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Irish Primer 2010
by Brian Witt
Here it is, St. Patrick’s Day again, and it is a time to help you out in your knowledge of Ireland and the Irish. You can amaze your friends and family.
The Irish Connection To “Kidnapped”
James Annesley was an Irishman who had a valid claim to be the Earl of Anglesey. He was born in 1715 in Dunmaine, County Wexford. As a young teenager, Annesley was kidnapped, shipped to the American plantations, and sold as an indentured servant in 1728, on the orders of his uncle. His uncle later became the Earl of Anglesey. Annesley returned to Ireland in 1741. Annesley lacked the funds to pursue the claim to the Earldom, and was unable to have his case heard by the House of Lords. Robert Louis Stevenson used many of the facts of Annesley’s life as the backbone to Kidnapped, which details the story of David Balfour, a young Scotsman whose uncle tried to sell him, as well.
A River Runs Through It
The River Shannon runs through eleven counties in Ireland. It is also the longest river in the British Isles. The River Poddle flows under Dublin Castle. Belfast is where the river Lagan meets the Belfast Lough. And the River Dargle flows over the Powerscourt Waterfall.
Floating Along
John Barry, who was born in Wexford, was known as the Father of the American Navy. Admiral William Brown, was the Mayo-born man who became the Father of the Argentinean Navy. The Irish Naval Service names all of its ships with traditional Irish female names, taken from history and Celtic mythology.
Irish Organizational Advice
Brendan Behan once said that any Irish organization should have the invocation, then vote on the split.
And Milwaukee Irish Facts
The Shamrock Club was incorporated in 1960 with the names of Pat Meylor, Bernard Meylor and Eileen Aldrich as the incorporating names for the State of Wisconsin. The first meeting was held in the Plankinton Building.
Send a Child or Adult To School...
The Shamrock Club has given away over $25,000 in Irish Studies scholarships since 1972. Our first winner was Nancy Madden Walczyk. Since that time, we have given out awards to 42 women and men. We have also given awards for piping and drumming schools, and Irish language immersion.
...Or to Ireland
In 1962, the Shamrock Club instituted travel to Ireland, with 28 members flying to the Emerald Isle. Soon after their arrival in Dublin, the group was entertained at a reception and a dinner, which was hosted by the Hon. J.J. O’Keeffe, Lord Mayor of Dublin. They presented him with an attaché case. Over the next two decades, the Shamrock Club flew thousands of passengers to the Emerald Isle.
Dance With Me
Nina Nash Robertson, along with Mickey Finn, started the Shamrock Club Dancers in the 1960s. The first lessons were held at the old International Institute on 28 and Highland. Mary Eileen Geary took over in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, the dancers went to the Cashel School and to the Trinity Academy.
We Like to Honor People
The Shamrock Club’s first Irish honoree in 1963, Monsignor Kelly of St. John Cathedral. Since that time, we have honored 47 men. The first Irish Rose was Jeanne McCue, in 1973, and was joined by thirty-six other women. We have had 49 Parade Marshals, starting with Max McGee of the Packers.
Walking Around in Milwaukee
Milwaukee is on record as having one of the earliest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the United States; celebrating its first on March 17, 1843. The event predates Milwaukee’s incorporation as a city and the Statehood of Wisconsin. It was the first of its kind on the western frontier, and the first to be held outside the original 13 colonies. The Shamrock Club’s Milwaukee chapter has been producing a parade since 1967, and is the largest parade of any kind in the State of Wisconsin.
This is the Shamrock Club’s 50th year. We are one of the most storied Irish organizations in the country. What has been accomplished by a group of people who wanted to touch upon their Irish heritage is amazing. We have given birth to many organizations, and it’s a great pride we feel when we see how grand the Irish culture is in Milwaukee.
And to all, “Cead mile failte; La le Padraig shone dhuit!” One hundred thousand welcomes and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
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Milwaukee
President’s Message
This is it, the big month on the calendar for all of us. We have chocked the month full of activities and celebration for the entire community. We are convinced you will see the greatest parade ever for our 50th anniversary. Mike O’Leary has worked long and hard to make this happen. The costs of this parade are really hard to hold down, and without our partnership with Westown Association, the Shamrock Club would be hard pressed to make this work each year. We offer this as a gift to the community and to lighten the hearts looking towards spring.
Paula Harrold has been diligently working on our 25th annual mass in honor of St. Patrick. We are fortunate to have our Archbishop Jerome Listecki as our celebrant this year. The mass is the absolute best way to begin the day on March 13 at St. Patrick’s Church on Milwaukee’s South Side. Please donate towards the floral displays enhancing the altar, and do this in memory of a family member or loved one. The choir under the direction of Bob Harrold will be a treat for all.
