A Celebration of Irish Music, Film, and People

 

location

Benson Theatre / Field Club of Omaha

celebrated on

March 7-8, 2024 / March 16, 2024

Activities

Omaha Irish Film Festival / Awards Brunch

OUR FIRST IRISH FILM FESTIVAL

With the support of the Government of Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme and the collaboration with the Chicago Irish Film Festival, the Omaha Irish Cultural Center presented Omaha’s inaugural Irish Film Festival. The Omaha Irish Film Festival was held over two evenings, March 7 and March 8, at the Benson Theatre.

 
 
 

MARCH 7, 6:00 PM COCKTAILS, 7:00 PM FEATURE FILM

The Feature Film selected for the first evening was Galway Film Fleadh’s 2023 Winner Best Irish First Feature, LIE OF THE LAND. This thriller film is an intense drama that unfolds as an elderly couple prepare to abandon their lives to escape a dire financial situation but a last-minute change of heart leaves them fighting for survival.

MARCH 8, 6:00 PM COCKTAILS, 7:00 PM SHORT FILMS

The second evening at Benson Theatre showcased a splattering of short films from an animated short about a bird’s hope to a short documentary on horseracing in Ireland. There was also a guest appearance from one of the writers of Trouble, Maura McDonnell. The winner of the shorts and recipient of a local Omaha pottery artist award was Street Musician. A sweet documentary about a teacher turned street musician with a wonderful voice.

The full list of shorts are:

Additionally, on the second evening a Feature Film, NO GOING BACK, made a return debut to Omaha. This comedic love story entertained guests, cast and family members.

MARCH 16, 2024 FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M. AT FIELD CLUB OF OMAHA

The Omaha Irish Cultural Center hosted an inaugural Awards Brunch to honor Omaha’s Irish-American Professionals in business, arts and culture, and public service.

Ed & John Creighton Excellence in Business Award

The OICC honored Michael Moylan with the Ed & John Creighton Excellence in Business Award. He is the owner of Shamrock Development, Inc. who has received awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Diplomat of the Year, from the Nebraska Diplomats, and whose company has also received awards for development, design and restoration.

Jack & Kathleen Cavanaugh Outstanding Public Service Award

The OICC bestowed the Jack & Kathleen Cavanaugh Outstanding Public Service Award to Dan Esch. Dan has been the Douglas County Clerk for the last eight years and has inspired others as a great public servant by being a quiet leader who prefers to take action instead of talking about taking action.

Father Edward Flanagan & Mother Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award

The OICC recognized Sister Maryann Stevens with the Father Edward Flanagan & Mother Catherine McAuley Lifetime Achievement Award. Sister Stevens is a recently retired President of College of Saint Mary, who is the longest serving President of the college and accredited with transforming the college into a thriving, financially-sound University.