The Ancient Order of Hibernians

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

National Board

Liaison Report – Southwest

By

From Mike Joyce ... As this is my first post as Liaison for the Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona) it is probably appropriate to introduce myself – especially for those in the territory. My name is Mike Joyce and I’m in Austin, TX with my wife and young son. We’ve been in Austin for 10 years now with no plans to leave. I joined the Hibernians because I wanted an Irish Catholic experience I remembered from my childhood – thanks to countless Christmas with my grandparents in Youngstown, Ohio and an Milwaukee Irish Fest or two. Unfortunately the AOH didn’t exist in Austin, … [Read more...] about Liaison Report – Southwest

AOH Congratulates Dr. Brian O’Dwyer on His Selection as 2019 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal

By

With the formal announcement this evening  that Dr. Brian O’Dwyer has been selected to be the 2019 Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade,  National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Judge James McKay has issued the following statement: As the President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, I wish to congratulate our Brother Dr. Brian O’Dwyer of AOH Division 3 New York County on his selection as Grand Marshal to the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  The New York City St.  Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest parades in the … [Read more...] about AOH Congratulates Dr. Brian O’Dwyer on His Selection as 2019 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal

Catholic Action – October Update

By

The month of October still remains within Ordinary Time. October is a month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS Oct. 1 Theresa of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Memorial Oct. 2 Guardian Angels, Memorial Oct. 4 Francis of Assisi, Memorial Oct. 11 Pope St. John XXIII   Oct. 15 Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor, Memorial Oct. 17 Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr, Memorial Oct. 18 Luke the Evangelist, Feast Oct. 19 John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, and Companions, Martyrs, Memorial Oct. 22 Pope St. … [Read more...] about Catholic Action – October Update

CATHOLIC ACTION – August Update

By

We have the August Catholic Action update from Ohio State Chairman Pat Lally ... NEWS OF INTEREST --On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a ruling by a Washington State court against florist Baronelle Stutzman. The court returned the case to the Washington Supreme Court, instructing reconsideration in line with the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision earlier in June. In the Masterpiece case, the court had determined that Colorado cannot compel Christian baker Jack Phillips to bake a cake for a homosexual wedding. In Washington, Stutzman had similarly faced compulsion to violate … [Read more...] about CATHOLIC ACTION – August Update

Statement from the National Board of the AOH on the Passing of Past National President and Secretary Emeritus Thomas McNabb.

By

It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of Thomas McNabb.  Brother McNabb was the living embodiment of Hibernians and shaped the Order for over half a century; his contributions to the Order will continue to have impact long after his passing. Brother McNabb was born and raised in Auburn, New York, where he joined the Auburn Hibernian Division in 1955.  Tom served his division in every capacity and started many local Irish-American traditions such as the Friends of Ireland Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and Auburn’s Irish Festival. … [Read more...] about Statement from the National Board of the AOH on the Passing of Past National President and Secretary Emeritus Thomas McNabb.

Rest in Peace Brother Tom McNabb

By

It is with a heavy heart we share that Thomas McNabb, Past National President and National Secretary Emeritus passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by family. The patriarch of the McNabb Family and a pillar of the Auburn and Hibernian Communities alike, he will always be remembered as Dad, Pop Pop, Councilor and Mr. Hibernian. Rest in Peace Brother Tom McNabb Tom will be waked this Sunday, August 5th, at the Cheche Funeral Home, 1778 Clark Street Rd., Auburn, NY 13021. Calling hours are 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at … [Read more...] about Rest in Peace Brother Tom McNabb

AOH Vice President O’Connell Challenges Misleading Article in Belfast Telegraph

By

In response to an inaccurate post on the Tyrone AOH Facebook page concerning the AOH National Convention, a reporter from the Belfast Telegraph reached out to Vice President O'Connell for an interview. Despite efforts to clear up the inaccuracies and relay the facts, the reporter instead in her article persisted in parroting misinformation and conflated irrelevant detains resulting in portraying a specious inaccurate narrative. Below is worthy Vice President O'Connells response to the editor of the Belfast Telegraph.  It should be noted, and as was explained ad nauseum to the reporter, … [Read more...] about AOH Vice President O’Connell Challenges Misleading Article in Belfast Telegraph

AOH Reiterates Their Continuing Commitment to the Families of Legacy Victims of the Troubles

By

Meeting at their National Convention, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution reiterating their commitment to the families of the Legacy Victims of the troubles WHEREAS hundreds of families of victims killed directly by British forces or in collusion with loyalist criminals during the conflict known as the Troubles continue to be denied truth and justice about their murdered loved ones, thereby compounding their grief; and, WHEREAS these same families of what is known as Legacy Victims encounter resistance from British judges, languish in courts denied funding by the British … [Read more...] about AOH Reiterates Their Continuing Commitment to the Families of Legacy Victims of the Troubles

AOH Resolves to promote and honor the centenary of Ireland’s Declaration of Independence.

By

Meeting at their National Convention, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution calling for the commemoration of Ireland's 1919 Declaration of Independance WHEREAS on January 21, 1919, representatives of the Irish people, elected in the thirty-two-county election of 1918 and assembled in Dublin as a National Parliament, did adopt Ireland's Declaration of Independence and ratify the Irish Republic proclaimed on Easter Monday 1916; and WHEREAS that Declaration of Independence states that the Irish people have always had a right to national freedom and self-government; … [Read more...] about AOH Resolves to promote and honor the centenary of Ireland’s Declaration of Independence.

Louisville Convention Concluded – 2018 Election Results

By

The Louisville, KY AOH-LAOH 2018 Convention is now concluded. It was a great success, thanks to Co-chairs John and Julia O'Dwyer and their committee. Kudos! The convention re-elected all the incumbent officers, and Ed Halligan was elected to replace term-limited Tom O'Donnell (Thank You Tom). Rumor has it that site selection was a landslide in favor of Pittsburgh, PA in 2022. In the mean time, preparations are well under way for our next Convention - Orlando FL in 2020 More detail to follow ... John Wilson, Bill Sullivan, Denny Parks, Liam McNabb, Edward Halligan , Dan … [Read more...] about Louisville Convention Concluded – 2018 Election Results

WWII vet awarded AOH pin

By

On Saturday, January 20, at the AOH Allegheny County (PA) Board meeting, brother Nick Murphy of Division 17 Monroeville, a WWII veteran, received his AOH Hibernian Veterans commemorative pin. Brothers from across the county were present for the annual swearing in of Division Officers and for the presentation of the pin to Nick.     … [Read more...] about WWII vet awarded AOH pin

New AOH Division, Named After 9/11 Hero, Forms in Breezy Point

By

On February 22, 2018, New York State’s newest AOH division, The Lieutenant Kevin C. Dowdell, AOH Division 4, Breezy Point held its formation meeting at the Catholic Club in Breezy Point, Queens. The division’s namesake is Lieutenant Kevin C. Dowdell, of FDNY Rescue 4, a hero who lost his life in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Lieutenant Dowdell’s two sons, Patrick and James are charter members of the division and were elected Vice President and Financial Secretary. The brothers (pictured below) were introduced by Tim McSweeney, National Organizer and were invited to … [Read more...] about New AOH Division, Named After 9/11 Hero, Forms in Breezy Point

NY AOH Hosts Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice’s

By

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

By

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

AOH Update – February

By

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

By

“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

By

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

By

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

By

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