The Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 class of inductees. The Hall of Fame honors Irish Americans with strong ties to Michigan who have made significant contributions to various fields in Michigan life.
The 2025 honorees were inducted in a ceremony at noon on Saturday, September 13, 2026, at the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon, MI, on the Grafton Stage.
Below are a few images of the induction ceremony, including pics from our annual breakfast at the Delta Hotel honoring the inductees.
— Public / Community Service: Jack Cahill —
Jack Cahill is a fifth generation Irish American, but still of 100% Irish ancestry. Raised in Detroit, he attended Catholic Central High School (“The Shamrocks”) before matriculating to Michigan State and Cooley Law School.
Jack began his career with the Department of Attorney General in 1976 in the Organized Crime Division and he was Chief of the Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement Division when he retired from there in 2008. HIs interest in Ireland intensified during the 1981 Hunger Strikes. He made the first of his 46 trips to Ireland after managing Attorney General Frank Kelley’s successful 1982 election campaign against Brooks Patterson.
Upon his return, Jack quickly became involved in Irish organizations and took leadership positions in the Gaelic League of Lansing (Vice President), Walsh Division of the AOH (President twice), Irish American Unity Conference (Chapter President 17 years, National Board member 2 years), and the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers (President).
Jack led an AOH team to race currachs (ancient Irish rowboats) in the 1989 Dingle Regatta. They are still the only Americans to compete in the regatta.
Jack is an Irish Balladeer, initially as a solo act, and then with his friend Kevin Murphy as “Cahill & Murphy”. They had lengthy residencies at the AOH in Detroit (1984-1996) and at Monaghan Knights of Columbus in Livonia (1997-2018). Other appearances include 30 Irish Lawyers’ Pre-Parade St. Patrick’s Brunches, all of Governor Jim Blanchard’s St. Patrick’s parties, Mike Duggan’s Irish Party, Tip O’Neill’s Hamtramck visit with Governor Blanchard, WJR with Paul W. Smith, Michael Patrick Shiels’ “Big Show,” and various TV.
In the 1980s Jack partnered with Mick and Anna Gavin to bring many traditional Irish bands to Detroit and also co-hosted “Jerry Roddy’s Irish Hour” radio show on WCAR (1984-85). He also regularly attended Kitty Heinzman’s ceili dances.
Dedicated to all things Irish, Jack founded an Irish softball league in 1991 and and started an Irish Studies Scholarship at Detroit Catholic Central in 2009.
Jack has traveled to Belfast many times to work for peace, justice and unity. He is proud of drafting the MacBride Principles Bill that addresses religious discrimination in Northern Ireland through Michigan investment policy. He led the successful campaign make the MacBride Principles Michigan law in 1988.
Jack met his wife, Irene McDonnell Cahill from the Bronx, at a national convention of the Irish American Unity Conference in Washington D.C. They have been happily married for almost 34 years and reside in East Lansing.
— Arts & Entertainment: Joan Kavanaugh O’Halloran —
Little is known about Joan Rose Kavanaugh O’Halloran’s Irish ancestry. Her Great-Grandfather,Thomas Kelly, lost his life in the First World War leaving her Great-Grandmother and unborn son. Joan grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. In 1966 she moved to the Detroit area with her first husband, Kenneth Kavanaugh. Eighteen years later Kenneth passed away suddenly leaving Joan behind with three children.
In July of 1996, Joanie was blessed to win the heart of another Irishman, Tommy O’Halloran of O’Halloran’s Tipperary Pub. During their 26-year-marriage Tommy and Joan were equal partners in promoting and nurturing Irish music through their participation in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Gaelic League/Irish American Club of Detroit, the United Irish Society, and as the President of the Michigan Bar Owners Association.
Joan has visited Ireland over thirty times, and has avidly attended countless Irish and Celtic Music Festivals. These experiences have stirred in her a desire to promote Irish culture at charitable events throughout Michigan such as The Children for Northern Ireland Projects, the annual Pallottine Dinners and outtings, the United Irish fundraisers, and most significantly and successfully the Motor City Irish Fest.
In honor of her passion and commitment, she was recognized as 2013 Hibernian Woman of the Year, 2014 Pallottine Woman of the Year, and 2023 Chairperson of the Motor City Irish Fest. This year she is honored to have been selected as the 2025 Grand Marshal of the Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade.
