Shortly after Memorial Day, Brothers from South Carolina and Georgia laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. The ceremony concluded a weekend (June 6-8th) of family fun and sightseeing that included attendance at Dropkick Murphy's Rally for Veterans on the National Mall, visits to several Smithsonian Museums, and a private tour of the the White House and US Capitol building coordinated by SC Senator Lindsay Graham's congressional staff. To conclude the weekend, the travel party which included State Vice President Greg … [Read more...] about SC Hibernians Honor our Veterans in Washington, DC
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FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD: THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
The Ascension of Our Lord, which occurred 40 days after Jesus Christ rose from the dead on Easter, is the final act of our redemption that began on Good Friday. The Feast takes place ten days before Pentecost; thus taking on a special anticipation of the gift of the Holy Spirit. It does not commemorate a departure. Oh, no! It celebrates a presence and a promise:I am with you always, even to the end of time. Jesus is with us at all times and in all places. This sentence is the core of our faith. During the 40 days before the Ascension, Jesus continues to fortify our faith. He appears … [Read more...] about FEAST OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD: THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025
Experiencing the Places of History
Members of the National Board at the site of the Michael Collins ambush near Béal na Bláth. The late Professor Marshall McLuhan presciently noted, long before the advent of the World Wide Web, that we “live today in an age of information and communication [in which] electric media instantly and constantly create a total field of interacting events in which all men participate.” The contents of entire libraries now reside online, making history accessible from any place, at any time, without the need for even local travel. Even so, there has been a renewed interest in recent years, across … [Read more...] about Experiencing the Places of History
Ancient Order of Hibernians Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope, on His Election as the 267th Successor of St. Peter
New York — May 8, 2025 — The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (AOH) extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the 267th successor of St. Peter. His election marks a special moment for American Catholics as the first pope born in the United States. “We offer our prayers and support to Pope Leo XIV as he begins his ministry as Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the Universal Church,” said Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Ad Multos Annos, Pope Leo XIV. … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope, on His Election as the 267th Successor of St. Peter
The Month of May—Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary has a unique place in salvation history and in the Church. Because she responded yes to becoming the Mother of God, she is our first model of discipleship and our model of grace and trust in God. Among Catholics, May is most well known as “Mary’s Month,” a specific month of the year when special devotions are performed in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ancient Greek and Western cultures view May as a month of life and motherhood. This was long before “Mother’s Day” was ever conceived, though the modern celebration is closely related to honor mothers during the spring … [Read more...] about The Month of May—Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Congratulate Bishop-Elect Father John E.Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa
New York— 04/29/25 — The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (AOH) congratulate and offer our prayerful best wishes to our brother Hibernian, Bishop Elect Father John E. Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa on Thursday, May 1 st , 2025. “We look forward to working with Bishop Elect Keehner as he assumes the office of Bishop for the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa”, said Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians President. As our immediate past National Chaplain, I have worked with Bishop Elect Keehner on a number of different projects. Our … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Congratulate Bishop-Elect Father John E.Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa
Statement from Fr Martin O’Reilly, National Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis
Dear Brothers in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, family, and friends, It is with a sad heart that we learn of the passing of Pope Francis. Pope Francis’ legacy is one of boundless grace, simplicity, humility, and hope. He demonstrated a gentle spirit, offering solace and guidance to those in need. His words and actions were a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit. May he now rest forever in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us quietly pray for the happy repose of his soul: Our Father ... Hail Mary … [Read more...] about Statement from Fr Martin O’Reilly, National Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis
Statement from Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis
It is with profound sorrow that the Ancient Order of Hibernians mourns the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis embodied the principles of faith, humility, and service, offering a guiding light to millions around the world. His unwavering commitment to social justice, compassion for the marginalized, and advocacy for peace and reconciliation resonated deeply with the mission and values of the Hibernians. Pope Francis led by example, reminding us all of our shared responsibility to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable among us. His … [Read more...] about Statement from Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis
John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
John Lawrence Sullivan, born to Irish immigrants on October 15, 1858, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, grew into an embodiment of the American Dream for many Irish Americans. His parents, survivors of the Great Hunger in Ireland, instilled in him a profound sense of identity and resilience. Though he was an excellent student and his parents aspired for him to attend Boston College and become a priest, destiny had a different plan for Sullivan. Lured by the raw appeal of professional sports, Sullivan found his true calling in boxing, a sport then shadowed by legal ambiguities and often relegated to … [Read more...] about John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
AOH Statement on U.S.–Ireland Trade and Tariff Concerns
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) has long stood as a voice for Irish American families, workers, and small businesses. In light of recent discussions surrounding tariffs on Irish imports and public comments about Ireland’s tax policies, we feel compelled to speak out. We acknowledge that there is a trade imbalance between the United States and Ireland, and that many U.S. companies have relocated operations to Ireland in pursuit of more competitive tax treatment. However, during his March 12, 2025, meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, President Trump stated: “They … [Read more...] about AOH Statement on U.S.–Ireland Trade and Tariff Concerns
