It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, and the Covington Arts Council is encouraging locals to kick off the week when everyone wants to be Irish by hearing Young Irelanders.perform.

“They are very high-energy young Irish performers and musicians,” CAC Executive Director Paula Harr said. “They’re very much like the Celtic women.”

Each and every year the Irish Cultural Academy brings together some of its finest exponents of Irish traditional music, song, and dance as part of one sensational group known as The Young Irelanders. These performers are in their 20s and are unique among their piers, in that they are all world and Irish national champions in their disciplines; some also hold degrees in music.

At 2,700 kilometers, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is the name given to the longest signed coastal route in the world, which stretches along the west coast from Donegal to West Cork. The Young Irelanders’ 2018 tour is called the Wild Atlantic Way to demonstrate just how the traditional music of Ireland is influenced by Ireland’s inspirational Atlantic coast and the nine western counties this coastal trail embraces. Whether it be one of the much-loved vocal numbers like Galway Bay, the foot stomping beat of Kerry polkas, or a stirring air inspired by the Cliffs of Moher, The Young Irelanders deliver a performance which transports you to a part of the world untarnished by modernity and breathtaking in its beauty. This same setting has provided captivating scenes for many films including The Quiet Man, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince, Marley & Me, and Star Wars – The Force Awakens.

The Young Irelanders in 2018 is represented by performers who have, between them, received 10 Irish national titles, including:

• Aimee Fitzpatrick – Vocals
• Fionnan O Connor – Whistle & Pipes
• Rosie Ferguson – Fiddle
• Kevin Murphy – Accordion, Piano & Bodhrán
• Cillian MacCabe – Guitar, Banjo & Mandolin
• Enda Rafferty – Piano, Keyboards & Bass
• Joe Duffey – Dancer
• Ayla Reid – Dancer

The show is set for 7 p.m. on Mon., March 12. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, and $12 for students. They will be available beginning Wednesday at Harold’s and The Star-News.

CJ’s Grille will offer $1 off an entrée with presentation of a Young Irelanders’ ticket on the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.