THE CRESCENT HARP

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS IN LOUISIANA

VOLUME 5,5, IISSUESSUE 44 SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2014

FOLLOW THE LOUISIANA AOH ON-LINE http://aohla.com A MAGNIFICENT CONVENTION Facebook: Louisiana State Board of the IN ST. LOUIS Ancient Order of Hibernians

St. Joseph near downtown St. Louis. There, Next stop, Atlantic City Archbishop Robert Carlson invited the Hi- in 2016 bernians to remember the great faith of their ancestors in preserving the gospel in the The 97th Biennial National Convention of modern world. the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Not that Hibernians ever need to “break Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians met in the ice,” but an Irish night icebreaker cer- St. Louis, Missouri for four days of business, tainly gave impetus to the good time that debate, fellowship, and a renewal of purpose awaited everyone in St. Louis. Irish dancers and energy. Chaired by Hibernian Judge and singers performed for the convention James Wahl of St. Louis and Past National goers while a variety of tasty treats and the President George Clough, also of the Gate- usual Irish refreshments relaxed the multi- way City, the Convention showcased the tudes. beautiful city of St. Louis and the Marriott The next day began the business of the Grand Renaissance Hotel in which the Con- Order with the various business reports and vention took place. AOH National VP Judge McKay and Treasurer the (usual) spirited debate that characterizes As usual, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Danny O’Connell (Left) stand with newly- began the convention as more than eight elected Secretary Jere Cole as they move the (Continued on page 6) hundred people fit easily into the Shrine of Secretary’s office to New Jersey. 2014 INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF AN GORTA MOR SET FOR NEW ORLEANS Famine Commemoration The New Orleans Famine Commemora- 5:00-6:00 tion Committee invites AOH members and Irish Famine Commemoration Parade Countdown their families to join in the communitywide The Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Club will With less than two months to go until Irish recognition. For more information visit march from Jackson Square through the the 2014 International Famine Commemora- www.ifnola2014.org. French Quarter to usher in Lace Curtain tion in New Orleans, host organizations are Friday, November 7 Night on Conti Street. Members will give busy preparing activities that pay tribute to 10:00-4:30 out special commemorative beads on the the victims of the Great Irish Famine and Tulane University Symposium at the route. celebrate the impact of Irish immigration on St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center 6:00-9:00 the Crescent City. and New Orleans: From the Famine to Lace Curtain Night - An Gorta Mór: The national and international spotlight Katrina – Stories of Recovery will examine a The Great Hunger Exhibit will be on New Orleans from November 6 - variety of topics exploring the connection This Irish heritage street celebration in the 9 when Heather Humphreys, Ireland’s new between New Orleans and Ireland. The sym- 900 block of Conti Street will feature a reun- Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gael- posium will close Friday afternoon with a tacht, and other Irish officials visit the city for keynote address by the Irish Minister. The (Continued on page 3) this historic remembrance. symposium is free and open to the public. PAGE 2 THE CRESCENT HARP The Crescent Harp EDITORIAL - A PASSING OF THE TORCH Editor-in-Chief John T. Browne For anyone who pauses and takes move, the members in Convention positive sign for the order and will Editorial Staff stock of their lives, there are al- passed a resolution naming Brother no doubt help contribute to the John D. Fitzmorris III Stanton McNeely ways those moments that we call McNabb National Secretary Emeri- growth and maintenance of the Jeremy Hughes “watersheds;” that is, those mo- tus. Order. Ex-Officio ments or events that have such For his part, Brother Cole has That being said, one cannot help Joseph Casler significance that we mark our lives moved the Secretary’s office from but feel a bit maudlin’ for a bygone Raymond Donovan in terms of “before it and time in which the meticulous Mark Foley Martin Kearney after it.” Such events can care and dedication of men Ronald Burke vary between the joys of hav- such as Thomas McNabb ——————————- ing one’s first child or as sad marked the true spirit and ARTICLE SUBMISSION as a death, war, or natural success of organizations like VIA: [email protected] disaster. What is constant is the AOH. His dogged deter- [email protected] that we understand that mination to provide the best Please submit all photos things will never be the same service to all the Hibernian via .jpeg again. Such knowledge can membership and his absolute

