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—HIS EMINENCE, PATRICK CARDINAL O’DONNELL of Ireland

Vol. LXXX No. 5 USPS 373340 September-October 2013 1.50 Hibernians Welcome Irish Ambassador Anderson

In This Issue… Celebrating Irish Culture in New York

AOH and LAOH National and District of Columbia State Board Presidents welcome Ambassador Anne Anderson to Washington, DC, from left, Brendan Moore, Ambassador Anderson, Maureen Shelton, Gail Dapolito (DC LAOH State Board President), and Ralph D. Day (DC AOH State Board President). Page 23 At a formal dinner held at the prestigious National Press Club addressed the DC Convention earlier that day. Also joining the AOH Deputy Consul General located near the White House, the Washington DC State Board at the dinner were numerous DC Irish organizations and former Peter Ryan closed out their biennial convention with a special welcome to Congressman Bruce Morrison and his wife as well as Norman Ireland’s new Ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson. Houston, director of the Northern Ireland Bureau. Newly re-elected presidents Ralph Day of the DC AOH and Gail The evening’s master of ceremonies was past-National Director Gorman Dapolito of the DC LAOH were honored to be joined at the Keith Carney who kept the busy program running, but also took the head table by Ambassador Anderson and her guest, Dr. Lowe, DC solemn time to read the names of the 32 AOH Brothers and Sisters Chaplain Father John Hurley, our National Presidents Brendan who perished on 9/11 trying to save others (as the 12th anniversary Moore and Maureen Shelton, as well as the president of the National of that tragic day was upcoming at the time of the dinner). The Press Club, Angela Greiling Keane, as the AOH was the first to pub- O’Neill-James School of Irish Dance began the entertainment at the lically welcome Her Excellency to her new post. banquet, including getting the audience off their feet to learn an Irish The pre-dinner reception was graciously entertained by Brother Shamrock dance and signing Happy Birthday to Mr. John Cosgrove George Rogers (past President, DC State Board) as he played the who celebrates his 95th birthday. Mr. Cosgrove, the quintessential Page 12 Uilleann pipes and penny whistle and the Irish Dairy Board sup- DC Irishman, is the Past President of the National Press Club. He Irish History Scholarships plied a wonderful array of Irish cheeses for the jovial crowd. The addressed the dinner guests from the podium in grand fashion evening’s guest included Hibernians from more than six states and telling the story of his welcoming President John F. Kennedy (the Missouri included National Board members Patrick Sturdy and Sean Pender only U.S. President that was a member of the AOH) to be a member as well as Maryland State president Tim Harvey, each of whom had of the National Press Club in 1963. continued on page 11 Freedom For All Ireland Our Appeal Begins that we support; their leadership has written the following By Sean Pender, Chairman regarding the support we have given them. Page 8 This year instead of me writing of the importance of the AOH 2013 FFAI Christmas Appeal Kick-Off Christmas Appeal and the continued need for support I have Rights Watch (UK) (previously British Irish Rights Watch) has State News taken a different path. In the last issue of the Digest, I had mem- the following mission, expertise and achievements: Our Mission: California ...... 16 bers who have traveled to Ireland and met the groups on our trips Promoting human rights and holding governments to account, Connecticut ...... 9 to write regarding the support that we offer thru the Christmas drawing upon the lessons learned from the conflict in Northern Delaware ...... 15 Appeal and our trip. I sincerely thank all those that contributed. Ireland. Our Expertise and Achievements: Since 1990 we have Illinois ...... 12 In this edition you will hear first hand from a cross section of the provided support and services to anyone whose human rights Maryland ...... 8 groups that we support. It is my hope that this information will were violated as a result of conflict. Our interventions have reflect- confirm to the reader the need for our appeal and answer any ed our range of expertise, from the right to a fair trial to the gov- Massachusetts ...... 9 questions members may have regarding the appeal. ernment’s positive obligation to protect life. We have a long record Missouri ...... 7 There is a dedicated core of individuals, divisions, and boards of working closely with NGOs and government authorities to New Jersey ...... 13 that support the yearly Christmas appeal and I am sure that these share that expertise. And we have received wide recognition, as New York ...... 7 messages from organizations will only inspire them to do more. the first winner of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Ohio ...... 15 But it is my real hope that those individuals, divisions, and boards Europe’s Human Rights Prize in 2009 alongside other honours. Pennsylvania ...... 13 that do not donate will be educated and inspired by these mes- Washington DC ...... 11, 12 The Support of the AOH sages and donate this year. As always I am available to answer West Virginia ...... 12 The AOH has been a friend of BIRW (now RW (UK)) for a any questions regarding the appeal just drop me an email at pad- Wisconsin ...... 16 number of years. Our change of name and widening of focus has [email protected] LAOH ...... 20 not deterred the AOH from its continuing support of our impor- St. Patrick’s Centre, Mary’s Gift, Rights Watch, Relatives for More news at Justice, Cairde, and Coiste and team are just some of the groups continued on page 10 www.hiberniandigest.com ®

NATIONAL BOARD OFFICERS

Rev. John Ahern - NY ...... Nat’l Chaplain ...... [email protected] Rev. Thomas M O’Donnell - PA . . . Deputy Nat’l Chaplain ...... [email protected] Rev. Peter Walsh, CSC - FL ...... Deputy Nat’l Chaplain ...... [email protected] Brendan Moore - NY ...... Nat’l President ...... [email protected] James McKay - LA ...... Nat’l Vice Pres...... [email protected] 2016 Commemoration Chairman Thomas D. McNabb- NY...... Nat’l Secretary ...... [email protected] Daniel O’Connell - OH...... Nat’l Treasurer ...... [email protected] Joseph Brady - RI...... Nat’l Dir. ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT ...... [email protected] EXPERIENCE A ST. LOUIS CITY FAVORITE. Catholic Action Chair Jere Cole - NJ ...... Nat’l Dir. NJ, DE, MD ...... [email protected] The Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel is located in the heart of all Pro-Life Chairman that is vibrant and exciting about St. Louis and we’re looking forward Denny Donnelly - PA ...... Nat’l Director PA, OH ...... [email protected] to hosting the Ancient Order of Hibernians Convention in 2014. National Organizer [email protected] Charles McLean - NY ...... Nat’l Director NYC, Long Island ...... [email protected] We’re certain you’re going to enjoy the hotel, it’s vast amenities Hibernian Hunger Chairman and superior service, along with all the amazing restaurants, Michael McNabb - NY ...... Nat’l Director NY counties no. of NYC . . . [email protected] entertainment & nightlife that Washington Avenue has to offer. Charities & Missions Chair And all just steps outside your hotel. James Wahl - MO...... Nat’l Director MO, IL, KS, IN, OK ...... [email protected] Notre Dame Fund Chairman Historical beauty, sophisticated style and an ideal location, the Seamus Boyle - PA ...... Past Nat’l President ...... [email protected] Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel sets the stage for an amazing Commodore Barry Memorial experience in the heart of the city. We look forward to welcoming John Meehan - MA ...... Past Nat’l President ...... [email protected] you to St. Louis in 2014. Ned McGinley - PA...... Past Nat’l President ...... [email protected] Hibernian Charity [email protected] Edward Wallace NY ...... Past Nat’l President ...... [email protected] RENAISSANCE ST. LOUIS GRAND HOTEL Project St. Patrick Chairman 800 Washington Avenue George Clough - MO ...... Past Nat’l President ...... [email protected] St. Louis, MO 63101 Nat’l Chair 2014 Convention, Finance Oversight Committee 314.418.5820 www.renaissancestlouisgrand.com Nicholas Murphy - NY ...... Past Nat’l President...... [email protected] Finance Oversight committee Joseph Roche - MD ...... Past Nat’l President ...... [email protected] Nat’l Political Edu. Chair, Finance Oversight Committee John O’Connell - NY...... Nat’l Editor ...... [email protected] Michael McCormack - NY...... Nat’l Historian/Archivist ...... [email protected] News of the Patrick Sturdy - MI ...... Nat’l Legal Counsel ...... [email protected] Constitution Chairman Sean Pender - NJ ...... Nat’l Freedom For All Ireland ...... [email protected] 2014 National Convention Dan Dennehy - NY ...... Nat’l Immigration Chairman ...... [email protected] JJ Kelly - VA ...... Nat’l Veterans Affairs Chairman ...... [email protected] Nat’l Rituals Chairman This issue of the Digest contains all the information on Registration, the Package and Joseph McDonald - NY ...... Nat’l Webmaster ...... [email protected] the Journal for the 2014 National Convention. The hotel is located in Downtown St. Neil Cosgrove - NY...... Nat’l Anti Defamation Chairman ...... [email protected] Louis within walking distance of the oldest Catholic Church West of the Mississippi, the Nat’l Irish American Heritage Month Chairman Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, home of the Cardinals, and the Riverfront Casino. William Sullivan - MA ...... Irish Way Program Chairman ...... [email protected] Study Abroad Program Chairman, Special Projects Also, all the Museums History, Science and Art including the internationally National Board Liaisons renowned St. Louis Zoo are free to the public. With the the National Board's approval, the National President has requested that certain Brothers serve as The Chairman, National Director Judge Jim Wahl, and his Committees, are planning "National Board Liaisons" to represent the Board as National Directors normally would in providing outreach to many surprises in order to make this one of the most memorable National Conventions under-represented areas, as well as divisions where no state boards currently exist. in a long time. Pat Sturdy…North-Central: Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin George J. Clough, Jr, Past National President and National Board Liaison JJ Kelly…South: District of Columbia, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky Joe Casler…South/South-Central: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana Pat Cahill…West: California, Colorado, Oregon, Montana Copy and Advertising Deadline

for the November-December issue HIS EMINENCE, PATRICK CARDINAL O'DONNELL OF IRELAND of the Hibernian Digest is Subscription price of $8.00 included in the organization’s dues. Periodical postage paid at Ronkonkoma, NY 11779-9998 USPS 373340 A bi-monthly publication dedicated to Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. The National Hibernian Digest is the complete chronicle of the ideals, hopes, and achievements of Hibernians everywhere. The National Hibernian Digest is printed and mailed out of Ronkonkoma, NY 11779-9998 and additional mail- November 1 ing offices in February, April, June, August, October and December. Office of publication is Clover Graphics Inc., 2050 Ocean Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779. The Hibernian Digest reserves the right to not include articles in this publication due to space limitations and editorial determination. The Digest will make every effort to include articles in future publications if [email protected] possible. The articles submitted to the Digest do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Ancient 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.com and 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. Please include contact phone numbers for follow up. Correction

JOHN O’CONNELL ...... National Editor/Advertising. . . . . (646) 436-0811 [email protected] Louisiana State President Joe Casler’s name was misspelled in an article in JULIE LEWIS ...... Assistant Editor ...... [email protected] the July-August issue and on the cover that referenced that article. We regret the ROBERT LYNCH ...... Online Editor ...... [email protected] error.

2 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 evening of August 29th a conference call involved the top four AOH National Officers, the members of the Finance Oversight Committee, and the full Board of Trustees of The President’s Message Hibernian Charity. The purpose of that meeting was to provide an opportunity for dia- logue to insure that we continue on the same page in terms of the The Charity’s progress, function, and direction as an important and valuable subsidiary of the AOH. by Brendan Moore As a community-based, national organization the AOH continues to be a mainstay of the broad Irish-American network. Our views on the Boston College Tapes Case were solicited during a radio show on that topic following the U.S. Attorney General’s deci- Back On Track sion. We have been counted on to participate in Consulate round-table discussions on Summer 2013 is just a memory and our divisions are now well into the whirl of activ- Ireland’s plan to revise its National Constitution, particularly in terms of Diaspora ities that constitute the normal tempo for most. Your National Board has been in com- issues and extending voting rights to non-resident Irish citizens. Under the auspices of munication on a periodic basis through convenient and inexpensive conference calls. our own District of Columbia State Board, a splendid event was organized to welcome We have not only been able to touch base with each other in terms of issues, concerns, Anne Armstrong, the new Irish Ambassador to the United States. In short, I am confi- and the “business” of the Order, but have successfully used our many calls to present dent in reporting to you that there is little of significance taking place in Irish America reports from various committee chairmen. Such updates have kept our elected and that the Ancient Order of Hibernians is not at the forefront of, or at least involved in to appointed officers apprised of current projects such as the Commodore Barry Memorial a significant extent. Dedication, the upcoming St. Louis National Convention, the progress of legislation on On a more “in-house” note, I was compelled to pause and reflect when I received an Comprehensive Immigration Reform, and many more significant topics. Such essential email from Chris Boyle of AOH Division #1 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Chris wanted communication promotes the flow of ideas among us and further serves as a means of to inform me of the sudden passing of the Division Chaplain, Father Brian Shaw. Chris keeping in touch with what is happening throughout the AOH. added: “We are struck dumb by this news.” All of their shock, hurt, and loss were con- Likewise, our conference calls promote listening beyond the National Board. This veyed in that single, short sentence. Our AOH chaplains at every level—division, coun- was clearly demonstrated on the August 28th call with State Presidents, some of whom ty, state, national—continue to play a most important role in this organization. We need are “brand new,” having just come into office at recent state conventions. This proved to be mindful of that, just as my own awareness was heightened when I responded to to be an effective means of conveying the latest on some significant issues, including Chris and the members of Division #1: “”We are blessed with AOH chaplains who are states’ use of the Digest to communicate their own news. But most importantly, partic- both Brothers and Models of Faith, Service, and Caring.” ipating presidents were able to address items they needed answers for. Similarly, on the Chaplain’s Report Vice President’s Report by Rev. John V. Ahern byJim McKay

No one could tell me where my soul might be, I sought out God but God eluded The summer has flown by and fall will be descending on us by the time you receive me, I sought out my neighbor and found all three: Friendship, Unity and Christian this issue. By this time, the majority of state conventions will have been held and new Charity! state officers elected and in place. The motto of our Irish-American Organization is a challenge to all of us more than I had the opportunity of attending the Ohio and North Carolina conventions and I can ever before. There are serious signs all around us that indicate a falling away from tell you first hand that Hibernianism is alive and well in these states and throughout the positive living. The problem is that there is too much of the wrong kind and pur- country. poseless living. May we never forget that the days of us Irish Catholic being perse- I know that many of our Degree Teams have been very active this past year, especial- cuted are not over and the challenges of our faith have not ended! ly in the summer months making many appearances at state conventions to initiate new Years ago there was an old Irish sailor who had charge of a Coast Guard station on members to our Major Degree. I have been in contact with our eight Major Degree Teams the rocky coast of Maine. On a bleak stormy night an SOS call came to him. They requesting their appearance schedule for the rest of the year. As this information comes reported a wrecked ship that was sinking fast. The elderly captain had a new crew in I am forwarding it to our Hibernian webmaster, Joseph McDonald, so that he may and he shouted to them: “Launch the boat.” One of the young seamen paled with insert it on to our National website. It was felt that this would be the easiest method of fear and stammered: “We are not going out on a night like this, are we? Why, we’ll disseminating schedule information for all of our members who may be interested in never get back.” The captain lifted himself to full stature, his broad shoulders obtaining their Major Degree. expanding and his eyes flashing with courage. He looked the young seaman straight We should continue our prayers for those who died or were injured in the Boston in the eye and repeated his command: “Launch the boat. We have to go out, but we Marathon massacre. Such mass violence and human casualties shock the senses. We don’t have to come back.” This is always the stern imperative of faith’s venture. also pray that our country maintains the ability to handle these types of attacks in a strong Brothers and sisters, it is well to remember that great ventures of faith have and prudent manner. brought us where we are today. Think always of the faith our Irish ancestors had The National Board continues to diligently work on our next conventions in St. Louis when they came to our American shores. The prejudices and poverty that they faced in 2014 and Atlantic City in 2016. In St. Louis, the committees are all in place and plan- and lived through all because they wanted religious freedom and because their faith ning a great event which is only about a year away. The same consideration and atten- was undaunted. tion is being given to the Atlantic City convention by that committee and while it is almost We today must always remember that our Irish Christian Faith makes possible the three years out, most know it will be on us before you know it. seemingly impossible. In the spirit of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity we By this time you should be well aware that Michael “Mick” Dunleavy has been must not forget the persecution of the Irish people in Northern Ireland. Have we selected as our Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award winner and will be honored this come far in peace negotiations, not really? All talk; all shaking hands but still injus- October at our National President’s Dinner in New York in October. This will also coin- tice and persecution exist. Let us be united in the cause of social justice and true cide with our National Board meeting. President Moore conducts many National Board peaceful negotiations for all Irish Catholics in Northern Ireland. We must never fear meetings by phone throughout the year but this is the one time besides our National the journey of faith. Convention where the Board will meet face to face. My wife and I traveled to Europe this summer to the south of France, but found time to go through Dublin on our way. We had the opportunity to have dinner with Nial Burgess and his wife the night before we left for France. I had the opportunity to thank Nial Burgess for all the friendship he has shown the AOH not only during his time as GGGG Consul General in New York, but also in his present position as Director General of Ireland. I hope that you all had a relaxing but productive summer and look forward to seeing many of you at our President’s Dinner in New York.

