Savannah Irish Podcast

Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network

Step into the enchanting world of Savannah, Georgia - where the Irish influence weaves its magic throughout the city. In this captivating podcast, join us as we delve into the history, traditions, and vibrant community of Irish descendants in Savannah. Let’s celebrate the Emerald Isle coming to life in the heart of the Deep South.

  1. Apr 26

    Discover the Savannah Scottish Games: A Celtic Celebration in Georgia

    Season three of the Savannah Irish Podcast, brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, continues with a bonus episode previewing the Savannah Scottish Games, set for Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Bethesda Academy.   Host Tara Reese welcomes planning committee members Stuart Marshall (title sponsor Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty) and Chuck Bohannon (piping and drumming organizer) to discuss the Games’ 48th celebration, its history from the St. Andrew’s Society of Savannah (founded 1737), and the expanded Moon River site restoration after Hurricane Matthew.   They highlight year-round planning by 35 volunteers, entertainment (Seven Nations, Swamp Tooth, Colin Grant Adams, Lachlan), pipe band competitions (68 registrants), Highland dancing, heavy athletics, clans, sheep herding, hurling matches, genealogy and history tents, vendors, food, and whiskey tastings, plus online ticketing and wristbands for alcohol.   What is the Savannah Irish Festival? The Savannah Irish Festival isn’t just an event—it’s the heartbeat of Green Season, a vibrant, educational, and family-friendly celebration that honors Irish culture while uniting the community. It lights the path leading to Savannah’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day parade—a beloved tradition that transforms the city into a sea of green and welcomes thousands upon thousands each year. This unique blend of history, culture, and communal joy is what keeps Savannah’s Irish spirit thriving.   The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.   Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Season Three Kickoff 01:03 Bonus Episode Setup 01:32 Games Atmosphere Preview 02:43 Meet Stuart Marshall 03:22 Music Lineup Highlights 05:59 Meet Chuck Bohannon 07:06 Origins of the Games 09:45 Bethesda Site Revival 12:58 Year Round Planning 15:01 Sponsor Irish Pub Company 16:40 Biggest Logistics Challenges 20:02 Dreaming of a Tattoo 24:14 Scotland Ties to Savannah 30:10 Food Drink and Favorites 31:38 Hurling and Field Upgrades 34:03 Family Roots and Heritage 35:51 Scottish Music to Bluegrass 37:54 Piping Styles Explained 38:46 Tradition Meets Modern 40:39 Women in Piping 42:18 Bagpipes at Home 43:37 Stewart Music Journey 45:24 Games Schedule Tickets 48:32 Vendors Dancers History 53:31 Whiskey Tasting Details 58:03 Clans Genealogy Military 01:00:47 Rapid Fire Favorites 01:05:41 Final Invites Thanks

    1h 11m

  2. Mar 19

    From Ireland to Savannah: A Sit-Down with Culture, Communications, and Sport Minister Patrick O'Donovan

    The Savannah Irish Podcast, brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese welcomes Ireland’s Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, to discuss Ireland’s national cultural strategy and how culture, arts, media, heritage, sport, and diaspora engagement strengthen Ireland’s international presence.   Speaking from Savannah during the city’s extended “green season,” O’Donovan highlights the deep Irish roots in Georgia, the global St. Patrick’s Week outreach by Irish ministers, and the role of the GAA worldwide. He shares his background from County Limerick, work in industry, teaching, and long public service, and outlines responsibilities spanning tech and broadband, online child safety, and Ireland’s upcoming EU Council presidency in telecom.   The conversation covers famine-driven emigration, modern two-way migration, tourism, trade links, the 1926 census release, USA 250 commemorations and stamps, sports diplomacy, misinformation and civic youth engagement, and future collaboration between Ireland and Savannah.   What is the Savannah Irish Festival? The Savannah Irish Festival isn’t just an event—it’s the heartbeat of Green Season, a vibrant, educational, and family-friendly celebration that honors Irish culture while uniting the community. It lights the path leading to Savannah’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day parade—a beloved tradition that transforms the city into a sea of green and welcomes thousands upon thousands each year. This unique blend of history, culture, and communal joy is what keeps Savannah’s Irish spirit thriving.   The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.   Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Season Three Welcome 01:23 Savannah Diaspora Spotlight 02:52 Green Season In Savannah 03:48 Minister Background And Portfolio 07:41 GAA Worldwide And Hurling 11:01 Casual Banter And Setting 12:52 Diaspora History And Famine Roots 18:42 Visitors Trade And 1926 Census 22:43 USA 250 Plans And Irish Links 27:24 Sport Diplomacy And Soft Power 28:39 Ireland and Peace 30:45 Pope and Identity 31:24 Youth and Democracy 34:53 Misinformation and AI 37:06 Racism and Intolerance 42:13 Savannah First Impressions 43:10 St Patricks Day Diplomacy 44:33 Diaspora and Sacrifice 46:38 Future Collaboration 48:42 Closing Invite to Ireland

