In this special episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival host Tara Reese welcomes past general chairman Ashley Norris and current chairman Patrick Beytagh to delve into the intricate details of organizing one of America's largest St. Patrick's Day parades.

They share their unique experiences, reflecting on leadership, tradition, and the evolution of the role. They discuss the importance of maintaining a balance between honoring longstanding traditions and meeting modern expectations, the collaborative efforts required, and the personal challenges and rewards of chairing such a monumental event.

The conversation, peppered with lighthearted banter, also touches on the significance of faith, community, and the enduring legacy of the parade, while providing insights into the organizational and logistical efforts involved.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade

00:54 Meet the Chairmen: Ashley Norris and Patrick Beytagh

01:52 The Legacy and Responsibilities of the General Chairman

04:37 The Election Process and Commitment

07:11 Challenges and Rewards of Leadership

08:59 The Role of Volunteers and Committees

17:01 Traditions and Changes Over Time

19:24 Impact of COVID-19 on the Parade

26:45 Leadership Skills and Management

31:44 The Role of Women and Tradition

33:26 The Role of Municipalities in Parades

33:43 Celebrating Irish Heritage in Savannah

34:29 Memories and Anecdotes

36:04 Balancing Tradition and Modern Expectations

36:34 Parade Safety and Regulations

40:29 Challenges and Rewards of Being a Chairman

46:07 Organizing the Parade Lineup

58:52 Legacy and Personal Reflections

01:01:31 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival welcomes the committee members for a detailed conversation on planning the 2026 Savannah Irish Festival. Set to take place on February 7th and 8th, 2026, the event promises to build on its 30-year legacy with new features and a larger venue at the Alee Temple.

Featuring guests: Brian Sheffield, Vice President of the Police, Emerald Society of Southeast Georgia in Savannah - Walt Harper, the President for the Ancient Order of Hibernians for the state of Georgia and Entertainment Director for the Savannah Irish Festival - Christin Rouse, President & Vendor Coordinator for the Savannah Irish Festival - Deana Shores, Vice President for the Savannah Irish Festival - and Tara Reese, Treasurer & Podcast Host for the Savannah Irish Festival and Savannah Irish Podcast.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival , representatives from various Irish societies in Savannah gather at O'Connell's Irish Pub to share their stories, including their organizations' founding, cultural preservation efforts, and initiatives to engage the younger generation.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

The discussion highlights the importance of tradition, stewardship, and community involvement in keeping Savannah's Irish identity vibrant year-round. Notable members such as: Walt Harper - AOH (Ancient Order of Hibernian), Kim Gill - LAOH (Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernian), Deana Shores - Daughters of Ireland, Dori Sessoms - Police Emerald Society, and Patrick McCarthy - Fenian Society introduce themselves and discuss upcoming events like the Savannah Irish Festival.

The conversation also touches on favorite aspects of 'green season,' leveraging digital technology for engagement, and plans for future growth within the societies.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Georgia Southern University's Research & Study Abroad Program in Wexford, Ireland

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to Savannah Irish Podcast Season Three

00:46 Meet the Representatives of Savannah's Irish Societies

01:38 Founding Stories of Savannah's Irish Societies

05:51 Traditions and Activities of Savannah's Irish Societies

25:28 Engaging the Younger Generation in Irish Heritage

32:53 Favorite Aspects of Savannah's Irish Community

35:21 Family Heritage and the TIC Cross

35:43 Becoming Grand Marshall

36:32 Seasonal Festivities and Traditions

37:36 Favorite Parts of the Season

41:15 Joining Irish Organizations

47:40 Favorite Irish Foods and Drinks

48:12 Dreaming of Ireland

51:23 Starting a Custom Clothing Business

52:49 Supporting the Community

55:09 Final Thoughts and Thank Yous