Joanie O’Halloran continues to carry on her beloved husband’s parting wish to keep the music alive. Her greatest pride is that her strong family: Karen, Gary (Therese), and Scott (Bridget) and her beautiful granddaughters: Kate, Erin (Spencer), Megan, Elizabeth, and Anna have inherited her passion for preserving their Irish culture and will keep the music alive.
— Public / Community Service: Sheila M. Cassidy –
Sheila Cassidy is a first-generation Irish American. Sheila’s father, James Cassidy, immigrated from County Monaghan and her mother Nora Leen’s parents immigrated from County Kerry. Sheila is the younger sister of James, sister-in-law to Beth and beloved Aunt to Quinn and Oliver.
Sheila has been a lifelong participate and leader in Southeastern Michigan’s Irish American community, starting at the early age of 3-1/2 with Irish Dance that led her to Ireland to compete in the All -World Championship in 1980 at the age of seventeen.
Sheila has had an active role in the United Irish Societies. She has held the office(s) of Vice- President, Recording Secretary and currently a Delegate for the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
In addition to holding offices in the United Irish Societies Sheila has been a member or chaired many events that promote the Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade.
Sheila is the Co-Chair of the UIS Parade Kick Off Event, a fundraiser to offset the cost of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
As a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Sheila was able to procure the premier sponsor for the annual parade.
Sheila was a long-time member of the Maid of Erin Committee and Chairperson of the renamed organization, Queen of the Detroit United Irish Societies (UIS) and Rosebuds.
Sheila was instrumental in the development and implementation of the 2019 Friendship Agreement between the City of Detroit and County Cork, Ireland and presently serves as the UIS Liaison to the County Cork Delegation on their yearly visits to Detroit.
Sheila has served as Chairperson of the Irish Pallottine Mission Fundraiser, Judge for The Court of St. Bridget Scholarship Program and Judge for the Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Sheila is the Treasurer of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick (her late father James was a president). She works with the organization on their charitable outreach for Veterans.
Sheila is graduate of St. Joan of Arc Grade School (present member of St. Joan of Arc Parish), Bishop Gallagher High School and Madonna University.
Sheila works in the medical field of radiology and for the City of St. Clair Shores MI.Sheila calls St. Clair Shores, MI her home. Sheila and her mother, Nora, have the distinct honor of being the first mother and daughter to be inducted into the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame.
Sheila is a dual citizen of Ireland for the last 10 years and enjoys her yearly travels to her second home.
— Business & Industry: Tom Murray —
Tom Murray has owned Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan for 27 years. He is a longtime advocate for everything Irish in southeastern Michigan and has always included the promotion of Irish culture in everything related to his business.
From an early age, Tom was fully immersed in his Irish heritage as the oldest of seven children born to Chris and Mary Murray. His father, Chris, who immigrated from Gurteen, Co Sligo, served for many years as the President of the Detroit Gaelic League/Irish-American Club, passionately instilling Irish culture in his children. Alongside his father and siblings, Tom supported the Gaelic League in various roles, from bartender to board member. Growing up surrounded by traditional Irish music, he often assisted Chris in bringing Irish musical groups to Detroit. Tom was a constant presence at every Irish Ethnic Festival on Detroit’s riverfront, contributing in any way needed. Additionally, Tom cherished the many summers spent living in Ireland and working in the family pub, Teach Murray.
The cornerstone of Tom’s Irish life is his lifelong love, his wife of nearly 40 years, Maureen (nee Meagher), who also deeply cherishes her heritage from County Tipperary. Together, they are the proud parents of Megan & Greg, Brendan & Julia, Maeve, and Conor, and adoring grandparents to Eleanor, Teddy, Chance, and Oliver.
Tom has also been a lifelong supporter of Irish sport through the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). In 1982, he co-founded the Detroit Wolfetones Gaelic Football Club, which has promoted Gaelic sports in Michigan and nationally for over 43 years. Tom’s dedication to the team’s success has been unwavering, serving as a fierce competitor, Chairman, and Coach/Manager for many years. During this time, the Wolfetones proudly secured three USGAA National Championships. Recognizing the importance of passing on the tradition, Tom also helped establish the Michigan Harps Youth Gaelic Football program.
