Irish American Club news

Mary Pilon, Publicity

Faith and begorrah, ‘tis the end of the year already! Time flies when you’re Irish. What a year it has been. We welcomed nearly 100 new members, forcing us to put a limit to active members, since we are bursting our seams at the present time. Margaret O’Brien took over the reins as our new President, replacing Walt Kinney, who presided over the club for three years. We had a great annual trip to Laughlin in February, as well as a traditional (and delicious) corned beef and cabbage dinner for St. Pat’s Day along with our second annual golf cart parade and party in March. April was our annual patio picnic-party before we adjourned for the summer.

October opened this season with the meeting on the patio. New members were welcomed, old members returned and new officers took office. George Shiel hosted November’s lunch at The Harp restaurant. December, of course, was the highlight of the year, with the Christmas party in the ballroom on Sunday, December 10. We had a gift exchange, the 50-50 drawing and a delicious dinner served by Julie and her staff, followed by dancing and enjoying Irish adult beverages. We also enjoyed the Christmas show at Chandler Center for the performing arts. ‘Twas a special month for all.

Looking forward to 2018, January will bring another luncheon, this time at R. T. O’Sullivan’s. February is our month to contribute to the economy of our neighboring state, with the annual trip to Laughlin. We are returning to the Riverside casino this year. March features the festive St. Patrick’s events, and April’s meeting will be the annual farewell party on the patio before we again adjourn for the summer months.

To anyone interested in joining this happy group of Irishmen: we do have a waiting list for new members. Feel free to sign up at any of our meetings, which are held on the first Thursday of each month.

Have a blessed, prosperous, healthy, happy New Year, everyone. Instead of my usual witty Irish humor, I will leave you with this beautiful Irish blessing for 2018:

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your field. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.