Celebrating St Patrick's Day Chicago - Templemore style

Derek Hanley, son of Peggy and the late Jack, arrived in the United States 30 years ago this year. Growing up in Templemore, and coming from a background in the bar business, there was always a strong possibility that he would one day be successful in the services industry himself.

This St. Patrick’s weekend 17 years ago, Derek and his wife Michelle opened their now famous Chicago Bar and Restaurant “Peggy Kinnane’s”, (named after his mother).

During that time Derek and Michelle have had great success with the business due in no small part to his Irish upbringing and his vast knowledge of the service industry.

Each year Derek makes a huge effort to amplify the Irish-American connection in Chicago by organising a number of celebratory events in the Arlington Heights area where his bar/Restaurant is at the heart of. During the build to the big day the bar has seen everything from Irish dancers to face painting, from a fun 5k beer run to traditional Irish bands and much more. Here is a glimpse of some of the events that have been taking place during the build up to this year’s St. Patricks Day.

Derek has always maintained his link with Templemore by hosting many fundraisers in Chicago for the North Tipperary Hospice in which by doing so, has raised thousands of euros for a cause close to his heart.

On St. Patricks Day 2018 Peggy Kinnane’s was once again the focal point for everything Irish related and will continue to do so for many years to come.