The Ancient Order of Hibernians

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

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National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

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Brothers, welcome to 2025. I hope you and your families had a very enjoyable Christmas season filled with our Catholic faith and friends. The next big event as of this writing is the Pro-Life March in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2025. I hope to be in attendance that day and hope to see a lot of you at the March. The Preamble of our National Constitution calls us to protect “all life born and unborn.” That is why it is important for those of us who can march on January 24 or any other day to do so. It is just as important for those of us who cannot march to pray for the … [Read more...] about National Directors Report: Jan/Feb/Mar 2025

AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 (Suffolk County, NY) Raises$3,800 for “BACK THE BLUE” BBQ Fundraiser

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Babylon, N.Y. – On Saturday, August 24th, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Patrick’s Division 2 hosted a “Back the Blue” fundraiser to raise funds for the Brotherhood forthe Fallen, Suffolk County Chapter. AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2, here in Babylon, NY held a fundraiser to help the “Brotherhood for the Fallen”, Suffolk County chapter. The event was held at the AOH / Irish Cultural Center at 27 Locust Avenue, Babylon, NY. AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 president, Jim McGrath said: “it’s our honor to assist in raising funds for such a worthy cause for the men and women in law … [Read more...] about AOH St. Patrick’s Division 2 (Suffolk County, NY) Raises$3,800 for “BACK THE BLUE” BBQ Fundraiser

National AOH March for Life Activities 2025

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The AOH National Board, led by Worthy President Sean Pender and Washington, DC State President Don Connolly, led the Hibernians in the following activities on Thursday, January 23rd, and Friday, January 24th. On Thursday evening at 6:00 PM, the National Hibernian delegation including President Sean Pender, Vice President Liam McNabb, Secretary Ray Lynch, and Treasurer Dan Diviney traveled to St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth, and Families in Hyattsville, MD, just outside of Washington DC. The delegation met with Sister Nancy Downing, CEO of St. Ann’s Center, and Sue Flaherty, Vice … [Read more...] about National AOH March for Life Activities 2025

Sean Brown and the Fight for Legacy Justice

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The widow of murdered GAA official Sean Brown, Bridie Brown holds a picture of her late husband with their daughters and son, from left, Clare Loughran, Siobhan Brown and Sean Brown, outside the Royal Courts of Justicein Belfast. Sean Brown The heartbreaking battle for justice by Sean Brown’s widow and children is a telling example of why Hibernians must continue to make legacy justice a priority. Sean Brown was not involved in politics. He was devoted to the Bellaghy Wolfe Tone’s Gaelic Athletic Association Club. That was enough to make him a target for a Loyalist murder squad on May … [Read more...] about Sean Brown and the Fight for Legacy Justice

The Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’: A Reflection for the Ancient Order of Hibernians

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The Jubilee Year theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ resonates profoundly with the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). As members of this storied organization, we are called to reflect on our shared history, values, and mission in the context of hope—a hope deeply rooted in faith, heritage, and service. The concept of a pilgrimage reflects a journey, both physical and spiritual. For the AOH, this journey is steeped in the traditions of our Irish Catholic ancestors, who endured trials with unwavering faith. Like them, we are tasked with carrying the torch of hope, grounded in the principles of … [Read more...] about The Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’: A Reflection for the Ancient Order of Hibernians

A Message From Fr. Colm Mitchell

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A chairde, Is mise an tAthair Colm Mitchell. Is Sagart Chicago mé. My name is Father Colm Mitchell I am a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and am honored to serve as the Deputy National Chaplain. I was ordained in 2022 and I currently serve as Associate Pastor at St Alexander Parish in Palos Heights, IL in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. I have been a Hibernian since 2015 when I joined Chicago Division 32 as a seminarian. I also serve as Illinois State Board Chaplain and State Freedom For All Ireland Chair. My Irish roots go back to my grandparents from Cavan and Derry on my … [Read more...] about A Message From Fr. Colm Mitchell

Ramsey County Division 4 Christmas Party Included Reading for Member and local Author

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The Archbishop John Ireland Division 4 Christmas celebration included a reading by Division4 member Mark Connor from his book, “It’s About Time (Millions of Copies Sold for Dad),”winner of Irish Network Minnesota’s 2024 Bloomsday Literary award. Described as a “sagawrapped around a package of poems guarded by angels,” the autobiography that reads like anovel, honors his deceased father, Division 4 member Robert J. Connor. It is available athttps://boxersandwritersmagazine.com/books/ and includes local Irish-American historyincluding stories from Division members. Mark Connor signing a copy … [Read more...] about Ramsey County Division 4 Christmas Party Included Reading for Member and local Author

Hartford Division 2 Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

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AOH Hartford collected toys for Saint Augustine’s in Hartford. Hartford Division 2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians held a successful Toy/Gift Card Drive on Saturday, December 14. Three carloads of toys were collected in addition to over $300 worth of gift cards. The collection took place at Christ the King Parish in Wethersfield and benefitted The Helping Hands 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 has been … [Read more...] about Hartford Division 2 Holds Christmas Toy/Gift Card Drive

Michael Collin Cumberland Co, PA Div #1 Makes Donation to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

