Established in 1901, the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago was formed by a dedicated collective of Irish-American individuals with the objective of fostering a positive perception of the Irish community within the city. Over the course of a century, the IFC has experienced remarkable expansion, raising over $1 million in funds to provide extensive support to Catholic education in the Chicagoland area, alongside fostering Irish cultural institutions
Opening Letter
Father Jack Clair
Dear IFC Members and Friends,
We are delighted to have our newsletter published again. Welcome to all of you. We exist to celebrate our Irish heritage and to raise money for scholarships to our local Catholic High School students. We need your help. The more people we have as members the more funds we are able to raise.
It is simple way to make our Club grow – invite your friends to be members.
In my main job, as President of Misericordia Home, I have the opportunity to work with a lot of these young people as they come to volunteer as Misericordia. This is a great generation and we need to support them as they pursue their education. Thank you for all you do to support these efforts.
The high holy days are almost here. Invite some friends to join us! God Bless You All.
123 Years of Tradition: The Irish Fellowship Club’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dinner
This Friday, the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago will host its 123rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dinner at the Hilton Chicago, continuing a beloved tradition that dates back to 1902—just one year after the club’s founding. Over the years, this prestigious event has welcomed countless distinguished guests, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Chicago’s Irish-American community.
A Legacy of Notable Guests
Throughout its history, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dinner has drawn a remarkable lineup of honorees. In 1910, President William Howard Taft attended as the Guest of Honor. Nearly two decades later, in 1928, William T. Cosgrave, the first President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State, was celebrated at the event.
One of the most historic moments in the dinner’s legacy came in 1956, when John F. Kennedy—then a U.S. Senator, years before his presidency—delivered a powerful speech. Addressing the theme of freedom and sovereignty, Kennedy passionately declared that the United States must “speak out boldly for freedom for all people, whether they are denied that freedom by an iron curtain or by a paper curtain of colonial ties and constitutional manipulations.” His words resonated deeply, particularly within Chicago’s proud Irish-American community.
Honoring Leadership in 2025
This year’s dinner continues its tradition of recognizing outstanding leaders. The 2025 Grand Marshal is Mark McManus, General President of the United Association, and the Guest of Honor is Mary Ellen Caron, Ph.D., CEO of After School Matters. Their leadership ties directly into this
year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade theme: “Trade, Technology, and Education.”
The theme reflects a growing partnership between signature trade organizations and Chicago Public Schools, designed to educate and recruit students into skilled trades—specifically plumbing. By highlighting this initiative, the Irish Fellowship Club continues to uphold its mission of fostering community, opportunity, and Irish-American heritage.
The 70th Annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Following the dinner, on Staurday March 15th, the city’s 70th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take over downtown Chicago, featuring everything from bagpipers and Irish dancers to community organizations and charities. The parade route begins at Columbus Drive and Balbo and marches north to Monroe, drawing thousands of spectators eager to celebrate Irish culture.
As Chicago gathers once again to honor its deep Irish roots, the Irish Fellowship Club’s long-standing commitment to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations remains stronger than ever. With over a century of tradition, this annual event is not only a reflection of the past but a continued investment in the future of Chicago’s Irish-American community.
March in Chicago: A Month of Celebration, Culture, and Changing Seasons
Chicago is known for having one of the most spirited St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world. Every year, The Plumbers Local 130UA dyes the Chicago River a vibrant emerald green, drawing thousands of spectators to witness the transformation. The dyeing tradition, which began in 1962, is followed by the legendary Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where bagpipers, Irish dancers, and floats fill the streets with energy and excitement.
Beyond the downtown festivities, the South Side Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade bring the celebration to the city’s neighborhoods, creating a strong sense of community and Irish pride. Local bars and restaurants embrace the holiday with live music, Irish fare, and of course, plenty of Guinness and whiskey tastings.
Gaelic Park has an exciting lineup of events to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Festivities include a St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and a full schedule of live music at The Carraig. Later this month, don’t miss Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home, a heartfelt play written and performed by Breeda Kelly Miller. Inspired by her mother’s journey from Ireland through the later stages of life, the production beautifully captures the immigrant experience and the challenges of caring for aging parents. Tickets and more information are available on Gaelic Park’s website.
Across the city, the Irish American Heritage Center is hosting a packed calendar of events for all ages. In addition to their Thursday sessions and beloved Friday Fish Frys, the celebrations kick into high gear with St. Patrick’s Fest on Saturday, March 15th. Then, on St. Patrick’s Day, the Fifth Province Pub will feature a stellar live music lineup, kicking off at 4 PM with The Chancey Brothers. Whether you're looking for traditional music, great food, or a lively atmosphere, the IAHC is the perfect place to celebrate Irish heritage this March!
On Sunday, March 16th, you have the chance to catch not just one, but two fantastic parades celebrating Chicago’s Irish heritage. First up is the Northwest Side Irish Parade, now in its 22nd year. This community favorite marches along Northwest Highway, starting at Neola & Raven, bringing families, friends, and neighbors together for a lively celebration.