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 3 Deputy Chaplain’s Report Director’s Report by Denny Donnelly by Father Tom O’Donnell Organizer

Saint Pope John XXIII For about nine years I have been semi-retired and spend most of the cold months in Ft. In my last article I requested information on Junior Divisions. In 2002 Sean MacBride Myers, Florida. I am only semi-retired since I still am a Judge for the Marriage Tribunal for Division 32 (Allegheny County - PA) initiated a Junior Division at Bishop Canevin High the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I had lived in a mobile home in Florida, but had to move since School. After Division Member Steve Wayhart met with the Principal of Canevin, explain- the rent was eating up half of my pension. Therefore, I was fortunate enough to be accept- ing the work of the AOH, he then addressed a school assembly. As a result of his efforts, ed into Blessed Pope John XXII Vilas which is a low income senior citizen housing apart- 28 boys signed up to form this Junior Division. Another Division member, Jim O’Connell, ment built by HUD on the southwest end of the property of Blessed Pope John XXIII was a teacher at Bishop Canevin and he offered his help as moderator. Jim guided the boys Church in Ft. Myers. It seems that the name of our church and apartment building will through the process of electing officers, and the Allegheny County officers swore them in have to be changed to Saint Pope John XXIII. as members of the Junior AOH. The announcement that the beloved John XXIII, who is associated with Vatican Council Over the years there have been fundraisers, and a lot of volunteer activities. The young II, was approved for sainthood came as a surprise as he had not been associated with a men have volunteered at the Men’s Division 32 Fish Fry during Lent and the Annual Golf second miracle; something that is normally part of the sainthood process. Vatican Radio Outing. They have made award-winning floats for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in reported on the explanation given by Vatican spokesman: Fr. Lombardi stated that a can- Pittsburgh. As a group they have ascended the “Scala Sancta”….on their knees (Holy onization without a second miracle is still valid, given that there is already the existing Steps at St. Patrick’s in Pittsburgh), and attended the Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre miracle that lead to the Pope John XXIII’s beatification. He also pointed to ongoing dis- productions. Every year there is a trip to either Gettysburg or Antietam, following the trail cussions among theologians and experts about whether it is necessary to have two distinct of the Irish Brigade. miracles for beatification and canonization. Certainly, he added the Pope has the power to The numbers have fluctuated over the years. They are currently at 53 members. dispense, in a Cause, with the second miracle. Reacting to the news, the Jesuit author One of the goals of a Junior Division is for the young men to learn about Irish culture Father James Martin wrote: “The announcement that will make millions of Catholics and history. The National Board has Junior Division handbooks that can get you started happy. I deeply admire John Paul II and John XXIII is my great hero. The Vatican has not in forming a Junior Division. This includes all the necessary forms and instructions. The announced when the canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII are expected to take Junior AOH is a great stepping stone for membership into the AOH. place, or whether they will be done jointly, as Vatican Radio Reports: Fr. Lombardi did not I will be happy to mail you this handbook. Email me at [email protected]. rule out that both celebrations could coincide, and he did express his belief that they would take place by the end of the year. The canonizations will most probably take place on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception since the Pope generally sched- ules such great events to coincide with a major feast day. As a young priest I remember how Pope John XXIII said that he was opening up the windows of the Church as he convened Vatican Council II. Now as an older priest I am happy that Saint John XXIII Church and Villas has opened up its doors to me and has helped me to enjoy my retirement years in love, peace and dignity. Director’s Report by Jere Cole Pro Life Chairman

Turning Life Over to Christ: Pro-Life and Your Life It’s that time of year again! September is officially here. For some of you, that might not mean too much if you have been working and living life somewhat “normally” over the last few months. But for many, September brings a sense of newness, of renewal, of fresh beginnings. As the summer comes to a close, you may have children or grandchildren who The members of Division 32 outside St. Patrick’s Church in Pittsburgh. have headed back to a new school year. You, yourself, may be a teacher or the teachers in your family have been prepping and preparing for the beginning of the school year. Outside, even the environment has a sense of freshness to it. The air has been getting cool- er and we already have experienced a few mornings that have boasted crisp, autumn air! This sense of renewal and beginning is refreshing! And it is one that we should attempt to harness in our own lives. As we continue our journey into the meaning of pro-life, this x time of the year is an appropriate one to think about what pro-life means for our own lives. How does pro-life intersect with your life? I do not mean what activities are you involved in that support pro-life. If pro-life means that “every human life is sacred from conception to natural death” and “life and dignity of every person must be respected and protected at Director’s Report every stage and in every condition” (www.usccb.org), how are we respecting and protect- ing our very own lives at every stage and condition? The mandate for pro-life is not just a by Michael McNabb mandate for how we treat others, but it is a mandate for how we treat ourselves as well. Charities & Missions Chairman This mandate for pro-life in our own lives is reminiscent of Jesus’ statement in the Gospel of John: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they With State Conventions coming to a close and the end of the year approaching, all may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) Jesus tells us not that he has come just to State Boards and Divisions should be submitting their National Charity and give us life; he has come to give us life to the full. I don’t know about you, but if I can have “life to the full,” then I want it! So how do we start to live a life to the full? Missions Reports. These reports are used for many purposes. One of the practices beneficial in living life to the fullest is St. Ignatius of Loyola’s One is that you will be recognized for your efforts with a certificate at the “Discernment of the Spirits.” While he was convalescing from battle injuries, St. Ignatius National Convention. Another and more important reason is they can be used as evi- noticed different “interior movements” as he imagined his future. He believed that these dence that our Organization makes many charitable donations. interior movements were caused by both good and evil spirits. Being able to discern them This happened in New York State where legislation was passed exempting the was a way to understand God’s will or desire for us in our lives. He named these move- AOH from reporting and donating more from Bell Jar tear of tickets. These reports ments “consolation and desolation.” There were times that St. Ignatius felt very on fire with were vital in passing this measure. They were presented, along with those of the God’s love that he was impelled to praise, love and serve God and others. He called this a Moose and Elks clubs, to the NYS Legislators thru a lobbying firm and showed we movement of “spiritual consolation.” In contrast, “spiritual desolation was a time that his went well above the minimum set for the use of these fundraising tickets. The fact is soul felt in heavy darkness or turmoil. It was a time when he felt assaulted by doubts, more AOH donations go unreported than are reported. With the AOH National temptations or preoccupations. During these times, he often felt cut off from others and Board having a 501(3)(c) for some specific Charities, we could possibly expand this from God. with the proper paperwork. So please take a few minutes to fill out the report. The We all have times of consolation and desolation. Part of living life to the fullest is to rec- Form for this can be found on the AOH National web site, AOH.com. They are to be ognize these times. Where are these movements coming from and where are they leading mailed to me, my address is listed on the bottom, or they can be emailed to you? The more we can discern these movements and the more we can recognize where [email protected]. they are coming from, the better we will understand how they all fit together and the bet- I would like to thank two State Charity and Missions Chairmen, Arnie Nagelhout ter we will understand how to live life to the full. Take some time and try it. Where do you from New York and Mike Wallace from New Jersey for their efforts in making sure feel consolation and desolation in your life? Where is it coming from and where is it lead- reports are filed. ing you? How can you use this knowledge to live life to the full? Blessings to you as your seek life to the fullest!

4 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 b. Only Divisions in good standing may participate in National, State, and National Secretary county conventions. and c. Delegates for all conventions are based on the number of members in good Treasurer Report standing as reported and paid by each division for the previous year. i. 2014 delegates are based on your paid members as of December 31, by Thomasd D. McNabb 2013. and Daniel J. O’Connell 5) Certificate of Election form 9 must be sent to the National Office within 15 days of the election. This should be the first order of business of a newly elected board. a. This form should also be used to report any change of officers created by a Brothers, we have seen great improvement in the reporting of membership and per vacancy within 15 days. capita from our divisions around the country. Recent changes in the IRS policies make it 6) Membership report, form 11, must be sent to the national office no later than critical for your Form 11’s and per capita to arrive on time. Without this form and per February 15, 2014. This form should include a check for 2013 per capita and a sep- capita payment by February 15, 2014 your division may not be included in the non-prof- arate check for 2013 initiations. it recognition form filed with the IRS. Together we have worked on updating the forms used for reporting so we can pro- Treasurers: vide the IRS with critical information. It is necessary for your to use the forms provided 1) Every check you send must have your division name, county, number, state and and include 1) your local EIN number 2) complete contact information for your presi- telephone number on it. If its not printed on the check please write it in legibly. dent and financial secretary including name, address, telephone number and e-mail. If 2) You must encumber your national and state per capita. Place these funds in a the president or financial secretary do not have an e-mail they should use one from a restricted status; these funds can only be used to pay you per capita in January of division officer who can forward hard copies to you. This information will be included the following year. on our IRS report. 3) Pay your national per capita no later than February 15, 2014. Financial Secretaries: a. Membership report, form 11, must be sent along with you per capita check. 1) Every division received a list of members for update, removal and correction b. A separate check for initiations should be send along with your per capita. including name, address, membership number, and degrees. This list should have 4) Keep your canceled checks. Place a copy of the canceled check with your member- been updated and returned by October 22th. ship report form 11. a. This is a critical deadline for membership card corrections. 5) Remember, national per capita collected in 2013 is due by February 15, 2014. b. Members, it is your responsibility to report any corrections to your division financial secretary. Degree Notifications: 2) Membership corrections submitted are made by the National Secretary’s office 1) Within ten day’s of conferring the Major Degrees, the Degree Team secretary must 3) 2014 membership cards (based on your divisions corrections) are sent to all divi- submit a report to the National Secretary stating the time, place, Membership sions current on their dues in late November. Number and Name of each member who received the Major Degrees. 4) 2013 per capita is due to the National Board no later than February 15, 2011 a. Division’s late paying dues are not in good standing. Additionally, divisions Questions can be directed to AOH National Secretary Tom McNabb or AOH National not filing their Form 11’s with Per Capita on time can not be included in the Treasurer Danny O’Connell. Thank you. IRS Blanket Exemption for nonprofit recognition.

Irish Way & Study Abroad Non-Profit Recognition by Bill Sullivan Chairman for Divisions

AOH National President Brendan Moore and the AOH National Board are Critical Information pleased to announce that Kieran McGirl, a member of Division 19 in Kings County, Thomas D McNabb and Daniel J. O’Connell New York, has been selected as one of the recipients of their 2013 National Board Study Abroad Scholarships. Kieran’s father, Kevin McGirl, and his grandfather, Al O’Hagan, are also members of Division 19. Brothers, we have been working with the IRS and Kieran, a student at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, is major- our accountants to address changes in IRS policies for ing in Communications, with a minor in political science. This past semester, Kieran Non-Profit recognition. All divisions have received a letter explaining this studied at Sacred Heart University Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland. Upon graduation from President Moore sent via the US mail. Additionally, each state president from Sacred Heart University in May 2015, Kieran plans a career in communications received an electronic copy via e-mail that included a request to forward the and media. letter to all divisions. Our sincere thanks is extended to Ned McGinley and to the Hibernian Charity Board for providing the funding for the 2013 Irish Way and the 2013 Study Abroad It is vital that all divisions send in the per capita and Form 11 for the 2013 Scholarships. Several additional Study Abroad Scholarship recipients are expected year by February 15, 2014 in order for each division to be included in our to be named in the next several months. report of current division to the IRS. This form must include your EIN num- Information on the 2014 AOH National Board’s Study Abroad Scholarships and ber as well as the proper contact information for your president and finan- the 2014 AOH and LAOH Irish Way Scholarships will be available in the November- cial secretary. Without this form and payment you cannot be included on the December issue of the Hibernian Digest. The National Boards strongly encourage all list of divisions covered by the AOH national non-profit designation. their members to take advantage of these scholarship opportunities. I hope that you had a great summer. Yours in Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity Thank you. Coming your way Green Fields of France MR. JOHN IRISH 123 MAIN STREET Seventy years ago, many an Irish lad joined the Allies storming Hitler’s ANYWHERE, USA 00000 fortress at Normandy. In commemoration, an 8-day journey is being planned for May 23-31. The trip includes visits to the battlefields sites of Utah, Omaha, Caen, Pt. Du Hoc, St. Lo, Ste. Marie, Operation Cobra, and the airborne Museum. You’ll You should have received a set of AOH return address labels for your use. This is an effort on also visit Mont St. Michel, Bayeux, Abbey Museum, Monet, Versailles, three the part of the AOH National Board to express our appreciation for your past and anticipated nights in Paris and welcome and farewell dinners. support. We urge you to join us in meeting the needs of the many vital charities we have For details, call Ruby at (410) 224-4555 or (410) 267-0511 assisted over the years. Your personal donation is essential to our mission. or visit www.bestconnectiontravel.com,

• IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A DONATION, please forward a check PAYABLE TO: click on the menu item Join the Group and then AOH National Board scroll to photo of Normandy. Price: $3,350, Deposit $450. • Please send TEAR-OFF form that will accompany your labels to: Ancient Order of Hibernians, P.O. Box 791580, New Orleans, LA 70179 Normandy Tour advertisement

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 5 Veterans Affairs Irish American Heritage Month by JJ Kelly by Neil Cosgrove Chairman Chairman

Are you a “veteran”? You may be surprised to find out that according to US law, Time Magazine, covering the New York State AOH Convention, reported the following: you might not be – at least for now. There are more than 200,000 National Guard and In a world preoccupied by other matters it frequently appears to good Hibernians that Reserve retirees denied that status under current law because their military careers the impact of the Irish on U. S. history is belittled or neglected. In Rochester last week, of monthly drills and annual training did not include at least 180 days on active duty where the Hibernians of New York State were holding convention, fiery charges were under so-called Title 10 orders. These men and women may draw retired pay, use heard that U. S. schoolbooks are unfair to the Irish. TRICARE and shop at the local Post Exchange and commissary. But the laws do not “We need a real American history!” shouted wispy, grey John McAdam. “The ones we consider them as veterans. That hopefully is about to change. Congress is moving now have are mostly just an additional chapter of English history. Why, 90% of our histo- forward this year to expand the definition of veteran to include Guard and Reserve ries were written by New Englanders, and they certainly have no sympathy for the Irish.” members who served at least 20 years – enough to earn retirement benefits at age 60, The errors charged by Historian McAdam were those of omission rather than commis- even if never called to active duty. Most affected retirees served in the Cold War era, sion. Among those individuals and groups whom he cited as suffering from insufficient when it was not unusual to complete Guard and Reserve careers without going on treatment in U. S. school books were that few persons know that George Washington’s active duty. This is unlikely today, given how Reserve Component forces have been army was 35% Irish, or that 180,000 Irish Americans fought in the Civil War, that Timothy deployed for wartime operations since 9/11. However, currently denied the honor of Murphy, one of General Morgan’s sharpshooters, figured importantly in the Battle of veteran status are many retired Guard members who served under other types of Saratoga or that Commodore John Barry, was the first man to receive a U. S. naval com- orders at Ground Zero on 9/11, after Hurricane Katrina, and the BP oil spill. Those mission. affected point out that they aren’t seeking more benefits. They only want to be rec- Now in case anyone is confused by the fact that this year’s New York State Convention ognized as veterans under the law. They soon could be. was in Saratoga, let me point out that this is taken from a Time Magazine article published One organization who does not feel bound by the government’s definition of on September 6, 1937. Yet despite the passing of 76 years, how much has changed? Brother “veteran” is USAA – United Services Automobile Association. If you have paid any McAdam would certainly be surprised that American History curricula are no longer attention to their many commercials on TV of late, you know how they are eagerly “mostly just an additional chapter of English history”; there are now new chapters on the recruiting “members” – veterans, spouses of military, children of military. One aspect role of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, etc. However, Brother of USAA’s activities involves their efforts in helping veterans make the transition McAdam would certainly be disappointed that little has changed as regards Irish from military to civilian life. It is estimated that between 2011 and 2016, about one Americans. Where are the present day Brother McAdams among us? As Brother Mike million service members will separate from the military and make the transition to McCormack, the literal and spiritual heir to Brother McAdam reminds us, “It is our civilian life. Finding the right job is always difficult. Today’s economy makes it even Heritage … Defend it.” Irish American Heritage Month is a time for all of us to do our part more daunting. USAA, along with other companies, is offering advice and tools to see that the contributions of Irish Americans to our great nation, both of yesterday and designed to ease the transition, as well as making veteran hiring a priority. This is not today, are recognized. meant as an endorsement of USAA – rather a place to guide veterans and those leav- Hopefully, your Division’s plan for recognizing IAHM are well underway; if not, it is ing the military to go see what is out there. not too late. Reach out to your state officials now and ask them to have Irish American Two final notes: The Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) will hold their Heritage Month proclaimed in your state. Have your Historian provide some “talking annual benefit on Thursday, November 7th, at The Army – Navy Country Club in points” or perhaps a draft resolution focusing on the contributions the Irish have made to Arlington, VA. Go to www.milarch.org/events for details — how to contribute. With America and your community in particular. Most politicians see resolutions such as this as such a wonderful mission, the AMS needs all the help they can get. Also, keep an eye a “no brainer” and will be highly receptive if your Division helps with the legwork. The out for the first ever USA Today Special Edition “Veterans Affairs: Saluting Our key here is advance notice, try to have this request into your legislators snail mail or email Troops” Commemorative Publication due out on Veterans Day, November 11th. at the beginning of the new year. Finally, please remember to thank a vet or an active duty Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Continue to challenge your schools and public institutions on how they are recognizing Airman or Coast Guardsman. They are a constant reminder that our cherished free- Irish American Heritage Month and be ready to lend a hand. We as an Order get involved dom is not free. in a myriad of good causes; the preservation and understanding of our proud heritage should be one of them. Recognize too that your Division’s recognition of Irish American Heritage Month can be a tremendous opportunity for recruiting new members and getting good publicity on the roles of the Irish and Hibernians in the community. If there are any present day John McAdams out there with ideas or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

go into greater detail, there is an excel- rather than just accepting history Anti Defamation lent article by our Order’s Historian on according to Scorsese is why we need to the New York State Website and in the embrace efforts such as Irish American by Neil Cosgrove July-August and this Sept-Oct. issues of Heritage Month (shameless plug for my Chairman the Digest that I encourage you all to other article in this issue). read. When it comes to our Heritage, the Of course when called on this dis- best defense is a good, well informed, As I write this, the new T.V. season is will embellish their distorted message torted view, the media will provide offense. Let’s arm ourselves with the beginning and as Anti-Defamation with as much truth as possible to give it responses that this is “only a movie or facts and get the positive message of Chair I must confess to bracing myself. credibility. This is what we are seeing in TV show” and not meant as a history what the Irish and Irish Americans have Unfortunately, for all its progressivism such movies as “Gangs of New York” lesson. That argument is disingenuous, contributed out there and not surrender and “political correctness,” the 21st cen- and TV shows such as “Hell on Wheels,” considering that in the next breath they the message of what it means to be Irish tury media, like Harper’s Weekly in the “Copper,” “Boardwalk Empire,” etc. will boast of accurately recreating the American to the media. 19th century, finds that ethnic-based car- To take one example, the complex feel of 19th century New York down to icatures and defaming stereotypes sell. If event known as the NY Draft Riot “the last detail.” The sad fact is that you see something defaming or dis- (which forms the backdrop for both many people, particularly our young paraging to the Irish people, make sure Gangs of New York and Copper) has people, take what they see in programs Copy and Advertising been grossly oversimplified as depicted to make your feelings known in a phone such as these as the gospel truth. Deadline call and letter to the appropriate party by the media. That some Irish rioted and How do we defend against this? First (ironically email and Twitter has given did horrendous acts is true, but over- by educating ourselves and becoming the written letter and phone call greater looked is the fact that so did many oth- aware of the full scope of the actual for the weight). Do though drop me an email at ers of the city’s poor community and facts. As Hibernians we should all be [email protected] so if warranted many Irish Americans among the police proud of and cognizant of our heritage, November-December we can coordinate a broader response and Catholic clergy were the only force history and traditions. The role of issue from the Order. for law during that tragic event. These Historian in our Divisions is vital; make of the Hibernian Digest In that context Brothers, I depictions leave out information that the sure that your Division Historian is sup- would like to draw your attention to a NY Irish community had suffered terri- ported and has an active role in your is subtler form of defamation that our her- bly for their enthusiastic show of patrio- meetings. Second, let’s not be afraid to itage is currently being assaulted by: tism as the start of the Civil War and speak up and present “the rest of the November 1. information out of context. Someone now, for political and prejudicial rea- story,” particularly to the young people once pointed out that effective propa- sons, they were being asked to shoulder in our lives and the rest of our commu- ganda is not a collection of lies, in fact, an even more disproportionate share of nities. Getting the word out that on the far from it; the effective propagandist the future sacrifice of the war. I will not true facts and full context of events, [email protected]

