Irish county associations struggle to survive

It’s all too easy to dismiss the views of each succeeding wave of the diaspora in a disparaging way, when the truth is a little more complex. The one thing you can say about the Irish county organizations is that they have demonstrated extraordinary staying power.

Unlike other ethnic associations in the U.S. they have lasted the test of time. They have not died out in the following generation. So far, though, the 1980s immigrants have not picked up on them, but that’s not to say they won’t as they mature.

“I don’t know whether we’ll see if the 80s crowd involve themselves. Whether they will or not will be key going forward. “We’re global Irish now. We’re less interested in being in New York and hanging out with Irish people. We’re not going to get as many people joining county societies,” says Nyhan.
There’s a perception they’re dominated by older Irish immigrants with a certain way of doing things, so the one thing that may save these societies is if immigration picks up from Ireland the way it looks like it might do.

“They were places were you went for a job, a place to live and possibly even a partner. If they fulfill a function going forward that’s when they’ll kick in again. I actually think they’re worth celebrating. No matter what way you look at it there’s still something good about having a group of people from your home county know you in this big city.”

The Fifth Province: County Societies in Irish America is now on exhibit at the Irish Consulate. For an appointment to view it call 212-319-2554.

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Nster.com