About Irish American Cultural Institute Rochester Chapter
The Irish American Cultural Institute national organization was founded by Eoin McKiernan in 1962 and is a federally recognized 501c(3) not-for-profit group devoted to promoting an intelligent appreciation of Ireland and the role and contribution of the Irish in America. The IACI is strictly apolitical and nonsectarian, and is the only Irish American organization that has as its patron, The President of Ireland.
The Rochester Chapter of the IACI was started in the 1980s by Rev. John Cavanaugh, CSB, and Bob Kelly, who believed in the mission to support Irish culture. The chapter has been continued under the leadership of founder Eoin McKiernan’s daughter Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler, who remains President Emeritus.
The Rochester IACI is proud to be affiliated with St. John Fisher College, where many of its events are hosted. An advisory board of directors oversees all sponsored events and hosts an annual awards meeting that celebrates the wealth of Irish arts in the Rochester community.
Collaborations with other Irish groups include Comhaltas Ceoltori Eirann (Irish Music Society), the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and LAOH, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the St. John Fisher College Irish Studies Program.