Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Updates 11/26/08

A few other reminders:

BUSES
For any schools arriving by bus, the Hyatt Regency has asked that you use the North Drop-off. If questions, please contact the Hyatt Regency, 614-463-1234

DELIVERIES
There were a few issues in Columbus in 2005 with items being shipped to the hotel from overseas. A duty or extra tax was charged. This was not a hotel charge but from somewhere else, but was passed on to the recipient of the package. Please know that if you are having packages shipped directly to the hotel, you will be responsible for any additional charges.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

GENERAL INFORMATION

Oireachtas 2008 – Fun Facts
Total of 1405 solo competitors entered (32 less than 2007).
Team entries are up! Total of 238 ceilis, choreographies, and dramas. There were 222 teams in Chicago in 2007 and 221 teams in Chicago in 2006. The only recent Oireachtas that has had more teams was 2005 Columbus with 249 teams.
661 Traditional Set dancers; a record high since adding these competitions in 2005.

Admission Sales
Admission to the Oireachtas is $10 per day, or $25 for a three-day weekend pass.
Programs are $15.
Advance Admission Sales will be available in the Convention Center (Admission counters at the bottom of the escalator) on Thursday evening from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
Cash or check (payable to Oireachtas 2008) accepted.
Doors to the Convention Center will open at 7:00am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Changing Areas
A girls changing area and boys changing area will be available inside the exhibit hall near Stage E (see venue map). Do not leave unattended items inside.

Curfew
Curfew is 11:00pm for all children throughout the Hyatt Regency.

First Aid
First Aid will be available during the competitions in the First Aid room, C120 in the Convention Center.

Lost & Found
Lost and Found will be located at the Admission Counter in the Convention Center.

MASS
Mass will be celebrated at 5:30pm on Saturday in Stage B.

Postings
The top 50% of the traditional set competitions and ceili team competitors receiving awards will be posted in numerical order as available each afternoon in the area marked "postings" (see venue map) in the hallway outside of Stage E.

Schedule
Click here for the schedule

Thanksgiving Buffet
The Hyatt is hosting a Buffet on Thanksgiving Day from 3:00pm till 10:00pm.

T-Shirt Sales
Official Oireachtas merchandise will be available from Northwest Designs. They will be available on Thursday evening and throughout the weekend in the Convention Center hallway.

Used Costumes for Sale
There will be coat racks available along the wall between the changing areas in the Exhibit Hall near Stage E if you wish to display a used costume for sale. The Oireachtas is not responsible for any lost or damaged property. Hang at your own risk.

We hope you enjoy your weekend in Columbus! Safe travels!!

Ann Richens ADCRG & John Timm ADCRG
Oireachtas 2008 Co-Chairs
&
The 2008 Oireachtas Committee

Adjudicators & Musicians

The final listing of adjudicators and musicians is as follows:

ADJUDICATORS:
Anne Boland-Kelly -- Dublin, Ireland
Brendan Brady -- Massachusetts, USA
Mairead Casey -- Cork, Ireland
Lisa Chaplin-McAllister -- Massachusetts, USA
Bernadette Downey -- Meath, Ireland
Grainne Feely -- Kildare, Ireland
Liam Harney -- Massachusetts, USA
Ann Kidd -- Birmingham, England
Brendan Lynch -- New Jersey, USA
Colette McAllister -- Dublin, Ireland
Siobhan McDonnell -- Sligo, Ireland
Erin Pender-LeVine -- Connecticut, USA
Mona Roddy-Lennon -- Louth, Ireland
Carole Scanlon -- Birmingham, England
Jimmy Smith -- Kerry, Ireland

MUSICIANS:
Merv Bell -- Piano - Alberta, Canada
Jessica Bell -- Piano - Alberta, Canada
Ryan Duns, SJ -- Accordion - New York, USA
Sandy Jones -- Fiddle - Ohio, USA
Pat King -- Accordion - Ontario, Canada
Cormac O’Se -- Accordion - Minnesota, USA
Seamus O’Sullivan -- Accordion - Glasgow, Scotland
Brian O’Sullivan -- Piano - Glasgow, Scotland
Tony Nother -- Accordion - Ontario, Canada
Theresa Shaffer -- Piano - Massachusetts, USA

Area Attractions

Dinner Dance

Dance Like a Star on Hollywood and Vine….
Saturday November 29, 2008
7-8pm Cocktail Hour
8pm Dinner & Dancing
Don’t miss out on a fabulous evening!


