Madigan Muses: A Grand Celebration, at Last
By Marilyn Madigan
On Saturday February 5, the Ancient Order of Hibernians Boland Berry Division and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Our Lady of the Rosary Division hosted the Celebration of St. Brigid and St. Patrick. The Abbey and Madison Rooms of the West Side Irish American Club hosted the Mass for St. Brigid, celebrated by Fr. Ryan Duns SJ, the National Chaplain of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Fr. Ryan is proud of his Cleveland Irish Community roots which was demonstrated in his very enjoyable homily. He recognized the United Irish Societies Honorees and their contributions to the preservation of Irish music, dance and culture. He gave a special recognition of how Fr. Tom Mahoney has served the spiritual needs of many members of the community in happy and sad times.
THE FEST OF ST. PATRICK
Following the Mass, the beginning of Celebrations for the Feast of St. Patrick began with the dinner and program to honor the 2022 United Irish Societies Honorees, the 2022 Hibernian of the Year and to recognize the 2020 Honorees. All of these Honorees have contributed their time, talent and treasure to our Irish Community for many years.
The Main Ballroom of the West Side Irish American Club was full of those wishing to honor: Fr. Tom Mahoney, Hibernian of the Year; Rita Lally, Irish Mother; Patricia Coleman Lavelle and Eileen Mangan Stull, Parade Co-Chairs. We also recognize the 2020 United Irish Societies that did not have the opportunity to attend the 2020 Parade and Banquet due to the pandemic.
A special recognition to those individuals: Tom Scanlon, Grand Marshal; Kathleen Mangan, Irish Mother; Chris Cooper and Maureen Mohney, Parade Co-Chairs. We were also honored that many Past Hibernians of the Year and United Irish Societies Honorees were present. It is always nice to see individuals honored in the past recognize the new group of Honorees.
The hall was beautifully decorated by the Hibernian Committee. It was so nice to see the hall packed and people on the dance floor. A special thank you to the West Side Irish American Club, Brennan’s Catering, our emcee Steve Lavelle, vocalist Mary Agnes Kennedy, piper Kevin Kelly and our entertainment by Auld Pitch. A good time was held by all.
Many compliments have been stated on how this celebration is a great way to start the season. The pandemic has caused us all to look at new ways. What a great start to new celebrations.
See you at many other upcoming events for St. Patrick’s Day. Looking forward to the Celebration of St. Brigid and St. Patrick 2023.
*Marilyn Madigan is the National Vice President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a Deputy Director of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. John College and retired from Nursing at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
