 The Emerald Isle Society of Tucson is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting Irish culture for the enjoyment and education of the Tucson community. All proceeds from Emerald Isle events go to various local charities, which are voted upon on an annual basis. Started in 1994, the original three founder members of EIS include Timothy Prendiville, Jack Daley, and Rosemary Browne. Their original goal was to produce a meaningful cultural event in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The idea quickly caught fire in the Tucson Irish community, and almost overnight the Emerald Isle Society became an incorporated non-profit with fifteen members of similar ideology.
 EIS’ signature event is the annual Emerald Ball, usually held on the first weekend of March. This black tie gala is a cultural whirlwind of bagpipers, Irish dancers, harpists, fairies and imported Irish bands. Expanding on the success of the ball, EIS also hosts another annual event, “A Night in Tir na nOg,” to celebrate the Celtic New Year (known locally as Halloween). See EVENTS
The Emerald Isle Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. Its mission is to sponsor and present educational and cultural events on Irish history, literature, music and art that tell the story of the Irish people, both in Ireland and in their contributions to the growth and development of the Americas. The net revenues from our events are disbursed to underserved charitable organizations in the Tucson community.
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Our Logo
 The elegant flower of the Sacred Datura, or Desert Lily,
graces the emblem of the Emerald Isle Society of Tucson.
This delicate blossom blooms in the Sonoran Desert here
and embodies the rugged desert beauty that is Tucson.
To men and women of Irish heritage, the Lily has special
significance, as it is also the symbol of Easter, of hope,
of peace, and of rebirth. One of the most important Irish
crusades for freedom began on Easter Sunday in 1916,
and was the catalyst for Ireland's ultimate independence. The Lily of Peace
also reflects our hope for the future of Northern Ireland.
Thus, our Datura signifies both our irish roots and our Desert blossoming.
Logo illustration by Elizabeth Garigan |
Photo courtesy of Brad Fiero,
Desert Ecology of Tucson, AZ,
Pima Community College |
Board of Directors, 2009-10