Iona College’s Irish pride is prominent the moment you step on campus.

From Celtic knots to crosses to Killian the Gael himself, symbols of Irish culture are omnipresent throughout the school. However, the culture has always come to life through one particular club.

The Gaelic Society has been an important and well-known part of Iona College for decades. After going inactive last year, students are hoping to see a comeback in club participation.

Senior Margaret Moore and Sophomore Ailish McGovern took on the task becoming co-presidents to reintroduce the storied club to campus, With a brand new E-Board and an exciting array of events planned, the club is excited to show alumni and the current student body what they have to offer.

“With Iona celebrating their 75th anniversary this year, we’re excited to show alumni that we’ve brought the Gaelic Society back,” said McGovern.

The Gaelic Society is one of the oldest clubs at Iona, giving McGovern and Moore even more motivation to revitalize it.

“The Gaelic Society goes way back and was a huge part of the campus,” said Moore. “We thought it was really important that we bring it back to our campus and we’re hoping for it to be just as big as it used to be.”

The first event the club held was the “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” party, which featured music, Irish step dancers and an appearance from the pipe band.

Aside from hosting parties, the Gaelic Society will also give back to the community by sponsoring fundraisers. The St. Baldrick’s head-shaving event is coming back to Iona in November, and the Gaelic Society is ready to contribute.

St. Baldrick’s is a foundation that collects money for research for childhood cancer that is known for its unique fundraising events. Every year participants can choose to shave their head or donate to support the cause.

“We are setting up an online fundraising team where you can donate any amount of money you’d like to the St. Baldrick’s foundation,” said McGovern. “It’s a very important event.”

The Gaelic Society also participates in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. While the college always marches in the parade, the Gaelic Society is looking forward to marching as a group once more in the 2015 parade.

The Gaelic Society will also be participating in an event sponsored by the Gaels Activities Board highlighting the various diversity clubs on campus. Each of the clubs will create board games celebrating their cultures.

Although the society is in existence to celebrate and promote Irish traditions, the club is open for anyone to join, not just those with an Irish heritage.

“It’s a great way for others who don’t know the cultural aspects of Ireland to learn and experience them, and it’s a lot of fun too,” said Moore.

Anyone interested in joining the Gaelic Society should attend their weekly meetings on Thursdays in McGrath at 12 p.m., or you can directly contact either Moore or McGovern.