The mayor of Savannah says she's chosen not to challenge the tradition of an all-male Irish society that didn't invite her to its upcoming 200th banquet.

The Savannah Morning News reports that Mayor Pro Tem Van Johnson will attend instead of Mayor Edna Jackson because of the no-women rule.

Members of the Savannah Hibernian Society are gathering Saturday for the black-tie banquet.

The Hibernians didn't extend an invitation in 1992 to the city's first female mayor, Susan Weiner. It was the first time in the organization's history that a Savannah mayor was not invited to the dinner.

The banquet dates to 1812, when the Hibernian Society was founded.

Peter Muller, chairman of the society's board of stewards, said he appreciates the mayor honoring the group's all-male tradition.

Tags: Savannah, St. Patrick's Day, Mayor Edna Jackson, Savannah Hibernian Society, Mayor Pro Tem Van Johnson