    56 min

  3. Mar 12

    Inside the Hibernian Society of Savannah: 200+ Years of Irish History and Tradition

    In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast, brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese sits down with members of the historic Hibernian Society of Savannah to explore the organization’s deep Irish roots and its lasting impact on Savannah’s cultural heritage.   For more than two centuries, the Hibernian Society of Savannah has been at the heart of Irish life in the city. Founded in 1812 by 44 Irish immigrants, the society was created to assist Irish newcomers in need and help them build new lives in Savannah.   The organization would go on to play a major role in shaping the city’s Irish identity, including organizing the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah in 1824—a tradition that has grown into one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States.   Recorded on Saturday, March 8, just one day before the annual Celtic Cross Ceremony, this discussion also touches on the deeper traditions behind Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day observances and why the ceremony is considered by many to be the true beginning of the city’s Irish celebrations.   FEATURED GUESTS: John (Jack) E. Jaugstetter, PhD – Honorary Member and Past President John W. Jurgensen – Chairman, Historical Committee; Archivist Charles Harvey Ferrelle III – Current President of the Hibernian Society; Chairman, Communications Committee; Newsletter Editor; Member, Historical Committee   The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.   Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

    1h 14m

  4. Mar 5

    Trans-Atlantic Voices of Freedom: Black Abolitionists in Wexford & Savannah’s Historic Ms. St. Patrick’s Day 2026

    Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival. Host Tara Reese is unlocking a POWER-PACKED episode with TWO AMAZING segments.   Segment One: Tara is interviewing Georgia Southern’s Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan and undergraduate researcher Tiffany Le about “Trans-Atlantic Voices of Freedom,” a public history project on overlooked 19th-century Black American abolitionists who lectured and performed in County Wexford, Ireland.   Using newspapers and archives, Le traces figures including Moses Roper, Charles Lennox Redmond, Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, Benjamin Benson, William G. Allen, and Frederick Douglass, highlighting shifting Irish public reception shaped by sectarian tensions, Daniel O’Connell’s activism, and the Famine era. The project aims to create a digital heritage trail with QR markers and classroom curricula.   Segment Two: The episode then shifts to an interview with Latrell Reed, crowned the first African American Ms. St. Patrick’s Day 2026 in Savannah after competing twice; she describes shock and pride as she won in a venue her grandmother and great-grandmother could not visit because of segregation, and shares her mother’s emotional reaction. Reed addresses racist online backlash, explains how pageantry builds sisterhood and confidence, recounts starting pageants at age six and walking New York Fashion Week, and says her goal is to use the title to educate on St. Patrick’s history and the diversity of Irish identity while encouraging others to participate.   The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.   Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:  00:00 Season Three Welcome 01:07 Episode Topic Overview 02:13 Meet The Guests 03:07 Why Wexford Matters 05:20 Digging The Archives 07:32 Sponsor Irish Pub Company 09:17 Abolitionists In Ireland 10:58 Moses Roper In Wexford 13:35 Greenfield Benson Allen 17:40 Networks And Reception 25:08 Why This History Matters 29:12 Favorite Finds And Crowds 34:00 Project Goals Digital Trail 34:39 Curriculum and PhD Plans 35:43 African American Irish Roots 37:07 Students Abroad and Irish America 250 39:53 Next Research Focus Women 41:22 Project Strands and Wrap Up 42:51 Parade Notes and Thanks 43:46 Meet Ms St Patrick's Day 2026 46:22 Winning the Crown 50:57 Family Legacy and Kids 51:41 Pageantry Purpose and Racism 01:01:19 Learning St Patrick History 01:05:38 Legacy Message and Sign Off

