The National Hibernian Digest - Sept-Oct 2012

—HIS EMINENCE, PATRICK CARDINAL O’DONNELL of Ireland

Vol. LXXIX No. 5 USPS 373340 September-October 2012 1.50

In This Issue…

Page 3

DATED

MATERIA

L

Quest for sainthood

7

Page 10

LAOH Pres. Report

State News

®

President’s Report

California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12New Hampshire . . . . . . . . . . . .14New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

LAOH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

More news atwww.hiberniandigest.com

Nassau celebrates its

40th annual feis

They Will Not

Be ForgottenThe AOH and LAOH funded the creation

of a granite memorial stone containing thenames of 21 girls killed in a tragic explosion atthe DC Arsenal in 1864. The names had beeneroded from the near-forgotten 148-year-oldconcrete memorial in CongressionalCemetery due to weather and acid rain. Most of the girls were young Irish immi-

grants. The monument was discovered lastNovember by the AOH National Historianwho arranged for the granite stone which,approved by both boards, will last forever. Aformal dedication will take place on the 150thanniversary of the tragedy, June 17, 2014. For the full story, refer to AOH.COM and

link to Historical Happenings for March 2012.—photo by Keith Carney

Revisiting Good Friday AgreementAOH to shine the light on Good Friday agreement 15 years laterFreedom for All Ireland Chairman Sean Pender and PEC Chairman Joe Roche will use 2013, the 15th anniversary of the Good

Friday Agreement, as a time to revisit the historic agreement that helped bring peace to the North of Ireland. They will coordinate meetings with other Irish-American groups and other stakeholders related to the agreement to take a critical

look at where we are 15 years later. It is their hope to present those findings to our members, our elected officials and the political lead-ers of all the parties that agreed to the GFA. Pender stated that “As Hibernians, we take great pride in the role that Irish Americans and the U.S. government played in helping

bring peace to the North. While the Good Friday Agreement is rightly credited with bringing peace to the North of Ireland, it is impor-tant to note that there is still much work to be done to bring justice to the North.”In addition to meetings and presentations, plans are underway to evaluate the feasibility of an AOH-sponsored trip to Ireland dur-

ing the Good Friday/Easter season of 2013. For more information regarding this project and trip, visit the AOH and Hibernian Digestwebsites as information will be posted there and sent to state presidents.

continued on page 6

Fiona Connolly almost took flight as she showed great form during one of themany Irish dancing competitions at the 40th annual Nassau County, NY, AOH feisand festival on the grounds of Hofstra University on Sunday, September 16. Morephotos on back page.

2

HIS EMINENCE, PATRICK CARDINAL O'DONNELL OF IRELAND

Subscription price of $8.00 included in the organization’s dues. Periodical postage paid at Ronkonkoma, NY11779-9998 USPS 373340A bi-monthly publication dedicated to Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. The National HibernianDigest is the complete chronicle of the ideals, hopes, and achievements of Hibernians everywhere. TheNational Hibernian Digest is printed and mailed out of Ronkonkoma, NY 11779-9998 and additional mail-ing offices in February, April, June, August, October and December. Office of publication is CloverGraphics Inc., 2050 Ocean Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779.The Hibernian Digest reserves the right to not include articles in this publication due to space limitationsand editorial determination. The Digest will make every effort to include articles in future publications ifpossible. The articles submitted to the Digest do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of theAncient Order of Hibernians in America, Inc., its Board of Directors, the Editor or its membership.The Hibernian Digest welcomes letters to the editor. Please send via e-mail to editor@hibernian digest.comand include your letter in the body of the e-mail. DO NOT send as an attachment. Letters can be mailed(typed only) to AOH Editor, National Hibernian Digest, c/o John O’Connell, 87-30 256th St., Floral Park.NY 11001. ALL LETTERS ARE SUBJECT TO EDITING. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Pleaseinclude contact phone numbers for follow up.

JOHN O’CONNELL . . . . . . . . . . . . .National Editor/Advertising. . . . . (646) 436-0811 [email protected] LEWIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] LYNCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Online Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

NATIONAL BOARD OFFICERS

Rev. John Ahern - NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]. Thomas M O’Donnell - PA . . . . . . . . Deputy Nat’l Chaplain . . . . . . . . . [email protected]. Peter Walsh, CSC - FL . . . . . . . . . . . . Deputy Nat’l Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Moore - NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] McKay - LA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Vice Pres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

2016 Commemoration ChairmanThomas D McNabb- NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] O’Connell - OH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Brady - RI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Director . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Catholic Action Chairman ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CTJere Cole - NJ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Catholic Action Chairman NJ, DE, MDDenny Donnelly - PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Director South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

National Organizer PA, OH [email protected] McLean - NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Hibernian Hunger Chairman NYC, Long IslandMichael McNabb - NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Charities & Missions Chair NY counties north of NYCJames Wahl - MO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Notre Dame Fund Chairman MO, IL, KS, IN, OKSeamus Boyle - PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Nat’l President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Coord. Online Communications and Como. Barry MemorialJohn Meehan - MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Nat’l President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] McGinley - PA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Nat’l Pres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Hibernian Charity [email protected] Wallace NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Nat’l President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Project St. Patrick ChairmanGeorge Clough - MO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Nat’l President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Nat’l Chair 2014 Convention, Finance Oversight CommitteeNicholas Murphy - NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Nat’l Pres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Finance Oversight committeeJoseph Roche - MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Past Nat’l Pres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Nat’l Political Edu. Chair, Finance Oversight CommitteeJohn O’Connell - NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] McCormack - NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Historian/Archivist . . . . . . . [email protected] Sturdy - MI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Legal Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Constitution ChairmanSean Pender - NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Freedom For All Ireland . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Dennehy - NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Immigration Chairman . . . . . . . . [email protected] Kelly - VA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Veterans Affairs Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] McDonald - NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Webmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Cosgrove - NY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nat’l Anti Defamation Chairman . . . . . . [email protected]

Nat’l Irish American Heritage Month ChairmanWilliam Sullivan - MA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irish Way Program Chairman . . . . . . . [email protected]

Study Abroad Program Chairman, Special ProjectsNational Board LiaisonsWith the the National Board's approval, the National President has requested that certain Brothers serve as"National Board Liaisons" to represent the Board as National Directors normally would in providing outreach tounder-represented areas, as well as divisions where no state boards currently exist.Pat Sturdy…North-Central: Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, WisconsinJJ Kelly…South: District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, KentuckyJoe Casler…South/South-Central: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, LouisianaPat Cahill…West: California, Colorado, Oregon, Montana

OWNERSHIP STATEMENTStatement of Ownership, Management and Circulation: (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685). Title of Publication; TheNational Hibernian Digest. Date of filing: June 1, 2002. Published bi-monthly. Office of Publication: CloverGraphics, Inc. 2050 Ocean Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779.Business Office is at National Secretary, Ancient Order of Hibernians in America. Inc., 31 Logan Street, Auburn,NY 13021. Publisher: Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, Inc. same address. Editor: John O’Connell, 87-30256th Street, Floral Park, NY 11001. Managing Editor: Same. Owner: Ancient Order of Hibernians, c/o ThomasD. McNabb, National Secretary, 31 Logan St., Auburn, N.Y. 13021.No bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amountof bonds, mortgagees, and other securities. The purpose, function, and non-profit status of this organization andthe exempt status for Federal income tax purposes (1) Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 months.Average circulation figures for preceeding twelve months - A. Total printed: 35,500 B.1. Dealer and counter sales:none. B. 2. Mail Subscriptions: 34,763. C. Total paid circulation: 35,000. D. Free distribution by mail: 125. E. Freedistribution outside mail: none. F. Total free distribution: 125. G. Total distribution: 34,888. H,1. Office use: 50.H, 2. No unsold newsagent copies. I. Total: 35,500Circulation figures for issue printed nearest filing date - A. Total printed: 34,763. B, 1. Dealer and counter sales:none. B, 2. Mail subscriptions: 34,763. C. Total paid circulation: 34,763. D. Free distribution by mail: 125. E. Freedistribution outside mail: none. F. Total free distribution: 125. G. Total distribution: 34,763. H, 1. Office use: 50.H, 2. No unsold newsagent copies. I. Total: 34,763.

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2012

®

!"#$% R&'"%%&'()"#! "* CP&+,& I+)!, R&-./%)'$# S T T,& I+)!, R&-./%)'$# S

esyhael Hay Micb"& G+$,$0$)# J$-(!"#$% R&'"%%&'()"#! "* C

.11%& )# L)0&+)'2: (+,& I+)!, R&-./%)'$# S

"& G+$,$0.11%& )# L)0&+)'2:

nacilbupef Rt onempoleveedd ioiret pneloiy vlralucitrap

t oine uvitct al yelamf a soy bn ettirws a, riomems i!

in Lis reetnuloh V Vosird Inam sinnatropmn i. Ayrotsih hsirn Id imin Ls ireetnulon V Voacilbupef Rt o

s evile hts llacer, ”redisni“n ay

d nay tik cciremie hn te irugt "n

g a niruk dcirems elggurtsd naf o

. yy. rotsih hsirInicsas a f fak ioos bi. !slaedid wne aatth ssirt Inecsae nhf toetnt isilanoiatf Nn ooiatrenegon nam cahare Go, Jyy, tnuocnacilbupef Rt onempoleveed

r ae o.ignitirwlanigiro.wwr wooob-d eool glt an ae olbaliavAAv

y tlrlalucitraf a pt onuoccg aniatnpme irer wd oei, dthguoo f fohd wen"eo dhs wrethgd "ns alautcelle

g "nidaes a le acals pie hkaw toin Lis reetnuloh V Vosird Inam sin

.uor yaep nohskoot a br amoc.nozama.ww: wenilns orellek so

n a irt enelubruy tr iehr tod f foenosirpe cnegreme ehd tet sre "hn te irugg "d nay tik cciremi

m

Have we heard from you yet?

You recently received a set of AOH return address labels for your use. This is an effort on thepart of the AOH National Board to express our appreciation for your past and anticipated support. We urge you to join us in meeting the needs of the many vital charities we have assisted over the years. Your personal donation is essential to our mission.

• IF YOU HAVEN’T SENT A DONATION YET, please forward a check PAYABLE TO: AOH National Board.

• Please send TEAR-OFF form that accompanied your labels to:Ancient Order of HiberniansP.O. Box 791580New Orleans, LA 70179

• If you have already sent a donation, THANK YOU for your continued and generous support.

Please display your pride as an AOH member and at the same time promote the AOH byusing your labels on your personal correspondence.

Fraternally,James McKay, National Vice President

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2012 3

President’s Messageby Brendan Moore

“On Moving Forward”That ever-popular song “Summer time and the living is easy” could hardly be applied

to this National Board. Home from the 2012 National Convention on Friday, July 13, thisBoard held its first conference call on Monday, July 16, followed by additional conferencecalls on July 23, August 6, August 27 and October 2. These opportunities for conversationand planning have been tremendously successful in putting procedures in place. Officershave provided their own goals in terms of their responsibilities as National Board mem-bers, and they have received back comments, questions and suggestions for achievingthose goals. At our first meeting, the very first order of business was a unanimous vote tosupport the appointment of National Board Liaisons to provide a two-way means of com-munication for under-represented areas within the AOH.

Subsequent conference calls provided time for the Board to examine and discuss thedetails of the latest report of the Finance Oversight Committee composed of Past NationalPresidents George Clough, Nick Murphy, and Joe Roche. John Wilson, State President ofMissouri, was introduced as a stand-in for National Director Jim Wahl, who expects toreturn soon to the National Board following his successful health treatment. In addition,expansion of the AOH’s online capabilities was explained by Joe McDonald, NationalWebmaster, and PNP Seamus Boyle, who has offered to serve as Coordinator of OnlineCommunications. In this regard, The Timberlake Program not only offers many potentialbenefits for us in terms of membership management, but will also enable committee chair-men to be in rapid contact with their counterparts at the state, county and division levels.

On one of our calls, Mike McCormack, our National Historian/Archivist, led us intoan unscripted focus on the current status of the Hibernian archives. If it can be said thatan organization without a history is like a man without a memory, then this is a challengethat we may need to pursue in terms of weeding, indexing and online availability. Assome of you may be aware, there is a fairly consistent stream of requests received fromthose involved in family and academic research. While we have materials that may beuseful for both, accessibility is the major issue and, again, this may also have implicationsin terms of materials being held at your own state, county and division levels.

Although the successful Barry Run from New York City to the U.S. Naval Academy atAnnapolis, Maryland, was completed on schedule, it is not merely another fundraisingmemory in support of the AOH’s effort to erect the Commodore John Barry Memorial.That run was, in fact, a colossal physical and mental challenge for Tom McGrath, whosecommitment and personal generosity can never be overstated. It was also a massive pro-ject that tapped the organizational skills of many Hibernian Brothers who clearly demon-strated that collaboration and planning are a winning combination for the AOH.

On the horizon is an anticipated opportunity for a conference call with State Presidentssome time in October. Also, meetings at every level are already being held now that theclock is ticking in our next convention city, St. Louis. Of major significance, further intothis edition of the Digest, National Legal Counsel/Constitution Chairman Patrick Sturdywill be detailing the purpose, scope and timeline for an ambitious project to conduct aConstitutional Review in preparation for the 2014 Constitutional Convention.

These have been very productive months for your National Board. I am happy toreport to you that there is a fine spirit of cohesion, openness and confidence. You wouldnot and should not expect or accept anything less than that.

ADVENTURES OFMAEWYN SUCCATAdventures of the

boy who grew up to

become St. Patrick,

the patron Saint of

Ireland. (16 pages)

BRIAN BORUAN IRISH HERO

The life and times of

Ireland’s great High

King who fought the

Vikings & broke their

power. (24 pages)

SAINT BRENDANTHE NAVIGATORThe true story of the

Irish saint who visited

Amer i c a be fo r e

Columbus and the

Vikings. (12 pages)

Only $7.00 each, three for $20.00

Please add $2. for postage and mail to:

Mike McCormack37 Harrison Ave

Centereach, NY 11720GREAT AS STOCKING STUFFERS

Orders received by Dec 10 will be sent for Christmas

BOOKS FOR YOUNG HISTORIANS(AGE 6 TO 16 AND BEYOND)

Develop an interest in Irish History in young readers

or in people where no interest existed before with

these exciting illustrated stories of true Irish heroes

Greetings to all my Brothers of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, especially to allmy Brother Priests.

It was with a grateful heart that I accepted once more the honor of NationalChaplain. Our National President, Brendan Moore, really made me feel humblewhen he appointed me. The role of Chaplain is not just a name or title but rather acalling to serve and to challenge the membership in living out the motto of“Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.”

One of the most priceless gifts that God, our Father, gave us was the pearl of greatprice, our Faith. We live in a nation where that pearl seems to be buried. It is up tous as a Christian organization to uncover that pearl, shine it up and let it be seen byall. Faith is fundamental to our organization. Why? Because it is basically a “friend-ship” between God and us, a felt relationship that grows through the membership’spractice of our faith.

As an Irish Catholic organization our faith should be in our activities rather thanjust in our heads. We must step out and act on that. Our Irish grandmothers basedtheir faith in God on a favorite saying of theirs, “God is good – and He has a goodmother.” Faith is our response to goodness, just like a child’s response to loving andcaring parents. As an organization, our faith must lead to action. Faith that doesn’tshow itself by good works is no faith at all; it is dead and useless according to theLetter of St. James, chapter 2, verses 14-17.

Finally Brothers, in the words of our National President Moore, “Let us continueforward together preserving the rich gift of our cultural legacy, proud of what webelieve in, and united as Hibernians!”

Chaplain’s Reportby Rev. John V. Ahern

Vice President’s ReportbyJim McKay

Finally, the heat of the summer is turning and we have the first hints of fall in theair. I am slowly starting to change gears from National Treasurer to National VicePresident. I am looking forward to working diligently with our new ExecutiveBoard over the next two years.

Our new National President, Brendan Moore, has hit the ground running in hisnew office. Since Turning Stone we have had three National Board conference callsand one scheduled next week.

My new duties as Vice President besides the other assignments given by ourNational President include our Annual Label Program. As you may know, theLabel Program serves as much needed cash flow for our National Order and helpspay for many of our National projects. The labels have traditionally been wel-comed by our membership and serve as good advertisement for our order when themail goes out. I hope all our Brothers are as generous this year as they have beenin the past. By the time you read this you will have received your label packet andwe hope you will be as generous as your pocket will allow.

