2nd Annual Essay Contest Results
Over twenty 4th and 5th graders in Dane County submitted essays for our essay contest, and we are thankful for each student's participation!
The prompt was: Write a fantasy or realistic fiction essay about any aspect of Ireland or Irish culture. Be original and create your own story with a beginning, middle, and end that's less than 500 words.
Our top writer this year is Mary Bottorff, a 5th Grader, who wrote"Three Sisters and the Magic Plate." Our runner-up writer is Josie Bauer, also a 5th grader, who wrote "The Wish." Congratulations to Mary and Josie on their wonderful creativity!
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 16, 2025 at 12 noon.
We also wish to thank and recognize two teachers and their students for submitting several entries this year: Mrs. Vander Steeg at Sacred Hearts and Mrs. Prechel at St. Dennis!
Walk, Run, Donate, or Volunteer at Shamrock Shuffle
Walk, run, spread the word, and/or donate! The Shamrock Shuffle is Saturday 3/15/2025.
Get involved by (1) signing up to walk a 5k with the Shamrock Club social team (2) spreading the word about the event to walkers and runners you know through word of mouth, email, and social media platforms by using this link, or (3) donating to our club's fundraiser for the event (money goes to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County, the organizer of the event)
Our very own Board Member Dee Martin is an honorary chair for the event. Dee will be there on race day to get the runners and walkers primed for a fun event and will be walking the 5k with at least 8 other club members.
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.
Become A Member Today!
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!