The club will have buses at the ICHC that morning to transport those wishing to park and ride. The transportation is under the direction of Terry Stephens. We will ask a small fee for a ride, and also collecting it at the bus door, and the meeting. The buses will transport folks downtown for the parade, and also be in the parade for those that don’t want to walk the parade route. This is the most advantageous way of enjoying the day, and I encourage you to do so. There will be a wonderful breakfast at the ICHC under the direction of Lorraine Neuberg when you return from mass.
The post parade party will be bombastic as always. It is being chaired by Al Moss from our Celtic Soccer Team. Please step up and assist that day if you could. We want everyone to make this special. We are charging $1 to enter the building for the event. Low prices to make it possible for the family and friends to come in, eat, drink, and enjoy the culture. Thanks to Barry Stapleton, we have the group Different Drums this year, and the Hallamor will be rocking. How could anyone resist our entertainment lineup?
We are so pleased we will have the former Parade Marshals at the meeting. We also will enjoy the formal introduction of the Honorees for 2010: Parade Marshals Joe Hughes and Bridget O’Brien, Irish Rose Veronica Ceszynski, and Irishman Josh Walton. Josh follows in his father’s footsteps, Doc Walton was our Irishman in 1978. The selection of these individuals occurs upon our members’ nominations, and our Board of Directors vote. I know you concur this is a fine representation of the Shamrock Club in our 50th year.
Get to the meeting this month for our celebration, and to begin the nomination process for the elections in May. Consider running for office, or nominating someone. Remember that the person must be present to accept the nomination. Come listen to our SCCGPD in a short recital under their new Director Rand Harteau.
You must come out this month, since we’re all waiting to see you again.
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Irish Week Milwaukee
March 4-13, 2010
The Shamrock Club and Westown will present a variety of Irish entertainment and culture for more than the week prior to the parade. The celebrations start off with the Shamrock Club’s annual birthday party at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center on March 4, with a concert by the Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes and Drums. Starting March 10, there will be daily entertainment at the Shops of Grand Avenue, featuring local Irish bands and dance schools, as well as our press conference on Thursday; the ShamRock the Avenue, at the Miller Time Pub in the Hilton Hotel Downtown on March 12; and the Saturday events, our Mass in Honor of St. Patrick, our Parade, and our Post Parade Party. In addition, there is pre-parade music at the Shops of Grand Avenue. It is truly a magnificent week of Milwaukee’s Irish Pride.
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25th Annual
Special Mass In Honor
Of Saint Patrick
Saturday March 13, 2010 – 8:30 a.m.
At St. Patrick’s Church
723 South 7th at Washington Street, Milwaukee
Sign reader for hearing impaired
The celebrant for the 2010 Mass is Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki.
There will be readings in English and Gaelic
The Shamrock Club Choir, under the direction of Bob Harrold, will sing the liturgy. The Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes and Drums will pipe in the colors and stand as honor guard for the Mass. There will be a sign reader for hearing impaired. There will be readings and songs in Irish and English. For more information about the Mass, please contact Paula Harrold at [Harrold@msoe.edu]
Buses will leave the ICHC at 7:45 a.m., and return after the Mass. Buses will leave the ICHC at 11 a.m. for the parade route.
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44th Annual Parade
Downtown Milwaukee
NOON – March 13, 2010
The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s 44th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 13, 2010, starting at 3rd and Wisconsin and continuing to Highland and Water Streets.
Come and see one of the best St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the country, and the largest parade in Wisconsin. With nearly 140 units marching, it is a wonderful celebration of Irish life. And on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!
For a parade application, please contact Mike O’Leary at (414) 305-1961.
The 44th Annual Parade is presented by The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin, Westown Association and Miller Lite.
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“Different Drums”
To Play PPP
The Northern Ireland band Different Drums of Ireland will be the headliner at the Shamrock Club’s Post Parade Party on Saturday, 13, 2010. Different Drums has been a Milwaukee favorite for many years. This is their first appearance at the Shamrock Club’s party.
Different Drums of Ireland was created in 1992 as a community relation’s project in Derry, N Ireland. The two main drums, the Lambeg and Bodhran represent the two main communities in Northern Ireland and bringing them together.
The band has played across the world, for everyone from U.S. and Irish presidents to school children. The message is the same – celebrate that which makes us different and that which bonds us together. Different Drums of Ireland are: Roy Arbuckle, Stephen Matier, Dolores O’Hare, Paul Marshall, and Richard Campbell.
The annual Post Parade Party will take place at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 West Wisconsin Avenue from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Officially, doors open at 12:30 p.m. This is Milwaukee’s biggest parade family celebration. There are four stages of entertainment, and four dance schools, (three Irish and one Scottish), six bands, and a children’s show. Food and beverages will be served. Opening the day off in the Hallamor will be the Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes and Drums.