ARTICLE DEADLINES: often bring sadness. Other dedication to his Irish herit- November 15 times optimism. age and Catholic faith are February 15 In the case of the National things we can only hope to May 15 Board of the Ancient Order AOH Brother Thomas McNabb (second from left) holds his emulate. August 15 proclamation declaring his first ever National Secretary of Hibernians, both can be Emeritus at the St. Louis Convention. Thirty-eight years of service. said after this last convention It has often been said that we AN IRISH PHRASE in St. Louis. Auburn, New York to New Jersey “stand upon the shoulders of gi- Thomas McNabb is no longer and begun updating the records ants.” Few more gigantic figures “The Irish don't our National Secretary. system of the National Order. No have existed in the Ancient Order After thirty-eight years—thirty doubt, the inclusion of technology of Hibernians than Thomas know what they want of them as National Secretary— and the energy Brother Cole brings McNabb. and are prepared to Brother McNabb has stepped to his position will streamline the fight to the death to aside, and a new secretary, Jere various forms and processes used get it.” Cole of New Jersey, was elected to by AOH Divisions and boards fill his seat. In an unprecedented throughout the country. This is a LADIES AOH - GOLDEN ROSE CELEBRATION By Shelley Power, LAOH The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH), Margaret Haughery Division is pleased to announce that John T. Browne is the recipient of the 2014 Golden Rose Award. Members of the LAOH and their guests gathered for Mass at St. Patrick’s Church on Sunday, August 17, 2014, to hon- or John and present him with the Award. Immediately after Mass, all enjoyed to a deli- cious brunch in the Rectory. This award is presented each year to a person who has excelled in supporting the goals of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hiber- nians and who has served the community in an outstanding manner. This is the first year our award has been presented to a gentle- man. John is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a long-time supporter of John is also a supporter of all things Irish in family and friends join him on this special the LAOH. When his wife Betty passed the New Orleans area. He is most deserving occasion. Congratulations to John T. Browne away, he volunteered to assume her duties as of this honor. for being named the LAOH’s 2014 Golden head of the LAOH Telephone Committee. John was pleased to have his son and close Rose! VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 3

(Continued from page 1) www.ifnola2014.org. tertainment will include performances by the 9:00-5:30 renowned Celtic rock band Black 47, and ion performance of the popular Celtic band Irish Fest at Kingsley House in the Irish New York Celtic-Jazz singer Tara O’Grady The Poor Clares and signature dishes from Channel with her Black Velvet Band, plus traditional New Orleans restaurants for the preview of A Walk for Relief: Let’s Bounce to bene- Irish music and dancing. Officials from Ire- An Gorta Mór: The Great Hunger, a new exhibit fit the Red Cross will be followed by a Gaelic land, including Heather Humphreys, the new at the Irish Cultural Museum of New Orleans Football Tournament and New Orleans’ Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, made possible through the Emigrant Support first casual dress Irish Feis dance competition and Irish Consul General Paul Gleeson will be Programme of Ireland. The winning entries in presented by Muggivan School of . guest speakers. A portion of the proceeds will a juried art competition on Hunger Awareness Other festival activities include a special per- benefit charities dedicated to providing Fam- will also be on display at the ICM. Hosted by formance by The Poor Clares, The Wild Irish ine and hunger relief. Tickets are available at the St. Patrick Foundation, Lace Curtain Roots, céili and traditional music session, a www.irishnetworkneworleans.org and Night proceeds will benefit the Lantern Light art exhibit, children’s activities www.innolagala.org. Rebuild Center. Tickets are available in ad- and a Celtic Canines area for rover. The pro- Sunday, Nov. 9 vance at www.icmnola.com and will also be ceeds from festival food sales will support 1:00-4:00 sold the night of the event. Lantern Light. In honor of the International Dedication and Blessing of Hibernian Saturday, Nov. 8 Famine Commemoration a simple brown but- Memorial Park 10:00-Noon ton will serve as the ticket to the schedule of The Louisiana Ancient Order of Hibernians Historical Tour of Irish New Orleans festival heritage activities. The button is also a will celebrate the launch of a new 4-acre park This tour led by Tulane University historians ticket to discounts at participating businesses on the site of the historic New Basin Canal will explore the neighborhoods in which the and can be purchased in advance at with refreshments, food and music. The event Irish settled and the churches they built as well www.irishfestneworleans.com. will take place on the park grounds in Lake- as visit St. Patrick Cemeteries where most 7:00-11:00 (patron party at 6:00) view where a Celtic Cross Monument was Irish are buried, many of whom were victims Irish Network-New Orleans (IN-NOLA) erected in 1990 to honor the Irish laborers of the terrible yellow fever and cholera epi- Famine Commemoration Gala who built the canal. The event is free and demics that frequently ravaged the city. Par- The IN-NOLA black tie event will feature open to the public. ticipants will have the opportunity to learn New Orleans cuisine from some of the city’s BE A PART OF THE COMMEMORATION! why New Orleans is the most Irish city in the finest restaurants, including acclaimed restau- FOR MORE INFO, GO TO South. Advance registration is required at rateur Dickie Brennan’s establishments. En- HTTP://IFNOLA2014.ORG/

