A chara,

St Patrick's Day will be here before we know it! There are a lot of events celebrating our Irish heritage happening during the Green Season!

We are gearing up for our annual Irish breakfast which will be held Sunday, March 1 at Our Lady of Victory Church in the Village of Marble Cliff. Thank you to our volunteers for baking, volunteering and coordinating the event setup! We count on each of you for a successful event!

Jessica Hedgecock, Margie Hess, Sheila Hively and the Pirate team are leading the charge to create a float for the DOE in the Columbus Saint Patrick's Day parade. See details below and watch for updates on social media and upcoming newsletters!

If you had an Irish Family Reunion table in the past, please contact me to pay and coordinate getting the tickets or come to the meeting tomorrow. Tickets can be purchased at the Convention Center on March 17. Prices are $15 per adult. Children's tickets are $8.

We are very excited to meet and host Irish author Cliodhna O'Sullivan on March 1. I'm very proud of member Tara Ryan-Gallagher for her work to coordinate the event! Reserve your spot and purchase a book in advance, below.

Don't forget to renew your membership! I look forward to celebrating our Irish heritage with all members during this Green Season and throughout the year!

Slán go foíll,

Peggy Shanahan

FEBRUARY MEETING

The February meeting is Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2 pm, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus 43212. We meet at 1:30 pm for snacks and friendship before the meeting.

The February charity collection will be for Crossroads World Outreach Ministries. They have a food pantry in Franklinton, just outside of downtown.

The items we are collecting:

• Cans of tuna and chicken
• Packages of pasta (any kind)
• Rice
• Granola bars

The Hospitality theme for February is Love is in the Air! Foods you love to share.

The Juniors will meet at 1:30 pm to discuss their 2026 charity and learn about New Year Traditions. There will be no meeting in February and will meet in March.

PRAYER LINE

Please keep our members and those on the prayer list in your thoughts and prayers. Join us in praying for kindness and peace in the world, as well as for all those we have promised to pray for.

Please pray for the families of those we lost during the past week. Members Lois O'Reilly and the extended O'Reilly family, Cathy Morock and the Fenstermaker family, Hugh Dorrian and the extended Dorrian family and Frank Daly of Dublin, Ireland who was tragically killed in a bus accident. He is the younger brother to Betty Moore, 2026 Clann na nGael honoree. Please keep the Daly and Moore families in your prayers.

Please pray for the following: Bob Basbagill, Nancy Longenbaker, Sharon Tantes, Bill Harris, Tim Jones, Chris McKenzie, Carolyn Collins, Jane McEvoy, Betty Moore, Matt Locklear, Zachary Hardie, Morey Brady, Karen Joyce, Terry Herrera, Bobby Priest, Valerie Del Monaco, Terri Merriman, Becky Ellis, Eric Hawks, Lindsay Archer, Patti Heinl, Paula Quinlan-Appel, Alex Rogers, Julia Mitchell, Kathy Burke, Joan Shanahan, Sharon Cattey, Linda Miller, Mike Koch, Bob and Patti Archer, Kelly Tamerlano, Ed and Mary Kay Moriarity, and all those suffering from cancer.

If you have a prayer request or would like to receive a call, or check in on a member from time to time, please email Sandee Murphy at samurphy711@gmail.com.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR 2026 PARADE FLOAT | GRACE O'MALLEY

On the following Saturdays at 10 am, float construction is underway at Jessica’s home. Please contact Jessica Hedgecock at infosysgirl2003@yahoo.com or 614-282-5296 to get involved.

Additional days may be added as the parade dates approach. 

• February 14
• March 7

Construction supplies needed for the Grace O’Malley pirate ship float:

• 14 PVC pipes (minimum length needed is 3’ and max length is 5’)
• 6 PVC right angle connectors (need to match pipe size)

Gráinne Mhaol: Pirate Queen of Mayo

Gráinne Mhaol was born into the ÓMáille family (O’Malley) in 1530 in County Mayo, Ireland. She came from a powerful family that ruled the coastal lands around Clew Bay. From a young age, Grace loved the sea and often defied traditional gender roles by taking to piracy. She became known as a fierce leader, commanding her own ships and building a reputation as an unstoppable force against both rival clans and the English forces trying to control Ireland.