    1h 10m

  5. Feb 26

    Irish Sports Revival in Savannah: Rugby, Hurling, and Cultural Camaraderie

    In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese welcomes guests Don Paul (manager/chair, Pooler GAA), Will Garnett (president, Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club), and Jared Papper (Savannah GAA) discussing how Irish identity in Savannah is thriving through sport. They explain the basics of rugby, hurling, and Gaelic football, share how their clubs formed (Shamrocks in 1978; Savannah GAA in February 2020), and emphasize welcoming, community-building, and social traditions.   The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.   Pooler GAA Savannah GAA Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome to Irish Sports in Savannah 01:25 Meet the Guests 02:45 How the Clubs Began 07:01 Rugby Basics Explained 08:08 Hurling and Gaelic Football 101 12:51 How to Join and Practice Times 17:10 Community and Charity Off the Field 22:38 Savannah St Patrick's Rugby Tournament 27:06 Free Entry Logistics 27:16 Tournament Size Reputation 29:13 Host City Cup Details 29:58 Registration Flex Teams 31:14 Game Day Schedule Setup 32:38 After Party Plans 33:37 Savannah vs Pooler Rivalry 38:08 Growing Youth Programs 43:39 Favorite Match Memories 49:28 Quickfire Pints Rivals 51:42 Final Dates Callout

    57 min

  6. Feb 19

    Celebrating Irish Dance: The Legacy of Savannah's Irish Dancers

    In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese is putting on her dancing shoes with guests from Legacy Irish Dance: owner and teacher Abbey Wood, dance mom Jennifer Forbes (wife of 2024’s 200th Grand Marshal John Forbes), and students Keegan Forbes (12) and Faren Wood (9).   The episode highlights Irish dance as a vibrant part of Savannah’s Irish culture and a bridge between generations through performance, mentorship, and tradition beyond St. Patrick’s season.  Abbey shares how Legacy was founded after she moved to Savannah to teach when visiting instructors could no longer fly in, eventually growing the school into her full-time career.   She explains the meaning of “Legacy” as carrying forward a tradition created by those before her, noting she now teaches former students’ children and supports the community through scholarships and donated costumes.    The group discusses how the school emphasizes discipline, resilience, teamwork, and learning to handle subjective outcomes, with Jennifer describing her daughter’s progression from starting at age three to training 5–6 hours per week and performing at many seasonal events. Keegan reflects on dancing during her father’s Grand Marshal year and her upcoming competition trip to Ireland. Abbey also recounts a recent performance opportunity at the White House for the annual pot of shamrocks ceremony, including extensive security, a stage near the Rose Garden, interactions with the President and the Irish Prime Minister, and Michael Flatley filming and applauding the dancers.   AND SPECIAL NOTE: During the recording, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce representatives surprise the producers of the Savannah Irish Podcast - Dee Daniels Media - with the Savannah Area Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year award.   The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.   Legacy Irish Dance: Building the legacy Legacy Irish Dance Parent Association Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Welcome to Season 3 + Why Irish Dance Matters in Savannah 00:54 Meet the Guests: Dance Mom, Teacher/Owner & Young Dancers 02:21 Surprise Interruption: Chamber ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Reveal 04:32 How Legacy Irish Dance Was Founded (Abby’s Savannah Story) 06:50 Why It’s Called ‘Legacy’: Tradition, Community & Generations 08:49 Why Savannah Is the Perfect City for Irish Dance (Green Season & Shows) 11:37 Irish Dance as Culture: Music, Storytelling & Identity 14:34 Why Arms Stay Down: History, Tradition & Technique 17:48 Mentorship & Mindset: Competition, Character, and Life Lessons 23:38 Dance Mom Perspective: Starting Young, Balancing Activities & Weekly Hours 25:32 Green Season Schedule: How Many Performances Do They Really Do? 26:07 The Real Cost of Irish Dance Dresses (and How Families Make It Work) 28:37 Scholarships, Hand-Me-Downs & Community Support at Legacy 30:27 Meet the Dancers: When They Started & Why They Chose Irish Dance 32:32 Favorite Dances Explained: What a “Reel” Is (and Why It’s So Fun) 33:32 First Time on Stage: Nerves, Excitement & Irish Festival Memories 35:33 Hardest Moves to Master: “Birds,” “Rocks,” and Training Drills 38:28 Costumes, Crowns & Dancing for a Grand Marshal Dad 41:11 Dream Stages: Ireland, Championships & Inviting Friends to Join 42:35 White House Performance Story: Secret Service, Shamrocks & Michael Flatley 47:38 Rapid-Fire Q&A + Final Thanks