A LIMITED NUMBER OF DINNER DANCE TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
Tickets are $65
Payable to Oireachtas 2008
To purchase at the Oireachtas, stop by the admission desk from Noon to 2pm on Friday.
Pre-orders will be distributed to teachers at the Thursday meeting.
Remaining orders can be picked up at the admission desk on Friday from Noon to 2pm or at the event.
There is to be NO UNDERAGE DRINKING.
Like the last time in Columbus, the doors will be monitored and there will be no “crashing” so buy your ticket now!

Driving Directions





From Port Columbus Int'l Airport: Departing from the terminal at the Port Columbus International Airport, you are on International Gateway Drive. Go through the traffic light at Stelzer Road. Follow the signs to Rte. #670 West. Follow Rte. #670 West until you come to Third St./Convention Center exit. Take the Third Street exit and follow to Chestnut Street. Turn left on Chestnut Street. Turn left onto Fourth Street. Turn left onto Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency Columbus is located on the right side of Nationwide Blvd.

From I-71 North Bound: Take I-71 to I-70 East. Follow I-70 to the Fourth Street exit. Exit at Fourth Street (one-way North). Follow Fourth Street to Nationwide Blvd. Turn Left at Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency Columbus is located on the right side of Nationwide Blvd.

From I-71 South Bound: Take I-71 to downtown and exit at Spring Street (exit is to the left). Follow Spring Street to Fourth Street. Turn Right onto Fourth Street (get into the Left lane) and follow to Nationwide Blvd. Turn Left on Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency Columbus is located on the right side of Nationwide Blvd.

From I-70 East or West Bound: Take I-70 East or West to the Fourth Street exit. Follow Fourth Street exit to Nationwide Blvd. Turn Left on Nationwide Blvd. Hyatt Regency Columbus is located on the right side of Nationwide Blvd.

Kids' Party

HAIRSPRAY
Friday, November 28, 2008
6:30-9:30pm
Fairfield Room – Hyatt Regency on Level 2.
Join us for pizza, drinks and entertainment!
Entry is $10; tickets available at the door.

Numbers

Competitor numbers were mailed directly to the teachers last week. Numbers have been distributed in advance to reduce the time needed in the morning for checking-in dancers. This is the common practice for the All-Ireland's and Worlds and worked out well in Columbus in 2005.
Dancers do not need to check in, but must dance in numerical order. Don't miss your turn!
The round starting numbers will be printed in the program (available for purchase on Thursday evening and throughout the weekend). On the back of each number is the dancer’s name, competition # and set dance. In the event of a recall, soloists can change their set speed and dance when they check in for the recall round.
Any traditional set competition over 100 dancers was split in half by birthdate. The back side of the number also lists the traditional set split. Dancers are ordered in the program according to set dance. Traditional set dancers cannot change their dance.

Parking

Valet Parking at Hyatt Regency Columbus is $23 per night with unlimited in-out privileges. Self-parking in the underground garage attached to the Hyatt Regency/Convention Center is $14 per 24-hour period, but does NOT have in and out privileges. Additional self-parking is available one block east of the hotel on Nationwide Blvd. in the East Lot at $11 per 24-hour period. There are several other parking options in the area.

Parking Fee Information
Convention Center Parking Link

Practice Rooms

All rooms are located in the Hyatt Regency on Level 1 or Level 2.

