An Nuacht

The Newsletter of

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

A 501c(3) Non Profit Organization

September 3, 2025

Before

After

Preserving Our Legacy: FSOS Completes Exterior Renovation Project

Building Fund Drive to be Announced

The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh is proud to announce completion of a major exterior renovation project for our clubhouse on Prospect Avenue—a building we’ve called home since 1967. After nearly six decades within these walls, the time had come to invest in preserving and enhancing the exterior of our historic home.

The scope of the project included essential structural and aesthetic upgrades to restore the exterior façade and ensure the long-term integrity of the building. The estimated cost for the project was $80,000 and it is expected to be completed on-time and in-budget. This is one of the most ambitious capital projects our organization has undertaken in recent memory. A a Building Fund Drive will be announce soon to defray the costs.

This effort was spearheaded by dedicated and capable members—Ollie Browne (Ollie Browne & Sons Electric), Marty Meehan (Air Group), Kevin Cunningham Electrical, Aidan McClusky, Karl Burke and Bill Kohlman—who brought their professional expertise and a deep commitment to the project and the club.

The investment not only preserves the physical structure of our club—it reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a welcoming space for current and future generations of Shillelaghs. The improved exterior will better reflect the pride we take in our club and serve as a fitting gateway to the traditions we uphold inside.

Let’s continue to build on the legacy our founders began in 1971 when they purchased the property—brick by brick, brother by brother.

Our club recently received $6,300 in grant funding from the Irish Government to partially defray the cost of recent capital improvement work, including the replacement of the clubhouse siding and upstairs windows. This funding recognizes the significant cultural, heritage and sporting contributions made by the Shillelagh Club, as well as the Club’s support of the Irish diaspora. This is the first time the Shillelagh Club has received grant funding.

               The Irish Abroad Unit in the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the Irish State Department) manages and coordinates the Emigrant Support Program. This work is conducted in partnership with Ireland’s Embassies and Consulates around the world as well as many Irish organizations globally. The Emigrant Support Program focuses primarily on two areas: (i) support for the vulnerable and underrepresented; and, (ii) nurturing Ireland’s cultural heritage abroad among the diaspora. Individual grants have ranged from small amounts for grass-roots groups to major allocations awarded to voluntary and community organizations operating on a large scale. Since 2004, the Emigrant Support Program (ESP) has assisted over 900 organizations in 51 countries, ranking the Shillelagh Club – Essex Division among the top 1,000 Irish organizations worldwide!

               In 2024, the program provided funding for various U.S.-based recipients, including such organizations as the Emerald Isle Immigration Center and the American Irish Historical Society in New York City, the Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland, and The Friends of St. Patrick of Hawaii. A full list of previous awardees can be found here: https://www.ireland.ie/en/irish-diaspora/emigrant-support-programme/previous-funding/. In 2025, we are likely to be the only organization in New Jersey to be funded by this program, and it is a true honor for our club to be recognized among this global list of prestigious Irish organizations. We will proudly proclaim this recognition on our website.

More information on the program can be found here: https://www.ireland.ie/en/irish-diaspora/emigrant-support-programme/

Now in our 19th consecutive year and having raised over $1.3 Million, the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh are proud to again host a St. Baldrick’s Foundation event on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at our clubhouse at 648 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, NJ. Time is still TBD—but mark your calendars now!

Join us as we stand in solidarity with children battling cancer. Whether you’re brave enough to go bald or just want to support the cause, it promises to be a fun and meaningful day for all. There’ll be good company, great energy, and plenty of Shillelagh spirit.

Want to get involved or learn more? Reach out to Kevin Kinney for details on how to participate, donate, or volunteer.

Ready to donate or signup for the shave? Follow the link below:

St. Baldrick's Event at the FSOS

Golf Committee chairman Mike Tevlin reports that with returning foursomes from last year re-upping for 2025, the event is sold out. Mike will be keeping a wait list for any members who would like to play.

Sponsorship spots are still available. Please consider a donation to help with the FSOS Scholarship Fund.

Contact Mike at mtevlin4@verizon.net for more details and putting your name on the waiting list.

By Jim McNany

We had another successful event this year in support of the 6th graders at Thomas A. Edison Middle School. As in keeping with past years, we filled 150 backpacks with all of the supplies the teachers and administrators required the 2025-26 school year. Due to the school realignments for this coming school year, we provided a backpack for every sixth grader at Edison--100% support.

