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Society History |
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| The Irish American Society of Will County was founded February 10, 1981 in Joliet. It is now in its twenty fifth year of fellowship and service to the community. From our Constitution and By-laws, 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. | Fr Kevin Shanley, Society Founder, has been honored by Irish America Magazine |
Membership in the Society began with 15 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.