#MediaMonday – Ann Niemann, Desert Shamrock
It’s St. Patty’s Day, and in reverence to our Public Relations Global Network partner in Dublin, Ireland, Cullen Communications, and the Phoenix-headquartered Desert Shamrock newspaper, today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Ann Niemann, managing editor of The Desert Shamrock, Arizona’s original Irish newspaper. The Desert Shamrock serves as a bastion of all things Irish and Celtic and is viewed as a mainstay among those in the Arizona Community.
So Ann, time to share:
Happy St. Patrick’s Day as we celebrate Saint Patrick and his legacy and contribution with everything that unites, rather than divides, Christendom. The 2012 U.S. Census reports a whopping 870,914 of Celtic descent in Arizona. But for at least one day a year, everyone’s Irish with music, dance, food, and fun to share. And, there’s lots happening across the state today!
My introduction to publishing may be a bit different than most.
The Desert Shamrock was founded in 1989 by Robert E. Graham, who passed away of cancer in 1996. Knowing that he wished The Desert Shamrock to continue, several of his friends formed The Irish Group Ltd., as publishers of the paper.
Maureen O’Mahar Rainbolt was named managing editor and was president of The Irish Group, Ltd. Under Maureen’s leadership, The Desert Shamrock was expanded to include news from Ireland as well as news and events in the Irish communities of Arizona until her passing in 2002.
Her sister, Julie O’Mahar Chiesa stepped in as publisher through 2013. I’d be remiss to not mention Kathy Wood, who was a key contributor to the publication, serving as editor for several years providing proofreading, writing articles, and enthusiasm in promoting the paper.
I have been a regular feature writer and photographer for The Desert Shamrock for seven years, and now am delighted to assume the role as owner, publisher and managing editor. I served on the board of directors of the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire and was chair of a major committee for a number of years; am a member of Irish Network Phoenix, part of a national affiliation of businesses; and a member of Friends of Saint Patrick Arizona Chapter, affiliated with the Saint Patrick Centre in County Down, Northern Ireland, which has the world’s largest exhibition, promoting tourism and encouraging reconciliation through education programs.
Today the publication features news and local events of the Celtic Communities of Arizona; book and music reviews; historical and present-day profiles of Celtic in Arizona; artisans; recipes; culture; travel; updates about The Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix; a calendar of events statewide; and The Celtic Directory, a listing of organizations around the State of Arizona; plus more!
With an MBA in International Management from Thunderbird, my business model includes wider circulation and new distribution locales, a NEW look and design for the next edition in May going to a magazine tabloid format, and more exciting content for our niche. A mail to your home feature is available so you don’t miss an edition of The Desert Shamrock with a FULL calendar of events to enjoy.
