The Ancient Order of Hibernians

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

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Before the U.S. Navy, There was O’Brien

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Long before the Irish were welcomed or celebrated in American life, they were already fighting for the country’s liberty. In the spring of 1775, in the small frontier settlement of Machias on the Maine coast, the son of Irish Catholic immigrants from County Cork led a band of lumbermen and fishermen against a British warship. His name was Jeremiah O’Brien, and the bold action he commanded would produce the first naval victory of the American Revolution. Jeremiah O’Brien was born in 1744 in Kittery, in the district of Massachusetts that would later form the state of Maine, the eldest of six … [Read more...] about Before the U.S. Navy, There was O’Brien

Patrick Carr: The Forgotten Irish Victim of the Boston Massacre

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On the night of March 5, 1770, British soldiers fired into a crowd on Boston’s King Street. The shooting left five men dead and helped ignite the chain of events that would lead to the American Revolution. Patriot leaders seized upon the event, pamphlets spread the story across the colonies, and Paul Revere’s famous engraving turned the episode into a symbol of British tyranny. Most Americans know the name Crispus Attucks. Far fewer remember Patrick Carr. Carr was a thirty-one-year-old Irish Catholic immigrant and a skilled leather-breeches maker who had come to Boston seeking what … [Read more...] about Patrick Carr: The Forgotten Irish Victim of the Boston Massacre

John Boyle O’Reilly: The Fenian Who Became Boston’s Voice

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When John Boyle O’Reilly arrived in Boston in 1869, he was not a celebrated poet or civic leader. He was a Fenian exile who had escaped from a British penal colony in Western Australia after being transported there for revolutionary activity. Within twenty years he would become one of the most respected voices in the city: editor of The Boston Pilot, a widely read poet, and a civic leader whose influence extended far beyond the Irish immigrant community. O’Reilly rebuilt his life in America without abandoning the convictions that had sent him into exile. He remained committed to Irish … [Read more...] about John Boyle O’Reilly: The Fenian Who Became Boston’s Voice

“I Shot at Every Damn Plane I Could See”: John Finn’s One Man Fight at Pearl Harbor

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On the morning of December 7th, 1941, John William Finn was asleep at his home at Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station on Oahu when a neighbor's pounding on his door and the sound of gunfire jolted him awake. The Imperial Japanese Navy had launched a devastating sneak attack without warning or declaration of war, and Finn and 32-year-old Chief Petty Officer and chief aviation ordnance man was about to be among the first to fight back. Born in Compton, California in 1909, Finn had dropped out of school and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. Now at 32, he had risen to the rank of Chief Petty … [Read more...] about “I Shot at Every Damn Plane I Could See”: John Finn’s One Man Fight at Pearl Harbor

Kate Mullany: An Irish Immigrant Who Helped Working Women Organize

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Kate Mullany was a nineteen-year-old Irish immigrant when she became the head of her household. Her father had died in 1864, leaving behind a sickly mother and three sisters, and a brother who depended on her to survive. Like many daughters of Irish immigrants in Troy, New York, she went to work in the one place that offered steady pay to women: the collar laundries. Troy, New York, at the time, was known as Collar City. The detachable linen collar had become an essential fixture of respectable dress. Troy produced most of the nation's collars, but before they reached the market, they had … [Read more...] about Kate Mullany: An Irish Immigrant Who Helped Working Women Organize

Introducing Our Friend, Saint Patrick

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians is pleased to share exciting news with our members and friends: the release of Our Friend, Saint Patrick, the newest title in the acclaimed Our Friend series of Catholic children’s books—published with full ecclesiastical approval (Nihil Obstat & Imprimatur) by Amici Santi. This special edition is particularly meaningful to the AOH, as it features a foreword by our National Chaplain, Very Reverend Martin O’Reilly. We are honored to collaborate on a project that presents the life of Ireland’s patron saint to young readers with faithfulness, clarity, and … [Read more...] about Introducing Our Friend, Saint Patrick

AOH President’s Day Wreath Laying for Grant and Teddy Roosevelt

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In a joint venture with Irish America 250, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to celebrating the Irish role in U.S. history, Hibernians across Metropolitan New York gathered this President’s Weekend to honor two U.S. presidents with Irish roots. On Saturday, members of the Nassau County Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) paid tribute to President Theodore Roosevelt with a wreath-laying ceremony at his family home, Sagamore Hill National Park. The ceremony, led by AOH Nassau County Board President Joe McDonald and Pipe Major Robert Lynch, included a wreath presentation by New York State … [Read more...] about AOH President’s Day Wreath Laying for Grant and Teddy Roosevelt

Beatification Cause Advances for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians was recently cited in a national Catholic news report as the cause for the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen moves forward. In an article published by OSV News, tributes highlighted Archbishop Sheen’s enduring influence on the Catholic Church in America and renewed momentum in the advancement of his cause. The progress marks another significant step toward possible sainthood for one of the most influential Catholic communicators of the 20th century. In addition to his global impact as an evangelist, Archbishop Sheen also served as National Chaplain of the … [Read more...] about Beatification Cause Advances for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

AOH Statement Condemning Racist Depiction of Former President and First Lady Obama

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[New Jersey 02/07/2026] – The following statement was released by the Ancient Order of Hibernians condemning the racist depiction of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama circulated via President Trump’s social media account. "The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns in the strongest possible terms the racist depiction of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama as apes that was shared from President Trump's social media account. This is not a political statement, but a moral one founded in our Irish history and Catholic faith. We recognize this tactic because it … [Read more...] about AOH Statement Condemning Racist Depiction of Former President and First Lady Obama

