The Way The Electrical Industry Celebrates St. Patrick's Day!
 


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.
Counter
May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need the most

March 15th, 2024

 11:00 am

Chicago Hilton and Towers

720 South Michigan Avenue

(312) 922-4400

The International Ballroom

                Special Room Rates Available                       Contact Us


Tables of Ten Will Be Given Priority Seating

“Here’s to you and yours,
And to mine and ours,
And if mine and ours ever
come across you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
as much for mine and ours
as mine and ours have done
for you and yours!”


May your home 


always be too small 


to hold all your friends



David Witz, 2025 Big Shillelagh

“Here’s to you and yours,
And to mine and ours,
And if mine and ours ever
come across you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do
as much for mine and ours
as mine and ours have done
for you and yours!”
“Here’s to you and yours, And to mine and ours,
And if mine and ours ever come across you and yours,
I hope you and yours will do as much for mine and ours
as mine and ours have done for you and yours!”