Most students at Bishop Moore Catholic High School who started the Irish Culture Club have been involved in Irish dance since early childhood. Motivated by their Irish background and support from their dance instructor, four students—Natalie, Emma, Abigail, and Amelia—created the club to share Irish traditions alongside elements of their Catholic faith.

Natalie, one of the first students in Sarah Costello’s Celtic dance class, said she appreciated the idea of combining cultural education with faith. Costello, who also teaches at Holy Family and St. Margaret Mary schools, supported their initiative. “It’s a lovely way to share the faith,” Costello said.

Emma, who is fully of Irish descent, explained that the club’s first official event will be an Irish Christmas party scheduled for December 3, 2025. So far, they have enrolled 50 members.

The group began its activities by decorating an Irish-themed Christmas tree for a villa at Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee. The resort provides children with critical illnesses and their families a place to stay during dream vacations. Over the holidays, several families will experience aspects of Irish culture through these decorations.

Abigail said her motivation was to educate fellow students about Ireland while complementing existing language and multicultural clubs at Bishop Moore.

Looking ahead, the club plans to offer performances—including charity events for senior citizens as done previously by their dance troupe—and possibly sell clothing featuring Gaelic verses related to St. Patrick.

Bishop Moore Catholic High School is part of the Diocese of Orlando, which was established in 1968 and includes numerous parishes and schools across Central Florida counties under Bishop James Noonan’s leadership.