An Nuacht

The Newsletter of

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

A 501c(3) Non Profit Organization

April 2, 2026

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 by the Eamon Ryan Showband and and the stirring sounds of the Essex Shillelagh Pipes & Drums.

It is with great pride that we announce Tom Flemming and Chris Wightman 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!

Friends of the Shillelagh Honoree:

Ironbound Irish-American Association

On the evening of April 25, the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh proudly honors the Ironbound Irish American Association as Friends of the Shillelagh at our Annual Dinner Dance—a fitting tribute to a group whose story is woven into the very fabric of Irish-American life in New Jersey.

The Ironbound Irish American Association traces its roots to 1933, when a small but determined group gathered in the back room of Mickey Burns’ tavern with a shared vision: to build a brotherhood grounded in Irish heritage, friendship, and community. By January 1934, that vision became reality at St. Aloysius Mission Theatre, where the Association was formally established with a mission to promote fellowship, culture, and mutual support—values that remain as strong today as they were nearly a century ago.

From its earliest days, the Association stood at the heart of Newark’s Irish community, playing a key role in the development and tradition of Saint Patrick’s Day parades across the region. Whether marching through the streets of the Ironbound, Broad Street, or beyond, their presence has long symbolized pride in heritage and a deep commitment to keeping Irish traditions alive.

Like many great organizations, their journey has not been without challenge. After a period of dormancy, the Association experienced a proud rebirth in 1985, when a new generation—sons and grandsons of the founders—came together to revive the banner. Since then, the Ironbound Irish have marched forward with renewed spirit, donning their traditional high hats and tails, carrying walking sticks, and representing their community across New Jersey and beyond.

Today, the Ironbound Irish American Association continues to embody resilience, tradition, and camaraderie—the very qualities that define what it means to be a Friend of the Shillelagh.

Please join us on April 25 as we celebrate their legacy, honor their contributions, and raise a glass to the enduring strength of Irish fellowship.

Shi-Ladies and Men's Registrations Now Open

The Essex Shillelaghs GAA is pleased to announce that registration for both the Men’s and Shi-Ladies Gaelic Football programs is now open 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

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

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.

Clear the track and hide the carrots—the Essex Shillelaghs GAA are off to the races… quite literally.

In a turn of events that could only be described as “perfectly Irish,” the ESGAA has been selected as a charitable beneficiary of the New Jersey Irish Festival on June 7 at Monmouth Park Racetrack. And while the festival promises great music, fine vendors, and a proper day at the races, the real spectacle will be the now-famous Human Horse Race—a 1/16 mile dash featuring grown adults in full horse costume, galloping for glory, bragging rights, and likely oxygen.

But before our finest thoroughbreds hit the big stage, they must first qualify.

On Kentucky Derby Day, May 2, the Essex Shillleaghs GAA—teaming up with the Women of Irish Heritage—will host the inaugural Shillelagh Stakes, a preliminary race to determine who will represent the Club at Monmouth. For a $50 entry fee (a bargain, really, for the chance to discover your inner stallion), participants will compete in a local showdown of speed, stamina, and questionable decision-making. Proceeds will go toward supporting ESGAA’s entry into the NJ Irish Festival.

Racers will be divided into two divisions: Over 50 (wisdom over speed… allegedly) and Under 50 (speed over wisdom… definitely). Spectators are encouraged to cheer loudly, laugh heartily, and perhaps place informal wagers of pride and pints.

And when the dust settles and the champions are crowned, all jockeys, steeds, and supporters are invited to continue the festivities with the Women of Irish Heritage’s Kentucky Derby celebration at the Shillelagh Pub. Proper Derby attire is encouraged—think big hats, bold colors, and absolutely no judgment.

So polish your hooves, stretch those hamstrings, and prepare for an afternoon of high-stakes hilarity. Because at the Shillelagh Stakes, it’s not just about winning—it’s about looking ridiculous while doing it for a great cause.

April 18, 2026, 2pm, Rutherford Irish Hoboken Pub Crawl, starting at Willie McBride's, Grand Street, Hoboken

May 2, 2026, 3-7pm - WOIH & ESGAA Human Horse Race & Kentucky Derby Party, Shillelagh Club

May 3, 2026, 2-7pm - Essex County Emeralds Pipe Band Dinner, Hanover Manor, $125 pp

May 7, 2026, 11:30am, AOH Div. 9 Rob Lynch Memorial Golf Outing, Shillelagh Club, Francis Byrne Golf Course, Contact Mike Tevlin of Jim Allen DETAILS

June 7, 2026, 12-6pm - 2026 NJ Irish Festival, Monmouth Park

June 12, 2026, 1:30pm Shotgun, V4V (FSOS Old Bridge) Golf Outing, Concordia Golf Club, Monroe Township, $150 per golfer

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.

Kindred Spirits, Midleton, Co. Cork.

Choctaw and Irish History

Two ancient peoples. A modern-day connection. Nothing divides the Choctaw people from the Irish except for the ocean.

By Karl Burke

Both the Choctaw Nation and Ireland were, in effect, colonized by outside powers. Their ancient tongues almost became extinct and have been rescued from oblivion and made into working languages again through concerted effort and sophisticated approaches. Both peoples have successfully preserved their cultures and traditions.

Their relationship began in 1847, when the Choctaws, who had only recently arrived over the ruinous “trail of tears and death” to what is now Oklahoma, took up a donation and collected over $5,000 (in today’s money) to support the Irish during the genocide caused by the British Government in Ireland. “An Gorta Mór”, the great hunger ravaged Ireland during the 1840s, resulting in the catastrophic demographic collapse in Ireland, reducing the population by 25%, roughly 2.5 million in just six years. Over 1 million died of starvation and another 1.5 million emigrated to the four corners of the earth.

The Choctaws’ donation was sent to the town of Midleton in County Cork. There, many decades later, the townspeople realized their aid had come from a people who were themselves in a very unique set of circumstances – reestablishing their society and their government after the long and painful migration.

Eternal Heart, Choctaw Nation, Tuskahoma, Oklahoma

Irish President Mary Robinson visited the Choctaw Nation in 1995 to rekindle and reestablish the friendship and thank Choctaws for their aid to Midleton. Some years later, in 2017, a sculpture commemorating the Choctaws and their gift, known as “Kindred Spirits,” was dedicated in a beautiful park in Midleton.

In 2018, Ireland’s Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, visited Choctaw Nation headquarters to thank the Choctaws and initiate the first of a continuing series of yearly scholarships for Choctaw students to study in Ireland. Ireland’s Consul General visited the Choctaw Nation a year later.

In 2020 the story took a new twist when coronavirus pandemic caused disruptions around the world. The death toll was particularly acute in the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Reservation. The Irish, stating that they were “paying it forward” with their aid from the Choctaws in mind, took up a very sizeable donation of $2 million dollars, with which to aid and assist the Navajo and Hopi.

Quentin Foley Sr. father of JP Foley passed away on March 18th.

Funeral mass will be at Aloysius Catholic Church Caldwell at 10.30am on

Friday, April 10th. In his memory donations can be made to St.Benedict's Prep.

Ar dheis De a raibh a hanam dilis

March 6, FSOS/O'Hara Parade Party

Photos: Janet Burke

March 15, West Orange St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Photos: Charlie Vollmer

March 17, Savannah Georgia St. Patrick's Day Parade

Photos: Janet Burke

March 29, Gaelic Language & Trad, Shillelagh Club

More than 70 people in attendance for the first Irish Language class led by Brian Ó’Broin.

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 [email protected] .

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 [email protected]