6 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 Your help on Comprehensive Immigration Reform is still needed. Sincere thanks to the many Hibernian Brothers and Sisters who have already made calls to their Congressional Representatives on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. If you have yet to make the call, BRENDAN MOORE, NATIONAL PRESIDENT here are the simple, yet important, steps: 845-712-5463 Email:[email protected]

1) Please call your member of the House of Representatives today. The number for !!!!!!!!!!! the Congressional Switchboard is (202) 224-3121. Dear Representative 2) Give your zip code when requested and ask to speak to your As the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Inc., the oldest and largest Congressman’s Office. Catholic Irish American organization in the United States, I send you greetings from our many thousands 3) When directed to that Office, ask to speak to the Legislation Officer of members and their families across the US-many of whom reside in our home state. I am writing you today to encourage your support for Comprehensive Reform of US Immigration, as or Immigration Liaison for your Representative. If they are available, let them proposed in the recently passed Senate Bill. know that (a) You support Comprehensive Immigration Reform as a voter, who We feel that Comprehensive Reform will address our Nation’s need to realistically strengthen our is Catholic, Irish American, and a Hibernian; (b) and “If Irish America feels that borders, while at the same time identify those who would otherwise exist in the shadows of our Comprehensive Immigration Reform is good for Irish America, it is good for society, a contentious and divisive issue whereby twelve million undocumented aliens live here and through fines, fees, and taxes contribute to our economy, even though they remain out-of-status for the rest of Americans too!” decades. Additionally, Comprehensive Reform can help to correct a fifty year old disparity created by 4) If they aren’t available, ask to leave a message stating: “I would like to hear from the 1965 US Immigration and Nationality Act, which all but removed legal paths to US immigration for my Representative, your Chief of Staff or the Representative’s Immigration per- Irish Nationals. son as soon as possible.” The Irish were among the original settlers of this great land and Irish Americans have always 5) If your Representative indicates to you their support for Comprehensive defended their adopted land. Irish-born Medal of Honor winners vastly outnumber those of all other Immigration Reform, THANK THEM! If your Representative indicates opposi- countries combined. Ireland has been a great ally in the War Against Terror with the Shannon Stopover and the innovations to US Homeland Security in Customs and Immigration at Ireland’s air tion, ask them to reconsider that position and thank them for their time. and sea ports. We feel that these contributions and our confidence in the security and reform 6) In conjunction with your call, please send a copy of the letter on this page in the measures engendered in current proposed legislation lead us to confidently and respectfully request your support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. Digest from our National President to the Representative, along with your own !!!!!!!!!!! message as a constituent. !!!!!!!!!!!Yours truly, This issue remains crucial and requires action of every Hibernian. Since 1965, Irish peo- ple have struggled to come to the US. Nearly 50,000 Irish people, many with American-born families, have been unable to share great moments of joy, weddings, births and gradua- Brendan Moore tions, or great sadness, like illness or the burial of a loved one, with their families in Ireland. Most of us know our Irish undocumented. They live in and are active members of our com- munities. They pay their taxes, support our Catholic Churches and schools and work hard in their adopted land. We may never get a better opportunity to correct the lack of legal "Ireland Unfree Shall Never Be At Peace." paths to immigration for Irish people than we have now. If we are not part of the equation, we may have to wait another 20 years for a voice in the immigration reform process. I will be happy to provide you with any supporting information that you require. I have spent the summer speaking to Hibernians and working with our Irish Coalition partners, the Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform, the Embassy of Ireland and Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, along with members of our Irish Catholic Clergy and lob- New York byists Manus Cooney and Bruce Morrison to reach as many Congressmen as possible. Thanks to Geri Garvey from the Irish Apostolate USA www.usairish.org for her generosity New officers in the Bronx in sharing ways that we can improve outreach on this issue and both Catholics and Irish The Bronx County AOH elected new officers for a two-year term beginning in Americans. the summer of 2013. In a convention held at the Riverdale Steak House. Robert F. Please continue to support the affiliated Irish Immigration Centers of the Coalition of Nolan, president of Division 3-East Bronx, was elected to lead the Bronx Hibernians. Irish Immigration Centers www.ciic-usa.org by making a personal or Division donation, Also elected were VP John Ward, Grievance Committee Chairman Donald volunteering at your local Center or by attending their fundraisers. The work that they do McDonald, Recording Secretary John Hyland, Sentinel Tim O’Donoghue, Treasurer for our Irish Seniors, young families and Irish immigrants is much needed. When John Quinn, Marshal Edward Foy, and Financial Secretary Christopher Butler. Comprehensive Immigration Reform finally passes Congress, the Irish Immigration Brothers Hyland, Quinn, Butler, O’Donoghue and Foy were re-elected to their Centers will be on the front lines of guiding future Irish Americans. offices. Nolan said, “I am deeply proud to assume the office of President of such a well Upcoming Fundraisers: respected fraternal organization like the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which can October 4- Aisling Irish Community Center - 10th Annual Dinner Dance at Lake Isle trace its founding to 1836. There are many challenges facing our County: rebuilding Country Club honoring Brigid Flynn of Flynn Irish Dance School www.aislingcenter.org our divisions, educating the public about the Bronx Hibernians and what we stand October 25 - The 25th Anniversary Emerald Isle Immigration Center Dinner Dance will for and working together with our Catholic Church and schools to determine where honor Senator Charles ‘Chuck’ Schumer for his lifelong support in championing U.S. Irish we as Hibernians can be most helpful.” Immigration at the Astoria World Manor in Astoria, Queens. www.eiic.org The Bronx County Hibernians sponsor an annual dinner in the fall where promi- nent Irish-Catholics are honored for their service to the Irish, a communion break- fast in the spring and coordinate the distribution with each division of the Commodore John Barry medals to students who excel in American History at grad- uation.

National Immigration Chairman Dan Dennehy, NYS President Jim Burke and Schenectady Newly elected Bronx County President Robert F. (Bob) Nolan, second right, is congratu- AOH’s Michael Glenn enjoy AOH Ulster County’s Hooley On The Hudson in September. lated by National Director Chip McLean, center, who also swore in the newly elected officers. (L-R) Ed Foy (Marshal), John Ward (Vice President), McLean, Nolan and Jerry O’Connell, past president.

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 7 Maryland by Tim Harvey, State President

For years, a faithful group from Div 3 in Towson have been meeting every month, rain, shine or snow, for Irish Road Bowling. Led by Jack Smith, who is the keeper of all things road bowling, and helped by Steve Riegger, and “Iron Mike” McConnell, the group is often joined by the Brennan boys and Steve Riegger Jr or Ed Crawford and Leo Welsh. On June 23rd the First Maryland AOH Inter-Divisional Road Bowling Tournament took place. Members from Divs 4 and 5 in Baltimore City, Div 1 of Catonsville and a hardy team from the LAOH took part in the friendly competition. A good time was had by all who ventured out on the half-mile course. The best bowler and winning team took home trophies to mark their accomplishments and the entire group joined for lunch afterward at An Poitin Stil. Many are looking forward to next year’s tournament and are joining in the monthly matches for practice. July 26-27 brought together the Maryland AOH and LAOH for the Biennial State Maryland AOH-LAOH at Inter-divisional Road Bowling Tournament. Convention in Solomon’s Island, MD. The convention opened with an Aloha themed icebreaker where all had a chance to meet old and new friends. The morning brought Patrick at the National and local levels. Director Cole swore in the re-elected AOH a continental breakfast supplied by the Carroll County LAOH followed by day-long Maryland State officers. Following Mass and a cocktail hour, Jere Cole and LAOH individual meeting sessions. I thank National Director Jere Cole and Past National National President Maureen Shelton addressed the AOH-LAOH members and their President Joe Roche for attending the convention meeting. Director Cole provided an families at a banquet. The gathering enjoyed Richard Dodds from the Calvert Marine update on the Order at the National level and Chairman Roche extended the greetings Museum who gave an interesting talk on the local history. of the National President and spoke on the Re-Unite Ireland Campaign and the Barry The surprise of the night was naming Baltimore City Division 5 member, Tom Bell, Memorial dedication on May 10, 2014. as the Maryland 2013 Hibernian of the Year for his example of truly living our motto of The business session covered a number of topics, reports from committee break-out friendship, unity and Christian charity. Many commented that there could not have sessions and included passage of resolutions in support of the Re-Unite Ireland effort been a better choice. Congrats go out to Tom and to the new Maryland LAOH State and the Vietnam Memorial in Ireland. Funds were also appropriated for Project St. President, Cyrile Sincock. Missouri

Hibernian scholarships awarded In Kansas City, Missouri On August 8, The Most Reverend Robert Finn, a member of the AOH Padraig Pearse Div 1, Kansas City, Missouri, presented $500 checks to each of the four winners of the 2013 Irish history essay competition. The Pearse Division annu- ally awards four scholarships based on community, church and school involvement and a 500-word essay. This year members judged 21 entries, and in August Bishop Finn presided over the ceremony along with Division President, Steve Lynch. Eligibility is for stu- dents attending Catholic high schools in the Kansas City region with the checks made out to the high school the student will attend. Essay topics this year ranged from Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s Pirate Queen, to a report on the division’s namesake, Padriag Pearse.

Irish history essay contest scholarship winners were, from left, Brenna Killen, Erin O’Connell, Gabrielle Chirpich and John Perlik with The Most Reverend Robert Finn.

Save the Date. . .

THE MARCH FOR LIFE WASHINGTON, D.C. WEDNESDAY JANUARY 22, 2014

8 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013

Massachusetts Connecticut This annual event has grown each year and By Phil Gallagher by Bill Sullivan sets a standard for Hibernian Divisions everywhere to follow. This year’s program Two of Connecticut’s AOH Divisions included a military color guard, military fir- The AOH in Massachusetts has been on the move with numerous events that have celebrate anniversaries this fall. Meriden ing squad, the pipes and drums of the taken place over the summer months or will take place during the fall of 2013. Here is a Div. 1 celebrated its’ 90th anniversary with a Gaelic American Club of Fairfield and a roundup of some AOH happenings in the Bay State gala outing on September 7. However, the keynote address by Commander Regina John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial Exercises: The Annual John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial spirit of Hibernianism has actually been Gallagher Marengo USN. Hibernians Exercises was held on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Holyhood Cemetery in Brookline at the alive and well for much longer in Meriden everywhere should feel proud of the effort grave of John Boyle O’Reilly. AOH and LAOH State Chaplin, the Rev. William Waters since it first started hosting State made by the Fairfield County Board to OSA, celebrated a Mass at the grave of this great Irish patriot. AOH State President, Conventions back in 1874. In fact, Meriden honor this great Irish American hero. Richard Wall and LAOH State President Paula Paoli, placed a wreath on the grave fol- has hosted 12 State Conventions, which is On a picture perfect late summers day lowing the Mass. A reception followed the Mass and Memorial Exercises at the home of more than any other Connecticut city and at Bobby Sands Circle in Hartford the 32nd Division 14 AOH in Watertown, Massachusetts. the men and women of Meriden will go to annual commemoration of the deaths of the Lady of Knock Mass: On Sunday, August 18th, Hibernians from across Massachusetts the well again in 2015 when they host the ten Hunger Strikers was vividly conducted gathered at Saint John’s Church in Clinton, MA for the annual Lady of Knock Mass, spon- next biennial State Convention. Since 1969 by Waterbury and State Freedom For All sored by Division 8 LAOH, Clinton. Following the Mass, a short prayer service was held the AOH of Meriden have presented two Ireland Chairman, Joe Flaherty and his at the Lady of Knock Shrine on the grounds of Saint John’s Church. A social with refresh- annual $2,000 scholarships to graduates of Committee, and an enthusiastic group of ments followed in Saint John’s parish center. Meriden High School. This significant participants. The program opened with the Irish Consul General Leaves Boston: Michael Lonergan, Consul General from the annual donation is one of the largest in the singing of the Soldiers Song and the Star Republic of Ireland to Boston, for the past four years, has been transferred to Dublin and City of Meriden. Spangled Banner, which was followed by a has been replaced by the Vice Consul to New York, Brendan O Caollai. Michael Lonergan Starting in October the John P. Holland mixture of rousing speeches and heartfelt has been a very good friend to the AOH and the Irish Community of Greater Boston and Division will also begin a series of events poetry in honoring those who had made the New England. An overflowing reception at Skipjack’s in Boston, hosted by Division 8 commemorating the 50th anniversary of ultimate sacrifice in 1981. AOH, Lawrence was held in his honor on Friday, August 2, 2013. their charter. Like Meriden, the roots of The sympathies of all Connecticut Division 1, Roslindale: Division 1 of Roslindale hosted an AOH Red Sox Night at Hibernianism in New London go back a lot Hibernians go out to the John F. Kennedy Fenway Park in Boston on Tuesday, September 17th. Members of AOH and LAOH farther into history. New London has been Division of Bridgeport on the untimely Divisions throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire are expected to be in atten- a center of Hibernian activity since the death of their fine chaplain, the Reverend dance at this annual ½ way to Saint Patrick’s Day event. 1870’s when the St. Patrick’s Day Parades Dr. Brian Shaw who was the pastor of St. Division 1, Newburyport: Division 1 AOH in Newburyport hosted a cruise off the coast hosted by Div 1. of New London were Ann’s Parish in Milford at the time of his of this historic seaport in the north eastern part of the Bay State during Yankee attended by Hibernian Divisions from all death. Father Shaw was born in Meriden Homecoming week in late July, and the Division marched in the Annual Yankee over eastern Connecticut and Rhode and will be missed by a wide circle of peo- Homecoming Parade as well on August 4th. Both events were well attended by many Island. The New London celebration will ple whose lives he touched. Hibernians and friends of Division 1. include a Mass followed by an Irish break- Division 8, Lawrence: Division 8’s Hibernian Family & Friends Outing was held on fast and displays of Irish History and cul- Sunday, September 15, 2013 at the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Grounds, in ture on October 27. On November 2 a for- South Lawrence, MA. Division Chaplain, the Rev. William Waters OSA, celebrated a Mass mal Dinner will conclude the commemora- at Noon on the grounds of the Boating program. Boat rides on the historic Merrimack tion. All profits from these events will go to River, games, music, great food, refreshments and boatloads of fun were in store for all the St. Joseph’s School Scholarship. In who attended. The Division is also planning a day trip to the Great Hunger Museum at August the Men of the John P. Holland Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT in November. Division had participated with their Division 19, Lowell: Division 19 of Lowell held their Annual Charity Golf Tournament Chaplain, Father Mark O’Donnell in the on Monday, September 16th at the Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut, MA. On Saturday, first procession of the Feast of the September 21st Division 19 AOH and LAOH in Lowell hosted Ireland’s “Happy Man” Assumption between St. Mary and St. Cahal Dunne at the Lowell Lodge of Elks. Joseph Church. Earlier in August, New Division 9, Plymouth: The Father John Murphy Division 9 AOH of Plymouth, MA on London was the scene of the North Sunday, October 6, 2013 will host a Memorial Mass at Saint Anthony’s Church in Cohasset American Curragh Association for those lost aboard the Brig St. John, which sank off the coast of Cohasset in 1849. Regatta. This event included Curragh Following the Memorial Mass, a wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Cohasset Clubs from Boston, Albany, Philadelphia Central Cemetery. In 1914 the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order and Annapolis. of Hibernians of Massachusetts, erected a twenty foot Celtic Cross as a memorial to the John Barry has not been neglected by unidentified victims at this cemetery. Connecticut either. Jim Gallagher gave a Division 36, Worcester: Division 36 AOH in Worcester has announced that entertain- presentation on the Commodore on ment will take place every Friday and Saturday during the fall in their pub, the Fiddlers September 17th to the Irish History Money was raised for charity at Connecticut’s Green, at the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Center. All visiting Hibernians are welcome to Roundtable of New Haven. On September Third Annual Softball Tournament held at drop by and join in the fun. 14th, the Fairfield County AOH and LAOH Foote Field in Milford. Left, Jay King, Thomas …and that’s the way we see it in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts - God Bless! once again honored the anniversary of A. Gildee Div. 3 Danbury, holds the trophy Barry’s death with elaborate and meaning- with Tom Keane, John F Kennedy Div. 1 presi- ful ceremonies at Perry Green in Southport. dent and the Connecticut state vice president.