The success of the Barry Gate project was a testament to the dedication and gen-erosity of the membership of our Order. We exceeded our monetary goal and nowhave a “brick and mortar” reminder so that future generations of Hibernians willknow that we don’t forget our own.

I’m sure we will be facing other projects of this sort, possibly even in Ireland, aswe near the 100th Commemoration of the Easter Rising and Irish Independence. Iknow we will successfully embrace these future challenges just as we did with theCommodore John Barry Memorial. God Bless

Articles for the Nov-December Digest

are due no later thanOctober 26

4 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2012

Deputy Chaplain’s Reportby Father Tom O’Donnell

October is the Month of the RosaryThe month of October has been traditionally dedicated to the Rosary of Our

Blessed Mother. On Oct. 7 we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, has stated: “It could be said that each

mystery of the Rosary, carefully meditated, sheds light on the mystery of man. Topray the Rosary is to hand over our burden to the merciful hearts of Christ and hisMother. The Rosary does indeed mark the rhythm of human life, bringing into har-mony with the rhythm of God’s own life, in the joyful communion of the HolyTrinity, our life’s destiny and deepest longing.”

The life of Mary, according to the Scriptures, is as humanly true as it can possi-bly be, but in this human quality it is filled with a mystery of divine communionand love, the depth of which is incomprehensible. The Rosary points in this direc-tion.

Oct. 1, 2012, will be the 41st anniversary of the Rosary being on the radio everynight in the Western Pennsylvania area. It has been my privilege to lead and be thevoice of the Rosary for those 41 years. The Rosary is still broadcast every night at 7p.m. on WHKB, 620 on the AM dial. Over those 41 years, the Rosary on the radiohas survived many different circumstances, such as several changes in stations aswell as increased prices for airtime. If you are in Western Pennsylvania or just trav-elling through at around 7 p.m., join me and let us pray the Rosary together.

As Catholics we were brought up to say the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious mys-teries of the Rosary. However, a few years ago, Pope John Paul II approved the useof a new mystery of the Rosary, the Luminous Mysteries or Mysteries of the Light.It has been suggested that we recite the Mysteries of the Light on Thursdayevenings. The Vocation Directors of the Diocese of Pittsburgh have suggested thaton Thursdays we pray the Mysteries of the Light for the intention of the fosteringof religious vocations.

Since the AOH is so instrumental in helping religious and seminarians financial-ly with Project St. Patrick, the members can help the religious and seminarians spir-itually by offering their Rosary on Thursday for vocations.

May Christ, the Divine Priest, and Mary his Mother continue to send more labor-ers for His harvest and help Priests and Religious persevere in their vocations.

Treasurer’s Reportby Dan O’Connell

It has been a busy few months as I begin my term as treasurer. Just as at everylevel of the Order, success of the treasurer is dependent on working closely with thesecretary. Brother Tom McNabb has provided invaluable advice and education to meover the phone on a regular basis, which has made the transition of office a success.In addition to Brother McNabb, Brother McKay is on my speed dial and has madehimself available at all times to address my questions. The guidance of these two andassistance from local members such as Ron Hagan, Ohio State Secretary, and JimGreen, Alleghany County PA, has made my task a calmer one.

I have received several questions recently about payment of dues that has led tothe following clarification. Dues are collected by the divisions throughout the yearand then per capita are paid to the national and state the following year (no later thanFebruary 15). In accounting, an encumbrance is an amount of money that is requiredto spend on a stated thing in the future. As division treasurer, you should restrict thefunds for national and state per capita (encumbered) and keep them in an account inorder to pay your per capita at the beginning of the next calendar year. This practiceis no different than raising money for a specific charity or designated purchase. Allproceeds are restricted to allow the donation or purchase to be made once all thefunds are collected.

The second accounting practice that has come to my attention is the need forevery check to include the name of the division, address and telephone number oneach and every check sent to the AOH National. It may be hard to believe, but thereis more than one Daniel O’Connell in the AOH. If I send a check to the AOH Nationalwith only my name, no division information or address, it will be impossible forBrother McNabb to know what division it represents. If you are using a personalcheck for division per capita (or anything else) please write neatly the name, addressand telephone number of your division on the check.

In addition to the duties as treasurer I have represented the AOH during a UnitedIreland Forum recently held in Cleveland, Ohio. The crowd was well represented bythe AOH and LAOH, including four Ohio State Board officers, Mike Coleman, FFAIChair; Ed Brannan, Catholic Action Chair; John Myers, Immigration Chair; and JCSullivan, press and publicity. This was a great opportunity to showcase the goals ofthe Order for “complete and absolute independence” in Ireland, as well as to learnthe opinions of others.

Human Life and DignityThe issues surrounding the sanctity of

human life are many and are complex.Very often, they are also very controver-sial. They will not be resolved in one arti-cle or in one conversation. But what canbe done in an article or a conversation isto begin the process of building a frame-work within which to think about thesanctity of human life. How, as thechurch, as the fellowship of believers inJesus Christ, can we begin to place theissue of human life within a frameworkof the Kingdom of God?

First, we need to remember that allhuman beings are made in the image ofGod. In the first story of the Bible, the cre-ation story, we are reminded that whenGod created the earth and filled it, He

made all humans in His own image. Inconcurrence, The United StatesConference of Catholic Bishops statesthat, “As a gift from God, every humanlife is sacred from conception to naturaldeath. The life and dignity of every per-son must be respected and protected atevery stage and in every condition.” Allof life is sacred to God – no matter howyoung or how old. It must be sacred to usas well. (See http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dig-nity/).

The United States Conference ofCatholic Bishops goes on to state, “Forthe Church, there is no distinctionbetween defending human life and pro-moting the dignity of the human per-son.” The Conference’s goal is to affirm

the intrinsic value of human life and thedignity of every human being in a waythat transforms the culture. So not only isthis solely a matter of the value of humanlife, it also encompasses the issue of pro-moting the dignity of all human beings.

Many times, the issue that arises dur-ing a talk about human life is the issue ofabortion. In our culture, how do wedefend human life and promote the dig-nity of all human beings when weapproach the topic of abortion? Yes, weneed to defend human life in all its forms,including those that are unborn. But wealso need to promote dignity of all peo-ple. That means treating with dignitythose who have made the difficult deci-sion at some point in life to have an abor-tion or are currently navigating throughthe options that face them. As the body ofChrist, it is our responsibility and callingto come alongside all human beings in allstages of life. Perhaps by buildingauthentic relationships, we will be able totruly defend the dignity of all people andbegin to transform our society into the

Kingdom of God. Jesus came so that wewould have life – and have it to the full.As we ponder the sanctity of life, may wepray about how we can best help otherschoose that abundant life that Jesus cameto bring us?

At the Turning Stone, Verona, NewYork National Convention, the CatholicAction and Pro Life committee presenteda resolution to the 2012 Convention body.This resolution will support a strongfinancial commitment to the Pro Life andLife House Ireland with a donation at theearliest possible time and the establish-ment of a fundraising program to sup-port the AOH Pro Life goals. The newNational Board at the last conference callmade a donation to Life House Ireland of$2,500.

In closing my report to all my broth-ers, I would like to inform you that therewill be a change in the Hibernian Pro LifeBreakfast and March in Washington, DC.The new date will be Friday, January 25,2013. More information will be madeavailable.

Director’s Reportby Jere Cole

Pro Life Chairman

As many of you know by now ourWorthy National President has assignedme to the Hibernian Hunger Chair. This isa daunting task for a number of reasons.First and foremost as a people, historically,we have a distinct view of what it’s like tohave multitudes of our people die fromhunger. During the mid-1840s the peopleof Ireland were subjected to what someeven call a genocide. The Great Hunger hasleft an indelible mark, even perhaps genet-ically, on our souls and it cries out for theIrish diaspora to respond to those in direneed of food and nourishment.

Therefore, it is imperative that we con-tinue to educate our membership on thehistory of the Great Hunger. It was not afamine. Hundreds of thousands of poundsof food were exported from Ireland whileour ancestors were left to starve on green

hills. Each of our jurisdictions needs to con-tinue to educate our membership, on anongoing basis, to the facts of the GreatHunger. Please encourage your Historiansto include a snippet of the Hunger curricu-lum in each of their lessons, whatever thetopic, as they educate our members.

Next, owing to this bond that we havewith those who are hungry in our commu-nities, each of us need to work together todevelop a local program that will in someway serve the needs of the hungry in ourlocal communities. Many localities havesignificant programs in place that feed thehungry each and every day of the year.And funding is very important to keepthose programs running; as such many ofour jurisdictions choose to make monetarydonations to these programs. I wouldencourage those that do support these pro-

grams in such a way to continue to do so. Iwould also ask all of our jurisdictions toconsider a way that they can take part inthe actual work, the process of servingthese programs. Whether that would beproviding the man power to collect food tosupply food pantries in our parishes, orphysically preparing and or serving food tothe hungry. Sort of a “sweat equity” type ofparticipation in these feeding ministries.

As I have become aware, many of ourlocalities have activities in place that allowthem to support these feeding programs. Iwould ask all of those jurisdictions that dohave some sort of activity in place thatdirectly provides for the hungry to makeme aware of them. Please e-mail me with asmuch information that you can regardingthe details of how you came to developwhat you do and how you keep the mem-bers interested in continuing to support theprogram.

It is my intent to share as much of thiswith our members in this article and in thespace provided to my committee on theelectronic/on-line Hibernian Digest. Inshowcasing your particular Division or

County Board’s activity it will encourageand educate other jurisdictions towardeither starting a program or advancing anyprogram that may already be in place.Please do not be concerned about howbasic or simple your program is, if it iseffective it can be helpful to our Brothers inthe work that they will be doing in thename of feeding the hungry.

Director’s WorkAs a Director, I am happy to report that

my area of responsibility is back from thesummer with a multitude of culturalevents. The Nassau County Board hasrecently held a very successful and largelyattended Feis on the grounds of HofstraUniversity. In Richmond County Division 1held a local Irish Music Fair that directlysupported the Society of St. Paul. And inKings County the tradition begun by thewell-known Hibernian Al O’Hagan wascontinued in the form of the BrooklynGreat Irish Fair in Coney Island. The mem-bers of Kings County participated in thefair with a recruiting tent and an Irish his-tory booth that was enjoyed by fair goers.


Director’s Reportby Charles “Chip” McLean

Hibernian Hunger Chairman

The power of prayer can be verystrong. I am sure many of our Brothershave witnessed the results of askingGod, Mary, Saint Joseph and the Saintsto intercede on your request. Dailyprayer, not just during Sunday Mass,can be comforting and lift the burden ofthose in need. In a conversation withFreedom For All Ireland and NewJersey State Board President SeanPender, I was reminded of the goodworks of Father Solanus Casey.

He was a humble man of Irish immi-grants who settled in Wisconsin in thelate 19th century. He life story is fasci-nating and his power to comfort hisparishioners and heal the sick is oneyou should all review. The AncientOrder of Hibernians at the NationalConvention of 1986 in Buffalo, NY,passed a resolution in support of hisCanonization. There are severalinstances of his intercession with theHoly Spirit that seem miraculous.

Most recently, our brothers in NewJersey, Father Solanus Casey Division32 Maywood, Bergen County have wit-nessed the power of prayer and haverenewed the effort to canonize this veryspecial man of God. The power ofprayer should not be overlooked in ourdaily lives. Please take the time to readof the good work of Father Casey.

As we begin the fall season you willfind the State Board meetings are aboutto take place. These meetings are anopportunity to review the upcomingcalendars, make new acquaintances,expand our memberships and experi-ence all the good things of our Order. Iintend to visit Massachusetts the week-end of September 23rd and then on toConnecticut on the 6th of October. NewHampshire has the possibility of aCommunion Breakfast in October and Ihave encouraged my brothers inManchester to get the word out. Inearly November I’ll have to get upearly and travel the ! mile to my homedivision in Newport for our meeting.Many of you have visited NewportDivision 1 and I extend to all an openinvitation to visit the City by the Sea.

There is much work to be done butwith the leadership of our WorthyPresident Brendan Moore and the ded-ication of our National Board and all ofyou, I can foresee a positive New Yearfull of success. It will be a pleasure tosee our membership soar and our goalsmet as we realize our motto ofFriendship, Unity, and ChristianCharity. Please call upon me shouldyou need my assistance.

Director’s Reportby Joe Brady

Catholic Action ChairmanLiaison to the New England States

A Constitutional Amendment passed unanimously at the Convention requiring thatEVERY Division, County and State President needs to appoint an Immigration Chair thatwill liaise with the National Immigration Chairman and be a member of the NationalImmigration Committee. Presidents, please make your Immigration Chairs known to meand add them to the new Form 9, which includes the Immigration Chair from the NationalSecretary. The purpose of the Immigration Chair as directed by our Preamble’ s item 7 “Toencourage an equitable U.S. immigration law for Ireland, and to cooperate with groups fora fair American Immigration Policy.”

We must have a unified voice on immigration and reform with regards specifically toour Irish immigrants. We can accomplish this is by working together on our sharedHibernian goals on immigration. To that end, National President Brendan Moore hasasked me to outline the goals of this committee.

1) Grow the network of Hibernian Immigration chairs across the Order and improvecommunication and understanding of immigration issues. Improve immigration infor-mation on AOH Websites to include info on rules on work and travel to Ireland, DualCitizenship, retirement to Ireland, Social Security issues, etc.

2) Seek passage of Irish E3 Visa or similar legislation that ensures permanent or renew-able visas for Irish Immigrants. Work with other groups on the Irish E3 for future immi-grants and while never forgetting our work to adjust the status of the many Irish undoc-umented.

3) Continue to strengthen / build AOH relations with LAOH, Coalition of IrishImmigration Centers, Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, Chicago Celts for ImmigrationReform, and others on the issues surrounding immigration that are important to the AOH.

4) Continue our work with Thar Saile to assure a rightful and permanent place in USfor Ireland and former Republican volunteers who fought for Peace, Justice and Freedom.Additionally, many former Republican volunteers are often prevented travel to the US.Those restrictions should not exist. We seek resolution of these issues by working withThar Saile, Malachy Mcallister and others so that these Irish American families can live inthe peace and freedom they so desire.

None of these goals is possible without the cooperation of our membership. Becomeyour Divisions’ immigration chair today and let me know asap so we can begin our worktogether. I can update you on our lobbying efforts on the Irish E3 and how you can helpin your home state. Visit www.tharsaile.org to learn more. Go to the Coalition of IrishImmigration Centers website www.ciic-usa.org and reach out to your local IrishImmigration Center by introducing yourself as a “Hibernian who wants to help.”

These centers have secured the future of many Irish immigrants by providing accurateand timely consultation. The centers are resources for all your questions on immigrationissues, but they need Hibernian support to further their work. A quick look at individu-al Centers websites shows some important dates and milestones:

1) Congratulation to Sr. Lena Deevy of Massachusetts’ Irish International ImmigrantCenter as one of, only ten global, recipients of President Michael D. Higgins and IrishForeign Affairs Departments’ 1st Annual Presidential Distinguished Service Award for theIrish Abroad in the category of Irish Community Support.

2) Aisling Irish Community Center Dinner Dance - October 6 Lake Isle CC inEastchester, NY - Contact (914)237-5121 www.aislingcenter.org

3) Emerald Isle Immigration Center Dinner Dance - October 26th at the Astoria WorldManor, Queens NY - Contact (718) 478-5502 www.eiic.org

IRISH HARP PINGoldtone 2’’

$15.00 postpaid(MD residents add

6% sales tax)

BLACKTHORNWALKING STICK GOLF PUTTER

$85.00 postpaid(MD residents add 6% sales tax)

BLACKTHORN WALKING STICK$55.00 postpaid

(MD residents add 6% sales tax)

A portion of the sales price will be donated toThe Commodore John Barry Project.

TRI STATE DISTRIBUTORSP.O. Box 16313

Baltimore, MD 21210410-370-1594

Delivery in one week. Quantity inquiries accepted.


2012 Christmas Appeal: “Don’t curse the darkness, shed the light”At the Freedom for All Ireland breakout session at the 2012 National

Convention, a packed room listened as Belfast human rights lawyer Niall Murphyand Mark Thompson, the director of Relatives for Justice, spoke about cases wherefamilies in the North continue to seek justice from the fraudulent British justice sys-tem. During the week of the convention we learned that in Belfast, Irish republicanMartin Coury was released from his illegal imprisonment only to be inexplicablyreturned without reason to the same prison that he had just left. A letter was readat the convention from Gerry McGeough, another Irish republican and TyroneAOH member, thanking the AOH for their support of his cause and the support ofhis family while he has been interned without just cause.

