St. Paddy's Day Luncheon 

In the early 1950's a group of electrical salesmen gathered on March 16th to celebrate Frank Cummins' birthday.  Each year they would gather and the party would end later and later until 1954 when it ran well into March 17th.  The name St. Paddy's Day Luncheon Society was born and the original group of seven celebrators named Paul O'Reilly "The Big Shillelagh".  The 1954 party had about 20 people at the Sherman Hotel where Bill Crossey's brother was the catering manager, so they could drink (and occasionally eat) for almost free.

The original seven members of the society were:

Paul O'Reilly

Frank Cummins

Bob Harman

Wallie O'Brien

Bill Crossey

Connie Butler

Jim Glenn

Each year since a growing percentage of the electrical industry has gotten together to eat, drink and celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  As the party grew it moved to the Bismark Hotel in the 1960's, onto The Como Inn during the 1980's and in 1998 to the Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom.

March 10th, 2023

 11:00 am

Chicago Hilton and Towers

720 South Michigan Avenue

(312) 922-4400

The Grand Ballroom        

                Special Room Rates Available                       Contact Us

Tables of Ten Will Be Given Priority Seating

May there always be work for your hands to do,

May your purse always hold a coin or two,

May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane,

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you,

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.  

Mike Mahoney, 2022 Big Shillelagh