We also crossed a big milestone in this, our eighth year: we gave away our one thousandth backpack! Over the life of this charitable endeavor, we have raised over $45,000, enabling us to donate 1,125 backpacks to West Orange families! The impact has been huge and the individual students, families, and administrators from the Edison community have shared their gratitude.

Thank you to the committee for all their hard work, and thank you to everyone who donated their time and their financial support. Look for emails about next year's event in late spring 2026!

Essex, It’s Our Turn to Swing South —

Join the FSOS Quint Shillelagh Golf Outing in Myrtle Beach!

Calling all golfers, craic seekers, and champions of the friendly rivalry between Shillelagh clubs!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 16, 2025, as the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Carolinas hosts the annual Quint Shillelagh Golf Outing at the legendary Legends Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, SC. This rotating tradition brings together members from all five FSOS clubs — Old Bridge, Belmar, Ocean, Myrtle Beach, and Essex — for a weekend of camaraderie, competition, and good cheer.

Payment Information:

• Cost: $150 (covers the event only)
• Deadline: August 31, 2025
• Payable by:
• Check: Made out to FSOS with memo: Quint Golf
• Venmo: @ShillelaghClub — Label the payment memo: Quint Golf

To Sign Up:

• Visit the sign-up link here: Sign-Up Genius
• Please include:
• Shirt size
• Dates you’ll be in Myrtle Beach (in the "comments" section)

FSOS-Essex Spots are SOLD OUT - if you want to be placed on the waitlist reach out to Bill Kohlman:

Bill Kohlman

973-886-0988

What’s included:

• Green fees and cart
• Continental breakfast
• Golf shirt (be sure to include your size when registering!)
• Contests for longest drive and closest to the pin
• Lunch with beverages
• Awards dinner with food and 2-hour open bar

Tee Times:

7:30 AM to 9:40 AM — Captain’s Choice Format

Lodging:

On-site lodging available, with a pub within walking distance. Call 1-800-299-6187 ext. 2300 for reservations.

This is more than just a golf outing — it’s a tradition among the FSOS brotherhood. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just out for the laughs, the Quint is a fantastic way to represent the Essex Division and connect with Shillelaghs from every corner of the map.

September Practices at Minish Field

Minish Field

Fall practice will once again return to Minish Field in West Orange. Dates & times are also posted in Team Snap and you will be able to indicate to your coach your plans with a simple click. Some changes and/or additions may be made during the month and will be updated in Team Snap.

And remember, the days are getting shorter as the month progresses, please make sure to arrive on time if not 10 minutes before.

U8, U10, U12, U14, U16

Wednesday, September 3, 6pm

Wednesday, September 10, 6pm

Wednesday, September 17, 6pm

Wednesday, September 24, 6pm

U6

Saturday, September 6, 11am

Saturday, September 13, 11am

Saturday, September 20, 11am

Saturday, September 27, 11am

Shi-Ladies Women

Wednesday, September 3, 6pm

Wednesday, September 10, 6pm

Wednesday, September 17, 6pm

Wednesday, September 24, 6pm

Men 17+

Thursday, September 4, 6pm

Thursday, September 11, 6pm

Thursday, September 18, 6pm

Thursday, September 25, 6pm

Men’s Gaelic Football League Taking Shape in West Orange!

September 6, 2025, 11am-7pm - Ocean FSOS Irish Festival

September 12, 2025, 8am - TPK Annual Golf Outing

September 13, 2025, 4-8pm - Newark SPD Parade Committee, 1/2 Way to SPD, Just Jakes, Montclai

September 19, 2025, 7-11pm - Rutherford Irish American Association "Pub Night"

September 21, 2025, 3-6pm - Essrex Shillelagh Pipe Band Fundraiser at the Shillelagh Club

October 11, 2025, 12-2pm - WOSPD Parade Committee - Family Fun Day - Free Admission 

November 16, 2025, FSOS Quit Golf Outing, Myrtle Beach, SC  

Editor's Note: Ancient Ireland & History Roundtable is presented by the History Committee of the FSOS and hopes to bring to life the richness of Irish history with curated and authored articles by members. Submissions for publication are encouraged, subject to Editorial staff approval.

James Napper Tandy

Perhaps you have seen a pub named after him or know a bit of his history? Let’s explore his enduring legacy to the Irish freedom discussion during the end of the Eighteenth century.

Napper Tandy hailed from a protestant family. As he matured, he became active in the church as a churchwarden in the Dublin area. Later he grew to prominence as a small tradesmen. This led him to seek office among a block of merchants who opposed unfair trade practices of the British with Ireland.

