The Beginning of the Saint Patrick Society of Peoria

The Saint Patrick Society of Peoria was founded by five lonely Irishmen in a downtown Peoria pub one cold January afternoon in 1980. The founders (Jack Cassidy, Ed Dwyer, Bob Mahoney, Bill O'Connell, and Dick Parsons) wanted to promote and celebrate our Irish heritage; to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland; and to make a positive contribution to our community. It was decided to have a Saint Patrick's Day parade. Since then the parade has been held every March 17.

In 1980, to finance this great parade, Jim Hancock started the Peoria Erin Feis. Erin Feis began in ancient Ireland six or seven centuries before Christ at Tara, the seat of the kings of Ireland and one of the Emerald Isle's most beautiful hills. The purpose of this feis was to bring together the many clans to review and make laws.

Of course, while the clan leaders legislated and pontificated, their clansmen and families danced, sang songs, played games and gorged themselves on great food and drink.

Since our founding in 1980 the Saint Patrick Society has had many great leaders as President and we would like you to know who they were. In every case they donated an unbelievable amount of time and energy to make the Society grow.

History of Presidents

1980 - Bob Maloney

1982 - Robert Sloan

1984 - Don Grieves

1985 - Dick Parsons

1986 - Jim Hancock

1987 - Jack Kenny

1988 - Jim Spears

1989 - Jay Flanagan

1990 - Leo Jordon

1991 - Mark Cealey

1992 - Bob Spears

1993 - Jean Gorman

1994 - Karen Spaulding

1996 - John L. Martin

1998 - Larry McEnroe

2000 - Tim Doyle

2002 - William "Bill" O'Neill

2003 - Vince Colelman

2005 - Jolene Doyle

2007 - Dann Haney