The Shamrocks

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., The Shamrocks will be playing at the Betty Strong Encounter Center. The Shamrocks play traditional Irish music with a drop of modern songs mixed in. They have been playing together for about four years and always welcome a return to the Betty Strong Encounter Center. Admission is free, but freewill donations encouraged. Members of the group are Ric Krommenhoek, guitar, vocals, and bodhran; Father Patrick Walsh, banjo; David Napier, bass; Michele Grossman, fiddle; and Sheila Graves, fiddle. Ric Krommenhoek began playing the guitar at age 40. A native of Sioux City, he is also learning the concertina, the bodhran (Irish drum) and the tin whistle. His love of all things Irish, especially music, was ingrained early by his mother. Leader and founding member of The Shamrocks, Father Pat Walsh has always been fascinated with the banjo and his Irish heritage. Father Pat is also the band’s storyteller; many of his tales flow from his seven trips to Ireland.