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Shamrock Club
Post Parade Party
March 13, 2010
Entertainment Schedule
Hallamor
•
2:00 – Shamrock Club Color Guard, Pipes & Drums
• 2:30 – Kinsella Irish Dancers
• 3:15 – Rince Nia Irish Dancers
• 4:00 – Different Drums of Ireland
• 5:30 – Glencastle Irish Dancers
Quinlan’s Pub
• 1:00 – Athas
• 2:15 – Ian Gould
• 3:30 – Myserk
• 4:45 – Dublin O’Shea
Upstairs
• 2:00 and 3:45 – Blarney
• 3:15 – Caledonian Scottish Dancers
Basement: Children’s Area
•
3:00 and 4:15 – Eileen O’Rourke: Leprechaun Stories
For more information, call (414) 384-4119.
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Shamrock Club of Wisconsin
Irishman of the Year,
Irish Rose and
Parade Marshals 2010
We have a wonderful group of honorees for 2010. They are Josh Walton, our Irishman; Veronica Ceszynski, Irish Rose; and Joseph Hughes and Bridget O’Brien, Parade Marshals. Josh has been a part of the Shamrock Club almost all of his life. He had been a quiet volunteer for years, until he stepped up and joined the board. It is an honor for us to have him represent us. Veronica Ceszynski has been a member for years. She has been a coordinator at Milwaukee Irish Fest for years, in various roles. Parade Marshals Bridget O’Brien and Joe Hughes have been active members for years. The honorees are the epitome of the volunteerism that the Shamrock Club members bring forward. Congratulations to them all.
Left to right: Irishman of the Year Josh Walton, Irish Rose Veronica Ceszynski, and Parade Marshals Joe Hughes and Bridget O’Brien
JOSH WALTON
I am truly humbled to have been selected as the 2010 Shamrock Club’s Irishman of the Year, especially in this, the Club’s 50th Anniversary year.
I was introduced to the Club, at a very tender age, by my father, Dr. John Emmett Walton, a past president and former Irishman of the Year, making us the second father son combination to have been so honored.
(Trivia note: on our block alone there have been three Irishmen of the Year, one Irish Rose and one Parade Marshal – John Maher and Jane Maher. Include the block to the east and the block to the southwest will add two more Parade Marshals – Del Canon and John Shanahan.)
My father instilled into the family respect for our Irish heritage, even to my mother Kathleen, she of German descent. He read many a volume of Irish history and literature, sang a few Irish songs and enjoyed a lot of Irish laughter, a passion passed down to all the family members.
I met many of the Club’s early members while I tended bar at Danny O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub, Kit Nash’s Irish Castle and Jim Hegarty’s on Wells.
In those early years I worked on the St. Patrick Day parade, the annual picnic and starred as Brenden in the dramatic presentation of the Puck Fair at the Holiday Folk Fair when the Irish were the featured group.
A frequent traveler to Ireland, my first two trips were on the chartered flights in 1975 and 1977, the latter flight that almost didn’t make it – the plane came down as quickly as it went up.
In recent years I have been a stand worker at the Bradley Center. I serve as an usher at the Easter Rising Mass. I was the Club’s Parliamentarian for two years and now am completing my first year as a Trustee. I am also the chairperson of the 50th Anniversary committee.
For Irish Fest I am entering my 30th year as a volunteer, 29 of those as an entertainment driver. In those years, I survived floods and tornadoes, many a “happy” musician, and driver captain Tom Smith.
Being employed by the Village of Bayside as a 911 operator/ police dispatcher and the deputy clerk of courts, I thought it wise to join the Emerald Society of Wisconsin.
For 37 years I have been a member of the Bishop Leo J. Brust Council of the Knights of Columbus (formerly the Wauwatosa Council), holding many chairs including that of Grand Knight. For five plus years I was President of the Wauwatosa Council’s Foundation. I am also a member of the St. Josephs Benevolent Society and was its Grand President for two years. (Trivia note: the Grand President now and has been for over 25 years is fellow board member John Fisher.)
I am thrilled to be joining the diverse group of honorees who have walked this path before me and I am excited to continue this fine tradition. Thank You, members.
VERONICA CESZYNSKI
What a surprise, honor, and thrill it is to have been named the Irish Rose of 2010! I was born in Minneapolis in a home built by my great grandparents, Peter Martin of Co. Wexford and Matilda Monaghan from Co. Down. My paternal grandparents came from a pocket of France settled by the Wild Geese. So, I have been Irish all of my life.
I have been a member of the Shamrock Club for about 40 years. During that time it has been a privilege to meet so many others who proclaim their Irish pride all year long and live up to its ways.
During my years in the Shamrock Club I have had many behind the scenes jobs. For the past few years I have enjoyed chairing the breakfast after the Easter Mass, really old-fashioned Irish family event. This year I stepped up to being Sergeant at Arms and created a “food of the month” theme for meetings which has been quite successful.
It was fun to watch Ron, my late husband, become “Irish” (a bit), and enjoy his pride in his Irish family. He created the 1989 Irish Fest poster. Our son John is musician-teacher, (ulieann pipes, bodhran, and whistle) and danced with Cashel. Our daughter, Jennie, was in the first beginner’s group of Cashel (now Cashel-Dennehy) and danced with them until college. She then joined the Glencastle Adult Dancers. John and his wife Leslie have two boys, Aidan and Declan, Jennie and husband Carl Dentice have twin girls, Isabella and Maggie, born last year a day before their mom’s St. Patrick’s Day birthday.
