A Rose by Any Other Name, and a Warrior Rests in Peace
We lost an Irish hero, and we gained an Irish Rose. Their stories are inside, and like all iIrish stories, also on the brand new iIrish.us website.
The depths of life are sharpening their blades on me this month. Lessons from Pop on perseverance and patience continue to be drawn on in our effort to continue our community development while honoring those who developed our community in the past.
I mentioned the new website, which will allow us A Rose by Any Other Name, and a Warrior Rests in Peace to interact in a timely fashion with those who want to partner in this passion. So much more is coming.
iIrish’s New Merch Store
Yes, it is finally here! We don’t love the name, so we are holding a contest to name it. The winner will receive a special issue apparel piece, available only to iIrish VIP’s. The VIP program is made up of personal and product influencers who are partnering with us to expand the brand to reach more people of all ages and backgrounds. We can’t wait for you to meet them.
Our audience is diverse, and sustainable, and so are we. We’ve always been green. Like America, we are also diverse, dedicated, and determined in each day that we trade in our lives, for something worthwhile and lasting.
iIrish is American, Irish, Canadian, Scottish, Italian, Black, Indian, Polish, Brazilian, Lebanese, Jewish, LGBTQ+, Gaelic, Irish Speaking, Writers, Teachers, Doctors, Poets, Lawyers, Green, Sustainable, Philanthropists, and best of all, friends. We are Meitheal (pron. Mee Hawl) – a group of people working together for the common good.
We are excited about the branded and funny choices available to you, our supporters. Your feedback on what you buy, what you share, what you love and don’t love will 100% shape the products offered going forward—so please tell us what you think. We will keep adding to it, refining the offerings, and finding more VIPs who share our love for our community.
What to do?
Browse the What’s the Craic? and other features within and on the website (with More to the Story – more content, more pics, breaking news, and larger print), for all craic, and the details too. There is so much more inside and online.
Nuair a stapann an ceol, an damhsa déanann an amhlaidh (When the music stops, so does the dance).
Ohio Chooses a New Ohio Rose of Tralee
By John O’Brien, Jr.
Eight applicants sought the title of 2024 Ohio Rose of Tralee in a memorable and exciting selection ceremony held at the West Side Irish American Club on June 9th. Aoife Zuercher, a 22-year-old recent graduate of Ohio University, with honors degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics, became the 2024 Ohio Rose.
Aoife will pursue a PhD in Materials Engineering at the University of Maryland next year. She is a published author through her research at NASA and OU and is passionate about advocating for women in science and a sustainable future through scientific discoveries.
Aoife has been active in the Cleveland Irish community since she was young, being a part of the Burke School of Irish Dance for 12 years. She is currently a member of the Cleveland GAA Ladies Gaelic Football Club and bartends at Gormley’s Pub, which sponsored Aoife in the Ohio Rose this year.
Aoife’s Irish heritage stems from her mother, who grew up in Dublin, and her father’s family, from Derry. Irish culture flows through her and emerges in her everyday life with her lively family and supportive friends. She is proud to represent Ohio as the 2024 Ohio Rose of Tralee and will compete at the Rose of Tralee International Festival, held later this summer.
