From Irish step dancing classes as an elementary schooler to family vacations in the homeland, Caitlin Fitzpatrick has always found a way to express her Irish pride. But her heritage has been an element absent from her college experience so far.
So the junior criminology and criminal justice and family sciences major teamed up with senior English and history major Alexandra Schenker to form the Maryland Irish Club, hoping to bring a taste of the country they love to the university.
Their inspiration hit during a moment of boredom at work this semester when the two were perusing the online catalogue of university clubs and noticed there was no group dedicated to Ireland’s culture.
They decided to fill the void with a club celebrating the whole Irish experience: the food, the music, the sports and the notorious pub scene.
The club caters to the many university students with Irish roots — due to a surge of Irish immigration to the U.S. in the 1800s — but Schenker said any student looking to delve into the unique culture is welcome.
“I don’t like the limitation of being a certain ethnicity to be in a group or club,” she said.
When Schenker studied in Ireland during the Spring 2009 semester, she said she met many students who weren’t of Irish descent but wanted to experience a different culture, triggering her own interest in the Irish way of life.
“I’m hoping [the members] will be able to experience the culture and develop a greater appreciation for their heritage or the culture in general,” she said.
While abroad, Schenker fell in love with the Irish attitude and customs, adding that, in Ireland, “everybody’s more laidback.”
Schenker and Fitzpatrick said they want to focus on the social aspects of Irish culture, hoping the members will garner a deeper appreciation for the lifestyle by participating in enjoyable activities.
The two have already planned several events for club members that they hope will incite more enthusiasm for the new group. They plan to hit Irish pubs in Washington, attend the state Irish Festival in November and watch the Washington Gaels play Gaelic football — a sport that reminds Schenker of a combination of rugby and soccer.
“Our mission is for people who are Irish or otherwise to do fun things that are Irish,” Fitzpatrick said.
The club is still in its early stages, however, as the duo is working to gain members and plan semester events. The sign-up sheet on their makeshift table at the First Look Fair produced about 80 names interested in the Irish festivities, and nearly 20 students showed up to the first meeting Sunday.
Schenker and Fitzpatrick said they have submitted their application to the Student Government Association to be officially recognized as a student group, but it hasn’t been processed yet.
Fitzpatrick said she’s using the group as a springboard to reconnect with her Irish roots.
“I’ve always been proud of being Irish … I guess I’m not the most involved in Irish activities, but it’s a first step in getting involved,” she said.
roubein at umdbk dot com
