Service award that recognizes a member who personifies the WSI motto of Friendship, Fun, Service, just a Bob Welsh did.

HomeBob Welsh Service Award

Bob Welsh Service Award

The West Suburban Irish organization is honored to establish the annual Bob Welsh Service Award. Each year, the Bob Welsh Service Award will recognize a WSI member who embodies the same amazing traits and dedication as Bob.

A friend to so many and a valuable member of our organization, Bob selflessly served WSI in many ways. He was a past president, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee chairman for 2 years, and was St. Patrick for the Parade for almost 20 years! His dedication and hard work volunteering for this organization went above and beyond, and really personified the WSI motto of Friendship, Fun, Service.

If you’d like to recognize someone for next year’s Bob Welsh Service Award, please email westsubirish@gmail.com.

2026 Service Award Recipient

Kent Schielke
Please join WSI in celebrating Kent Schielke as our 2026 Bob Welsh Service Award recipient!

Kent Schielke first connected with the West Suburban Irish in 2008 through Quiz Night at Quigley's followed by becoming a WSI member, and to years of dedicated service to both WSI and the Naperville community. Since joining WSI, Kent has served in many roles across the organization. If you’ve ever attended Quiz Night at Quigley’s, you have Kent to thank for many of the trivia questions. Beginning in 2012, he has been involved with writing trivia, a role he faithfully continued through 2024.

2025 Service Award Recipient

Lynda Reilly
Please join WSI in celebrating Lynda Reilly as our 2025 Bob Welsh Service Award recipient!

Lynda was honored her outstanding service as the Emerald Dinner Chair for 9 years. Her hard work, meticulous planning, and leadership were instrumental in making each Emerald Dinner a resounding success. From the food and music to the Irish dancing and ceremony, Lynda ensured every detail was perfectly executed. Her dedication and tireless efforts allowed everyone in attendance to enjoy an unforgettable evening without a worry. She set the standard for excellence and delivered it year after year. During this year’s Irish Mass, Lynda was presented with a beautiful plague to commemorate her recognition. Thank you, Lynda, and congratulations!

2024 Service Award Recipient

Keelin Murphy
Please join WSI in celebrating Keelin Murphy as our first-ever Bob Welsh Service Award recipient!

Keelin is being honored not only for her dedication to WSI, but also for her amazing effort and creativity. If you’ve ever purchased one of the WSI scarves over the years, you have this person to thank for sourcing the material, cutting the scarves, and hitting the pavement to sell them year after year. Thank you, Keelin, and congratulations!

During this year’s Irish Mass, Keelin was presented with a beautiful etched glass shamrock to commemorate her recognition. A replica award was presented to Bob's family so that they can continue to honor him for years to come.

2024 Service Award Recipient (Posthumously Awarded)

Bob Welsh
The West Suburban Irish organization is honored to bestow the annual Bob Welsh Service Award to a deserving WSI member who embodies the same amazing traits and dedication as Bob.

A friend to so many and a valuable member of our organization, Bob selflessly served WSI in many ways. He was a past president, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee chairman for 2 years, and was St. Patrick for the Parade for almost 20 years! His dedication and hard work volunteering for this organization went above and beyond, and really personified the WSI motto of Friendship, Fun, Service.