In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival, host Tara Reese sits down with Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan from Georgia Southern University to delve into the critical yet often overlooked contributions of Irish women to Savannah's cultural and historical landscape.

From early immigration and domestic work to community involvement and the establishment of heritage societies, Irish women have played a significant role in shaping the city's identity. The discussion also covers notable individuals like Alice Riley and reviews the socio-cultural dynamics between Irish and African American communities.

Diving into both historical and modern-day perspectives, the podcast highlights the essential role of women in maintaining cultural traditions, religious organizations, and education. Join us as we uncover these hidden stories and recognize the lasting impact of Irish women in Savannah.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

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FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to Savannah's Irish Women

01:08 Meet Dr. Meaghan Dwyer-Ryan

01:21 Dr. Ryan's Journey to Savannah

04:01 The Overlooked Role of Irish Women

05:12 Alice Riley: The Ghost of Wright Square

08:10 Irish Immigration in the 19th Century

11:25 Wexford Women in Savannah

15:41 Cultural Expectations and Domestic Service

20:58 The Role of Nuns in Savannah

25:36 Widows and Their Struggles

29:34 Rosanna McGuire: A Case Study

31:05 Exploring the Story of Rosanna

31:53 Irish Catholic Elite in Savannah

34:02 Women in the Irish Community

34:20 Gone With the Wind and Real Stories

36:50 Savannah's Unique School System

40:21 Irish and African American Communities

47:46 Women in Irish Nationalism

49:23 Modern Day Contributions of Irish Women

57:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion