Club Spotlight: Irish Cultural Society

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs. 

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or brendan.perez@scranton.edu. 

GET INVOLVED

Club: Irish Cultural Society

Meet: Jack Burke '25, shown, is a psychology major from Dublin, Ireland.

Role in the Club: Member, past president (2022-2024).

Connect: @uofs_ics1

Q: What is your upcoming event and how can people get involved?

The Irish Cultural Society’s biggest annual event, the Potato Mash, is happening on Thursday, March 13 at 8 p.m. This celebration of Irish culture will feature traditional Irish music, crafts, and, of course, a full mashed potato bar complete with soda bread and other delicious snacks. It’s one of my favorite events of the year because it sets the perfect mood for St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, just show up and bring your enthusiasm!

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club?

Aside from the Potato Mash, I absolutely love our monthly meetings. They’re a great way to reconnect with Irish culture, share stories and discuss different aspects of Irish history and traditions. Another favorite event of mine is our Halloween Celebration, where we put an Irish twist on the holiday by painting potatoes instead of carving pumpkins. Halloween originated in Ireland!

Q: Why would you recommend someone join?

I would 100 percent recommend joining! The club has a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. It’s a fantastic way to make new friends, learn about Irish culture and be part of a tight-knit community where almost everyone is connected in some way.

Q: Why did you join the club?

Joining the Irish Cultural Society felt like a rite of passage for me, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. It’s an incredible way to share my culture, give people a true sense of what Ireland is really like and help promote Irish heritage here at Scranton.

Q: How can someone who is interested find out more about the club? 

The club meets monthly typically in LSC (Loyola Science Center) or various locations around campus. We discuss all things Ireland – history, music, traditions and modern culture. To stay up to date, I recommend joining the group on Royal Sync to get emails, and following the Instagram at uofs_ics1 for event announcements and club news.

Q: Any upcoming plans for the spring semester?

The biggest event, the Potato Mash, will take on March 13 at 8 p.m., and I encourage everyone to come out for a fun and festive night. You won’t want to miss it!