The Shamrock Club of Columbus announced its 2026 honorees, celebrating members who exemplify leadership, service and dedication to Irish heritage. This year’s award recipients include several alumni of Columbus Bishop Ready High School.

Shamrock Club president Patrick Conley, a graduate of the Bishop Ready class of 1982, selected Teresa Conley, a member of the class of 1980, as member of the year. Judge Michael Mentel, class of 1980, was chosen to be grand marshal of the Columbus St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The two were recognized for their years of service and leadership in the organization.

The Shamrock Club promotes Irish culture, history and traditions throughout central Ohio, honoring the life and teachings of St. Patrick. Each year on March 17, members participate in a procession to Columbus St. Patrick Catholic Church.

The club is involved in charitable work across the community.

President Conley said the values he carries in his leadership role were shaped in part by his experience at Bishop Ready.

“I am deeply grateful for the sacrifices my parents made to provide me with a Catholic education,” he said. “Their commitment allowed me to attend Bishop Ready, where I received a strong academic foundation. There are strong parallels between my experiences at Bishop Ready and within the Irish community, especially the enduring values of love, loyalty and friendship.”

The acting president’s connection to the Shamrock Club began early in life. He attended events with his family in grade school.

Conley joined the group in his late twenties. He spent the past five years serving on the executive board before assuming the presidency in 2026.

Teresa Conley also credits Bishop Ready with helping shape a life of service. After graduating from bishop Ready, she become a licensed social worker, spending more than 40 years working in social services.

“I am very thankful for the excellent education and foundation that I received at Bishop Ready High School,” she said. “My career, my faith and my passion all intersect with my involvement at the Shamrock Club and the Irish community.”

Teresa helps coordinate volunteer efforts through the club’s Community Service Committee.

The group supports various local organizations: Promises on Parsons, Columbus St. Aloysius Church, Holy Family Soup Kitchen, Grace Haven, Columbus Humane and the Ronald McDonald House. It assists in serving meals; collecting food, coats, toiletries and pet supplies; and organizing outreach activities.

This year’s grand marshal Mentel represents another long-standing family connection to the club. Mentel has been a member of the Shamrock Club for 45 years. His family’s involvement spans more than seven decades.

Mentel noted ties between Bishop Ready and the Shamrock Club are multi-generational.

“Our Irish-American families were members of the Shamrock Club before some of us were even born,” Mentel said.

“Growing up, some of us knew each other through the club before we entered Bishop Ready. Our shared Catholic faith, the traditions of our Irish heritage and the friendships we formed at Ready created a community where everything seemed to connect.”

That connection remains strong today. Continued involvement highlights a lasting bond between Bishop Ready and Columbus’ Irish-American community in Columbus.

Bishop Ready alumni serve in various leadership roles in the club as board members, secretary, vice president and president. Several alumni received honors from the organization.

The club’s leadership includes Patrick Clark, class of ’84; Jim Feeney,’ 96; and Tina O’Grady, ’80. Several former presidents of the club are Bishop Ready alumni: Brendan O’Reilly, ‘82, and Brian O’Reilly, ‘83.

For information about the Shamrock Club of Columbus, visit www.theshamrockclubofcolumbus.com.