The Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Oldest and Largest Irish-Catholic Organization in the United States. Established 1836

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125 Years Strong! – Division 14 Watertown, MA.

By

from National Director Bill Sullivan

Division 14 AOH Watertown, MA Celebrates 125th Anniversary: On Saturday, October
26, 2019 Division 14 AOH in Watertown, Massachusetts held a gala celebration in
recognition of the 125th Anniversary of their founding in November 1894. Pictured
left to right are: Jim Daly, Division Sentinel; Bill Sullivan, National Director;
Richard Thompson, Division Treasurer; Joe McCusker, Division President; Leo Falter,
Division Vice President; Rick Stacy, Division Historian and Tomas Hernon, Division
Marshall.
On Saturday, November 26, 2019 Division 14 in Watertown, Massachusetts celebrated the 125th Anniversary of their founding in November 1894. Members of the Division, their families and friends filled their Division Hall from wall to wall and proudly celebrated this great milestone. Richard Thompson, Past Division, Past Middlesex County and Past Mass State President and Division 14’s present Treasurer, served as Chairmen of the event. In the members lounge, scrapbooks of newspaper clippings and photos along with a DVD of the Division’s history were on display for all to view.

During the festivities, AOH National Director Bill Sullivan brought greetings from AOH National President Jim McKay and the AOH National Board. On behalf of President McKay and the National Board, Sullivan presented Division 14’s President Joe McCusker, a Certificate of Recognition from the AOH National Board. Massachusetts AOH State President Jack Lahey and Massachusetts LAOH State President Margaret O’Connor congratulated the members on their achievements over the last 125 years. Members from the Holyoke, Salem and Lawrence Divisions were present to celebrate with their brother members and their families on this momentous occasion. Joe McCusker, Division 14 President and the current AOH State Treasurer, served as Master of Ceremonies. The Manchester NH Pipe Band and the Silver Spears Showband provided the entertainment, while attendees feasted on appetizers and a three-course dinner.

Division 14 holds the distinction of being the only Division in the US to have had three members serve as AOH National Presidents. They were Walter O’Leary 1966 – 1968; Jack Connolly 1980 – 1982 and Jack Meehan 2006 – 2008. The Division also holds the honor of being the only Division to have had a US President as a member, John F. Kennedy. Presently Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston and Former Ambassador to the Vatican, Ray Flynn are members of Division 14.

It was a grand night to reminisce, catch up with old friends and celebrate Division 14’s fun and great moments over the last 125 years. The Division is now looking forward to planning and celebrating their next great milestone – their 150th Anniversary in 2044!