The convention passed a resolution in support for the release of Marian Price,who continues to be held on so-called “secret” charges despite serious health con-cerns. There was a feeling of frustration palpable in the room when Matt Morrisonaddressed the crowd and reminded all that our job was to not curse the darknessbut to shed the light. Matt’s remarks reminded us that the struggle for peace, jus-tice and unity in the North of Ireland has been a prolonged process that has hadmany ask if the people of the North will ever get the justice they deserve. It hasbeen a struggle that has not been one for the weak or for those that lack resolve. Itis a struggle that we must remember in moments of frustration where we havemade progress and one where so many good people continue to work for progress.

Christmas AppealIt is in that vein that we kick off the 2012 Annual Christmas Appeal. The appeal

continues to shed light on the darkness that has been Britain’s engagement on theisland of Ireland. We will not just curse that engagement but we will shed the lighton the progress we have made, the people that continue to work for justice, and thework that still needs to be done.

The 2011 Christmas appeal was our most successful ever, but so much morework needs to be done. We need to continue to support efforts for truth and justicein the North.

That is why once again this year FFAI Chairman Sean Pender is asking you foryour contributions to the 2012 Christmas Appeal, to help us shed the light.

Packets have been sent to all division’s presidents and will be available on lineat the FFAI link of www.aoh.com

REVISITING GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENTcontinued from page 1

There has been a great response already in our efforts to increase our AOH mem-bership. Since our Convention in July, 67 email applications have been processedand sent to the appropriate State Presidents. Twenty-four states are represented.

I met with Danny O’Connell, our past Organizer, and received all his files onrecruiting. There is a lot of information and great ideas to review.

A National Organizers Committee was formed. It is comprised of the Brotherswho attended the Organizing breakout session at the National Convention. Anyoneelse wanting to help is welcome. We are specifically looking for members with com-puter expertise to help produce and personalize electronic brochures. If you are will-ing to help, please contact me.

By the time this issue of the Digest is in print, we will have our “At-Large” appli-cations updated and ready. These are to be used by those applicants who are morethan 50 miles from an existing Division.

Business Cards are an important tool for promoting our organization. EveryDivision can have personalized cards at a minimal cost to their Division. I can emailthe information to you upon request.

Please send me photos and information on your recruiting efforts. You may bethe next Division featured in my article.

Contact me at [email protected]

Director’s Reportby Denny Donnelly

National Organizer

THE NOTICE OF CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW AND REQUESTS FOR COMMENT

In accordance with Article 10, Section 22 of the AOH National Constitution, the fol-lowing individuals have been appointed to the Constitutional Committee: DickThompson (Massachusetts), Chuck Curran (Virginia), Joe Cassler (Louisiana), DanDevinney (Pennsylvania), Paul Gowdy (Michigan) and George Clough (Missouri).Having received the approval of the National Board, and under the direction of theConstitutional Committee Chair, the Constitutional Committee announces that it willbe conducting a detailed review of the National Constitution. The purpose of theConstitutional Review will be to develop a report and recommendation to the NationalBoard and membership which proposes changes to bring the National Constitutioncurrent with the customs and practice of the Order, and existing law. The purpose of theConstitutional Review shall also include addressing all issues raised by theMembership at the National Convention in Turning Stone, New York. The scope of theConstitutional Review shall include the following:

• Identify redundancies, conflicts and confusing portions of the Constitution whichcan be updated and/or eliminated;

• Identify provisions of the Constitution which need to be modified, amendedand/or updated to bring the Constitution current with existing changes in the law;

• Identify practices and procedures of the Order which have been adopted throughcustom and practice, and propose language which codifies those practices and proce-dures into the Order’s guiding documents.

• Propose changes to the Constitution which eliminate any potential liability whichmay inadvertently arise from the actions of the membership;

• Examine the possibility of adopting by-laws to guide the National Board’s actions,and develop a proposed set of by-laws.

• Examine each of the resolutions proposed at the National Convention focusing onthe issues addressed by each resolution, and develop proposed language to modifyand/or change the National Constitution.

• Review the report of the Regionalization Committee, and continue their goodwork, by determining which States would be included within which region, andaddressing any other concerns necessary to ensure representation of the membership.

PROCEDURES FOR SUBMISSION OF COMMENTS OR PROPOSALSThe Constitutional Committee invites the membership to comment and make pro-

posals regarding the Constitutional Review. The procedure for submitting commentsregarding the National Constitution shall be as follows:

• All comments or proposals must be submitted in writing. No electronic versionswill be accepted.

• All comments or proposals must be received no later the December 31, 2012. • Written comments or proposals must be mailed to the Constitutional Committee

Chair: Patrick R. Sturdy, 39797 Village Woode Lane, Novi, Michigan 48375.Members submitting comments or proposals are encouraged to include contact

information in the event the Constitutional Committee has questions regarding thecomment or proposal.

No exceptions will be made to these procedures. A copy of the current National Constitution may be downloaded from Archives

Page on the National website: www.aoh.com.

Legal Reportby Pat Sturdy

Legal Counsel/Constitution Chairman

From time to time I have written about different organizations whose mission isto help our veterans, wounded warriors and others. These have included AbleForces, Wounded Warriors Project, Walk for the Wounded, Operation FirstResponse and others.

And now comes another one – IRISHWATERDOGS! Wow! What a name!According to the founder of this Florida based non-profit organization, DublinerDave McDaid, the name comes from a time lost in lore and legend. When underattack from armies on the sea, the high chieftains of the Celtic clans put together agroup of their bravest and most fearless warriors to confront the raging seas and theaggressors that rode upon them. Legend has it that for 300 years they fought ever-greater armies on seas controlled by sorcerers and never let a single savage set footon Irish soil! They became known as “Cu Na Mara” – The Irish Water Dogs!

Today’s version is not so fearsome. Check out their website at www.irishwater-dogs.com. Of particular interest is their IWDWarriors program. On the first Sundayof each month they take groups of injured veterans kayaking and kayak fishing.Their website attests to the wonderful benefits of such programs that help not onlythe injuries these heroes have sustained, but also aid in the recovery of those suf-fering from PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – through the healing power ofwater. There is a link on their home page to make a donation, and also to link totheir Facebook page to see more of what they are doing and have done. What canwe do? We can spread the word about this great program, help form newIrishwaterdog chapters, get corporate sponsors, and contribute through their web-site.

In my recent phone conversation with Dave McDaid, he related their efforts inFlorida to get veterans exempt from fees for fishing, hunting and outdoor activities.On their monthly kayaking events with veterans, they may have upwards of 40 to50 veterans plus volunteers. Many of these vets and wounded warriors will thenhave to pay for their fishing licenses at about $18 for a day of fishing in Florida. Irecommend we all check our local requirements and see if we can get all veteransin all states exempt from such fees.

Finally, please remember to thank a vet or an active duty Soldier, Marine, Sailor,Airman or Coast Guardsman. They are a constant reminder that our cherished free-dom is not free.

Veterans Affairsby JJ KellyChairman


We will not be ignoredWhen you read this article you will likely be thinking of where you will be having

Thanksgiving dinner and perhaps vowing (if you are like me) that this year you will notwait ’till the last minute to start Christmas shopping. St. Patrick’s day, both the good ofexpressing pride in our heritage and the bad of the invariable tasteless exploitation of neg-ative Irish stereotypes for profit, may seem far away but it will be here before we know it.The time to start thinking about our response to the deluge of bigoted, caricaturing “St.Patty’s day” [sic] items is now. Now is the time to prepare for the annual assault on ourculture that sadly occurs at the time of our greatest pride.

Firms like recidivists Urban Outfitters and Spencer’s count on assaulting our heritageby surprise: they put their offensive junk in their stores at the start of March and by thetime we organize to take action in response, St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone and theylaugh all the way to the bank. Some firms like Urban Outfitters actually appear to use thefree publicity of outrage as part of their marketing plan. Let’s show them this year that theIrish are not so easily fooled and up to the challenge.

The general consul for Spencer’s, in response to opposition to the Irish-defaming filththey were selling justified it by stating “there is an enormous market in the Irish commu-nity who are willing to buy these shirts.” Let us prove that statement false. Speak to theyoung people in your life, the key demographic for the firms that market these negativeIrish stereotype items. Explain to them why disparaging their heritage is no joking matter.

Look at our own activities critically, especially when published on our web sites. Oneof our great traits as a people is to laugh at ourselves, but let’s be careful not to play intostereotype activity. Let’s not be open to accusations of “Do as I say, not as I do” when wego to protest the perpetuation of negative stereotypes .

Plan to hold your local mall accountable! Call them to task along with their tenants sell-ing the defaming Irish items. Most malls have a policy against wearing offensive orprovocative clothing. Ask them then why they allow offensive, bigoted, negative Irishitems to be sold. Most malls for their protection have clauses that allow them to restrict thematerials their tenants can sell; put them on the hook to enforce it. Let them know thattheir refusal to take action against a tenant selling items demeaning to the Irish will affectyour, your members’ and their families’ decision to patronize the entire mall and makethat statement public on your website and in a letter to your local newspaper. This has theeffect of turning the other responsible mall merchants into allies; they will soon clamor foraction if they feel their bottom line is being affected by another tenant’s irresponsibility.

Let me make a final appeal to our pride. When researching this article, I came upon aWashington Post article detailing in a Q & A format the many outrages that UrbanOutfitters have been involved in and the many groups it has offended. I was saddened toread the following after the articles detailed the many protests by groups offended byUrban Outfitters:

“How does (Urban Outfitters) respond to these complaints? Depends on the complaint.It ignored the Irish American complaint, for example, but apologized for the kaffiyehs (anitem that Urban Outfitters marketed that offended the Jewish community).”

Let us as Hibernians vow this year that we will not be ignored by any entity that dis-parages our heritage. Let us be prepared to be quick off the mark in response to anydefamation to our heritage at any time, but particularly when in March when as a com-munity both Irish and non-Irish alike should be recognizing and celebrating the contribu-tions of Irish Americans.

Anti Defamationby Neil Cosgrove

Chairman

Irish American Heritage Month By Neil Cosgrove

Since 1991, Presidents of both parties have designated March as “Irish AmericanHeritage Month.” Each year the President calls upon all Americans to celebrate thecontributions of Irish Americans to our country. Unfortunately one prominent feder-al institution, the Smithsonian, consistently fails to heed the direction of thePresident. Other federal institutions may do little, if anything, to honor IrishAmericans Heritage Month, but the fact that this organization’s mission statement isto serve as the nation’s premier educational and cultural institution is particularlyegregious.

Currently, the Smithsonian celebrates through extensive programming and at tax-payer expense four Heritage Months: Black History Month, Asian Pacific IslanderHeritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and American Indian Heritage Month. Ifyou go to the Smithsonian website you can’t help but be impressed by the programsthat the Smithsonian puts on for these heritages, and certainly the contribution ofthese heritages to the American story should be celebrated, but what about the Irish?Sadly, the Smithsonian of the 21st century is reminiscent of the Want Ads of the 1840sthat would conclude “Any nation or race except Irish.”

The AOH’s Irish American Heritage Month Committee has contacted theSmithsonian numerous times on this lack of fair representation of the contributionsmade by Irish Americans. Space does not permit me to recap all the discussions thathave occurred, but in summary:

• First we were told that Irish American Heritage Month didn’t meet Smithsonianguidelines. After some research, we showed IAHM did meet the Smithsonian’sguidelines.

• Then we were told that the Smithsonian didn’t have items in its collection tosupport recognition of Irish American Heritage Month. Needless to say, we were a bitincredulous that an institution often referred to as “the Nation’s Attic” containing 137million items had nothing to display for Irish American Heritage Month.

• The most recent justification by the Smithsonian for ignoring Irish AmericanHeritage Month is also the most specious, “We don’t have funding for new programsat this time.” The Smithsonian’s annual budget is $800 million. Apparently there isenough budget (and resources) for an exhibit on the “Art of Video Games” and a his-tory of “Snowboarding.”

Brothers, it is pretty clear that for reasons of their own the Smithsonian has madea conscious decision to not heed the President’s call and consciously refuses to rec-ognize Irish American Heritage Month as they should feel duty-bound to do. This isan outrage and an insult to the countless contributions and sacrifices that IrishAmerican men and women have made to our country.

We have tried to work this through channels only to be frustrated. It is time tobypass the bureaucrats and go to the top. This is where, Brothers, that I ask your help.I ask each and every one of you to write to the Chancellor of the Board of Regents ofthe Smithsonian, who is Chief Justice John Roberts, certainly a man who should takenote of a call for fair and equal treatment. I shall request approval to place a sug-gested letter on the National and Digest website. Remember, our goal is to seekrecognition for our heritage month, not disparage the recognition of any other. Theaddress is Chancellor of the Board of Regents, C/O the Office of the Regents,Smithsonian Institution, MRC 050 P.O. Box 37012, Washington, D.C. 20013-701

If every Hibernian drops a letter to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian ask-ing why Irish American Heritage Month is not given similar treatment to theHeritage Months the Smithsonian already supports I am certain we will have animpact. Certainly our Heritage is worth a few moments time and a stamp.

To the editor…Thanks to the Tara Court teamI write on behalf of all the candidates who made their Major Degree at the

National AOH Convention on July 11. I think we deserve credit for taking the timeand were able to afford to come to it. We are the people who will return to our divi-sions to keep our great heritage alive and vibrant.

I congratulate the degree team of the Tara Court who did such a brilliant job. At the age of 76, I thank the Lord above that I was able to receive the degree. would also like to thank all the people who were involved in putting on that con-

vention. They did an absolutely brilliant job. Thank you.God bless all.Walter WhitneyThompson, PA

Hank BurgessNovember 27, 1929 – August 28, 2012

There were three things in HankBurgess’ life that meant very much tohim: his family, his Catholic faith, and hisIrish heritage. So joining an IrishCatholic organization, the Ancient Orderof Hibernians, was a natural. You couldsay the AOH motto of Friendship, Unityand Christian Charity was also Hank’smotto. So when friends from Anaconda,Montana, came over in the 1980s to reac-tivate the Helena, Montana Division,Hank was right there to assist. He wasone of our first Division Presidents andaward recipient of the Alex J. BrunettAward for Social Justice. He was thepatriarch of our Division, our leader andour weather vane. Members of theDivision would joke that they hated toget a call from Hank, because he alwayshad an idea for a “New Project” and hewas looking for some help. We all knewwe could never say no to Hank.

One such project was a monument forThomas Francis Meagher. The Irish

Patriot, CivilWar Generaland MontanaGovernor. Theproject wassuccessful andnow on thebanks of theMissouri Riverin Fort Benton,Mon tana, is

the monument to Meagher, thanks toHank. To show how thorough Hank waswith this project, 10 Hibernians took a tripto Ireland and on the trip we learnedeverything we could about ThomasMeagher. We visited his birth place inWaterford City and the graves of all hisancestors, had a meeting with the Mayorof Clonmel, the city where he was tried forbeing an Irish patriot, and we visitedKilmainham Gaol where he was impris-oned.

But something happened on thatIreland trip that was not expected. Welearned a little bit about Hank and three

In Memoriam things that he loved dearly. First was hislove for his wife, Dorothy. Each night hewould call home to check to see howDorothy was. The second was his loveof writing. Hank kept a daily journal onthe trip and would religiously write in iteach day. The third thing we realizedone night in Dublin. We were out on thetown and Hank decided to return to thehotel early. We all assumed we wanted

to retire early and get some rest. Whenthe rest of us returned late that night tothe hotel who should be in the hotel barbut Hank. He was writing in his journaland alongside his journal was what heloved dearly, a glass of Irish whiskey.

Thank you Dorothy for sharingHank with the Ancient Order ofHibernians.


Please support Project St. Patrick

With Labor Day’s arrival it seems that Irish Festivals are scheduled every week-end in September.

In upstate New York, there were many to attend. It started in Kingston withHooley on the Hudson. Then continued the weekend after Labor Day in Syracuseon Friday and Saturday, Elmira on Saturday and Rochester on Friday, Saturday andSunday. The third weekend of September was Irish 2000.

The Fourth Saturday was Hudson Valley Irish Festival in Peekskill. The lastSaturday was Schenectady’s Celtic Day in the Park.

