(Story courtesy Sean Mooney, Irish American Heritage Society past president)
The Irish American Heritage Society announced its 2026 St. Patrick’s Day honorees at the annual Grand Marshal Ball, Feb. 7 at the Augusta Marriott Downtown.
The organization named Worth Andrews its Grand Marshal, Karen Mulherin Brooks as its Irish Lady of the Year, and The James and Ashlyn Hutto Family as Irish Family of the Year, according to a news release.
Nearly 400 guests attended the ticketed black-tie celebration, which featured remarks from IAHS President Jason Scherer and other society officers, as well as a keynote address from the Vice Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta, Nicole Sheils.
Representatives from Enterprise Ireland were also in attendance for the evening, which recognized three outstanding honorees whose lives reflect a deep commitment to Irish heritage, faith, family, and service to the community.
2026 Grand Marshal – Worth Andrews
Andrews, the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, is a lifelong Augustan whose connection to the society dates back to its founding. His family were charter members in 1978.
For decades, Andrews has been an active and steady presence in the organization’s life. He has been particularly involved in Arts in the Heart, recalling the early years when volunteers gathered to envision what the festival could become. From those humble beginnings, the festival has grown into one of the region’s most successful cultural events.
Andrews attended Georgia Southern University and married his wife in 1975. They have two children and five grandchildren. His long standing support of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and his quiet leadership within the society make him a fitting choice to serve as Grand Marshal for the 2026 season.
2026 Irish Lady of the Year – Karen Mulherin Brooks
Brooks has been named the 2026 Irish Lady of the Year. Born and raised in Augusta, Brooks attended Augusta College and has maintained a lifelong commitment to the society and the broader Irish-American community.
She became especially involved through the Irish Dancers, where her two daughters participated, and has contributed faithfully to numerous society events over the years. Brooks also cherishes her work with Arts in the Heart and serves on the board of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
One of eight siblings, Brooks represents the third member of her immediate family to be honored by the society. Her father was among the earliest Grand Marshals, and her mother was named Irish Lady of the Year just over a decade ago. She and her husband recently celebrated 46 years of marriage and are the proud parents of three children.
2026 Irish Family of the Year – The James and Ashlyn Hutto Family
The James and Ashlyn Hutto Family have been named the 2026 Irish Family of the Year. Their involvement in the Irish American Heritage Society spans multiple generations, with three members of their immediate family having served as either its president or as Grand Marshal.
Born and raised in Augusta, the matriarch of the family has been involved in nearly every aspect of society life over the years. Her late husband embraced both the Irish Catholic traditions and the work of the society, eventually serving as president. Together they modeled a life of service that continues through their children.
In a meaningful full-circle moment, the matriarch’s parents were also previously honored as Irish Family of the Year. Today, their adult children – Walter & Camilla – remain active in the society, including Walter’s term as President in 2023-2024.
The Irish American Heritage Society’s St. Patrick’s Day season will culminate with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Augusta on March 17 at 2 p.m.
A finalized parade route will be provided soon.
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