A community dedicated to celebrating Irish heritage and fostering cultural connections has been growing in Birmingham for more than four decades. This vibrant group, known as the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society, was founded in spring 1980 and has since become an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape.
The idea for an Irish society was born over lunch at Cobb Lane, when Martin “Marty” Connors and friend Paul McMahon, who had both been involved with Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign—Reagan, along with President Obama, are two of 24 U.S. presidents to claim Irish heritage—sat down to discuss why Birmingham didn’t have a prominent Irish or Celtic celebration, especially considering the rich Irish and Scottish heritage of many in the area. (Approximately 12 to 18 percent of our local population has Irish or Scott-Irish ancestry.) It seemed only fitting to create an organization that would not only celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but also honor the broader cultural contributions of the Irish community. The idea quickly took shape, and the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society was born.
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Photographs courtesy of Birmingham Irish Cultural Society
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Photographs courtesy of Birmingham Irish Cultural Society
The society’s founders also explored the roots of the holiday that would later become the focal point of their celebrations. Though today we associate St. Patrick’s Day with Ireland, Saint Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, was not himself Irish. “He was of Scottish and Roman parents but was captured by Druids and forced into slavery in Ireland,” says Marty. “During his trials, he became devoted to Christianity, especially the Catholic Church.” Patrick later escaped and went back to Scotland, only to return to Ireland, become a priest, and profess Christianity to the island of Ireland. “So, St. Patrick’s Day is really a religious holiday, celebrating the birth of Christianity in a once-pagan Island.” Saint Patrick is remembered not only for his missionary work, but also for his role in helping transform Ireland from its pagan roots into a Christian nation.
St. Patrick’s Day, therefore, began as a religious observance, and the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society sought to honor this history while providing an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their Irish heritage. Unlike some other cultural organizations, membership in the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society is open to anyone with an interest in Irish culture. The group has no formal membership requirements—simply contact them on Facebook or join in the festivities, including the popular annual parade. (See page 22 for more information.)
Over the years, the society’s events have become an important fixture in the community. What started with small gatherings has grown into the annual Five Points parade, one of the biggest and most anticipated events of the year in Birmingham and a beloved tradition, sponsored by the Five Points Merchants Association. In addition to the parade, the society has hosted an annual dinner or reception for 45 years. The proceeds from these events have supported a variety of charitable causes, including Kid One Transport, which helps provide transportation to medical care for children in need. The society’s commitment to charity extends to other organizations as well, with contributions to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Ovarian Cancer Foundation, and educational programs focused on Irish history for local schoolchildren. “Our latest adventure has been helping to underwrite an artificial intelligence symposium between leaders in Birmingham and those in Ireland,” says Marty.
The society’s influence and activities extend beyond traditional celebrations, too. One of the latest endeavors is their support of a group called “Revive Ireland,” a non-denominational religious movement aimed at reviving the Christian message of Saint Patrick in Ireland. In addition, members recently traveled to Huntsville to introduce the Irish Consul General to collaborative business opportunities between Alabama and Ireland, showcasing the society’s ongoing commitment to international exchange.
The Birmingham Irish Cultural Society is, at its core, a blend of tradition, education, and fun. From fostering a deeper understanding of Irish history to supporting charitable causes and strengthening international ties, it’s a group that celebrates the past while actively engaging with the future. So, whether you’re of Irish descent or simply interested in learning more about the culture, the Birmingham Irish Cultural Society invites everyone to join in the fun—and raise a glass to Irish heritage. Salante’! (Cheers!)
You’re invited to attend the 2025 Birmingham Irish Cultural Society’s 45th Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Celebration on behalf of Kid One Transport, to be held March 14 at Protective Stadium’s Stadium Club. Young ladies can also join the 2025 Miss Shamrock Court, to be featured at the party and Five Points Parade. For more information, visit facebook.com/BhamIrish.