Irish Fair Minnesota was buzzing with music, laughter, and the unmistakable energy of Cosgrove Presents. This year, John Cosgrove brought his trademark wit and talent for connection to both the festival grounds and the airwaves, creating moments festivalgoers won’t soon forget.
The festival kicked off with John hosting a pub quiz that drew an incredible 52 teams. Clever team names, spontaneous jokes, and playful rivalries kept the tent roaring with laughter. With live scoring, fast banter, and John’s instinctive ability to read the room, trivia became more than a game—it was a full-room experience, equal parts comedy, competition, and community.
In the weeks leading up to the Fair, The Crafty Rogues podcast became an unofficial warm-up act, featuring some of the festival’s most exciting personalities and bringing listeners into the spirit of the event.
“We all marched to the beat of our special guest this week,” John quipped as he welcomed Ryan Lacey, percussionist for Irish Fair headliners Gaelic Storm. Ryan shared how the band “got its start on the Titanic and somehow didn’t sink after that,” promising a performance sure to reign over this year’s Fair. It was, as John put it, “the craic of thunder we needed.”
After a month away, John returned “fresh, rested, and full of craic,” bringing listeners along on his trip to the motherland. Recording on location in County Meath, he sat down with Boann distiller—and true character—Harry Evans. Their lively chat left everyone ready to “tip a glass with Harry himself at the Minnesota Irish Fair.”
John also welcomed musical powerhouse Eileen Ivers, the Bronx-born fiddle phenom who has won nine All-Ireland championships—“despite being of Mayo stock,” as John teased. Their conversation was equal parts warmth, wit, and musical insight, offering a perfect preview of her performance at the Fair.
Irish Fair featured these podcast episodes across social media, amplifying excitement and drawing crowds eager to connect with the stories and performers John highlighted. His humor, curiosity, and ease with every guest turned each episode into a must-listen invitation to the festival.
From the packed pub quiz tent to podcast episodes that carried listeners straight into the heart of Irish music and culture, John Cosgrove brought connection, laughter, and a generous dose of craic to every corner of the Minnesota Irish Fair.
What makes John’s presence so memorable is his ability to turn any gathering—on stage, around a table, or behind a microphone—into an experience that feels personal, engaging, and full of life. Whether he’s hosting a quiz, interviewing a festival headliner, or sparking conversation with thousands of attendees, John creates moments people remember.
If you’re planning a conference, festival, team event, or celebration and want to bring this same energy to your audience, John offers emcee services, interactive trivia, small-group facilitation, and live podcast experiences tailored to your needs.
Ready to make your next event unforgettable? Reach out to explore how John can bring connection, humor, and genuine engagement to your stage.
Let’s create something your audience won’t stop talking about. Reach out today to book John Cosgrove or to learn more about customizing an experience for your event.