From Donegal to Duffy’s Cut: The Forgotten Massacre of Irish Immigrants
On April 24, 1832, 57 Irish immigrants from the counties of Derry, Donegal and Tyrone boarded the barque John Stamp at the port of Derry to begin their voyage to Philadelphia. They had all taken different roads to arrive at this literal and emotional departure. John Ruddy was just 18 when he hugged his parents goodbye, knowing it was unlikely that he would see them again in this life. Catherine Burns was 29 and had already experienced a lifetime of sadness; she was a widow and traveling with her Father-in-Law, hoping for a better life in America. What united them all was their … [Read more...] about From Donegal to Duffy’s Cut: The Forgotten Massacre of Irish Immigrants
Breaking Rules, Breaking News: The Fearless Journalism of Nellie Bly
There was a time when mouse clicks and tweets did not drive reporters; they actually went out, sometimes at great personal peril, to find the news. One such reporter and a pioneer of investigative journalism was Irish American Nellie Bly. 21-year-old Nellie Bly as she appeared while reporting from Mexico Nellie Bly was born Elizabeth Cochrane on May 5, 1864 in Cochran's Mills, now part of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, Michael Cochran (Elizabeth would add the 'e' to the last name later), was the son of an immigrant from Derry who has started as a laborer and had … [Read more...] about Breaking Rules, Breaking News: The Fearless Journalism of Nellie Bly
“Never Lose Your Good Name”: The Life of ‘Bonanza King’ John Mackay
John Mackay, the “Bonanza King” William Shakespeare observed, “The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.” It speaks to the ironic tendency for society to notarize, even glorify, the darkest aspects of humanity while ignoring the noble. Nowhere is this clearer than in the case of Irish American John Mackay, the “Bonanza King.” John Mackay (pronounced Mackee) was born on November 28, 1831, on the outskirts of Dublin in the appalling poverty of pre-famine Ireland. In 1840, when Mackay was nine years old, the family emigrated to New … [Read more...] about “Never Lose Your Good Name”: The Life of ‘Bonanza King’ John Mackay
Daniel Daly: The Marine Who Earned Two Medals of Honor—and Deserved a Third
Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Daly, USMC, recipient of the Medal of Honor twice for engagements in two separate conflicts In the history of the Medal of Honor, the United States Highest award for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty", only 19 men have been awarded the medal twice. Among them is Marine Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, one of only two Marines to receive the Medal of Honor Twice for separate acts of heroism and nominated for a third. Daly was born in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, on 11 November 1873. He was slight of … [Read more...] about Daniel Daly: The Marine Who Earned Two Medals of Honor—and Deserved a Third
From Priest to Martyr, From Klan Robes to Justice Robes
The 1920s marks one of the darkest and least discussed chapters in American history. During this period, the Ku Klux Klan experienced a resurgence, propelled by various factors, including D. W. Griffith's controversial portrayal of the Klan in "Birth of a Nation" (originally titled "The Klansman"), a complex mix of patriotism and isolationism following World War I, and the adoption of modern marketing techniques. As a result, the Klan transcended its Southern roots, evolving into a nationwide movement with a staggering membership of six million. To sustain its rapid growth and appeal to a … [Read more...] about From Priest to Martyr, From Klan Robes to Justice Robes
Reflections on St. Joseph Day
Everything we know about the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus comes from Scripture and that has seemed too little for those who made up legends about him. We know he was a carpenter, a working man, for the skeptical Nazarenes ask about Jesus, "Is this not the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55). He wasn't rich for when he took Jesus to the Temple to be circumcised and Mary to be purified he offered the sacrifice of two turtledoves or a pair of pigeons, allowed only for those who could not afford a lamb (Luke 2:24). Despite his humble work and means, Joseph came from a royal … [Read more...] about Reflections on St. Joseph Day
Unsinkable & Unstoppable: The Real Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown
Young Margaret Tobin Brown Margaret Tobin Brown, famously known as the "Unsinkable Molly Brown," is often celebrated in popular culture for her flamboyant personality and heroic actions on the Titanic. However, this portrayal barely scratches the surface of her remarkable life and achievements. While she is invariably portrayed as an outspoken, humorous, flamboyant woman of America's West, these depictions, though rooted in truth, do a disservice to the complexity and depth of her character and contributions. She is even known to history as "Molly", a name she never used in life. Born … [Read more...] about Unsinkable & Unstoppable: The Real Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown
The Sullivan Brothers: Irish-American WWII Heroes Who Inspired a Nation
DID YOU KNOW that in the annals of America's heroes, there is scarcely a brighter entry than that of the fighting Sullivan brothers? Born in Waterloo, Iowa to Railroad conductor Tom Sullivan and his wife Alleta, George, Francis, Albert, Joseph, and Madison grew up the best of friends in the closeness of an Irish family and matured into patriotic Americans. It was no surprise, therefore, that when Pearl Harbor was attacked, the Sullivan brothers headed straight for the nearest U.S. Navy recruiting office. Navy policy discouraged family members from serving together, but the Sullivans … [Read more...] about The Sullivan Brothers: Irish-American WWII Heroes Who Inspired a Nation
St Patrick’s Day 2025 Reflection
St. Patrick St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. He was born in Roman Britain and when he was fourteen or so, he was captured by Irish pirates during a raiding party and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. At the time, Ireland was a land of Druids and pagans but Patrick turned to God and wrote his memoir, The Confession. In The Confession, he wrote: "The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, … [Read more...] about St Patrick’s Day 2025 Reflection
Who Was St. Patrick? The Real History Behind Ireland’s Patron Saint
Each year around March 17, the name of St. Patrick appears in every major publication in the civilized world - sometimes with honor and sometimes with scorn - often due to the conduct of those who celebrate his memory at affairs which bear his name. Of the many things written about this holy man, some are true, some misleading, and some false. St. Patrick was Italian; St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland; St. Patrick was the first to bring Christianity to Ireland - all of these statements are false! Let’s take them one at a time. Some claim St. Patrick to be Italian … [Read more...] about Who Was St. Patrick? The Real History Behind Ireland’s Patron Saint