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National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 9 FREEDOM FOR ALL IRELAND Within the past two years, Mary’s Gift has provided material financial support to continued from page 1 Bunscoil (“grammar school”) na mBeann, Naíscoil (“nursery school” ) Shliabh Fuait, and tant work for human rights in Northern Ireland. Significantly this year we continued to Coláiste Feirste. Our support for Naíscoil Shliabh Fuait helped the school “bridge the lobby hard for the release of Marian Price from detention through putting pressure on gap” and achieve a benchmark in fundraising, which entitled the school to recognition the relevant authorities and bring her imprisonment to attention of international moni- by, and funding from, the North’s Department of Education. Coláiste Feirste is the only tors in New York, Geneva and Strasbourg. Marian Price is now on bail. The support of Irish-immersion high school in the six counties. As such, its existence and success is a crit- the AOH has enabled RW (UK) to continue our policy and lobbying work on behalf of ical component of the entire Irish-immersion scheme in the six counties. And yet, among political prisoners in Northern Ireland confronting infringements of their human rights. other challenges, Coláiste Feirste currently has enrolled 562 students in a space suitable These may be unpopular causes viewed by many but all prisoners have human rights for 300. which require protection. Today there are over 4,000 children enrolled in 70 Irish-medium schools in the North. By the terms of the GFA and otherwise, they have a right to expect to grow up in a coun- try that will nurture them, support them, secure their rights, and celebrate their abilities Support for Cairde Strabane Republican Ex-prisoners Group. and heritage. Mary’s Gift Irish Language Foundation remains dedicated to their cause. It is really hard for me to put into the correct words, the gratitude that we have as an Le meas, organisation for the kind support that we have received from the AOH and LAOH in Áine Ní Shionnaigh Executive Director, Mary’s Gift Irish Language Foundation, Inc. America over the past few years and the very positive impact that their support has had on the development of our project and our community. So in simple layman terms the support that Cairde has received over the past few years St. Patrick’s Centre has been utterly invaluable. This support has allowed Cairde to develop a new communi- The Saint Patrick Centre is located beside Saint Patrick’s Grave in Downpatrick and ty based programme, which is aimed at creating a real sense of hope and opportunity for the only permanent exhibition in the world dedicated to the memory of Ireland’s the Ex-prisoners community and the wider communities of the Strabane area. Patron Saint. It was built with European and American support in 2000 to help bring Since receiving funding from the AOH – LAOH in America, Cairde has been able to international visitors back to the north of Ireland after over 30 years of conflict, to grow develop one of the largest Community Garden & Allotment facilities in one of the most the local tourist economy and therefore underpin the peace process. socially and economically deprived areas within the Northwest Region of Ireland. This new ‘In the years that followed’ says Centre Director Dr Tim Campbell, ‘we found that community facility is unique in its approach to health programmes as it develops a real Patrick as someone from Britain who became the Patron Saint of Ireland can be a used sense of ownership for the individual participant and a place of social learning for the as a role model for bringing all of our communities together.’ The Centre now has a wider community of the area. popular education program which explores children’s common Christian heritage and For the past 15 years the Ex-prisoners community of Strabane have played an active part brings people together irrespective of their faith, politics or ability. in developing their communities. We continue to seek change for the better, whether that is ‘The Ancient Order of Hibernians have supported the Centre’s Education Program Culturally, Socially, Economically or Politically. For this reason many Ex-prisoners have for a number of years and their trips to Ireland have come to include a visit to see our been to the forefront in developing their local community based organisations. Today our work. Their generous contribution this year will mean that we can continue to deliver organisation continues with that ethos of helping and supporting our communities in this much needed service to even more local children and communities. reaching their full potential as Irish Citizens. By developing the Community Garden & The Spirit of Saint Patrick was certainly evident on 29th March at the Saint Patrick Allotment Project we again lead the way in developing a unique programme that is having Centre, County Down, when members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians from all a real and measurable impact in the lives of the individual participants and the wider com- over America joined a cross community Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the 15th munity of Strabane area. Local parish priest Canon Sean Rogan and his Episcopalian counterpart Dean Henry This is why we have so much gratitude for the support we have received from the AOH Hull lead the Thanksgiving Service at the Saint Patrick Centre with other local clerics – LAOH in America because without that support or project simple would not have from all denominations. Local politicians who contributed included SDLP Member of reached its full potential, and for that we are truly thankful. Parliament Margaret Ritchie, Official Unionist MLA John McAlister and Sinn Fein MLA Chris Hazard, all of whom expressed their hopes for a future of greater coopera- tion and peace using cross community figures like Saint Patrick. Coiste na nIarchimí The AOH then participated in the Easter Service at Saint Patrick’s Church where Once again Coiste na nIarchimí wishes to send our thanks to you all for the unstinting they helped Canon Rogan officiate the Stations of the Cross. Finally, as an act of annu- assistance you have given over the years to us on behalf of all of the former IRA prisoners al solidarity they joined members from all faiths and communities and carried the cross who were held in jails throughout the conflict. The Good Friday agreement back in 1998 through the streets of Downpatrick and the procession ended with a prayer for peace seemed to signal a new era for all of us here in Ireland. Unfortunately this has not turned on the Steps of the Saint Patrick Centre. out to be the case for many of us. Dr Tim Campbell, Director, St. Patrick’s Centre, Downpatrick Recent research by Queen’s University in Belfast has identified that approximately 25,000 people passed through the jails during the war and today many of those former activists of the IRA are still in very difficult situations. ( The British say they did not keep records of numbers imprisoned!!) In recent years your assistance has enabled our net- work to engage in assisting individual former political activists and their families with emotional and some with addiction issues. In recent months legislation has been brought in to deny employment opportunities to former political prisoners in the North of Ireland and soon there is to be similar legislation in the South. It is a fact that the majority of the Republican ex-prisoner community has major difficulties in accessing appropriate employment and in fact has very high unem- ployment rates. We attempt to challenge these legislative hurdles but we are hampered by the lack of appropriate funding for these legal challenges. Your assistance on these matters would be appreciated. I had the pleasure of meeting your last delegation to Ireland at Easter – good people Sean Pender, George Mitchell and Mark Thompson. and easy to get on with. I sincerely hope we can at least maintain our fraternal relation- ship, our friendships and our commonality of interest in securing our political goal of a RFJ united country - established on the principles of equality of citizenship for all. Relatives for Justice were once again very pleased to receive and host the AOH & Go raibh maith agaibh arís as bhur gcuidiú ( Thank you all for all of your help in the LAOH delegation as part of their visit to Ireland. Every year this is a special event in our past.) calendar and one that we particularly look forward to. It is a great and humbling privi- Le meas lege to work with everyone connected to this wonderful organization and over the years Michael Culbert, Director, Coiste na nIarchimí we have made many friends. Most of all there is a deep sense of solidarity beyond that friendship that reinvigorates and pushes the struggle for truth and justice forward. And Mary’s Gift this has become a collective struggle where Irish-Americans don’t just visit - they play a As Executive Director of Mary’s Gift Irish Language Foundation, I am extremely grate- crucial role. ful to the AOH and the LAOH for their continued support of our Foundation. This year Without the support of the AOH & LAOH Relatives for Justice would not have been I was honored to attend the NJAOH State Convention, and to receive from Mr. Sean able to attend and provide testimony to Congress. The solidarity and collective struggle Pender, President of NJAOH, a very generous donation for our Foundation. The sole pur- of people in the ensured the hearings and created the context for these. The resources and pose of Mary’s Gift Irish Language Foundation is to provide financial support for schools funds made available enabled RFJ to be physically present to testify. Placing the issue of in the north of Ireland that teach exclusively through the medium of the Irish language. egregious human rights violations and civil liberty abuses in an international framework We are proud to be a private and independent, “501(c)(3)” public charity managed exclu- such as a Congressional Hearing, and to the wider US public, creates the context for sively by volunteers; all donations are used solely to support recipient schools or pay accountability. These positive and progressive actions by US citizens enable a light to be Foundation expenses. shone into dark places where sinister forces seek to evade culpability. The more we shine Through its mission, the Foundation supports a fundamental element of the Good that light the more we facilitate the inescapable conditions for truth. Friday Agreement: to encourage and facilitate Irish medium education and achieve pari- If over this past decade we were to sum up the value of the AOH &LAOH it would be ty with the current provision for integrated education. Unfortunately, despite fifteen that they have never let that light diminish. Rather they have shone it brighter with a years of effort in the North, this goal has yet to be achieved. Worse, deep-seeded opposi- courage and conviction to follow it into the darkest of recesses and to stand firm on the tion to Irish medium education continues to exist in certain communities in the North, core principles of democracy where truth and justice flourish. We need ask no more. We and among their elected representatives, inhibiting progress. are eternally grateful. May our collective work continue and our solidarity extend. We have much to still achieve. Mark Thompson, Director, Relatives for Justice 10 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 AMBASSADOR I am happy to inform you that in my experience, ties with the Irish government have never been continued from page 1 closer. Over the years we have been able to evolve a partnership based on mutual respect, support and collaboration. This is due, in large part, to the attentiveness of your predecessor, Michael Collins, DC President Ralph Day initiated the welcome to Ambassador Anderson, followed in as well as to the talent and receptiveness of your consuls and consular staffs throughout the United turn by DC Ladies President Gail Dapolito. National AOH President Brendon Moore, who States. provided Ambassador Anderson with an AOH commemorative 175th Anniversary coin, So it is with tremendous confidence and conviction that we look now to join forces with your and National LAOH President Maureen Shelton both welcomed her warmly. embassy to achieve passage of comprehensive immigration reform that will, in part, legalize tens of Ambassador Anderson was introduced to the dinner by National Press Club President thousands of undocumented Irish here presently, while at the same time ensuring a future legal flow Keane who expressed her honor as a female president of the Club to welcome the first of Irish through an annual visa program such as that proposed by Senator Chuck Schumer. female Ambassador from Ireland to the U.S. Ms. Keane serves as the 106th president of the Likewise, there is tremendous interest among us with regard to the six counties. There is an obvi- Press Club (founded in 1908 to serve the press corps in DC and now boasts membership of ous and immediate need for an integrated all-Ireland economy to replace the present redundancies over 4,000 members). encumbered in two tax regimes, two currencies, two legal systems, and two competing economies on Ambassador Anderson spoke eloquently to her guests. She expressed deep thanks to the one island that is Ireland. Recently, at the New York City symposium held on the 15th anniver- the United States for their leadership and support for the Good Friday Accord, as well as sary of the signing of the Good Friday agreement, former Senator George Mitchell stated that the our immigration reform efforts underway. The Ambassador welcomed Irish Americans to agreement is presently in a state best described as “fragile.” We concur that there must be a renewed The Gathering and continued support of Irish business, friendship and culture that foster and discernible sense of momentum in advancing the vision and the promise of full implementation our bond. She expressed her desires to increase the association the Embassy has with the of the Good Friday Agreement. While we commend the work of the North-South Ministerial Council Irish community, especially the AOH/LAOH. She looks forward to the opportunities and the GFA Implementation Committee, we now urge them to re-double their efforts with ever- ahead to continue and promote our heritage. Ambassador Anderson is the 17th greater vim, vigor and determination. Ambassador of the Irish Republic to the United States of America. She had served in the Madam Ambassador, everything about you indicates that you are well suited to the challenges Embassy in Washington the 1980s and reflected on how much has happened in the inter- ahead. Your stellar career of 41 years in Ireland’s Foreign Service speaks volumes about your many vening years. She has served in the Irish Foreign Service for over 40 years and brings vast skills and accomplishments. Your 1995 posting as first female Irish Permanent Representative to the experience to the post including Ambassador to France and most recently to the United United Nations in Geneva, was followed by a pivotal assignment to the European Union in Brussels Nations. in 2001. Then, starting in 2005, you served with distinction as Ireland’s first female ambassador to The evening concluded with entertainment by Mr. Brian Gaffney, a celebrated DC Irish France, which led to your appointment for four years as Ireland’s permanent representative to troubadour, as numerous guests lined up to pose for photographs with Her Excellency. United Nations headquarters in New York. The dinner was a huge success and showed an enormous AOH/LAOH welcome to the Ten or 15 years ago, an Irish folk group had a successful debut in the states. They were from an Ambassador. area not far from my own dad’s town of Ferbane, in county Offaly — not far either from where you National President Brendan Moore’s speech at the National Press Club were born in Clonmel, Tipperary. That group was called “Best Foot Forward,” and one of their most This has been a very busy weekend here in Washington, DC, both for the local Irish-American popular hits was a rousing, welcoming tune entitled, “You Couldn’t Have Come At A Better Time.” community, for the AOH and LAOH, and for those who have traveled from other states to join with (Don’t worry. I won’t sing it!) us all in promoting the interests of Irish America. But most importantly, we have come together Madam Ambassador, on behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians In America, I want you to tonight to be part of the Hibernian welcome being extended to Ireland’s ambassador Anne Anderson. know that you couldn’t have come at a better time and we are convinced that in appointing you as And it is good for us to be here! The city of Washington is both the focus and the locus of Irish its ambassador to the United states, Ireland has indeed put its best foot forward. American interests and aspirations. For us, the Embassy of Ireland is the nerve center that registers Congratulations! reactions, provides points of contact and direction, and represents the priorities and concerns of both the Irish nation and the Irish Diaspora here in the United States. Washington DC By Ralph D. Day, President, DC State Board

Hibernians Say Farewell to Ambassador Michael Collins…Welcome to Ambassador Anne Anderson

Earlier this year the State Board of the District of Columbia was informed by the Irish Embassy that His Excellency, Michael Collins, who served as Ambassador of Ireland to the United States for six years, would be departing in August. During his tenure as Ambassador, His Excellency has reached out to the Irish community in the District of Columbia, and in particular to the AOH. During the last two months of his tenure there were many “farewell” events, several which included invita- tions to the AOH. Of particular note was the official State Department farewell reception at the State Department. For those who have never seen them, the official diplo- Members of the District of Columbia State Board Welcome Ambassador Anne Anderson, from left, Keith Carney (Past matic receiving rooms at the Department are spectacular. National Director), John McInerney (President JFK Division), Mattieu Greenwood (State Board Treasurer), Ralph D. Day I was honored to represent the AOH at this event. The (DC AOH State Board President), Ambassador Anderson, Dr. Devine (partially hidden), Steve Brennan, Chip Lacey AOH also received invitations to the farewell reception at (President, Commodore John Barry Division – mostly hidden), Mike Delaney (President, Sons of Aidan Division), Fr. John the Maryland Governor’s mansion, and the final recep- Hurley (State Chaplain), Larry Dorney John Patrick Walsh (DC AOH State Board Vice-President) and Jack O’Brien. tion at the Irish Ambassador’s residence. As our State Board Convention was approaching Brother’s Keith Carney (past National Director) and Maureen Shelton. Following the AOH/LAOH welcome, in September, the State Board approached the Embassy to John Patrick Walsh (Vice-President, DC State Board) were Brother Carney introduced Mr. John Cosgrove to initiate request the incoming Ambassador of Ireland be our guest named co-chairs of the convention and banquet, with Gail the National Press Club welcome. Mr. Cosgrove intro- speaker for the final banquet. This request was granted Dapolito (President, DC State Board, LAOH) as the duced Angela Greiling Keane, President of the National and on September 7 we held our State Board Convention LAOH chair. Brother Carney served as master of cere- Press Club, who in turn introduced Ambassador Anne and Banquet. The results of the State Board Convention monies for the evening. Brother George Rogers (past Anderson; and history was made. are reported elsewhere in this Digest. President, DC State Board) entertained on the uilleann Ambassador Anderson expressed deep thanks to the Ambassador Anne Anderson is the 17th pipes and penny whistle during the cocktail reception United States for their leadership and support for the Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to the United hour. The Irish Dairy Board supplied a wonderful array Good Friday accord, as well as our immigration reform States, and the first female so designated. The theme of of Irish Cheeses. The O’Neill-James School of Irish Dance efforts underway. Ambassador Anderson welcomed Irish the banquet was “Welcome to the Nation’s Capital.” This began the entertainment at the banquet, including getting Americans to The Gathering and continued support of was the first official public appearance of the new the audience off their feet to learn an Irish Shamrock Irish business, friendship and culture that foster our bond. Ambassador. We chose the National Press Club as our dance and signing Happy Birthday to Mr. John Cosgrove She desires to increase the association the Embassy has venue for two very important reasons. First is that our who celebrates his 95th birthday this month. Mr. with the Irish community, especially the AOH/LAOH. Division #1, the Commodore John Barry Division meets Cosgrove is the quintessential Irish-American and the She looks forward to the opportunities ahead to continue there and; second is that the current President of the Past President of the National Press Club. and promote our heritage. National Press Club is their first female President. To Once dinner was served, the official remarks began. The evening concluded with entertainment by Mr. showcase the breadth of the Irish community within the Brother Ralph D. Day (President, DC State Board) initiat- Brian Gaffney, a local celebrated Irish troubadour. The District of Columbia, the AOH and LAOH of the District ed the welcome to Ambassador Anderson, followed in banquet was a huge hit! reached out to other Irish and Irishcentric organizations. turn by Gail Dapolito, National AOH President Brendon We all welcome Her Excellency, Ambassador Anne More than four other organizations provided official del- Moore, who provided background on Ambassador Anderson, the 17th Ambassador of the Irish Republic to egations while members of several others attended. Anderson’s career, and National LAOH President the United States of America.