Milwaukee Irish Fest has also consumed much of my time during its 30 years. I was the Poster Coordinator for the first 27 years, (Jennie is now the coordinator), coordinated activities for mascots Paddy and Molly, and coordinated the Clan Reunions for a number of years. During the past ten years I developed and coordinated the Literary Corner.
See you at Mass and the Parade on Saturday, March 13!
BRIDGET O'BRIEN & JOE HUGHES
We are proud and honored to be named Parade Marshals for 2010.
The Shamrock Club and its members have been instrumental in our lives.
For “US,” Joe and myself, The Post Parade of 1995 is where Sherry Daley-Young, one of the founding sisters of The Daley Debutantes, introduced us. We spent some time talking that day and discovered that the reason Sherry knew both of us was because Joe in his youth was a drummer for the Daley Debutantes while at the same time I was babysitting for Sherry Daley-Young. Small world!
Anyway he was cute and in a kilt so why wouldn’t I accept his invitation to go on a date!
During our seven year courtship… Joe, being a Shamrock Club member for many years and also a member of the Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes and Drums persuaded me to join the Shamrock Club, and to become more involved with him in the Guard. While I did join the Shamrock Club I never did become an official member of the Guard, I just could not wear wool in August!
We had many years of great times traveling the state marching in parades, Joe as a drummer, while I carried the banner. Then in 2002 we asked the Color Guard to march us up the aisle of the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center for our wedding.
Through the years I have volunteered to work the post parade party, and the picnic, while Joe has had the privilege of being elected to many positions on the Shamrock Club board, including President. Then he had the honor to be your Irishman of the Year in 2008.
We are proud of our blended family; there are six children and nine grandchildren. Some have joined the Club while others prefer to volunteer.
Thank you for the many years of cherished memories and friendship. We are truly grateful to the Shamrock Club and its members. It is our honor to represent you as your 2010 Parade Marshals.
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Flower Donations Needed
Please contact Malkin Wallace at (414) 234-0653 or [Malkin218@aol.com] about donating for the purchase of flowers for the Mass this year. Your name and the name of those who you are donating for will be listed in the Mass program. The flowers will also be used at the Easter Rising Mass on April 4 at the ICHC.
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Post Mass Breakfast
A Continental breakfast will take place after the Mass in Parlor B. Victory Christian School is providing it. Prices are $6 for adults. Breakfast will be served from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Reservations are not required, but suggested. Contact Lorraine Neuberg at [lorrainenivia@yahoo.com].
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Parade Hotel Special
The Shamrock Club and The DoubleTree Hotel Milwaukee City Center is offering a parade day special for hotel rooms. Special rate is $89 per night. The code for this special rate is SHA. The Double Tree is located at 611 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203, telephone (414) 727-2272. This offer is for March 12 and 13, 2010.
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Bus Service For Parade Day
Bus service will be provided from the ICHC for $3 for a round trip. Please call Terry Stephens at (414) 321-3100, or email him at [tstephens@badgertruck.com]. Buses will leave the ICHC at 7:45 a.m., and return after the Mass. Buses will leave the ICHC at 11 a.m. for the parade route.
The Shamrock Club offers bus service from the ICHC to the parade route until 4 p.m. Parade pickup and drop-off spots are at the Trinity Three Irish Pubs, Edison and Juneau; Mader’s Restaurant, Old World Third Street and Highland, and Mo’s Irish Pub, Plankinton and Wisconsin Aves.
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Volunteers Needed for
Post Parade Party
We will need volunteers for the Post Parade Party on March 13. We will need help in food, bars, doors, children’s and set up. If you can help, please contact PPP director Al Moss at [mossjr.alton@millercoors.com] or 414-234-9811.
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Shamrock Club
Of New Dublin
Greetings from the Shamrock Club of New Dublin (New London, Wisconsin)! As preparations are underway in New Dublin for this year’s celebration, we are pleased to make these announcements. The Irishman and Irish Rose for 2010 are Warren and Irene Lowney. Our Parade Marshal is Dr. Bob Polaske. The theme for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is “New Dublin – Love of My Heart”. Our annual parade and Irish Festival will be on March 15. Our week-long celebration of all things Irish kicks off on Monday, March 15, when the “Leprechauns” officially change the name of our city from New London to New Dublin.