ANAM MOR - Champaign
ARDAN ACADEMY - Madison
BELL SCHOOL - Garfield
BLACKBIRD ACADEMY - Hayes
BURKE - Delaware B
BURKE-CONROY - Delaware B
CANNON SCHOOL - Hayes
CASHEL DENNEHY - Harrison
CELTIC ACADEMY - Marion
CLARK ACADEMY - Hayes
CLARKSON SCHOOL - Harding
CORDA MOR - Champaign
CRAOI NA TIRE - Hayes
CROSS-KEYS SCHOOL - Grant
DENNEHY SCHOOL - Harrison
DILLON-GAVIN - Union B
EILISH SULLIVAN SCHOOL - Knox
ERICKSON ACADEMY - Morrow
FLANAGAN-O'HARE SCHOOL - Marion
FOY SCHOOL - Hayes
GLENCASTLE - Delaware C
GOGGIN-CARROLL SCHOOL - Hayes
GRAHAM ACADEMY - Fayette
HERITAGE ACADEMY - Hayes
HUGHES ACADEMY - Hayes
KEIGHER ACADEMY - Hayes
KINSELLA ACADEMY - Garfield
LAVIN CASSIDY - Union A
LENEGHAN ACADEMY - Union E
MASTERSON SCHOOL - Hayes
MAYER SCHOOL - Delaware C
McCLANAHAN SCHOOL - Morrow
McGING IRISH DANCERS - Franklin C
McMENAMIN ACADEMY - Morrow
McNULTY SCHOOL - Union E
McTEGGART - Hayes
MULHERN SCHOOL - Union C
MULLANE-HEALY-O'BRIEN - Delaware D
MURPHY IRISH ARTS CENTER - Franklin A
NUGENT SCHOOL - Union D
O'FAOLAIN ACADEMY - Union D
O'LEARY-MANNING - Hayes
O'RIADA ACADEMY - Union E
O'SHEA - Champaign
QUINN SCHOOL - Hayes
REGAN ACADEMY - Knox
RICHENS/TIMM ACADEMY - Franklin D
RINCE NIA ACADEMY - Hayes
SCOIL NA dTRI ACADEMY - Union C
SCOIL RINCE NI CHIARA - Union B
SHAMROCK SCHOOL - Hayes
SHEILA TULLY ACADEMY - Madison
SHOVLIN ACADEMY - Union D
SULLIVAN SCHOOL - Hayes
TIM O'HARE SCHOOL - Delaware A
TRINITY ACADEMY - McKinley
WHELAN IRISH DANCERS - Hayes
WORLD ACADEMY - Franklin B

Perpetual Trophy Return

Please return perpetual trophies to Bill Butke in the awards room on Thursday - C124 in the Columbus Convention Center (marked on the venue map). Please be sure that your name is engraved and the trophy is polished.

Results

Detailed results will be available for sale as soon as possible following each night's award ceremony. Results will also be available for sale on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the "Result Sales” window (see venue map) outside of Stage E. Results are $5 per competition.
A list of placements will also be posted on this site throughout the weekend.

Restaurant Guide

One of the great features of the Columbus Oireachtas is being located in the heart of the arena district with numerous eating options available!

This guide has been put together for your convenience (and is subject to change). Enjoy!

Dining Options within a couple blocks of Hyatt/Convention Center:

Hyatt Hotel (350 N. High St., 614-463-1234)
Thanksgiving Day Buffet, 3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 28, 6:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 6:30 a.m. -10:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 6:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Max & Erma’s (Crown Plaza, 55 Nationwide Blvd., 614-228-5555) All-American favorites
Open Thanksgiving Day 12:00 (noon) – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 28, 6:30 a.m.-midnight
Saturday, Nov. 29, 7:00 a.m.-midnight
Sunday, Nov. 30, 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Rise & Dine (277 W. Nationwide Blvd., 614-222-3008) Great breakfast and lunch
Friday, Nov. 28, 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Buca di Beppo, (343 N. Front St., 614-621-3287) Southern Italian, family style
Friday, Nov. 28, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 11:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.

Ted’s Montana Grill (191 W. Nationwide Blvd., 614-227-0013) Fresh-made beef or bison burgers
Friday, Nov. 28, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

bd’s mongolian barbeque (295 Marconi Blvd., 614-586-0077) Create your own stir-fry
Friday, Nov. 28, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Boston’s The Gourmet Pizza (191 W. Nationwide Blvd., 614-229-4275) Restaurant and sports bar
Friday, Nov. 28, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Cotter’s Restaurant (200 W. Nationwide Blvd., 614-221-9060) Fine casual cuisine
Friday, Nov. 28, 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Japanese Steak House (470 N. High St., 614-228-3030) American/Japanese cuisine
Friday, Nov. 28, 11:15-1:15 p.m.; 5:15-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 4:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Martini Italian Bistro (445 N. High St., 614-224-8259) Upscale Italian cuisine and martini menu
Friday, Nov. 28, 4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Morton’s the Steakhouse (Two Nationwide Plaza, 614-464-4442) Nationally known steakhouse
Friday, Nov. 28, 5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 5:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m.

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant (401 Front St., 614-246-2900)
Upscale casual, Fresh-brewed lagers
Friday, Nov. 28, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Frog Bear & Wild Boar Bar (343 N. Front St., 614-621-9453) Bar serving American cuisine
Friday, Nov. 28, 4:00 p.m.-2:30 a.m. (kitchen closes 1:00a.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 30, 4:00 p.m.-2:30 a.m. (kitchen closes 1:00 a.m.)

