The 1998 Program

Emmetsburg's celebration begins the Sunday prior with the Jr. Miss & Miss Shamrock Pageants. The main celebration begins on Friday morning with the arrival of our guest member of Parliament, along with other local, state and national officials. On Friday afternoon there is a tea to honor the dignitaries. The public is invited to attend so that everyone has the opportunity to meet and visit with all the official guests. Friday evening, the popular Ceili/Fun Night is at the VFW Hall. Any who attends may provide entertainment with musical or vocal song, dance, storytelling, and more: All with an Irish flair.

Saturday morning features the "O'Round The Lock Run" (half marathon, 10K & Fun Run/Walk), cultural exhibits and a hospitality room (11am - 3:30pm). At 1:00 P.M. a pre-parade ceremony is held on the reviewing stand, located across the street west of the courthouse square, followed by the Famous St. Patrick's Day Parade. On Saturday Evening a variety of entertainment and social activities are offered for young and old alike, such as, a banquet with program, dances and musical entertainment.

Sunday is set aside for families and friends to gather. An Irish Mass is celebrated at Assumption Church with our guest dignitary in attendance. The St. Pat's Association IRISH GIFT SHOP is located on the corner of 10th and Broadway, across the street from the Robert Emmet Statue, it's a must on the agenda for all who come to Emmetsburg for the celebration. It's a place to get information, to visit and to look over the many Irish items, souvenirs and blarney that are for sale.

The Ceili

The Banquet

Banquet
Entertainment

Links to Ireland

New of This Years Events

The St. Pat's Board

The Honorees

Acknowledgements
of the Association

History | Dignitary Program  | Robert Emmet | Membership | Merchandise

1998 Guest Dignitary

Guest dignitary, Paul Connaughton, T.D., member of the Irish Parliament, will represent the Republic of Ireland at Emmetsburg during the 1998 St. Patrick's Celebration on March 13, 14 and 15.

Connaughton was born in Co. Galway and currently lives in Mount Bellow, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. He is married to the former Bernadette Keating and has two sons and five daughters.

Connaughton received his education at St. Mary's Secondary school, Ballygar, Co. Galway; St. Jarlath's Vocational School, Mount Bellew; Mount Bellew Agricultural College; Athenry Agricultural College; IMI Management Course. He is currently a Public Representative, farmer and former general manager, Tuam Livestock Market.

Connaughton entered politics as a Senator on the Agriculture panel from 1977 to 1981, and was elected to Parliament in 1981. He served as Minister of state at the Department of Agriculture with special responsibility for Land Structure and development. He is currently the Fine Gael spokesperson on Energy and Western Development and Chairman of Political affairs Committee since 1993. He has served as Agriculture, Social Welfare, Regional Development, Defense, and deputy Spokesperson on Tourism.

When it was learned that visiting Irish Dignitary Paul Connaughton, T.D., would be unable to be in Emmetsburg for the March 8 pageants, dignitary chairman Art Weiland contacted the Irish Consulate in Chicago. He was informed that Fiona Flood would be available to represent the Republic of Ireland that evening, but she is unable to attend the Little Miss Shamrock Pageant in the afternoon.

More News from the Emmetsburg Publishing Co.

Fiona Flood is the first female Vice Consul to be appointed to the Consulate of Ireland in Chicago. She is a native of Kells, County Meath, Ireland, and received her education at Dublin City University, studying languages and international marketing. She taught French, German and Irish in 1991, then for the next two years she was the sales and marketing executive with Mergon International, Ireland and the Netherlands.  In 1994 Ms. Flood joined the Department of Foreign Affairs. She served as Protocol Officer in Protocol and Cultural Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, from 1994 to 1996, and joined the Anglo-Irish Division in 1997. She was appointed Vice-Consul, Consulate of Ireland, Chicago, in 1997.

Fiona Flood will arrive in Mason City late Sunday afternoon, March 8, and arrive in Emmetsburg in time to attend the Miss Shamrock Pageant. Due to her busy schedule getting ready for the celebration in Chicago, Ms. Flood will leave Emmetsburg early Monday morning.

Source: Emmetsburg Publishing Company

1998 Celebration | History | Dignitary Program | 1998 Dignitary | Robert Emmet |  Membership | Merchandise