National Director Ed Dougherty Report May 2025

I hope you all had a great St. Patrick’s Day season. I was able to participate in the Hamilton, NJ, and the Philadelphia St. Parrick’s Day parades. I was able to attend the Philadelphia County Installation of Officers. Also, I traveled to Michael Dougherty Division 1 for the exemplification of the degrees of our Order by the Isle of Erin Degree team in Bristol, PA, on February 22; 41 members received their degrees that day. I was invited to the St. Patrick’s Day Bucks County Sashing Dinner. This year’s Grand Marshal was Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick. Brian is a member and attended our past convention in Orlando and sits or the Irish Caucus.

Consider taking the next step

            Spring has arrived and numerous state conventions will take place in the next several months where we will reaffirm current leadership or choose new leaders. We in the AOH have been blessed over the years with Brothers at all levels playing key roles that have led to the successful organization we enjoy today. The National Board has been urging our State, County and Divisions to fill all the constitutionally required positions on each Board. The National Board has witnessed that our most successful Boards and Divisions have the constitutionally required positions filled. Our most successful National programs can trace their success to the fact that a committee chair has been appointed in many of our Boards. Your officers are very important, they have certain duties to fulfill. Your committee appointments are important to allow the steady flow of information from the National Board down to the Division level and back up to National. This is where leadership steps in. As a national director we are always looking for the next leaders to carry our flag forward. If you think you can help our organization at any level, please take the next step. It is one thing to be on the team and yet another thing to play in the game. Brothers, I understand we all have family, work and other commitments. We do have the resources available to help you in just about any position you choose to fulfill. Please consider an active role in our Order.

Easter Appeal for Project St. Patrick

            I would like to mention the Easter Appeal to benefit Project St. Patrick. Please consider an individual donation or more importantly have your Division or Board make a donation to help our seminarians. This program harkens back to the origins of our Order when our members were called upon to protect our Catholic priests while they celebrated mass for the faithful back in Ireland under the threat of death from British oppressors.

            Lastly, I would like to say “THANK YOU” to all the brothers who helped with our Open Applicant Lists. Your dedication and help is appreciated.