The Haggerty program is the longest running Irish radio program in the country. Started by Jack Haggerty in 1953 and promoted by his three children, the show remains dedicated to showcasing the best of Ireland.
The “Irish Hour” was started by Jack Haggerty Sr. on April 4, 1953. He was born to Irish parents and moved to Chicago in 1918. Jack Sr. was an Irish step-dancing champion and a talented showman best known for the Chicago Irish show. community. Through this program, he established a hub for Irish news and culture in Chicago.
His son Jack Jr. told Irishstar.com: “I never did it for the money. I just did it because I loved it.”
Jack Jr. was about to start his senior year of college when his father died. He suddenly felt the weight of expectations on him and decided he would take over the show, at least for a while.
“I took it over,” he says. “In some ways it was a coincidence, and in some ways I thought it was the right thing to do. I was encouraged by close friends and family to continue doing the show. The show was a huge part of my father’s life. “Because it was an important part,” he said.
Eventually, Jack was joined by his brothers, and five of the six hosted at least once. They felt a shared responsibility not only to their father’s heritage but also to the Irish community. Jack’s brothers Dennis and Eddie had equal roles on the show, which Jack said took a lot of time and effort.
“We continued because we were having as much fun as he was. The social part was fun, and meeting people was fun.”
Now, their airtime has surpassed their fathers. What started as a “family obligation” became part of their identity. After a certain time, they could hardly imagine their lives without the show.
“When you do something for that long, it becomes a part of your life. At first, I wasn’t really interested in taking over the show, I just took it because it was a family obligation.” said Jack. Then, as time passed, a funny thing happened. I fell in love with Irish music. It was in my heart. I can’t explain it any other way. When I heard that music, something moved inside me.”
This music provided an invisible thread not only between the Haggerty children and their father, but also with Ireland. Through their participation in this show, they were able to carry with them into adulthood the Irish culture they were surrounded by.
For more than 70 years, Irish Hour has brought solace to Chicago’s Irish community. The show was a source of Irish music, live news from Ireland, interviews with musicians, writers and politicians, and a public forum for the Irish community to promote its events and occasions. Jack believes that part of his staying power comes from the studio space’s open door policy.
“The trick for us was to allow people to come (to the studio) whenever they wanted, and we still do.”
“We still use his Claus at the end of the show. He said, “If you have a chance, please say a little prayer for me and my family. Let’s all pray for Ireland.”
Last month, the Hagerty family was named 2024 Irish-American Hall of Fame inductee for their contributions to America’s Irish community. Through this and their continued dedication to the show, the Haggertys will ensure their father’s legacy is not forgotten.
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