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 11 Washington, DC

By Ralph D. Day, President, DC State Board

State Board comes back from vacation with a Bang

With the summer over, the AOH in the Archdiocese of Washington are getting back energized and better than ever. Whether coming back from our vacations at the beach, or even Ireland, we have returned and the first order of business was our State Convention held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral here in Washington, DC. Over the past two years, we, the AOH have re-estab- lished a wonderful relationship with the LAOH and Photo Caption: National President, Brendan Moore, Inducts District of Columbia State Board Officers, from left, J J Kelly truly consider our organizations inseparable. Earlier (Veterans Affairs, Rituals and Degrees, Hibernian Charities), National President Brendan Moore, Ralph D. Day (President, DC this year we joined forces to showcase the AOH/LAOH State Board), Fr. John Hurley (Chaplain, DC State Board), John Patrick Walsh (Vice-President, DC State Board), Patrick Sturdy to the world as they toured the Irish Embassy during (National General Counsel), Jim Keenan (Secretary, DC State Board) and Mathieu Greenwood (Treasurer, DC State Board). the European Union’s Open House. We continued with having a combine State Convention. dance and heard his plea for more AOH archives. last years and encourage our members to participate in Our Convention had the usual reports from Officers National Presidents Brendan Moore and Maureen the annual trip to Ireland, as well as contribute to the and Divisions. We elected Officers for the next two Shelton addressed the combined convention and FFAI Christmas Appeal. We also learned that he is run- years. I was honored to be re-elected as President, and encouraged us to renew our dedication to the ning for National Director. We heard from Jim Lawrecy delighted that John Patrick Walsh is again Vice AOH/LAOH and encourage our youthful Celtic from South Carolina who is running for National President and Mathieu Greenwood was re-elected as Brethren and Sisters to join us. As an organization we Director. Our final speaker was Mr. Patrick Sturdy. As Treasurer. Our new Secretary is Mr. Jim Keenan, from cannot grow without new blood and new ideas. They most know, Brother Sturdy is our National Legal Division #1, the Commodore John Barry Division. Our both noted the youth that are on our State Board, Counsel, but also head of the Constitution Committee. Chaplain is Fr. John Hurley of St. Matthew’s Cathedral. including our Vice-President and Treasurer. He informed us that the entire committee will meet Our National President, Brendan Moore, installed the Returning to individual sessions we were joined by immediately after the National President’s Testimonial Officers. members of the Virginia and Maryland AOH. They had Dinner to go over every input they have received. He The ladies joined us for our joint program, which been specifically invited to attend and hear the reports also assured us that all ideas will be brought to the floor featured Dr. Timothy Meagher, Catholic University of the National Board Members present. Mr. J.J. Kelly for a vote. Archivist, who spoke on the Irish Archives at Catholic spoke on Veterans Affairs, Hibernian Charities (espe- We had a great, if short convention. I am proud to be University. Most of his comments were on the Fenian cially the hunger project), and Rituals and Degrees. He a Hibernian and even prouder to serve as President of movement. He mentioned that the CU Archives are the noted that less than 30% of all Hibernians have their the State Board of the District of Columbia. I hope to see official archives of the AOH, but he has very little. He major degree. Mr. Sean Pender spoke on the Freedom all of you at the Testimonial Dinner. was informed that the National President was in atten- for All Ireland effort and the success it has had over the West Virginia

By Sean Duffy, Bishop Whelan Div. 1

Bishop Whelan Div 1, Wheeling, West Virginia held its 4th annual Irish Road Bowling Ohio Valley Championship on September 7, 2013. It is cur- rently the best attended tournament in the state, as 343 people on 53 teams com- peted in 2012. The day fea- tured food, music and fun. Peter Ryan, Irish Deputy Consul General from New York City visited Wheeling Tom Murphy (left) and Tom Connelly of Bishop Whelan Div. 1 conduct a food drive for in mid-July. He met with the local Catholic Food Pantry at Reisbeck’s Market in Wheeling, West Virginia. Bishop Whelan Division rep- resentatives at the Celtic Cross monument at Illinois Wheeling’s Heritage Port, where he learned that the cross was designed to cele- brate the Irish of Wheeling and the Upper Ohio Valley who built the National Road and the B&O Railroad. Members of the Bishop Whelan Division also con- ducted a canned food drive Photo 1: Irish Deputy Consul General Peter Ryan (left) on July 20 at Riesbeck’s with Father Jeremiah McSweeney at Wheeling’s Celtic Food Market in the Elm Cross, the largest in the state. Grove neighborhood of Wheeling on a wet and stormy Saturday. The generosity of the customers allowed the collection and delivery of a full pick-up truck of food to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry on 18th Street in Wheeling. The Pantry was in need of food at this time of year due to the drop-off in food drives conducted by the local parochial schools The Michael P. Keeley Div. 1, St Clair Co., Illinois, held its 33rd annual golf tournament over the summer. on June 8. The tournament was renamed to the “Foz” Ryan Memorial Irish Open Golf Tournament, in memory of its originator, Richard “Foz” Ryan. The tournament was held at Yorktown Golf Course, Belleville. Twenty foursomes participated and the event had its most successful year ever. All of the money raised will be distributed to local charities, including the Illinois Special Olympics. As always, everyone enjoyed themselves. 12 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 New Jersey Pennsylvania

Past NJ AOH vice President Kevin Weldon recently received this letter from Reflections on the Major Degree Philadelphia AOH Division 39 and Omagh Basketball Coach Eamonn Daly thank- ing the AOH for our support of the Omagh Basketball program. It is our hope that It’s been this way for years — maybe from the outset: You get major-degreed, and it will serve to inspire more to donate and make the planned 2014 return trip of the nothing more is said about it until perhaps four years pass, and the next opportuni- Omagh team to the US a reality. Donations to the yearly Christmas Appeal can be ty comes along (if you’re lucky), and someone says, “You degreed yet?” earmarked by your division or board for the Omagh team. The climactic moments of the degree ceremony pass with relatively few witness- es — normally the degreed brothers who have one or more close friends getting degreed that day. Those of us who are degreed take a lot of pride in it, but that satisfaction has invis- ibility rather than transparency. AOH Division 32 (Carnegie, Allegheny County), the division that never sleeps, recently, under progressive president Denny Maher, inaugurated a new practice: We gathered as many as possible of our newly degreed (July 20) brothers and our previously degreed brothers on the back patio of brother Jim Riley’s Irish pub, The Pour House, for a celebration of our shared ... major-degreeness. For two scheduled hours (7 to 9 p.m.), which stretched to four for several of us, newly and previously-degreed brethren commemorate the occasion. Those able to attend: Charlie Boehm; Chris Cahillane; Jim Carr; Bill Delaney; Tim Delaney; Bernie Donnelly; Bob Kelly; Jim Kelly; Joe Loftis; Denny Maher; Mike McGinley; Terry McKeegan; Dennis Murphy; Bill Myers; Leo O’Donnell; Mark Pritchard; Tim Regan; Steve Tabone; John Walsh; Tom Welch; Chuck Yankel and me. Because AOH 32 financial secretary Bill Myers had promptly ordered new major- degree travel cards for our division’s latest inductees, president Denny Maher was able to present those present with their new cards to hardy applause. Omagh Coach and AOH Div 39 member Eamon Daly. The recently degreed Terry McKeegan, who was leaving for a new job in Manhattan that day, attended the party. Talk about prioritizing us. His friend, Gaelic harpist Kathleen McGann, performed especially for the party on the patio while Jim Lamb of Guaranteed Irish entertained inside The Pour House. Thanks to all of the major-degreed brothers who attended. AOH 32 won’t be cat-napping in the months ahead. All are welcome to attend and even participate in our roast of AOH 32 brother Pat McCann on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Gaetano’s. Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7:30 and pro- gram at 8:15 p.m. Reservations ($25 per person) through me. AOH 32/LAOH 32 Christmas party at Fairview Fire Hall at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Details TBA. —Ed Blank, Communications Chairman, AOH Division 32

On behalf of Omagh Thunder Basketball Club and the Omagh community that supports the club, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Ancient Order of Hibernians for their generous donations. Chaplain appointed pastor All coaches and officers of the Omagh Basketball Club, including myself, Brian Durkin and On September 14, Reverend Bill Grogan was installed as the Pastor by Bishop Aidan Bradley, are volunteer members, who donate our time and passion to foster the goals of the Daniel Thomas of the newly combined parish of Holy Cross Church in Mt. Airy, Pa. club. Holy Cross Church has existed but was merged with Saint Madeline Sophie and Saint In trying to attract young people from all sections of our community, we strive to keep our mem- Therese of the Child of Jesus. Father Bill is the Chaplain of the Notre Dame Div. 1 of bership fees to an absolute minimum, which means we are increasingly reliant on funding from Montgomery County and the Isle of Erin Degree Team. Father Bill is also a member other sources, making the financial contributions received from the AOH truly invaluable. of the AOH Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums Band who played at the Mass. The AOH The foundational belief of the Omagh Thunder Basketball Club is that the children of Northern Color Guard and members of the Degree Team were also present at the Mass. Ireland are the hope for a peaceful, united future. The club is proud to be a contributing factor to the solution of this country’s challenges. We teach and encourage positive, productive and peaceful actions through our example, and use basketball to reach children through the excitement of sport. We bring together children and their families, from Catholic, Protestant and other communities, to work toward a common goal. Thanks to the support of the AOH we have a first-class venue for staging matches and training sessions at the Station Centre in Omagh. In 2009, we again received generous support of the AOH, which enabled us to purchase an electronic scoreboard. The continuing financial generosity and moral support of the AOH has allowed the club to expand to a far greater extent than we could have done on our own. In 2010 and 2012, the Omagh Thunder Basketball Club won the Omagh Youth Club of the Year Award. Winning the award was an honor and a testament to the impact our club has had on the community. We believe that it would not be possible to receive such accolades with- out the growth of our club, which has been consistently fostered by the AOH. In 2010, the Omagh Thunder Basketball Club organized a trip to the United States for fifteen of our most devoted and exemplary players. The trip had an astounding impact on the children, and was without a doubt, a life changing experience for each of them. Based on the first trip’s success and overwhelming feedback we received from the players, our goal is to be able to plan and fund a second trip to America in the summer of 2014. The Omagh Thunder Basketball Club is now in an a better position than ever to provide the young people of Omagh, male and female, from all social, religious, cultural and political back- grounds, with additional sporting opportunities they would not have otherwise. On behalf of the Omagh Thunder Basketball Club, please extend our gratitude to all the Hibernians for their continued support. Most Sincerely, Eamon Daly, Head Coach and Chairman Copy and Advertising Deadline for the November-December issue of the Hibernian Digest November 1 [email protected]

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 13 the Irish Transport and General Worker’s Union founded by Jim Larkin and James Connolly led to the Great Dublin Lockout of 1913 when 20,000 workers were fired for join- ing Larkin’s Union. Many of the workers had revenge on those businesses during the Rising but Murphy’s newspapers denigrated them as looters from the tenements citing their ‘disgraceful’ behavior. After the Rising, Murphy and 763 influential Dublin busi- nessmen signed a memorandum encouraging the discretion of the Commander of the British forces in Ireland to deal with the patriots as he saw fit and endorsing Martial Law. As for the animosity of the citizens toward the patriots, it should be noted that the pris- I dislike starting my column on a sad note, but I must pay tribute to the late John oners were marched off along the quay where many upper class loyalist Dubliners, mer- Hennessy. Most Hibernians knew John from Conventions where he was a familiar face chants and British Army pensioners had gathered. Those who had sons serving in the and a jovial personality. I was honored to have brought John into the AOH in 1969 and to British forces were upset over the possibility of their funds being cut off and some showed this day I count it as one of my greatest accomplishments for he was always ready to lend support for the winner in fear of retaliation on themselves. However, at Boland’s Bakery, a hand, chair a committee or hold an office (sometimes several at one time). His knowl- the South Dublin Union and other spots, the patriots were cheered by the citizens for the edge of AOH rituals, bylaws, protocol and constitutional was second to none and demon- courage they demonstrated in Ireland’s cause. strated his admiration for our Order and he insisted they be followed as a matter of honor. Those of us who had the golden opportunity to interview participants in the Lockout He was proud to wear his Life Member Medal wherever he went – I often joked that if we and the Rising and share theeir memories as well as the recollections they shared with had given him a waterproof one, he’d have worn it in the shower. I don’t know if Jesus their immediate descendants will be able to look at the soon-to-come accounts with a jaun- gave him a robe when John arrived at the golden throne, but I do know that if He did, the diced eye and determine their accuracy. Time will tell, but I sincerely hope that the writ- first thing John did was to pin his Life Member Medal on it. On second thought, this is not ings pass the test of truth, for those men and women who participated deserve no less! opening on a sad note, it’s a happy one for those of us who can’t help but smile when we think of that rare Hibernian and how happy we were to have known him. Poetry and history, online! Did you know that Oscar Wilde’s mother was a dedicated Irish patriot? Check out her Beware of Twistory story on the history link of New York State AOH Website at www.nyaoh.com. You might On a historical note, the initial rush to publish and capitalize on the 150th anniversary also want to learn about the Plantation of Ulster. If so, that story is on the September of the Great Hunger caused many false accounts of the tragedy to be circulated around Historical Happenings link of the National Website at www.aoh.com. Mentioning web- 1995. Some attempted to tone down the severity of the event to avoid inflaming hatred in sites, Google search poetry about the Irish by Mile McCormack for a book of verse that Northern Ireland, which was volatile at the time. There were even some so-called ‘officials’ reads like a novel and is now available in a Kindle version. The talented National who proclaimed that the Hunger was over in 1847. Then we had the Anglophiles who can Webmaster, Joe McDonald, also compiled a website for our Irish History books, CDs and always be depended on to minimize England’s cruelty to the Irish. DVDs which make great material for division historians to comply with the requirement Fortunately, as time passed, more intelligent authors took issue with the revised ver- to read a history at each meeting or as Christmas stocking stuffers. For that one go to sions of the catastrophe and more diligent research produced enlightened accounts of the www.shamrockandclover.com. greatest calamity to ever hit the Irish nation. Yet, the task for today’s student remains Congratulations to Co. Clare fiddler, Seamus Connolly, on being recognized for a choosing the wheat from the chaff on their library shelves and the best way to do that is to fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. Many nights I enjoyed his examine the credentials of, and other writings by, the author. expertise. The Easter Rising is about to become the subject of similar amateur coverage, which Until Oct 21, the Wild Geese, a website at www.TheWildGeese.com that cele- will no doubt be colored by nationalist sentiment or political correctness as we near the brates the history and heritage of the Irish is hosting a membership drive. Members 100th anniversary of that milestone. are eligible to win a roundtrip for two from NY City to Dublin based on the number Some will rely on the three largest Dublin newspapers of the day that portrayed the of new members they recruit. Second and third prizes are custom-engraved, hand- Rising in derogatory terms, highlighting the fact that citizens hurled insults and garbage manufactured crystal provided by Sean Egan Art Glass. Check out the website, It’s at the patriots as they were marched off to Richmond Barracks. Will they ignore the fact really interesting. that William Martin Murphy owned those newspapers? That must to be considered. Until next time, keep well, keep the faith and keep our traditions alive! Murphy was the head of the Dublin Employers Federation whose attempt to destroy The Irish in Labor, Part Two

By Mike McCormack grew stronger, they took on the fight for to flex its new political muscle. in the Pinkerton Union busting in the National Historian worker’s rights and the formation of labor The first real Labor Day Pennsylvania coal fields were all Irish; they The Great Hunger in Ireland from 1845 unions. On Sept. 15, 1882, a handful of laborers, were members of the Ancient Order of to 1852 and beyond saw countless numbers In America, the industrial revolution in organized by Peter McGuire, began a march Hibernians who were vilified as Molly of Irish tenant farmers flee to the far corners the 1800s created an unskilled labor force uptown through lower Manhattan, carrying Maguires. They made it possible for men of the world to escape starvation and dis- that was highly exploitable. The abuses that signs that read Agitate, Educate, Organize like John Mitchel to give the Mineworkers ease. Most fled to America where they accompanied the growing industries led to and Less Work, More Pay. Mocked by fash- the solid union they have today. formed a large unskilled work force. Forced a cry for a protective force for workers and ionable New Yorkers, they continued their Women: a powerful force by anti-Catholic and anti-Irish prejudice a few groups were formed. However, it trek as more and more laboring men, Irish women did their share too. Unlike into the slums of the cities in which they wasn’t until 1866 that the first major labor women and children joined them. By the other immigrant women, many Irish landed, their lot was little better than that union was formed, but its main goals were time they reached what is now called Union women came alone and immediately which they left behind; the main benefit to eliminate cheap convict labor and restrict Square, they were more than 10,000 strong entered the work force having no one to was that they could organize among them- immigration. The first major activity with and were cheered by thousands more in the depend on. They worked in textile mills, selves without interference from the heavy- worker’s rights as the focal point took place Square. It was the first real Labor Day. Since telephone companies and as domestic help; handed government action they had known in 1874 as a strike paralyzed the that day, organized labor has never looked later moving to clerical and shop work. in Ireland. Pennsylvania Coal Fields for a year. A strike back. By 1894, when Labor Day was Unable to work in the field of politics, In America, there was plenty of local was nothing more than a labor boycott – a declared a national holiday, there were 22 which denied them voting privileges, they oppression from nativist gangs and organi- name taken from a land league denial of national trade unions and five states were became active in union organization. Mary zations, but they soon learned how to han- services to a landlord’s agent, Capt. Boycott, already celebrating Labor Day as a state hol- Harris (Mother) Jones from Co. Cork orga- dle that opposition by becoming part of the in Ireland years earlier. Frank Gowan, iday. nized for the United Mine Workers; Lenora electorate and bringing their own to power President of the Reading RR that controlled The laborers who dared to organize and O’Reilly went from child laborer to member – something they never could have the mines, called in the country’s leading confront the bosses were a courageous of the Knights of Labor and co-founder of achieved in Ireland! However, the field of Union Buster – Alan Pinkerton, who ran a group and we are proud of the significant the Woman’s Trade Union League; Aunt labor was a totally different arena. detective agency specializing in “industrial contributions of the Irish to that movement. Sara McLaughlin rose to the top of the The formation of protective societies protection.” Pinkerton’s spying, deception They were the Irish immigrants who came Textile Mill Union as organizer; and Julia Bigotry kept the Irish Catholic immi- and prejudicial testimony before a stacked after the Great Hunger of 1845 and beyond; Sarsfield O’Connor became President of the grant down on the lowest rung on the labor jury led to the hanging of 20 men. The farmers who crowded into cities and took Woman’s Trade Union League. The story ladder enforced by a No Irish Need Apply Workingmen’s Benevolent Association was jobs as unskilled laborers in factories, mines was repeated again and again. mentality. Well trained in anti-landlord beaten and the mines reopened; manage- and construction. Poor and uneducated in a A long tradition activity in Ireland, it was now up to them to ment had won this time, but organizing strange land, they were taken advantage of The late John Lawe of Co. Roscommon employ similar tactics in an anti-manage- continued. In 1877 a nationwide strike over and, when abused, they banded together. once told me how he started at the 5th Ave. ment scenario in America – and that they wage cuts crippled the railroads and Herb Gutman, the late American Labor Coach Co. as a sweeper cleaning out the did! They brought their organizing ability Federal troops were called out. Over 100 Historian, pointed out that it was immi- buses. He said they were called Ireland’s into play in social clubs like the Saint were killed and 300 injured by U.S. troops grants who supported the organization of gift to America since the buses were green Patrick’s Fraternal Society and protective before the strike was broken, but the picture labor in large numbers. The Irish had seen and had an Irishman at each end; in fact, societies like the Ancient Order of of strikers being killed to protect the profits their people and economy destroyed in most of its employees were Irish. In May Hibernians. These Irish organizations were of millionaire railroad owners at last moved Ireland and were determined that it would 1985, when he became President of the active in protecting workers and their fami- the public. Their anger was evident at the not happen here. From the very beginning Transport Workers Union of America, he lies in case of illness or accident in the days next nationwide election and many railroad of the unions as a workers protective soci- before medical and life insurance. As they politicians fell. The labor movement began ety, the Irish were there. The 20 men hanged continued on page 15

14 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 Ohio

The new Ohio State Board was sworn in recently by the AOH National Board led The Ohio AOH and LAOH joined forces with Western Reserve Public Media, by Vice President Judge Jim McKay. New Ohio president Mike Makenzie brings a Northeast Ohio’s Public Broadcasting Television Station for the annual pledge wealth of experience to the position, as he has been active on the Division, County drive during a recent “Irish Rovers” broadcast. The Hibernians led by the AOH and and State levels for most of his life. Mike has also been an avid attendee of the AOH LAOH state presidents are happy to report they met the goal for the evening. National Conventions as well. Seated from the left are Ron Hagan, Vice President; Pictured during the live broadcast are Trina Cutter, President and CEO with Danny Monsignor John K. Cody, Chaplain; Mike McKenzie, President; Joe Casey, Past O’Connell National Treasurer. Staffing the phones are Denny Parks, State Director; President; and Bob Harper, Secretary. Standing from the left are Denny Parks, Mike McKenzie, State President; Eloise Stalter, State President; and Irene Uhalley, Director; Pete Chrystal, Treasurer; Danny O’Connell, National Treasurer; Judge Jim Past President. McKay, National Vice President; Denny Donnelly, National Director for Ohio; and Ed Brannan, Director.