In this article, I want to focus on Irish 2000 Music & Arts Festival. This event isheld in Balston Spa at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds. 2012 marks the 16th annu-al Festival. There are over 300 men and women who gather each year to volunteerat Irish 2000. The LAOH and AOH Divisions in Albany, Schenectady, Watervliet andSaratoga are all involved in the planning and running of the Festival.

Friday Night was a single stage with music from the Screaming Orphans, TheMickey Finns, The Tossers, Enter the Hagis and the Street Dogs. Saturday the num-ber of stages expanded to three and a dance stage. Music on the Traditional Stageincluded The Makem and Spain Brothers, Girsa, The McKrells, the John WhelanBand, Burning Bridget Cleary and Hair of the Dog. The Contemporary Stage fea-tured Emis, The Fighting Jamesons, The Killdares, Ashley MacIsaac, The Prodigalsand the Prodicals Reunion along with another performance from The Mickey Finnsand the Screaming Orphans.

On the Patricia McSweeney Memorial Stage, you were able to hear RakishPaddy, Frank Jaklitsch & Friends, Who’s Your Paddy?, The Brothers Flynn and morefrom The Fighting Jamesons, Girsa and Emish.

The Dance Stage had the Michael Farrell, Boland and Iona schools of dance.The Schenectady Pipe Band could be heard playing throughout the day at vari-

ous locations. There were rides for the children and vendors galore. The not-for-profit Irish Music and Arts Festival, Inc. organizes the festival to preserve, protectand promote Irish history and culture.

Since its inception, Irish 2000 has donated more than $350,000 to a variety ofcharities. Congratulations Irish 2000 on another outstanding weekend.

Director’s Reportby Michael McNabb

Charities & Missions Chairman

National Webmasterby Joe McDonald

Chuala mé aitheasc ag mo pharóiste a chuir ag smaoineamh mé. I heard a homily atmy parish that got me thinking. Íosa ag beathú an tslua a bhí i gceist (Eoin 6:1-15). It wasabout Jesus feeding the crowd. Tuigtear go hiondúil gur míorúilt a bhí ann, ach bhí ansagart áirithe seo ag maíomh gur féidir an scéal a thuiscint sa chiall neamh-liteartha. It’susually understood that that was a miracle, but this certain priest was asserting that the storycan be understood non-literally. Bhí dhá iasc agus cúig builíní eorna ag buachaill amháin,agus i ndeireadh na dála, tar éis a n-ite dóibh, bailíodh dhá chiseán déag de bhruscar asna cúig builíní eorna. A boy had 2 fish and 5 barley loaves, and in the end, after they’d eatenthem, 12 baskets of leftovers were collected. Dar le mo dhuine, b’fhéidir gur tharla míorúilt,nó b’fhéidir nár tharla, agus nach raibh ann ach scéal mar réamhshamhail den Eocairist,nó gur tharla rud éigin eile. According to this him, a miracle could have happened, or maybenot, and it was just a story as a prefiguring of the Eucharist, or something else happened.

Cad a cheap an slua faoi seo? What did the crowd think about this? Ag deireadh anscéil, deirtear gur thuig siad mar chomhartha é, agus ba mhaith leo rí a dhéanamh deÍosa mar gheall air. At the end of the story, it is said that they understood it to be a sign, andthey wanted to make Jesus king because of it. Thuig siad gurb eisean an fáidh a bhí le teacht,mar rinne sé an rud ceannann céanna a rinne Eilíseá, comharba Éilias. The understoodhim to be the prophet who was to come, since he did the exact same thing that Elisha, successorto Elijah, had done. Ní deir Íosa ná Eoin ná na deisceabail ná aon duine sa scéal nachraibh ann ach míorúilt. Neither Jesus, nor John, nor the disciples nor anyone else in the storysays that it was not a miracle. Deir Eoin ag tús an scéil go raibh a fhios ag Íosa cad a bhíle déanamh aige. John says at the beginning of the story that Jesus knew what he was goingto do. Sé féin a rinne. He himself did it. Tarlaíonn a leithéid faoi dhó, agus in Marcas 8:2deir Íosa “Tá trua agam don slua, mar tá trí lá tugtha acu liom anois agus gan aon ní lehithe acu...” A similar thing happens twice, and in...Jesus says “I pity the crowd, because theyhave spent 3 days with me with nothing to eat...” Bheadh a fhios aige agus a aspail tar éistrí lá dá mbeadh bia eile ag na daoine. He and his disciples would have known if the peoplehad other food. I ndiaidh an dara huair seo (Marcas 8:19-20), cuireann Íosa ceisteannaorthu faoi na míorúiltí seo chun chur in iúl dóibh nach bhfuil aon ghá acu le bheithimníoch faoi arán le n-ithe. After this second time..., Jesus asks them about these miracles toimpress upon them that they should not worry about bread to eat. Leanann an slua É goCafarnáum agus deir Sé leo gur lean siad é “...de bhrí gur ith sibh na builíní.” The crowdfollows him to Capernaum and He says to them that they followed him “because you ate theloaves.” Agus ina dhiaidh sin, thugann sé dóibh a theagasc ba dheacra (d’imigh a lánacu uaidh mar gheall air – agus níor chuir sé aon bhac orthu, agus níor mhaolaigh sé atheagasc dá dheisceabail): “Amen, Amen, a deirim libh, mura n-íosfaidh sibh feoilMhac an Duine, agus a chuid fola a ól, ní bheidh beatha agaibh ionaibh.” And after that,He gives them his most difficult teaching (a lot of them left him because of it – and he didn’t stopthem, and he didn’t soften his teaching for his disciples): “....I say to you, unless you heat theflesh of the Son of Man, drinking his blood, he will have no life in you.”

Leoga, is féidir don duine cliste a rá go raibh bia ag daoine eile i measc an tslua agusgur thug siad dá chéile sin, agus nach raibh ann ach daoine ag comhroinnt lena chéile.Indeed, a clever person can say that other people in the crowd had food and that they gave it toeach other, and that they were only sharing food together. B’fhéidir a rá gurbh é sin anmíorúilt. Maybe that was the miracle. Ach dá mb’amhlaidh, nach mbeadh a fhios sin agan slua féin? But were that so, wouldn’t the crowd themselves have known? Bheadh roinntmhór daoine ina measc a mbeadh a fhios acu gur thug siadsan an bia. There would be alarge portion of people among them who would have known that they gave the food. Ach níl aleithéid sa scéal. But nothing like that is in the story. Agus is iomaí fianaise atá ar fáil sasoiscéal féin gur míorúilt liteartha a rinneadh – gan trácht ar thraidisiún na Eaglaise óshin. And there’s lots of evidence to be found in the Gospel that a literal miracle was performed– not to mention the tradition of the Church since then. Dála an scéil, is é seo an t-aonmhíorúilt amháin atá i ngach ceann de na ceithre soiscéal. By the way, this is the only mir-acle which is in all 4 gospels. Bhí a lán daoine ann ar raibh an scéal seo acu sular scríob-hadh síos é, agus bhí mórán díobhsan ina fhinnéithe a bhí i láthair ag an am. There werea lot of people who knew this story before it was written down, and a lot of them were witnesseswho were present at the time.

Cén fáth go gcuirfí amhras ar dhaoine faoi na míorúiltí sa Bhíobla, mar sin? Whywould someone make people doubtful about the miracles in the Bible, then? Is ró-mhinic abhíonn daoine áirithe de chreidimh eile ag maíomh go bhfuil gach rud sa Bhíobla fíorina chiall liteartha (ach amháin an rud a chreidimidne, gur corp agus fuil Chríost ann saEocairist..). Too often certain people of other faiths claim that everything in the Bible is literal-ly true (except the thing we believe, that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ..). Is é tea-gasc na hEaglaise Chaitlicigh gur fíor gach rud sa Bhíobla, ach níl sé riachtanach gachscéal a ghlacadh go liteartha (mar shampla, níl sé cinnte go raibh daoine darb ainm-neacha Ádamh agus Éabha ann). The teaching of the Church is that everything in the Bibleis true, but it’s not necessary to accept every story literally (for instance, it’s not certain therewere people named Adam and Eve). Ach ní ionann sin is a rá nach bhfuil sé ceart an chuidis mó dá bhfuil ann a thuiscint go liteartha. But that’s not the same as to say that it isn’tright to understand most of what’s in it literally. Sílim go mbíonn daoine ag iarraidh a bhei-th ró-chliste, agus is é mo thuairim féin go mbíonn an tuiscint is simplí an tuiscint isfearr. It seems to me that people try to be too clever, and it is my opinion that the simplest under-standing is best. Agus is iondúil gur ionann sin agus tuiscint stairiúil na hEaglaise. Andusually that is the same as the historical understanding of the Church.

Hello again brothers and I hope you had a very productive festival season. Forme, it worked out well and as I write this report, I came off a busy few weeks.

I first worked the US Tennis Open for two weeks, and then with no turnaroundtime, I had the 40th Annual Nassau County AOH Feis. Both were very productiveand my soda bread even took second place and I got to play with the band (at theFeis, not the Open).

Anyway, life is more than soda bread and melodeons, and there is still 49 weeksout of the year to do good work.

But with any of your events you need to publicize them and there are many waysto do it on the web. The first is your website, which should be updated regularlywith your events. But many people don’t always check websites unless they have toand rely upon their phones and devices to get information.

This is where social media comes into play. Having a presence on Facebook is valuable for your division’s growth. Before you start, remember to go www.facebook.com/aoh.in.america to like the

National page. We have over 1000 fans, but as with anything we want more andmore. This page is operated by three members of the National board and is moni-tored regularly.

When setting up on Facebook, it’s important to set up a page and not a profile. Aprofile is for individuals. A page is for organizations and businesses. So be sure toset up a page attached to your profile.

When posting about an event, be sure to include a few pictures because it makesit stand out from the rest. Posting a flyer works but the print also become veryunreadable when posted, so a picture from the division or the event works better.

Remember to abide by the website resolution that was passed at the conventionand posted in the last digest. Also remember to keep the page updated. It’s the onlyway to get Facebook likes or fans of your page.

And you can use it for other social media outlets like Twitter and Google+ as well.Remember to abide by the same rules as Facebook.

Over the next few months we are launching Timberlake, which will give us a newmethod of communication. It’s the National Board’s hope we can open a new era ofcommunication with the divisions through the many methods on the web.

9National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2012

From the Editor’s Deskby John O’Connell

Each recent issue has contained some news or feature storyabout Irish or AOH sports, either from a historical or current per-spective. Keep them coming. If you have an interesting story totell about a specific player of an Irish sport, an Irish player of anysport, a Hibernian who has excelled in some sport, write it up, geta good quality photo and send it along to me at editorhiber-

[email protected]. Speaking of sports, here’s a little “inside baseball” as it pertains to the Digest. I’m

trying make each issue a blend of national board reports on the issues with whichthe Order is involved; Hibernian news and feature articles from divisions, countiesand states around the country, a little AOH-related sports, Irish culture, languageand heritage, and maybe some news from Ireland itself.

For all that, I depend on you. It’s a bit of a cliché, but true nonetheless, that eachDigest issue is only as good as its content, which is all supplied by you.

High quality photos, interesting stories, thoughtful treatment of importantHibernian matters, insightful reflections on our Catholic Faith, educated and concisearticles on our history and culture, compelling columns that motivate new membersand inspire us all to be better Hibernians, will produce a Hibernian Digest worthyof our Order. And all of that must be produced and submitted by the national boardofficers, publicity chairmen at state and all other levels, and regular Hibernians.

So please start thinking of what you want to share with your fellow Hiberniansfor the next issue. The Digest can be the place where all Hibernians meet to sharewhat’s best about our Order in action.

Help still wantedWe’re still looking for a sales person and an administrative assistant. Being

involved with the Digest is greatly rewarding, and I am eager to share those rewardswith willing and able Hibernians! Please call me at (646) 436-0811 or write [email protected].

Next deadlineThe deadline for submissions for the November-December issue is October 26.

All Saints Dayby Ed Brannan, Ohio Division 6

November 1 is All Saints Day, a Holy Day ofObligation

All Saints’ Day, officially the Solemnity of All Saints,and also called All Hallows or Hallowmas, often short-ened to All Saints, is celebrated on November 1 by partsof Western Christianity, in honor of all the saints,known and unknown. In the Western calendar it is theday after Halloween and the day before All Souls’ Day.

In Western Christian theology, the day commemo-rates all those who have attained the beatific vision inHeaven. It is a national holiday in many historicallyCatholic countries. In the Catholic Church and manyAnglican churches, the next day specifically commem-orates the departed faithful who have not yet been puri-fied and reached Heaven. Christians who celebrate AllSaints’ Day and All Souls’ Day do so in the fundamen-tal belief that there is a prayerful spiritual bond

between those in purgatory (the ‘Church Suffering’),those in Heaven (the ‘church triumphant’), and the liv-ing (the ‘church militant’).

All Souls Day is a solemn feast in the RomanCatholic Church commemorating all those who havedied and now are in Purgatory, being cleansed of theirvenial sins and the temporal punishments for the mor-tal sins that they had confessed and atoning beforeentering fully into Heaven.

The importance of All Souls Day was made clear byPope Benedict XV (1914-22), when he granted all prieststhe privilege of celebrating three Masses on All SoulsDay: one for the faithful departed; one for the priest’sintentions; and one for the intentions of the HolyFather. Only on a handful of other very important feastdays are priests allowed to celebrate more than twoMasses.

Ideas your Division can do to promote the IrishHeritage or help a local Parish or Catholic Charity.

1. Hold a pancake breakfast that raises funds forparish maintenance.

2. Sponsor a recycling program that raises money forCatholic charitable causes.

3. Host a senior luncheon. Afterward, attendeescould get free flu shots and play bingo.

4, Selling “One Nation Under God” signs.5. Participate in the Veterans Day Parade with a float

honoring the duty, sacrifice and service of active dutyand retired Irish Military personnel.

6. Spend a Saturday morning cleaning a church andschool grounds and getting it ready for winter.

7. Host a public speaking contest for students at theCatholic schools in the district.

8. Host a meet-and-greet breakfast at a Parish afterSunday Mass. The breakfast offers parishioners anopportunity to get acquainted with one another and theAOH while the AOH serves a series of refreshments.

9. Hold an Irish dinner to raise funds for Catholicmission work.

10. Donate to a Catholic school to purchase new text-books for the school’s religious education program.

An amazing turnout of 53 teams gath-ered on Boggs Hill Road in Wheeling,West Virginia on a rainy Saturday to testtheir skills in Irish Road Bowling, anancient sport bought to West Virginia in1995 by the West Virginia Irish RoadBowling Association. The 343 partici-pants in Wheeling AOH Ohio ValleyChampionship made this event one ofthe largest Irish Road Bowling events tobe held in North America.

The event is only in its third year, withattendance growing every year. Despitethe gloomy forecast, this year’s bowlersshowed up early and ready to bowl. Asthe teams were shuttled to the start line,the rain let up and the sun slowlyappeared form behind the clouds. Theblast from the cannon signaled to all thatroad bowling had begun.

The “Bowling Stones” from Wheelingheld the early lead on the 1.4 mile course.“The Craic Heads” and HeritageHurlers” matched each other throw forthrow as they worked their way downBoggs Hill Road. Teams were closelybunched as they passed Murphy’sCorner, with several teams attempting toloft the high walled turn. “Skinny Train”and “Shirts and Skinnies” were withinmere feet of each other for the lead atJameson’s Revenge. Nearing the finishline, Andy Ondeck, captain of The OhioCounty Champions, unleashed a mas-sive throw that was measured at an Ohio

Valley record of 154 yards. (This finalcurve in the course will now be knownas “Ondeck’s Curve”).

“Shirts and Skinnies” was able toreach the finish line in a new courserecord of 22 throws. There was a logjamat 2nd and 3rd place as many teamsthrew low scores this year. The winningteam claimed the McSweeney Cup,named for Irish native and local priestFather Jeremiah McSweeney.

A dinner followed after the bowlersleft the course, with music and fun con-tinuing into the night. This year’s eventraised funds for Bishop WhelanWheeling Division #1 Ancient Order ofHibernians and will be used to supportlocal charities such as Coats for Kids,Laughlin Chapel, 4-H, and CatholicCharities.