O’Shaugnessy’s Irish Pub (401 N. Front St., 614-224-6767)
Authentic Irish pub/food
Friday, Nov. 28, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. (kitchen closes 11:00 p.m.)
Saturday, Nov. 29, 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. (kitchen closes 11:00 p.m.

North Market, (59 Spruce St., 614-463-9664) Public market with more than 15 food vendors including Jeni’s Fresh Ice Cream
Friday, Nov. 28, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 29, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 30, noon-5:00 p.m.

Convention Center Food Court: lower level convention center; open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and after; hours typically 6:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. during Oireachtas

Food Court: All American Hamburgers; Charley’s Grilled Subs; Chicken ‘n Eggs, Fame’s Diner; Mykonos Gyros; Noble Roman’s pizza; Siam Express; Subway; JaVa’s Cyber Espresso Bar; Goodrich Famous Ice Cream; Nielsen’s Convenience Store

Tan Envy (Spray Tan)

Spray Tans will be available on site!
Starting Thursday from 6-10pm and throughout the weekend.

Legs Only $20 (approximately 5 minutes)
Full Body $35 (approximately 15 minutes)

For appointments contact Shane Schaefer:
Call - 740-815-2235
Email - shane@tan-envy.net or sschaef1@columbus.rr.com

Shane is a featured distributer on http://www.tan-envy.net/



Dancers will need to wear a bathing suit or suitable clothing.
Please check the website for further pre-tanning instructions.








Thanksgiving Dinner


THANKSGIVING BUFFET - HYATT REGENCY
NOVEMBER 27, 2008
3:00 – 10:00 pm


THE MARKET STAND

Chef’s Soup and Salad Bar
Crisp Romaine Lettuce
Baby Field Greens
Toppings to Include: Croutons, Cheese, Bacon Bits, Carrots, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers and Broccoli
Ranch, French, Balsamic and Caesar Dressings
Lemon Chicken and Almond Salad
Seafood Salad
Butternut Squash Bisque
Iowa Sweet Corn Chowder

TRADITIONAL FAVORITES
Sliced Smoked Ham with Mango Pineapple Chutney
Sage and Cornbread Stuffing
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Glaze
Grandma’s Green Bean Casserole

THE CARVING BOARD
Golden Roasted Tom Turkey
Fluffy, Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Pan Gravy
Soft Rolls and Whipped Butter
Classic Cranberry Sauce

GRANDE FINALE
Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Pecan Pie, Cookies and Brownies


Adults $20.00
Children 6 to 12 are ½ price
Children 5 and under are free


RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. CALL 614-463-1234

Vendors

Vendors will be located in the hallways of the convention center. They will be open for sale on Thursday, November 27th from 6:00-10:00pm as well as throughout the weekend.

4 Irish Dancers
Ballinvilla Products
Blarney
Celtic By Design
Celtic Imports
CeltiCrafters
Curly Girlz
Dearly Yours
Emerald Key
Feis America
Harrington Photography
Irish Dance Magazine
Irish Dancing Store
Kilkenny Creations
Lemon Slice Bags
Northwest Designs – Official Oireachtas Merchandise*
O'Casey's Irish Store
Rod Vick
Tan Envy (Spray Tan)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Venue & Map

The Venue - Oireachtas 2008

Due to construction in Batelle Hall (the main stage/results stage with stadium seating used in 2003 & 2005), all competitions are being held in the Columbus Convention Center, which is attached to the Hyatt Regency, Crowne Plaza, and Drury. Stages A, B, and C are connected; Stage D is stand alone; Stage E is an enormous exhibit hall with stadium seating. Everyone will have an excellent seat for awards! They are all very close to one another and on the same floor.


Since the ballroom space in the hotel is now free of stages, we were able to assign schools to practice rooms in the Hyatt Regency. (See Practice Rooms)

For security purposes, there will be only one entrance into the Oireachtas Venue at the convention center. The main entrance is located at the south side of the convention center at the bottom of the escalators where the convention center and walkway to the Hyatt connect. The doors along High Street, which are across from the Hampton will not be in use, emergency exit access only. The closest and most convenient hotels are indeed the three host hotels that are connected to the convention center, The Hyatt, The Crowne, and the Drury. If you are staying in the Hampton you will have to walk up High Street to the Hyatt/Convention Center connector and enter there.
The Columbus Convention Center is a fabulous, spacious location and we hope everyone enjoys the facility!