Irish Fellowship Club Celebrated 125th Anniversary
The historic Chicago organization provides annual support to various cultural and educational institutions.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cultural
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The Irish Fellowship Club marked its 125th anniversary after being founded in 1901. The organization maintains a tradition of supporting local cultural and educational groups through its events.
Why it matters
The club serves as a central hub for Chicago’s Irish community by facilitating networking and providing financial aid to schools and cultural institutions. Membership remains open to all, regardless of heritage.
The organization provides $250,000 to $300,000 in annual support to various organizations. Its signature Christmas Luncheon consistently draws approximately 1,300 attendees.
The players
Liz Howard
She currently serves as the club vice president and previously served on the board of the Young Irish Fellowship Club.
Richard J. Daley
The former Mayor of Chicago was a prominent political figure whose grandchildren currently serve on the organization's board.
The details
The club hosts several major events annually, including a St. Patrick's Day Dinner and a July golf outing, to raise funds for its initiatives. Board members are recruited from Chicago and surrounding suburbs like Hinsdale and Western Springs, and the current board includes three grandchildren of Richard J. Daley.
Timeline
The Irish Fellowship Club was formed in 1901.
An annual golf outing is held in July.
Liz Howard will begin her term as club president in December 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The club's longevity follows a pattern set by the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition's cultural legacy in Chicago, which helped establish enduring institutions for the city's civic life. Such organizations continue to shape the social fabric by balancing heritage-based traditions with contemporary community needs.
Local residents can participate in the club's activities regardless of their individual heritage. The organization maintains its public presence through major events like the annual Christmas Luncheon.
The takeaway
Maintaining civic organizations for over a century requires adapting to changing community demographics while preserving core traditions. Engaging with local groups provides a unique way for residents to contribute to regional education and culture.
What happens next
Liz Howard is scheduled to assume the role of club president in December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local traditions in Chicago Cultural.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chronicle Media.
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