The Ancient Order of Hibernians

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

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Cū Chulainn, Yeats and 1916

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The Dying Cuchulainn Oliver Sheppard was a respected Irish sculptor now remembered mostly for his 1911 work, The Dying Cuchulain. Sheppard, of Protestant background, was active in the Celtic Revival movement and sculpted The Dying Cuchulain in 1911, inspired at least in some respect by Lady Gregory’s work. In 1905 he sculpted a statute of a Wexford pikeman, recalling the United Irishmen Rising of 1798. Eamon DeValera chose The Dying Cuchulainn to be placed in the GPO in 1935, in advance of the 20th anniversary of the Rising, describing the work as “a creation of Irish genius, symbolizing … [Read more...] about Cū Chulainn, Yeats and 1916

Irish Road Bowling in Connecticut

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Irish Road Bowling returned to Connecticut for the first time in five years as Hartford Division 2 sponsored a tournament on Saturday, July 17. Over 30 teams and 120 participants took part in the 2021 Hartford Irish Road Bowling Tournament at Riverside Park in Hartford. The event raised money for the charities that Hartford AOH supports, particularly in the area of hunger. It was also a great day of camaraderie among AOH Brothers from across the state and others who took part in the event. Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin was in attendance to throw out the “first bowl” and addressed … [Read more...] about Irish Road Bowling in Connecticut

Hartford AOH Division 2 Holds Memorial Ceremony For Irish Canal Workers

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The Brothers of Hartford Division 2 organized and took part in a Memorial Event for the Irish laborers who helped build the Windsor Locks Canal on Sunday, March 21. The event was co-sponsored by the town of Windsor Locks, Conn. and over 200 people attended on a glorious spring day. The Hartford Brothers were honored with the presence of United States Congressman John Larson of Connecticut’s First District and AOH National Director Richard Thompson. The event honored the 400 immigrant laborers who left their homeland in Ireland and came to the area between May 1827 and November 1829 to … [Read more...] about Hartford AOH Division 2 Holds Memorial Ceremony For Irish Canal Workers

Irish American Heritage Month: Michael McGovern, the ‘Puddler Poet’

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Michael McGovern was born in the townland of Castlefield, near Williamstown, County Galway to John Govern and Bridget Flynn in October 1847.  We don't know a lot about his early life.  We know that he was educated at a Hedge School. As educating Irish children was often not permitted, secret schools were organized by itinerant teachers.  These schools were usually held outdoors among the hedges; hence they were known as Hedge Schools. McGovern received an education in the basics, including Latin.  He also learned Irish history by the fireside listening to the older … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Michael McGovern, the ‘Puddler Poet’

Division 9, Suffolk County NY Toy Drive

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As in past Christmas seasons, Father Murphy of Boolavogue, Division 9 of Suffolk County, NY helped to bring joy to local families. Brother Pete Patterson organized the collection of over $2,500 in toys and gift cards. These donations were distributed through a program at Hunter Business School that provides Christmas time assistance to families of students in need. Billy MacDowall of Hunter said the Division had, once again, provided the largest single donation received. Pictured are Pete Patterson (left) and Billy MacDowall with some of the donations. … [Read more...] about Division 9, Suffolk County NY Toy Drive

Join us for Christmas Mass

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We invite you to join us online for Mass this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can use the links below to watch Mass celebrated by our National AOH Chaplains or stream the mass live from the Knock Shrine in Ireland. Christmas Masses from St. Paul Catholic Parish, North Canton Ohio National Chaplain Father John Keehner. Christmas Eve:4PM and 6PM Eastern TimeChristmas Day:8AM Eastern time St. Paul Church Parish Live, Click Here Christmas Masses from St. Vincent De Paul Church, San Francisco, CANational Chaplain Father Mike Healy Christmas Eve:8PM Pacific TimeChristmas … [Read more...] about Join us for Christmas Mass

Hartford AOH Division 2 stays busy during the Christmas season

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The Division held a Toy/Gift Card Drive on December 10 to benefit “The Helping Hands” project at Saint Augustine Church in Hartford. Two carloads of toys were collected plus over $650 in gift cards. The Division has been holding monthly meetings that were both in-person practicing social distancing and in a virtual format. Starting in December, the meetings are virtual-only as the COVID-19 virus spread more rapid in Connecticut. We were fortunate to have Father James Sullivan, the rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, as our December speaker. He gave a … [Read more...] about Hartford AOH Division 2 stays busy during the Christmas season

Global Leadership Forum Hosted by Irish Pro-Life USA

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Irish Pro-Life USA will be hosting a Global Leadership Forum for the advancement of Pro-Life & Pro-Family values on Wednesday December 9th at 7PM EST on YouTube Live. Join us for updates and reports from both sides of the Atlantic with calls to action and reflections on positive change for the dignity and protection of human life. The Keynote Speaker will be, Peadar Tóibín TD, Leader of Aontú, Ireland's Pro-Life & Fastest Growing Political Party. Special Guests: Fr. Stephen Imbarrato; Daniel O'Connell, National President, Ancient Order of Hibernians in America; Catherine Glenn … [Read more...] about Global Leadership Forum Hosted by Irish Pro-Life USA

The Holiday Season Approaches

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Hartford AOH Division 2 continues to be active in the autumn months as the holiday season approaches. The Division continues to have monthly food drives to benefit the Food Pantry at Saint Augustine Church in Hartford. The October drive included a call for an extra bag of Halloween treats with usual donations and the November drive was for Thanksgiving side dishes. The Division will work with Saint Augustine to help others for the Christmas holiday. The Division has been held monthly meetings that were both in-person practicing social distancing … [Read more...] about The Holiday Season Approaches

Pro Life – Virtual Event – Saturday October 17th

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Guest Speaker Nikki Bruni is one of the principal organizers of the Pittsburgh 40 Days for Life campaigns that take place during Lent, and again in the fall. During the campaigns, volunteers meet in front of planned parenthood and pray for an end to abortion. There are many stories associated with the experience including couples who decide to keep their babies. Nikki is going to share her experiences and talk about the 40 Days for Life Campaigns. This Virtual event will take place Saturday October 17, 2020, 11:00 AM EDT. CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE … [Read more...] about Pro Life – Virtual Event – Saturday October 17th

Justice for Bloody Sunday Denied Again Says AOH

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The Statue of Justice erected at Dublin Castle during British Imperial Rule. The decision not to prosecute Soldiers involved in Bloody Sunday confirms again that British justice in Ireland is to look to the sword and not the scales of fairness.(Image by Alberto Sanchez from Pixabay) Ancient Order of Hibernians National Freedom for All Ireland Chair Martin Galvin has issued the following statement concerning the decision by the Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service not to prosecute 15 British Soldiers accused of participating in the killings of Bloody Sunday in Derry in … [Read more...] about Justice for Bloody Sunday Denied Again Says AOH

Hartford Division #2 Hold Monthly Food Drives

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Brothers Michael Enright, Tom Breen, Dennis Brown, Jim Mulcahy, Kevin Morton and John Gallivan at AOH Division 2’s September Food/School Supply Drive. Hartford AOH Division 2 had a busy end of summer and beginning of fall. The Division continues to have monthly food drives to benefit the Food Pantry at Saint Augustine Church in Hartford and also collected school supplies in August and September. The Division plans to work with Saint Augustine to help others for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The Division has held monthly meetings – both in-person practicing social distancing … [Read more...] about Hartford Division #2 Hold Monthly Food Drives