2023 Savannah Irish Festival Program

SAVANNAH STATION

601 Cohen Street, Savannah, GA 31401

ABOUT THE VENUE

Savannah Station was originally constructed in 1902 as a stable for horses that hauled freight wagons for The Southern Express Company In 1918, it was sold to The American Railway Express, which, in its day, was synonymous with United Parcel Service What is now the Ballroom was originally built and used as a garage and truck depot for their commercial trucks

In 1969, the building was sold to Taylor Furniture Company to warehouse furniture and was eventually used as a garage for tour buses In early 1997, two Savannah businessmen bought the facility for the purpose of renovating it into an elegant event facility

Now called SAVANNAH STATION, the building has 12,000-square feet of event space perfect for local Savannahians, tourists, and conventioneers It’s unique and varied history is just one of its charms!

Clients say that “pictures don’t do it justice ” Savannah Station is a one-of-a-kind venue that has facilities for everything The Bar is ideal for small events while the Ballroom can host events for up to 400 people There’s ample room for any private function and a perfect slate for any design.

www.reallygreatsite.com

912-233-5400

theresa@savannahstation.com

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CAOIMHE NÍ CHONCHÚIR

Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir was appointed Consul General of Ireland to the South East United States in January 2022 Based in Atlanta, she leads Ireland’s team covering Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee

Caoimhe is originally from Lucan, County Dublin She completed a degree in European Studies at Trinity College Dublin, including a year studying at the Institut d’Études Politiques (Sciences-Po) in Paris, France She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge and a diploma in law from the National University of Ireland

She joins the Consulate from a role at Ireland’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where she led the team on human rights and gender equality including during Ireland’s term as an elected member of the UN Security Council, where she co-chaired the Security Council’s Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security

Caoimhe joined the Department of Foreign Affairs in 2008 She has served at headquarters in Political Division, Corporate Services Division, and Consular Division. From 2015 to 2018 she was Deputy Director of the Americas Unit, responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean. Caoimhe was previously posted to Ireland’s Embassy in Spain

Caoimhe is married to Pádraig and they have two young children

WHAT DOES THE CONSULATE DO?

Ireland has been in the Southeast, Atlanta specifically, for over 11 years. We opened the office here in 2011 – in fact, CG Atlanta was the first consulate Ireland had opened in the USA since the 1930s. This opening was in the context of a significant financial crisis faced by the State and our feeling at that time was, and remains, that it was critical to our economic interests in the US that we have a presence in the Southeast. A significant proportion of the growth in the United States over the next twenty years will be in states like Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina Whereas before our traditional strongholds were in the Northeastern corridor, we identified a strategic objective to improve our representation in the South. We believe this region holds great promise for Ireland. Since opening in Atlanta, we have expanded our presence in the South with Austin, LA, and most recently, Miami.

Our work is varied and always interesting; we are engaged in almost all spheres, political, cultural, business, consular, and diaspora. We are a ‘full-service consulate – which means we cover all the topics mentioned above. Our team is very small, with 2 posted staff, Head of Mission, Caoimhe Ní Chonchúir, and Vice Consul Eimear Nolan. We are supported in our work by 3 fantastic local staff, Sondra Reed, Nejmia Ahmed, and Elaine Cosgrove.

One enormous piece of work for our office is that of diaspora. Our diaspora is of key importance to us. Our President, Michael D. Higgins, has said about our diaspora that they are ‘‘One of Ireland’s greatest resources: through the contribution our people make to the nations they migrate to; through the bonds they forge with the peoples of those countries, our migrants have allowed Ireland to have global connections far beyond our size.”.

As a small country, with a population of around 5 million at last count, we have an outsize footprint n the United States and this is in large part down to our diaspora. We take a broad and inclusive definition of the Irish diaspora, one that reflects the rich diversity of our global community. The contemporary diaspora is composed of individuals of every background from communities in every part of the world. The strong sense of Irish identity that has remained vibrant over the ages in our communities abroad is a resource we, as diplomats, are so fortunate to have, particularly in the USA.

Currently, we cover Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama. On average, over the 7 states, we cover, 7.5% of the total population claims Irish heritage or 4.8 million people.

The links shared between the US and Ireland are well documented – however, the particular strength and enduring relationship between the Southeast US and our own sunny South East, Wexford is something truly special. These particular connections run deep and are a testament to the pride and identity the community in this region hold for their roots. One need only look to your famous parade for evidence of the deep affinity those in this special corner of the US hold for Ireland.

