When did the West Suburban Irish get started?
In 1993, Kevin Dolan and a small committee put on Naperville’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade. While that first parade went only four blocks, it kicked off the group that would become incorporated in 1997 as the West Suburban Irish. Today, the group organizes and manages the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade which will step off on March 14, 2020 through Downtown Naperville.
What is the mission of the West Suburban Irish?
The mission is to promote, nurture, strengthen and preserve Irish culture in the western suburbs through a strong social network of members, volunteers, artists and enthusiasts. Our motto of “Friends, Fun and Service” reflects both the Irish culture and our approach to fulfilling our mission. We strive to cultivate a true appreciation and understanding of Irish heritage, including the arts, genealogy, language and sports by facilitating events in the local communities.
In addition to member oriented activities such as monthly Quiz Nights and free Irish music sessions at Quigley’s Irish Pub, the group puts on community oriented events such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a Mass in Honor of St. Patrick, the Emerald Dinner and, starting in August of 2020 – an Irish Fest – taking place at Frontier Park.
More from Spotlight
Watch more interviews with local nonprofit organizations.
Spotlight Guests
Mike Reilly, President
Colleen Wronski, Treasurer
