Dane County Shamrock Club
*Social *Cultural *Charitable
We welcome everyone to join us in celebration of our Irish roots and the love we have for our culture and history of our ancestors.
3rd Annual Essay Contest Open
Any 4th or 5th grader in Dane County is very welcome to submit their creative work for our annual essay contest, which runs through February 19, 2026.
The prompt is: Write a story set at one of Ireland's natural wonders, Giant's Causeway. The fictional story may relate to the landmark's origins, its unique geology, or any adventure you imagine happening there.
Be original and create your own story with a beginning, middle, and end that's less than 500 words. The top two writers will win cash prizes of $75 and $50 (respectively) and will be honored at our club's Flag Raising Ceremony at the State Capitol on March 15, 2026 at 12 noon.
Recent Events
We held our annual Christmas Party at Vintage on Whitney Way on Sunday 12/7 with about 35 people in attendance. Nollaig shona!
We had a book club discussion of John Banville's The Sea (quite a mixed reaction!) on Wednesday 11/12 at the Gallagher house.
We co-hosted a planetarium show at Memorial High School in Madison on Tuesday 10/28
The show was titled "Skies Over Ireland."
We hosted a céilí dance at the East Side Club in Madison on Thursday 10/16 from 7-9:30 pm
Music was provided by The Currach and our caller was Heidi Hakseth.
Looking for upcoming events?! Click here
Irish Couple of the Year 2025
Barney and Karen Gallagher are our 2025 Irish Couple of the Year. Congratulations to them!
Barney and Karen Gallagher
Joining the Club in 2021, Barney and Karen found a good fit in the Club and got involved in many ways. Barney is currently the President of the Club and together, they write and publish the monthly club newsletter, help coordinate and attend club dinners, picnics, and pub outings. They started the Irish Book Club and continue to graciously host quarterly book discussions of Irish fiction and non-fiction books.
Barney and Karen live in Madison and have two adult children, Quin and Meredith. Karen works in the legal field and Barney at UW-Madison. Last year while Meredith was studying abroad for a college semester in Galway, they felt very fortunate to be able to travel to Ireland and spend time with her and go on some new adventures. The trip enhanced their love of Ireland and, as for most, Barney and Karen look forward to their next visit to Ireland!
Barney’s Irish ancestry originated in both County Leitrim (the Guigans) and County Sligo (the Gallaghers). Karen has less Irish blood than Barney, but she has the red hair! Karen acquired a strong Irish spirit attending the University of Notre Dame, and she continues as an active member of the Notre Dame Club of Madison. Their son, Quin, attended and works at Notre Dame and their daughter, Meredith, is currently a student there.
Join the community
Become a member today!
Membership to the Dane County Shamrock Club includes a monthly newsletter and an invitation to all of our events, including our annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Celebration, Flag-Raising Ceremony at the State Capitol, marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Half-Way to St. Patrick's Day celebration, Summer Picnic, and various other events throughout the year!