An Nuacht

The Newsletter of

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

A 501c(3) Non Profit Organization

January 12, 2026

Inside this Edition

• Presidents Message
• Annual Dinner Dance Honorees
• 2026 Irish Organization Kick Off
• Coat Drive a Success
• 2026 Annual Dues
• Essex Shillelaghs GAA Report
• Essex Shillelaghs Pipe Band Report
• Local Irish Org Events
• History Roundtable: Going on the Wren
• Welcome New Members
• Good & Welfare
• Shillelaghs Out and About
• Shillelagh Uniforms
• 2025 FSOS Calendar
• Join a Committee

Next Meeting:

Wednesday January 14, 2026 7:30PM Start!



Our regular 2nd Wednesday of the month General Meeting.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

56th Annual FSOS Essex Dinner Dance – A Night to Remember

On Saturday, April 27, 2026, the Essex Chapter of the Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh will proudly host its 56th Annual Dinner Dance at the elegant The Hanover Manor from 6:00–11:00 PM. Long regarded as one of the premier social events on the Irish-American calendar, this beloved tradition promises another unforgettable evening.

Guests will enjoy a 90-minute premium cocktail hour, a sit-down dinner, a five-hour open bar, and outstanding live entertainment and and the stirring sounds of the Essex Shillelagh Pipes & Drums.

It is with great pride that we announce Tom Flemming and Chris Wightman Coughlin as our 2026 Shillelagh Men of the Year. Both are dedicated, longtime members whose service and commitment exemplify the very best of Irish and American values.

We are also honored to recognize the Ironbound Irish American Association of Newark as our 2026 Friends of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh. Founded to foster friendship, understanding, and Irish cultural pride, the Ironbound Irish have been steadfast supporters of the FSOS.

To commemorate the evening, a Dinner Dance Journal will be published. Messages, advertisements, and tickets may be secured by contacting a committee member, ordering using the buy option below or online at www.essexshillelagh.com/events/dance.

Please note that tickets are limited and the event sells out early, so early action is encouraged.

We look forward to celebrating at the Dance—sláinte!

The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh are proud to share the success of this winter’s community Coat Drive, which concluded on December 31 and resulted in the collection of more than 100 coats for those in need.

Organized by Mike Cunningham on behalf of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, the West Orange St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and the AOH Division 9, the drive reflected the very best of our shared mission—supporting our local community through service, generosity, and collaboration.

Thanks to the overwhelming response from members, families, and friends, all donated coats were delivered to Holy Trinity Food Pantry in West Orange, where they will help ensure that individuals and families stay warm during the coldest months of the year.

The FSOS extends its sincere gratitude to Mike Cunningham for leading this effort, to our partner organizations for their support, and to everyone who contributed. Your generosity truly made a difference, and once again demonstrated the spirit of brotherhood and service that defines the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh.

Be an Early-Bird Registrant Before January 31

and Receive a ESGAA Beannie

Shi-Ladies and Men's Registrations to Open on January 15

The Essex Shillelaghs GAA is pleased to announce that registration for both the Men’s and Shi-Ladies Gaelic Football programs will open on January 15 for the 2026 season.

Building on the momentum of recent seasons, both programs will offer a balanced mix of recreational and competitive Gaelic football, welcoming new players and returning athletes alike.

What to Expect in 2026

Men

• Spring Pub League play in West Orange, emphasizing skill development, fitness, and camaraderie
• Weekly combined training sessions beginning in March
• 7-on-7 recreational match play in the spring
• Potential summer and fall play, based on participation and interest

Registration Opens: January 15, 2026

Annual Fee:

• West Orange Residents: $50
• Non-Residents: $60

Women (Shi-Ladies)

• Indoor Winter Training now through the end of February
• Outdoor training session beginning in March
• Recreational play in West Orange, emphasizing skill development, fitness, and camaraderie. Some 7-on-7 recreational match play in the spring
• Junior B competition in Spring & Fall with the LGFA in Queens, NY

Registration Opens: January 15, 2026

Annual Fee:

• West Orange Residents: $80
• Non-Residents: $90

Both programs are proudly offered in association with the West Orange Department of Recreation, continuing a strong partnership that supports the growth of Gaelic games in our community.

Whether you’re new to Gaelic football, returning after time away, or looking to compete at a higher level, the Essex Shillelaghs Men’s and Shi-Ladies programs offer a welcoming pathway to get involved, stay active, and be part of a great club culture.

Additional details, including training schedules and registration links, will be shared as January 15 approaches. We look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces on the pitch this spring.

January 15, 2026, West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee Pipe Off, Danaher's Pub

January 17, 2026, 9am - AOH Div 9 Trip to SHU vs Butler, Flyer Attached.