The Savannah Irish Festival Committee wishes to express our gratitude to everyone who has patiently stood by us as we navigated our way back from the effects of the 2020 pandemic.

Many of you know the Festival has not been produced since February 2020, only a month before the pandemic shut the world down in March 2020. Over the last three (3) years the Committee has worked diligently to raise money with various fundraising events and we wish to thank everyone who has attended!

The Committee is happy to bring the Festival back in 2023! And, we are excited that the Savannah Station was able to accommodate us for this one (1) day event.

Huge thank you to our sponsors, donators, vendors, musicians, and attendees who have come out and supported this year ' s Savannah Irish Festival. We are so happy to be back this year! And, we appreciate your ongoing support as we continue to rebuild this Savannah tradition.

Tara Reese

The Savannah Irish Festival - President

TheSavannahIrish FestivalCommittee

Committee Officers:

President: Tara Reese

Treasurer: Christin Rouse

Secretary: Dori Sessoms

Committee Members:

Walt Harper

Terrie Osbourne

Deana Shores

Shirley Humphries

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, these organizations continued to support the Savannah Irish Festival Committee. Without you, we would not be able to plan the 2023 Festival.

O'CONNELL'S IRISH PUB

42 Drayton Street, Savan

Locally owned and operated since 1992 when Sava olm O'Connell, retired from 28 years of military service.

O'Connell's Irish Pub is home to the Division 1 Ancient Order of Hibernians and is the Savannah GAA headquarters.

O'Connell's Irish Pub is located in the heart of Historic Savannah on Drayton and Broughton St! O'Connell's offers the best Irish Whiskey selection and the best pour of Guinness in Savannah! Enjoy the craic in a relaxed atmosphere amongst new friends.

O'Connell's has proudly supported The Savannah Irish Festival Committee during their planning stages and we are happy to join them Saturday, February 11, 2023.

Join us for pints where the craic is always mighty at O'Connell's Irish Pub!

*Malcolm O'Connell was the son of Pat J. O'Connell of Kanturk, County Cork, Ireland.

InMemory

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Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

We are Americans by birth but we have Irish roots.

