Friendly Sons Of the Shillelagh

The FRIENDLY SONS OF THE SHILLELAGH

Of the Jersey Shore

Friendly Son's of the

Shillelagh at a Glance

A Distinct Identity

THE HISTORY OF THE FSOS
The original chapter of this organization is located in Old Bridge , NJ. While the migration of Northern New Jersey residents to the Jersey Shore took place, a large number of Irish Americans from the northern cities and towns came down to what is known as “The Irish Riviera”. A Group of stout Irishmen from the North, led by Founding President George McCormack, and men originally from Monmouth County, joined together and petitioned the “Father Club” for a charter for Belmar.

The “Father Club” in Old Bridge granted a charter to our organization in June of 1991. In the early days of the organization, the men would meet once a week anywhere they could find a hall. Meetings were held in firehouses, taverns, and finally the Belmar Elks Club. The Belmar Elk’s Club was instrumental in helping this organization flourish, by giving the membership a steady place to meet every month. The meetings were held at the Elks from 1992 through 1997.

In 1997, with a membership of approximately 150 members, the organization opened it’s clubhouse and the membership finally had a home to call it’s own. Since those early days the club has grown and flourished to over 1600 members from all walks of life. In January of 2000 the club was closed down for five weeks as members of the organization worked together and renovated the entire clubhouse. The building is dedicated to our Founding Member and President, George McCormack. The upstairs meeting hall was renamed ‘The Donald Wuelfing Room” after the passing of our beloved Treasurer Donald Wuelfing. The Taproom was named “The John “Jack” Carr Taproom” in honor of our deceased former Bar Manager. They are truly missed.

The club, which is a Not-for-Profit Organization, is proud to sponsor many charitable events in support of Children’s activities such as Little League, Basketball teams, Sailing, NJ Special Olympics as well as other local charitable events. The club also sponsors a yearly Toy Drive for the Jersey Shore Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Monmouth County 180 Turning Lives Around and the Madonna House to name a few. Each year the club is happy to Co-Sponsor, along with the Lakewood Blue Claws Minor League Baseball team, Irish Heritage night at their Stadium. The Club has also created “The Foundation of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh of the Jersey Shore” which is a Tax – Free foundation to handle the charitable activities of the Organization. All Donations to this foundation are Tax – Deductible.

FSOS 9/11 Memorial

Outside the Clubhouse is a memorial to those lost on and after the attacks on September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. The memorial is a steel beam from a World Trade Center column cut by the officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. It was also dedicated to the memory of club member John “Jack” Connelly, Jr. who was lost while working at the Trade Center on September 11th.

This memorial is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices of all of the emergency personnel who responded that day and in the days, weeks and months after, as well as the innocent lives lost on a day which forever changed the skyline of New York City and challenged the safety and security of this great nation.

Below is a prayer written by Wayne J. Berning for the 20th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks:

Most gracious and loving God, we pray for the souls of all those that were lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

For the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives on that day, we pray you will soothe and comfort their emotions as they remember with fondness and sorrow on this 20th Anniversary.

We applaud the firefighters’ courage, the EMS workers, the police, and all the other emergency personnel — especially those who lost their lives responding to this tragedy.

We pray for our Shillelagh Brothers who witnessed this terrible day and those who we lost. Lord, we praise you for their incredible bravery.

May we never forget their sacrifice and the families and loved ones they left behind. We do believe, that amid this horrifying day, the hand of your grace was upon them.

Thank you, Lord, for this day of remembrance, as this day reminds us of the way the true heart of this nation's people was reveled, in open doors, open arms, open hearts and raised American flags.

Thank you for your enduring love and comforting Words of faith that has helped so many through this tragedy. As America pauses to celebrate the lives of all those lost on this day of sadness, we thank you for the protection you continue to provide.

Let your love and grace continue to soothe and comfort the hearts of those who perished on that day.

We know you are a God of love!

So give us your strength to face the memory of these attacks, and the changes it made in our lives.

Give us your compassion to help each other and recognize the need around the world.

Give us your courage to comfort others in their time of sorrow.

Give us your hope as we face an uncertain future.

And give us your everlasting peace.

Amen.

The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh – Belmar is an Irish heritage organization dedicated to celebrating culture, fostering community, and supporting charitable causes. Since our founding, we’ve grown into one of the largest and most active Irish-American clubs in New Jersey, with over 1,600 members who share a love of tradition, camaraderie, and service. From cultural events and community gatherings to charitable outreach and family-friendly activities, our mission is to honor our heritage while making a positive impact in the lives of our members and our community.

FSOS Jersey Shore 815 16th Ave, Belmar, NJ 07719