Daughters of Ireland celebrates 40 years of heritage and community in Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Daughters of Ireland in Savannah are celebrating a special milestone this year — their 40th anniversary.

Organization members and their loved ones gathered for a special dinner to celebrate four decades of heritage and community, including the organization’s founder Peggy Fountain.

From 12 founders to generations of members

The Daughters of Ireland began with 12 founding members. Over the past 40 years, the organization has grown, passing down legacies from generation to generation.

For President Deana Shores, the organization is a family affair.

“My mom and two aunts were a part of those twelve, and it means a lot to be able to carry that legacy,” Shores said.

Ahead of March 17 in the Hostess City, the St. Patrick’s Day Committee takes center stage. The original 12 felt women needed a place to go as well.

“My mother usually sat home while my father attended all of the men’s functions,” said original member Vicki McCuen. “So Peggy, it was not really anything to get out of the house, but it was something for women to do, you know community wise.”

After the organization was created, the founders reached out to over 500 women in Savannah. McCuen went to the Daughters of Ireland’s first-ever meeting and has been a member ever since.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and uh, hopefully we’ll keep going and I’ll keep going,” McCuen said. “The organization is great, and it’s on the road to staying for another 40 years I hope.”

Celebrating heritage year-round

Even though it’s not quite green season yet in Savannah, Shores says there is no shortage of ways for the community to get in touch with their heritage.

“If there are friends around, the Irish are there,” Shores said.

Apart from dinner and music, members also got a walk down memory lane. There was a slideshow and scrapbooks capturing the last 40 years.