Mark Thompson ended a weeklong emergency American tour that generated a new Congressional initiative, five public events and formal proclamations of support by the New York State Senate, Assembly and local governments. Sponsored by the New York State Board, Ancient Order of Hibernians, the tour brought together other Irish American organizations, and commitments to help Relatives for Justice and the victims they represent break the deadlock on legacy truth. The emergency tour was an AOH response to crown moves to give British troopers and constabulary an amnesty, while denying Inquest … [Read more...] about NY AOH Hosts Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice’s
Kansas Hibernians Award Hibernian Cup
The Fr. Donnelly Division, Johnson County No. 1, participated in the second annual Hibernian Bowl between two Johnson County Catholic high schools on October 6th. St. Thomas Aquinas High and St. James Academy battled for bragging rights and the beautiful Hibernian Cup at St. Thomas Aquinas’ home field in the Kansas suburbs of Kansas City. Friday Night Lights began with the Fr. Donnelly honor guard bringing the colors to the center of the field for the national anthem and the benediction. After a heated battle through the first half, the St. James Thunder yielded to the St. Thomas Aquinas … [Read more...] about Kansas Hibernians Award Hibernian Cup
Medal of Honor Grove Update
Brothers, A few years ago we attempted to raise funds through the Hibernian Charity to do an upgrade at the Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Forge. At that time we were quoted a price of between $24,000 and $30,000 by different contractors but unfortunately we only raised about $12,000 to date. After much discussion and soul searching the committee decided to go forward with the project using our contacts in the Trade Unions, volunteers from the local AOH in the Delaware Valley, and anyone else who would help. Myself and Mick Dunleavy who started this project contacted other people and we … [Read more...] about Medal of Honor Grove Update
AOH Update – February
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, The green season is upon us and we need every Hibernian to put our best foot forward. This is the time everyone celebrates their Irish Catholic Heritage just a little bit more than they do the rest of the year. This is why we are asking each and every Hibernian to recruit at least one new members by your April division meeting. Your recruit may be a family member, a friend, or someone you meet at the many St. Patrick Day Celebrations. Your job is to convey to your recruit the importance of celebrating our Irish heritage 365 days of the year. We need … [Read more...] about AOH Update – February
Why We March
“My March Each Year Is A Work of Mercy” Growing up as a public school kid in New Jersey, the March for Life was something I only heard about in our church bulletin once a year. It took until college at Catholic University for me to fully understand the reason behind the March; but even then I was critical of the effort, believing students were more eager to get a ‘day off’ than stand up for the unborn. While the numerous high school students sleeping in CUA’s gymnasium were impressive, I still felt most were either forced or coerced into attending a rally for issues they didn’t fully … [Read more...] about Why We March
Recruiting – Organizer’s Update
It’s no secret; Our Order has seen a substantial decrease in membership over the last ten years. Many factors attribute to the decrease; aging membership, lack of interest, failure to engage members, changes in society, generational differences, lack of recruiting, just to name a few. Take your pick, every division in the country has run into one, if not all of these problems. So let’s look at ways to solve some of these problems: Problem: Aging Membership: We need younger Members who are willing to ensure that Our Order will continue in the future. Answer: Customize your local recruiting … [Read more...] about Recruiting – Organizer’s Update
Merry Christmas from the AOH National Board
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Merry Christmas to you and your family from the McKay's. Please take a moment to enjoy two brilliant Christmas Articles from National Historian Mike McCormack and Christmas Greetings from some of your National Board members. AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND In our Motto, James F. McKay III Irish Christmas Blessing The light of the Christmas star to you, The warmth of home and hearth to you, The cheer and good will of friends to you, The hope of a childlike heart to you, The joy of a thousand angels to you, The love of the Son … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas from the AOH National Board
AOH Update – Hibernian Charity
From: Ted M. Sullivan, Chairman of Charities and Missions On behalf of the AOH and Hibernian Charity I would like to extend a Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your families. As part of our Motto, Charity is the heart of our Faith and Organization. The Mission of the Hibernian Charity is to support the Constitutional Purpose of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America as they seek to, enhance, and protect our Catholic Church as well as Irish History, Culture, and aid our Membership when in distress. What is Hibernian Charity? The Hibernian Charity a 501-3 charitable enterprise was … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Hibernian Charity
AOH Update – Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award – Call for Nomination
To: All Officers of the AOH/LAOH in America From: Daniel J. O’Connell, AOH National Vice President/MacBride Award Chair Carol Sheyer, LAOH National Vice President/MacBride Award Vice Chair Re: Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award Nominations Date: November, 2016 In accordance with Article XXVII of the National Constitution of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, we are sending this letter to all eligible members to request nominees for the 2017 Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award. This award will be conferred to memorialize the human rights contributions made by … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award – Call for Nomination
AOH Update – Report from National Hunger Chairman
We are approaching the Thanksgiving Holiday, the time when Americans of all Faiths and backgrounds take time off and spend it with family and friends and give Thanks for our many blessings. At this time of year many of us are inspired to help the less fortunate. Hibernians across the Country as part of their charitable works continue to raise money, donate food, and volunteer their time, to feed the Hungry; and they are to be commended for their efforts. It is amazing that in a country such as ours that people still go hungry every day. I am aware that Many Hibernian Divisions, Counties, and … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Report from National Hunger Chairman
