OK, these might be some easy questions, but let’s give it a try. What Irish playwright and poet pinned “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “The Picture of Dorian Gray”? This is probably pretty easy – Oscar Wilde. Who wrote the short story collection “The Dubliners”? Another easy one – James Joyce. One of the most famous prehistoric sites sits in County Meath and served as a passage tomb. Give up, Newgrange.
If trivia is your game and you might know a whole lot about Ireland, why not get involved in the Third Annual Irish Trivia Night at the Irish Center in Union Station? Guinness and McGonigle’s sponsor the event. Last year, the Irish Museum and Cultural Center staff marked 19 teams. This year, they are hoping for at least 25 teams. Programming and communications director Rachel Casey, who has been with the center since its opening, says some of the teams simply enjoy playing (even if their knowledge about Ireland is lacking) and drinking.
Teams come from area businesses, friends, schools and other organizations. If someone wants to participate and doesn’t have a team, an individual can register and a team will be formed. And don’t worry about being Irish, Casey says, DNA is not checked at the door. “If you appreciate all things Irish, come on in and give this a try. It’s fun and people gain some great facts just by playing,” she says.
All registrations are due Feb. 1. The winning team receives a cash prize and bragging rights. Irish Trivia Night supports operations and programming of the Irish Museum and Cultural Center.
The Irish Museum and Cultural Center also different classes and programs. Irish Gaelic classes are Wednesday evenings for 10 weeks starting Jan. 20; Irish Tinwhistle classes, starting Jan. 21, 7 p.m., 10 weeks; 2-4 p.m., Jan. 24, Kansas City School of Irish Music Teacher concert and IMCC volunteer recognition; literature club, 6:30 p.m., Jan. 26; and Youth Talent & Art Showcase, 2 p.m., Feb. 28.
