Our Mission
The Circle City Irish Festival (CCIF), an all volunteer 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was formed in 2023 to host the first festival.
CCIF is comprised of AOH, LOAH, GAA, and Emerald Society. The Irish Language foundation as well is involved. It is our goal to continue the fine work already established by previous groups and continue the traditions all of our groups are dedicated in preserving.
We continue the ideas established by Alice Davis, Terry Sweeney, and Mary Coffey. We honor our past, focus on our present, and look to the future. All are welcome to the festival.
The Irish People have handed down a rich culture and history. Their struggles included famine and deprivation of education. Through a presentation of an annual festival, CCIFL will offer Irish cultural and historical programs that will inform its audience and generate support for the reduction of hunger and illiteracy in Central Indiana.
Meet Our Board
Executive Committee – executivecommittee@circlecityirishfest.org
Kathleen Miller, Chair
chair@circlecityirishfest.org
Kate’s Irish runs deep on both sides of her family, with roots established from Galway to Derry and down through Cork. She has been active in the LAOH and served as historian, and is a past president of the organization. Her love of the heritage, history, and traditions of Ireland were taught by each generation of her family.
She is a retired educator and union president. She is married to Tom Miller an Indianapolis firefighter, mother to 4, grandmother to 9. She couldn’t be more honored to serve as chair for The Circle City Irish Festival.
Brian Thomas, Vice Chair
vicechair@circlecityirishfest.org
Growing up my family didn’t celebrate St Patrick’s Day. We didn’t go to any Irish festivals. I didn’t think I had any Irish ancestry. After meeting my wife, I started going to the St Patrick’s Day parade and Irish festivals. I fell in love with the music. My favorite band is a local Celtic band, Highland Reign. At an Irish Fest we found the Indy Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). My son fell in love with Hurling and wanted to play. I played for a year and then became a youth coach. I have been a youth coach for the Indy GAA since 2013. A few years later I took a DNA test and it turns out I’m about 40% Irish. Through the GAA community, we have developed friends all over the US and Canada along with Ireland. Joining the CCIF committee means so much to me. The Irish Fest has always been a time of good music and good friends.
Daniel McNelis, Treasurer
treasurer@circlecityirishfest.org
Daniel McNelis grew up Catholic on the Eastside of Indianapolis. He is half Irish and half Italian. Growing up his family instilled a strong connection to both of his heritages. He has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Kevin Barry Division for the last 6 years. During that time, he has held the position of Standing Committee Chair and President. In 2020, he was given the honor of Hibernian of the Year. He recently transitioned his time to helping with Circle City Irish Fest. Bringing Irish culture to the city of Indianapolis is important to him. He currently holds the position of Treasurer. In his free time, he loves to travel with family and friends. And as Dan would say “I have a lot of Gaelic and garlic in me!”
Ruthie Winters, Secretary
secretary@circlecityirishfest.org
Committee Heads
- Brandi Thomas – Cultural Chair – cultural@circlecityirishfest.org
- John Hegarty – Entertainment Chair – entertainment@circlecityirishfest.org
- Ruth Winters – Food/Merchandise Co-Chair – vendor@circlecityirishfest.org
- Maura Flynn – Food/Merchandise Co-Chair – vendor@circlecityirishfest.org
- Devin Blankenship – Education Chair – education@circlecityirishfest.org
- Brian Thomas – Venue Chair – venue@circlecityirishfest.org
- Tom McNulty – Sponsorship Chair – sponsorship@circlecityirishfest.org
- Brian Thomas – Operations Chair – operations@circlecityirishfest.org
- Debbie Nichols – Volunteer Chair – volunteer@circlecityirishfest.org