about us

On March 11, 1986, Margaret (Peggy) Gavin Fountain found herself inspired by the speech of Grand Marshal William L. Fogarty at Savannah's Celtic Cross celebration. She announced the desire to form an Irish women's organization to several friends around her. Prompted by their positive response, Peggy invited two friends to her home to discuss the possibilities. Nine more women soon joined them, and each Monday evening over several months, these twelve ladies met to develop the organization now known as "THE DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND, INC."

Over 500 invitations were mailed to women throughout the city to attend a special reception at Kevin Barry's Pub where they would be introduced to the organization. So many women showed up that the twelve ladies were fearful that the place could not accommodate them. Instantly The Daughters of Ireland grew from 12 members to 285! Since then, the membership has remained stable, and newcomers are always welcome to join us.

General Meetings are held quarterly, in July, October, January and April. The traditions of a Low Country Boil or Oyster Roast in the fall, a festive Christmas Tea in December, the Reception for the Grand Marshal's wife in March, and Incoming Officers and New Members Receptions are special highlights of the year. Beginning in February and culminating on St. Patrick's Day, we are in the midst of a whirlwind of activities and events that celebrate our Irish heritage. These vary from Irish festivals to informal gatherings to decorate our parade float and plan our participation, as well as meaningful religious observances and ceremonies that honor our forebears and remind us of Ireland's rich history and the sacrifices required to preserve its legacy. It is with pride that we follow our banner in The St. Patrick's Day Parade, or cheer for it along the sidelines.

Believing that we have a responsibility to the community in which we live, THE DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND regularly participate in numerous charitable projects. We provide volunteers for the Irish heritage events scheduled throughout the year, and offer our assistance to the Knights of Columbus and the Carmelite Monastery for their varied needs. Each year at Christmas, turkeys are donated by members and some of our best cooks prepare a holiday dinner with all the trimmings to serve over 200 people through the Social Apostolate. Others among us are involved as individuals in church functions, education, health care, and social services, volunteering our time, talents, and money.

The Daughters of Ireland are mindful too, of our responsibilities to the next generation of Irish women. Each year we select a recipient for a scholarship award to St. Vincent's Academy, a premier Catholic High School for girls here in Savannah. These young ladies are chosen based on academic and civic leadership, and are representative of the ideals of our organization.

As we did in 1986, we extend our invitation to YOU to become a part of this vibrant Irish women's organization - THE DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND. As our Chaplain, Father Patrick O'Brien, would say to you:

DAUGHTERS OF IRELAND, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President	Sheila Winders
Past President	Kelly Hunt
Vice-President	Sheila Winders
Secretary	Robin Godbold-Moore
Treasurer	Susan Allen
Historian	Terry Hill
Sgt. At Arms	Betty Schwarz
Directors	Sissy Adams Patty Burke Marie Dillon Deana Shores Dee Horne Therese Leonard Ellen Murray Fran Tuttle Beth Casas Mary Harper Katherine Grayson Carole Pappas
Chaplain	Rev. Father Patrick O'Brien

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Bylaws	Dee Horne
Heritage	Vicki McCuen
Sunshine	Betty Schwarz
Telephone	Eileen Tillman
Ways & Means	Kelly Hunt
Web, Web Newsletter	Susan Allen