In March of 1983 a group of local Celtic musicians planed an event billed as the First Texas Ceili. It was held in their popular local pub, the NFL.

So popular was the event that the organizers went on to form the Southwest Celtic Music Association and planned to hold a similar event each year.

That Ceili is now known as the North Texas Irish Festival, and 2002 marks the 20th anniversary.

The NFL was located in what is now the lower level of Pappadeaux Seafood Restaurant, 3520 Oak Lawn, Dallas. Just north of the intersection of Oak Lawn and Lemmon Avenue.  

First NFL Reunion

Friday, March 1st, 2002, 8:00 - 11:00 pm

featuring

Jigsaw ~ The Irish Rogues

and, together again for this Festival only,
the NFL house band for 11 years,

The Irish Texans

Admission by donation of three canned goods or $5 per person.
All proceeds to the North Texas Food Bank.

Saturday Schedule
Available February

Sunday Schedule
Available February

The Irish Texans genesis was in 1973 at the Quiet Man on Lemmon Ave, thanks to the late Mike Carr. They later played Friday evenings at the NFL from its opening until 1984 when it finally closed its doors.

The band lineup, which has not changed in 29 years still comprises, from left to right, Scot Blackwell (bass guitar) Glen Pearson (keyboards), Terry O'Reilly (vocals), Bill Lockard (drums), Jim Jones (lead guitar) and Joe Weisgerber (rhythm guitar).