President Sean Pender has requested all AOH National Chairmen to meet quarterly with their counterparts on the AOH State Boards. The State and National Hibernian Hunger Project (HHP) Committee Chairmen met on December 9, and had an informative and productive meeting, exchanging ideas on various activities that have been used in their jurisdictions to combat hunger. Following the meeting, a survey was sent out to the State Chairmen to decide what night would be best night for the HHP Committee to meet for their quarterly meetings. As this Digest goes to press, we are still tallying the results … [Read more...] about Hibernian Hunger Project Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
Hibernian Hunger Project Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
National Historians Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
The Making of Bodenstown The mortal remains of Theobald Wolfe Tone were discreetly committed to the earth in the family plot at Bodenstown, County Kildare, on Wednesday, June 21, 1798. As few as two and no more than a dozen or so individuals were present at the burial, reflecting the order of Lord Castlereagh, Chief Secretary for Ireland, who had released the body on the “express condition that no assemblage of people shall be permitted and that it (the body) be interred in the most private manner.” Castlereagh went to his own grave two decades later, presumably thinking he had succeeded in … [Read more...] about National Historians Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
Hibernians embrace Irish American Heritage Month
Irish American Heritage Month is not just a date on the calendar; it is a vital opportunity to honor our shared heritage, highlight the contributions of Irish Americans, and strengthen the Ancient Order of Hibernians. It is a time for us, as Hibernians, who do so much behind the scenes in our community, to step forward and ensure that our history and culture are recognized, respected and passed on to future generations. Every level of our organization — National, State, County, Division, and individual members — has a part to play in making this effort successful. This is not just about … [Read more...] about Hibernians embrace Irish American Heritage Month
National Vice President’s Report – Jan/Feb/March 2025
Resources Organizations are stronger when information flows in all directions as each of us benefits and learns from one another. I noted this in my most recent column as this Board, your National leaders, are interested in hearing from you about how we can best meet your needs. An important resource that is now available to State Chairs are meetings with National Chairs. Consistently held meetings, via Zoom, with National Chairs have been underway and these are opportunities for others to learn about specific subjects or issues. We hope any information or presentation is then shared … [Read more...] about National Vice President’s Report – Jan/Feb/March 2025
National Treasurer Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
It is that time of year again. A time that can be a confusing time for new members and recently elected new leadership. A time when Divisions are collecting this year's dues and paying last year's assessments. It's all very simple if you remember to keep the money collected in the right pot. Thank you to the many Divisions that submitted their forms and assessments early. Per Capita assessments are critical to our Order. These funds along with our charitable efforts support the ongoing operations and humanitarian efforts of our Order. Just a few suggestions about dues collection. Set a … [Read more...] about National Treasurer Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
National Secretary Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
I wish you a safe and healthy New Year. In January 2025, we changed how we approve suspensions and resignations. Taken from the Constitution, Article XVIII, Section 13. Members: The Division President may suspend a member of any Division who fails to pay his dues, fines, or assessments for three months, and he shall be duly notified by the Financial Secretary of his indebtedness in writing and asked to appear at the next regular meeting to pay the same. On his failure to appear, the President of the Division shall appoint a committee of at least two members to personally contact the … [Read more...] about National Secretary Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
National President’s Report – Jan/Feb/March 2025
May 2025 be a year of health, hope and happiness for all our members and their families. Each new year presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals and organizations. The year 2025 promises to be an exciting period for members of the AOH. We are pleased to announce that we will be sending our third class of St. Patrick’s Centre ambassadors to Ireland in June; further details will be provided in this Digest. We aim to implement a new roster and application system by the second quarter. The initial phase of the project will enhance our technological capabilities, facilitating … [Read more...] about National President’s Report – Jan/Feb/March 2025
Suffolk County, NY St. Patrick’s Division 2 Celebrates the Feast of St. BlaiseBabylon, NY:
Pictured with Monsignor Brian is Division 2’s Past President (and Division 2’s 2025 Hibernian of the Year), Matt Buckley. On February 3 rd , after Suffolk County, NY Division 2’s men’s monthly meeting was completed, Division 2’s chaplain Monsignor Brian McNamara offered to all men in attendance to have their throats blessed, to celebrate this Feast Day.Saint Blaise is the patron saint of throat illness. He is also the patron saint of doctors who treat throat ailments. According to the Acts, while Bishop Blaise was being taken into custody, a distraught mother, whose only child was choking … [Read more...] about Suffolk County, NY St. Patrick’s Division 2 Celebrates the Feast of St. BlaiseBabylon, NY:
Beyond ‘Hamilton’: The True Story of Hercules Mulligan, American Patriot
Hercules Mulligan, an Irish immigrant, became an unsung hero of the American Revolution. Though the musical ‘Hamilton’, whose chief goal is to entertain, has introduced his name to a broader audience, Mulligan’s real contributions as a spy and hero of American independence are far more compelling than the play suggests. Mulligan was born in Coleraine, Co Derry, in 1740 and emigrated with his family to North America at the age of 6, settling in New York City. He attended King’s College (now Columbia University). Mulligan opened an upscale tailor … [Read more...] about Beyond ‘Hamilton’: The True Story of Hercules Mulligan, American Patriot
Marie Connolly Owens: America’s Forgotten First Female Cop Who Fought for Justice Beyond the Badge
As the first female police officer in the United States, Marie Connolly Owens should be remembered and celebrated as a pioneer. Yet, her legacy has been largely forgotten—her achievements erased from history until modern researchers unearthed her remarkable story. She worked tirelessly to enforce child labor laws, tracked down absent fathers who abandoned their families, and often reached into her own meager pockets to help struggling mothers and children. Despite all of this, when she passed away in 1927, her obituary made no mention of her groundbreaking career, a stark reminder of how even … [Read more...] about Marie Connolly Owens: America’s Forgotten First Female Cop Who Fought for Justice Beyond the Badge
