Savannah Irish Podcast

From Ireland to Savannah: A Sit-Down with Culture, Communications, and Sport Minister Patrick O'Donovan

The Savannah Irish Podcast, brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese welcomes Ireland’s Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, to discuss Ireland’s national cultural strategy and how culture, arts, media, heritage, sport, and diaspora engagement strengthen Ireland’s international presence.
 
Speaking from Savannah during the city’s extended “green season,” O’Donovan highlights the deep Irish roots in Georgia, the global St. Patrick’s Week outreach by Irish ministers, and the role of the GAA worldwide. He shares his background from County Limerick, work in industry, teaching, and long public service, and outlines responsibilities spanning tech and broadband, online child safety, and Ireland’s upcoming EU Council presidency in telecom.
 
The conversation covers famine-driven emigration, modern two-way migration, tourism, trade links, the 1926 census release, USA 250 commemorations and stamps, sports diplomacy, misinformation and civic youth engagement, and future collaboration between Ireland and Savannah.
 
What is the Savannah Irish Festival?
The Savannah Irish Festival isn’t just an event—it’s the heartbeat of Green Season, a vibrant, educational, and family-friendly celebration that honors Irish culture while uniting the community. It lights the path leading to Savannah’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day parade—a beloved tradition that transforms the city into a sea of green and welcomes thousands upon thousands each year. This unique blend of history, culture, and communal joy is what keeps Savannah’s Irish spirit thriving.
 
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
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 Season Three Welcome
01:23 Savannah Diaspora Spotlight
02:52 Green Season In Savannah
03:48 Minister Background And Portfolio
07:41 GAA Worldwide And Hurling
11:01 Casual Banter And Setting
12:52 Diaspora History And Famine Roots
18:42 Visitors Trade And 1926 Census
22:43 USA 250 Plans And Irish Links
27:24 Sport Diplomacy And Soft Power
28:39 Ireland and Peace
30:45 Pope and Identity
31:24 Youth and Democracy
34:53 Misinformation and AI
37:06 Racism and Intolerance
42:13 Savannah First Impressions
43:10 St Patricks Day Diplomacy
44:33 Diaspora and Sacrifice
46:38 Future Collaboration
48:42 Closing Invite to Ireland
 

Inside the Hibernian Society of Savannah: 200+ Years of Irish History and Tradition

In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast, brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese sits down with members of the historic Hibernian Society of Savannah to explore the organization’s deep Irish roots and its lasting impact on Savannah’s cultural heritage.
 
For more than two centuries, the Hibernian Society of Savannah has been at the heart of Irish life in the city. Founded in 1812 by 44 Irish immigrants, the society was created to assist Irish newcomers in need and help them build new lives in Savannah.
 
The organization would go on to play a major role in shaping the city’s Irish identity, including organizing the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah in 1824—a tradition that has grown into one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States.
 
Recorded on Saturday, March 8, just one day before the annual Celtic Cross Ceremony, this discussion also touches on the deeper traditions behind Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day observances and why the ceremony is considered by many to be the true beginning of the city’s Irish celebrations.
 
FEATURED GUESTS:
John (Jack) E. Jaugstetter, PhD – Honorary Member and Past President
John W. Jurgensen – Chairman, Historical Committee; Archivist
Charles Harvey Ferrelle III – Current President of the Hibernian Society; Chairman, Communications Committee; Newsletter Editor; Member, Historical Committee
 
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
MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company
MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

Trans-Atlantic Voices of Freedom: Black Abolitionists in Wexford & Savannah’s Historic Ms. St. Patrick’s Day 2026

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival. Host Tara Reese is unlocking a POWER-PACKED episode with TWO AMAZING segments.
 
Segment One: Tara is interviewing Georgia Southern’s Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan and undergraduate researcher Tiffany Le about “Trans-Atlantic Voices of Freedom,” a public history project on overlooked 19th-century Black American abolitionists who lectured and performed in County Wexford, Ireland.
 
Using newspapers and archives, Le traces figures including Moses Roper, Charles Lennox Redmond, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, Benjamin Benson, William G. Allen, and Frederick Douglass, highlighting shifting Irish public reception shaped by sectarian tensions, Daniel O’Connell’s activism, and the Famine era. The project aims to create a digital heritage trail with QR markers and classroom curricula.
 
Segment Two: The episode then shifts to an interview with Latrell Reed, crowned the first African American Ms. St. Patrick’s Day 2026 in Savannah after competing twice; she describes shock and pride as she won in a venue her grandmother and great-grandmother could not visit because of segregation, and shares her mother’s emotional reaction. Reed addresses racist online backlash, explains how pageantry builds sisterhood and confidence, recounts starting pageants at age six and walking New York Fashion Week, and says her goal is to use the title to educate on St. Patrick’s history and the diversity of Irish identity while encouraging others to participate.
 
