Join in the Discussion with Kevin Scollans

June 5, 6:30pm

Shillelagh Club

Moderated by Andrew Joyce

Join us for an engaging evening as author Kevin Scollans discusses his new book Wild and Hearty — the unforgettable story of a young Irishman’s journey from the rugged hills of Southern Ireland to the pursuit of the American Dream.

Set in the 1940s, this heartfelt memoir traces a life shaped by resilience, hard work, and a restless spirit that chased love, adventure, and opportunity across continents.

Don’t miss this lively conversation, moderated by our own Andrew Joyce, as we explore themes of heritage, grit, and the beauty of a life well lived. Copies will be available for signing. All are welcome!

2025 Member Dues

Dues for 2025 regular membership are now OVERDUE. Get your dues in NOW.

The annual membership fee of $150 can be mailed directly to the club at 648 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07042 or you can send via Venmo at @ShillelaghClub (please write "2025 Dues" in the comment).

Seniors - If you are senior, 65 years or over and have been a member in good standing for the last 5 years, you qualify for the Senior rate of $40 per year.

If you have any questions about the membership fees, please email Financial Secretary Bill Kolhman .

FSOS Recognized by NJ History Contest Event

If you were at the Shillelagh Club on May 14th for the Monthly General Meeting, you received a real treat! We saw a 10 minute documentary titled, “The Troubles and the Good Friday Agreement: A Struggle for Rights and Reconciliation.” This documentary was created and presented by Sreejani Sinha from J. P. Stevens High School in Edison, NJ.

At William Paterson University on May 3rd, Sreejani presented her self-made documentary to the NJ History Day Contest judges where Jim McNany and I were present to view it. I had been advocating with and learning from the NJ NH Contest Coordinator so that our West Orange FSOS Chapter could recognize and reward students who create a quality Irish or Irish-American History project. What luck that the first year we got involved, one student had submitted an eligible project: Sreejani's documentary. She received from us a Recognition Award certificate, created and signed by our FSOS President Chris Coughlin, and also a Family comp for our FSOS Sports Expo, presented by Ollie Browne at the NJ HD Awards Ceremony.

When the NJ HD judges asked Sreejani what inspired her to create this documentary, she said she was a fan of the television series: Derry Girls. It's a British-produced show set in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the mid-1990s. The show follows teenage Catholic school girls against the backdrop of The Troubles, the violent conflict that kept that region in a tense military state since the late 1960s. If you saw the documentary at our General Membership Meeting, you would have noticed that Sreejani packed it with historical information, referencing the dawn of the British invasion and their colonization, the partition of the North as separate from the Republic, and then the disenfranchisement of “Catholics” by the Ulster unionists leading up to the 30-year conflict. This 16-year-old girl did real research! 

The NJ HD Organizers now recognize FSOS as a serious supporter of Irish History and of the NJ HD Contest. The contest will begin anew in September with the theme: Revolution, Reaction, Reform. FSOS will be asked for a “Suggested Topics” list to prompt students with ideas to create a project. At that time, every participating School and student in the State of New Jersey will learn about FSOS when they receive that Suggested Topics list, including our commitment to recognize quality Irish and Irish-American History!

As for Sreejani Sinha, she's on her way to graduation and then George Washington University where she plans to study Political-Science, the study of government, politics, and public policy. Indeed! We are now working on getting her documentary into our possession so we can make it available on our Web Site! 

Next theme: Revolution, Reaction, Reform. Send me your ideas for our Suggested Topics list!

A shout out to member Mike Palazzato who, through hard work and dedication had a special section of The 2025 NJ High School History contest dedicated to Irish history.

Join the Fun with the Essex Shillelaghs GAA at the Irish Sports Expo!

Mark your calendars! Sunday, June 22, is set to be an exciting day filled with sports, music, and community spirit at the 23rd Annual Irish Sports Expo at the Kelly Athletic Center in West Orange, NJ. The Essex Shillelaghs have a fantastic lineup planned, and we're inviting players, families, and friends to join in on the excitement!

Essex Shillelaghs GAA

Schedule of Events:

• 11:30 AM – Player Check-In: Players from all age groups—U6, U8, U10, U12, U14, and U16—will gather, check in, and gear up for the day's activities.

• 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM – Games Begin: Our younger players (U6, U8, U10, U12) will showcase their growing Gaelic football skills on the field.

• 12:00 PM – Shillelagh Cup Match (U14): Come cheer on our talented U14 squad as they face off against rivals St. Rays in an exciting battle for the Shillelagh Cup!

• 1:00 PM – Shi-Ladies Friendly Match: Support our outstanding Essex Shi-Ladies as they match up against ODR in what promises to be a thrilling Gaelic football exhibition!

• 2:30 PM – Presentation of Medals & Shamrock Awards: Join us to celebrate the achievements of our young athletes as we recognize their hard work and dedication with medals and the prestigious Shamrock Awards, this year In Memory of Alfie Sharkey.

• 3:00 PM – Player Parade to Tevlin Field: Cheer loudly and proudly as our Shillelagh athletes join forces with the hurling teams for a spirited parade to Tevlin Field.

And remember, the festivities don’t end there! Stick around after our events conclude for incredible live music featuring "The Fermenters" and "The Will O'Connor Band," plus plenty of food, drinks, youth activities, and the vibrant spirit of Irish Craic!

