Free GGS: Good Gaelic Souls A Biker Saga (G.G.S) by Pamela Murdaugh Smith

entrepreneurs. They supplied what they needed with their own hands, and some went to college and mastered a skill before leaving the mainstream. Although one did have to prospect, a person couldn't just prove themselves worthy to earn a patch. You had to prove Gaelic heritage, have useful life skills, and possess a survivalist's frame of mind. Gender was not an issue, everyone was important, and women could wear a full patch. However by tradition, only male member's held an Officer's rank.
    This was not a cult, nor was it a club of celebrated violence, with gun runnning and drug dealing. However, it could never be said that they didn't have a few minor 'dealings' through the years. There had been issues in the beginning with some of the more established clubs. Back in the day, the original four had visited with them and respectfully explained their position. Slider, in diplomatic fashion, assured them that the club was about heritage, self sufficiency and community outreach. The fact that the original four had such thick Gaelic accents, seemed to help add credence to their declarations with the established bikers, and the fact that they were all ex-military was also a plus.
    It did however, get a wee bit touchy when he advised that the G.G.S would be a 3-patch club flying  the colors of the Irish flag; Orange, White and Green.  The top rocker would be the clubs name, the center patch would showcase the clubs logo, but it was the third patch that would relay the difference. The bottom rocker would proudly state each riders Gaelic ancestry, such as 'Irish' or 'Scottish'. This was an issue, as MC's won't recognize you as a 3-patch club if your bottom rocker doesn't state a territory. The other side of that coin is, that if it does state a territory, it's best not be theirs. Initially, even though they were not claiming to be an MC, they were not on board with this, and further negotiations were necessary to keep the peace.
    Territory was not an issue for the G.G.S. and they made it clear that they were advising of their full intentions out of respect. They asked only that the established clubs try to appreciate their unique vision and honest declaration of intent, stressing that they were in no way a threat or encroachment. Because they were bikers, the original four felt that it was appropriate to introduce themselves to prevent being precieved as a threat. In conclusion, the original four made it clear that it was not permission that they were seeking, it was simple diplomatic clarity, meant to be done in a neighborly fashion. 
    For awhile, they knew that that were being watched and evaluated by the MC's. There were many times that they were tested to see how 'neighborly' they were willing to be. The guys were happy to do a few 'favors' here and there, to help another club out of a tight spot. This occasionally included illegal gun running, stashing drugs short term, riding bird dog or playing decoy.  They also helped with things like security at big events or club funerals. Eventually, like everyone else, the established clubs began to see the good work that they were doing in the community and relaxed, some even became friendly.
    In reality, the MC way of life was never the original four's intent, but since life tends to get in the way, you do what you have to do to survive. Slider was always of a mind that it was a good thing to have a 'favor-owed' in your pocket. To this day when there was a need, old favors could still be cashed in. It had worked well for all involved through the years, and a number of established bikers from various clubs had shown up to pay their respects when the old Gael passed.
    The G.G.S was well known for the many annual benefits that it held to aid the local community. Twice a year, the club held a 'Bike and Car show' the first one was in the spring  before the kids where about to go on summer vacation. Instead of charging a registration fee, they asked for a two bag minimum of canned or dry