In 1998, Tom and Maureen realized their vision by opening Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub & Restaurant in Ann Arbor. For the past 27 years, Conor O’Neill’s has consistently been recognized as one of the best Irish pubs in Michigan. More importantly, Tom and Maureen have cultivated a business rooted in faith, family, and community, seamlessly blending their love for Irish culture into its very fabric. Continuing his father’s legacy, Tom hosts a weekly Traditional Irish Music Session at Conor O’Neill’s, one of the longest-running sessions in the United States, ensuring the vibrancy of traditional Irish music in Southeast Michigan. Tom has also actively contributed to the Ann Arbor community through leadership roles with the Ann Arbor Main Street Area Association and Destination Ann Arbor for many years.
The passing of Tom and Maureen’s infant daughter Maeve from congenital heart disease in 1993 became a catalyst for profound impact. For the last 32 years, they have been devoted sponsors and fundraisers for the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Maeve’s memory. Through the annual Maeve Murray Memorial Golf Outing, the St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock & Shenanigans Family Race, and ongoing fundraising efforts at Conor O’Neill’s, Tom and Maureen continue to provide crucial support for children with heart defects and the vital research conducted at Mott’s Children’s Hospital.
Tom Murray’s life embodies a steadfast commitment to enriching and promoting Irish culture and traditions in Southeast Michigan while leaving a lasting positive legacy on his community.
— Arts and Entertainment: Michael John (Jack) Derrig —
Michael John “Jack” Derrig was born in New York City to Irish parents and was baptized at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. He was raised from the age of five in Tourmakeady, County Mayo Ireland until he attained the age of eighteen, at which point he left his family and returned to the United States. Not knowing anyone or having any family with whom to reside, he took residency as a border in a guest house in Scranton, Pennsylvania with a landlord whose roots were from Ireland. From there, he was drafted into the Korean War for a two-year tour of duty in the Army. He was honorably discharged and received the Bronze Star Medal while serving his grateful nation, the United States.
Upon his return from the war, he ultimately moved to Michigan where he was gainfully employed at the General Motors Corporation in the Cadillac Motor Car Division for over 32 years. During that time, he married his wife Mary Ellen and raised their six children; Michael, Stephen, Ellen, Gerald, Bridget, and Patrick. Michael John “Jack” Derrig died in 2013 and is being honored posthumously.
While working full time and raising a family, Jack established “Irish Imports” in Dearborn, Michigan where he promoted his heritage with Irish imported merchandise for over 35 years. Later, he then opened the “Irish Baker” with his business partner Charlie French where they continue to bake and sell award winning products such as Irish Soda Breads, Scones, Whiskey Loaf, Barnbrack, Fruit Cakes, Shortbread, as well as his own sausage brand named “Irish Bangors.” To date, their products are sold at many fine grocery retailers such as Nino Salvaggio, Kroger, Holiday Market and at various Irish Festivals, such as the Muskegon Irish Festival.
He was executive producer and hosted the first local live Irish Radio Show in Detroit, “Meet the Irish” with notable internationally recognized Irish brand name sponsorship such as Aer Lingus airlines, the Irish Tourist Board, the Irish Development Authority (IDA), Anheuser Busch along with various local Irish sponsorship such as Tipperary Pub, Dublin Inn, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and Silver Jet Travel to name a few. He broadcasted the radio show from numerous radio stations over time including WGPR, CJSP, CHYR and WMZK and promoted his beloved Irish music over the airways for over 30 contiguous years.
Jack was extremely proud of his Irish roots. He was a great story teller and loved any opportunity to shoot the “craic” with whomever, about his beloved Ireland. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and possessed the necessary leadership to create or get involved and volunteer, whenever his calendar would allow, with all things Irish. Beyond that which is highlighted above, he was also accomplished or participated in such endeavors as:
- Executive producer and host of a St. Patrick’s Day special TV Show called “Meet the Irish” on CKLW television with various guest artists including the acclaimed “Voice of Ireland,” Mary McGonigle who hails from Belmullet County Mayo, Ireland. Mary was the understudy for Julie Andrews in the movie, “Sound of Music.”