Clan Beckett

George J III, Michelle Murphy, John Thomas

Seamus, and Pierce Patrick

Clan Buttimer

Bobby, Nancy, and Jason

Houston, Becky, Kaylie, and Gracie Odom

Jeanne, Jimmy, Joseph, Tim, and Wanda

Nicholas, Zachary, Ryan, Erin, and Brad

Terry, Pam, Caitlin, and Collin

Theresa Wexel

Tony, Beth, Jonathan, and Elizabeth

Clan Coleman

Hugh and Angela Coleman

Alicia Coleman and Bubba Edgerly

Kathryn and Carson Barnes

Victoria Harvey and Brandon Weaver

Clan Crawford

Walter and Debbie Crawford

Jennifer and David Hodges

Elizabeth Crawford and Dillon Craig

Dorothy, Ryan, Olivia, Allison, and Owen Akins

Clan Fleming

Shirley Fleming Humpheries

Julie, Billy Morris, Andrew Chandler, and RJ Jones

Amy and Jay Goette, Jackson, Georgia, and Gibson

Alex and Tyler Tucker, Mallorie, and Rhettson

Clan Fogarty

Christopher, Caroline & Kason

Edward John Fogarty III

Brian, Lauren, Luke, Simon & Faith

Mike & Judy, Colin, Emily, Sara Jane & Walker

Pat & Kim, Patrick, Sean & Margaret

Terrie Osborne and Dee Horne

Clan Forbes

Jim & Mary Forbes

John & Jennifer Forbes, Keegan, Conor, and Abby

Eileen & Michael Gardner, Micah, Joel, and Chelsea

Caitlin and Cohen Grizzard, Addie and Keeley

Timmy, Brendan and Sara Fenlon

John & Monica Wacha, Joseph and Jacob

Jessie and Sean Gay

Whitney & Seth Norwood, Carson, Palmer, and Grady

Clan McGrath

Patrick, Allison, Reagan, and Garrett

Clan Murray

Julius Alonza and Mini Sowell

Ruby Cleo Murray Scott

Hinton "Scotty" Scott

Linda Ruby Scott and Ernie A Sessoms

Dori G Sessoms and Chad Carmichael

Ross Leloup, Gordon Carmichael

Clan Harper

Walt, Christopher, Jeanna Marie-Kae, Jessie, Haley

Clan Hogan

Jerry, Arie, and Family

Clan Rossiter

Frank and Glenda

Clan Roush

Mike and Rena

Michael and Trey, and Donna Johnson

Oliver and Elena Koch

Mike, Laura, Joshua, Madison, and Joseph Garner

Clan Valentine

Garrett, Megan, and Kelley

Other Clan Mentions

Clan Adams

Clan Ansley

Clan Beytagh

Clan Booton

Blan Bremer

Clan Bunger

Clan Butler

Clan Byrne

Clan Carver

Clan Cusack

Clan Creech

Clan Cromie

Clan Dillion

Clan Drake

Clan Ducey

Clan Edgerly

Clan Foran

Clan Groover

Clan Hagan

Clan Halligan

Clan Hatch

Clan Herb

Clan Hogan

Clan Holland

Clan Ireland

Clan Joyce

Clan Logue

Clan MacLendon

Clan McCarthy

Clan McClimans

Clan McFeeley

Clan McGowan

Clan Mulherin

Clan Norris

Clan Pace

Clan Roberson

Clan Sheehan

Clan Williams

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MCDONOUGH'S

21 E Mc Donough St, Savannah, GA 31401

MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM TO 3AM

SUNDAY 10AM TO 2AM

Serving Breakfast All Day Kitchen Open Late

Best Happy Hour in Savannah

https://mcdonoughslounge.com/

SAVANNAH’SBESTKARAOKE DON’TSTOPBELIEVIN’YOU’RE LIVIN’ONAPRAYER

PROGRAM 2023

11:00 - 11:45

Opening Ceremonies With St. Vincent's Academy Chorale

12:00 - 12:45

The Byrne Brothers

1:00 - 1:45

CULTURAL AREA

12:15 -

Meaghan Dwyer Ryan, GSU

Centre for Irish Research and Teaching

Tommy Byrne and his 1916 Fiddle

Kieran McMullin

Trad Session led by Seldom Sober

What is the Gaelic Athletic Association with Savannah GAA

Legacy Irish Dancers 2:00 - 2:45

Seldom Sober

3:00 - 3:45

Carroll Brown 4:00 - 4:45

Fran Doyle 5:00 - 5:45

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Carroll Brown

Singer/Songwriters

Paul Keogh, “Guinness, One of the Best Family Businesses”

Legacy Irish Dancers 6:15 - 7:15

The Byrne Brothers 7:15 - 7:45 Ensemble

The Byrne Brothers are a multi award winning family band and Irish dancers from Donegal and one of the biggest names in traditional Irish music today. They are Luca 18 on Accordion, Finn 16 on Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar, Dempsey 13 on Bodhran & Whistle and Dad, Tommy on Uilleann Pipes, Bagpipes, Fiddle and Guitar. All County Champions on their instruments and Ulster Champion Irish Dancers.

https://www.thebyrnebrothers.com/

Seldom Sober

RAISE A GLASS WITH US

Seldom Sober was formed in Savannah in 2007 by Michael Corbett and Colleen Settle, who first began playing together in 2006. Colleen and Michael were also part of the Savannah Ceili Band from 2007-2019 and have performed at festivals, theaters, pubs, parties, weddings, and other events throughout the Lowcountry. Seldom Sober has twice performed as the opening band for Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones. Colleen and Michael have been featured on WGPB Radio's Morning Edition, radio shows as far away as New Zealand, the Love Letters Podcast from the Boston Globe and PRX (S2,E5), Marc Gunn's Irish & Celtic Music Podcast, Georgia Traveler (E806), and Hometown Homicide (S2 E3).

Colleen Settle Michael Corbett

Colleen hails from the New York area and moved to Savannah in 2006. She lends her talents with fiddle, vocals, and stomp box to Seldom Sober. Colleen began playing Irish music professionally in 1978 and was a protégé of notable New York area fiddlers Maureen Glynn and Rose Flanagan.

Michael is a Bostonian who moved to Savannah in 2005. He plays acoustic guitar and is the lead singer and frontman for Seldom Sober. Michael has been performing Irish music professionally since 1995 and has been mentored by some of the finest Irish folk musicians of the twentieth century, including Robbie O'Connell and the legendary Liam Clancy.

CARROLL BROWN MUSIC

Carroll Brown has been performing Irish music since 1974. Many local Savannahians know Carroll Brown from the iconic Listening Room of the world-renowned Kevin Barry's Irish Pub which closed in 2020 after 40 years.