AOH Update – 2016-17 FFAI Christmas Appeal
Brothers, It is that time of the year again to begin our campaign for the 2016-17 Annual Christmas Appeal. I am enclosing this year’s package which includes, Click Here To Download the 2016 Annual Christmas Appeal Packet (This includes an Itemized list of 2016 FFAI Recipient Organizations). Click Here To Download the 2015-2016 Request for Donation Application Form Last year matched the total dollar amount for the previous year which makes me believe that we are becoming routine with our donations and because of circumstances we really need to think of ways to up our donations. The … [Read more...] about AOH Update – 2016-17 FFAI Christmas Appeal
Annual Fall clean up at the Double H Ranch
Nov. 12, 2016 - Albany, N.Y. Members of Albany LAOH Division 1 JFK and Albany AOH Division 5 Father Henry Tansey, including Albany LAOH President Christine O’Reilly and Albany AOH President Tim Carey, participated in the annual fall clean up at the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY. The Double H Ranch provides specialized programs to support children and their families dealing with life threatening illnesses … [Read more...] about Annual Fall clean up at the Double H Ranch
AOH Update – Late October 2016
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, As we close out the month of October we find ourselves in the midst of two important days to Hibernians. All Saints’ Day on November 1st and Veterans Day on November 11th. With this in mind we are sending you an article from Jim Green, National Veterans Affairs Chairman and Bill Lehn, Ohio State Catholic Action Chairman. Brother Lehn reminds us “All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1 and generally, All Saints' Day is a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Late October 2016
AOH Update – All Saints Day
Brothers, “All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven. It should not be confused with All Souls' Day, which is observed on November 2, and is dedicated to those who have died and not yet reached heaven.”(Catholic Online) “Generally, All Saints' Day is a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day, unless they have an excellent excuse, such as serious illness.”(Catholic Online) As we prepare to … [Read more...] about AOH Update – All Saints Day
AOH Update – Veterans Day
Dear Hibernian Brothers and military veterans, As we approach Veterans Day on Friday, November 11th, please try to make an effort to do something, or say something, special to a veteran on this special holiday. Just buy him or her a cup of coffee if you can, and say thanks. Recently, Brother Rich O’Malley of Pittsburgh reminded me that this past Sunday, October 23rd, marked the 41st anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Try to remember those that came home, and those that didn’t make it back, in your prayers today. Finally, AOH Virginia State Vice President and Veterans Chairman Bill … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Veterans Day
Passing of Al O'Hagan
It is with much sadness that we announce the death of longtime Hibernian Al O'Hagan formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y. Al passed to his eternal reward last night, Wednesday, October 26th at his home in Deptford, N.J. surrounded by his loving family. Brother O’Hagan was a past AOH National Director and served as Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1986. Al was also a Past NYS President, founding member of the Baile Na Ngael , and Chief of Escort of the Roundtower Major Degree Team. Well known throughout the New York area in both social circles and political arenas as the “Man with … [Read more...] about Passing of Al O'Hagan
AOH UPDATE – AOH National Board Directs All Label Program Proceeds to Hibernian Charities
In a recent vote your national board has designated Hibernian Charities as the recipient of all proceeds from the Label Program. The largest benefactor will be Project St. Patrick demonstrating our commitment to our clergy. Other programs that will be shored up include the Irish Way Scholarship, the Study Abroad Scholarship and National History Day. AOH Label Appeal needs you to succeed! Everyone should have your labels in hand. Please take a minute today and send your donation to help continue the tradition of the AOH making a difference since 1936! Your Support will provide direct … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – AOH National Board Directs All Label Program Proceeds to Hibernian Charities
AOH UPDATE – University of Notre Dame Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism Hibernian Lecture Series
The 33rd annual Hibernian Lecture featured author and poet Thomas Lynch. His lecture on September 9, addressed the poetry and recent deaths of Dennis O’Driscoll and Seamus Heaney. Some of the Hibernians in attendance are shown here with the Lecture. From the left are Danny O’Connell, Carol Sheyer, Maureen Shelton, Jere Cole, LAOH national President Patricia O’Connell, Thomas Lynch, Denny Parks, Sandi Swift, Mary Conlon, Mary Ann Lubinsky and Ned McGinley. Each year the Cushwa Center of Notre Dame invites one or more distinguished scholars to deliver a public lecture on some aspect of the Irish … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – University of Notre Dame Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism Hibernian Lecture Series
AOH UPDATE – Catholic Action
From the Desk of John Fitzmorris Catholic Action Chairman CATHOLIC CHURCHES AFFECTED BY THE FLOODING IN LOUISIANA AND THE WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA The might of Mother Nature has again exacted a heavy toll on the citizens of Louisiana and those in California as historic floods and devastating wildfires has robbed people of their homes and possessions. Fortunately, loss of life has been kept to a minimum, but the human suffering continues. Tangipahoa Parish, fifty miles to the northwest and the home of Louisiana State AOH President James Kuhn, along with Livingston and East Baton Rouge Parish … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – Catholic Action
Paul Murray awarded National Life Membership
Sep. 7, 2016 - Albany N.Y. Fr. Henry Tansey division 5 member Paul Murray was awarded National Life Membership. Paul is a 42 year member, serving many offices on the divsion level. Best known for his efforts in FFAI, Paul served as National Director of Irish Northern Aid in the 80s and 90s … [Read more...] about Paul Murray awarded National Life Membership