On Tuesday March 16, it’s Hooligan’s Day – the official beginning of all area restaurants serving corned beef and cabbage, some serving as much as 1,500 pounds over the week! Stop at Pups, the Waters, and Half Nelsons. On Wednesday, March 17, Irish Caroling at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Residency and Franklin Park Apartments for the elderly – it’s a great way to share Irish music and celebration with our elderly and shut-in community. On Thursday, March 18, it’s “An Evening of Irish Entertainment” at the New London High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Music, dance, and variety are featured. Our 2010 Irish honorees are introduced. On Friday March 19 at 7 p.m. an Irish Ceili is held at Crystal Falls in New London. Each year this evening of Irish dance gets better and better. Also, on Friday evening we’ll once again say farewell to Michael Finnegan as his wacky wake makes its way to area establishments including Pup’s Irish Pub at 8 p.m.
On Saturday March 20, the Irish Fest tent opens at 11 a.m. with a mix of original traditional and modern Celtic music from a young Irish music band Rising Gael, from Madison, Wisc. At 1 p.m. our Grand Parade steps off with bag pipers, floats, high school marching bands and many unique and unusual family and business parade entries. Irish Fest continues after the parade and our featured band performing from 3–6 p.m. in the Irish Fest tent outside Festival Foods. To enter the parade, you must be invited. Please call Pup Loughrin at (920) 982-3891.
For more information: [www.newdublin.com] or [www.newlondonchamber.com].
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Shamrock Club of LaCrosse Irishman of the Year
And Irish Rose 2010
BARRIE MONKS
Barrie Monks was born and raised in Manchester, England. It was there that he met and married the apple of his eye, Mary, the Dublin born middle child of a large Irish family. Being the only child of an English family and being welcomed into Mary’s large and boisterous family was quite an eye-opener. In 1971, Barrie and Mary were married in the Sacred Heart Church located in the Gorton district of Manchester.
Nine years and two children later Barrie was offered a job in Cleveland, Ohio. The house was sold, farewells were said and the four members of the Monks family set off on their great adventure. It was in 1997, after living “Out West” that Barrie was offered a job at Dairyland Power and the move to La Crosse was undertaken.
Being a lifelong supporter of Manchester United (a soccer team in his native Manchester), it is no surprise that he has been actively involved in the game during his life in the USA. He was a High School soccer coach in Arizona as well as being the Regional Commissioner for the local chapter of the American Youth Soccer Association. Since coming to La Crosse, he has been actively involved in the local soccer scene as well as officiating at recreation, high school and college levels.
Considering himself English by birth but Irish by marriage it was no surprise that Barrie and Mary’s paths crossed those of the local chapter of the Shamrock Club. During the last couple of years, Barrie has been active helping out with the La Crosse Irishfest, an activity he looks forward to continuing for many years. He is very honored at being named Irishman of the year and only wishes that his late mother-in-law was here to celebrate with him as no one loved a hoolie as much as she did.
PAM SMITH
Pam Smith was born in La Crosse Wisconsin to Donna and Robert Hartley and grew-up on the north side of La Crosse. She graduated from Logan High School, where she met her future husband, Rodney Smith.
Rod and Pam were married in 1973 and began their marriage living in England where Rod was stationed while serving in the United States Air force. They moved backed to La Crosse in 1975 and began their family. They have a son Justin and a daughter Kelly and are very proud of both of them.
Pam worked in retail for the Shopko stores for over 25 years. Throughout those years, she also did childcare and currently enjoys watching two boys that are brothers. Pam also keeps busy serving on the following committees and boards: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, La Crosse County Historical Society and Irishfest-La Crosse.
Pam and Rod joined the Shamrock Club after traveling along with the club each year on the St. Patrick’s Day bus tour. Their daughter, Kelly, does Irish dancing and was asked by the club to come along on the tour. After seeing the fun and camaraderie the members of La Crosse Shamrock had, they asked about joining. The bus tour is still Pam’s favorite. I love to see the faces light up when they hear the Irish music and songs.
Pam is very proud and looks forward to being the La Crosse Shamrock Club’s ambassador for 2010.
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South Central Shamrock Club
Announces 2010
Irish Rose and Irishman
2010 Irish Rose
Luanne Marie (Sheahan) Krohn
Born in Richland Center, WI the second daughter (there are five girls in the family) of Edward J. and Lorrayne Sheahan. Graduated from Weston High School in Cazenovia and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Taught primary grades in Burlington, WI and Reedsburg, WI. Married Martin (Mick) Krohn in August of 1967 at St. Anthony’s in Germantown.
Luanne’s father, Edward, was the son of Tim and Mamie Sheahan and the grandson of Maurice and Ellen Sheahan. Maurice immigrated to Richland County, WI from County Cork, Ireland and was known locally as the jig dancer of the county. He was trained as a cooper in Ireland. He and Ellen farmed in Westfield Township and had a large family of ten children. It was difficult to even find the family on the county records because when the census was taken in the county, Maurice’s Irish brogue was so thick that when the census taker wrote down the information, Maurice and Ellen were recorded as “Moses and Olive”! Her Grandpa Tim was one of a set of twin boys. His father died young (at 45) of blood poisoning.
