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The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick Iowa

The goal of our organization is to preserve the Irish-American tradition, including the perpetuation of the Irish culture and heritage, and the preservation of the qualities of independence, fraternity and charity.
Our local chapter has been in existence since 1976. The first club was organized in Philadelphia in the early 1800's. Back then, they helped fellow Irish immigrants get established in their newly- adopted country. Today, this organization is a way for Americans of Irish descent to get together, raise money for local charitable causes and enjoy life in the process.
The only requirements for joining the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick that you be male and of Irish lineage. We welcome new members.
History of Our Chapter
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Central Iowa is an Irish fraternal club that was formed in 1976. It is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to celebrate our Irish heritage and to support Irish music, literature, culture and traditions.
     The club sponsors the annual St. Patrick Day parade and public reception which are traditionally held in downtown Des Moines.
     The first parade under the direction of local personality and Grand Marshal Bill Riley was a huge success. Staging each year starts at 10 a.m. from 15th and Walnut, then ends at Embassy Suites, 101 E. Locust Street, and includes mayors of several cities, the Dowling High School Marching Band, the
Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Celtic Music Association, our own auxiliary "The Irish Clan", a large contingent of Irish Americans, all led by our color guard and bagpipe band.
     The parade concludes with the public located at the downtown Embassy Suites Hotel. A gala celebration includes the installation of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick new officers and presentation of the Irishman of the Year award.
     The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick hosts events throughout the year. Along with monthly meetings and cookouts at the Mickle Center, we sponsor a 10 K Run, golf outings, bike rides and a members' Christmas party.
     The only requirements for joining the Sons are that you be male and of Irish lineage.
Irishman of the Year

David Sullivan 1976
Bob Conley 1977
Bill Riley 1978
Kenneth Halligan 1979
Jerry Sulivan 1980
Dan Mcilhon 1981
Vince Hanrahan 1982
John Conley/ Frank Donovan 1983
Tom Lenihan 1984
Denis Connolly 1985
Tom Brekke 1986
Jim Sheehan 1987
Mike Waldron 1988
Tom Diehl 1989
Jerry Grady 1990
Dan Jordan 1991
Tony Orcutt 1992
Patrick Reilly 1993
Jack Hamilton  1994
Rod Ryan 1995
George Heddinger 1996
William McCarthy 1997
Dick Murphy 1998
Gary Speck 1999
John Leonhart 2000
Dan O'Donnell, Sr. 2001
Bob Fogarty 2002
Jerry Deegan 2003
Pat Clerkin 2004
Leo Ward 2005
Jim Heddinger 2006
Dick McGinn 2007
Tony Sullivan 2008
The club sponsors the Annual St. Patrick Day parade and public reception, which are traditionally held in downtown Des Moines.
FSOSP Past Presidents

Pat Conley 1976
Kevin Sullivan 1977
Ken Haligan 1978
Jerry Sullivan 1979
Steve Clarke 1980
Phil Maloney 1981
Tom Lenihan 1982
Tim Cooney 1983
Tom Brekke 1984
Jim Sheehan 1985
Rod Ryan 1986
Dennis Connolly 1987/ 1988
Ron Shaw 1989/ 1990
Jerry Grady 1991/ 1992
William McCarthy 1993/ 1994
Gary Speck 1995/ 1996
Spanky Crippen 1997
Dick McGinn 1998/ 1999
George Heddinger 2000/ 2001
Bob Fogarty 2003/ 2004
Jeff Horn 2005/ 2006


Friendly Sons Charities
Saftey City for Kids
Board Officers:
President: Steve Heddinger
Vice President: Bob Fogarty
Treasurer: Brian Kreps
Secretary: Pat Rhoades
Board Members:
Dan O'Donnell Sr.
Ed Kelly
Bill McCarthy
Clark Williams
Andy Harkin
Contact The FSOSP:
Mail:
Friendly Sons Of St. Patrick
The Mickle Center, 1620 Pleasant, Suite 241
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Voice Mail
515-277-SONS

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The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization.
Updated: 05/01/08
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