A great student, a proud LAOH teacher Casey Murray is 15 years old and will be a Delaware junior at Jackson High School in Massillon, Ohio. She is a member of Jackson’s School by Bob Doyle, FS, Commodore Barry Division 1 for the Arts, and an Open Championship level Irish Dancer with The MacConmara Successful fundraiser in Delaware Academy of Irish Dance. Over the summer, the Commodore John Barry Division of Rehoboth Beach, Her teacher is Teresa Buck, a member of Delaware, sold chances for two tickets plus parking to the Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Margaret Judge Div., LAOH, Akron, Washington Redskins football game on Monday, Sept. 9. The tickets were gracious- OH. ly donated to the Division by one of its members. The fundraiser was a huge suc- Casey has been Irish Dancing for 11 cess and will enable the Division to continue its charitable works and donations. years and has been involved in several The drawing was held on Aug. 12 in front of St. Edmond’s Parish Hall in Rehoboth. local musicals and theatre productions. Her The lucky winner was Al Derickson of Lewes, Delaware. first leading role was “Charlie” in Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. Casey then went on to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night, Mrs. Kirby in You Can’t Take It With You, as well as a chorus member in The Phantom of the Opera. Last February, Casey’s mom, Tammy, saw a note on an Irish dance message board looking for a championship Irish dancer who can also sing. Tammy respond- ed to the email listed and not much happened until the end of June. The last week of June the Writer of McGoldrick’s Thread emailed Tammy asking her to submit an audition video of Casey doing a song, monologue and some dancing. Live auditions were being held in New York City the next day but because of the short notice and the distance a video was the best way to audition. Next came a live Skype audition and Casey was offered the part of Magee. Casey and her mom will move to New York City for two months for rehearsals and the run Shown at the raffle drawing are (l to r) Rich Duffy; Tom Brennan, Div Vice-President; Jim of the show. The name of the show is McGoldrick’s Thread. McGoldrick’s Thread is Ryan, Div President; Reverend William Mathesius, Div Chaplain; Chuck Allen, Div the story of the O’Reilly family, who left home in Clonmel, Ireland and settled in a Treasurer and Joe O’Neill. small apartment in the Bronx to raise their four children. The youngest and only daughter, Magee, is a competitive Irish Step dancer with a big Feis in the morning. LABOR The story takes place over a weekend, with a colorful flashback to Ireland — reveal- continued from page 14 ing trials, tribulations, triumphs, love and humor of the O’Reilly and McGoldrick joined a respected Irish-American labor fraternity that included Teddy Gleason, head of families. In their small apartment with brothers, commotion and unanswered ques- the Int’l Longshoremen; Paschal McGuiness, head of the United Brotherhood of tions, Magee learns to believe in herself and what it takes to make her dreams come Carpenters; John Sweeny, head of the Service Employees Union; John Kelly of the true — in dance and life. Premier Performances were held at the Theatre 80 ST. Professional Employees Int’l; Jack Gannon of the Firefighters; Richard Kilroy of the MARKS in NYC in September. Check out www.mcgoldricksthread.com for more Railroad Men; and Jimmy Duffy, head of the Int’l Brotherhood of Operating Engineers. information on how to help in the full production. These are only some of the leaders in a long tradition that goes back through Tipperary’s Bill Treacy, Kerry’s Mike Quill, and Matt Guinan, and on and on. Back to the beginning, the Irish were not only involved, but they led the way. It took years to succeed in America because of severe anti-union forces; but it took longer in Changing your address? Ireland where Crown opposition was much more severe. That is why Ireland’s labor leaders like Larkin and Connolly remain heroes to this day. And that is also why the Tram Let your Division Financial Secretary know. It is that officer’s job to notify the Workers Strike in 1913 was such a watershed in Irish history. It was the first major labor National Secretary so the order’s membership list can be updated and copies of confrontation on Irish soil and contributed significantly to the birth of the Republic of the Digest are sent to the right place. Ireland. More significantly, it was copied from the success of the American movement, which in turn was copied from the Irish Boycott. And the wheel just keeps on turning. It can truly be said that Irish labor not only supported the freedom of Ireland, but the free- dom of the working class in America. National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 15 California

On July 14th, AOH Division 3 held their 9th annual Edward Casey Award cere- mony at the Fenians courtyard concert at Muldoon’s in Newport Beach. We had a great turnout of Orange County and Long Beach brothers who came together to support this great event. This prestigious AOH award was presented to Jerry Éisteann an saol iomlán le ceol Meiriceánach. The whole world listens to American O’Keefe, past AOH National Director, for his 40 years of outstanding service and music. Tosaíodh stíleanna ceoil go leor sna Stáit. Lots of musical styles were started in commitment to the Irish Community of Orange County. the States. Agus tharla sin mar gheall ar an meascán de cheol is daoine ó thíortha This AOH award is named in honor of the late Edward Casey, (Father of Terry agus ó chultúir an-éagsúla. And that happened because of the mix of music and people Casey, lead singer of the Fenians), a Hibernian leader from the early 1960s in Orange from very different countries and cultures. County. Edward Casey was the inspiration and mentor to early Hibernians orga- Bhíodh ceol na dtíortha áirithe á dhéanamh sna Stáit le fada an lá. The music of nizing the AOH in Orange County. various countries was played in the States for a long time. Ach i ndiaidh an chogaidh chathartha go háirithe, rinneadh ceol an-difriúil agus nua. But especially after the Civil War, very different and new music was made. Jazz a thugtar air ar ball. It was eventually called jazz. Ceaptar gur cumadh jazz in New Orleans den chéad uair. Wisconsin People think that jazz was created in NO originally. Ach níorbh é NO an t-aon áit a raibh a leithéid ann, ná baol air. But that wasn’t the only place such a thing was, by any 2013 Milwaukee Irish Fest and Annual Liturgy for Peace and Justice means. Thuas agus thíos an Mississippi go háirithe a bhí aithne ag na daoine ar na nósanna nua seo. Up and down the M. especially people knew these new styles. Agus The 33rd Annual Irish Fest was celebrated on August 15-18 at Milwaukee’s pé áit a raibh a bhunadh, bhí sé ar fud na tíre faoi cheann achair bhig. And wherev- Maier Festival Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Crowds from across the nation er it was from, it was all over the country within a short period of time. estimated at 130,000 enjoyed Irish culture, music, food, theatre, sports, children’s Tá sé an-chonspóideach cad í foinse an fhocail féin, jazz. It is very controversial activities and the Annual Mass for Peace and Justice. The Mass, held in the Marcus Amphitheater, is reported to be one of the largest outdoor Masses celebrated in what the source of the word jazz is. Tá teoiric ann gur as an nGaeilge é. There is a the- North America. ory that it is from the Irish. Deir ollamh i San Francisco darb ainm Daniel Cassidy gur as an bhfocal ‘teas’ é, agus gurb é iriseoir de shliocht na hÉireann darb ainm Scoop Gleeson a bhain úsáid as den chéad uair, i nuachtán i San Francisco. A professor in SF named…says that it is from the word [heat], and that a reporter with Irish roots named… used it for the first time, in a SF newspaper. Is iomaí Éireannach a chuir faoi ansin san aois sin. It’s many an Irishman who settled there in that age. Bhíodh a lán Gaeilgeoirí ann, gan dabht. There used to be a lot of Irish speakers there, no doubt. D’fhaigheadh An Gaodhal (An Gael) ábhar ó SF go minic. An Gael used to get mate- rial from SF often. Agus bhí a lán ceoltóirí Éireannacha bainteach le buntús an cheoil nua seo. And there were a lot of Irish musicians involved in the origin of this new music. Mar sin, luíonn sé le ciall gur thug Gaeilgeoir an t-ainm air. So, it stands to reason that an Irish speaker gave the name to it. Ceapaim féin gurb fhéidir go raibh an focal ‘deas’ i gceist, go háirithe mar gheall ar theoiricí eile faoina fhoinse. i myself think it may have been the word [nice], especially because of other theories about its source. Ní an sanasaíocht de cinnte, pé scéal, agus is maith an scéal é gur linne an focal jazz! The etymology is not certain, anyway, and it’s a good story that the word is ours! Tá baint nach beag ag Éire le déanamh an bhanna ceoil jazz (tugtar snagcheol air as Gaeilge). Ireland had no small part in the creation of the jazz band (in Irish, jazz is called…). Meascán de cheol Afracach, Éireannach, Spáinneach, srl. atá ann. It’s a mix of African, Irish, Spanish, etc. music. Ach de réir dealraimh, is ó bhanna máirseála áirithe a tháinig an meascán de huirlisí phráis agus gaothuirlisí mar an sacsafón. But apparently, it is from a particular marching band that came the mixing of brass instru- ments with woodwinds like the saxophone. Agus an duine a rinne sin don chéad uair? Members of the Milwaukee Division who served as ushers at the Annual Liturgy for And the person who did that the first time? Éireannach darb ainm Patrick Sarsfield Peace and Justice concelebrated by Irish-born brothers, Bishop Raymond Boland and Gilmore. An Irishman by the name of… Rugadh é i mBéal Átha Ghartha, Co. na Bishop J. Kevin Boland, and Milwaukee Division Chaplain Fr. William J. Kelly, SJ. Gaillimhe, in 1829. He was born in Ballygar, Gallway, in… D’fhoghlaim sé a cheird i mBaile Átha Luain ó Patrick Keating, ceannródaí eile na mbannaí máirseála. He learned his craft from another marching band pioneer…in Athlone. Chuir Gilmore faoi i mBoston in 1848. G settled in Boston in 1848. Bheadh sé i measc na ndaoine ba cháiliúla san aois sin, agus b’fhéidir an ceoltóir ba cháiliúla i Meiriceá. He would be among the most famous people of that age, and maybe the most famous musician in America. Bhí banna ceoil míleata aige san arm a raibh cáil agus clú air, agus mar gheall air sin, rinneadh ard-bhannamháistir de, i mbun cheol an airm ar fad. He had a military band in the army which was very well known, and because of that, he was made bandmas- ter general for the entire army. i ndiaidh an chogaidh, bhí ceolchoirm aige in New Orleans leis an mbanna ba mhó riamh. After the war, he had a concert in NO with the biggest band ever. Bhíodh ceolchoirmeacha aige i Nua-Eabhrac, ag áit dá chuid féin, Gilmore’s Concert Garden, agus ar ball, rinneadh an chéad Madison Square Garden de. He used to have concerts in NY, at a place of his own…, and eventually, it became the first MSG. Thosaigh seisean an nós chun Oíche Chinn Bliana a cheiliúradh in Times Square. It was he who started the tradition of celebrating New Year’s Eve in… i rith an chogaidh, chum sé an t-amhrán “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” (ón amhrán Éireannach “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye”). During the war, he wrote the song…(from the Irish song…). Bhí sé agus a bhanna ceoil ar roinnt de na chéad taifeadtaí a rinne Edison. He and his band were on some of Edison’s first recordings. Nach ait an rud é nach luaitear ach go hannamh duine chomh cáiliúil sin níos mó? Isn’t it strange that a person so famous is rarely mentioned any more? Mar a tharla, ba é “Papa” Jack Laine, Gael-Mheiriceánach (sílim) i New Orleans Milwaukee Division members Dean Hunter and Rick McMahon at the Hibernian a bhí an-tábhachtach ag an tús, agus b’eisean an chéad duine chun druma mór agus Information and Recruitment Booth located in the Irish Cultural Center area. Our sreangdhruma a chur le chéile do sheinnteoir amháin. As it happened, an Irish- Division’s mission continues to provide financial support through scholarships at 3 American (I think)…was very important at the beginning in NO, and he was the first per- inner-city Catholic Schools, including St. Rose Urban Academy, Nativity Middle School son to put the bass and snare drum together for one player. Fuair sé a chéad dhruma ó for boys and Notre Dame Middle School for girls. mhac Patrick Gilmore! He got is first drum from PG’s son!

16 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 Order mourns John Hennessy

John Hennessy of Division 9, Suffolk County Historian Dave Ring wrote, Active at all levels of the Order, he worked on Suffolk County, was a man who “although John understood organizational politics, he so many activities behind the scenes from the National deserves to be ranked among the always did what he believed to be right for the AOH, not Tara Court Major Degree Team to the N.Y. State annual greatest of our beloved fraternity. just that which would bring personal benefit. A noble fund-raising calendar, to the Suffolk County annual Ball A respected leader at all levels of trait that has become all too rare in the world today.” and Feis and his own Division 9 Treasurer’s office that it the Order, John went to his heav- His knowledge of our rituals, bylaws, protocol is difficult to imagine the Order without him. enly reward on August 16, 2013. and constitutional procedures was extraordinary and He has left an indelible mark on all who knew He embraced the ideals of his willingness to share that with others will be hard to him that will never be erased; he was a role model for all Friendship, Unity and Christian replace. A Navy veteran, he was at the helm of the AOH Hibernians to emulate. Charity and was respected as a role model and an inspi- NY State Board’s efforts to have the Bill passed that rec- John is survived by his wife, Margaret; daugh- rational mentor. He led by the example that he set for he ognized Commodore John Barry as First Flag Officer of ters, Sharon, Patricia, Theresa and Rosemary; son-in- understood that with authority comes responsibility. He the U. S. Navy and was especially proud to present an law, Chad; and grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew and expected much from his brother Hibernians, but never award to Mike Carney who chaired that Committee dur- Andrew; and thousands of loving Hibernian brothers as much as he gave of himself. ing John’s administration as N.Y. State President. and sisters.

Tribute to John Hennessy Reverend Dr. Brian A. Shaw

The Reverend Doctor Brian A. Shaw, 73, of The Ancient Order of Hibernians has a long and proud history. First in Ireland Milford, died Monday, August 19, 2013 at his protecting the Catholic Church and Clergy. Next here in the New World doing the home. Born in Meriden, September 14, 1939, the same, along with welcoming and protecting new arrivals, preserving and pro- son of the late Julia Catherine Balasa and Thomas moting our heritage, and giving service to the greater community. F. Shaw, Father Shaw attended Saint Stanislaus Nowhere has this proud tradition been supported and strengthened more than School, Meriden, and Saint John Kanty Prep here in Suffolk County, New York. Men like Jim Hayes, Mike Murphy, Ray School, Erie, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Meehan, Pat Shannon and so many others that have come before us developed Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield in 1960 and and nurtured what has become the largest AOH County in the United States. It is continued his studies for the priesthood at Christ not just numbers that make this county great. The strong principles and the deep the King Seminary at Saint Bonaventure, New commitment to Hibernianism as exemplified by those who came before have cre- York, where he pursued his graduate studies. ated an organization to be envied. He was ordained to the Priesthood on May 19, Another man, who belongs among the greatest of our beloved fraternity, has 1966, by the Most Reverend Henry J. O’Brien, left us for his final reward. John Hennessy, a respected leader at all levels of our Archbishop of Hartford, in the Cathedral of Saint organization, passed on August 16, 2013. John was a man who embraced our ide- Joseph, Hartford. In 1977 Father Shaw received his als of Friendship, Unity, and Christian charity. He was someone who, for me and Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Psychology from Andover Newton Theological many others, was a respected role model and an inspirational mentor. He helped School in Newton Centre, Massachusetts. all of us to be better Hibernians and, therefore, better people. Father Shaw served as a temporary assistant at Saint Mary in Meriden and then John was a man who could lead us solely by the example that he set. Unlike so as Assistant Pastor at Saint Matthew Parish in Forestville from 1966 until 1971, at many so-called leaders in today’s world, John understood that with authority Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Yalesville from 1971 until 1977, and at Holy Cross comes responsibility. He would expect much from his brother Hibernians, but Parish in New Britain from 1977 until 1980. He was named Co-Pastor of Saint never near as much as he expected and gave of himself. Vincent de Paul Parish in East Haven in 1980 where he served until 1986 when he More importantly, although John understood organizational politics, he was appointed Temporary Administrator of SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Wallingford. always did what he believed to be the right thing for the AOH, not just that which On February 2, 1987, Father Shaw was named Pastor of Saint Stanislaus in Bristol would bring personal benefit. A noble trait that has become all too rare in the where he served until he was named Pastor of Holy Cross Parish in New Britain on world today. September 14, 2003. Then on June 30, 2008, Father Shaw was named Pastor of Saint We will miss John for so many reasons. His knowledge of our protocol and Ann Parish in Milford where he served until his death. Father Shaw served as procedures was beyond any of us. His institutional memory of how and why Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus Tinto Council #47 and was Chaplain of the things were developed and implemented essentially goes with him. His never Ancient Order of Hibernians in Bridgeport, Division 1. He was also a proud mem- ending willingness to tutor and promote people who were new to the various lev- ber of the Gaelic American Club in Fairfield. Survivors include his brother, Michael els of our order is hard to replace. Shaw and his wife, Laura of Cromwell, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, donations John does, however, leave us with so many gifts. We keep everything that he may be made to the Saint Ann Foundation, in care of Saint Ann Church, 501 taught us. We will remember and try to emulate his love for and devotion to our Naugatuck Ave, Milford, CT 06460. The Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home is in charge order. And, perhaps, we can try to live by the example of his life. We can try in of arrangements. Published in the Connecticut Post our daily lives to be all of the good things that he exemplified: To be men of devotion to faith and family To serve our country and community To be proud of our heritage and culture To always be cognizant of where we came from so that we have guidance to know where we are going. To the editor… Rest in Peace and enjoy your well-earned reward John. Dr. David A. Ring Ancient Order of Hibernians Redouble our Pro-Life efforts Suffolk County Historian In the May/June Digest, the National Pro Life Chairman and Director Jere Cole asked for our stories regarding Pro-Life. I submit that in researching the history of our Order in conjunction with the Albany Irish Museum Project, I found that the Ancient Order of Hibernians, at convention in 1976, established a separate National Chair, apart from Catholic Action, to specifically combat the evils of legalized abor- tion resulting from the Roe v. Wade decision of the U. S. Supreme Court. I would suggest that with the gristly revelations that emerged from the Dr. Kermit Gosnell murder trial in Philadelphia that we have still a lot of work to do in Remember exposing the evils of abortion and we should redouble our efforts to expose this ter- rible practice that prevents unborn children from seeing the light of day. Project St. Patrick The national revulsion to what happened in that Philadelphia abortion clinic has given pro-life organizations a golden opportunity to give voice to the cry of the unborn. The AOH and its Pro Life Committee should rededicate itself to carrying out the specific mandate of the 1976 Convention in striving to overturn the avalanche of aoh.com/project-st-patrick/ death that was unleashed by Roe v. Wade. Phil Gallagher

