“The Lord GOD has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” On Palm Sunday I heard those words in the first reading, and it inspired me to reflect on its meaning to those of us in leadership. Are we speaking words of comfort, healing, life, hope, mercy, wisdom, forgiveness, and truth to lift and build others rather than tear them down? Do those that lead do so based on Faith, Truth, and Responsibility. One has only to look to Pope Leo XIV for a profile in leadership that is based on those qualities.
During Irish American Heritage Month, I had the privilege of addressing numerous individuals, including influential leaders, on behalf of the AOH the country’s oldest and largest Irish Catholic organization. I believe my remarks and actions for this busy month reflected the values expressed in the scripture above and I pledge to maintain that integrity.
It was an honor to recognize Rory Schulte and Justin Maloney at the Irish Echo Forty under forty awards in Manhattan. Rory’s remarks were inspiring and so humble. Justin is an up-and-coming AOH leader from Texas.
I was honored to address Irish American in Government in Nassau County at the invitation of AOH brother, Donal Mahoney at their yearly luncheon. For the full text of those remarks Click Here.
In a historic visit to Washington DC, the AOH briefed staffers of the Friends of Ireland. Freedom for All Ireland Chairman Martin Galvin, Treasurer William McKinney and I were joined by Relatives for Justice CEO Mark Thompson. We visited the Capitol the week before St. Patrick’s week to discuss the issues of Legacy and Irish Unity. For a full review of the briefing visit https://aoh.com/legacy-justice-and-irish-reunification-with-the-good-friday-agreement-framework/
I was honored to present the book Our Friend St Patrick to St. Raphael School, my local parish’s school. I urge others to consider doing the same. The book can be ordered on Amazon just search for Our Friend, St Patrick by Amici Santi.
Philadelphia AOH member Bob Gessler graciously invited me to attend the visit of Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin to Philadelphia’s inspiring great hunger memorial. I was proud to join National Director Ed Dougherty and members of the Philadelphia AOH and LAOH.
Returning to DC I was proud to represent our membership at many high-profile events such as the Washington Forum on Northern Ireland, the Ireland Funds gala where Vice President Liam McNabb and Secretary Ray Lynch meet with US Ambassador to Ireland Edward S. Walsh and US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy.
On St Patrick’s Day LAOH National President Mary Ann Lubinsky and I attended breakfast at the residence of US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha to welcome Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Vice President Vance recognized our organizations in his remarks.
Later that same day Ray, Liam and I joined members of the Washington DC, Viriginia, and Maryland AOH and LAOH members at mass celebrated by Cardinal Robert McElroy at St Patrick’s in Washington.
Back home in New Jersey I met with NJ governor Mikie Sherril and Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason at Drumthwacket where the Ambassador recognized the work of the AOH in our conversation with the governor.
I was proud to join our AOH and LAOH brothers and sisters in Pearl River to march proudly with Gerald Angley the Irish Consul General of Ireland of New York.
While all the events above were memorable and I was honored to represent our members the most memorable event was on March 5 th when I saw my son, Tadhg receive the Hibernian of the Year at our division Msgr. Crean division one of Mercer County. Somewhere two enormously proud grandfathers, John Pender and Jim McLoughlin, both 50-year AOH members, were smiling.