After the death of a local cook, the population meets for the Irish Fest

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The annual Kansas City Irish Fest begins this weekend with some changes to the festival following the tragic death of a beloved local chef.

This year's celebrations are filled with sadness as the local Irish community mourns the death of Shaun Brady, a popular Kansas City restaurant owner.

“This year it's just going to be a little harder and we're really going to miss Shaun,” said Kelly O'Neill Wenzell, executive director of the KC Irish Fest.

Shuan Brady, who tragically passed away on Wednesday, played a central role in the celebration. Brady has hosted a special breakfast for the community since 2017. This year, the breakfast was canceled.

“The Irish are known for coming together in times of celebration, but also in times of grief. And the Kansas City Irish Fest community, the festival itself, is what we do. We come together, celebrate together and mourn together. And this weekend we'll be doing a lot of both,” O'Neill said.

Brady, who was part of the Irish Fest board, had a huge impact on the lives of those who knew him. Erin Gabert, a board member, said they hope to bridge his absence through community outreach.

“We're doing our best to just be there for each other and figure out how we as a community can best support his family in particular. You know, they've been a very big part of his role at Irish Fest and supporting him through it,” Gabert said.

The board has set up a GoFundMe page for Shaun and his family.
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KSHB 41 reporter Marlon Martinez covers Platte and Clay counties in Missouri. Share your story idea with Marlon.