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 17 From the Editor’s Desk John O’Connell Ancient Order of Hibernians Revisit An Gorta Mor Awards

I’d like to use this space to answer some frequently asked An Gorta Mor Award questions that Hibernians have emailed, called and written let- APPLICATION ters to me about. Maybe you have had similar questions. Hibernian Hunger Project of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Funded Through the Hibernian Charity I want to submit something for the Digest. What are the deadlines? The Digest publishes six times a year. There is an issue for January-February, Description of Award March-April, May-June, July-August, September-October and November-December. “The An Gorta Mor Awards were created by The Ancient Order of Hibernians in I aim to get the Digest out by the start of the second month of the issue. To do that, America’s Hibernian Charity to honor the people of Ireland who survived the Great I need all the copy and photos by the first of the month of each issue, because it takes Hunger and initiated the Irish Diaspora, those who were forced to flee Ireland, in four weeks to edit, proof, correct, re-proof, print and mail the Digest. our case to North America, to survive the starvation and disease. It is our belief that So to start the process of each issue I need all submissions by January 1 for the no other people on earth have more awareness or empathy for those in need than Jan-Feb issue, March 1 for the March-April issue, May 1 for the May-June issue, July the Irish and the foundation of the Irish Diaspora, the members of the A.O.H.” 1 for the July-Aug issue, Sept. 1 for the Sept-Oct issue, and Nov. 1 for the Nov-Dec issue. Eligibility for Award: So the deadlines are Jan 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, Sept. 1 and Nov. 1. Anything An AOH Division or Board which sponsors or leads a project which aids others that comes to me after that probably will not get in the Digest, at least not in the issue in greater need than ourselves. I’m working on. You need to resubmit it for the next issue by the next deadline. These projects may aid the homeless, those in need, the elderly, veterans, chil- I am lenient on the March 1 deadline for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Otherwise, dren, etc. we’d have parades and such in the issue we get in June; too late! So for the March- The board applicant must have paid their division per capita and submitted their April issue, get me your St. Patrick’s events immediately after they conclude. You form #9 to the National Secretary in a timely manner for their application to be eli- will find that issue gets to you late because of that delay, but it makes more sense gible to apply for the 2014 awards. than March parades in the June issue. The Awards will be assessed each quarter and a $500.00 grant will be issued to I also will wait as long as I can in July for convention news. But get it to me as the division/board to be used to initiate funding for the division or boards Hunger soon as you can or it will go in the following issue. Project or to continue the present project in 2014 Each Calendar Quarter the Hibernian Charity Board will make the grants and the I sent you a photo and you did not use it. Why not? recipient division/board will not be eligible for another grant for thirty-six months There are only two reasons I wouldn’t use your photo. One is space. Our page The recipient division will be required to send 4-6 pictures of the event which will count is limited, like almost everything else in life. Sometimes I have to cut photos then be publicized in The Hibernian Digest and the Irish Echo at the end of each to make room for articles from other states. If I used every photograph, then some month or bi-monthly. We would also encourage that the project be given local pub- states may be underrepresented in an issue, and I’d rather not do that. licity and state wide if possible. The pictures and accomplishments will be adver- But that is typically not the reason I omit a photo you send. The usual reason is tised on our AOH and Hibernian Charity Web Sites. that you have submitted a terrible, small, dark, unfocused, low-resolution picture. Eligible projects should be in the division/boards local jurisdiction but the pro- Unless you have a smartphone with high resolution and know how to use it to pro- ceeds can be sent to a larger national charity if that is your stated goal. duce a good quality image, do not send cell-phone-shot pictures. They don’t repro- County and Division Boards are eligible for An Gorta Mor Awards duce well in print, will not illustrate you article well and will degrade the look of the Digest. And I won’t use them anyway. Title of Project: Use a camera to take pictures. Set your camera on L for Large image. Shoot with the sun behind you. Fill the frame with your subject(s). Don’t stand 20 feet away Division or Board from two people and take a photo. If you do that, we have to crop and enlarge, reducing the quality of your picture. Stand right in front of your subjects, use flash, Division President ______even in sunlight (it’s called fill flash), focus, compose, and press the button. Also, instead of 12 people in a lineup like one is suspected of a crime, how about Project Leader ______taking a picture of Hibernians doing something, not just standing there and smiling. For example, if your Division is packing items to send to troops abroad, photograph Date(s) for Project______them packing the boxes, not standing in a lineup after the work is done. Posed pic- tures are boring. Action shots tell stories. Mailing Address ______Every Division ought to have a publicity chairman. Choose someone who has a Street Town State Zip camera and likes taking photos. And send your good photos to the local newspaper Email Address ______for good press, too. Division/Board Web ______We moved and we don’t get the Digest anymore. How come? If you are moving, if a brother or sister Hibernian has passed away and the Description and Mission of Project: spouse no longer wants the Digest, tell your Division financial secretary to inform the county, state and, importantly, the national secretary. Location of Project ______The Digest does not have a separate mailing list. It gets mailed to all the names and addresses on the National Membership List. Until an address gets changed on Mission (What do you wish to accomplish) ______that list, or a name is removed, the Digest continues to be mailed. This results in peo- ple getting the Digest who don’t want it, getting it delivered to the wrong address, Accomplishment (If Project is completed or stated goal if initiating) and a big waste of members’ dues because that’s where the money comes from to mail the Digest. How will the $500.00 charitable grant be used by the recipient Division or Board? If you are a Division financial secretary and you learn that someone has died or is moving, make sure you notify the National Secretary so an action can be taken on ______the Membership List. This will save money and the aggravation of someone getting a Digest, not getting a Digest or getting two Digests. Please send a no more than a two page type written, double spaced, via an attached email, file describing your division/board project (along with your appli- How can I help with the Digest? cation) and a more in depth description of any portion of the division/board project Honestly, this is not a frequently asked question. But if you are a sales person, we to: could use your help in selling ads for the Digest. Any paid ads we get help to defray The awards will begin the last week of January 2014 with subsequent quarterly the costs of producing the Digest, which is the single biggest expense of the Order. awards of two grants to follow for one year ending in December 2014. If you have a local gift shop that has a website, inform them that they can take Besides the grant we will also have a plaque/framed certificate for your divi- advantage of a wider national audience by advertising with us. If you want to help sion/board sell ads, email me at [email protected]. And the Order thanks you. AOH National Board Hunger Chairman Charles “Chip” McLean [email protected] Moving? Hibernian Hunger Secretary Edward Dougherty 7236 Brous Ave., Philadelphia, PA (267) 879-6107 Notify the Financial Secretary of your Divisionision! [email protected] Send your new address and the mailing label from the front page of The Hibernian Digest to: Thomas McNabb, 31 Logan Street, Auburn, NY 13021-3925

18 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 A Disease that haunted AOH, LAOH clean up for kids the Irish

Cholera Asiatica, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, is an infection of the human intestine and is recognized as one of the most efficient killers of all time; it works quickly to kill, often on the same day. Cholera causes violent vomiting, cramps and diarrhea and is spread by contaminated excrement and handling cloth- ing and bedding of infected people. In crowded cities, sewage-contaminated water supplies were a major source of its spread, but that was not recognized until after 1854. Before that, it had arrived in America with Irish and German immigrants, crowded below decks on coffin ships with little or no fresh water or sanitary facili- ties for a rough six-to-eight-week passage across the Atlantic. It decimated the squalid immigrant slums into which many immigrants were forced to live. In June 1832, an outbreak of cholera spread rapidly throughout the crowded, unsanitary dwellings of New York’s Five Points neighborhood before spreading to the rest of the city killing 3,500 in two months. Nativists blamed the disease on the life style of the poor – namely Catholicism, poverty and drink. When the disease spread uptown, well-to-do families kept the cause of death a secret. New York’s Croton reservoir was completed in late 1842 to bring clean water to the city for drinking and street cleaning, but the Croton Water Board objected to wast- ing that water in the Five Points. A second major outbreak occurred in 1849 killing 5,017. For the next 20 years, deaths in the Five Points area was triple that of the rest of the city. In 1842, cholera also broke out in Saint Louis brought by German and Irish immi- grants coming up the Mississippi from New Orleans where upon arrival, dehy- Pictured are members Fr. Henry Tansy Div 5 and LAOH Div. 1 of Albany, NY during spring drated from the voyage, they drank great gulps of contaminated water. Like their clean up day the Double H Hole in the Woods camp in Lake Luzriene, NY. The Double H countrymen in New York, the Irish were forced into a dirty slum area, later referred camp serves ill children as a summer camp. This effort was led by Div. 5 President Tim to as the Kerry Patch. As a result, the St. Louis death toll reached 4,500 in three Carey. months. The increased arrival of immigrants in 1849 fleeing Ireland’s Great Hunger led to a second major outbreak, which took more than 7,000 lives. In May 1849, St. Louis took over Arsenal Island in the Mississippi and renamed it Quarantine Island. All ships were stopped there for inspection and those passen- gers with symptoms of illness remained in hastily built hospital sheds on the island until they either recovered or died, not unlike Grosse Isle in Quebec. Thousands were buried there before the island – cemetery and all – washed away in the 1860s. However, none of the quarantining efforts prevented bacteria-laden diarrhea from infecting St. Louis’ water supply. With no other dumping site available, cham- ber pots were emptied into the streets and heavy storms washed the excrement into the limestone caves and sinkholes beneath the city where raw sewage from the city was also dumped. It eventually surfaced and overflowed into a low area near Commodore John Barry Memorial Project Biddle and 10th streets creating a greenish, putrid pool angrily designated Kayser’s at the United States Naval Academy Lake. City engineer Henry Kayser was the official who, in 1842, decided to divert the entire city’s waste water into the honeycomb of limestone caves beneath the city rather than build sewers since building sewers was expensive. In 1849, approxi- Dedication Day – May 10, 2014 mately one-tenth of the population of St. Louis died from disease. Not knowing the true source of the disease, people blamed everything from The Commodore John Barry Memorial at the US sauerkraut to stench as thousands of new immigrants joined the gold prospectors Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, will be formally who stopped at the ‘Gateway to the West’ to get outfitted for the trek out to the dedicated in joint ceremonies by the Hibernians and the recently discovered gold fields of California. Typically, cholera swept through the US Naval Academy on Saturday, May 10, 2014. poorest areas first and was interpreted by the Nativist press as being due to the immigrants’ ignorance, laziness, and moral laxity. Circle the date on your calendar or record it on your iPhone – On May 17, 1849, a Great Fire destroyed 27 steamboats and 14 blocks of down- May 10, 2014 – Barry Memorial Dedication Day, USNA town buildings, but the tragedy proved to be no more than a temporary distraction. By the third week of June, cholera was killing roughly 100 people a day. Rev. John Who is invited? All contributors, Hibernians, and supporters are B. Druyts, S.J., president of Saint Louis College (now University), told the fright- invited to celebrate the dedication day on the grounds of the US Naval Academy. Bring your family. An ice-breaker will be hosted at the John ened students to place themselves under protection of the Blessed Virgin. Those th who survived were to chip in and buy a silver crown for her statue in the chapel. Barry Pub at O’Callaghan’s Hotel on Friday evening, May 9 . Dedication Day will start with Mass, followed by the dedication ceremony and lunch. This holy resolution calmed the students and, in what was called a miracle, there were no deaths within the school walls, although there were victims of the disease Dedication Hotel Headquarters: in almost every house around the College. In October 1849, a silver crown was O’Callaghan’s Hotel in Annapolis will be placed on a purple cushion and carried reverently to the statue. our official Barry dedication day On June 24, citizens crowded a public meeting at the courthouse and demanded headquarters. that city officials do something or resign. The officials did what officials always do: The AOH negotiated a special rate they formed a committee that immediately ordered coal, tar and sulfur pots to be of $135.00 per night for those attending burned in the streets. They banned fresh vegetables, especially cabbage believing the ceremonies. The hotel is filling up sauerkraut to be a contributing factor. They also kept public transportation out of fast. the slums believing the disease might be an airborne infection and they ordered So why not book your reservation today by calling (410) 263 – 7700. To churches to stop all that infernal bell-ringing at funerals since it lowered the morale secure our special rate, the rate code is of the people. Then they spent $10,000 to buy slop carts and hired street cleaners, AOC-John Barry. telling them to collect and dump liquid filth into the once lovely Chouteau’s Pond that had already become gray with industrial waste. To relieve traffic congestion, we More practical prevention came in 1850, when the city drained both Kayser’s urge groups to come by van or rent a Lake and Chouteau’s Pond – not because it eliminated a cause of the disease, but bus. Why not start making your plans because the city finally installed a sanitary sewage system – and that was what today? finally did the job. Cholera returned again before the century ended, but it was ------never again as lethal. Commodore John Barry Memorial Project, Ancient Order of Hibernians There are many stories of courage and sorrow on the websites of the St. Louis Jack O’Brien Seamus Boyle Joseph Roche John McInerney (301) 758 – 0738 (215) 820 – 1547 (410) 322 – 6567 (202) 213 – 2055 Dispatch and the St. Louis magazine, but when the members of the AOH and LAOH attend our annual convention in St. Louis next year, it would behoove us to E-mail contact for public relations: [email protected] remember the Irish who came before us and helped to build that beautiful city in spite of the hardships they had to endure in order to do so. —Mike McCormack

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 19 ladiesladies hibernianhibernian newsnews President’s Greetings Treasurer’s Report I want to take this opportunity to con- account with the bank/credit union. Thus, by Maureen Shelton gratulate each recently elected LAOH State you need to contact me by phone (309-681- The seasons have changed from summer to fall. We have put Board Officer who has committed to taking 0262) or by email (oconnellp407@com- the State Conventions behind us and have resumed our regular a strong leadership role in her State for the cast.net). Here is the information that I meetings once again. 2013-2015 term of office. I say THANK need from the LAOH entity so that I can An important change to our National Constitution will take YOU to each State Officer who completed prepare the authorization letter: [A] Name place at the next AOH/LAOH National Convention in St. Louis, her service and term of office for her State of LAOH entity—e.g. Illinois State Board, MO. There will be a Constitution Convention held on the opening day of the Board. Peoria County Board IL, or Peoria County Convention, July 30th. The Chair for the Constitution Committee is our legal counsel, As we are now in the last quarter of the Division 1 IL, [B] Name, title, mailing Mary Ellen Chajkowski. Each State President received a letter from Mary Ellen, this 2013 Fiscal Year, please make sure that you address, phone number, email address of summer asking for every state to review the National Constitution and send their have forwarded all new officers’ contact the LAOH contact person—e.g. President state’s suggestions for improving our Constitution. The committee will be meeting information including name, mailing or Treasurer, [C] Name of bank/credit this fall before the Interim Board Meeting. If you have not sent your suggestions, it is address, phone, and email address to the union, mailing address of bank/credit not too late to do it. Please send them to Mary Ellen as soon as possible. The LAOH is President and Secretary at the next level union, and [D] Name, title, mailing governed by our National Constitution; this is your opportunity for your state to share within the Order. Keeping our officer data address, phone number email address of their thoughts. base at each level within the Order is chal- bank/credit union contact person. In the We will be celebrating our Memorial Masses this November; it has been a difficult lenging, but this task is an extremely authorization letter, I will specify how the year as we have lost very dear sister and brother Hibernians. It is important that we important one so that your elected officers account name is to be stated, who is the come together and remember all those cherished by us. Remember the good times and may communicate across the levels within LAOH entity contact person who will how special they were to all of us. the Order. secure the signature cards for the We are so blessed to live in a country where we have the freedom to practice our I encourage you to be generous in mak- account/s to be opened, and I will verify Catholic faith without fear. It is because of the bravery of those in our armed forces ing your donations to our designated the LAOH entity’s EIN number. In addi- that we have this freedom; please remember them in your prayers this Thanksgiving. national charities and to those local chari- tion to the authorization letter, most bank- I wish you and yours a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. ties that the State Boards, County Boards, ing institutions are requiring a copy of the Yours in Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity and Divisions designate. Please keep an LAOH Articles of Incorporation and a Maureen accurate record of your donations given by copy of the LAOH IRS approval as a maintaining a record of the recipient’s full 501(c)(3) organization. I will provide name, mailing address, dollar amount, copies of these documents directly to the Massachusetts News date donation was given, and indicate banking institution. A copy of the letter whether the recipient has 501(c)(3) status. that I send to the banking institution will The LAOH Sisters of Division 2, Holyoke, hosted a joint LAOH/AOH Board Let me share with you a frequently be sent to the LAOH entity contact person Meeting with their Brothers of Division 1. Plans are underway for the 2014 State asked question and my response to the to be maintained for the LAOH entity’s Banquet and 2015 State Convention and they were discussed at this meeting. More question: How do I open a bank account records. details to follow as the events draw closer. for my State Board, County Board or I look forward to seeing many of you in LAOH Division 10, Lynn, conducted their annual September school supply Division? Response: Due to changes in Dearborn, Michigan in early November as drive for Catholic Charities. The division purchases the backpacks and the LAOH banking rules, most states are now requir- we participate in the 2013 Interim National members provide the supplies. ing that the National Treasurer issue a let- Board Meeting and honor our LAOH LAOH Division 8, Lawrence, co-hosted a Picnic in the Park along the Merrimack ter directly to the bank/credit union that National President Maureen Shelton at her River for members and guests. authorizes the LAOH entity to open an Testimonial Dinner. LAOH Division 14, Watertown, will be hosting The Little Black Dress Gets Ready for Fall— an afternoon of fashion and flowers for their scholarship fund. Colorado News Ladies AOH National Board Way out west, the LAOH Denver Division 1 has had a fun filled and busy sum- mer. The Colorado Irish Festival took place in July and was a great time, although Rev. Stephen Rooney ...... Chaplain ...... [email protected] nearly rained out by some pretty torrential downpours. Our sisters take an active Maureen Shelton ...... President ...... [email protected] role in nearly every aspect of running this large event and our group is pleased to Mary Hogan ...... Vice President ...... [email protected] have a booth each year where we can recruit members, increase awareness of the Sue Lauster ...... Secretary ...... [email protected] LAOH, and give out information about our Irish, Catholic heritage. This year, at the Pat O’Connell ...... Treasurer ...... [email protected] Feis, the LAOH presented a dancer with the Mary Jeanne Moriarity Memorial Sally Mains ...... Irish Historian ...... [email protected] Award in memory of our beloved sister who entered into eternal life last year. Mary Carol Sheyer ...... Missions & Charity ...... [email protected] Jeanne was extremely active in the Irish Dance Community around Denver for Lynn Burkart ...... Catholic Action ...... [email protected] many years and we felt it was only fitting for her to be honored in this way. The Mary Ellen Chajkowski ...... National Legal Counsel...... [email protected] Moriarity family, including her husband, children, and grandchildren (pictured Julie Lewis...... Asst. Digest Editor ...... [email protected] with the award recipient), along with LAOH and AOH members were present for Kelly Parks ...... Immigration & Legislation ...... [email protected] the presentation of the award. Agnes Gowdy...... FFAI...... [email protected] In August, we held our annual Our Lady of Knock Mass at Sacred Heart parish Dee Ramp ...... LAOH Webmaster ...... [email protected] in Denver followed by our annual picnic. This is a chance for us to come together Marilyn Madigan...... Fundraising...... [email protected] as sisters and pray to Our Lady in a uniquely Irish devotion. Our families and AOH brothers are invited as well and our local pipers kindly avail themselves to us year Patricia Martin ...... Supplies ...... [email protected] after year. The parish always seems happy to have us and we appreciate their hos- Kathryn Keane...... Auditor...... [email protected] pitality. Sisters bring snacks and drinks to be shared with the parishioners after ...... Jewlery ...... [email protected] Mary Ochab Mass and then we head out to a lovely park in Denver for our family picnic. It is Mary Sheehy ...... Notre Dame Chair ...... [email protected] always wonderful for us to come together in fellowship with our brothers and sis- ters and their families and spend this great time together. PAST NATIONAL PRESDIENTS Margaret Hennessy...... Organizer...... Deer Park, NY Mary Ryan ...... Marlboro, MA Dorothy Weldon ...... Budget Chair ...... Monongahela, PA Mary T. Leathem...... Troy, NY Eleonore Grimley ...... Alexandria, VA Articles for the November/December Mary B. Dolan ...... North Brookfield, MA Peggy Cooney ...... Pittsburgh, PA issue are due no later than Mary Paglione...... St. Lucie, FL Kathie Linton ...... Convention Chair. Notre Dame Chair ...... Uniontown, Ohio Terry Kelleher...... Redwood City, CA November 1st Mary B. McEnery ...... Providence, RI Shelia Clifford ...... Waterbury, CT