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At the December meeting of the Michael Collins, Cumberland Co Div 1,  a donation of $1,000 was presented to a representative of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.  We were informed that our $1,000 would create a meal for 4,000 individuals in need in the local Harrisburg, PA area.    Cumberland Co PA Div 1 donates $1,000 to the Central PA Food Bank … [Read more...] about Michael Collin Cumberland Co, PA Div #1 Makes Donation to Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

AOH Members Gather to Honor First Irish Born U.S. Medal of Honor Recipient

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Members of the Michael Collins, Cumberland Co Div. 1, gathered with our Chaplain on Veterans Day to honor the gravesite of Michael J Madden. Madden was the first Irish born recipient of the US Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Civil War. Madden is buried in Harrisburg, PA. Cumberland County PA Division 1 honors first Irish born U.S. Medal of Honor recipient … [Read more...] about AOH Members Gather to Honor First Irish Born U.S. Medal of Honor Recipient

Irish America Needed Now For Unity Poll

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AOH National President Sean Pender and other National Board members in attendance An overflow crowd at the Bronx County Ancient Order of Hibernian Dinner, stood and cheered as speaker Andree Murphy recalled Irish America’s historic role in 1916, the Black and Tan War, and Good Friday Agreement, then pointed to a banner calling for the end of British rule in Ireland and exclaimed “I am here to tell you that day has come!”. She said Irish American support for Ireland’s Future, the non-party political organization campaigning for a vote on Irish reunification under the Good Friday Agreement, … [Read more...] about Irish America Needed Now For Unity Poll

HIBERNIANS BACK FINUCANE FAMILYDEMAND

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BRITISH ENQUIRY MUST BE CREDIBLE AND CAPABLE https://www.youtube.com/live/YyO5Cl4y_XQ?si=e02kLafTk-SrjcCO National President Sean Pender has issued the following statement on behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians:  finucane hearing -press releaseDownload Widow, children of Patrick Finucane share expectations for long-overdue public inquiry into British collusion in brutal murder of Northern Ireland human rights lawyer  WASHINGTON—At a congressional hearing (click to watch) chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today, the widow and three adult children … [Read more...] about HIBERNIANS BACK FINUCANE FAMILYDEMAND

2025 AOH History Tour of Ireland

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians will be hosting a 2025 AOH History Tour of Ireland led by AOH National Historian Dan Taylor. With space limited to one bus and 40 travelers President Sean Pender wanted to extend this offer to the general membership. If interested, please complete and return the application, contact President Pender with any questions. Spaces will be held only with paid deposit. Open to AOH members and their guests. This will no doubt be a very memorable trip. We will be recording presentations by our AOH historian at each historical site. Those recordings will be shared on our … [Read more...] about 2025 AOH History Tour of Ireland

City Approval For United Irish Cultural Center in SunsetDistrict, San Francisco – AOH San Francisco Division 17Headquarters

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Home to the AOH San Francisco Division 17 for more than 50 years, the denselypacked facility will create new community space, including a two-level Saint Patrick’sRoom banquet hall, offices, and a public gallery. San Francisco-based StudioBANAA is responsible for the design. The firm writes that the massing has “a solidmassing of blue Kilkenny limestone from Ireland houses the more intimate, member-focused programs. The rooftop is the crowning glory, with four quadrants representingthe four provinces of Ireland.” A design narrative shared by the studio shows how thearchitects carved … [Read more...] about City Approval For United Irish Cultural Center in SunsetDistrict, San Francisco – AOH San Francisco Division 17Headquarters

2024 FFAI Christmas Appeal

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A chairde, After 14 years of Tory misrule, Keir Starmer now heads the British government. Sadly, Labour ha already shown it makes little difference which English party administers the six counties. The Good Friday Agreement says that it is for the people of Ireland alone to exercise their right of national self- determination “without external impediment. British officials say a vote on Irish reunification “is not even on the horizon.” When it comes to giving justice to the Irish, a British horizon means generations away. Unionist leaders will not discuss a united Ireland, so long as … [Read more...] about 2024 FFAI Christmas Appeal

Charities and Missions Update

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The Hibernian Charity Appeal is our primary vehicle for individual members to contributeto our charity programs. These programs include– Saint Patrick Centre YoungAmbassador Program; Project Saint Patrick; Project Saint Patrick Ireland; HibernianHunger Projects; Hibernian Disaster Relief; and Study Abroad scholarships. Our projectsfulfill our core Hibernian values and enhance our legacy. We are very proud of ourimpact in many local communities and the investment in our culture through theseoutstanding initiatives. We thank our Brothers for their consistent contributions which make Charity … [Read more...] about Charities and Missions Update

Nashville AOH Event Celebrates Irish Heritage and Uncovers FamilyConnections

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Nashville, TN – [September 2024 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) hosted a remarkable event in September, celebrating Irish heritage in Nashville and attracting both AOH members and community members with an interest in local Irish history. The gathering at Calvary Catholic cemetery was led by Deacon Mike Wilkins and Division Historian; Conor Doolan. The event was not only well-attended but also filled with unexpected moments of connection and discovery. One of the most touching highlights occurred when Patrick Nolan, a non-member, was astonished to find a relative’s grave during the … [Read more...] about Nashville AOH Event Celebrates Irish Heritage and Uncovers FamilyConnections