Full results:Team Name Score

1 Shirts N Skinnies 222 Skinny Train 233 Main Street Bank-2 234 Ball State 235 Men From Nantucket 246 Ballski to the Wallski 247 Main Street Bank 1 248 THE Sons of Italy 249 Warsaw Warriors 2510 Too Big for One Kilt 2511 Max’s Muscle 2512 Keltus 26

13 Ohio CTY Champions 2614 The Older Men

From Nantucket 2715 Landing Lunatics 2716 Blarney Stones 2717 Shawn Fluharty 2718 Fahey 2719 Craic Heads 2720 Odd Balls 2721 Krakow Kings 2822 WarMacs 2823 The Irish Whisperers 2824 The Shires 2925 Tom Thomas 2926 The Rats 3027 Lords of Armagh 3028 Prestige Worldwide 3129 Five Fathers 3230 Molly Malones 3231 County Ohio 3232 Jim McMahon 3233 Altmeyer Funeral

Homes 3234 Bowling Dolans 3335 Larry Freeland 3336 Ernie McCrackens

Irish Road Scholars 3437 Aladdin Foods 3438 IRBs 3539 The Ohio Players 3640 Terry Huffman 3641 Heritage Hurlers 3842 Go Blue 3843 Bowling For ‘Les’ 4244 O’Mac Bowling 4345 Paddy O’Furniture 4446 Mike Gallagher47 Bowling Stones48 Black Thunder49 Boggs Bowlers50 Nannie Macs51 Sly Rogues

SPORTS

Wheeling AOH Irish Road Bowling

Hibernian Mark stanley road bowls as fellow brother chris Freeman looks on.


America’s Civil War Irish2012 is the 150th Anniversary of the Irish Brigade in the

American Civil War. These stories commemorate some of theirmost courageous confrontations as well as the value of the Irish inthat tragedy. —Mike McCormack

SEPTEMBER 17, 1862 – THE BLOODIEST DAY.As Lee moved his army north, after Second Manassas, the remainder of the Army of

the Potomac was sent to stop him. General Meagher led the Irish Brigade in pursuit ofGen. Hill’s Confederate division as it withdrew from the Battle of South Mountain. Hillhalted his troops just before the town of Sharpsburg, and turned to await the incomingfederal troops on the west side of a stream called Antietam Creek. The Irish halted onthe east side, where they were joined by General McClellan who established Army HQthere. Meagher wanted to attack, but McClellan ordered caution. For two days, as theArmy of the Potomac watched, more and more forces arrived to support Hill. McClellancould have attacked and broken the back of the south, but didn’t. By September 17,when he finally ordered the attack, the rebels were in the area, in position, and instrength. At 6:00 AM, McClellan sent the 1st and 12th Corps across Antietam Creek. Atdawn, the 2nd Corps was sent across, with the exception of Gen Richardson’s Divisionwhich contained the Irish Brigade. McClellan, concerned about his own safety, heldthem back to defend Army HQ until a division of the 5th Corps would arrive to relievethem.

Furious at the delay, the men of the Brigade sat listening to the battle in the distance.Across Antietam Creek, Meagher watched as the 1st Corps broke in retreat; the 12thCorps went in to replace them, and was likewise pushed back by the rebels. TheDivisions of Sumner’s Second Corps advanced next; a blast of rifle fire announcedanother rebel attack, and Meagher watched as an entire division emerged running fromthe smoke, fleeing the enemy. The last two divisions of the Second Corps were formingto advance, when the long-awaited 5th Corps division arrived, freeing Richardson’sDivision and the Irish Brigade; it was 9 AM.

Meagher led his men across the Antietam; some of the men soaked their feet whichwere so swollen that they couldn’t get boots on and fought barefooted. The landscapewas a crucial factor in the Battle of Antietam. Across the creek there was a sharp rise,and between the creek and the top of that rise was a cornfield. Beyond the cornfield wasa 300 yard slightly inclined rolling pasture which ended at a sunken road. Over theyears, farmer’s traffic had worn the road down so that it was about 3 feet below groundlevel, forming a perfect trench. The Confederates had filled the road with troops whodevastated the oncoming Union troops with deadly fire.

Meagher ordered his men through the cornfield. As they emerged on the other side,he rode to their front to form his men. Bullets began whizzing around them from thesunken road, and men began falling in the front lines of the Irish Brigade. Meagher drewhis sword and shouted, Irish Brigade, Raise the Colors and Follow Me! They were less than100 yards from the top of the rise overlooking the sunken road, as the Union wounded,strewn across the field from the morning’s carnage, cheered them on.

In the sunken road shouts were heard, The Irish Brigade is coming. The rebels could hearthe Irish cheering as they approached and from the cornfield, the colors appeared, thenthe Brigade followed in a perfect line, as if on parade, muskets at the ready. TheConfederates rose up in the sunken road, leveled their rifles and fired. Death struck theIrish front. Every rebel bullet seemed to find its mark as the Brigade advanced acrossthe field. The color bearer went down and the colors were snatched from lifeless handsto be raised again as the Irish charged into the hail of bullets coming from the sunken

road.Behind the Irish Brigade, Gen. Caldwell led his men across the Antietam. His officers

shouted to support the Irish, but Caldwell, intimidated by the carnage, held back await-ing General Richardson to arrive and take command. The Brigade, now more than 30minutes in a fierce face-to-face fire-fight, was being cut to pieces. Meagher rode to therear and pleaded, For God’s sake, come up and help, but Colonel Barlow replied, I’m trulysorry General, but, my orders are to remain here. Meager rode back into battle and as hereached the front, his horse was hit, fell, and rolled over crushing him. Meagher was car-ried back to a field hospital.

By now, the Brigade had reached a dip in the terrain which temporarily hid them fromview of the rebels as they advanced. Suddenly, above the rise in the terrain, came thestreamers, then the flags: emerald green, then red, white and blue. The Irish Brigadewere now within range with their terrible short-range muskets. There was nothing glo-rious about this fight - it was a bloody brawl, but it was their kind of fight and with theirbuck and ball ammunition, they gradually got the upper hand. The sunken road thathad provided such great cover now looked like a mass grave with dead or woundedrebels covering every square yard of ground. The ranks of the Brigade slowly dimin-ished as ammunition was running low, and muskets fouled by black powder would nolonger fire, but the contest was too much for the rebels; braving the Irish fire, they bolt-ed from the sunken road, and fled to the rear. The Irish began to cheer when suddenly,from beyond the fleeing rebels, came fresh Confederate reinforcements! With a rebel yellthey ran into the sunken road, and out the other side charging the Irish. Instead ofretreating, the Brigade stood fast, leveled their muskets and fired into the charging rebelsbreaking their attack with a single volley. The rebels regrouped for a counter attack asthe surviving Irish looked over their shoulders. They were nearly out of ammunitionand most of their men were dead or wounded; where was their relief?

Meanwhile, Gen. Richardson had arrived on the field, and found Gen. Caldwell hid-ing behind a haystack. Damn the field officers, he shouted and ordered Caldwell’s men tothe relief of the Irish. The Irish Brigade was still firing into the Confederates who weretrying to regroup. One more attack would finish the Irish. Then, as the rebels wereclimbing out of the sunken road, Richardson led Caldwell’s men onto the field shouting,three cheers for the Irish Brigade. The Irish saw their reinforcements coming up the rise andwith a roar, they sprang to their weary feet and led the attack with Capt. Joyce shoutingForward for St. Patrick and Ireland. This was the final blow. The rebels had fired cases ofammunition into the Irish, only to see them rise up and attack again with incredible arro-gance. Now, just when they finally had them finished, the Irish had the audacity toattack them! The confederates broke and ran.

Surrounded by their dead and wounded comrades, the men of the Irish Brigade stoodat the edge of that road so dearly bought, and watched them go. Richardson, crossing aline of hundreds of bodies stretched across the top of the rise, was transfixed by the car-nage. He watched as the Irish Brigade turned their backs on the fleeing enemy. Then,with their tattered and blood stained flags proudly flying, they formed into ranks, asbest they could, and marched down the rise to the cool waters of Antietam Creek amidthe cheers of every man in sight. The unattainable sunken road was now the Union frontline; that costly barrier that couldn’t be breached had been won by the Irish Brigade andthey gave it the name by which it would evermore be known: Bloody Lane.

The Battle of Antietam was the bloodiest day in American history with more than22,000 casualties in a single day. There would be other battles with more casualties, butover several days of fighting. The Irish Brigade lost 60 % of its men and could hardly becalled a Brigade anymore. In Oct, the Irish 116th PA was added to the Brigade and inNov, the Irish 28th MA brought the Brigade to 5 regiments – in name, but not manpow-er. They would need every man of them as they headed for Fredericksburg and Marye’sHeights!

The AOH, at their 1986 NationalConvention in Buffalo, NY, adopted aMichigan/New York resolution to sup-port the candidacy of sainthood for Fr.Solanus Casey. The resolution states, inpart, that the AOH “actively promoteand do all in its power to advance his

cause for Sainthood, recognizing thatsuch achievement would do great honorand provide inspiration to the Irish inAmerica.”.

In an effort to help further this cause,the NJ AOH has formed a committee ofrepresentatives from Bergen 32,Monmouth 16, and Mercer County 1divisions. The committee will spearheada project to help educate and inform peo-ple about this Irish American fromWisconsin who is a candidate to becomethe first American- born male saint.

Working in tandem with the Fr.Solanus Guild in Detroit, the divisionsplan to organize and sponsor publicscreenings in divisions, state boards, andlocal parishes of a video depicting thespirituality of Fr. Solanus Casey. Thetwo-hour video, produced by the Guild,features three renowned Capuchinpriests speaking about Fr. Solanus Caseyas a role model for holiness today interms of a person’s faith and their inter-

action with spiritual outsiders. Thevideo also looks at what Fr. Solanuswould say to the young people of today.The speaker series is one of the Guild’scurrent initiatives to help spread theword about the humble friar.

Kevin Blute, Immediate PastPresident of Bergen 32 and a foundingmember of the division named after Fr.Solanus Casey, says that getting theAOH involved with the Guild’s speakerseries demonstrates that we are actingupon the 1986 resolution. Kevin hasshared his personal story about themany prayers made to Fr. Solanus afterhis son, Ryan, was diagnosed withmelanoma cancer on his 14th birthdayin 2006. Today, Ryan is a healthy studentattending Michigan State University.There is no evidence of disease. TheBlute Family recognizes and appreciatesall the medical treatment undertaken bydoctors during Ryan’s five-year treat-ment but they also believe that theirprayers were answered through theintercession of Fr. Solanus Casey.

Fr. Solanus Casey, who passed awayin 1957, currently holds the title of“Venerable,”, the second step towardsainthood. There is a case under review

in Rome of a miracle associated with theintercession of Fr. Solanus Casey. Onemiraculous cure attributed to the inter-cession of Venerable Solanus, thenapproved by the Congregation of Saints,will advance the Cause of Beatificationand the title “Blessed.”. Anotherapproved miracle after that will advancethe Cause finally to Canonization orSainthood.

The NJ AOH State Committee is cochaired by Kevin Blute and John Keane,the State’s Catholic Action Chairperson.Additional committee members includeNJ AOH State President Sean Penderand NJ AOH Treasurer Sean Hughes.Also lending their support is MI AOHState President Patrick Sturdy. TheMacomb County MI AOH Division isnamed after Fr. Solanus Casey. The goalis to conduct the video presentations inselect participating parishes within thestate and then look to roll out the pro-gram to all AOH divisions at somefuture time.

If you would like more informationabout this project and how your divisioncan help or host a viewing of the videoplease contact Kevin Blute at 201-261-1340 or email Kevin at: [email protected]

The quest for an Irish-American born saint

By Kevin Blute


Virginia Newsby Chuck Curran, State President

Virginia Divisions continue to beactive in their communities. ManyDivisions maintain active charitable-giv-ing programs in their communities sup-porting, among other beneficiaries,scholarships awarded to students inCatholic schools. Funds are collectedthrough the sales of raffles for trips toIreland and other fund-raising efforts.Earlier this year, the General Thomas F.Meagher Division of Fredericksburg,Virginia, awarded two such scholarshipsto deserving students. St. Patrick School8th grade graduate Genna Rich andHoly Cross Academy graduate GarrettHawley were each awarded $1,250scholarships to attend St. Michael theArchangel and Pope John Paul the GreatCatholic High Schools. Genna’s awardwas presented by Division member RoyDelaney and Garrett’s award was pre-sented by Meagher Division VicePresident Jeff Fitzpatrick at separate cer-emonies. Both students were selected onthe recommendations of their school’sfaculty based on scholastic achievement,community service and commitment toattend a Catholic High School.

In other news, Michael D. Greaney,Recording Secretary of the Colonel JohnFitzgerald Division of Arlington,Virginia, and Director of Research for theCenter for Economic and Social Justice(CESJ), www.cesj.org, was recentlyappointed as Contributing Editor forEconomics and Finance for Inside theVatican magazine, and is the newCoordinator of the Irish Special InterestGroup (“SIG”) of American Mensa.

Brother Greaney is the author of InDefense of Human Dignity (2008) andSupporting Life: The Case for a Pro-LifeEconomic Agenda (2010), and is co-author of Capital Homesteading forEvery Citizen (2004). Founded in 1977,the Irish SIG is one of the oldest suchgroups in American Mensa. AsCoordinator, Brother Greaney is respon-sible for editing and publishing thegroup’s e-newsletter, Litir Scéala an tSIGGaelach.

On October 20-21, the Major James H.Dooley and Monsignor Charles A. Kelly,Jr. Divisions of Richmond, Virginia, willparticipate in the annual RichmondCentral Virginia Highland Games andCeltic Festival at Richmond InternationalRaceway, proudly taking their placewith representatives of other Celtic orga-nizations. Hibernians throughoutVirginia are encouraged to attend.

Holy Cross Academy 8th grade graduateGarrett Hawley was awarded a $1,250scholarship to attend Pope John Paul theGreat Catholic High School.

One of my pet peeves is when people rewrite history to diminish the Irish contri-bution or to effectively put a negative slant on our people. Recently, I saw a TV pre-sentation by the Discovery Channel entitled ‘Filthy Cities – New York’. I knew it wasgoing to be about the Five Points in the mid-1800s and tuned in to see it. Sureenough, it was about the Points and they certainly mentioned the Irish immigrantswho poured into the Points as a result of Ireland’s Great Hunger of 1845, althoughnot the immigrants who followed them. They also mentioned the filth and diseaserampant there, noting that some of the city’s elite blamed the immigrants themselvesfor the conditions in the slums seeing these filthy paupers as sub-human creatureswho preferred living in squalor. Others just didn’t care how the other half lived. Noeffort was made to explain the terrible conditions, and the impression was left thatthe dirty Irish were themselves to blame. Determined to write a rebuttal, I looked upthe title on the Internet and found, to my surprise, that there was another documen-tary by the same title – this one by BBC. I couldn’t wait to see what that one revealed!

Those who know me, know that I don’t give much credit to the British treatmentof the Irish in history, but this time I was pleasantly surprised. The DiscoveryChannel version of Filthy Cities, was a duplicate of the BBC version in every way butone – they had replaced the BBC host, Dan Snow, with their own host, Don Wildman.They altered Wildman’s narrative and cut him into the video in place of Dan Snow.Perhaps it was altered to fit an American time-slot, but I found it interesting in whatthey chose to eliminate.

While it is true that the Points was a terribly dirty place, the British version madeit specifically clear that it was not the fault of the tenants who were forced to livethere. Mr. Snow noted that the tenements they had to live in were slums owned bymany of the wealthiest families in America and they were making a fortune from thepoor immigrants. Even the City’s Superintendent of Buildings in 1862 called a tene-

ment a place where the greatest amount of profit is to be realized from the least pos-sible amount of space, with little or no regard for the health, comfort or protection ofthe lives of the tenants. The BBC version accurately blamed the landlords whosqueezed the poor into shacks with no heat or ventilation, no water and no sanitation,and who charged such exorbitant rents that many families were forced to share thesame rooms. This explanation was deliberately omitted in the American version. Bothversions are viewable on the Internet and you can view them for yourself. Comparethem and then tell me why the American version suffered a premeditated omissionof the explanation that the immigrants were victims, exploited by greedy landlords.The coverage ran up to the 1900s, although there was no mention that from the 1870son, the Irish were followed into the Points by a massive influx of Jews, Italians andChinese immigrants.

