An Nuacht

The Newsletter of

The Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh - Essex Division

A 501c(3) Non Profit Organization

May 6, 2025

As part of our Feile Fun Day, come early and watch the Munster Senior Hurling Championship (Limerick vs Cork) live from Ireland at the Shillelagh Club. No cover charge. All are welcome. Irish Breakfast ala Janet Burke will be available. Game starts at 11am.

Join Us for Féile Fun Day

May 18, 2-5pm

Celebrating Ciaran's Journey to Ireland

In case you haven't heard the great news yet — our very own Ciaran Bateson has been selected for the New York Féile Team to take part in the 2025 World Féile Competition for U15 boys! It’s an incredible honor for Ciaran, and a proud moment for all of us at the Essex Shillelaghs GAA.

The competition will be held on June 28 in Derry, Ireland, with teams travelling in from across Ireland, North America, Europe, and Asia. To say it’s a big occasion would be putting it lightly!

To show our support, we’re delighted to announce Féile Fun Day on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at the Shillelagh Club in West Orange. This special day will help support Ciaran’s journey and celebrate a truly historic milestone for our young club.

We’ll have games, raffles, live Irish sport on the screens, and plenty of craic for all ages. All funds raised will help with Ciaran's Féile expenses and Essex Shillelagh's GAA Development.

Come along, bring the family, and let’s send Ciaran off in true Shillelagh style!

Schedule of Events:

• 11:00 AM: Watch the Munster Senior Hurling Championship (Limerick vs Cork) live from Ireland
• 2:00–5:00 PM: Féile Fun for Families (indoors or outdoors, weather permitting)

Tickets Available Online HERE

• $25 per adult
• $10 per child
• $50 per family (up to 5 people)

If you can't make the event, please support the effort by making a Donation HERE

Enjoy kid-friendly activities, raffles, a 50/50, lite fare, and a cash bar with drink specials.

Come on out celebrate and support Ciaran’s achievement and support Ciaran and the future of Gaelic Football in Essex County.

Dust off those motorcycles and join us for a special day to kick off the riding season! On Sunday, May 10, we'll gather for a Bike Blessing at Ss. Nicholas, Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 80 Laurel Avenue, Roseland, NJ.

Here's the plan:

• Meet at the Shillelagh Club by 9:30 AM with your motorcycle ready to ride.
• After a short 10-minute ride, we'll arrive at the church for the Blessing of the Bikes ceremony at 10:00 AM.
• Once blessed, we'll head out for a short group ride (30–45 minutes) to enjoy the spring air.
• Afterward, we'll return to the club for a relaxing lunch and camaraderie.

Whether you're a longtime rider or just dusting off your bike for the season, this is a great way to get together, ride safe, and start the season off right.

If you'd like to join us or have any questions, contact Bill Kohlman by phone or text for more details.

Let's ride together for a blessed and safe season!

Cost: $30 per Rider, $15 per passenger. Event patches while they last.

Essex Shillelaghs GAA to Introduce Scholastic Middle School Program!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Essex Shillelaghs Scholastic Middle School Program, an exciting new initiative designed to bring the fast-paced, skill-building sport of Gaelic Football to local middle schools.

This program invites schools to seasonally integrate Gaelic Football into their existing Physical Education curriculum, offer it as an after-school sports program or as a competitive inter-scholastic program for students in grades 6–8. In partnership with the Essex Shillelaghs GAA (ESGAA) and the New York GAA Minor Board (NYMB), participating schools will receive coaching support, equipment guidance, and access to a structured schedule of practices and local games.

Best of all, students who join will become official members of the ESGAA, gaining access to weekly club practices and matches with opportunities to participate in events sanctioned by the New York GAA Minor Board.

The program offers a unique opportunity for schools to enhance their athletic offerings with a sport that promotes fitness, teamwork, cultural appreciation, and fun. Whether as part of the school day or an after-school activity, Gaelic Football is a dynamic addition to any student’s experience.

Interested in bringing Gaelic Football to your school? Contact the Essex Shillelaghs GAA to learn more and join us in building a strong, community-focused athletic tradition. Email join@EssexShillelaghsGAA.org for more information.

Sláinte!

The Essex Shillelaghs GAA Team

May 8, 2025, 11:30am - AOH Div. 9 Golf Outing. Golf & Dinner $190 pp. Purchase online at www.Essex9AOH.com

June 7, 2025, Time TBD, Annual Irish Organization Softball, Rutherford, NJ

June 8, 2025, 10am-6pm - NJ Irish Festival, Monmouth Park

July 7, 2025, 8:00am - FSOS Old Bridge Member Memorial Golf Outing, The Rose Old Bridge, $150 per player includes dinner. FSOS, P.O. Box 317, Old Bridge, NJ 08857 by June 15.

November 16, 2025 - FSOS Quint Golf Outing, Myrtle Beach, SC

Editor's Note: Ancient Ireland is a new feature of AN NUACHT and hopes to bring to life the richness of Irish history with curated and authored articles by members. Submissions for publication here and at AncientIreland.com are encouraged, subject to Editorial staff approval.

