AVOCA – Irish music filled Saint Mary’s Hall late last month as parishioners of Queen of the Apostles Parish gathered for an evening of food, fellowship and a celebration of the heritage that has been part of their community for generations.
An “Irish Night” held on Aug. 29, 2026, brought approximately 125 people together to enjoy traditional Irish food, live Celtic music, and a performance by the Joyce School of Irish Dance.
When asked why the parish decided to put the event together, chairman Jimbo McMahon smiled and offered a short, simple response.
“Because it’s Avoca and Avoca is Irish,” he said.
The evening featured a traditional Irish buffet prepared by Chef Eugene Philbin, an Avoca native and parishioner, including Irish sausage with red onion and whiskey gravy, tender beef prepared with Guinness stout and red wine gravy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes with cabbage and greens, seasonal vegetables, Irish soda bread and homemade desserts.
Guests also enjoyed live music from The Quietmen, a Dalton-based group performing Irish and Celtic music, folk favorites and popular acoustic songs spanning several decades.
For Father Thomas Petro, who became Pastor of Queen of the Apostles Parish in July 2025, the evening was an opportunity to honor parishioner’s cultural roots that stretch back more than 150 years.
“Our parish was established in the year 1871. The church (Saint Mary Church) was built in 1874,” Father Petro explained. “Since that time, Irish Catholics have been living and praying and celebrating in Avoca and we wanted to continue a little bit of that tradition.”
The celebration also provided an opportunity for parishioners to gather with one another and spend time with Father Petro, if they hadn’t yet had the opportunity to meet him.
“Here at Saint Mary’s, we have a long tradition in Avoca of being Irish, Catholic and being proud of that,” Father Petro added.
For parishioner Jackie Galvin, the evening was particularly meaningful.
“It’s just really nice to have an event where we can celebrate all those things that are important to us, in terms of our heritage and our faith,” she said.
Galvin, a third-generation Irish American, said her family has deep ties to Saint Mary Church, where she and her husband were married and where their son is receiving his sacraments.
“I think it’s important to remember where you came from,” she said. “Our ancestors came here for a better life and to help build America.”
The turnout of parishioners was especially encouraging for organizers, who hope to hold similar events in the future.
“Everybody was so happy. The food was delicious,” McMahon said. “I’m glad everybody showed up and I’m looking forward to doing it again.”