August 28th 2012

Cathie to be inducted into the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame



The Muskegon Irish American Society has announced its founding of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame. The purpose of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame is to recognize past and present Irish Americans with substantial ties to Michigan who have made significant contributions in areas such as Public Service, Philanthropy, Business and Industry, Arts and Entertainment, Religion, Education, and Sports. The Hall of Fame will be physically housed in Hennessy’s Restaurant in Muskegon, and will be available worldwide on its own website.

Each year the members of the Hall of Fame will be inducted in September during the Michigan Irish Music Festival, which draws thousands of visitors to the Muskegon area. The inaugural class of members of the Hall of Fame will be inducted at noon on Saturday, September 15, on the Kerry Stage of the Michigan Irish Music Festival. The Music Festival is held at Heritage Landing in the City of Muskegon. For detailed information on the Michigan Irish Music Festival, the website is www.michiganirish.org.

The 2012 members of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame are these Irish Americans:

Public Service: Frank Kelley, former Attorney General of Michigan. Mr. Kelley will be present for the induction.

Philanthropy: Thomas Hume, West Michigan lumberman of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Business and Industry: Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company.

Arts and Entertainment: Cathie Ryan, Detroit native who is one of the most important vocalists and song writers in Irish music today. (Cathie Ryan is performing at this year’s Michigan Irish Music Festival.)

Religion: Fr. Solanus Casey, Detroit Capuchin priest who is being considered for sainthood. Capuchin Brother Richard Merling will attend the induction.

For additional information, contact:
Kevin Donovan
President of the Muskegon Irish American Society
Port City Construction, Muskegon, MI
231-571-2033