GRAND COUNCIL
UNITED EMERALD SOCIETIES
The movement for Emerald Societies began in the 1953. It started with the NYPD Emerald Society (New York City Police Department) on March 16, 1953. Next was the NYCD Emerald Society (New York City Correction Department) on November 17, 1955. This was followed by the FDNY Emerald Society (New York City Fire Department) on March 17, 1956. This movement created Emerald Societies in New York City and across the country.
The Grand Council of United Emerald Societies was organized on May 29, 1956, in New York City, originally as the Grand Council of Irish Societies. It includes all Emerald Societies and Irish-American groups working in government jobs at the federal, state, and city levels. The Grand Council was reorganized on February 18, 1975, to serve as a national group for Emerald Societies. Today, the Grand Council includes over 20,000 members from 27 affiliated organizations across Arizona, California, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C., with one affiliated organization operating nationwide.
Our members have important jobs in various areas, including Law Enforcement, Fire Service, EMS, Education, Waste Management, Mass Transit, and Public Utilities. Go to Affiliated Organizations page to learn more about them.
We are open to new affiliates! Does your Emerald Society or Organization have more than 75 members? Are your members working for a Local, State, or Federal agency, public utility, or industry? Visit our affiliation management to start the process.
Check out our Employment Resources Page for information on civil service, public utility exams, and job openings.
Beside this dedicated website visit our Linktree for links to our socials, forms and latest updates.
The Grand Council typically convenes on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings are held at various locations. These locations are throughout New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island. Notably, the Grand Council does not meet during the months of July, August and January (The Grand Council will gather at Antuns of Queens Village. The occasion is our 71st Anniversary Irishman of the Year Dinner on 1/20/27)
Ní neart go cur le chéile–There’s no strength without unity
2026 Irishman of the Year Reel
2025 Review Reel
“AROUND THE EMERALD GREEN”
NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for the First Annual Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame Fall Classic Dinner!
This inaugural evening will celebrate the induction of four new members into the IABHOF:
John McCormack — Head Coach, Florida Atlantic University
Tom McNamara — Special Assistant to the GM, Kansas City Royals
Tom O’Connell — MLB Player Agent
Dan O’Dowd — MLB Network Analyst, Former MLB General Manager
This is a can’t-miss gathering for anyone connected to the baseball industry, hosted by IABHOF Founder Shaun Clancy. Scheduled attendees include Hall of Famer Wade Boggs, with more special guests to be announced!
Your ticket includes a full evening of great food, engaging baseball conversation, and the chance to directly support the growth of youth baseball programs in Ireland and the preservation of Irish baseball history and heritage.
Space is limited — reserve your tickets today!
SAVE THE DATE
EVENTS 2026
