Irish Singing Trio Shuns Traditional Parade, Will Walk in St. Patrick's Peace Parade

Veterans For Peace

For Immediate Release

Contact: Pat Scanlon, Office: 978-475-1776, Cell: 978-590-4248, email:Vets4PeaceChapter9@gmail.com 

Or Contact Eddie Duffy, the Friel’s Sisters Uncle: 617-869-2965

IRISH SINGING TRIO SHUNS TRADITIONAL PARADE

WILL WALK IN SAINT PATRICK’S PEACE PARADE

Boston, Mass. – March 14, 2014 – The Friel Sisters, beautiful and talented young Irish musical trio of three sisters has shunned the traditional Boston Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and plan to perform in the alternative Saint Patrick Peace Parade on Sunday, March 16.

Anna, Sheila and Clare Friel are three young traditional Irish musicians born in Glasgow with their family roots firmly entrenched in the Donegal Gaeltacht (Derry na mansher). Being siblings, they achieve a close blend on fiddle, flute, and uilleann pipes interspersed with songs sang in unison, many from their family and local repertoire. They have performed in various venues and festivals across Europe, America and Asia and have appeared as guests on stage with acts such as Altan, The Chieftains, and Cherish the Ladies.

“We see Saint Patrick’s Day as a day for fun and enjoyment for everyone. It’s a day for all to celebrate our heritage, music and culture and not to judge” said Clare the youngest of the sisters. “I was surprised to hear of the approach of the first parade,” stated Anna Friel one of the older twins. “On a recent trip to the Ulster Museum we learned that St. Patrick was a son of a prosperous family in Roman Britain and was taken to Ireland as a slave. He was a slave for six years before escaping and devoting himself to the church. It is clear that he faced struggles with inequality in his own life and it would be very interesting to imagine what his thoughts on the exclusionary and discriminatory practices would be in a celebration dedicated to him”.

Sheila, the third sister, added, “Everyone loves St. Patrick’s Day! In Ireland everyone is included, that is why we were surprised to hear about Boston and New York as it’s not something we even consider.” Anna added, “We are proud to participate in the Saint Patrick’s Peace Parade because Saint Patrick was a man of peace and there should be no exclusion on this special day. I hope it’s not too cold.”

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