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
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 Season Three Welcome
01:07 Episode Topic Overview
02:13 Meet The Guests
03:07 Why Wexford Matters
05:20 Digging The Archives
07:32 Sponsor Irish Pub Company
09:17 Abolitionists In Ireland
10:58 Moses Roper In Wexford
13:35 Greenfield Benson Allen
17:40 Networks And Reception
25:08 Why This History Matters
29:12 Favorite Finds And Crowds
34:00 Project Goals Digital Trail
34:39 Curriculum and PhD Plans
35:43 African American Irish Roots
37:07 Students Abroad and Irish America 250
39:53 Next Research Focus Women
41:22 Project Strands and Wrap Up
42:51 Parade Notes and Thanks
43:46 Meet Ms St Patrick's Day 2026
46:22 Winning the Crown
50:57 Family Legacy and Kids
51:41 Pageantry Purpose and Racism
01:01:19 Learning St Patrick History
01:05:38 Legacy Message and Sign Off
 

Irish Sports Revival in Savannah: Rugby, Hurling, and Cultural Camaraderie

In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese welcomes guests Don Paul (manager/chair, Pooler GAA), Will Garnett (president, Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club), and Jared Papper (Savannah GAA) discussing how Irish identity in Savannah is thriving through sport. They explain the basics of rugby, hurling, and Gaelic football, share how their clubs formed (Shamrocks in 1978; Savannah GAA in February 2020), and emphasize welcoming, community-building, and social traditions.
 
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.
 
Pooler GAA
Savannah GAA
Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club
Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival
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 Welcome to Irish Sports in Savannah
01:25 Meet the Guests
02:45 How the Clubs Began
07:01 Rugby Basics Explained
08:08 Hurling and Gaelic Football 101
12:51 How to Join and Practice Times
17:10 Community and Charity Off the Field
22:38 Savannah St Patrick's Rugby Tournament
27:06 Free Entry Logistics
27:16 Tournament Size Reputation
29:13 Host City Cup Details
29:58 Registration Flex Teams
31:14 Game Day Schedule Setup
32:38 After Party Plans
33:37 Savannah vs Pooler Rivalry
38:08 Growing Youth Programs
43:39 Favorite Match Memories
49:28 Quickfire Pints Rivals
51:42 Final Dates Callout

Celebrating Irish Dance: The Legacy of Savannah's Irish Dancers

In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese is putting on her dancing shoes with guests from Legacy Irish Dance: owner and teacher Abbey Wood, dance mom Jennifer Forbes (wife of 2024’s 200th Grand Marshal John Forbes), and students Keegan Forbes (12) and Faren Wood (9).
 
The episode highlights Irish dance as a vibrant part of Savannah’s Irish culture and a bridge between generations through performance, mentorship, and tradition beyond St. Patrick’s season.  Abbey shares how Legacy was founded after she moved to Savannah to teach when visiting instructors could no longer fly in, eventually growing the school into her full-time career.
 
She explains the meaning of “Legacy” as carrying forward a tradition created by those before her, noting she now teaches former students’ children and supports the community through scholarships and donated costumes. 
 
The group discusses how the school emphasizes discipline, resilience, teamwork, and learning to handle subjective outcomes, with Jennifer describing her daughter’s progression from starting at age three to training 5–6 hours per week and performing at many seasonal events. Keegan reflects on dancing during her father’s Grand Marshal year and her upcoming competition trip to Ireland. Abbey also recounts a recent performance opportunity at the White House for the annual pot of shamrocks ceremony, including extensive security, a stage near the Rose Garden, interactions with the President and the Irish Prime Minister, and Michael Flatley filming and applauding the dancers.
 
AND SPECIAL NOTE: During the recording, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce representatives surprise the producers of the Savannah Irish Podcast - Dee Daniels Media - with the Savannah Area Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year award.
 
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.
 
Legacy Irish Dance: Building the legacy
Legacy Irish Dance Parent Association
Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival
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 Welcome to Season 3 + Why Irish Dance Matters in Savannah
00:54 Meet the Guests: Dance Mom, Teacher/Owner & Young Dancers
02:21 Surprise Interruption: Chamber ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Reveal
04:32 How Legacy Irish Dance Was Founded (Abby’s Savannah Story)
06:50 Why It’s Called ‘Legacy’: Tradition, Community & Generations
08:49 Why Savannah Is the Perfect City for Irish Dance (Green Season & Shows)
11:37 Irish Dance as Culture: Music, Storytelling & Identity
14:34 Why Arms Stay Down: History, Tradition & Technique
17:48 Mentorship & Mindset: Competition, Character, and Life Lessons
23:38 Dance Mom Perspective: Starting Young, Balancing Activities & Weekly Hours
25:32 Green Season Schedule: How Many Performances Do They Really Do?
26:07 The Real Cost of Irish Dance Dresses (and How Families Make It Work)
28:37 Scholarships, Hand-Me-Downs & Community Support at Legacy
30:27 Meet the Dancers: When They Started & Why They Chose Irish Dance
32:32 Favorite Dances Explained: What a “Reel” Is (and Why It’s So Fun)
33:32 First Time on Stage: Nerves, Excitement & Irish Festival Memories
35:33 Hardest Moves to Master: “Birds,” “Rocks,” and Training Drills
38:28 Costumes, Crowns & Dancing for a Grand Marshal Dad
41:11 Dream Stages: Ireland, Championships & Inviting Friends to Join
42:35 White House Performance Story: Secret Service, Shamrocks & Michael Flatley
47:38 Rapid-Fire Q&A + Final Thanks

The Untold Influence of Irish Women in Savannah History

In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese sits down with Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan from Georgia Southern University to delve into the critical yet often overlooked contributions of Irish women to Savannah's cultural and historical landscape.
 