After marriage, Luanne took a ten year leave of absence from the teaching profession to raise their three children: Theresa, Nancy and Tim. She and Mick also have a daughter-in-law, Karla, and two grandchildren, Kevin and Rachel. They have lived in Reedsburg for forty three years and have been active members of Sacred Heart Parish during this time. Luanne taught third grade CCD class, is a member of the Council of Catholic Women (where she volunteers at functions including the Christmas Craft Fair), and is a First Friday Eucharistic minister to the home bound. She is a past President of the Friends of the Reedsburg Library, is a poll worker for the election board, Secretary of the South Central Shamrock Club for the past three years, has been a table hostess for ten years at Sacred Heart’s annual Spring Fling event, a Red Cross blood donor, a member and active volunteer for the Sauk County Historical Society, past Sacred Heart prayer line volunteer, and has been an annual Relay for Life volunteer.
She retired from Madison Area Technical College three years ago after twenty-five years of teaching and returned part-time this last fall. She loves working with students and has helped many throughout her long career. Many have stayed in contact with her through the years and she has acted as a mentor to numerous new teachers.
She is thrilled to be selected as the 2010 Shamrock Club’s Irish Rose!
2010 Irishman
Richard Patrick Fish
Richard Patrick Fish, the second of 10 children of Clifton and Catherine (Horkan) Fish, was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1946 in Reedsburg. Dick’s Irish heritage is from his mother’s side of the family. His Irish great-great grandparents all immigrated to the United States from Ireland between 1810 and 1843. Peter and Bridget (Rowan) Horkan and James and Honora (McNealy) Corrigan and were born in County Mayo and James and Catherine (McHugh) Gallagher and Peter and Mary (Carrigg) Coughlin were born in County Clare.
Through the age of seven he lived on the Silas Fish homestead farm on WD in the Town of Winfield and attended Pleasant Knoll School, an 8-grade one room school. In the spring of 1954, his family moved to a farm in the Town of Freedom south of Rock Springs where he attended Diamond Hill School, another one room school, through 7th grade and graduated from 8th grade at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Reedsburg. He claims to have walked miles to those country schools, uphill both ways with only potato skins for shoes. He graduated from Webb High School in 1964 where he was on the football and wrestling teams. During his grade school and high school days Dick worked a number of jobs including farmhand, milk (cans) truck route, and gas station attendant, while, as he says, doing all the work on the family farm. He always found time to play baseball, croquet, dodge ball, and may other games with his siblings and to teach them the rules (“Dick’s Rules”) and sportsmanship (at least how to lose).
Dick attended Madison Area Technical College after which he began working for the City of Madison Engineering Department. In his 16-years with the City he held a number of positions including draftsman, surveyor, subdivision and development coordinator and supervisor of Engineering Technicians. He obtained his Registered Land Surveyors license in 1978. In 1981 he was recruited by one of his former co-workers at the City to join his startup environmental and engineering firm in Madison, RMT, Inc. In Dick’s 29 years (and counting) with the firm, RMT has grown to a 1000-person firm specializing in environmental, construction, and energy related services. Dick is a Vice President at RMT and manages multiple key accounts and major projects. He has been recognized for his contributions to RMT including Consulting Excellence Awards, Business Development Excellence Awards, and for his Community Service and by his clients on a number of projects including having his name on bronze plaques on the Workers’ Wall at Miller Park for his contributions to the construction of the new ballpark and the Marquette Interchange Workers Recognition Wall in Milwaukee.
From 1965 through 1971 Dick served in the US Army Reserves. The initial two years were with the 322 Chemical Company in Baraboo as a Chemical Decontamination Specialist and the last four years with the 84th Division Basic Combat Training Company in Madison, where he was a Drill Sergeant, which enabled him to apply the “bossing” skills he had perfected on his brothers and sisters while growing up on the farm.
Dick refereed high school and college wrestling in Wisconsin for 25 years including officiating the state high school tournament in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1984, and 1985 and working at the scorer’s table many other years. He was a Charter Member and Past President of the South Central Wrestling Officials Association.
Dick married Barbara Williams in 1967 in the old Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg. Dick and Barb lived in Madison for 35-years and moved to their new home on Lake Redstone 10 years ago. They are members of Holy Family Catholic Church in La Valle and were formerly members of St. Bernard and St. Dennis parishes when they lived in Madison. Their children, Laurie (Joel) Fish Paar is an elementary teacher in Oak Creek and Lisa (Cory) Buske is a Human Resources Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in Madison. Dick loves to spoil his five grandchildren, Maddie, Paige, Nolan, Sam, and Owen with rides on the four-wheeler, shooting the BB gun (nobody has shot their eye out yet), Kiddy Cocktails at five (it is always 5-o’clock somewhere), woodworking projects, fishing, and with anything else they want.
Dick is often asked “are you related to Joe Fish?” After a long pause he admits that Joe (Mary) is his brother but quickly adds that Paul and Don (Corinne) are also his brothers and that Sharon (Tom) Resch, Monica (Ted) Atkinson, Zita Harris, and Denise (Mike) Yontz are his sisters. His older brother Jerome died when he was 13 and his youngest sister Fran Kelly died when she was 40.
