In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival host Tara Reese focuses on the revered position of Grand Marshal in the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade.

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.

Guests John Forbes, Mike Kenny, and Mike Roush, all former Grand Marshals, share their personal stories and the significance of this lifetime honor. They discuss the traditions, emotional experiences, and community leadership tied to the role, including insights into the historic COVID-era cancellation. The conversation also highlights the various events leading up to the parade, the importance of humility and community involvement, and reflections on the enduring spirit of Savannah's Irish community.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

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 Welcome to Season Three

00:09 Meet the Grand Marshals

00:19 The Honor of Being Grand Marshal

00:27 Grand Marshals Share Their Stories

00:45 Impact of COVID on the Parade

01:15 Introductions and Backgrounds

02:38 Path to Becoming Grand Marshal

03:17 Deciding to Run for Grand Marshal

06:37 Election Process and Emotions

16:16 Leading the Parade

25:17 Traditions and Community Impact

32:11 Setting Up for the Parade

33:28 Memorable Parade Moments

36:45 The Impact of COVID-19 on the Parade

40:44 Reflections on Being Grand Marshal

49:54 Irish Traditions and Fun Questions

55:10 Advice for Future Grand Marshals

56:24 Closing Remarks and Festival Announcement

Join the SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival as host Tara Reese dives into a lively discussion with tourism leaders Michael Owens and Joe Marinelli about the massive economic and cultural impact of St. Patrick’s Day 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.

The guests cover how tourism dollars invigorate the local economy, the special ties between Savannah and Ireland, and the importance of local and international collaboration. Expect fun insights, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes details about the planning of this beloved celebration.

From debunking myths about visitor numbers to reminiscing about heartwarming moments and wild antics, this episode offers a rich tapestry of perspectives on one of Savannah's most cherished traditions.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

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 Savannah Irish Podcast

00:40 Meet the Tourism Leaders: Michael Owens and Joseph Marinelli

01:30 The Economic Impact of Tourism in Savannah

05:21 Debunking St. Patrick's Day Myths

09:25 Visitor vs. Tourist: Understanding the Difference

11:56 The Importance of St. Patrick's Day to Savannah

19:42 Behind the Scenes: Organizing St. Patrick's Day

25:33 Cultural Exchange with Ireland

26:02 Irish Immigration to Savannah

26:28 Building Business Bridges with Wexford

27:15 Cultural and Educational Exchanges

27:47 Personal Reflections on Irish Friendships

28:23 Scottish and Ulster Scots Heritage

29:28 Future Collaborations with Wexford

32:43 Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Traditions

36:41 Favorite St. Patrick's Day Memories

40:03 Final Reflections and Farewells

In this episode of the SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival - host Tara Reese sits down over a pint - or four - of Guiness ON LOCATION at O'Connell's Irish Pub with Irish transplants Derek, Sharon, and Damien for PART 2 as they share their experiences of moving from Ireland to Savannah, Georgia.

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.

With plenty of laughter and 'crack,' they discuss how they maintain their Irish heritage while embracing Southern culture. They recount their journeys to America, the cultural shocks, and the amusing misunderstandings resulting from their accents. From savoring both Irish and Southern traditions, navigating through local festivals, to the peculiarities of American football versus GAA, this episode is a warm-hearted, humorous celebration of Irish spirit blending with Southern hospitality. Join them at O'Connell's Pub, where the conversation is lively, and the Guinness flows freely.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

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 and Meet the Guests

00:10 Raising Irish-American Kids

03:04 Favorite Irish Foods

04:15 Family Visits and Impressions of Savannah

06:40 Finding Love Abroad

12:15 Humorous Anecdotes and Reflections

15:37 Reflecting on Marriage and Family

17:21 Nostalgia for Ireland

19:03 Damien's Musical Journey

24:25 Auditioning for Bagatelle

29:26 A Poem for Guinness Lovers

32:05 Closing Remarks and Thank Yous