Much of Carroll's work is performed solo in Irish music venues and special events throughout the American southeast. These events are filled with a variety of patrons from college kids to more mature music fans.

Carroll hails from and lives today on our family farm in rural Kershaw County, South Carolina. As a pro musician, I and my several bands are based in Charleston, SC. We play a variety of festivals and other events, many Irish and Celtic shows, and also do a mixture of various folk and country music. All our shows are made up of whatever mixture of regional and popular favorites is called for.

FRAN DOYLE

Born in Dublin, Ireland and known as Dublin's Traveling Trabadour, Fran Doyle now resides between Nova Scotia and Florida. Fran has been playing Irish music for more than 40 years. Fran was also a constant performer at Kevin Barry's Irish Pub which closed in January 2020.

Kieran McMullen has been interested in Irish culture and history for decades.

Having gained a bachelor's Degree in Irish History in 1971 he then spent 22 years on active duty in the US Army retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He then spent 14 years in law enforcement and 20 years as a volunteer fireman.

A school-trained firearms repairman and instructor Kieran holds patents on several artillery weapons components. He travels to Ireland regularly and is the author of four books on weapons used during the Irish War of Independence and Civil War periods.

For publisher Kilmainham Tales of Dublin. He and his wife live in Crescent, Georgia on a small farm. He is also the author of seven mysteries for MX Publishing in England. Book launch at the Mayors Mansion House in Dublin

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Jim Forbes

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Slip-n-Slides

Bounce House Combos

Waterslides

Dry Slides

Obstacle Courses

Games

Concessions

Tents/Tables/Chairs/Lights

Party Extras

More!

Phone: (912) 856-8121

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Who We Are

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Savannah Irish Festival is a nonprofit, all-volunteer festival whose mission is to honor and promote Irish culture and music in a family-friendly setting by providing our local and regional community with the best, friendliest, and most enjoyable Irish cultural weekend in Savannah.

How Can You Help?

Are you a Savannah local? Are you a member of one of the Irish Societies or Organizations mentioned? Join the Savannah Irish Festival Committee and help us start planning our 2024 festival! We meet once a week for about 90 minutes Ask us how you can help!

Donations/Sponosrships

Do you want to help support the Savannah Irish Festival but don't have the time? The Savannah Irish Festival has survived on Sponsorships and Donations We are a 501C organization so that means your contribution is tax deductible! Ask us today how you can help support the 2024 Festival!

Suggestions

The Savannah Irish Festival Committee would love to have your input on how we can make the Festival more successful! But, remember we cannot do this without your support! Let's get to planning!

Past Past Past Festivals Festivals Festivals

In the mid to late-nineteenth century, the port city of Savannah, Georgia in the southern United States became a haven for people of Irish Heritage in the US, particularly those from the South East of Ireland Shipping companies like the Graves company of New Ross carried a mass emigration from Wexford and parts of south Kilkenny to Georgia

The project has since uncovered a treasure trove of information about the voyages between Wexford and Savannah from the late 1840s to the early 1860s The Dunbrody Famine Ship passenger database records thousands of Irish emigrant families arriving in Savannah

In September 2019, the Dunbrody Famine Ship Visitor Centre opened a new exhibition, the “Savannah Landing Point” which brings the whole exit area to life for visitors The Savannah Landing Point exhibit was partly funded by major tourism-related companies in Savannah, along with Wexford Local Development funding and depicts what Irish immigrants would have experienced when they arrived in Savannah, in the 1800s

As you enter the tour of our living museum, you are issued a ticket to Savannah, Georgia As you leave the ship, a hand-drawn map of the city in 1851 sets the scene for your arrival to the City Panels along the walkway wall from the ship into the Centre give details of the City’s growth into a thriving port for cotton and timber

The Dunbrody Famine Ship virtual tour exhibition features a flavor of life for the Irish in Savannah with bales of cotton straight from the sunny Georgia State city along with an interactive touch screen where you can read about 12 success stories of Irish emigrants from Wexford who made significant contributions to life in Savannah. A stereoscope shows 3D images of Savannah in the 1800s and a video supplied by Visit Savannah showcases the city’s appeal.

Telephone: +353 (0)51 425239

Email: info@dunbrodycom

For group inquiries contact: mauramurphy@dunbrodycom or seanconnick@dunbrodycom

Dunbrody Famine Ship, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland.

In June 2022, Savannah Irish Festival President, Tara Reese, visited the Dunbrody in New Ross, Ireland