Dick has been active in numerous community and charitable events and has held a number of positions including the South Central Shamrock Club (Vice President), Reedsburg Lions Club (Past President), Sandburg Elementary PTO (Past President), Bluff-Acres Neighborhood Association (Past President), Town of La Valle Plan Commission (Vice-Chair), served on Town of La Valle’s Comprehensive Planning Task Force, United Way Kick-off and Radio Auction, American Association of Consulting Engineers – Wisconsin, Fish Family Relay for Life Team for the American Cancer Society, Lake Redstone Property Owners Association, and co-chair of numerous Webb High Class of ’64 reunions. He spearheaded the Fish family’s construction of the Gazebo and Memories Plaza in Webb Park as a memorial to his sister, Fran Fish Kelly.
The South Central Shamrock Club Members and Friends wish to invite all in honoring Luanne and Dick on March 20th for The South Central Shamrock Club’s Party and Banquet.
Our 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Banquet will be held Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Voyaguer Inn at 200 Viking Dr. in Reedsburg. Sing along with Ann and John Schmitt, enjoy Irish dance by Katie Johnson, and listen to an Irish Fiddle Band from Madison. It all begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by a 7 p.m. welcome by President John Delmore and a full Irish Dinner. At 8 p.m. Master of Ceremonies Jack Gavin will introduce Luanne and Dick, our 2010 Irish Rose and Irishman of the Year. Reservations are required by March 10. Cost is $25 for Adults, $12 for Children. Call Gloria at (608) 524-3665 or Kay at (608) 524-6549 for information.
We were saddened to hear the passing of two of our faithful members who dedicated many hours to the club throughout the years. Ruth Judkins (1996 Irish Rose) and E. Thomas Powers.
St. Patrick’s Day Blessings on You! Beannachtaí na Fêile Padraig oraibh!
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Color Guard
News and Notes
Hello Everyone! I know it’s been a long time. I’ve been whiling away the months on a beach in Hawaii (if only in my mind...)
In the time I’ve been away, a lot has happened to your favorite group. Richard Pfeiffer has stepped down as director and pipe major and has left the band. In his place, we are please to have piper Rand Harteau take the reins as director. He will also have assistance from Hans Thompsen, helping with parade matters. Dan McCormack will continue as pipe major going forward in all things on the march and practice. We look forward to the new direction, and also the opportunity to work with different clinicians and directors in various workshops this spring, to raise the bar and continue to improve as a group.
I’ve just heard (I’m always the last to know!) that piper Pete Cobb will be the proud pop to his 9th child this coming April. Way to go Pete! You’re well on your way to a full pipe band with your lovely family.
Also of special note last month, Kylie Mervyn and her family traveled to Kansas City, to compete in the Winter Storm pipe/drum competitions. She got to rub shoulders with some of the best in the biz, and even was personally invited to head to Canada to compete by the handsome Doug MacRae. She did very well, placing 2nd in her very first bass drum competetion. Congratulations Kylie! We are all very proud of you! You’re a talented lass, and I know you’ll go far.
As we speed head first into the Green Season, the band is looking forward to a busy March. We’ll start the month on the 4th, with a performance at the Shamrock Club General Membership Meeting. Then on the 7th, we’ll play for the Brendan Heart Fund. Our big day is well known to you all, as the Shamrock Club St. Patrick’s Day Mass and Parade on the 13th in Milwaukee. Lastly, we’re on to the New Dublin Parade on the 20th. Whew. Lots going on!
Keep your eyes out for new members and new music, I hear we have a few pipers and a new snare joining the ranks. We’re working on some spectacular pieces to debut by parade season.
I’ll keep this short this month. See you out this month.
Enjoy a pint on me.
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Scholarship Raffle
Tickets for the annual raffle have been sent out. The proceeds from this raffle will be used to replenish the Shamrock Club Scholarship Fund. Your support will help some deserving person or persons achieve their goals. This fund has paid out over $25,000 in scholarships since 1974 to students across Wisconsin and Illinois. All college age students are eligible, no matter where they live, so please help us in this raffle.
A golf package at Brown Deer Park, ICHC concerts series tickets and Waterford crystal, overnight stays at County Clare in Milwaukee, the Irish Cottage in Galena, Ill., and St. Brendan’s Inn in Green Bay! There is also a beautiful silver necklace from Blarney Fine Jewelry and a gorgeous Beleek Vase. Because these prizes are phenomenal, we are once again requesting the following donations for the tickets. $5 for one, three for $10, six for $20, or nine for $30.
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50th Anniversary Committee
There were no entries for the Float Contest. Chris Wilson of Mudjacker’s has confirmed the use of his 30-ft. trailer and truck for the 50th Anniversary Float. Chris will be driving the rig. Joe Hughes, Bob Hamill, Pat Fitzgibbons and Ken Tehan are scheduled to build the float. There is $1100 to use for the float.
