Forum:
The Irish American Society of Will County was founded February
10, 1982 in Joliet. It is now in its eithteenth year of
fellowship and service to the community. The purpose of the
society is to promote Irish culture in America and to preserve
Irish American Heritage. The Society is also dedicated to
continuing education, friendship and understanding among the
membership and the community.
Membership in the Society began with 13 original founders and has
since expanded to nearly two hundred families and individual
members.
Robert Emmet Brophy, the first president of the Society and one
of its founding members worked to attract men and women who would
further the aims of the Society. Among the early members was Fr.
Kevin O'Neill Shanley, O.Carm., noted author and lecturer;
Charles Connor, former mayor of Joliet; Sheila Corrigan, Rn and
Attorney-at-law and Bill Ferguson, noted raconteur and school
principal.
The society has been given 501c(3) status as a not for profit organization by the IRS.