While it is a sad time in our history, recent historians know that despite the terri-ble conditions, the Irish were more industrious than previously painted and madetheir way out of the Points and into mainstream America as major contributors. A tipof my hat to the BBC and the tip of my boot to the Discovery Channel!

A tip of my hat to Boston College as well for their digital presentation ofMissing Friends. From October 1831 through October 1921, the Boston Pilot newspa-per printed a ‘Missing Friends’ column with queries from people looking for friendsand relatives who had emigrated from Ireland to the United States. This extraordi-nary collection of more than 40,000 ads that appeared in the Pilot is now available asa searchable online database at infowanted.bc.edu containing details about the life ofthe person being sought. It may list the county and parish of their birth, when theyleft Ireland, the believed port of arrival in North America, their occupation, and arange of other personal information. Some records may have as many as 50 differentdata fields, while others may offer only a few details. The people who placed the adswere either family members in Ireland, or the wives, siblings, or parents of men whofollowed construction jobs on railroads or canals. We learned about this source fromformer National Director Keith Carney who found one of his relations thereon. Checkit out.

Don’t forget to check out the latest monthly histories on AOH.COM and onNYAOH.com.

Until next time, remember it’s your heritage, defend it!

Division member Roy Delaney presents scholarship award to St. Patrick School 8th gradegraduate, Genna Rich, who will attend St. Michael the Archangel High School.

mailing labels…

You should have received a set of AOH return address labels for your use. This is an effort on thepart of the AOH National Board to express our appreciation for your past and anticipated support. We urge you to join us in meeting the needs of the many vital charities we have assisted over the years. Your personal donation is essential to our mission.

• IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A DONATION, please forward a check PAYABLE TO: AOH National Board

• Please send TEAR-OFF form that accompanied your labels to:Ancient Order of Hibernians, P.O. Box 791580, New Orleans, LA 70179

MR. JOHN IRISH123 MAIN STREETANYWHERE, USA 00000


MissouriNews

By John Wilson

The St. Louis Gaelic Athletic Club (STL-GAC) is a sporting club primarily focusedon promoting Gaelic games in the St.Louis, Missouri metro area. The club,sponsored by St. Louis AOH DempseyDivision #1, was originally founded as theSt. Louis Hurling Club, but changed itsname to better reflect the club’s participa-tion in its two main sports: hurling andGaelic football. The AOH is proud tosponsor this group of men and womenand it has been a great way to recruityounger members into the Division.

The St. Louis Hurling Club was found-ed in the summer of 2002 on the south sideof Tower Grove Park, in South St. Louis bythree former Milwaukee Hurling Clubmates, Paul C. Rohde, Dan Lapke andPatrick O’Connor. Their vision was tointroduce the sport of hurling to St. Louis,creating opportunities to play the sport,developing better hurlers and developingstrong St. Louis representation in nation-wide competition.

On April 26, 2003, St. Louis played itsfirst national match at Chicago’s GaelicPark, defeating the University of NotreDame 3-9 (19) to 2-3 (9).

In May 2003, the St. Louis Hurling Clubwas honored, one year ahead of the Club’sobjective date, with the rare invitation tojoin 21 other American cities aligned with

the North American County Board(NACB). NACB is overseen by the GaelicAthletic Association (GAA), the governingbody of hurling and Gaelic football.

The St. Louis Hurling Club is the firstassociation of American-born hurlers everinvited to join NACB in a club’s first yearof organization; its membership is primar-ily American-born players. In September2004, the hurling team attended the NACBtournament in Boulder, Colo., and wonthe inaugural Junior C Division champi-onship.

While St. Louis did not repeat as JuniorC champions in the 2005 NACB tourna-ment in Philadelphia, the team did send aJunior B division team as well. 2005marked the inaugural appearance of theSt. Louis Gaelic Football team, whichadvanced to the NACB Junior D Division

football finals after defeating Phoenix withan exciting triple-overtime win.

In 2010, the STLGAC sent its first camo-gie team to the NACB tournament.

In 2011, the STLGAC Junior C hurlingteam won the Junior C HurlingChampionship at the NACB tournamentin San Francisco, which sent them to theJunior B level for the 2012 season inPhiladelphia. The 2012 NACB tournamentin Philadelphia was over this past LaborDay weekend. Even though the weekenddid not prove victorious, all foughtvaliantly and the teams never gave up. Butthe outcome only ensures two things:harder work ahead and victory in 2013!Up St. Louis!

Irish FestLabor Day weekend marked the 10th

anniversary of the Kansas City’s Irish Fest. Rain drenched the festival Friday night

and kept most of the crowds at bay. OnSaturday afternoon, the clouds toggledbetween drizzle and light rain. The crowdwas less than half what’s normal and var-ied between those with soaked shirts andshorts and those cocooned in rain gear.Those that did attend had nothing butpraise for entertainment and how well thefestival runs.

Prayers neededLabor Day has come and gone with the

washing rains of Isaac, it unfortunatelywasn’t enough rain to end our drought of2012. We have been praying for rain andfor the quick recovery of our NationalDirector Judge James Dailey Wahl. As I amwriting this I have learned that our PastNational President from St Louis, GeorgeClough, is recuperating in the hospital aswell, we need everyone’s prayers thatthese two dynamos heal quickly.

Next National ConventionThere have been meetings and assign-

ments for the 2014 AOH/LAOHConvention by the Judge and GeorgeClough while they are recuperating. TheAOH/LAOH who resides around St.Louis is looking forward to a site visit byour National President Brendan Mooreand Ladies Ancient Order of HiberniansPresident Maureen Shelton in October.The Convention Hotel, Millennium HotelSt. Louis; with a great view of the GatewayArch near the banks of the MississippiRiver will be the Hotel for the ConventionJuly 9-12th, 2014.

The introduction of The Columbarium at The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedralheralds the revival of the old Cathedral tradition of interring deceased in their cemetery.The Columbarium is a monument with niches for urns containing cremated remains ofthe deceased. The word is derived from the Latin word Columba, which means thedwelling place of a dove and is related to the Irish saint Columcille – the dove of thechurch. The Columbarium affirms belief in the resurrection and provides a sacred placeof interment for cremated remains with pastoral care in Manhattan’s only Catholic ceme-tery.

Located on the inner perimeter of the cemetery wall so nobly defended by AOH menin 1841 and 44, the Columbarium stands among 19th century headstones and will be inkeeping with the architecture of the Basilica and surrounding walls using granite andbrick. Each monument will contain 200 niches, allowing for the interment of two largeurns. Each niche will be available for a donation, which will be used to renovate theBasilica and adjacent cemetery. The cremated loved ones will be memorialized on indi-vidual etched facing stones.

For over 200 years the grounds of the Basilica have been used as the final resting placefor the deceased. Due to the lack of space, this practice was suspended until now. Inappreciation of the noble efforts of the AOH over the past two centuries, the Basilica isproud to offer AOH members a place of eternal rest which is both historic and meaning-ful.

For more information call, (212) 226-8075 or log onto www.oldcathedralcemetery.org

Hibernians May Now Rest with HistoryWANTED

Non Profit Grant WriterFor Hibernian Charity

Please Contact Ned McGinley, Hibernian Charity Board President

[email protected] (570) 905-5715Attach CV to Email


Illinois NewsThe Michael P Keeley Division 1, St

Clair County, Illinois, held its 32ndannual Irish Open Golf Scramble onJune 9. The tournament was renamed“The Foz Ryan Memorial” Irish Openafter the originator, Foz Ryan, whorecently passed away. The event raisedmore than $3,000 that will be distributedto local charities and the Illinois SpecialOlympics.

The tournament had two significantevents: One team consisted on four gen-erations (Bruce Reno, Dylan Reno, ChadReno and Ed Wahl); and Spike Briggshad a hole in one. As usual, everyonehad a great time.

Four generations.Spike Briggs had a hole in one.

by Kieran C. Scott, PresidentMichael J. Farrell Division

On Saturday, Aug. 18, a small butenergized collection of Hibernians gath-ered at Servite High School in Anaheim,CA, prayed the Mass, met, ate, laughedand had a great afternoon.

Fr. Perry McCoy, OSM, celebrated the20th Sunday in ordinary time at theSeven Holy Founders Chapel on thecampus at 4 p.m. Fourteen attended,including two spousal sisters in Irishry.

Mass was personal — the brethren saton the small chapel altar with Fr. McCoy— who engaged the group in an interac-tive homily of sorts, which is not yourtypical Sunday service, but then, that’sthe Servite way. When Mass concluded,we repaired to the priory for refresh-ments and conversation. Fr. McCoyregaled the group with his globetrottingtales of USMC life and his journey to thepriesthood. It was — as the Irish arewont to say — good craic.

A brief formal meeting convened. Thedivision formally thanked the Servites,particularly Fr. McCoy, for providing uswith the Mass and the priory for ourmeeting. Fr. McCoy was thereby formal-ly invited to join the AOH and act as ourchaplain, as Fr. Mike Hanifin, our long-time chaplain, was recently reassignedand can no longer serve in that capacity.As Fr. McCoy is the acting prior of theServites at this time, he must discuss thisinvitation with his fellow friars, but hewill let us know if he is able to take onthis duty. State Board Secretary JeffGallagher made a motion that the divi-sion offer the Servites an honorarium of$100, to be used for the priory’s immedi-ate fiscal needs at Fr. McCoy’s discretion.The motion passed.

It is worth noting that Chuck Gildea –who was unable to attend the meeting –graciously wrote a check for $75 to theServites for their years of service to thechurch and their community at St. Philip

Benizi in Fullerton. Inspired by this, andtogether with the division’s donation,the brothers passed the hat for the friars.

When it all shook out, Fr. McCoy and thefriars had $343 in donations courtesy ofthe AOH.

At the Servite Mass was, from left, seated: Kieran Scott, Fr. McCoy OSM, Jerry O’Keefe,Peter O’Brien; standing: Thomas Rabion, Olen Daugherty Jr, Andrew Manning, KenJamieson, Jeff Gallagher, Olen Daugherty Sr, and Thomas Mullan. Michael O’Keefe wasthere but not in the picture

California News

Connecticut Newsby Phil Gallagher

The 2nd Annual Connecticut AOH Softball Bash was held Aug. 25 in NewFairfield on a beautiful late summer day. Jason King of Danbury was the chairman,and what a great day he held for the lads from the Danbury and Bridgeport divisions.

The day began with greetings from AOH State President Bill Flannery and NewFairfield Selectman Mike Gill, and after Owen McDonnell of the Celtic Cross Pipersplayed God Bless America and the Division Chaplains said a prayer, BridgeportPresident Tom Keane and Danbury Vice President Jim Palardy threw out the firstballs and the games began.

The lads from Bridgeport, under manager and Past President Marty Fox, foughthard, but Jay King’s Danbury team prevailed after two hard fought games. It wassaid by some that Danbury had an unfair advantage in that they used two septuage-narian, left handed, back-spin pitchers in the personages of Piper Owen McDonnelland the writer of this column.

Peter Hearty Jr., who usually pitches for Danbury, was out with an injury but thatdid not stop him from cooking up a steady diet of hotdogs and hamburgers for thehungry ballplayers.

The games concluded with the presentation of the trophy to Danbury as pipersBridget Flannery and Dave Reisdorf played the Minstrel Boy.

Jim Murray of Bridgeport and Jay King of Danbury wish to continue and expandthis annual event. They are extending an open invitation not only to their Connecticutbrothers but also to those from neighboring states to participate next year.

On a down note, the Greater Danbury Irish Festival was forced to cancel for thisyear due to construction obstacles at the Ives Center where the event has been heldfor many years. The Committee plans to regroup and resume next year and possiblyuse a new venue.

Once again Connecticut Hibernians, under the leadership of Joe Flaherty ofWaterbury, commemorated the anniversary of the deaths of the Hunger Strikers withappropriate ceremonies at Bobby Sands Circle in Hartford.

On Oct. 13, benefit golf tournaments will be held at opposite ends of the State.

Danbury AOH President Paul Grassler Sr. and Vice President Jim Palardy Sr. willchair the annual golf outing that benefits the Greater Danbury Irish Center. This eventwill feature a shotgun start at the 18-hole Ridgefield Golf Course and the $110 feeincludes a full day’s activities and food.

Division 7, of New Haven will host a golf outing Oct. 13 at the 9-hole Fenwick Golfcourse in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Tickets are $60 and can be obtained by callingJason McWade at 860-839-4165. Fenwick is a famous old course where the actressKatherine Hepburn recorded a hole-in-one just a few hours before the Great NewEngland Hurricane of 1938 destroyed her family’s summer home.

The AOH Softball Bash Trophy presentation ceremony included, from left, Tom Keane ofBridgeport, Jay King of Danbury, Jim Palardy of Danbury and State President Bill Flanneryof Stamford.


Maryland Newsby Tim Harvey, State President

After returning from the National Convention in New York, Maryland went intofull Barry Run mode. Final preparations were made for the four events to take placein Maryland from July 25 through July 28. I had the pleasure of meeting up withTom McGrath has he crossed into Maryland and began his journey toward Bel Air,Maryland. My thanks to Jim Cosgrove, President St. Kevin division in Bel Air formaking the hotel and welcoming event arrangements for Tom and company.

The members of the St. Kevin division turned out, as did the LAOH of HarfordCounty, with music by Nua.

The next day, Tom made his way to Baltimore where he was welcomed by StateVice President Jay Linahan. That night a grand party was held at the Irish RailroadWorker’s Museum with music by the great Rogue’s Band.

Many thanks go out to Dan Layden, Jay Linahan, Jim McGovern, MichaelMellett, Baltimore City division #5 membership, Brian Fitzmaurice and theMaryland LAOH for a successful event.

Early Friday morning I was back on the road with Tom and his caravan on theway to Annapolis. The John Barry division with Dave Aland and Jane Bannon, thewife of President Pat Bannon, put on a wonderful night of entertainment at the JohnBarry Bar in O’Callahan’s Hotel.

It was great to see Past Presidents Seamus Boyle and Ned McGinley there to wel-come Tom to Annapolis. A wonderful crowd was on hand Saturday morning to seeTom cross the finish line at the U.S. Naval Academy. I had the honor of reading theproclamation from Governor Martin O’Malley proclaiming July 28 as “John BarryRun Day” in Maryland.

I want to add my personal thanks to Frank Corcoran, the man behind the scenes.Frank was Tom’s “manager” and great to work with. He was always the voice ofreason and easy going when we had to make last minute changes in route. Frank,thanks for all of your help as it was a pleasure working with you!

Just a few blocks from the Barry Gate is McGarvey’s Saloon and Oyster Bar,which has been the sponsor of the Maryland State AOH raffle for the past two years.Last year we were able to donate $4,500 to the Little Sisters of the Poor and thisyear’s proceeds will go to the Barry Memorial Project. On Aug. 24, Maryland StateCharity Committee Chair George Hogan, committee member Carbra McDonnelland I presented McGarvey’s general manager, Jim Fishback, with an etched mirrorin appreciation of their support.

At the McGarvey’s presentation were, from left, Tim Harvey, MD State President; JimFishback, McGarvey’s General Manager; George Hogan, MD Charity’s Chair; and CarbraMcDonnell.

New Hampshire NewsManchester celebrated its annual St.

Patrick’s parade with over 60,000 viewing.Parading that afternoon was 2012 grand mar-shal John Patrick Jordan. John is a memberand chapter historian of the William J.Shanahan, Div. 1. A retired ironworker, helives in Manchester with his wife, Irene,proud parents of nine children, 15 grandchil-dren and six great-grandchildren.

John has always had a love of history, par-ticularly the history of our own. When thebook, ‘Irish immigrants and the CatholicChurch in Manchester’ was published, it washe who wrote the forward. He also completeda history of the Sheridan Guards - Irish veter-ans of the American Civil War fromManchester who organized and were later, inthe 1870s, amalgamated into the NH NationalGuard. A member of the ManchesterHistorical Association, John was honored in2011 for his dedication and efforts for thepreservation of historic resources in the city.Honors also include a Key to the City and anarea named in his honor at the ManchesterCity Library, both related to his commitmentand research of Manchester’s history. Eachyear John, along with fellow Division 1 mem-ber Gerry Holleran, conducts a tour of the oldSt. Joseph Cemetery where Manchester’s first

immigrants, the Irish, lie in rest.John Patrick Jordan: Historian, Hibernian, Friend. We, the members of Division

1, salute you.A salute also to Division 1 members William Biser and Daniel O’Neil,

Manchester St. Patrick’s Parade coordinator and parade president, respectively.Because of their tireless efforts, each year the parade is a resounding success.

