www.michiganirish.org

The Muskegon Irish American Society has established the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame. The purpose of which is to recognise past and present Irish Americans with substantial ties to Michigan who have made significant contributions in areas such as Public Service, Philanthropy, Business and Industry, Arts and Entertainment, Religion, Education, and Sports. The Hall of Fame is  physically housed in Hennessy’s Restaurant in Muskegon, and will be available worldwide on its own website.

Each year the members of the Hall of Fame are inducted in September during the Michigan Irish Music Festival, which draws thousands of visitors to the Muskegon area. The inaugural class of members of the Hall of Fame was inducted at noon on Saturday, September 15th, on the Kerry Stage of the Michigan Irish Music Festival. The Music Festival is held at Heritage Landing in the City of Muskegon. The Arts and Entertainment honouree for 2012 is Cathie Ryan, the Detroit native who is one of the most important vocalists and songwriters in Irish music today.