Conch Republic

Blarney Island is not just part of history, Illinois and the Chain O' Lakes, it's now part of a Sovereign Nation! As some of you know, one of our owners and Managing Partners, Rob Hardman is a resident of Key West. In January '05 Blarney Island was annexed into the Conch Republic at a ceremony held at Rick's and presided/attended by the Mayor of Key West-Jimmy Weekly, The Secretary General of the Conch Republic-Sir Peter Anderson, Rear Admiral of The Conch Republic Navy-Reef Perkins, Commander of the Conch Republic Navy-Ken Wells, OIC of the Naval Air Station, Boca Chica US Navy Lt. Ken Thompson, CO of The US Coast Guard Station Key West, City Commissioner and owner of Rick's-Mark Rossi, members of the press and several other distinguished guests.

The Conch Republic was founded on April 23rd, 1982 when the United States Border Patrol shut down the Florida Keys with a border checkpoint north of Key Largo. After failing to obtain relief in Federal Court, then Mayor and First Prime Minister, Dennis Wardlow decided to secede Key West from the Union. The Conch Republic flag was raised, War was declared on the United States, a single shot was fired and then immediately surrendered demanding Foreign Aid.

As the Northwestern most territory of the Conch Republic, Blarney Island proudly flies the Conch Republic flag and carries on the traditions of the World's first functioning Meritocracy.

Blarney Island is truly the Key West of the Midwest!