- Music promoter, first to promote in Michigan the legendary “Wolf Tones” in concert, performing at the Ford Auditorium in Detroit, as well as featuring these entertainers on his radio show.
- Produced and emceed an all-Irish Fashion Show which sold out at the Roostertail in Detroit with renown Irish designer(s) clothing and apparel worn by local professional models – all proceeds were donated to the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) of Detroit.
- Member of AOH – Patrick Ryan division – President from 1989 to 1993.
- Member of AOH – Stephen J. Walsh division from 1994 to 2013.
- Grand Marshall of 2009 Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
- Accomplished musician playing both the button key accordion and the fiddle. He was the band leader of his own band and played around the Irish countryside at weddings and various other functions.
- Proficient in the Gaelic language – he learned to read, write, and speak in a Gaeltacht area of Ireland and earned a Fàinne, which recognizes his fluency.
- Cofounder and first honorary Motor City Irish Festival (MCIF) Chairman.
All the above and so much more, was built on his strong Catholic faith. He sponsored an Irish priest named Seamus through the seminary while raising his own family. He supported the National Shrine of St. Jude and was a committee member whose mission was able to secure the funds to pay off the mortgage for the Irish Marist Sister’s convent. He also donated his time as needed at St. Dominic’s Church in Detroit in readiness for the Christmas season.
— Kevin J. Donovan: Community / Public Service —
A proud Irishman, Kevin J. Donovan traces his roots to Ireland through both his mother Elizabeth McHugh Donovan and father with his paternal grandmother coming from Ireland via Canada. Born a twin to his late brother Christopher in Boston Massachusetts, he moved to Muskegon with his parents and 6 of his 12 siblings while he was in high school.
After graduating from Ferris State University, he began a long and storied career in construction. (Some would argue he has always had an innate sense of craftsmanship.) As LEED Accredited Professional, Kevin oversaw award-winning projects at Muskegon Public Schools and the historic Columbia Plaza in Kalamazoo. Kevin played a key role in construction or renovation projects in every Muskegon County district Muskegon Community College, along with numerous municipal and industrial projects.
Kevin has been married to his lovely wife Sue (Delaney) for 44 years and together they have 3 wonderful children: Kasey, Maureen, and Conor, and 5 lively grandchildren.
As a dedicated public servant, Kevin has committed much of his life to volunteering to have a positive impact in his community. He has served on a number of boards and committees that strive to improve quality of life and preserve Irish culture in Muskegon. His board services include Muskegon Public Schools, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, the Hume Home of Muskegon, and the Poppen Program at Muskegon Public Schools. For many years he has been Co-Site Director of the Michigan Irish Music Festival, and also was the long-time Vice-President of the Festival. In addition, he was President of the Festival from 2022-2024, and he continues to serve on the Festival’s Executive Board. He is the current President of the Muskegon Irish American Society, which governs the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame, of which Kevin was a co-founder.
Kevin is an avid guitar player and music enthusiast. He serves as manager of CG Music, organizing and playing music for Mass at least once a month at St Francis de Sales parish in Norton Shores. Recently, he has added the role of radio DJ to his repertoire, occasionally producing and hosting FM 100.9’s “Sounds Like Ireland” radio show when needed.
Kevin also enjoys woodworking and celebrating all things Irish. He is an active Rotarian, embracing the organization’s core values of service, fellowship, integrity, diversity, and leadership. Strong in opinion, he can be counted on to provide wisdom, guidance, and occasionally even encouragement. As founder of Donovan’s School of Irish Charm, with his quick wit and a sly grin, he truly serves as a mentor to many.
In recognition and deep appreciation of his many contributions to improving the quality of life and preserving Irish heritage in the Muskegon community, the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame is proud to induct Kevin J. Donovan as a member in the category of Public and Community Service!
The 2025 Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at a public ceremony at 11:30 AM on the Grafton Stage of the Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon, Michigan, on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
The Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame was founded in 2012 by the Muskegon Irish American Society. The Hall of Fame currently has 74 members, and is permanently displayed on the Hall of Fame website. A digital exhibit of the Hall of Fame is being planned to be available in locations across Michigan. To see the members of the Hall of Fame, please visit the Hall of Fame website at http://www.michiganirishamericanhalloffame.org/