Grace's stronghold was Clare Island, where she launched attacks and captured ships along the western coast of Ireland. Her bravery and cunning spirit made her a celebrated figure and she earned the title "The Pirate Queen." In 1593, she famously met Queen Elizabeth I to negotiate her demands and for her lands and title. This meeting highlighted the power that Grace held and the unique position of women in a team when they were rarely recognized as leaders.

Today, Grace O'Malley's story inspires many and stands as a symbol of independence and strength. She is a reminder of the important roles women have played in Irish history. As the Daughters of Erin celebrate culture, Grace's legacy continues to shine bright encouraging everyone to embrace courage and the spirit of adventure.

2026 TRADITIONAL IRISH BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER

The Daughters of Erin Annual Traditional Irish Breakfast Fundraiser is 9 am to noon, Sunday, March 1 at Our Lady of Victory Church, 1559 Roxbury Road, Columbus, 43212.

Breakfast tickets are a suggested donation of $20 for adults and $10 for children, 14 and under. The menu includes eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, porridge, homemade scones, Irish and sweet breads, plus juice, tea and coffee.

There will be a Rowdy Raffle of Irish-themed items. Please let Jessica Hedgecock or Debbie Lynch, know if you will be bringing items.

Our Lady of Victory Mass Times are 8, 10 and 11:30 am.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

We need volunteers for the Irish Breakfast throughout the day to serve, bus tables and more! If you want to help. Please come and help out where needed.

Watch for volunteer signups, soon!

CALLING ALL BAKERS!

Thank you members! We need you to bake soda bread, brown bread, little muffins, shortbread and rolls (zucchini, banana or fruit breads). If you haven't been to the Irish Breakfast, we serve delicious breads to go with the hot breakfast. These goodies do NOT have to be homemade. Baked goods can be dropped off the day of the breakfast.

"HER HIDDEN FIRE" AUTHOR EVENT

Join the Daughters of Erin in welcoming Irish author Cliodhna O'Sullivan in conversation with Tara Ryan-Gallagher in celebration of her debut novel, Her Hidden Fire, the first in a young adult romantasy series inspired by the Emerald Isle.

The author event is at 7 pm in the Community Hall at the Dublin Recreation Center. Cliodhna O'Sullivan will be signing books following the event. Prologue Bookshop will be on site as the featured bookseller and 10% of event book sales will be donated to the Daughters of Erin.

Clíodhna O’Sullivan is a writer based in Co. Louth, Ireland. She works as a legal counsel and plays in a band, Molasha. She's married with three children, as well as far too many cats and a dog.

Tara Ryan-Gallagher is a bookseller and events and marketing manager at Prologue Bookshop. She lives in Columbus, Ohio.

This event is free to attend, purchase a book and or RSVP online.

2026 DAUGHTERS OF ERIN BADGE

The 2026 Daughters of Erin badges are $1 each or you can purchase a bag of 10 or 25 badges. The sales support the Saint Patrick's Day parade costs.

If you would like to purchase badges, they will be available at the Shamrock Club, Byrne's Pub, February meeting, or by contacting Mary Friemark.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to all women with a genuine interest in Irish culture. The Daughters of Erin provides its members the opportunity to strengthen their Irish cultural ties and to make lasting friendships. Members receive our monthly newsletter "Echo of Erin" which covers all Irish community events and organization news.

To vote in the May election dues must have been paid one month before the election.

Annual membership dues

Junior: under 18 years of age - $10.00

Regular: 18-79 years of age- $20.00

Honorary: 80 years of age and over - free

Apply and Pay Online

• Complete the application online and pay online.

Or bring a check to the meeting or Irish Breakfast

Print the application online, on the membership page, scroll to the bottom and click on the printer button.

PARLIAMENTARIAN UPDATE

NOMINATIONS OF OFFICERS

Interested members will be nominated at the April meeting. The elected offices are: President, Vice President, Secretary and three board delegates. If you are interested in running for the Board, contact Jean Winters at jmwinters97@hotmail.com.

• Nominees should have a bio to read at the April meeting and published in the May newsletter, please email to daughtersoferin@gmail.com.

IRISH LIFE EXPERIENCE

The Irish Life Experience is a 26-day summer program introducing North American students to the characteristics and qualities of Irish life. This year’s program is from June 28-July 23, 2026 and consists of a wide variety of classes, workshops, and tours based in a variety of locations throughout Ireland. 