Bring your family, invite your friends, and enjoy a memorable day filled with community, camaraderie, and celebration of Irish culture.

We can't wait to see you there!

Sunday, June 22, 2025

Shillelagh Club & Kelly Athletic Center, West Orange, NJ

Ciaran Bateson Selected

for New York Féile Team

Will Compete in Prestigious Gaelic Football Tournament in Ireland

At just 15 years old, Ciaran Bateson is making waves in the world of Gaelic football. A Madison native and student at Seton Hall Preparatory School, Ciaran has earned a coveted spot on the New York Feile Team, setting the stage for an unforgettable opportunity to represent the region at Féile na nÓg, one of Ireland’s most prestigious youth Gaelic football tournaments.

Organized by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Féile (pronounced “FAY-lah”) will bring Under-15 teams from around the world to Derry, Ireland, this June for a week-long celebration of sport, culture, and community. For Ciaran and his family, the honor is deeply personal—one that bridges their Irish heritage, community roots, and love for the sport.

“This has given him even more confidence,” said Ciaran’s mother, Michelle. “It’s such a life lesson, to go overseas, meet new teammates, integrate into a new environment, and represent your heritage. The pride he feels is immense.”

Ciaran’s path to the team was anything but guaranteed. Despite missing one of the four tryouts due to a soccer commitment, he impressed selectors with his skill and selflessness on the field. “He’s the kind of player who passes the ball when others might go for goal,” said Michelle. “He thinks about the team first.”

When the call came confirming his selection, Ciaran ran through the front door to share the news, elated and relieved. He’ll now join other top players from the New York region for a multi-day trip that includes friendly matches, team-building activities, and cultural exchanges before culminating in a one-day, knockout-style tournament on June 28.

Back home, Ciaran trains with the Essex Shillelaghs GAA, that has quickly grown into a vibrant hub for Irish sport and culture in the area. Only in its second year, our club has already made a significant impact, offering local youth a chance to explore Gaelic football and find community on and off the field.

“The Essex Shillelaghs have created an environment that fosters camaraderie and sportsmanship,” said Michelle. “It’s been a special experience for both Ciaran and his younger brother, who also plays with the club.”

Ciaran’s success is not just a win for him and his family; it’s a milestone for the entire Essex Shillelaghs community. His selection shines a spotlight on the growing popularity of Gaelic football in New Jersey and underscores the club’s commitment to developing young athletes and celebrating Irish cultural traditions.

As for the Bateson family, support for Ciaran is coming from near and far. Relatives on both sides of the Atlantic plan to attend the tournament, including cousins in Ireland and extended family from New York, many of whom have been inspired to pick up a football again in solidarity.

Get Your ESGAA Swag Now!

Available at O'Neill's

Please browse the selection at O'Neill's and make sure you get your special someone the ESGAA sportswear to wear around the club!

ESGAA Shop at O'Neill's

Greetings from the Band!

We had a busy Memorial Day Weekend, with parades in both Oakland and Caldwell. We are now getting out the Yankee Doodle sheet music for the upcoming 4th of July Parade in Florham Park. 

We also will lead the Hurling Teams onto the field at the clubs Irish Sports Exposition on June 22nd, hope to see you there!

We also have new members getting up to speed to get into the ranks. If your child is back from school rotting on the couch, you are welcome to bring him to the club any Thursday evening for Pipe and Drum Lessons, no experience necessary.

The Band has been a part of this club since 1971, if you ever wondered about how we started, read below!



We provide free lessons on pipes and drums every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the club—open to anyone interested in learning! No matter the experience level, we’ll get new members involved, whether playing, holding a banner, or carrying a flag.

Come by, get involved, and be part of the Essex Shillelagh Pipe & Drum tradition!

For more Information Contact:



Chris Kavanaugh (973) 634-0102 or

Scott McGowan (973) 930-2103

The Essex Shillelagh Pipe & Drums Band:

A Brief History

The formation of the Essex Shillelagh Pipes and Drums came through the inspiration and efforts of many then active members of the newly formed Friendly Sons of The Shillelagh of Essex County. Harry Knox, past President and Founder of the Shillelagh Club, along with several other members put forth the first effort to form a pipe band. Members and their families formed the initial band in 1971, and piping lessons started in the back room of a pub in Newark.

The band’s first parades were at the Newark St. Patrick's Day parade, and then at the first West Orange St. Patrick’s Day parade. 

Initially, the band wore gray slacks and club jackets, with gold ties. Once funds were raised, the uniforms became white tunics, and kilts in hunting McClean Ancient. This uniform continues today

Many families have passed through this band, including the Tevlin family, with Tom and Mike, who have been active members from the beginning.

The Band does not charge for bagpipe and drum lessons, it is free to join, and every dollar the band makes goes back for instruments, uniforms and supplies. 

We are grateful for the contributions from our past members over the years for building this band to what it is today. We also thank our current members, and the Shillelagh Club, for their ongoing dedication to the band, and the continuation of Irish Music and Culture.

Membership Committee News

Welcome new Member

Thomas Callahan, Jr.

Inducted at the May Meeting.

And don't forget, if you know someone who is interested in joining us have them

Complete this Form to Apply

Editor's Note:

In this issue, we have placed 4 promotional insertions for sponsor ads in An Nuacht. Members and non-members may request a rate card by contacting Jim McGuire at corresponding@shillelaghclub.com