The Irish American Hall of Fame announced its 2026 Class of Inductees – outstanding Irish Americans who have made significant contributions in their fields. The inductees and “Hometown Heroes” will be honored at the Annual Irish American Hall of Fame Awards Gala on April 25, 2026 at The Irish American Heritage Center on Chicago’s Northwest side.
Now in its 14th year, the Irish American Hall of Fame is national in scope and operated under the auspices of the Irish American Heritage Center. Over 100 nominations were considered from throughout the U.S. and a rigorous screening process applied to name the final inductees.
Following are the 2026 Irish American Hall of Fame inductees and Hometown Heroes.
Arts & Humanities: Jean Butler
Jean Butler is an Irish-American dancer, choreographer, and actress best known as one of the original stars of Riverdance. Leading the field in bridging the gap between a culturally specific form and a contemporary approach to dance-making, Butler has collaborated with classical musicians, visual artists, poets, and filmmakers. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Post Award for her outstanding contribution to Irish Dance. She is also the founder of Our Steps, a not for profit organization which celebrates Ireland's traditional dance and the story of its people.
Business & Industry: Thomas S. Monaghan
Thomas Stephen Monaghan is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist who founded Domino's Pizza and owned the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball team. He is founder and CEO of Legatus International, an organization of business executives, presidents, CEOs, and their spouses who are committed to studying, living and spreading the Catholic faith. He also founded Ave Maria University and Ave Maria Law School.
Public Service: Lt. Gen. John F. Mulholland, Jr. (ret.)
Lieutenant General John F. Mulholland Jr. is a career U.S. Army Special Forces officer who served in the United States Army from 1978 to 2016. Most notably, he commanded special operations task forces in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mulholland led Task Force Dagger where soldiers used horses to engage with heavily armed Taliban forces. The success of this campaign is considered one of the most successful unconventional warfare campaigns in modern history.
Education: Kathleen Costello-Sullivan Ph.D.
Kathleen (“Kate”) Costello-Sullivan is the current Mary A. Carroll Endowed Professor in Arts and Sciences at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY, where she is a Professor of Modern Irish literature. She founded and runs its Irish literature program and has spent the past 20 years teaching students about contemporary Irish fiction. A past President of the American Conference for Irish Studies, she has published widely on 19th -21st century Irish fiction.
Religion: Archbishop John J. Hughes
Archbishop John Joseph Hughes (1797 - 1864) was an Irish-born Catholic who served as bishop (and later archbishop) of New York from 1842 until his death. Nicknamed “Dagger John” he was a fierce protector of his church. He was Lincoln's emissary to Europe during the Civil War. He founded St. John's Orphan Asylum in 1829 and was responsible for the structuring of a new church, St. John the Evangelist, in 1832. In 1841, he founded St. John's College, which would later become Fordham University.
Sports: Robert J. Delaney
Robert Delaney is a highly decorated, retired New Jersey State Trooper who went undercover infiltrating the Mafia in the late 1970s. He experienced PTSD as a result and basketball became his therapy leading to his distinguished, 30-year career as an NBA Referee. His contributions to PTS awareness and support to law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, healthcare community, military officials and their families have been recognized with honors from many, including the United States President's Volunteer Service Award.
Science: Patrick J.V. Corcoran, M.D.
Patrick J.V. Corcoran M.D. (1912 - 2000) was an American physician and founding director of Indiana University School of Medicine. His research and advocacy on the adverse side effects of drugs resulted in the required labeling of side effects of medications. His work related to alcoholism resulted in the blood alcohol test requirement for any motorist involved in an auto accident. He also guided the development of the nationwide program to post highway signs giving directions to the nearest emergency services.
Hometown Heroes:
Margaret “Peg” O’Ryan Lombardo
Peg O’Ryan Lombardo is a vibrant and steady force in Chicago’s Irish-American community, deeply engaged in philanthropic work. Among her charitable commitments are longstanding support for Misericordia Heart of Mercy, the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago, Catholic Charities, and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. Her civic engagement is equally strong, having volunteered for 20 years with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and supporting organizations that serve first responders and vulnerable families, including the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the 100 Club of Chicago, and Tunnels to Towers. She also served as President Director and Chairman of the Board of the Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago.
Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band founded by Tommie Ryan
Founded in 1926 by Tommie Ryan, the Shannon Rovers was originally composed of Irishmen, predominantly immigrants, who settled in Chicago in the 1920s. Their mission was to preserve and share traditional Irish music and to serve as a vital social institution for the Irish immigrant population. Since its inception, the Shannon Rovers have performed at thousands of local, national, and international events. Beyond performances, their philanthropic arm includes performing at charitable events, reflecting the group’s deep commitment to using music to honor, uplift and connect people across generations.
The Irish American Hall of Fame (IAHOF) aspires to preserve and promote the stories of the Irish in America and the ongoing links between Ireland and the United States. The Hall of Fame was founded in 2010 by members of the Chicago-based Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC). While the Hall of Fame is an organization born of and operated under the auspices of the IAHC, it is overseen by a separate governing committee and has a national focus. For more information, visit www.iahof.org.
About the Irish American Heritage Center: Founded in 1976, the Chicago-based organization is one of the premier Irish cultural organizations in the United States. It is a destination for people of Irish descent as well as those who wish to learn more about the Irish heritage. Learn more at www.irish-american.org.
