Irish Network Colorado (INCO) kicked off the first community service program at Rocky Mountain PBS on August 19th in Denver. The non-profit, public television station provides free programming to the residents of Colorado encouraging them to discover provocative and inspiring local, national and international programming. Twelve INCO members staffed the phone banks during a donation drive that occurred during a live broadcast featuring a performance from Clannad, an Irish folk rock group. Clannad features new age and Celtic sounds while incorporating other jazz elements to produce a unique sound that has garnered them a large following. The program was a prelude to a Denver concert on October 23rd at the Paramount Theater and will be replayed several times over the next six weeks.

It was evident that all INCO members enjoyed themselves while coming together to help a great organization such as RMPBS. Several brand new members sat side-by-side with INCO veterans and shared a laugh or two between broadcasts. “As a new member, I was happy to find such a positive and welcoming group at the PBS pledge drive,” said Carly Bacon. “I am very much looking forward to participating in upcoming events and meeting the rest of the INCO members.”

In addition to the PBS event in August, members of the Colorado Rapids made a surprise visit to INCO’s Happy Hour on August 8th at Scruffy Murphy’s Irish Pub. President Tim Hinchey, Marketing VP Jeff Johnson and Assistant Coach Paul Caffrey all mingled with INCO members and new-members alike. Caffrey, a Dubliner, chatted with attendees about his football career, his path to Denver and the strategies of the Rapids season going forward. Although he couldn’t reveal extensive details about the season, he did chat about the positives they have seen this season with some young players as well as challenges faced due to injury. Although the season isn’t going as they have hoped, the Rapids coaches and front office were very transparent about the state of the club, where it’s going and how they want to get it there. It was a pleasant surprise to welcome them and INCO members were happy to accommodate such wonderful company.

Upcoming Events:

Discovery Lunch: September 21: 11:30-1:00 p.m. Strings Restaurant
Caoimhin Mac Gill Mhin and Dr. Francis Costello will speak on An Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, the fund set up to help develop Irish language capital projects within the expanding Irish-language sector. The emphasis is on the development needs of the Irish language in Northern Ireland and they will speak on the program, its successes, challenges and goals. What a great topic!

Register today at irishnetworkco.com.