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Bernard Gilhooly was
instrumental in establishing a cultural component to the St. Patrick
Society's activities. He conceived
the idea of an Irish Heritage Day, to be held on the Sunday after The
Grand Parade, so that we might pass on our culture and heritage to future generations. In
his words:
"To provide an opportunity
for all who support Irish culture to experience Irish music, dance and
song. To enjoy good fellowship, and expand our knowledge and appreciation
of the Irish culture, as we pass it on to those who bury us."
November 6, 1995.
Irish
Heritage Day continued until 2008 and was, thereafter, combined with the
QUAD CITIES IRISH FESTIVAL held in
August.
Bernard
Gilhooly Award
A primary
function of the Cultural Committee was to select recipients of the
Bernard Gilhooly
Award. It is awarded to someone who
emulates the undying persistence of the Irish people by “passing on”
Irish culture in the Quad Cities and its outlying areas.
There have been no awards given
since 2009.
See past recipients.
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