While many Irish centers are struggling to recruit new members, the Irish American Heritage Society of Augusta , Georgia is thriving. Membership will reach almost 600 people this year, with 43 people being formally initiated next week alone. Some of them are the third and fourth generation of their families to join, others are completely new.
“We’re really fortunate. I know from speaking with people from other areas that there are a lot of societies having trouble retaining members and getting the next generation involved,” said Sean Mooney, vice president of the society.
“We are actually trending in the opposite direction. We have a lot of young people who are excited and getting more involved. We’re moving towards a younger audience and demographic, which is really wonderful.”
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Sean spoke with IrishStar.com right in the middle of the society’s busiest season. St Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and planning for the parade is full steam ahead.