In other Division 1 news, we applaud and are thankful for the leadership givenby outgoing president Scott McQuillan. His direction and leadership was alwayssteady and strong. The same may be said for Richard Walsh, who returns to thehelm as Division 1 president.

Minnesota NewsThe North Star State shines again

Minnesota’s Shamrock Division 1 of LeSueur County was looking for ideas toraise funds for their dwindling scholarship fund, which is given annually to deserv-ing high school seniors about to enter college.

Founding member and Charter President George P. Luskey came up with an ideathat would not only instill pride in the recipients of future scholarships but alsoinstill pride in Hibernians, and their Divisions from coast to coast.

Division 1 has joined forces with the world famous ring maker Jostens Co. fromMinnesota to develop an AOH ring with a portion of the sale going to the Division’sscholarship fund.

For those who attended this year’s National Convention at Turning Stone Resort& Casino, you perhaps had the opportunity to stop by the Jostens table at the con-vention and visit with Jostens representative Ray Lorenz, and see the beautiful AOHrings available for purchase. As a result, to date, Hibernians in 10 states now showtheir pride in being a Hibernian by wearing one of the three examples of these ringson their fingers.

The three Division 1 members shown in the photo were the first to order ringsfrom Jostens, and if you are interested in ordering your own or would like to learnmore about the AOH rings, you may go to www.aohringsbyjostens.com to viewthem or contact Mr. Lorenz at 651-483-8495.

Division 1 extends the hand of friendship and best wishes to newly electedNational President Brendan Moore, and the new National Executive Board.

Grand Marshal John Jordan

HELP WANTED:Advertising Sales Director for the Hibernian Digest

Contact: [email protected] Three members of Division 1 proudly show their new AOH rings.


New York NewsOswego AOH members honor Dean Michael Barry’s 181st Birthday

Members of the AOH in Oswego placed flowers on the gravesite of The MostReverend Dean Michael Barry in commemoration of his 181st birthday.

Father Barry was born at Castlelyon, County Cork, Ireland, on Aug. 15, 1831. Hewas an active religious leader in the community of Oswego, New York. at St. Paul’sChurch for 45 years. After his death on Oct. 23, 1914, the community of Oswegofunded the amazing Celtic Cross at St. Paul’s cemetery. The inscription on the mon-ument reads, “As a token of love and esteem of the grateful people for whom helabored so zealously for 45 years. May his soul rest in peace.”

The local Oswego Dean Michael Barry Division 1 at 22 Munn Street is named inhis honor. The Oswego AOH membership continues to grow monthly consisting ofnearly 300 full members, Catholic with Irish heritage, and closing in on 200 socialmembers, anyone age 16 on up that is recommended by a member for membership.

Remembering our heroesMemorial Services were held at five Cemeteries and two Memorials on Memorial

Day in Goshen NY. Attending were members of the AOH Fr. Emmanuel HourihanDivision 4, Orange County, Middletown, along with members of Joseph Duelk Jr.,Division 1 Orange County Monroe.

Oswego Hibernians placing flowers at the gravesite, from left, front row, ConnieCallahan, Aaron Callahan, Mike Hogan, Father John Hogan, Dennis Kirk, Kathleen andTom Turner; back row: Mark Annunziata, Charles Pfeifer, James Goodall, Jim Patridgeand Rich Coots.

Pictured, from left, front, from Division 4, Tom McDonald, Ron Heppes, Ray Patterson,Edmond Burke and Mike Cummins. Back row, John Carey Jr., Patrick Lahiff, Charles Quigg(Div. 1) and George Anderson (Div. 1). Not pictured were John Higgins and Dr. John Carey(Div 4).

Pennsylvania News

Our Lady of KnockThe AOH Lackawanna County Board and the LAOH held their annual Our Lady

of Knock Mass on Sunday, Aug. 19, at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton. Masswas celebrated by Rev. Thomas M. Muldowney, V. G. The beautiful celebration byFr. Muldowney was enhanced by his wonderful homily, educating the congregation,of the history of Our Lady appearing on Aug. 21, 1879, in Knock, Co. Mayo, Ireland.

Fr. Muldowney also pointed out he was in this church where the apparitionoccurred and was honored and humbled to say mass in this beautiful Basilica.Members in attendance were from all six Divisions in the County: John F. Kennedy,Division 1; Msgr. William Farrell, Division 2; The O’Neill Brothers, Paul O’Malley,Division 3; Firefighter Joseph Flannery, Division 5; and the Father Patrick D. Healey,Division 6. A special thanks to Fr. Muldowney, Sr. Gilmary Speirs and Gary Duncan,Lackawanna County Board President.

At the Our Lady of Knock Mass, from left, front row: Dot Crowley, Katie Hosie, LindaMahar, Sr. Gilmary Speirs IHM, Nora Connor, Rev. Thomas M. Muldowney V. G. andLoretta Ludovici; second row: John Michaely, Jeff Mc Dermott, Gerard Hosie, GaryDuncan, Joe Hosie, Bridget Ludovici, Nancy Butler and Mary Ann McCormick; third row:Shawn Virsell, Todd Frick, Rick Burnett, Jim Fuller, Jim Connor and Mary Kate Werner;fourth row: Joe Walsh, John Mahar, Bill Pryle, George Fricovsky and George Wheeler;and fifth row: Joe Holland, Pat O’Malley, Marty Judge, Tom Gilbride, Jim McDonnell,Terry Hughes, Jim Henning and Paul Roche.

AOH Monsignor William Farrell Division 2 of Carbondale captures Junior Miss C champi-onship - The AOH team captured the Carbondale Miss C Softball 2012 league Juniorchampionship. The team members, coaches and manager were presented with teamjackets from the Carbondale AOH Club. Team members were, front row: Erika Freely,Amelia Zazzera, Peyton Machado, Alyssa Quinn, Camryn Becker and Michaela Spaid;back row: assistant coach Steve Zazzera, AOH Pennsylvania State Director Joe Hosie,AOH member John Price and head coach Jerry Wagner. Players missing from photo wereJaime Kane, Camryn Perri and Brianna Fay.

4th Annual Joe McGinnis Scholarship 5K Run/WalkThe 4th Annual “Joe McGinnis Scholarship 5K Run/Walk” was held on Aug. 18

at Tyler State Park in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Ninety-seven entrants came outon a beautiful Saturday morning to raise funds for the benefit of an annualScholarship awarded by Bucks County Division 2 in memory of Joe McGinnis, the“Irish Godfather of Bucks County.” As a result of the success of this endeavor,Division 2 was able to award two scholarships of $1,000 apiece this year to broth-ers Conor and Ryan Peyton of Newtown, PA; both are Honors students at NotreDame High School, Lawrenceville, NJ. They were officially presented with theirscholarships for the academic year 2102-13 just prior to the start of the race, ourmost successful in the series to date.

Members of Division 2, Bucks County, from left, Bill O’Connor, Brian Walsh, MikeShields, Jim Casey, Pat Gannon, Bill Lacey (Div. & County President), “the littlestMcGinnis,” Henry Conroy, John Frain, Jim Gallagher, Tom Costello and Matt Walsh(Event Chairman).

Moving?Notify the Financial Secretary of your Division!

Send your new address and the mailing label from the front page of The Hibernian Digest to: Thomas McNabb

31 Logan StreetAuburn, NY 13021-3925

Wisconsin News

Who we are today, is reflected in our community involvement…The current AOH Milwaukee Division was formed on August 16, 1986, following

a long and distinguished history of Hibernian activities and service to the communi-ty beginning in 1866. The Milwaukee Division participates in numerous activities,including contributions to Irish and Irish American culture and tradition throughmajor sponsorship of the internationally recognized Irish Genealogy Area of the IrishCultural and Heritage Center in Milwaukee; major annual fundraising event throughthe William Drew Scholarship Spaghetti Dinner, providing thousands of dollars eachyear for student scholarships at St. Rose of Messmer Urban Academy, Notre DameGirls Middle School, and Nativity Jesuit Boys Middle School; participation inMilwaukee’s St. Patrick Mass and two St. Patrick’s Day Parades; and partnershipwith Milwaukee Irish Fest in the Cultural Area, participation in and financial supportof the Irish Fest Mass For Peace and Justice. The AOH Milwaukee Division also hoststhe AOH Hospitality Area at Irish Fest for the benefit of current and prospectiveAOH members visiting Milwaukee Irish Fest from across the nation. Source: BrotherSteve Michaels

Irish currach boat races including both men’s competition and women’s competition.


Ohio NewsUnited Ireland, from dream to reality

The Cleveland-area Irish Community Forum, “United Ireland – from Dream toReality,” included featured speaker Conor Murphy, MP, MLA (Sinn Fein,Newry/Armagh) pictured with panelists Kathleen Whitford, Freedom for All-Ireland Chair, LAOH, Cleveland; and Danny O’Connell, AOH National Treasurer.The event held on Sept. 9 was well attended and also featured panelist John Ryan,State Director for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown.

Discussing a united Ireland, from dream to reality

West Virginia NewsBishop Whelan Division celebrates 60 years of The Quiet Man

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the release of the beloved 1952 film, The QuietMan, starring John Wayne, and Maureen O’Hara, Bishop Whelan Division No. 1 ofthe AOH in Wheeling, West Virginia, looked to its history to sponsor a reading of thepub version of the play, “The Quiet Man,” adapted for the stage by Chicago play-wright Frank Mahon.

Historical research revealed that the old Wheeling AOH divisions produced andperformed a large number of Irish plays in the early 20th century. In keeping withthat tradition, the Bishop Whelan Division partnered with the local publiclibrary and community theater to bring “The Quiet Man” to Wheeling.

The staged reading was presented on Aug. 30 to a packed house at the OhioCounty Public Library’s auditorium. Set in County Kerry during and after the IrishWar of Independence, the play focuses more on Ireland’s history than the film. A castof seven actors from Towngate Theater, dressed in period 1921 Irish attire, gave awell-received performance — equal parts humorous and poignant — and received astanding ovation for their efforts. The event also featured music by a local Irish band,Black Slaney, as well as Irish style “pub grub” prepared by the Ye Olde Alpha restau-rant. Proceeds from ticket sales benefited Harmony House Children’s AdvocacyCenter. A few of the 150 in attendance drove from as far away as Pittsburgh, PA, andMorgantown, WV, including the great-granddaughter of the legendary IrishAmerican showman, George M. Cohan.

The popular 1952 film and Mahon’s play are based on related source material,short stories by Irish writer Maurice Walsh published in a collection called GreenRushes.

“Maurice Walsh’s The Quiet Man” earned the playwright a nomination for a JeffAward for Best New Adaptation (under the title “The Quiet Man Tales”). Whenasked for permission to present his play in Wheeling, Mahon said that he was happythat “Mossie” (Walsh) would be “back in a library.”

The play has been well received by audiences and critics in Mahon’s hometownof Chicago and across the country, including at the John Wayne Museum in Iowa.Maureen O’Hara herself called it “A wonderful script…” featuring “strong and inter-esting” characters and a “tale well told…” that “brings us into the homes and livesof the Irish living in those difficult times.”

The Bishop Whelan Division was proud to be a part of such a hugely successfulevent and fundraiser and very proud to be able to revive an old AOH tradition byhelping to bring a touch of Irish culture and history to West Virginia.

Scene from the staging of The Quiet Man in Wheeling, WV Exciting sporting events such as Tug-of-War, Irish Hurling and Irish canine breeddemonstrations.

17

Ladies Hibernian NewsLadies Hibernian News


Ladies AOH National BoardRev. Stephen Rooney . . . . . . . . Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Shelton . . . . . . . . . . . President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Hogan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] O’Connell. . . . . . . . . . . Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] O’Connell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . o’[email protected] Mains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irish Historian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Sheyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Missions & Charity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Burkart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catholic Action . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Lewis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asst. Digest Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Immigration & Legislation . . . . . . . . [email protected] Gowdy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FFAI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LAOH Webmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Madigan . . . . . . . . . . . . Fundraising. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Lauster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Keane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auditor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Ochab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jewlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Sheehy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notre Dame Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

PAST NATIONAL PRESDIENTSMargaret Hennessy. . . . . . . . . . Organizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deer Park, NYMary Ryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marlboro, MADorothy Weldon . . . . . . . . . . . . Budget Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monongahela, PAMary T. Leathem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Troy, NYEleonore Grimley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexandria, VAMary B. Dolan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Brookfield, MAPeggy Coney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pittsburgh, PAMary Paglione . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Lucie, FLKathie Linton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convention Chair. Notre Dame Chair . . . . . . . Uniontown, OhioTerry Kelleher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Redwood City, CAMary B. McEnery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Providence, RIShelia Clifford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waterbury, CT

President’s GreetingsBy Maureen Shelton

It is hard to believesummer is gone and wehave moved into thefall. This is when manyof our Divisions beginto meet again, hopeful-ly with renewed enthu-

siasm. I am always amazed at the amountof time and effort we continually devoteto raise money for our charities. This issuch a difficult time for so many. I knowthat we help out in many ways...some vol-unteering at soup kitchens, shelters, nurs-ing homes, retirement homes, preparingand sending packages to our armed ser-vices and more. The LAOH is a blessing tomany; year in and year out our member-ship works tirelessly to serve others as wecontinue to live our motto and faith.

Our new National Board has beenbusy settling into their new Offices andthey are ready to serve you. Please do nothesitate to contact any of them; we workfor you. Every state should have a copy of

the Proceedings from the NationalConvention. If your state has not yetplaced an order for the Proceedings, youmay still do so by downloading the orderform from the LAOH National Website. Ifyou have not yet had a chance to look atthe website, please do so. It has a newlook thanks to the hard work of our web-master, Dee Ramp. Dee continues toupdate our site daily to keep youinformed. There are a number of forms onour site that you can download. We willalso be adding an events page to the web-site. You may want to check it out whenyou are traveling to a different city or stateto see if there are any events that you maywant to attend. With this said, please sendDee Ramp any information that yourstate, county or division has for upcomingevents.

On a personal note, I have receivedmany cards, notes, Mass cards, and evenflowers. I would like to thank you foryour best wishes and support. We are allmembers of this great organization andwe will continue to work together for thegood of the order. May God bless andkeep you safe.

CORRECTION The Honor Guard indentified on Page 21 of the July-August edition of The

National Hibernian Digest’s photo of the new LAOH President, Maureen Shelton,should have been identified as Maureen’s home team, the St. Brigid DegreeTeam,from Michigan.

Pennsylvania NewsPennsylvania’s Mary Ellen O’Neill Division 4, Washington County, Ladies

Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. honored their Chaplain, Sister Wilma Kramer,OSF, on June 2, 2012 at a Luncheon at the Speers Street Grille, Charleroi, Pa. SisterWilma, Pastoral Associate at Mary, Mother of the Church, has continued her reli-gious journey on a new path at the Motherhouse in Pittsburgh and has resigned asthe LAOH Chaplain of Division 4. The members are most grateful for her kindness,presence and spiritual advisor in the years she served as Chaplain.

Front (L-R): Margaret Foyle, Sr. Wilma Kramer, LAOH Division 4 ChaplainDorothy Weldon, Division 4 President, Past State and National LAOHPresident. Back: Mary Rosick, Treasurer, Mary Jane Aponasewicz, CardChair, Ruth Oates, Newly installed Member, Frances Smith, Sentinel PegMight, Secretary, Laura DeBor, Office of Missions and Charities, DottieTaylor

Catholic Actionby Lynn Burkart LAOH, [email protected]

I would like to thank you for the great honor to serve as your National CatholicAction officer. Like you, I am proud of my Catholic Irish heritage, and I am humbledto have the opportunity to serve with you, and for you.

Please permit me to introduce myself. I am a 15 year member of St. Rose Divisionin Sonoma, CA. and I have filled every position on the Division and State boardlevel, ending last year as State President. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Mypaternal grandfather, Hugh McQuillan emigrated from Belfast to pursue a betterlife, and to enjoy the religious freedom denied him in Ireland. My family in NYloved all things Irish especially our Church.

The role of Catholic Action officer involves raising funds to support strugglingyoung seminarians and religious, with vocational grants through the use of “ProjectSt. Patrick” cards. We also support retired Religious through donations to “SupportOur Aging Religious” (SOAR). These two important National fundraising programshelp ensure the continued growth of our church. Raising money is a vitally impor-tant role, and so too is raising awareness of the responsibilities we share as Irish,Catholic women of faith.