Each year, the Daughters of Erin, along with the Shamrock Club and the Greater Columbus Irish Cultural Foundation, sponsor one student to participate in this program and pays nearly all expenses; airfare from Boston to Ireland, room and board, tuition, group tours, transportation, and activities. The students’ families are only responsible for paying for transportation to and from Columbus and Boston.

The program is open to both male and female students who have graduated from the eighth grade and are entering high school after the program through students graduating high school just before the program begins.   To apply for the Irish Experience scholarship, an applicant must know a member of the any Clann na nGael organization in Columbus. 

For full details, visit both: https://www.daughtersoferin.org/irish-life-experience.html and https://irishlifeexperience.com/ for full details. 

Deadline to apply: Wednesday, April 1, 2026. 

DOE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FOR SCHOLASTIC EXCELLENCE

Annual scholarship is $3,000 to be awarded to one (1) recipient. The 2026 scholarship deadline is Wednesday, April 1.

CRITERIA FOR APPLICATION

• Must be a member of the Daughters of Erin – Junior Division or a regular member for over one year and in good standing.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the goals and mission of The Daughters of Erin through their active service to the Junior Division. 
• Have a 3.0 GPA or above.
• Demonstrate service to their school and community.
• Must be a full-time student pursuing either a two or four-year college degree.

APPLICATION MATERIALS


Applicants must submit the following:

1. A copy of your most recent high school or college transcript, sent to the Scholarship Committee directly from the school.
2. Two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a teacher, clergy, or employer.
3. A typed cover letter to the Scholarship committee.
4. An essay regarding why you deserve the scholarship.
5. Mail your application materials before the deadline to: Karen Jones, 2335 Faraday Blvd., Grove City, OH 43123 or items may be emailed to: kkj1126@gmail.com.

Applicants will be asked to schedule an interview with the selection committee, if deemed necessary.

2026 MEETING SCHEDULE

General Membership Meetings are at 2 pm on the second Sunday of the month, unless otherwise indicated. We gather beginning at 1:30 pm for social time.

Location:

Trinity United Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Boulevard, Columbus 43212

Our Board & General Meeting Schedule:

Wednesday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, March 1, Our Lady of Victory after Irish Breakfast

Wednesday, April 8 and Sunday, April 12

Wednesday, April 29 and Sunday, May 3, Election of Officers

Wednesday, June 3 and Sunday, June 7

2026 EASTER EGG HUNT ACTIVITIES

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, Feb. 20 starting at 6:30 pm, we will be stuffing Easter eggs for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Shamrock Club. Come early at 5:30 pm for the Emerald Society Fish Fry and entertainment with Columbus Comhaltas!

SHAMROCK CLUB SAINT PATRICK'S DAY RAFFLE

Purchase 25 tickets for $10 for a chance to win $10,000.

Tickets are available at the Shamrock Club or purchase tickets online.

ANNUAL MARK DEMPSEY INTERNATIONAL IRISH TRIATHALON

Enjoy some create fun while raising funds for Nationwide Children's Hospital Pediatric Oncology Unit on Saturday, Feb. 28 from noon to 3 pm at the Shamrock Club. Sponsorship is available.

Try your hand at getting the lowest number of throws between cornhole, darts and horseshoes.

• $5 a round, buy as many rounds as you want until you get the score you like.
• If you wear a coat, hat or gloves for the outside events they must be worn for darts. Bonus points for creative dress. One point off per round for various crazy articles of clothing. NO SPEEDOS! Kilts, sandals, flippers, PJs, gorilla suits, etc. are encouraged.
• No preregistration needed -- just show up!
• If you're not a member, that's OK! $5 will get you a social membership for the entire year! (That means you can come hang out whenever you want!)

DOE HISTORY & 50th ANNIVERSARY

Save the date: Saturday, Oct. 7, 2028. If you are interested in being on the Anniversary Committee, contact Peggy Fahy, 614-203-7179.

If you have old personal pictures of our events or members and are willing to share them, please bring to the meeting or email Becky Ellis at bellis.1296@yahoo.com. 

Pictures and/or documents will be scanned and returned to the owners. We would like to have a digital file of our history and many of you have taken pictures over the years which our newer members haven't even seen. 