Adrian A. D’Arcy Shields Mott Lund LLP IN-NOLA President

Adrian is a partner with the law firm of Shields Mott Lund LLP. Adrian’s primary area of practice is commercial litigation, special- izing in construction litigation. Adrian is the Chairman of the New Orleans Bar Association’s Construction Committee. Adrian is also involved in the growing practice associated with Green Building and has obtained the LEED “Green Associate” designa- tion. Adrian graduated cum laude from Loyola Law School (New Orleans) in 2004. Adrian was born in Dublin City in Ireland but had the benefit of being raised in beautiful County Kerry. He attended University College Dublin and obtained his B.A.(Hons)in Economics from UCD in 1990. After graduating, Adrian moved to New York where he spent eight years in restaurant management with the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group. In 1998 Adrian opened the New Orleans’ Smith & Wollensky restaurant and enrolled in law school two years later. Adrian attended law school at night while working in Smith & Wollensky.

Adrian is a founding member of Irish Network New Orleans and is both an officer and board member of Irish Network USA, currently serving as IN USA’s National Events Director. He has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians since 1998 and has been an active member of the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club in New Orleans since 1999. Adrian is also committed to promoting youth soccer in New Orleans and currently is the commissioner of the Carrollton Booster spring soccer program and a Carrollton Booster board member.

Adrian had the fortune to meet a good Dublin girl, Karen, while in UCD. After graduating UCD in 1992, Karen moved to New York and they married in 1997. Karen is also a member of Irish Network New Orleans and is president of UCD’s Alumni group in Louisiana. Adrian and Karen have two wonderful children; Grainne and Conor who now have burgeoning southern accents. Adrian is committed to IN-New Orleans harnessing the goodwill and energy of the diverse Irish Community in the city to promote Irish cultural awareness in the city and to promote New Orleans to the sister Irish Networks, the North American Irish Community, and the country of Ireland. VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 4

IN MEMORIAM MISS WOLFE Mother of Brother James Wolfe

PRAYERS MISS ALICE UHDE Mother of Brother Lawrence Uhde FR. NEAL MCDERMOTT, O.P. Retired AOH Chaplain DOLORES MURPHY JOHN MURPHY Mother and Brother of Hibernian Steve Murphy ALEXIS MICHELLI USMC, Stationed Overseas in Afghanistan Niece of Brother Paul Cresswell THE HOMELESS OF NEW ORLEANS TO WHOM SR. VERA AND THE REBUILD CENTER STAFF MINISTER and ALL MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN SERVING OVERSEAS

Pete's is Lafayette's oldest Family Sports Restaurant Weekly Lunch Specials World Famous Big Pete Burger Special Wednesday night and Saturday Lunch Party Rooms available at no charge Proud Supporter of All Louisiana Athletics PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE AOH

We show all Your Favorite Games on our 46 TV's Great Food, Great Friends, Great Fun www.petesonjohnston.com 3903 Johnston St. Lafayette, LA 70503 337.981.4670 VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 5

and $10,000 RAFFLE to benefit Hibernian Charities

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2014 7:00 – 11:00 P.M.

ST. DOMINIC GYMNASIUM 775 Harrison Avenue (on Vicksburg Street behind the church) Open Bar and Buffet and LIVE IRISH MUSIC from CELJUN DONATION $100.00 WINNER NEED TICKET ADMITS TWO NOT BE PRESENT

PLEASE REMIT PAYMENT TO: P.O.BOX 24292, NOLA 70184-4292 CHECKS AND CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS ACCEPTED PAGE 6 THE CRESCENT HARP THE PIPES ARE CALLING! The New Orleans Irish Pipe band is back and is looking for more pipers, drummers, and marchers!