Hibernians Gather in Washington, DC for the 2026 March for Life

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Hibernians from across the country gathered in Washington, DC on January 22nd and 23rd to participate in the Annual March for Life in Washington, DC. Crowd estimates range from tens of thousands to 150,000, including members of the AOH National Board and Pro Life Chairman from Pennsylvania, Illinois, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC. On Thursday afternoon, the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception hosted the Angelus at 4:45 PM followed by Holy Mass at 5:00 PM. The congregation was several thousand strong and consisted of predominantly high … [Read more...] about Hibernians Gather in Washington, DC for the 2026 March for Life

Announcing the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (“AOH”)  2026 “America 250 Essay Contest”

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The AOH is pleased to announce the revival of an old tradition, the AOH Irish History Essay Contest.  This contest, which is designed to stimulate an interest in the study of the history of Ireland and the global Irish Diaspora, is open to students who are enrolled in grades 11 or 12 during the 2025/2026 Academic Year. OFFICIAL RULES TOPIC:       Write an essay on the contributions of men and women of Irish heritage to the founding of the United States of America.  All essays should be aligned with, although not necessarily about, the mission, … [Read more...] about Announcing the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (“AOH”)  2026 “America 250 Essay Contest”

The Great Hunger Was Not a Game, Survival Not a “Prize”

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The Great Hunger board game by Compass Games has drawn sharp criticism from the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which argues that gamifying Ireland’s Great Hunger (An Gorta Mór) trivializes one of history's gravest human catastrophes. Framing mass starvation, forced emigration, and generational trauma as a competitive exercise distorts historical reality and undermines any serious educational claim about the Great Hunger and its causes.: The Ancient Order of Hibernians is both saddened and outraged by the announcement of The Great Hunger board game by Compass Games. We are saddened because … [Read more...] about The Great Hunger Was Not a Game, Survival Not a “Prize”

Feeding the Future: The Hibernian Hunger Project

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We are pleased to highlight a recent podcast appearance by William "Bill" Sullivan, National Chair of the Hibernian Hunger Committee, on Craic on the Coast. In Episode 28, hosts Michael Schilling and Greg Shanahan sit down with Bill to discuss the origins, mission, and national impact of the Hibernian Hunger Project—one of the signature charitable initiatives of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. During the conversation, Bill reflects on how the Hibernian Hunger Project grew out of both compassion and historical memory, drawing a direct line between Ireland’s experience of famine and the … [Read more...] about Feeding the Future: The Hibernian Hunger Project

Hartford Division 2 Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

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Hartford Division 2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians held a successful Toy/Gift Card Drive on December 6 and 7, 2025. Several carloads of toys were collected in addition to over $500 worth of gift cards. The collection took place at Christ the King Parish in Wethersfield and at the Breakfast With Santa at the Irish-American Home Society in Glastonbury.  The drive benefitted The Giving Tree Project at Saint Augustine Parish in the south end of Hartford. The generosity of those that donated will make Christmas brighter for many families in Connecticut’s capital city. Hartford AOH … [Read more...] about Hartford Division 2 Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

Congratulations and Best Wishes to Newly Inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly.

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Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), America’s oldest and largest Irish Catholic organization, issued a statement today offering congratulations and best wishes to newly inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly" Dear President Connolly, On behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, I extend our warmest congratulations on your inauguration as the 10th President of Ireland. Your resounding victory, winning 63.4% of first-preference votes, the highest share ever in a contested Irish presidential election, speaks to the deep confidence … [Read more...] about Congratulations and Best Wishes to Newly Inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly.

Standing for Life and True Choice

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The National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, has issued a statement regarding a proposed facility in Hudson County capable of performing abortions through all stages of pregnancy. It's morally indefensible that abortions of viable children could occur while nearby, infants of identical gestational age embrace life in NICUs. Our laws and conscience cannot remain divided on whether the value of a child's life, or any life, depends solely on whether he or she is wanted or is convenient to others. Any society that adopts such a standard places itself on a slippery slope, … [Read more...] about Standing for Life and True Choice

Celebrating the Month of the Holy Rosary

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Dear Brothers, The month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. On October 7th, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in honor of the Blessed Mother. October was also the month in which Mary appeared for the last time to shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, urging them to "say the rosary every day to obtain peace for the world. Say a rosary to Our Lady today!  Your prayers will not go unanswered! May Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for us now and forever! In our motto, James Russell Catholic Action … [Read more...] about Celebrating the Month of the Holy Rosary

Feast Day of St. Francis Reflection – 2025

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Dear Brothers, Peace and all good!  This is how St. Francis would greet his brothers. On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, we celebrate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Blessed with vast spiritual insight, Francis’ love for Christ permeated every aspect of his life and showed through in everything he said and did. What better time than his feast day to reflect on this beautiful expression of St. Francis’ guide for living and to think about how each of us can show our love of Christ through everything we say and do each day. Are we understanding of others? Do we strive to forgive … [Read more...] about Feast Day of St. Francis Reflection – 2025

AOH America 250

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Honoring Irish America’s Role in Building the United States In 2026, the United States marks 250 years of independence.From the very beginning, Irish Americans were there—soldiers in Washington’s army, leaders in politics, builders of cities, and servants of community. The Ancient Order of Hibernians carries that legacy forward in faith, culture, and charity. Our Story For generations, Irish immigrants and their descendants helped shape America. They dug canals and built railroads, raised churches and schools, and filled the ranks of the military, police, and fire services. … [Read more...] about AOH America 250