More About Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago Celebrates 125 Years on September 17
One hundred and twenty-five years after a group of Irish Chicagoans came together to strengthen their community and celebrate their heritage, the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago will mark its 125th anniversary on September 17, 2026, at Theater on the Lake.
Former Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be the special guest at the celebration, which will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and feature performances by the Shannon Rovers, who are also celebrating their 100th anniversary, along with Tom Gleason, the Chancey Brothers and Jimmy Moore. The evening will conclude with fireworks over Lake Michigan. Tickets are $175, with sponsorships available for $2,500, including 10 tickets.
Founded in 1901, the Irish Fellowship Club began as an organization dedicated to bringing Chicago's Irish community together and strengthening its civic presence. From its earliest gatherings, the Club developed a tradition of welcoming leaders from Chicago, Ireland and beyond.
That tradition was evident in 1910, when President William Howard Taft attended a Club gathering, recognizing the accomplishments and growing influence of Irish Americans.
The Club's relationship with Ireland became particularly significant in 1928, when William T. Cosgrave, the first president of the Irish Free State's Executive Council, visited Chicago at the Club's invitation. According to the Club's historical record, it was the first official U.S. visit by the leader of an independent Ireland and helped establish a pattern for future diplomatic relationships between Ireland and the United States.
Over the decades, the Club became woven into Chicago's civic history. Its presidents have included political leaders, business executives, labor leaders and other prominent Chicagoans. The Daley family alone represents several generations of leadership, beginning with Mayor Richard J. Daley, the Club's 56th president, followed decades later by Mayor Richard M. Daley as its 100th president.
The Club's legacy also extends beyond fellowship. Through its Foundation, it has provided scholarships to Chicago-area students and supported Irish cultural organizations. By 2004, the Club had surpassed $1 million in grants and scholarship assistance, continuing a tradition of giving that remains central to its mission.
Kenny's appearance carries its own piece of Club history. He previously participated in the Club's St. Patrick's Day festivities in 2012, when he was Taoiseach and also served as Guest of Honor of the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade.
After 125 years, the people and times have changed, but the purpose remains: fellowship, Irish heritage, community and service.
On September 17, the Irish Fellowship Club will gather once again to celebrate that enduring legacy.
Tickets and sponsorship information: Click for Details
Former Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be the special guest at the celebration, which will run from 6 to 10 p.m. and feature performances by the Shannon Rovers, who are also celebrating their 100th anniversary, along with Tom Gleason, the Chancey Brothers and Jimmy Moore. The evening will conclude with fireworks over Lake Michigan. Tickets are $175, with sponsorships available for $2,500, including 10 tickets.
Founded in 1901, the Irish Fellowship Club began as an organization dedicated to bringing Chicago's Irish community together and strengthening its civic presence. From its earliest gatherings, the Club developed a tradition of welcoming leaders from Chicago, Ireland and beyond.
That tradition was evident in 1910, when President William Howard Taft attended a Club gathering, recognizing the accomplishments and growing influence of Irish Americans.
The Club's relationship with Ireland became particularly significant in 1928, when William T. Cosgrave, the first president of the Irish Free State's Executive Council, visited Chicago at the Club's invitation. According to the Club's historical record, it was the first official U.S. visit by the leader of an independent Ireland and helped establish a pattern for future diplomatic relationships between Ireland and the United States.
Over the decades, the Club became woven into Chicago's civic history. Its presidents have included political leaders, business executives, labor leaders and other prominent Chicagoans. The Daley family alone represents several generations of leadership, beginning with Mayor Richard J. Daley, the Club's 56th president, followed decades later by Mayor Richard M. Daley as its 100th president.
The Club's legacy also extends beyond fellowship. Through its Foundation, it has provided scholarships to Chicago-area students and supported Irish cultural organizations. By 2004, the Club had surpassed $1 million in grants and scholarship assistance, continuing a tradition of giving that remains central to its mission.
Kenny's appearance carries its own piece of Club history. He previously participated in the Club's St. Patrick's Day festivities in 2012, when he was Taoiseach and also served as Guest of Honor of the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade.
After 125 years, the people and times have changed, but the purpose remains: fellowship, Irish heritage, community and service.
On September 17, the Irish Fellowship Club will gather once again to celebrate that enduring legacy.
Tickets and sponsorship information: Click for Details
Date & Time
September 17, 2026
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location
Theater on the Lake
2401 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
Contact Info
Sammy Brown
Learn More
Communities
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