As we reflect on the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Augusta, GA, the Irish American Heritage Society (IAHS) takes pride in the many events we participated in to showcase our Irish heritage and promote Irish culture within the community.

We were honored to welcome Caoimhe Ni Chonchuir, the Consul General of Ireland | Atlanta, to our Grand Marshal Ball, where we recognized three designations of outstanding members in our community: Grand Marshal Brian Leonard, Sr., Irish Lady of the Year Theresa Gasser, and Irish Family of the Year The Julian Vaughan "Sonny" Casey Family. This event was a testament to our commitment to strengthening the bonds between the Irish-American diaspora and Ireland, just as the Consulate works to maintain and enhance these connections while promoting Irish culture in various forms.

One of our most significant contributions was our annual organization of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. With over 150 floats and marching groups, we had a strong presence that highlighted our Irish heritage and promoted cultural diversity within the community. Additionally, we honored a notable Irishman by donning the Patrick Walsh Statue in the Federal Justice Center with the IAHS Tricolor Sash and a festive top hat, which served as a symbol of our pride in our heritage and culture.

Enjoyed by many was the Irish Lady of the Year Tea, a female-led event that celebrates the achievements of women in our community, as well as the St. Patrick's Day Breakfast and Mass, which celebrated our faith and connection to Ireland. These events not only strengthen our community but also demonstrate our dedication to promoting our Irish culture in both new and traditional forms.

Furthermore, the addition this year of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Program Reveal Party showcased the contributions of Irish Americans throughout history as well as the numerous Irish-owned businesses within our community. And certainly, the St. Patrick's Day Members Ceili brought our members together to celebrate with music, dance, food, drinks, and - perhaps most importantly - quality craic.

Our involvement in these events not only promotes cultural diversity within the community but it is also aligned with the mission of the Consulate, which works closely with Ireland's Embassy and other Consulates and State Agencies throughout the United States to promote trade, tourism, and inward investment while also fostering connections between the Irish-American diaspora and Ireland.

As an organization, the IAHS is committed to promoting our Irish heritage and culture, and our participation in St. Patrick's Day celebrations highlights our dedication to these efforts. We look forward to continuing to promote cultural diversity within our community while maintaining and enhancing our connections to Ireland.

Slán go fóill,
Seán Mooney
Treasurer | Irish American Heritage Society