What is important to remember is Ireland at the time was deemed in essence a colony of Great Britian. Prohibitive regulations abounded like Great Britian Prime Minister Pitt’s (soon to be classified as the United Kingdom) Commercial Resolutions of 1785. Tandy turned to politics in the Dublin Corporation in response to these and agitated with others to adjust these resolutions.

In his expanding political role with the Dublin Corporation, he worked with other luminaries. Chief amongst those was Theobald Wolfe Tone. The Society of the United Irishmen was formed by Tandy, Wolfe Tone and others in 1791.

During those years, the French Revolution had a profound effect on many governments. Tandy, Wolfe Tone and others wished to model an early Irish government on the Republican ideals of the French Revolution with increasing British crown pressure against this direction. Tandy went further to organize a national guard modelled on the French experiment and also to align this further with the Defenders, an existing Catholic defense group that was moderately tolerated by existing Irish rule and landowners. This step was beyond acceptable to the crown who sought him for arrest through 1793-4 till Tandy had to flee in 1795 for the United States to avoid capture. He remained there through 1798 though assembled with others in France to plan their own Emerald Island revolution that was to meet with mixed success.

An important backdrop to consider is the political alignments and how they formed. In 1916, Irish revolutionaries aligned with German influences who opposed England and found it best to agitate against England through Irish intercession. The same held true for the French backing Irish independence in 1798. It was a perfect way for the French to anger their enemy Great Britain. This setup Tandy’s defining moment.

Competing plans emerged out of the United Irishmen convening in France in 1798. Wolfe Tone advocating a more measured approach and naval manuevers. Not so Napper Tandy. After many appeals to the French government primarily Napoleon, he secured a French naval ship, 100 French soldiers and 150 Irish volunteers with 3000 rifles. They sailed to the West of Ireland and landed at Burtonport after some difficulty that included employing the local pilot to guide them to harbor. Tandy’s plan was to incite the native Irish to rise up in Revolution against the large landowner in the area William Burton Conyngham. An agent for the landowner and the postmaster was Frank Forester also a former classmate of Tandy at Trinity. Forester gave him lodging though insisted he not pursue the revolution.

A huge problem emerged as many former British lived in the area now as transplants for over a century. They had formed years back a paramilitary force the Lagan Corp. and stood ready to oppose the Tandy plan. Concurrent plans by Wolfe Tone in other parts of Ireland and the French General Humbert encountered their own difficulties and the unified revolution across the island that was to start in opposition to forces in East Donegal and beyond never succeeded.

Despite this, Tandy tried to rally support for his military plan but there was little to none and he fled. He nonetheless emerged relatively unscathed. He escaped capture by sailing north and got to Hamburg where he resided for some years before the British insisted the Hamburg government hand him over which was opposed by the French. He was handed over for a trial in Dublin, pleaded guilty which spared others such as Forester huge problems. He could have been hung for treason. However almost to taunt the British, the French through Napoleon Bonaparte would not agree on a larger peace plan in their own war without securing Tandy’s release.

Despite Tandy’s failure of an Irish Revolution (though scholars contend his and Wolfe Tones efforts to get civil rights for Catholics were successful), he was still revered by the French who ultimately celebrated his escape and exile there with parades, banquets and a state pension. Though Tandy did not live long in exile in France, the French gave him a state funeral perhaps to further incense the British.

• Former Member James “Jim” Prior 87 Passed away last Sunday August 31st. Jim’s son John is a former president of Essex Shillelagh’s. Visitation is at The Dangler Funeral Home West Orange tomorrow Thursday September 4th 4-8. A funeral mass will be held at 10am St John’s Church Ridge St Orange. Burial at Gate Of Heaven, Cemetery East Hanover.

• Member Mike Malkinski is recovering following a fall at his home. Mike spent a few days in hospital with a broken wrist, fractured ribs and a hip injury. We wish Mike a speedy recovery, and hope to see him back at the club in the near future.

August 13, Member BBQ & Meeting

President Coughlin recognizes Irish Console Gareth Hargadon, who was present at the meeting. Gareth was presented with a Shillelagh pin and Ollie Browne presented a Shillelagh GAA jersey. Denis Naughton spoke on the positive impact Gareth has had on our organization. Gareth recognized the FSOS for our leading role in the NJ Irish community. 

August 15, FSOS Raceday at Monmouth Park

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 with Funding Support from:

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