Practices are Saturday mornings at St. Alphonsus Cultural Center, 2030 Constance Street. Contact AOH Brother Kevin Gilheany at 504-263-1826 or [email protected]

AOH NATIONAL CONVENTION In other voting, both the Men and Women that there is much work that remains to be (Continued from page 1) combined to choose Louisville, Kentucky as done to insure a free and united Ireland. any large group of Irishmen and Irish women the site for the 2018 Convention over New All that was left after such great business when they get together. Afternoon breakout Orleans. Despite the disappointment of not was accomplished was to enjoy the fellowship sessions for the various AOH committees being chosen as host in 2018, the New Orle- of the Order in the various hospitality suites concluded the day’s business, and conven- ans delegates heartily congratulated the Ken- throughout the hotel. Numerous state boards tioneers were able to browse and shop at the tucky AOH for what all know will be a great or a combination of state boards provided large number of vendors who offer various convention hosted by the “Blue Grass Hiber- ample refreshments and entertainment to the Irish items. nians.” conventioneers to cap off their evenings. The third and most crucial day involved the In the afternoon, the Major Degree was Louisiana did itself proud, co-hosting with voting for National Officers and Directors. bestowed on 108 Hibernians, including Loui- the Missouri Board, and provided the Hiber- National President Brendan Moore of New siana Brothers John Van Vrancken and Dennis nians and Lady Hibernians with excellent red York, National Vice-President Judge Jim Roubion. Each evening, festivities capped off beans and rice, gumbo, and jambalaya courte- McKay of Louisiana, and National Treasurer the day’s work. Irish Night featured Her sy of former New Orleans resident Sam Daniel O’Connell of Ohio all ran unopposed Excellency, Anne Anderson, Irish Ambassa- Kogos, who owns Riverbend restaurant in St. and will each serve a second two-year term. dor to the United States, speaking to the Hi- Louis. However, long-time National Secretary bernians. The close friendship of the United Now the AOH will turn its attention to the Thomas McNabb of New York stepped down States and Ireland and the continued role of 2016 Convention that will be held at the Taj after thirty years at the helm. A spirited cam- the AOH highlighted Mrs. Anderson’s talk in Mahal Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. paign emerged between Michael McNabb fostering those good relations. Obviously, our brothers in New Jersey will (Tom’s nephew) and Jere Cole of New Jersey The next evening saw the Installation Mass, be looking to put on a convention as good as for the position. Brother Cole won with celebrated by AOH Chaplain Fr. John Ahern, New Orleans did following Hurricane Katri- more than sixty per cent of the vote, which who never goes without an excellent sermon na. With the northeast coast of the country signals a changing of the guard in the National punctuated by a timely joke. At the conclu- still struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Order. sion of the Mass, the Ladies AOH installed Sandy, the presence of the Hibernians in At- Six National Directors were also chosen. their officers followed by the Men’s Order. lantic City will display a confidence in the Charles “Chip” McLean of New York re- At the following Installation Banquet, Lord great people of the Garden State. turned for a second two-year term as Direc- Mayor of Belfast Nichola Mallon spoke of the tor while Greg Sean Canning, Michael role of the AOH in helping to bring about the Delaney, Thomas O’Donnell, Sean Pender, Peace Process in his beautiful but troubled and Patrick Sturdy were each elected to their city in Ulster and reminded the Hibernians first terms as National Directors.

3701 Banks Street New Orleans, LA 70119 (504) 486-9080 finnmccools.com

Voted Best Neighborhood Bar in Gambit Weekly

Rated the Best in the Southern United States

YOUR PREMIER PLACE FOR SOCCER, RUGBY, AND WHO DATS

50” Plasma Screen and 8 ft. projector screens

BRILLIANT PUB QUIZ EVERY MONDAY

www.finnmccools.com

The CRESCENT HARP P.O. BOX 24292 NOLA 70184 Phone: 504-952-9925 http://aohla.com FOLLOW THE LOUISIANA AOH ON-LINE http://aohla.com Facebook: Louisiana

STATE OFFICERS

Joseph Casler - PRESIDENT Kenneth farrell - VICE-PRESIDENT Jeremy hughes - FIN. SECRETARY b.j. Eckholdt - TREASURER