Center for Irish Studies




		The Center for Irish Studies puts students first. In addition to our Statesboro- and Ireland-based academic program and our extensive public events calendar, we support two student clubs. Club Gael is open to everyone interested in Things Irish—Music; Travel; Culture; Sports; Celtic Art; the Gaelic Language; the Social Whirl. The Ancient Order of Hibernians Iolar ("Eagle") Division is the first-in-the-nation campus unit of America's oldest and largest Irish-Catholic fraternity. Each club has its own identity, but the two organizations often combine forces. On the last Thursday of the month, for example, they co-host Terminal Thursdays: fun and varied events with an Irish flavor.

Members of both student clubs are invited to march in the 2009 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah, GA. This is the nation's second biggest such Parade, right after the New York event. The invitation comes from the Savannah- Msgr. Daniel J. Bourke Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). Men and women are welcome, but there are a few rules! No drinking in the line of march. No tossing of objects to the crowd. Neat dress (e.g., jacket and tie for men). If you wish to march, assemble at the corner of Gwinnett and Drayton Street, which is about the middle of Forsyth Park between 9:30 AM and 9:45 AM. The Parade starts at 10:15 AM.

You may be interested in some other events leading up to the Parade. Here's a summary of what's happening: Sa 14 Mar • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM • FREE • Emmet Park (between Bay and River Streets) • Tara Feis • Amazing line up of Irish Music, headlined by supergroup Cherish the Ladies Su 15 Mar • 3:00 PM • Emmet Park • Celtic Cross Ceremony Mo 16 Mar • 4:30 PM • Madison Square • Jasper Greens Ceremony Tu 17 Mar • 8:00 AM • Cathedral of St. John the Baptist • St. Patrick's Day Mass Tu 17 Mar • 10:15 AM • Parade Kickoff

	Click the icons below for PDFs that detail current and future events organized by Club Gael and the AOH Iolar Division.

	Vision Club Gael fosters fellowship among students; introduces members to visiting Irish personalities; encourages travel to and study abroad in Ireland; and provides valuable networking. Activities include—but are not limited to—movie nights, presentations on Irish life and culture, and holiday celebrations. Members of Club Gael have marched in Savannah's famous St. Patrick's Day Parade. They also undertake an annual community service project to benefit needy youth in Bulloch County. When and Where Club Gael meets at 6:00 PM every last Thursday of the month, usually in the Russell Union. We call this gathering Terminal Thursday! Want More Information? Please contact the Center for Irish Studies: irish@georgiasouthern.edu; (912) 478-2350.

	History and Vision AOH began in NYC in 1836, and its main mission was to help Irish immigrants newly arrived in the United States. AOH is the longest-continually-operating ethnic organization in the US. AOH boasts over 80,000 members in 46 States, Canada, and Ireland. Members attempt to live up to the organization's motto: Our unit is called the Iolar Division. It came into being on 8 November 2007, and guests of honor at its formal inauguration ceremony included the Bishop of Savannah and the National AOH President. The word "Iolar" is Gaelic for "Eagle." By this name, we honor the Georgia Southern icon and also celebrate our Irish heritage. Advantages of Membership • Outstanding networking opportunities: thousands of Brothers worldwide to help with career development and travel. AOH members include company CEOs, bank presidents, educators, Irish-American politicians, and members of our armed services. • Close ties with nearby AOH Divisions: Savannah, Augusta, Beaufort (SC), and more. • Place of honor as marchers in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Savannah—the nation's second largest. • Satisfaction of building lifelong friendships and making a real difference through community service. • A "home away from home" at Georgia Southern. • Affordability: All the above for just $8/semester or $15/year. When and Where • The AOH Iolar Division meets at noon every Friday. The location is the Center for Irish Studies, Room 3302, Newton Building. • We also co-host Terminal Thursdays: fun events (plus food) at 6:00 PM every last Thursday of the month, usually in the Russell Union. Want More Information? We welcome your question, comments, and ideas. Please contact us at aoh.georgiasouthern@gmail.com.