Prayer for Pope Francis: A Call for Healing
In these challenging times, our thoughts turn to Pope Francis. As a community united in faith and compassion, we invite all members and friends of the Ancient Order of Hibernians to join together in a prayer for his healing. Prayer for Healing O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,look favorably on your servant Francis,whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;Grant, we pray, that by word and examplehe may be of service to those over whom he presidesso that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,he may come to everlasting life.Through our Lord … [Read more...] about Prayer for Pope Francis: A Call for Healing
Swinging for the Fences: Ancient Order of Hibernians Teams Up with Irish American Baseball Society and Spotlights Irish Citizenship at Ireland House NY
Play Ball! Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) & Irish American Baseball Society (IABS) team up & Hibernians webinar on Irish Citizenship at the Irish Consulate New York Every year the Opening Day for Pitchers and Catchers heralds the new season of Baseball, America's Pastime. It is fitting that two venerable Irish American institutions, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the American Irish Baseball Society, have chosen this moment of optimism, sportsmanship, and love of the game to announce an exciting partnership between their two organizations. AOH National President Sean … [Read more...] about Swinging for the Fences: Ancient Order of Hibernians Teams Up with Irish American Baseball Society and Spotlights Irish Citizenship at Ireland House NY
AOH Members Visit the Dowling Library
The February meeting of AOH Division 17 took place on Tuesday, February 18th, at the United Irish Cultural Center. Following the meeting, several members took the opportunity to visit the Patrick J. Dowling Library at the Irish Center to view a recent painting of Fr. Peter Yorke by AOH Division 17 member and artist Jim Gleeson. The artwork, a tribute to Fr. Yorke’s enduring legacy, was a highlight of the visit, offering a meaningful way for members to honor the priest’s contributions to both the Irish community and the Church. The library continues to serve as an important space for … [Read more...] about AOH Members Visit the Dowling Library
AOH San Francisco Division 17 to Honor the Centenary of Fr. Peter Yorke’s Death
A painting of Fr. Yorke proudly hanging in the Patrick J Dowling Library at the United Irish Cultural Center. This year marks the centenary of the death of Fr. Peter Yorke, a beloved American Irish Catholic priest who served at St. Peter’s Church in San Francisco during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Throughout his life, Fr. Yorke was a staunch defender of the Catholic Church against bigotry, a vocal champion for labor rights, and an advocate for Irish Nationalism. Fr. Yorke's story is beautifully captured in the book Consecrated Thunderbolt: Father Yorke of San … [Read more...] about AOH San Francisco Division 17 to Honor the Centenary of Fr. Peter Yorke’s Death
Anti-Defimation Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
Like the crocuses, the stereotypes and tropes that defame our Irish heritage appear every March. Perhaps it’s a remark in the workplace from a friend, a late-night talk show host making jokes over their ignorance in being able to pronounce an Irish guest's name or see it splashed across some green-clad novelty t-shirt each March. “Lighten up,” they say. “Have a sense of humor.” But it's not just a joke. It never has been. Stereotypes about the Irish may wear a thin veneer of humor, but they carry the weight of centuries. They echo the disdain of colonial powers, the prejudice of … [Read more...] about Anti-Defimation Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
FFAI Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
Labour And British Legacy Cover-Up It is remarkable that the British Labour Party regime has so thoroughly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on legacy justice, by adopting the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery Commission left behind by Conservatives. Labour merely had to honor its “repeal and replace” pledge, to secure the good will of victims, six county political parties and the Irish government. Instead, Labour embraced the ICRIR, the centerpiece of the Conservative Legacy Act, and with it the blame for decisions like denying Sean Brown’s widow the … [Read more...] about FFAI Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
Jubilee – A Holy Year of Hope As my wife hesitantly took down our Christmas tree, my employees stripped our business walls of holiday decor, and our very own neighborhood Clark Griswold pulled the last strand of lights from his roof – it was official, the holidays were over. A new year has once again snuck up on us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re wondering how 2024 went by in the blink of an eye. As we embark on this new year, we get to reflect on the things we want for ourselves, our families, and our jobs in hopes that we always strive to make this year better than the last. … [Read more...] about National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
Greetings Brothers! I hope that everyone had a wonderful and blessed Christmas and New Year. We are quickly approaching the St. Patrick’s Day season, and I want to touch on three things just like St. Patrick did explaining the Trinity but probably not as eloquent – Charity, Growing the Order and Leadership. You should have received the annual Charity Appeal in the mail. This year we went back to the mailing return labels since we have been asked for several years about this. I encourage you to participate in this appeal as it is the only major source of revenue for Hibernian Charity. Your … [Read more...] about National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
Brothers, I want to wish all our Hibernians a happy and joyous New Year. In the last quarter, we accomplished our goal set by President Sean Pender and the National Board of meeting with all the State Presidents assigned to my area. The State President Zoom meeting and training that we had on November 25 was a tremendous success. A grateful thanks to National Chief of Staff Tim McSweeney and National Oversight Committee Chairman Denny Parks for running the training. Another State Presidents training Zoom call will be scheduled in January after I can determine the best date for all … [Read more...] about National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
We are rapidly approaching the “High Holy Days,” which are the days surrounding the St. Patrick’s Day season. As always, St. Patrick’s Day will be the time when we show our pride as descendants of those who trace their lineage back to the Island of Saints and Scholars. While our public participation in events associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations can help tremendously with recruitment to our noble Order, the opposite may result if our behavior is less than appropriate. Please remember that we descend from the Island of Saints and Scholars! I have been in contact with Brother James … [Read more...] about National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025