Search Results for: stories

In March we think of St. Patrick and his story is on our national website AOH.COM, so this month we will tell of a remarkable military unit named for our patron saint. When America was a young country, not yet matured with the wisdom born of experience, we made mistakes. The acceptance of slavery, the treatment of Native Americans, prejudice against Catholics, and armed … [Read more...] about The San Patricios

On October 30, 1963, Cahirciveen, County Kerry saw the largest outpouring of grief since the loss their favorite son, the great Daniel O’Connell in 1847.  This time it was for another one of their own – Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty.  Although he was born in Kiskeam, County Cork and grew up in Killarney, where his father was the steward of the old Killarney Golf Club, Hugh retired … [Read more...] about A Rivalry that Became a Friendship

There are many heroes associated with the Confederate States of America (CSA) whose stories have been forgotten or swept under the rug; after all, the winners write the history.  Among those forgotten in our northern history books are Irish Catholic priests like Rev. Tom O’Reilly of Cavan, Rev. Abram Ryan of Tipperary parents and  Rev. Peter Whelan of Wexford.  Rev. O’Reilly … [Read more...] about Reverend Peter Whelan – The Angel of Andersonville

On several occasions in the past, we have denounced revisionists who alter the presentation of history to suit their own purposes. Equally provocative is anything that tends to support the Divide and Conquer tactics originated by the Brits ages ago to separate the Irish into quarreling communities to keep them from uniting against the Crown. No less culpable are those who … [Read more...] about How Long Must We Wear This?

He was a man admired and admonished.  He represented an age and a culture that many could relate to, yet just as many wished to forget.  To some he was the epitome of the rebel, born to the poverty of a Dublin slum, who rose to become an international literary figure.  To others he was the opposite of all that was noble about the Irish. In reality, he was a product of his … [Read more...] about Brendan Behan

In 1858, the Fenian brotherhood was founded in America and the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) in Ireland to work for Irish independence.  Britain declared membership in that organization a crime punishable by deportation to her penal colony in Freemantle, Australia.  Seldom in history can one find a story to rival the adventure that brought embarrassment to England and … [Read more...] about The Catalpa Rescue

When the name of James Connolly is mentioned, most immediately think of Ireland’s great patriot and labor leader who was brutally murdered by the Brits in 1916 after the Easter Rising.  He was born in poverty to Irish parents in Edinburgh, Scotland on June 5, 1868; but there was another James Connolly, also born in poverty to Irish parents in 1868.  This was James Brendan … [Read more...] about James Connolly – The Athlete

It was on the first of May in 1854 that a boy was born at Cloonyquinn, Co Roscommon to Christopher French and his wife, the former Miss Percy. The second of two sons, he was named William Percy French and in his lifetime he became one of Ireland’s most beloved entertainers and gifted songwriters. His father, believing that Percy was mathematically inclined, sent him to Trinity … [Read more...] about William Percy French

Every year around March 17 we get the question: are there really such things as Leprechauns and I thought I’d put the record straight.  The truth lies in Ireland's ancient manuscripts describing her early settlers.  The manuscripts contain so much detail that it is hard to believe they are historically accurate.  However, since they are the basis of many traditions, they are … [Read more...] about Leperchaun – Legend or History

There were few Irishmen in Trenton, NJ prior to the Revolutionary War.  Among them were Paddy Colvin and Sam McConkey, who ran two Delaware River ferries; Paddy Lamb, who resided near Quaker Bridge on Assunpink Creek; and Bernie Hanlon, a mill-owner who later became a deputy aldermen.  They were all there during a very special Christmas adventure, but Paddy Colvin’s name had … [Read more...] about Paddy Colvin’s Unforgettable New Year

On November 10, 1879 – 128 years ago – Patrick Henry Pearse, poet, lawyer, playwright, linguist, educator, author, and military leader, was born in Dublin. During his formal education at the Christian Brothers School, he attained honors in Gaelic each year, and at ages 16 and 17, wrote prizewinning books in the language. He was amply encouraged in his pursuit for he had come to … [Read more...] about Padraic Pearse

In March we think of St. Patrick and his story is on our national website AOH.COM, so this month we will tell of a remarkable military unit named for our patron saint. When America was a young country, not yet matured with the wisdom born of experience, we made mistakes. The acceptance of slavery, the treatment of native Americans, prejudice against Catholics, and armed … [Read more...] about The San Patricios