Celebrating St. Louis’ Irish Roots

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds will once again host the Irish Heritage Celebration in the historic City Hall Rotunda at 1200 Market Street. This free, family-friendly evening brings together music, food, history, and community to honor the enduring contributions of Irish Americans to the City of St. Louis.

Building on the success of past Irish American Heritage Celebrations at City Hall, guests can expect lively Irish music, traditional bagpipes, and step dancing that showcase the vibrancy of Irish culture in our region. Displays highlighting the role of Irish immigrants in St. Louis’ growth will connect today’s celebration with generations of history and service.

Honoring Community Leaders in 2026

A central part of the Irish Heritage Celebration is recognizing individuals whose lives and work embody the spirit of the Irish community in St. Louis. This year, the Recorder of Deeds will honor four outstanding figures: Kevin Scannell, Thomas J. Wahl, Sister Mary Christia, and Michael Mullins.

Kevin Scannell

Kevin Scannell is a retired Saint Louis University professor who now teaches at St. Louis Community College. He has devoted his career to preserving the Irish language, working closely with scholars in Ireland to preserve, promote, and modernize its use. Kevin has developed multiple language software programs that support Irish speakers and learners, and his work extends to efforts to save endangered languages around the world. He is being honored for his tireless commitment to cultural preservation and his leadership in safeguarding vulnerable languages for future generations.

Thomas J. Wahl

Thomas J. “Tommy” Wahl is a lifelong St. Louis native, CBC graduate, and associate attorney with the Cook Group. A dedicated resident of St. Louis City, he serves as Director of the Hoses, Handcuffs and Helmets charity event and is active in organizations such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Tommy is widely regarded as a model citizen who cares deeply about his community and consistently participates in charitable efforts, alongside his family, who are well known in the Irish community. He is being honored for his sustained community involvement and his dedication to service through both professional work and volunteer leadership.

Sister Mary Christia

Sister Mary Christia is a member of the Mount Grace Convent, known across St. Louis as the Pink Sisters. As part of this cloistered community, she has spent most of her life in silent prayer within the convent, rarely leaving its walls. Her daily life is devoted to work and contemplation, offering quiet spiritual support to countless people she may never meet. She is being honored for her profound life of prayer, her hidden yet powerful service to others, and her steadfast witness to faith and devotion within the Irish and broader St. Louis community.

Michael Mullins

Michael Mullins is one of the founders of the Saint Louis Tionól, a festival dedicated to celebrating Irish musical tradition and culture in St. Louis. Through his leadership and vision, the Tionól has grown into a beloved Irish rite of spring, drawing musicians, learners, and enthusiasts from across the region. As Director of Saint Louis Tionól, Michael has helped sustain and expand the living tradition of Irish music in our city. He is being honored for his role in creating and nurturing this vibrant cultural festival and for his lasting contributions to Irish arts in St. Louis.

What Guests Can Expect

The Irish Heritage Celebration will feature:

• Live Irish music, bagpipes, and traditional step dancing.
• Irish-inspired food and refreshments (while supplies last).
• Historic displays highlighting Irish contributions to St. Louis.
• A formal program recognizing this year’s honorees.
• Opportunities to connect with local Irish organizations and community leaders.

The event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required. All are welcome—whether you proudly claim Irish heritage or simply want to experience a lively evening of culture and community in downtown St. Louis.

Join Us at City Hall

The Irish Heritage Celebration is one of several cultural events hosted by the St. Louis City Recorder of Deeds to highlight the diversity and history that make our city unique. We invite you, your family, and your friends to join us in the City Hall Rotunda on March 25, 2026, as we celebrate Irish heritage, honor remarkable community leaders, and continue a tradition that strengthens the bonds of our St. Louis community.

For updates about this and other Recorder of Deeds events, please visit our website or follow us on social media.