Irish Connections: A Year of Community & Collaboration
Anthony (Tony) Nother
President, Irish Benevolent Society of London & Area
Athbhliain faoi mhaise! – Happy New Year!
This year marks the 148th anniversary of the founding of the Irish Benevolent Society of London and Area and we have so much to be grateful for to the men and women who came before us. Their inspiration, leadership, and vision allowed them to forge ahead in providing opportunities to the Irish and their descendants of all faiths, and their friends, to work together in harmony for the purpose of preserving their Irish heritage and performing works of benevolence.
Today, the Board of Directors continues this great work with the same spirit of enthusiasm and vigor. I invite you to meet the current Board by clicking:
2024 - 2025 Board — Irish Benevolent Society
Please reach out to any member of our Board who will be pleased to help. Each year, the Irish Benevolent Society gives back to the community. Some of those who have benefited include Huron College, St. Peter’s Seminary, the Forest City Feis, the London Irish Canadian Cultural Society. All requests are reviewed by the Finance Committee under benevolent guidelines established and approved by the Board.
Finally, a reminder – our major event is coming up – St. Patrick’s Day – Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Lamplighter Inn on Wellington Road, London, ON. Please invite your friends and acquaintances to join us for a fun-filled program with the Irish community of London and the surrounding area.
Do Chara,
Anthony (Tony) Nother
President, Irish Benevolent Society of London & Area
Join Us for the 2nd Celtic Connections Networking Event.
Start the new year by expanding your network and connecting with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs with Irish heritage at our second Celtic Connections Networking Event.
📅 Date: Tuesday, January 30th
⏰ Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: German Club, 1 Cove Rd.
Following the success of our first gathering, we’re excited to continue building a strong, supportive network within our community. Whether you’re looking to share ideas, form new collaborations, or simply enjoy great company, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded professionals in a relaxed setting.
All are welcome—come along, bring a friend, and let’s grow together!
RSVP or drop in—we’d love to see you there. 🍀
We’re excited to announce that the Irish Benevolent Society is now on Instagram! 🎉
Follow us @IrishBenevolentSociety to stay connected with the latest updates, events, and celebrations of Irish heritage in our community. Join us as we share stories, cultural insights, and highlights from our gatherings.
Let’s build our Irish community together—give us a follow and invite your friends to join too! ☘️
Make it stand out
Exciting Opportunity for Students Aged 13-17: Experience the Celtic Irish Academy.
This year, the Irish Benevolent Society invites you to help us create an unforgettable experience for a deserving Canadian high school student.
We are thrilled to sponsor a young student to attend the Celtic Irish Academy in Ireland next summer—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:
Immerse themselves in Irish Culture
Learn the history, language, music, and traditions that make Ireland unique.
Discover what makes being Irish so distinct and a source of deep pride.
This program is more than a trip—it’s an investment in cultural connection, growth, and heritage. Your generosity can make all the difference.
How You Can Help:
Consider making a donation to support this initiative and help a young person explore their Irish roots or connection to Irish culture.
Donate Today
Let’s work together to nurture the next generation of Irish pride and cultural appreciation. Every contribution counts.
Thank you for your support and for keeping the spirit of Ireland alive in Canada.
Exciting Upcoming Events – Join Us
We’re thrilled to announce a series of exciting events happening in the coming months, and we’d love for you to join us as we celebrate Irish culture and community here in London and surrounding area.
London Irish Folk Club
Dance Class
Time: 7:30
Every Thursday
Location: 140 Ann St., Unit 101
Get ready for St Patrick's Day and learn some Ceili dances and set dancing.
Weekly
London Irish Canadian Cultural Society
Trivia Fundraiser
Time: 7:30pm
February 16th, 2025
Entry: $10 + fees
Location: German Canadian Club, 1 Cove Rd., London
Join us for a night of fun, fundraising and fantastic entertainment at our Pub Trivia Fundraising night! Test your knowledge and compete for prizes and bragging rights in our lively pub quiz. Afterwards keep the good times going as DJ Dan takes the stage
Mark your calendars and spread the word. We look forward to seeing you at these exciting events that bring our community together in celebration of Irish culture, music, and heritage.
Celtic Chapters
Book Club
Time: 7:30
Third Thursday of every month
Location: 1 Cove St
Get ready to chat about Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Monthly
Join Us for an Unforgettable Trip to Ireland in 2026!
Dreaming of exploring Ireland with a fantastic group of like-minded travelers? The Irish Benevolent Society, in collaboration with Irish Travel Toronto, is planning a group trip to Ireland in September 2026—and we’d love for you to join us!
This immersive journey will take you through Ireland’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the lively streets of Dublin to the rugged beauty of the west coast, the trip will be filled with unforgettable experiences.
📌 Details & Pricing:
We currently have information based on 2025 pricing, and final costs will be shared once we confirm interest. If this is a trip you’d love to be part of, please let us know as soon as possible!
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to experience Ireland in a unique and meaningful way. 💚
Interested? Reply to another@execulink.com or reach out to learn more
🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Us 🍀
Get ready for one of the biggest and best Irish celebrations of the year. The Irish Benevolent Society’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon continues again this year, and we’re inviting you to join us for an afternoon filled with Irish spirit, camaraderie, and plenty of craic!
📅 Date: Monday, March 17, 2025
📍 Location: Lamplighter Inn
⏰ Time: 11:30AM
For years, this luncheon has been a highlight of the Irish community’s calendar, and each year, it just keeps getting bigger and better. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a gathering of friends, family, and business leaders, all coming together to celebrate our shared Irish heritage.
Why You Can’t Miss It:
✅ Fantastic Food & Drinks – Enjoy a delicious meal in great company.
✅ Live Entertainment – Experience the magic of traditional Irish music and lively performances.
✅ Incredible Atmosphere – Celebrate with a room full of people who love Ireland as much as you do.
✅ A Growing Tradition – Year after year, this event has grown in popularity, and 2025 promises to be our best one yet!
Whether you have deep Irish roots or just love the spirit of the day, this luncheon is a must-attend event. It’s an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and share in the joy of St. Patrick’s Day with old friends and new.
Tickets are limited, so don’t wait! Mark your calendar, spread the word, and get ready to raise a glass to Ireland.
You can get your tickets here.
🍀 Sláinte! We’ll see you on March 17th. 🍀