A Place Abounding in Poetry; Prizes and Crowds of People
On August 22, 2025, we celebrated a milestone—the first 50 years of the United Irish Cultural Center. Our sold-out Golden Gala welcomed guests in true style: classic 1970s cars lined the entrance, a champagne toast greeted attendees, and photographs captured the spirit of the evening. Inside, the Gasmen filled the Emerald Bar with Irish traditional music while celebrity bartenders Tom McEnery and Dean Wilson kept the Members Room lively.
The St. Francis Room became a living history exhibition, telling the story of our rise from the sand dunes to the vibrant cultural home we know today. Upstairs, the St. Patrick’s Room shimmered in green and gold, hosting a sold-out crowd for what one guest called “the best function ever witnessed at the Irish Center.”
Among the evening’s highlights were remarks from Mayor Daniel Lurie, a State Proclamation presented by Senator Scott Wiener, and Consul General of Ireland Micheál Smith’s reflections on the enduring strength of the Irish-American community. Gala attendees and afterparty guests danced late into the night to the sounds of Pure Ecstasy upstairs and Celtic Scandal downstairs. Special thanks go to Gala Co-Chairs Kathleen McDonough Dowling and Anne Cassidy Carew, and their dedicated committee and volunteers, who orchestrated this unforgettable night.
In the Beginning
Half a century ago, a group of determined men and women planted a flag for the Irish community at 45th and Wawona. Financial resources were scarce, but heart and grit carried them through. It was not until 1984 – nine years later – that the building was fully paid off.
What these people created was more than just a building – they built a gathering place, a cultural home, and a legacy that continues to thrive today. All of this was celebrated at the Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary.
Over the years, the Center has seen its fair share of ups and downs. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: the building has stood tall as a steadfast symbol of Irish spirit and community. It has been a place for celebration, remembrance, education, and connection – for young and old, Irish-born and Irish-American alike.
Today, we find ourselves in an exciting new chapter. Membership is at an all-time high, and our programs are more vibrant and diverse than ever, drawing interest not just from the Irish community, but from neighbors all across San Francisco. Our new building project has energized us, reminding us of what’s possible when we come together with purpose and pride.
The Vision Ahead
In my closing remarks at the Gala, I turned to the future of the Irish Center. I recalled my childhood in West Limerick and my connection to a nearby manor house—Springfield Castle, on the Broadford–Dromcollogher border.
I shared with the audience a line from a poem by the renowned 17th-century bardic poet Dáithí Ó Bruadair, written in honor of his patrons, the Fitzgerald family of Springfield. I first learned these words as a boy working on the estate, and they have stayed with me ever since, even inspiring my undergraduate thesis on the history and geography of that very place.
Ó Bruadair, writing in Irish, described Springfield (Gort na Tiobrad) as:
“Dúnadh, Dúnach, Dúasach, Dreamach”
“A place abounding in poetry; prizes and crowds of people.”
I asked those gathered in the St. Patrick’s Room: Isn’t that exactly what our new Irish Center should aspire to be? A place rich in culture, full of vitality, and alive with community spirit.
Neosfaidh an aimsir!—Time will tell!
The Road Ahead
We are working harder than ever to provide meaningful spaces – where people can engage with their Irish heritage, celebrate their identity, and share our culture with the wider world. The future is bright, and we’re embracing it with open arms. As we look ahead to the next 50 years, our mission is clear: to future-proof this home for generations to come. To ensure that no matter how the world changes, there will always be a place in San Francisco where the Irish story is told, honored, and lived.
Thank you to all who have helped bring us to this moment—and here’s to the next 50 years of the United Irish Cultural Center.
Rock the Gates
On August 23, the we hosted our 4th Annual one-day music festival, drawing a crowd of more than 1,500 people. The festival featured 16 musical acts, along with performances by Irish pipers and dancers, filling the day with nonstop energy and celebration. Coming just one day after the Golden Gala, it was a tremendous effort by our staff and incredible volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure the Center was ready to welcome the community for this much-loved tradition. Next year the event will take place on Saturday August 29, 2026. Mark your calendars!
September Blood Drive — SF Firefighters Local 798 are hosting a blood drive at the Center on Wednesday September 10 from 8am -12 noon.
Visit of John Finucane, MP — The Irish Unity People’s Assembly: Diaspora – San Francisco are hosting a free, open event on Thursday, September 18 at the Center. This is a historic moment in the history of Ireland. John Finucane MP, and dive into the work of planning and preparing for the creation of a new and united Ireland. The event runs from 7-9 pm.
Mad Hatter Tea Party — The 15th Annual Mad Hatter Tea Party will be held on Sunday September 21, from 1-3pm. This popular and festive event is a fundraiser for the Patrick J. Dowling Library.
7th Annual Oktoberfest — Our 7th annual Oktoberfest by the Beach 2025 will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025. All of the fun takes place in our large bier hall. Music and Dancing.
• Stein holding contests for Men and Women.
• Authentic dancing by The Nature Friends Schuhplattler.
Irish Music and Language — Internationally acclaimed fiddler Randal Bays and dynamic bouzouki player and singer Marty Smith perform on Saturday, September 13. Show starts at 8pm.
Irish traditional music sessions continue each Saturday afternoon for September. Irish Language classes happen every second Saturday from 3-5 pm in the Emerald Pub.
Liam Reidy, President