CLANN NA NGAEL ACTIVITIES

What's happening in the Irish community? The calendar is as complete as possible, updates will be added as we get them. Visit websites or social media sites for updated events and activities.

Every Friday, Queen of Hearts and Potluck, 6:30-7:45 pm, Shamrock Club

Sunday, Feb. 8, 10 am-4 pm, Shamrock Club Blood Drive

Friday, Feb. 13, 7 pm, Quiz Night, Shamrock Club

Friday, Feb. 13, 8 pm, Trad Night with Trad 5, Tara Hall

Friday, Feb. 20, 5:30 pm, Emerald Society Fish Fry with Columbus Comhaltas, Shamrock Club

Friday, Feb. 20, 6 pm, Egg Stuffing for the Easter Egg Hunt, Shamrock Club

Friday, Feb. 20, 7 pm, Potluck, 8 pm, Birthday Night with the Hooligans, Tara Hall

Saturday, Feb. 21, 8-10 pm, Mad Maudlin, Shamrock Club, purchase tickets online

Thursday, Feb. 26, 8-10 pm, Pub Choir with Molly Roison, Shamrock Club

Friday, Feb. 27, 8 pm, Molly Roisin Solo, Tara Hall

Friday, Feb. 27, 5:30 pm, Emerald Society Fish Frys, Shamrock Club

Friday, Feb. 27, 6:30 pm, Euchre in the Pub, Shamrock Club, RSVP inyformation - Upstairs

Sunday, March 1, 9 am-noon, Annual Irish Breakfast, Our Lady of Victory

Sunday, March 1, 4 pm, Annual Guinness Pour, Shamrock Club, check with Peggy

Monday, March 2, 7 pm, "Her Hidden Fire," Book Signing and Meet the Author

Friday, March 6, 8:30 am Mass at Saint Christopher, 11 am Proclamation Day Ceremony, City Hall

Friday, March 6, Mossy Moran, Shamrock Club

Friday March 6, The Hooligans, Pints & Oxbow String Co., Tara Hall

Friday, March 6, 5:30 pm, Emerald Society Fish Fry, Shamrock Club

Monday, March 9, 6 pm, Irish Man of the Year Party with The Hooligans, Byrne's Pub

Wednesday, March 11, 7 pm, Lunasa, Shamrock Club, purchase tickets online

Friday, March 13, 5:30 pm, Emerald Society Fish Fry, Shamrock Club

Friday, March 13, 8 pm, Trad Night with Trad 5, Tara Hall

Saturday, March 14, 2-11 pm, St. Patrick's Day Preview Party, Shamrock Club

Tuesday, March 17, Mass and Saint Patrick's Day Parade & Irish Family Reunion

Tuesday, March 17, Mad Maudlin and The Hooligans, Tara Hall

Tuesday, March 17, 5 pm, Entertainment at the Shamrock Club

Friday, March 20, 5:30 pm, Emerald Society Fish Fry with Columbus Comhaltas, Shamrock Club

Friday, March 20, 7 pm Potluck, 8 pm, Birthday Night with the Hooligans, Tara Hall

Thursday, March 26, 8-10 pm, Pub Choir with Molly Roison, Shamrock Club

Friday, March 27 5:30 pm: Emerald Society Fish Fry, Shamrock Club

Friday, March 27, 6:30 pm, Euchre in the Pub, Shamrock Club, RSVP information - Upstairs

Saturday, April 4, 11 am, Easter Egg Hunt, Shamrock Club

Saturday, April 11, 6 pm, Clann Na nGael Irish Darts, Shamrock Club

The Shamrock Club is open every Friday for Happy Hour. Watch the Shamrock Club Facebook page or website for additional events. You must be a Pub member to purchase alcohol.

Tara Hall is open every Friday, featuring music and Birthday Night on the third Friday. Watch the Tara Hall Facebook page or the AOH website for entertainment listings.

The Central Ohio branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann celebrates Irish music, language, and culture. Visit the Columbus Comhaltas website for details.

Check out future events and activities happening with the Clann na nGael organizations.

Visit the Facebook pages: Shamrock Club, Tara Hall, Patrick Pearse Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Greater Columbus Irish Cultural Foundation, and Clann Na nGael.