Irish immigrants to America started the custom of Irish parades in the main streets of American cities on or around St. Patrick’s Day. Begun in defiance of discrimination in employment and housing, they served as political statements of the grassroots power of Irish immigrants and their descendents.

Over time, Irish immigrants and their descendants assimilated into American society and the number of parades throughout the country diminished. The remaining parades evolved in the United States to be celebrations of all things Irish.

In December, 1980, on a boat off the coast of California, Jim Foley, John Reynolds, Jim Shannon, Fr. Martin McGovern and Rod Page determined that Southern California was sorely lacking in the proper acknowledgement of the grand Irish folks in the area. In the California waters on that momentous day, the Irish Congress of Southern California was conceived. That very night, the decision was made at the de facto Irish community center of that time - the Blarney Stone Pub on Balboa Avenue.

Thus, the Irish Congress of Southern California was born.

Our primary mission is to promote public appreciation and knowledge of Irish history and culture.

On March 14, 1981, San Diego’s first annual St. Patrick’s Day parade stepped off and has continued uninterrupted for 27 years because of the dedication and commitment of the many volunteers that comprise the Irish Congress of Southern California, the support of the Irish community, and that of our sponsors.