Irish Cultural Society of San Antonio

Irish Cultural Society

of San Antonio Texas

MINUTES 15FEB04

IRISH CULTURAL SOCIETY MEETING - February 15, 2004

Henry McCann, presiding in President Kelley's absence called on
Sister Carmel for the invocation. Kay Delaney reported on the
March 27th dance. St. Gregory's youth group will be selling snacks.
As the church, of course, does not have a liquor license, such must
be brought individually.

Gene Logan spoke about the resources needed for the 5 or 6
programs we have each year.

Laurie Gallagher, director of Irish studies at Houston's St. Thomas
College, is one such resource with an eye to exchanging speakers
between our two cities. Jane McDaniel mentioned the Storytellers'
Circuit based in Austin.
Bob advised that Brian Kennedy, visual artist, will fill our program
slot on April 24. More details will be in March newsletter. Brenda
asked for volunteers to decorate for the dance at 9 a.m.; also she
asked for craft items, etc. for our ICS store at Irish Heritage Day.
Dance tickets will be sold on that day. Maura said notices have gone in
to the papers. There was also a full page ad in the Harp and Shamrock
news and an article on Finnegan's Wake by Mae Kelly. Bob invited all to
the Mayor's proclamation of March as Irish Heritage month on Feb. 19 at
9:30 a.m. Afterwards, all who can will congregate at the Live Oak
Civic Center to prepare for Sunday. Dick Ecuyer (President of the AOH)
mentioned the Texana department at the Institute of Texan Cultures and
the Mormon Stake on St. Cloud as centers for genealogy research and
possible program material. Joan Moody said that 13 of the 19 defaced
headstones in St. Mary's Cemetery belonged to people born in Ireland.
Work on repairing the headstones is on hold while the Oblates get
permission from higher authority. The treasurer's report reflected a
balance of $9291.64. After the break, Lou Kelley resumed the meeting
by reading and displaying Governor Perry's proclamation of March as
Irish Heritage month for the state of Texas. There are 7.2 million
Texans who claim Irish descent. Several members volunteered to march
or ride in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 13 at noon.

Visitor John O'Connell, Brooklyn born, was introduced. He learned of
the Society in the newspaper. New member Frances Fair, a teacher,
located us on the Internet. Susan Feeley asked members to notify her
of TV films such as "The Matchmaker" so she can record them for the
library. Peggy Hill extended an invitation to attend Alamo Heroes Day
in the Alamo chapel on March 6 at 2:30 p.m. Nine Irishmen were among
the honored dead.

Jane made a motion to print nametags which was seconded and carried
and will be further reviewed by the board. The better idea seemed to
be that each member desiring a nametag pay for it. There were 34
members and 2 guests in attendance. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Peggy Hill, Secretary