The Order Of The Friendly Sons Of The Shillelagh

1964, The Worlds Fair is hosted in New York and the Irish Pavillion is the centerpiece for all things Ireland. Prominently displayed in the entrance hall of the Pavillion is a 10 by 12 foot Map of Ireland commissioned just for the occasion. The map consists of 4 handcrafted panels representing the four provinces of Ireland. Each province is detailed with county and family names. That very same year The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh is formed and becomes the center for all things Irish in Old Bridge.
After the World's Fair the map finds a home in the New York pub, Molly Blooms. There it stays for 18 years until one evening in 1982 members Bob Arthur & Dennis Murphy approach the owner regarding a new home for the map. The owner agrees and the Map is moved to it's present location at FSOS Hall where it has been displayed proudly every since.
Nearly 5 decades have passed since it hung in the Irish Pavillion and as with the rest of us the map had acquired it's own wrinkles. In 2007 a restoration committee was formed & led by Charlie Donnelly who with the help of Jaime O'Kane obtained a grant from the Middlesex Cultural and Heritage Commission. The job or restoring the map fell to Bob Miller, the owner of Bobs Signs, and what a job he did in returning this beautiful piece work to it's former glory.
The FSOS extend a warm invitation to all to come join in the celebration of the World's Fair Map of Ireland and see it as if for the first time in 1964. The celebration begins on Saturday, October 12 from 3-7pm. We'll have traditional Irish Music and a special broadcast over WRSU, Rutgers Radio. All are welcome.