About ICSC

Our Purpose: Celebrating Culture & Community

The Irish Congress of Southern California (ICSC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to keeping the vibrant spirit of Irish heritage alive and thriving. Our crowning achievement? Bringing the San Diego community together every year for the spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival in Balboa Park!

As a family-oriented, entirely non-political, and 100% volunteer-run organization, we love supporting the diverse activities that make our local Irish community so special. Beyond the parade, we proudly sponsor the Miss Colleen Pageant and cheer on fantastic local traditions and groups like the Smilin’ Irishman Contest, Irish Outreach, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and the House of Ireland in Balboa Park.

Behind the Scenes: How We Make the Magic Happen

It takes a village and a lot of passion to throw San Diego’s favorite St. Patrick’s celebration!

The Leadership: The ICSC is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors elected every May. The Board appoints our key officers, including the Board Chair, President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parade Chair, and Parade Vice-Chairs.

The Committees: The heavy lifting is done by our 40+ Standing Committees. Appointed by the Parade Chair, these incredible volunteer teams plan, organize, and execute the Parade and Festival.

Join the Crew: Membership & Leadership

We are always looking for fresh energy and new faces to help us grow!

Become a Member: If you love Irish culture and want to roll up your sleeves, ICSC membership is for you. After volunteering on a committee for one full parade season, you can be approved for Active Membership at our annual May meeting. Annual dues are just $27 thereafter.

To become a member, please email Megan at [email protected].

Step Up to the Board: Want to help shape the future of the ICSC? Active members who have dedicated three years of service and leadership as an Officer or Committee Chair are eligible to run for a seat on the Board of Directors.

Our Roots

Our story began in 1980. The very first San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade marched down the street in 1981, brought to life by the vision of our founding members: Jim Foley, Vince Lynch (our first President), Larry Cronin, Jim Shannon, Dave Shehan, and Tom Mulcahy.

Support Our Mission

The music, the dancing, and the community traditions only happen because of people like you. Aside from event day income, the ICSC relies entirely on the generosity of local businesses and individuals.

Because we are a fully qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit, your donations are tax-deductible.

Want to support or mail a donation? Please make checks payable to “ICSC” and send them to: The Irish Congress, 415 Laurel St. PMB 113, San Diego, CA 92101. Tax ID: 33-0090269. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are available to members upon request at any ICSC meeting.