    52 min

  7. Feb 12

    The Untold Influence of Irish Women in Savannah History

    In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese sits down with Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan from Georgia Southern University to delve into the critical yet often overlooked contributions of Irish women to Savannah's cultural and historical landscape.   From early immigration and domestic work to community involvement and the establishment of heritage societies, Irish women have played a significant role in shaping the city's identity. The discussion also covers notable individuals like Alice Riley and reviews the socio-cultural dynamics between Irish and African American communities.   Diving into both historical and modern-day perspectives, the podcast highlights the essential role of women in maintaining cultural traditions, religious organizations, and education. Join us as we uncover these hidden stories and recognize the lasting impact of Irish women in Savannah.   The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.   Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction to Savannah's Irish Women 01:08 Meet Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan 01:21 Dr. Ryan's Journey to Savannah 04:01 The Overlooked Role of Irish Women 05:12 Alice Riley: The Ghost of Wright Square 08:10 Irish Immigration in the 19th Century 11:25 Wexford Women in Savannah 15:41 Cultural Expectations and Domestic Service 20:58 The Role of Nuns in Savannah 25:36 Widows and Their Struggles 29:34 Rosanna McGuire: A Case Study 31:05 Exploring the Story of Rosanna 31:53 Irish Catholic Elite in Savannah 34:02 Women in the Irish Community 34:20 Gone With the Wind and Real Stories 36:50 Savannah's Unique School System 40:21 Irish and African American Communities 47:46 Women in Irish Nationalism 49:23 Modern Day Contributions of Irish Women 57:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

    1h 4m

  8. Feb 5

    The Guinness Legacy: An Interview with Edward 'Ned' Guinness

    In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese sits down with Arthur Edward "Ned" Guinness, a member of the illustrious Guinness family, known for their world-renowned stout beer and extensive philanthropy. Edward shares his family’s rich history, from the humble beginnings of Arthur Guinness, who signed a legendary 9,000-year lease for the St. James's Gate Brewery, to the remarkable achievements in social and political impact by later generations. The two also chat about Edward's book - Guinness: A Family Succession: The True Story of the Struggle to Create the World's Largest Brewery.   The discussion covers Edward's personal experiences, the importance of giving back, and reflections on the family's contribution to Irish society. The episode also touches on the Netflix series 'The House of Guinness,' contrasting dramatization with historical facts. Edward speaks passionately about preserving the family legacy and promoting community welfare, embodying the values his ancestors held dear.   Whether you are a history buff, a Guinness enthusiast, or just curious about impactful legacies, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the world behind the iconic Guinness name.   The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.   Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:   THE BOOK - Guinness: A Family Succession: The True Story of the Struggle to Create the World's Largest Brewery   Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026 MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media   FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE: 00:00 Introduction to the Special Guest 00:07 First Encounters and Memorable Meetings 01:16 Welcoming Edward Ned Guinness 01:50 Savannah's Irish Festival and Guinness Connection 04:08 Discussing the Book: Guinness of Family Succession 05:56 The Legacy of Arthur Guinness 13:22 Philanthropy and Community Impact 31:16 Navigating Religious and Social Challenges 36:16 Restoring Ivy Gardens and Dublin Memories 37:37 The Turning Point: Edward Cecil's Impact on Guinness 41:16 Brewing Legacy: From Edward Cecil to Modern Times 47:31 Guinness Family's Political and Social Contributions 53:00 Netflix Series and Family Archives 58:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections 01:01:27 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

    1h 8m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Step into the enchanting world of Savannah, Georgia - where the Irish influence weaves its magic throughout the city. In this captivating podcast, join us as we delve into the history, traditions, and vibrant community of Irish descendants in Savannah. Let’s celebrate the Emerald Isle coming to life in the heart of the Deep South.

Information

  • Creator
    Dee Daniels Media Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Savannah Irish Podcast