The Motor City Irish Fest is proud to recognize Joanie O’Halloran as our 2023 MCIF Honorary Co Chair. As a vital part of the MCIF committee, Joanie does so much to help organize and run a successful festival each year and is a V.I.P. in the Detroit Irish community. Please join the MCIF in congratulating Joanie O’Halloran on this very well deserved honor.
Joan Rose Kavanaugh O’Halloran grew up in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and moved to suburban-Detroit in the early 1960s with her first husband, the late Kenneth Kavanaugh. They had three children Karen, Gary (Therese), and Scott (Bridget). Joan is the proud grandmother of five beautiful women, Katie, Erin, Megan, Elizabeth, and Anna.
Ken and Joan were introduced to the metropolitan Irish community when they met Kathleen and Tom O’Halloran at their iconic Detroit institution, the Tipperary Pub. Many years later, Joan and Tom married. Joan is an enthusiast of all things Irish and an avid supporter of the Irish community. She has helped plan and host numerous events including the Children for Northern Ireland Project, the 50th St. Patrick’s Day Parade dinner dance, the Pallottine dinner dance, the UIS fundraisers, and the annual Motor City Irish Fest.