From early immigration and domestic work to community involvement and the establishment of heritage societies, Irish women have played a significant role in shaping the city's identity. The discussion also covers notable individuals like Alice Riley and reviews the socio-cultural dynamics between Irish and African American communities.
 
Diving into both historical and modern-day perspectives, the podcast highlights the essential role of women in maintaining cultural traditions, religious organizations, and education. Join us as we uncover these hidden stories and recognize the lasting impact of Irish women in Savannah.
 
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
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's Irish Women
01:08 Meet Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan
01:21 Dr. Ryan's Journey to Savannah
04:01 The Overlooked Role of Irish Women
05:12 Alice Riley: The Ghost of Wright Square
08:10 Irish Immigration in the 19th Century
11:25 Wexford Women in Savannah
15:41 Cultural Expectations and Domestic Service
20:58 The Role of Nuns in Savannah
25:36 Widows and Their Struggles
29:34 Rosanna McGuire: A Case Study
31:05 Exploring the Story of Rosanna
31:53 Irish Catholic Elite in Savannah
34:02 Women in the Irish Community
34:20 Gone With the Wind and Real Stories
36:50 Savannah's Unique School System
40:21 Irish and African American Communities
47:46 Women in Irish Nationalism
49:23 Modern Day Contributions of Irish Women
57:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

The Guinness Legacy: An Interview with Edward 'Ned' Guinness

In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese sits down with Arthur Edward "Ned" Guinness, a member of the illustrious Guinness family, known for their world-renowned stout beer and extensive philanthropy. Edward shares his family’s rich history, from the humble beginnings of Arthur Guinness, who signed a legendary 9,000-year lease for the St. James's Gate Brewery, to the remarkable achievements in social and political impact by later generations. The two also chat about Edward's book - Guinness: A Family Succession: The True Story of the Struggle to Create the World's Largest Brewery.
 
The discussion covers Edward's personal experiences, the importance of giving back, and reflections on the family's contribution to Irish society. The episode also touches on the Netflix series 'The House of Guinness,' contrasting dramatization with historical facts. Edward speaks passionately about preserving the family legacy and promoting community welfare, embodying the values his ancestors held dear.
 
Whether you are a history buff, a Guinness enthusiast, or just curious about impactful legacies, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world behind the iconic Guinness name.
 
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 more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:
 
THE BOOK - Guinness: A Family Succession: The True Story of the Struggle to Create the World's Largest Brewery
 
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 Special Guest
00:07 First Encounters and Memorable Meetings
01:16 Welcoming Edward Ned Guinness
01:50 Savannah's Irish Festival and Guinness Connection
04:08 Discussing the Book: Guinness of Family Succession
05:56 The Legacy of Arthur Guinness
13:22 Philanthropy and Community Impact
31:16 Navigating Religious and Social Challenges
36:16 Restoring Ivy Gardens and Dublin Memories
37:37 The Turning Point: Edward Cecil's Impact on Guinness
41:16 Brewing Legacy: From Edward Cecil to Modern Times
47:31 Guinness Family's Political and Social Contributions
53:00 Netflix Series and Family Archives
58:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections
01:01:27 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
 

The Irresistible Tradition of Savannah's St. Patrick's Day: Why They Keep Coming Back

In this special episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival host Tara Reese explores what makes Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day so special through the heartfelt stories of repeat visitors who have turned the celebration into a beloved tradition. Featuring personal anecdotes, memories, and insights from long-time attendees, this episode highlights the unique charm, culture, and community spirit of Savannah’s iconic celebration. Join us as we delve into the parades, the parties, the local traditions, and the connections that keep people coming back year after year.
 
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 more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:
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: 
00:00 Introduction to Savannah's St. Patrick's Day
00:26 Meet the Regulars: Elevator Speeches
02:45 First Impressions of Savannah's St. Patrick's Day
04:05 Memorable Moments and Traditions
09:20 The Irish Air Corps and the Ostrich Prank
12:54 Ancestry and Irish Heritage
21:18 Engagement and Personal Stories
24:50 Evolving Perspectives on St. Patrick's Day
28:22 Hunting for the Best Scottish Eggs
28:52 Favorite Savannah Spots and Memories
29:28 Must-Visit Places in Savannah
35:20 Parade Watching Tips and Traditions
38:44 Evolving Traditions and Respect for Savannah
42:43 Rapid Fire: Fun Questions and Memories
47:47 Advice for First-Timers
50:02 Closing Thoughts on Savannah St. Patrick's Day
 

Inside the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade: Leadership Insights with the Chairmans

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

Behind the Scenes of the 2026 Savannah Irish Festival

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