Meanwhile, on the South Side, the South Side Irish Parade continues its rich tradition. Originally founded in 1979 by two best friends, the parade quickly grew into one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day community celebrations outside of Dublin. Though it was briefly canceled in 2010, the event made a strong comeback, and the Beverly neighborhood has kept the tradition alive, ensuring its place as a cherished part of Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
You can’t go wrong with any of these celebrations! Whether it’s a long-standing family tradition or your first year in Chicago, we wish you—and all who celebrate—an amazing St. Patrick’s Day!
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!
Forever Green Celebrates 50 Years!
Nellie Murphy
On Friday, March 7th, the Young Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago hosted its milestone 50th Forever Green celebration. This iconic event, held at the stunning Theater on the Lake, drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 800 attendees, all coming together to honor Irish heritage, community, and charitable giving.
This year, the club introduced a special Alumni Happy Hour, marking the first official gathering of past board members to celebrate the organization’s rich history and lasting impact. Former board members reconnected, shared stories, and reflected on the club’s evolution over the past five decades. Many YIFC alumni have gone on to serve in leadership roles with the Irish Fellowship Club, further strengthening the bonds between Chicago’s Irish organizations.
As always, Forever Green was more than just a celebration—it was an opportunity to give back. This year’s event proudly supported Cara Chicago and Pat Mac’s Pack, two incredible charity partners dedicated to making a difference in the community. Through the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and donors, YIFC continues its mission of fostering fellowship while supporting meaningful causes across Chicago.
Who was St. Patrick? The Man, the Myth, the Snake Banisher
Ah, St. Patrick—beloved patron saint of Ireland, national icon, and the reason we all wear green, claim Irish heritage (even if it’s a stretch), and drink questionable amounts of Guinness every March 17th. But who was the real St. Patrick? What did he actually do? And most importantly, did he really chase all the snakes out of Ireland?
A British Kidnapped by the Irish—Talk About an Origin Story
St. Patrick wasn’t originally from Ireland—he was born in Britain in the 5th century into a Romanized family. His life took a dramatic turn when, at the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. Forced to work as a shepherd for six years, Patrick turned to his faith for strength and guidance.
Then one day, Patrick had a dream—a divine Uber notification, if you will—telling him there was a ship waiting to take him home. So, like any reasonable person, he escaped, found the ship, and made it back to Britain, where he reconnected with his family, narrowly avoided starvation, and probably thought, Phew, glad that
Ireland chapter is over.
A Call to Return
After reuniting with his family, Patrick had another vision—one that would change the course of his life. In his
dream, he saw the Irish people calling him back to them. Moved by this experience, he decided to enter religious life and eventually returned to Ireland, not as a captive, but as a missionary
Armed with faith and an extremely generous interpretation of job security, he marched back to the land where he was once enslaved and started converting people left and right. He traveled far and wide, baptized countless souls, and won over chieftains with his charm, diplomacy, and—let’s be honest—probably some impressive storytelling.
Snake Banishment & Other Legendary Feats
Now, let’s address the real question: Did St. Patrick actually kick all the snakes out of Ireland? Scientifically speaking, Ireland never had snakes to begin with. But let’s not ruin a good story with facts! Legend has it that Patrick stood atop a hill, raised his staff, and dramatically commanded all the snakes to slither into the sea. Were these snakes a metaphor for pagan beliefs? Probably. But we like to imagine Patrick yelling, "Be gone, ye legless heathens!" while shaking his fist at a bunch of confused reptiles.
Another well-known story is how he used a shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity—three leaves on one stem representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This simple yet powerful teaching method left a lasting impact, and the shamrock remains a national symbol of Ireland to this day.
The Legacy of Ireland’s Favorite Saint
Despite facing danger, doubt, and a serious lack of modern comforts (like indoor plumbing), Patrick’s mission was transformative. He helped establish Christianity, influenced countless lives, and left behind writings that give us a glimpse into his spiritual journey. By the time of his passing, believed to be on March 17th, he had become one of the most beloved figures in Irish history.
So, as you raise a glass this St. Patrick’s Day, take a moment to toast the man behind it all—a kidnapped shepherd-turned-missionary, a supposed snake-banisher, and the original shamrock influencer (way before it was trendy). More than just a legend, St. Patrick’s faith and determination left a lasting mark on history—and let’s be honest, gave us all a great excuse to celebrate.
Sláinte to you, St. Patrick🍀
Important Dates
March 13th, 2025- Last Day for online Raffle Ticket Sales for 2025 St. Patrick's Day Dinner
March 14th, 2025-Irish Fellowship Club St. Patrick's Day Parade Dinner
March 15th, 2025- 70th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 17th, 2025- St. Patrick's Day
July 14th, 2025- Irish Open Golf Outing at Ridgemoor Country Club
Resources
Thanks for reading! If you’d like to feature an event in the April newsletter, please email irishfellowshipclub@gmail.com. We’re always looking for ways to grow our community—one story at a time!
Unless otherwise noted under article title, all articles in this newsletter were written by Nellie Murphy, an IFC volunteer and YIFC Board Member.
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