Text of President Dempsey’s speech:

This gentleman has been a fixture around the club for more than 60 years. He’s full of great stories (and has a memory like a steel trap), he has a fierce devotion to his family, his Club and all things Irish, he is one of the most optimistic and determined people I know, and if you’re lucky enough to have this guy in your corner, you’re lucky enough. Personally, my family is blessed  to have him as our happy patriarch. He's our biggest supporter and pretty much throws US a parade whenever we do something even marginally good. So it’s fitting that HE gets to lead the St. Patrick’s day parade this year. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to be able to name the son of our very first Irishman of the Year, our fish fry aficionado, my Wordle and mini crossword puzzle buddy, James Thomas Dempsey as the 2025 Parade Grand Marshal.

Text of President Dempsey’s speech:

The Standing Rules tell us that the Irishman of the Year should have made many outstanding contributions to the Club and this person definitely has done just that. When I was first elected Secretary I looked back at previous SC administrations and was impressed to learn that every single event during her year was a winner. Her leadership set a standard for me. As past president she can be counted on to eloquently and thoughtfully give guidance. She is everyone’s friend and is one of the biggest cheerleaders for the club. 

During my time as an officer she has been my top advisor - I can’t tell you how many hours she’s spent listening and talking through all Shamrock Club issues large, small, and annoying with me. She’s my Jiminy Cricket, my first best friend, my partner in crime, my buddy horse, my sister, Molly Catherine Byrne.

Text of President Dempsey’s speech:

This year’s Member of the Year is one of those members who saw a facet of the club that needed bolstering and came to me with actionable ideas and opportunities concerning our Irish political history and culture. A proud Irishman with a love of history and talent for writing, he authored an impressive book about the 1981 Hunger Strike. His research allowed him to make many important contacts in Ireland and, all along the way, he was thinking of ways to bring all that information back here to us to give us a better understanding of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and how it relates to the possibility of Irish Unity.

 Building on the success of his very well attended presentation in this very room about that book, he was integral in bringing the Friends of Sinn Fein HERE to talk about the future of Ireland. He put us on the map, internationally. Friends of Sinn Fein are interested in coming BACK to Columbus to get our opinions and support for Irish Unity. Because of him we learned about or got reacquainted with the 1981 Hunger Strikers. This is punctuated by the presentation of the H Block Clock from Jimmy Smyth just today. What an honor… all because of the efforts of this gentleman.

He makes a better and more informed club and I’m proud to name Judge Michael C. Mentel the 2025 Member of the Year.

Text of President Dempsey’s speech:

When envisioning the perfect next-gen member of the Shamrock Club and the broader Irish community, one might picture a person who embodies dedication, balance, and passion. This individual is not only a devoted husband and father but also someone who astonishingly manages to dedicate considerable hours of his free time to support and uplift our Irish community.

Earlier this year, when I approached him to become our Entertainment Chair, I sensed a hint of confusion from him. However, I recognized in him an ingrained devotion to the Irish community—a quality that assured me he would be able to handle any challenge thrown his way. His ability to rise to the occasion and embrace new responsibilities is truly commendable and he has breathed new life into our musical events and it’s been a joy to work with him. 

He is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Irish community and we are lucky to have him in it.

Congratulations to 2025 President’s Award Winner John Homan

Text of President Dempsey’s speech:

We all know this person as the fella behind the bar but as much as he deserves all the accolades for being an outstanding, hard working bar manager, that’s not what this is about today. This is about the countless hours he’s put in  - behind the scenes - making this club a better place. More times than I can count (and these are just a few examples) I’ve caught him weed wacking, power washing, and just cleaning up branches of a tree that was nearly decimated by a wind storm or fixing a toilet. All things outside the scope of his job description. For him, it’s because he loves and cares about this place and the people in it. His quiet can-do spirit of jumping in and fixing a problem or just doing his part to elevate our Club is why James Moriarty is a 2025 President’s Award recipient.