Fellowship, Tradition, and Pride: A Conversation with Marcy O’Keeffe Twardak on the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago

Marcy, her husband, and grandchildren.

For many Irish Americans, heritage is more than just ancestry—it’s a connection to community, culture, and tradition. Few organizations embody this spirit more than the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago (IFC), a group dedicated to fostering camaraderie while supporting education and charitable initiatives. Marcy O’Keeffe Twardak, a longtime member and current Director, shares her journey with the club, its mission, and the importance of Irish heritage in today’s world.

With family hailing from Galway and Limerick, Marcy grew up surrounded by Irish culture. Her mother’s side, the Flahertys, comes from Rosmuc, where many cousins still live—one even teaches Gaeilge. Her father’s family, the O’Keeffes, came from Limerick. In a serendipitous twist of fate, her grandparents grew up just five miles apart in Ireland but didn’t meet until they both immigrated to Chicago.

Born and raised in Lakeview, just a mile from Wrigley Field, Marcy recalls a childhood filled with neighborhood games in the streets and alleys. She attended The Immaculata, a now shuttered  all-girls Catholic high school located at Marine Drive and Irving Park Road. Now residing in Edison Park, her deep ties to the city mirror those of the Irish Fellowship Club itself.

Encouraged by longtime friends Kathy Taylor, Executive Director of the IFC, and Bobby Ryan, a well-known voice in Chicago’s Irish community, Marcy joined the Irish Fellowship Club—and never looked back. “I couldn’t be happier,” she says. “I’ve met great people and lifelong friends, just like Bobby said I would.”

Starting as a member, she gradually took on more responsibility and is now a Director. The Club, which has long been a pillar of the Irish-American community in Chicago, continues to evolve while remaining true to its core values.

For Marcy, the essence of the Irish Fellowship Club is its welcoming spirit. “Our club has a positive effect on anyone who joins us,” she explains. “We are a ‘feel-good’ organization, and we want people from all backgrounds to have fun with us.” In a time when connection and camaraderie are more important than ever, she believes the club offers a space where friendship and fellowship thrive.

She is particularly proud of the IFC’s scholarship program, which embodies the club’s mission of giving back. “Every dollar we raise goes toward Catholic high school scholarships,” she notes, underscoring the club’s deep commitment to supporting the next generation.

One misconception that Marcy is eager to correct is the notion that the IFC is just about social gatherings and sharing a pint. “Sure, we have fun, but it’s our shared history and interest in one another that truly define us,” she emphasizes. The club offers far more than just celebrations—it provides opportunities for cultural engagement, networking, and community service.

For those interested in joining, Marcy has one simple message: “You don’t have to worry about whether you’ll be accepted. We are not cliquish—we welcome everyone.” The Club is made up of people from all walks of life, from lawyers to teachers to printers to union workers, united by a passion for Irish culture and tradition.

Looking ahead, she encourages more people to attend the Club’s events, including the Irish Open (golf outing) and annual dinners . These gatherings are not just about celebration; they are about reinforcing the club’s values of fellowship, tradition, and pride.

When asked to sum up the club in three words, Marcy doesn’t hesitate: Fellowship, Tradition, and Pride. She believes these qualities encapsulate the club’s mission and strength. “There are no lines between men and women here—our equality is one of our greatest strengths,” she adds.

As the Irish Fellowship Club continues to grow and adapt, its mission remains the same: to bring people together, celebrate heritage, and give back to the community. With leaders like Marcy O’Keeffe Twardak at the helm, its legacy of inclusivity and tradition is sure to endure.

For more information on joining or supporting the Irish Fellowship Club, visit irishfellowshipclub.com