Calendar of Events for
General Meetings 2010
• March: Parade Marshals & St Patrick’s Day Parade, past/present
• April: Sports Teams: Soccer, Hurling Demonstrations in Uniforms
• May: SCCGPD past/present, slide show
• June: Irish Dancers All Schools Invitation Dancers in school uniforms?
• July: Installation Dinner
• August: Pipe and Drum School winners
Letterhead and Envelopes ordered and received. Malkin has taken over the Ad booklet. Pins and T-shirts to sell at all General meetings by Malkin. Ad Booklet: Veronica to help Malkin with Ad booklet. Smaller booklet not 8½ x 11. DVD (Josh) to be out at March meeting and will be sold for $3 – $5.
Arch Bishop Listecki to say St. Patrick’s Day Mass.
Flight to Ireland: Malkin to call Barb Tyler at Irish Fest. Irish Fest going in November.
Dinner Dance: Director Sandra Wolf is to return call to Malkin. Malkin to tour facility and set up contact for dance with Sandra. Malkin to call Jon Moze, Music Unlimited, for DJ. Julie to ask Dorothy Walsh to play harp.
Next Meeting: March 8 at Josh Walton’s home, 2432 N. Lefeber Ave., Wauwatosa, at 7 p.m. If you wish to join, please stop by, or call Josh at (414) 443-0446.
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John McGivern
and Friends
at the ICHC on
Wednesday, March 17
Milwaukee’s own comedic genius John McGivern will share an evening of warmth, wit and stories about growing up Irish during a Hallamor performance at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, on Wednesday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. This will be the third year McGivern has performed at the ICHC on St. Patrick’s Day. As in past years, McGivern will be joined by local Irish performers.
A traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage dinner will be held at the ICHC prior to the show from 4-7 p.m.
McGivern is known for his monologues based on childhood experiences as one of six children in a working class Irish-Catholic family on Milwaukee’s lower East Side. An award-winning writer and actor, McGivern has appeared in numerous theater shows and may be best-known for his role in the long running comedy Sheer Madness, which he has brought to a number of cities around the country. In Milwaukee, he is a regular guest on the Dave & Carole morning radio show on WKLH-FM.
A recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel review of McGivern’s latest comedic stage production Bunk Bed Brothers said, “No matter how often Milwaukee audiences are exposed to his gap-toothed grin, McGivern’s fuzzy and funny versions of yesteryear remain highly contagious.”
Reserved seat tickets are $20 in advance and $22 the day of the show. Tickets for the traditional Irish dinner are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and younger. To order tickets and also view the full Hallamor concert series, visit [www.ichc.net]. Tickets may also be ordered by calling (414) 345-8800.
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Celtic Women
First Friday Lectures
Linda Daly
DATE: March 5, 2010
TOPIC: “Brigid Cross/Straw Workshop”
SPEAKER: Linda Daly
Our March lecture will be interactive between our speaker and all attendees. Linda Daly [lid@uwm.edu] will bring straw supplies for everyone to have fun in creating a simple straw knot to keep and mark the day. Linda has taught many workshops, especially around this time of year with the interest in Saint Bridget’s Cross. Hear all about that tradition and culture. Please let us know of your plan to attend. To ensure adequate supplies please indicate in advance for your attendance [jeanbills@mac.com] or (414) 453-2842 no later than March 1st. Supplies for the workshop are included in the admission of $7. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the lecture, tea and goodies provided.
The lecture will be held at Greene Hall on the UWM campus, 3347 N. Downer Ave. Street parking is plentiful outside the door. 5:30– 7 p.m. The public is welcome.
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Nomination of Milwaukee Officers
Nominations for officers of the Milwaukee chapter will take place at the March meeting. Persons nominated must be members in good standing of the Shamrock Club, with dues paid in full, and must be present for their nominations. Elections will take place at the May meeting.
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Sunshine Club
Hospital news: Rich Pfeiffer recently had a hip replaced. Mike Moze had double knee replacement. Bob Towne had a hip replacement done, as well. Ember Mervyn recently had surgery on her feet. Baby news: Mike and Mary Moze welcomed their second granddaughter. They have four grandsons. Larry and Kathleen Gietl recently welcomed their first grandchild, Benjamin Matthew Gietl. He is the son of Matt and Erin. Happy birthday to all March birthdays.
If you have any news for the Sunshine Club, please call us at (414) 344-0688 or email us at [slainte41-shamrock@yahoo.com].
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Members’ Doings
Shamrock Club Griffins coach Dan McAullife has headed to Portland, OR, for a six-month job assignment. Patti Garrity and husband Ken Parks combined business with a vacation to Hong Kong in February. Cynthia Nazario saw the sights in Dallas recently. Mary Beth Holloway spent part of winter working on her tan in Arizona. Bob and Peg Hamill visited daughter Brigid in Kentucky recently.
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