Shillelagh History Notes: Commodore John Barry

By Seamus Brosnan 

Commodore John Barry (1745–1803) was an Irish-born American naval officer often regarded as the “Father of the American Navy.” Born in Tacumshane, County Wexford, Ireland, Barry immigrated to the American colonies as a young man, settling in Philadelphia, where he became a successful merchant captain.

With the outbreak of the American Revolution, Barry, a staunch supporter of independence, was commissioned as a captain in the Continental Navy in 1775. He commanded several ships, including the Lexington, Effingham, and Alliance, engaging in daring naval battles against the British. He played a crucial role in securing American victories at sea, capturing enemy vessels and disrupting British supply lines.

After the war, Barry continued to serve his adopted country, helping to establish the United States Navy. In 1794, President George Washington appointed him as the first commissioned officer and senior captain of the newly formed U.S. Navy. He trained the next generation of naval officers, including Stephen Decatur, and led naval operations during the Quasi-War with France.

Barry’s legacy is particularly significant to Irish Americans. As an Irish Catholic immigrant who rose to prominence in a nation still struggling with anti-Catholic sentiment, he embodied the perseverance and patriotism of the Irish diaspora. His contributions to American independence and naval warfare are commemorated in monuments and institutions, including the Commodore Barry Bridge in Philadelphia.

His life remains a testament to the role Irish immigrants played in shaping the United States, and he is celebrated as a hero in both Ireland and America.

About the Writer

Seamus Brosnan hails from Castleisland, County Kerry and now resides in South Orange with his wife Tracey and their three sons — Shane, Liam, and Ciarán. A longtime and proud member of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, Seamus brings a deep love of Irish heritage, storytelling, and community to everything he does. Whether on the pitch, at the clubhouse, or in the pages of this newsletter, Seamus’s wit and Kerry charm are never far behind.

Michael Slattery passed away on May 2 surrounded by his family. Mike loved our organization like no other, he was immensely proud of his Irish heritage, he attended our events and generously supported all of our fundraising activities. Mike was a giant of a man, not only in stature but also in spirit. His presence, character and humour will be sorely missed.

Mike's wake will be held on Thursday, May 15 from 4-8:00pm at Garrett Jones Memorial Homes, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, NJ.

We ask that members attend in great numbers in full Shillelagh uniforms to honor Mike.

Ar dheis De a raibh a h'anam Dilis.

• Member Tom Walsh suffered a serious shoulder injury while at work as a Sandy Hook Harbour pilot. Tom is doing better following surgery, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.
• Congratulations to young Malcolm Calhoun, son of our own Tommy Calhoun and mom Samantha who recently gained a yellow belt at karate. Watch out Dad!
• Member Dave Barlow travelled to Ireland to compete in the Limerick marathon held in glorious sunshine on Sunday May 4th. Dave was joined at the Marathon by his Roscommon based sister Brigid. They completed the marathon together in a time of 4h 16m. Galway native Dave is a seasoned marathon runner having already completed the NY, Dublin and London marathons. Well done Dave! 

Last Call at the Kilkenny Ale House, Newark, NJ, April 24, 2025

FSOS Annual Dinner Dance, Hanover Manor, April 26, 2025

Photos by Janet Burke

WOIH Kentucky Derby Party, Shillelagh Club, May 3, 2025

Shillelaghs About and About: monthly posting of members & friends at our club, at our events or proudly wearing Shillelagh Swag anywhere in the world. Bring your Swag where ever you go and send pics to corresponding@shillelaghclub.com .

Dressed for Success as an Essex Shillelagh

The Executive Board has approved the Shillelagh uniform for 2025. 

All of what is listed below is considered part of the Official uniform for all members.  

Shillelagh Blazer 

• Call Ambassador Uniform at (800) 711-5885 x104. Ask to speak with sales and tell them you are calling to order:
• Shillelagh Blazer, Style #2013 in Hunter Green 
• Price is $76.90 (as of this email) 
• Turnaround time is 2-3 weeks

Shillelagh Patch

• The Shillelagh patch will be provided by the Club for members who have secured their Shillelagh blazer. Please speak with Kevin Kinney kevinkinney1@gmail.com.

Shillelagh Tie

• The Shillelagh tie is available for purchase at the Club. Please speak with Kevin Kinney kevinkinney1@gmail.com.

Slacks

• We have selected one style of charcoal gray slacks that members must wear. These slacks are available for purchase on Amazon, through this link Shillelagh Slacks
• Haggar Men's Premium Comfort Classic Fit Pleat Front Pant 
• Color: Charcoal **color is the most important aspect, as it is the most visible to those viewing the Club as we march together. If your size is not available in this particular pant, please purchase a similar model in Haggar charcoal**
• Price is variable by size (as of this email)

Shillelagh Cap

• The Shillelagh cap is available for purchase from Sashay Studios, through this link Shillelagh Cap
• Price is $15.00 (as of this email)   

Shillelagh Sweater

• The Shillelagh sweater is available for purchase from Sashay Studios, through this Shillelagh Sweater
• Price is $38.00 (as of this email) 

Shirt

• White button down dress shirt

Shoes 

• Black dress shoes



Looking forward to seeing everyone looking good come parade season!

An Nuacht is published monthly by the Corresponding Secretary, Jim McGuire.

For information, submissions or advertising, please contact Jim McGuire at corresponding@shillelghclub.com