20 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 Pennsylvania Missions And Charities Div. 4 Welcomes New Member by Carol Sheyer, National Missions and Charities Officer On June 3, 2013 Trenna Colleen Loversidge was installed as the newest member Following is information on our Third Charity – Miracle Place of the Mary Ellen O’Neill, Div #4, Washington County PA at the Monongahela Miracle Place opened in August of 2000 as a ministry of the Sisters of Providence on Valley Country Club by Division President, Past State President and Past National the eastside of Indianapolis. Sisters Rita Wade and Barbara McClelland had seen the President Dorothy Weldon. Trenna Colleen is the great niece of Sister Colman Cohill largely middle class neighborhood nearby slide into poverty. It is there where they rent- CSJ, late Chaplain of the Mary Ellen O’Neill Division 4 Ladies Ancient Order of ed and renovated a house and named it “Miracle Place”. Hibernians Inc. Miracle Place offers educational opportunities and cultural experiences for all ages, a place of spiritual refreshment and community development. Rather than focusing on Pennsylvania Elects New State Board a single problem of the inner city, Miracle Place devotes itself to the neighborhood, with the ultimate goal of developing a strong sense of community and place. The residents, of the neighborhood, are a mix of elderly people who have lived there for decades and renters who may only stay a few weeks or months. Some of the services Miracle Place has provided to the neighborhood are: Helping residents receive repairs to their homes so they are able to remain in the homes Information on purchasing a home Heat assistance Food Pantry Senior Services Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas presents Helped one family to purchase a home The Mission Statement of Miracle Place, Inc is - “Miracle Place, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, offers hospitality, care, and concern. It is a place of spiritual refreshment where all who come may find refuge, where all who are severely tired may Here pictured are the PA State LAOH Officers for 2013-2015 installed at the PA be comforted, where all who are lonely may find companionship and where those with- State Convention held in Pittsburgh on July 20, 2013. (L to R front row): Mary Ann out hope may find a renewed spirit. Miracle Place offers educational opportunities and Amesbury, Treasurer; Rae Dispaldo, Secretary; Ellen McCrane, V.P.; Nancy Cullen, cultural experiences for various age groups. By bringing together neighbors for neigh- President; Maureen Lavelle, Imm.Past Pres.; (L to R back row) Maria Gallagher, Irish borhood activities and celebrations a sense of community is established; trust and good Historian; Shirley Murphy, Missions & Charities; Dot Crowley, Catholic Actions; will are strengthened. The miracle of Gods presence becomes reality!” Dorothy Weldon, Past National President.” To make a donation to the Columban Fathers, Columban Sisters and/or Miracle Place please send the check along with the completed Missions & Charities form (the form can be found on the website) to me at the address on the form. A copy of your Pittsburgh Irish Community Remembers Hunger Strike Anniversary donation form only should be given to your Division Missions & Charities Officer, so On August 17, the Pittsburgh Irish Community celebrated a Mass of she can retain a copy for her records, and a copy of the completed form only is to be for- Remembrance of the 32nd Anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strikers at St. Patrick’s warded to the County and/or State Missions and Charities Officer for their records. Church, in the Strip District. Members representing the various Irish organizations Again I want to thank the membership for their continued support for our National in Pittsburgh processed in carrying pictures of the 10 men. Shirley Murphy, PA State Charities, the Columban Fathers, the Columban Sisters and Miracle Place. Missions & Charities Chair, represented the LAOH. Fr. Thomas O’Donnell, AOH Chaplain and Fr. Jeremiah O’Shay concelebrated the mass held outside in the court- yard. North Carolina News The North Carolina State LAOH Irish These essays were submitted to the Historian, Hope Cusick, has announced National LAOH for the final competi- the State winners of the 2013 Irish essay tion and Wilker Marie Ballantine won competition. With over 40 entered Irish First Place on Level 2, receiving a certifi- essays, 6 were selected to be winners for cate and a $500.00 check. She is a stu- these awards. dent from St. Mark’s School in The essay topic for Level 2- middle Wilmington, NC. Special thanks go to school students was “Castles of Mrs. Susan Pirkey and Mrs. Pat Burns Ireland.” The NC State winners are: First for all their support, and to all the Place - Sydnee Grill, Second Place - judges who helped with evaluating the Cameron Smithwick, Third Place - submissions. NC State LAOH Irish Wilker Marie Ballantine, and Honorable Historian, Hope Cusick, states, “We are Mention - Garbrielle Marushack and so proud of these students and their Sophie Kunz. accomplishment in writing a winning For Level 1 - the high school compe- essay about Irish Heritage.” NC State Nancy Cullen Leads tition topic was “Mother Jones and the LAOH President, Janice Donahue said, American Labor Movement.” The First “Congratulations to the winning stu- Pennsylvania Place winner is Olivia Miles. dents on a job well done”. Note From the Assistant Editor

Many of the photos I receive for submission to the National Hibernian Digest do not contain the minimum of 1-2 megabytes and, therefore, are ineligible for publication. It is unfortunate, as they are great photos but will not copy clear enough. Please remind everyone who takes photos of your events to use a digital camera or at least a camera that they know is capable of taking the larger resolution pho- tos. Also, it is most helpful if the articles are submitted as a Word Document attached to the e-mail as opposed to being part of the e- mail. Now that all the activities are starting up, I hope to receive many The Pennsylvania LAOH is honored to welcome their new State President, more articles. Nancy Cullen Julie Lewis

National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 21 Ohio News Indiana News Medina County hosts Annual Golf Outing Indiana Sisters take pilgrimage to Rome Medina County Hibernians AOH and LAOH held their third Annual For eight days in late June, 2013, Kathy Kaplan, Mary Ann Klein, Trish Condon Scholarship Golf Outing and Steak Fry in August. The event benefits Medina and Peggy Fowley, all member of the LAOH, along with their younger sister, Cecelia County Students seeking higher education after graduating. Attending were Parker, journeyed to Italy for a Pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage was hosted by Hibernians from FIVE AREAS, Medina, Mahoning, Summit 1, Summit 2, and many Archbishop Joseph Tobin. The highlight of this trip was to witness the conferring of from Cuyahoga. Mahoning County President, Mugsy McGuiness, and a couple of the Pallium upon our new Archbishop. This ceremony took place on June 29 at St. their members cooked dinner. The most desired trophy of the day is the Casey Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. A Pallium is conferred on an Archbishop within the Traveling Trophy. This trophy is sponsored by Past President Joe Casey and his first year of his term on the last Saturday of June. This symbol signifies that he is brother Jim. To qualify, you must have 2 Hibernians on your team. For the third the shepherd of the five dioceses of Indiana. year, a Medina Team has taken the trophy home. This team admits that they aren’t Our pilgrimage led us to the Catacomb where many years ago 100,000 men, that good and had some real competition this year. They challenge any Hibernian women and children were entombed; Day Two we headed to Orvieto where we team for the 2014 award. attended Mass that was celebrated by the Archbishop, Fathers Rick Ginther, Larry Richardt and Frank Eckstein in the most renowned Gothic cathedral. Displayed on Columbus LAOH Sisters serve at the Dublin, OH Irish Festival the altar was the corporeal of the Miracle of the Eucharist in Bolsena. This is where Marilyn Madigan, National Fundraising Chair, is not just blowing smoke. She is the feast of Corpus Christi began; Friday began with a Mass celebrated by the actually master of the grill on her and fellow sisters’ visit to the Dublin Irish Festival Archbishop at the altar of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica. We then toured the Basilica just outside of Columbus, Ohio. They have been coming for the weekend for at least and the Vatican Museum; Saturday we witnessed the Pallium ceremony. We were 10 years, having come for just the day before that. Traveling 150 miles, this year 11 lucky enough to have prime seats on the aisle. The ceremony and Mass were abso- ladies of Our Lady of the Rosary Division from Cleveland made the trip for a 3 day lutely beautiful as was the church. We then went to a reception at North American weekend of Irish music, food, drink, and all around good-spirited fun. College. On Sunday we headed to Siena, the home of St. Catherine. Our final day 2013 saw the 26th anniversary of the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, Ohio. began with a Mass at St. Alphonsus Liguori. This church is the headquarters of the Named a top 100 event in North America, the event is set on 29 rolling acres in Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorist Order) of which Coffman Park, features more than 60 musical acts from the U.S. and Ireland per- Archbishop Tobin was their leader for 18 years. We then headed to Subiaco where forming music on seven stages (from Celtic rock to traditional ballads). Cultural the monasteries of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica (twins) were founded. Our Lady stages include storytelling, and folklore, and there is an endless variety of Irish food of Grace Monastery in Beech Grove is a monastery affiliated with them. and drink. It is one of America’s largest Irish festivals. To learn more about the Festival, visit www.dublinirishfestival.org. I’m sure Marilyn’s reservations for the LAOH Division hosts successful Garage Sale 2014 trip are already made. Our Lady of Knock Division 1, Indianapolis, Indiana has had an active and involved summer. Trish Condon, Catholic Action, is collecting rosaries, medals, holy cards bibles, and paperback books to be sent to the Archdiocese Mission Office Irish Historian Report for distribution. By Sarah Mains, LAOH National Irish Historian The Annual garage sale chaired by Joyce Mc Mullen, her husband, Bob, and with Level 1 Irish essay contest for 2013 1st place winner is Wilker Ballantine from help from Connie Heneghan was very successful. Unsold items were distributed to North Carolina.. Her name was originally reported as William Ballantine by mistake. St. Vincent de Paul Society, a local soup kitchen, and to a parish that helps the needy The topics for the Irish History Writing Contest for 2013-2914 are: with household needs. Books were sent to an Oncology Center and to Goodwill. Level 1 - Grades 6, 7, 8 - GIANT’S CAUSEWAY - Fact and Folklore Level 2 – Grades 9-10, 11, 12 - THE BOOK OF KELLS - its Origin and Present Day Influence The dates for submission have also changed as follows: The contest begins in Freedom For All Ireland September; below are the submission deadlines: By Agnes Gowdy Division entries must be received by January 15, 2014 County entries must be received by February 15, 2014 THE British Government and the PSNI have dropped their High Court bid to State entries must be received by March 15, 2014 block Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín’s (Carol Cullen, Sinn Fein Minister of National entries received by April 15, 2014 Culture, Arts and Leisure) release of inquest files to a victims’ group and a law firm I want to thank everyone for all their hard work. on three conflict-related killings by British state forces and a pro-British death squad. The British Government and PSNI had cited concerns about potential security risks in the files – even though the information had already been in the public domain. Early on Friday evening of the 9th of August, Relatives for Justice Michigan News Chairperson (RFJ), Clara Reilly, and Relatives for Justice Director, Mark Thompson, met with Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, (Carol Cullen) who personally handed them copies of inquest papers and a trial transcript which RFJ On Sunday September 15, 2013 the Our Lady of Limerick Division of Flint, had previously made Freedom of Information requests for on behalf of families. Ms. Michigan held their 6th Annual Hunger Awareness Walk. The event was held on the Chuilín’s department has responsibility for the Public Records Office, where the beautiful trails of Flint Township Park. The trails were lined with Irish blessings and papers are held. signs honoring family members who suffered through the Great Hunger. Signs also The files relate to:- commemorated other family members and businesses. North Belfast man and IRA Volunteer Patrick McAdorey, shot dead by the Irish tote bags, t-shirts commemorating the Walk and Irish pie birds were available British Army in Ardoyne on the night of the raids enforcing internment without for purchase. trial, 9 August 1971; Michael Donnelly (20), killed by a British Army plastic bullet Grilled hot dogs, chips and cookies were served for a donation. Several nice bas- on 9 August 1980; and 44-year-old mother of two, Sarah Ann Larmour, shot dead by kets were raffled off. This year dogs were invited to the event and a special Doggie the unionist Ulster Volunteer Force at her home in west Belfast in October 1979. Spa Basket was also raffled. Prizes were given to biggest and smallest dogs. The British Government’s most senior legal advisers immediately swung into Participates were asked to bring a 5 lb. bag of potatoes or other non-perishable action and lodged a late-night appeal by Secretary of State Theresa Villiers and PSNI food items. All proceeds were given to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. The Food Chief Constable Matt Baggott to secure an emergency injunction against the Sinn Bank is located in Flint, Michigan and currently provides food to over 50,000 indi- Féin minister’s move. After the public outcry and intervention by Sinn Fein politi- viduals each week. cians who stated, “The irony is that these are public records about public inquest The LAOH Lady of Limerick Division is proud to contribute to such a worthwhile and court hearings, which have already been heard and reported in public yet the cause. Northern Ireland Office now wants to prevent access to them.”. The records release was accepted by the British government and the PSNI. The Relatives for Justice is one of the groups that receive monetary support from the annual AOH & LAOH Christmas Appeal Fund. Clara Reilly was the recipient of the Sean McBride Humanitarian Award on October 8, 2011 at the National Correction To Irish History President’s Testimonial Dinner. I met Clara and Mark Thompson during the trip to Writing Contest Report Ireland in March of this year when we presented a check to the Relatives for Justice. To all my LAOH sisters, this is a reminder that the Annual Christmas Appeal will The name of the first place winner in Level 1 was incorrectly identified in the be upon us soon. When I receive the documentation from Sean Pender, AOH FFAI, July-August issue. It should have been WILKER Ballantine not William. I will circulate it to all LAOH National, State, County and Division Presidents.

22 National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 Nassau County AOH Board celebrates Irish culture

New York’s Nassau County Board, its Feis and Festival Committee of AOH and National Board officers, NY State Board President Jim Burke (also a former feis LAOH members, put on a fabulous celebration of Irish Faith and Culture on Sept. 16 chairman and the current bands chairman) local elected officials, LAOH state presi- on the campus of at Hofstra University. dent Carol McTigue, and dozens of AOH and LAOH volunteers made the day a big National President Brendan Moore was named the Nassau County Feis distin- success. There was plenty of competitive Irish dancing, pipe and drum playing and guished honoree, and Sean O’Rourke, feis chairman and Nassau County AOH Board marching, Irish football for kids, soda bread baking, flute and Irish language learn- ing, loads of sunshine and happy faces! president, presented him with a plaque. Here are some images of the day. (Photo credit John O’Connell)

National President Brendan Moore, center, was presented with a plaque as the 41st Annual Nassau County AOH Feis & Festival 2013 Distinguished Honoree by County President and Feis Chairman Sean O’Rourke, left, and county shanachie Joseph The pipes, the pipes, were calling in Nassau in Gleason. September.

Sunshine and enthusiasm filled the field at Hofstra University, the venue for the Nassau feis.

Waiting for the dance.

Janice brought these two lovely Irish Wolfhounds, Declan, on the left, and Shannon. Irish Step Dancing competitions brought many dozens of skilled, trained and talented young people to the feis’s stages.

The many onlookers who New York State President Jim Burke, left, and appreciated her fine talent and County President Sean O’Rourke led many training matched this dancer’s volunteers to organize a successful 41st. wonderful smile. Annual Nassau County Feis & Festival.

This piper was all tuned and ready to march.

With seeds, or without, may not have been the question for the judges, but for those who par- took afterwards, it was, County Chaplain Deacon Tom Costello, left, with each having its and State Chaplain Henry Reid said Mass at the feis. devotees. The Nassau Firefighters Pipe & It was easy to see the joy so Drum band was one of many that many dancers had in performing competed at the Nassau feis. with grace and skill throughout the day. National Hibernian Digest, September-October 2013 23 Meeeeett Me iinn Stt..Loouuuiiiss

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