RECOGNIZING THOMAS MCNABB ON COMPLETION OF 30 YEARS AS THE NATIONAL SECRETARY OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS OF AMERICA
HON. DANIEL B. MAFFEI
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Mr. MAFFEI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today torecognize Thomas McNabb on his completion of 30 years as the National Secretary of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians of America (AOH).
Thomas McNabb was born and raised in Auburn, New York, where he joined the Auburn Hibernian Division in 1955. Known as ‘‘Mr. Hibernian’’ around town, Tom has served his division in every capacity. He started many local Irish-American traditions such as the Friends of Ireland Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon; he was also the founder of Auburn’s Irish Festival.
Thomas McNabb also served on the AOH New York State Board as Secretary, Treasurer, Organizer, State Director, and Vice President. Tom rose through the ranks to become the youngest AOH state President in 1975.
Tom’s unwavering commitment to the AOH was recognized nationally when he was elected National Vice President in 1976 and then
later became the second youngest National President in 1978.
Thomas McNabb was elected to his current position of AOH National Secretary in 1984. During his years in National Hibernian leadership, Tom met with numerous elected officials and prominent figures to promote and support Irish causes. Notable meetings included President Jimmy Carter, Members of Congress, as well as Catholic Bishops, Cardinals and Archbishops.
In addition to Tom’s great work in the United States, he has traveled to Ireland numerous times in support of the nation’s causes. Tom was instrumental in the funding, building, and dedication of the Great Hunger Memorial in County Clare in 1995. This monument was the first memorial in Ireland to honor those who suffered and were lost during The Potato Famine, now renamed The Great Hunger.
On top of his distinguished and devoted work for the AOH, Tom had worked as the Safety Inspector for the City of Auburn and
served as an Auburn City Council member from 1995 to 2011.
Throughout his life, Thomas McNabb has fully embodied the AOH Motto—‘‘Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity’’.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Thomas McNabb on his completion of 30 years as the National Secretary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of America (AOH). May he continue to be a leading force for good in an ever-changing world.
