WEST HAVEN, Jan. 13, 2025 — (Pictured, back center): Mayor Dorinda Borer and state Rep. Bill Heffernan join owner Kathy Carew of the Mulkerin School of Irish Dance to celebrate the grand opening of the school’s studio at 263 Center St. on Friday, Jan. 10, as members of the Carew family and students and assistants of the school look on.
The late-afternoon ceremony recognized Mulkerin’s first-ever studio while also marking the school’s 85th anniversary. The studio is based in the lower level of the West Haven Masonic Building.
In addition to celebrating the occasion with an ensemble of loved ones and friends, Carew received a mayoral citation from Borer and a General Assembly citation from Heffernan, D-West Haven, on behalf of the city’s delegation.
Borer, who read her citation before presenting it to Carew, said, “The residents of West Haven join me in honoring this school and the culture it represents to our vibrant downtown and community.”
The Mulkerin school, founded in 1939 by Carew’s mother, Kathleen Mulkerin, is recognized as “one of the first Irish dancing schools in Connecticut and has inspired generations of talented performers,” the mayor said.
Now led by Carew, the school continues to share its passion for Irish dance and music by offering traditional and modern Irish dance classes for all ages and skill levels.
“The Mulkerin family has represented our city with class, dignity and pride,” Borer said.
(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)
(City Photos/Michael P. Walsh)
