Eileen McNab is a force to be reckoned with, and her name is synonymous with the Irish Canadian Club of Hamilton. It’s safe to say that Eileen holds the record for the longest-serving committee member ever.
Eileen was born on the East Coast of Canada but raised in Belfast. In 1978, she returned to Canada with her husband, Jim, and settled in Hamilton. Since then, she has been an active and vibrant part of the Irish Canadian Club. Throughout her career at Hamilton Health Sciences, Eileen also dedicated what could only be described as another full-time career to volunteering to support and celebrate Irish heritage and community. In 2009, Eileen was awarded the Roll of Honour, at the Irish Canadian Club, recognizing her unwavering support and dedication to the club and the Irish community. Eileen embodies the spirit of fostering Irish roots and creating a welcoming space for all to celebrate and appreciate our shared Irish Canadian heritage.
Over the past 45 years, she has made countless contributions to the Irish Canadian Club, bringing about positive change and fostering a sense of togetherness among members. Eileen has always stepped up to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Her efficiency and industrious spirit have been invaluable to the executive committee, where she has served in numerous roles, including Social Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Entertainment Executive, Trustee, and President. Notably, Eileen has served as President for three terms, skillfully leading the club through the 50th Anniversary and through the challenges of COVID with strength and confidence.
Eileen introduced a Ladies’ Night on Wednesdays. Over the years, these nights evolved into snooker nights starting in 2001. Early on, Wednesday nights were filled with activities like line dancing, crafts, and shopping trips to Buffalo, always marked by laughter and camaraderie (and perhaps the occasional glass of wine). These gatherings have created a sense of belonging for members, and thanks to Eileen’s forward-thinking, Wednesday snooker nights continue to thrive, with 20 women still gathering weekly.
Eileen also helped extend these social connections into the summer months with golf outings, ensuring friendships remain strong year-round. She also extends her care beyond the club, visiting sick members weekly in long-term care or hospital settings, ensuring they remain connected to the community even when they can no longer attend the club or events in person.
Every role she has taken on has been handled with care and dedication, always going above and beyond what was required. Beyond her contributions to the club, Eileen served her church as a board member, finance committee member, and choir singer.
Her Irish heritage is of utmost importance to her, and she cherishes it deeply, sharing it wholeheartedly with the Irish community—a passion evident in her everyday life.
Wearing of the Green - Hamilton 