February 1, 2026, 3-8pm - Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade Investiture, Hanover Manor

February 7, 2026, 6:30pm - Rutherford Irish American Association Grand Gala, The Fiesta, Wood-Ridge, $150pp

February 15, 2026, West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade Investiture, Hanover Manor

March 1, 2026, 12pm - Belmar Lake Como St. Patrick's Day Parade, Belmar, NJ

March 7, 2026, 12pm - Nutley St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 13, 2026, 12pm - 91st Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 14, 2026, 12pm - Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade, Morristown, NJ

March 14, 2026, 12pm - Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade, Union Township, NJ

March 15, 2026, 12pm - West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade

March 17, 2026, FSOSP 122nd Annual Dinner, Hanover Manor, East Hanover, NJ

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.

Going on the Wren - December 26

By Mike Palazzoto



In ancient Celtic mythology, the wren was revered as the king of the birds, a title earned through its cleverness and humility. According to ancient legend, all the birds once competed to see which could fly the highest and claim the throne. The eagle, with its powerful wings, seemed destined to win. Yet, as the eagle reached its peak and began to tire, the small wren that had hidden on the eagle’s back then soared even higher, claiming victory. This tale highlighted the wren’s association with wisdom, resourcefulness, and the triumph of cleverness over strength. 

Celts honored the wren (‘draoi éan’ or ‘Druid Bird’), especially during the Winter Solstice. The wren was a symbol of the old year and the waning sun, a creature connected to the cycles of nature and the balance of endings and beginnings. Its song was thought to bring hope and light even in the darkest days, a fitting emblem for the Solstice season as the sun begins its slow return. Note that December 25 was once the day of the Winter Solstice, set in the Julian Calendar in 45 BC. 

When Christianity came, it often sought to reshape or overshadow the traditions tied to pagan spirituality. Wren symbology was re-imagined. Folklore emerged, casting the wren as a traitor. One tale claimed that the wren’s song had betrayed St. Stephen to his persecutors, leading to his death. This story and others transformed the wren from a sacred bird into a symbol of treachery. 

The shift in symbology gave rise to the Wren Hunt, taking place on St. Stephen’s Day, December 26, the day after the birth date of Christ – the Light of the World. In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke tells us that Stephen was one of the first seven deacons of the early Jerusalem Church. Stephen was stoned to death by the Sanhedrin thereby making him the first martyr of Christianity. It is interesting that there were no Irish martyrs as Christianity took hold in Ireland, an unusual occurrence in Christian history. The “Irish Martyrs” came later: you may know of the many men and women, executed by English authorities between 1537 and 1714 for their steadfast loyalty to the Catholic faith during the English Reformation. 

“The Feeding of the Wren” procession in Ireland evolved into groups of villagers, “Mummers” and “Wren Boys,” who would dress in costumes, chase or capture a wren (originally a real bird) and parade it through the town on a holly branch or a pole. The wren was treated as a scapegoat for the year’s hardships, its death or symbolic capture representing a cleansing and renewal as the community entered the new year. Though the Wren Hunt was shaped by Christian reinterpretation, the bird’s symbolic power has endured and remains a strong symbol of the Solstice, representing the old year, the wisdom of the past, the return of light, and the cycles of death and rebirth. 

Nowadays, the wren hunt is replaced by symbolic celebrations of the Winter Solstice and community spirit and generosity. Groups of Wren Boys and Wren Girls dress in elaborate costumes (straw suits, old clothes, tinsel), play music (bodhrán, fiddle, flute), and parade pub-to-pub collecting money for charity. The procession is known as “The Feeding of the Wren” and the tradition is particularly vibrant in Dingle, parts of Galway, and Limerick, where large parades and "Straw Boy" gatherings take place. I think in New York we would call it a Mummer-Con! Alternatively, St. Stephen's Day is a popular day in Ireland for sporting events (especially football and racing)and lively sessions in pubs where patrons are engaged in stress relief after a hard day with relatives. So Raise a glass to our Martyrs, and Feed the Wren. 

Sláinte.

Mike

Joanne McMahon, wife of member Bill McMahon passed away on December 5th following a long illness. Wake and funeral services were held in Chatham.

Former member John O' Connor, father of Will O' Connor passed away on December 9th. Wake and funeral services were held in Bloomfield.

Marjorie Cole, wife of member Jerry Cole passed away on December 28th following a long illness. Wake was held in Roseland, funeral mass was celebrated at the Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell.

Member Stuart (Stu) Bury passed away suddenly on December 28th at his home in Manasquan. Wake and Funeral services were held in Manasquan. I attended the wake and presented a bible to next of kin, Stu's niece Jane Bury Slavin.

Former member Peter Byer of Manasquan (Formerly of West Orange) passed away on December 31st. Funeral services were held at Our Lady Of Lourdes West Orange on Friday January 9th 11am.

Received word today that former member Bob Hannigan passed away. Bob was very involved in the clubs earlier years. I don't have any other information at this time.

I delivered Mass cards to the McMahon, O' Connor, Cole and Bury families.

December 5, FSOS Member Christmas Party

December 7, FSOS/ESGAA Family Christmas Party

December 13, St. Patrick's Guard of Honor Luncheon

Photos Courtesy of JF Photography

December 31, Irish NYE at the Shillelagh Club

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 [email protected].

Shillelagh Tie

• The Shillelagh tie is available for purchase at the Club. Please speak with Kevin Kinney [email protected].

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