More than 200 Sign-Up During Irish Social Club of Boston Membership Drive

The held a successful membership drive on Sunday night that saw at least 200 new members sign up. But that won't be the last membership drive.

The Club's Board of Directors agreed to allow at least two membership drives, with one last night, and a second one on July 17 from 6-8 p.m. And if last night's long line was any indication, the July 17th drive will also net quite a bit of new members.

The Board of Directors previously voted to sell the Park Street building, but and keep it going.

Last night while waiting inline, Brian McDermott, tweeted, "... drive started at 6:00pm. Line has never stopped growing? Does this look like a club that should fail?" (See attached photo from inside the club.)

Some time later, McDermott tweeted that hundreds were still in line and it was after 8 p.m., because the membership drive was scheduled for 6-8 p.m.

Several people complained about a long line that was not well organized. Some residents were also annoyed that you could not pay by personal check, only cash, and that you couldn't sign up family members or friends who were not present.

But that didn't stop local politicians from signing themselves up. West Roxbury District Councilor Matt O'Malley tweeted a photo of himself with some new members including State Rep. Ed Coppinger, D-West Roxbury, and Boston At-Large City Councilor John Connolly, both West Roxbury residents.

Current club leaders have estimated the Park Street building needs about $100,000 in renovations to the roof and to install a fire alarm system.

A general meeting for all interested individuals will be held on July 7 at the Irish Social Club at 7 p.m. to make plans for a fundraiser tentatively scheduled for September 24.

Richard Archer, currently President of the Knights and Ladies of St. Finbarr - Cork club, was very excited about the club's progress, "The (Irish) Social Club has always been the premier club in the Boston area and even though there are other smaller Irish clubs, it is important that the Social Club continue to operate and perhaps with a change to the bylaws, the other Irish clubs may be in a position to hold their functions and dances there.  This will help both the Social Club with needed funds and also the club that is holding the function.  The Social Club is part of our Irish heritage and is needed."