The Wearing of the Green
The Wearing of the Green is an ode to the many lives affected by the Great Hunger, and it’s impact on Gloucester City’s rich Irish heritage.
William Thompson “Duke of Gloucester”
Thompson immigrated from Ireland at the age of 13 during the Great Hunger. After a stint in Boston, Thompson moved to the Philadelphia area. He leased the Buena Vista Hotel in 1870 and developed it into one of the city’s most popular destinations. Thompson developed ferry and train systems, turning Gloucester City into an entertainment destination with brimming with pool halls and pubs.
Jason “JJ” McGarrity
Joseph McGarrity was an Irish-American poet and a leading supporter of the IRA in the Americas. He lived and worked in Gloucester City in the 1890’s in a local hotel. He used his poetry to rally support and admiration for Irish soldiers fighting against the British.
“I long for the city
Of the 'Sixteen dead,
And the sacred soil
Where the brave ones bled”
--Joseph McGarrity, "Longing," Celtic Moods and Memories.
For more information about the history of the Irish in Gloucester City, check out this link from our friend’s at the Gloucester City Historical Society
Basket of Cheer
Thirsty?
We may be able to help! The members of the Gloucester City Irish Society and Gloucester City Irish Society Pipes & Drums are raffling off chances for a big basket of 'cheer' to get the St. Patrick's Day season started
Important Info
- $10/chance
-To obtain, contact a GCIS or GCIS P&D member, or Venmo us @GCIS2006 with "Basket of Cheer" as well as the member (if any) that helped you get your tickets
-WINNER will be announced March 17, 2023, at 7pm. We will have a LIVE video from this page during the drawing. Winner does not need to be present. We would like to thank you, wish you good luck, and a very happy St. Patrick's Day
Appreciating the past, and looking to the future
The mission of the Gloucester City Irish Society is to celebrate and carry on Irish heritage while also supporting growth in our community through fundraising and volunteer work.
Our Board of Directors
President: Kevin Kain
Vice President: Kevin Brown
Executive Director: Caroline Martin
Secretary: Korey Jeffries
Treasurer: Steve Kumpf
Sergeant-at-Arms: Mike Gorman
Director of Communications: Nick Kain
“Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí”
“Encourage young people and they will get there.”
Join us today
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