March Madness: Music, Morrison, and St. Patrick’s Spirit
It is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most exciting St. Patrick’s seasons we have enjoyed in many years at the Irish Center. March will be filled with music, celebration, and meaningful moments that remind us why this place matters so deeply to our community.
Pride of place this month goes to our neighbors on 45th Avenue, Patrick and Buffy Maguire, who will serve as this year’s Grand Marshals of the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Their leadership and commitment reflect the very best of our community. We also extend warm congratulations to the families of Honorary Grand Marshals Terri Leonard, Jerry De Ryan, and Nancy Singleton.
A Month of Music
We have an extraordinary line-up of entertainment throughout March, showcasing the richness of Irish and Celtic traditions. Fiddle masters Gerry O’Connor and Eimear Arkins will bring their distinctive styles to our stage, while acclaimed button accordionist Gerry Hanley returns for a special evening. We are also delighted to host the dynamic French Canadian group Cécilia on March 18th in the Emerald Room. Concerts, sessions, and lively gatherings will ensure that the building is alive with the sound of Ireland all month long.
Our doors will open early on March 14th, 15th, and 17th, and we will have plenty of corned beef and cabbage on hand for those craving a true taste of the St. Patrick’s season. Josephine Brogan has a large shipment of Irish goods coming in right before the season kicks off, and breakfast meats are back again for March.
We are especially pleased to welcome Gerry Hanley back on March 20th. Gerry first appeared at the Irish Center in the fall of 1980 as part of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann’s North American tour, A Glimpse of the Real Ireland, performing with the National Touring Company of Ireland. A native of Ballybane, Co. Galway, Gerry captured the Senior Accordion title at the 1977 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. More than four decades later, he returns for what promises to be an intimate and memorable evening of traditional music, joined by guitarist Kyle Alden.
Annual Gala Awards
Our annual gala honors Leadership and Legacy. We are honored to welcome former Congressman Bruce Morrison of Connecticut as a special guest at our annual gala at the Hibernia Bank Building on Jones Street. Congressman Morrison will be recognized for his tireless advocacy on behalf of undocumented Irish immigrants who came to the United States in the 1980s and 1990s seeking opportunity and a new beginning. His leadership helped thousands of Irish men and women regularize their status and ultimately build lives and families here in America. It is fitting that we celebrate his legacy during a season that honors the Irish contribution to this country. Congressman Morrison will also visit the Irish Center on Sunday March 15th and pay a visit to the Library.
Bret Iwan – the official voice of Mickey Mouse for The Walt DisneyCompany -will become the inaugural recipient of the Irish Arts and Innovation Award. Established to celebrate individuals whose work reflects the enduring spirit of Irish creativity, resilience, and leadership, this award recognizes artistic achievement and innovation that inspire audiences and strengthen cultural ties.
We will also honor Board member Jeanne Connolly with the Golden Shamrock Award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to Irish culture, community, and service. A third-generation Irish American from Chicago’s South Side, Jeanne has called San Francisco’s Sunset District home for more than thirty years. Since joining the Board in 2021, she has been a steady and trusted leader, serving as Treasurer from 2023 to 2026. Known for her humility and tireless work ethic, Jeanne is the very definition of a servant leader – often working quietly behind the scenes to ensure the success of our programs, cultural initiatives, and community gatherings.
Investing in the Next Generation
While March 17th is synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, this year the date carries added significance for the Irish Center. Applications for the Leo T. Walsh Scholarship are due that day, as is the early-bird registration deadline for our Irish Summer Camp. What better day to invest in the next generation than St. Patrick’s Day itself? These programs ensure that our traditions, language, music, and history continue to thrive in young hands.
We encourage everyone to wear green, fly the Irish flag outside their home, and take pride in their heritage by attending or participating in this year’s parade. The parade will conclude at City Hall, where the plaza will feature exhibitions of hurling, football, camogie, rugby, and soccer, along with Irish music and dancing along Grove and Polk Streets.
Milestones and Community
This year also brings historic milestones. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we are reminded of the enduring role Irish immigrants have played in shaping this nation. Closer to home, St. Patrick’s Church and the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Parade mark 175 years of faith, heritage, and community leadership. These remarkable anniversaries are a testament to the staying power of Irish identity in America.
And in the spirit of community gatherings, Fire in the Ring Amateur Boxing Club will host another exciting night of boxing on Saturday, March 7th. Under the leadership of Jimmy Ford, the evening will showcase up-and-coming talent from across the Bay Area and once again demonstrate the Irish Center’s role as a welcoming home for diverse community events.
The next module of Irish language classes begins on March 28th for another 8 weeks. Check our website to sign up.
Visitors from Ireland
The Irish Prison Service Pipe Band will visit the UICC over the St. Patrick’s weekend and we will host a special welcome for the group on Thursday March 12th at 7.30pm at the Center. The Irish Pipers Adult and Youth Bands will be part of the welcome party.
March Madness? Absolutely. But at the Irish Center, it is the very best kind – filled with music, memory, gratitude, and hope for the future.
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh go léir!
St. Patrick’s Day blessings to you all!