Fr. Thomas O’Donnell reminded us during the closing Mass at the Convention,that it is our Catholic Hibernian responsibility, to continue to fight for ReligiousFreedom, both here and in Ireland. We must “pray, fast and do good deeds” asTimothy Cardinal Dolan of NY requested during the “Fortnight for Freedom” inorder to preserve the very God given religious liberty that our forefathers came hereto seek. I urge all Hibernians to visit the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops web-site www.usccb.org and familiarize yourself and your friends and families with theissues our Church in America is facing today.

Another role that we are called to fill today is that of “Volunteer” and to serve oth-ers through the many ministry programs offered. Christ calls us, “to know Him, tolove Him and to serve Him.” Each time we step up to volunteer in our parish orcommunity we are serving Him. We can be Eucharist Ministers, CCD or RCIA teach-ers, help feed the hungry, cloth the poor, or visit the homebound, and infirmed.When we speak out, and lend our support to Right to Life programs, “from concep-tion to a natural death”, this too is an important part of our Catholic Action activi-ties.

If we will take up the role as “Defenders of Life”, and “Defenders of the Faith”we will be a living model of Catholic Action. I think my grandparents and yourswould be very pleased indeed. It is after all the “Faith of Our Fathers” that we singabout at our Hibernian masses. You see, this is the appropriately named office ofCatholic “ACTION” not In-Action.

I look forward to hearing from you about how your Irish roots have influencedyour Catholic faith and your walk with the Lord. Please contact me if you need moreProject St. Patrick (PSP) cards. Please mail your PSP donations or requests to me, notCarol Sheyer, at the address below. Look at the Catholic Action Yearly Report formon the website, so you can see the many ways we can serve the Lord and serve oneanother. Please remember to “Live the Motto” of Friendship, Unity and ChristianCharity.

Bring a Friend into your division and make her a sister, be United with Christ,and be Charitable to all you meet. Good luck.


Colorado NewsThe Colorado United Irish Societies (CUIS) is a non-profit organization made up of

Irish businesses and organizations in Colorado, including the Denver LAOH. For thepast 18 years, CUIS has put on the Colorado Irish Festival in Littleton, Colorado, justsouth of Denver. This is a three day festival celebrating all things Irish, including a feis,Gaelic sports, Irish music, Mass on Sunday, and booths from various Irish organizationsand shops. The Denver LAOH and our two local AOH chapters are responsible fororganizing the Mass. This is a wonderful way for our groups to be sure the Catholicfaith, so important to us and to Ireland, is part of this festival. We also had a booth atthe festival to inform people about the LAOH and to recruit interested women. Thisyear, as part of the Cultural Village, our booth handed out bookmarks with Irish bless-ings on them. The aim of the Cultural Village is to share information with festival atten-dees about Irish traditions, customs, and history—-making the festival a great learningexperience.

Many of our members volunteer to help at the festival in other ways as well- donat-ing their time to make sure the event runs smoothly. This year, with a special ceremo-ny, CUIS took the opportunity to especially recognize and thank those people who havebeen so heavily involved in the Colorado Irish Festival and we are proud that amongthose recognized were 6 members of our division. They were Louise Donovan, KateTierney, Kerri Marshen, Marianne Barbe Boston, Ellen Farrell, and Mary JeanneMoriarity. The Denver LAOH is blessed with wonderful women who are always will-ing to go above and beyond to promote the Irish community in Colorado. We are verygrateful for their contributions. If you are ever traveling to Colorado in mid-July, besure to visit the Colorado Irish Festival.

Michigan NewsMichigan’s Our Lady of Knock Mass and Celebration for newly elected LAOH

National President, Maureen Shelton, took place on Sunday, August 29, 2012 at theStephen Walsh Division AOH Hall.

The Mass was celebrated by Reverend Patrick Casey. The mass and celebrationwas well attended by LAOH, AOH, family and friends. Mass was followed by apotluck dinner and social gathering.

President Shelton’s family attended including her husband, Jon; son Brian, daugh-ter -in-law Sara, grandchildren Sophia and Max and uncle, Bill Houlihan, who hasbeen a Stephen Walsh Division Member for over 45 years.

Pictured from left to right are: Maureen Kelly, MI Vice President; SueLauster, MI President; Maureen Shelton, Patrick Sturdy, MI AOH Presidentand Kevin Burke, MI AOH Vice-President.

Indiana NewsThe delegation from the OLK Div. #1, Indianapolis, IN was very excited with news

from the Convention 2012. They eagerly participated in the sessions and enjoyed theirassigned roles.

Two of our members who founded Miracle Place in Indianapolis to serve the childrenand families of an area in need found themselves especially thrilled. Upon returningfrom the convention, two voice mails were awaiting them. Sisters Barbara McClelland,OP and Rita Wade, OP, were requesting OLK if they would prepare 40 brown bag sup-pers for the participants in the Academic Olympics Program at Miracle Place. The pro-gram prepares students by developing skills in Reading and Math that will serve themin the new school year. Many of the students who participate are in grades 6-10.

Although a very short window was allowed, OLK members managed to prepare thesuppers and announce to the sisters that their Miracle Place Outreach had been selectedby the LAOH Mission and Charities Committee as their charity for the next two years.This was truly a day of celebration for the sisters and those they serve!

Other activities for the Division included a Mass of Celebration of the feast of OurLady of Knock, followed by a luncheon, a Garage Sale fundraiser and preparing theircraft booth for the Indy Irish Fest, September 13-16 where OLK members will serve asEucharistic Ministers.

District of Columbia NewsOn a lovely Sunday of May 6, we celebrated our annual Mass and ceremonies honor-

ing the “Nuns of the Battlefield.” This traditional celebration honors the various orders ofnuns who acted as nurses during the Civil War, serving both the men of the North andthe South.

In 1914, our National President, Mrs. Ellen Ryan Jolly, gave birth to the idea of a nation-al monument in Washington, DC, to honor these brave sisters of the Civil War. After tenlong years of her determination and hard work, this monument was dedicated in 1924,directly across the street from the historic St. Matthew’s Cathedral.

On Friday preceding this event, our military installed a Wayside Market inside a glasscase at the John Barry statute, which is located in the heart of Washington, DC at FranklinSquare Park. The men’s choir from the Naval Academy, the various speeches from ourmilitary representatives, with their flags and colors and a visit and talk from our NationalPresident Seamus Boyle, completed the day.

On Sunday, June 10, the John F. Kennedy Division 5 celebrated its annual picnic at thehome of Bill and Roisin Lowry, which is situated on the banks of the Arnold River nearAnnapolis. The men of Division 5, with support from the ladies, have selected a new sem-inarian which they will partially support. The ladies of the Emerald Isle Division had afun day on June 16, when they visited the Irish Railroad Museum in Baltimore, which wasfollowed by a visit to the cathedral and lunch

On the evening of July 28, we attended a reception in Annapolis, Maryland, to honorrunner, Tom McGrath. Tom participated in a 250 mile solo run from Manhattan, NewYork to Annapolis, to raise funds for the John Barry monument which is scheduled to bebuilt at the Naval Academy.

The District of Columbia LAOH wishes to thank the Albany Delegation and theNational Officers of both the AOH and LAOH, for such an outstanding national conven-tion.

Sr. Phylis O’Dowd receivesLeadership Award

The 2008 National President’s Leadership Recognition Award in memory of SisterPeggy Flaherty, CDP, was created and funded by Dorothy Flaherty Weldon, sister ofSister Peggy in Dorothy’s term, 2008 as LAOH National President. It includes a $500conditional Gift as well as a Glass Award created by Peter O’Rourke of CountyGalway, Ireland.

The Award acknowledges one who strives to equal the Simplicity, Humility andCharity as well as manifesting the Spirit of Christ emulated by Sr. Peggy. The 2012Recipient is: Sr. Phylis O’Dowd of the Sisters of St. Dominic who shares her love forher Irish heritage. Sr. O’Dowd was the Deputy National Chaplain, 2010-2012. SisterPhylis O’Dowd voted by the LAOH National Board was baptized “Peggy”.

Notice

Articles for the November-DecemberHibernian Digest are due no later than

October 26, 2012

California News

Pictured above are Leanne McGrady, CA State President, Santa RosaDiocese Bishop Robert Vasa, and Lynn Burkart, National Catholic ActionChair, at the Catholic Charities Mass and luncheon in Napa, CA. TheSonoma LAOH Division ladies are generous supporters of the CatholicCharities Family Support shelter in Napa, as well as ‘Coach 2 Career’ pro-gram which donates lightly used clothes to women interviewing to enter theworkforce.

North Carolina NewsOlivia Miles of St. Brendan the Navigator in

Wilmington, NC Is First Place LAOH NationalEssay Winner

St. Brendan the Navigator LAOH Division 1(Wilmington) is proud to announce that Olivia Miles,an eighth grader, has won First Place on the NationalIrish Essay 2012 Competition, “Annie Moore, IrishImmigration”. Olivia has been entering essays forthree years and has won local and state awards foreach of those years. Thirty-four entries were receivedby the Division and five continued onto NC State andthen five onto the National contest.

The Division held it’s annual luncheon at Porters

Neck Country Club and announced all the winners ofthe local Irish essay competition. The essays were readout to the audience both in part and entirety to a trulyenthusiastic and attentive audience.

Along with the essay winners the Division has beenactive with donating moneys to local charities fromtheir fund raisers. The ladies also mailed preemie babyhats and blankets to New Hanover Hospital Neo-Natal Center in Wilmington, NC, and to the Neo-NatalCenter in Atlanta, GA for the many preemie babies atthose facilities. Up to this date over 6800 preemie hatshave been made and delivered for neo-natal hospitalsin this life saving project.

The Division joined the AOH Division for theirannual picnic at Hugh McCrea Park to celebrate the

upcoming hopeful successful year.NC State LAOH Announces National First Place

Irish Essay WinnerHope Cusick, North Carolina LAOH Irish Historian

announced the National First Place Irish Essay 2012winner, Olivia Miles of Wilmington, North Carolina. ANational LAOH certificate and a check for $500.00were presented to Olivia for winning first place on herIrish Essay about Annie Moore and her immigration tothe USA. This is an award for the Middle School cate-gory.

The NC State LAOH would also like to send con-dolences to NC State LAOH President Janice Donahueon the passing of her husband, Brian Donahue a NCAOH member of Charlotte, NC. Member.

Massachusetts NewsCongratulations to our newly elected LAOH National President, her elected board,

her appointees and the Past National Presidents who have been given specific duties forthis term of office. Although summer is usually a slow season for Massachusetts LAOHactivity, the ladies have been active. Division 8, Clinton, MA hosted the state-sponsoredobservance of the Feast of Our Lady of Knock. LAOH members from across the stateattended Mass at St. John’s Church, said prayers at the Shrine at the church and enjoyeda lovely lunch. Division 10, Lynn, MA has been purchasing backpacks and members hasbeen collecting school supplies over the summer which will be donated to theDepartment of Children and Family Services to be disbursed to children in need. Plansare also underway to resurrect an old division tradition of a “mystery” ride, where plansare not known until arrival at our final destination. Members of Div. 10, LAOH partici-pated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Division 8, Lawrence, hosted a picnic in the park for its members and their families.Members from around the state attended. A BBQ and river boat rides were just some thehighlights of a very enjoyable day. Division 18, Salem hosted a movie night for theirmembers with refreshments and attended a summer picnic along with members of theAOH. Division 36, Worcester hosted a Canal Diggers 5K & 1/2 Way to St. Patrick’s DayCelebration and a Commodore John Barry Dinner Dance. Division 1, Holyoke memberscontinue to work on their handmade Irish-themed quilt with proceeds going to theirscholarship fund. We are all looking forward to a busy fall season.

Division 10 members Kathleen Savage and Stacy Regal O’Hare, both sur-vivors, participated in the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life”.


Texas Newsby Jason Binkley

AOH in action around the River CityBrothers of the San AntonioColumkille Division tackle busy times,and prepare for the future.

The Irish culture around San Antoniohas been stirring over the last two years,and the AOH has been at the forefront.They have been instrumental in the foun-dation of a Gaelic Athletics Club, have puton many successful fundraisers and contin-

ue to spread Gaelic culture and Catholictradition throughout the city.

The River City Brothers showed supportof their Celtic kin at the Highland Games,where over 15,000 people from aroundNorth America showed up over two days.

This year’s Texas Folk Life Festival washeld at the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus,where the AOH represented the Irish toover 35,000 festival attendees. Over LaborDay weekend in Philadelphia, many of theSan Antonio Brothers helped lead the SanAntonio Gaelic Athletics Club to a GaelicFootball victory by winning the NorthAmerican County Board Junior D Shield.

After a hard defeat from a tough Phoenixteam, the footballers rallied together to beatBaltimore and Seattle securing the Shieldfor Texas. Special thanks to Br. StevieQuinn for his support.

Continuing the momentum, AOHColumkille prepares for the St. Pius XFestival, Pius being the home parish to theColumkille division. More than 5,000 peo-ple are expected to attend the one-dayevent, where Brothers will serve cold Texasbeer amid a sea of other vendors. With ascorching hot day forecast during the fes-tivities, the AOH predicts a hefty turnout.

Autumn brings the Fall Membership

Drive, and Brothers have already beenencouraged to seek out qualified candi-dates to bring into the fold. So far this year,the Columkille Division has welcomedseven new members, with nine coming inlast year. At least 12 candidates are beingscreened at present.

Money raised will benefit the AOH andits charities on a local, regional, nationaland international level. More than money,Brothers of the San Antonio ColumkilleDivision continue to fight for the AOH mis-sion of friendship, unity and Christiancharity through their presence and supportof the River City Irish.

The SAGAC travelling team in Philadelphia. Brothers present were Jimmy O’Halligan, Sean Hipp, Kevin McManus, Brian Clark, Jerome Austin, Adrian Brett and Jason Binkley. Thanksto Br. Stevie Quinn.

Nassau celebrates its 40th annual feis

The Nassau County, NY, AOH Board held its40th annual feis and festival on the grounds ofHofstra University on Sunday, Sept. 16, andnamed as its honoree John T. Dunleavy, the long-time chairman and director of the NYC St.Patrick’s Day Parade and CelebrationCommittee.

“Today is a day to make us all proud of ourIrish heritage,” said Mike Byrne, Nassau CountyAOH Board president.

Hundreds of Irish step dancers came from nearand far with their families to compete for prizes,as did members of numerous pipe and drumbands. Sean O’Rourke, County AOH VicePresident, was the general chairman of the feis.

His father, Mike O’Rourke, along with the lateJohn Bownes, was the first chairman of the event40 years ago.

It was a beautiful day of great joy and pride inNassau, as the AOH and LAOH membersworked to organize the dancing competitions,pipe band competitions, children’s games, musiccompetitions, Soda Bread Baking contest, IrishLanguage competition, art, singing and theParade of Bands.

NY State AOH Chaplain Fr. Henry Reid saidMass at the feis.

Dunleavy said that he was “honored and priv-ileged to be here today to accept this award. I canrecall working with [the late] John Bownes 40

years ago at the initial feis in Nassau County andI look out here today and see that he did atremendous job setting in motion all this growthof the feis, which is so phenomenal. I thank all theworkers and organizers who have done so muchto make this the great success it is.”

“To all who have contributed their time andenergy, parents, teachers, competitors, AOH andLAOH County Board officers and members, andour untiring Feis Committee, we extend our grat-itude,” said Nassau County AOH BoardPresident Mike Byrne. “Without you we couldnot have accomplished this great celebration ofIrish culture.”

Photos by John O’Connell

AOH and other officials at the feis were, from left, Joe Gleason, Ed Friel,Sean O’Rourke, Ed Callahan John Dunleavy, Donal Mahoney, JohnHennessey, Jeff Clark , Mike Byrne, Hon. Peter B. SkelosSupreme Court.App. Div.) and Joe McDonald.

Lauren McManus, Ashley Harten and Colleen Gaughran from the DonnyGolden School of Irish Dance found the AOH Feis & Festival a great venuefor their dancing skills.

Kathy Leistner was one of the piperswith numerous bands that competed atthe Nassau County AOH Feis & Festival.

Fr. Henry Reid said Mass at thefeis.

Caroline Hawk came to compete all the way fromBethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The National Hibernian Digest - Sept-Oct 2012

Documents

Transcript of The National Hibernian Digest - Sept-Oct 2012