment, and free parking. Until March 9, 2016, a $5.00 discount per ticket is available for NEOhioPAL subscribers at www.sober17.org by using at the Flash Sale listing and entering the code: FUN17. Tickets are ordinarily $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Full details about the event are below. Sober Seventeenth reclaims the day with top Irish culture and entertainment Contact: Jack Kilroy at 440-759-1253 or sober17th@gmail.com A sober St. Patrick’s Day party, sponsored by Sober Seventeenth, Inc., returns to Avon Lake’s Ahern’s Banquet Center to offer a family friendly, rip-roaring good time from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday, March 17th, 2016 for the second consecutive year in the Greater Cleveland area. Master of Ceremonies for the event is noted civic leader William Denihan, Executive Director of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County who described the celebration as “A new party, a new way,” Denihan added, “Sober Seventeenth breaks the binge drinking stereotype by offering the best of Irish culture and entertainment in a family friendly and alcohol free setting.” Sober Seventeenth President Jack Kilroy, a local attorney, said that many friends, upon hearing of his plans for a sober St. Patrick’s event, asked, “have ye gone mad?” But the first two sober St. Patrick’s Day parties, Kilroy said, “were sold out successes and, unfortunately, we had to turn people away.” He added, “People came early, stayed late, and left smiling.” “The liquor industry hijacked a day that started in Ireland as a religious feast and, what developed with the early parades in America, as a repudiation of anti-Irish bigotry. They turned it into an excuse of binge drinking, which only brings back anti-Irish stereotypes. We’re taking it back and reclaiming the day for families and our Irish culture. “It’s a great day for families and we offer a chance for parents to expose their kids to Irish culture in a safe and enriching setting. Those in recovery or who just don’t want to be around binge drinking are no longer doomed to sit at home as we offer a great alcohol-free party. Anyone who wants to experience Irish music, dance, and culture in a fun affordable setting is welcome at Sober St. Patrick’s Day®,” Kilroy added. more The Northern Ohio event is sponsored by Sober Seventeenth, Inc., a nonprofit corporation with support from the Lorain County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (LCADA) and the Cuyahoga County ADAMHS Board. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 10 & under. Admission includes food, entertainment and free parking. Tickets are available for purchase at *www.sober17.org <http://www.sober17.org>* The entertainment lineup includes: *The James Kilbane Band*, featuring award winning singer-guitarist and multi-platinum recording artist James Kilbane, direct from Ireland backed up by bass, fiddle, and drums. James Kilbane is a versatile and energetic performer who will present an array of old Irish favorites and lively popular Irish music for all ages. *Mary Agnes Kennedy,* singer and guitarist, is one of the most popular performers of Irish ballads and folk music in the Greater Cleveland area. The red-haired Mary with the black acoustic guitar is frequently heard at the Irish American Club East Side as well as the West Side Irish American Club. Mary Agnes emerged as a rising star on the Cleveland Irish scene as the featured singer with Alec and Darby’s Folk at Darby O’Toole’s over 25 years ago. Mary Agnes left the band for a flirtation with Nashville but fortunately for Cleveland audiences, she returned several years ago with her strong expressive voice and solo performances. *Brady-Campbell School of Irish Dance* is led by Dublin, Ireland native Rebecca Brady and Patrick Campbell of North Ridgeville. Rebecca and Patrick each performed for Michael Flatley’s ‘Lord of the Dance’, and later became part of Michael Flatley’s show ‘Celtic Tiger.’ Their award-winning dance school is located in the West Park neighborhood of Cleveland. *Kathleen O’Donnell, Ohio Rose of Tralee* is a 21 year old college senior who has been on the Dean’s List throughout her studies majoring in education in math natural science. Kathleen is trained in ballet and enjoys hoop dancing, modeling, graphic design, painting and spending time with friends. Kathleen has Irish roots in Counties Donegal and Kilkenny. *Siobhan McCarthy* is a 27 year old harpist, who is trained in classical music including piano, harp, visual arts, opera and ballet. Siobhan has performed with the Cleveland Opera Chorus and has contributed to music education publications. She earned a BA in Music from Akron University. Additionally, performers from *The St. Ignatius Circus* will amaze with their magical juggling, and Sean Moore Vocal Competition finalist *Sydney Lally* of Medina, Ohio will make a cameo singing appearance. Further details are available at www.sober17.org *Contact: Jack Kilroy at 440-759-1253 or sober* -- Jack Kilroy Tel. 440-759-1253 * People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.* (George Bernard Shaw, Irish writer) http://www.facebook.com/pages/John-P-Kilroy-Co-LPA/227957677221720 www.jackkilroy.com