Martin Kelly

Dennis Browne

Frank Corcoran

Leo Kane

Liam McNabb

A. Warren Scullin

Henry W. Reid

Rev. John V. Ahern

Vic Vogel

Dan Dennehy

John Hennessy

Richard Morris

Daniel Case

Pat Burns

Edward J. Wallace

John M. Ryan

Paul O'Donnell

Brian Nelligan

Liam McNabb

MARCH 2008

Watervliet NY:
With Divisions from all around the country coming up on filing their final membership
reports for 2007 and beginning to collect both information and dues for 2008, the New York
State Board in conjunction with National Director Martin Kelly and National Secretary Tom
McNabb, held a seminar on the all important topic of recruitment and retention. This seminar
focused primarily on Upstate New York, while a Spring Seminar will focus on the down-state
region.

Divisions from all over New York State traveled to the seminar with representation from 14
divisions and county boards. New York State President Matt Nelligan began the session by
explaining that it was “Vitally important that we work to keep every current member active
and just as important that we spread Hibernianism to every area of our State.” National
Secretary McNabb and National Director Martin Kelly went on to explain the importance of
every National Form, and to answer questions in regard to how to properly file each one.
McNabb stated, “Time and again, people call the office and ask why they are not receiving
communications from the National Board. Almost with-out exception I find that they have not
filled out the proper forms and submitted them to my office. It is impossible to maintain
effective communication unless all jurisdictions are up to date submitting their information
on a yearly basis.”

New York State Organizer Liam McNabb went on to discuss the many programs that the New York
State Board is offering to assist local Divisions and County Boards with Organization and
Recruitment. These include, a Statewide Grant for local recruitment and retention programs,
and a statewide public relations consulting firm. McNabb said, “It is vital that we use all
of the available tools and resources at our disposal to keep our order growing and moving
for-ward.” Seminar attendees readily agreed, and busily took down in-formation to bring back
to their localities.

National Director Kelly closed the seminar by thanking everyone for attending and promising
that this would not be the last meeting of this kind “We will hold a Seminar similar to this
one in the New York city area this spring. In the mean time you are always welcome to call on
any of us if you need assistance. No jurisdiction of our Order should ever feel that you are
alone in your efforts, the State and National Boards stand ready to assist you in all of the
good work that you do.”
NY City Department Of Education Continues To Ban The Nativity Scene In The Public Schools

On Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007 I at-tended a Press Conference on the steps of NY City Hall. The
press conference was called by Member of the NY City Council Tony Avella to renew his call
for the Dept. of Education to amend Holiday Display Policy to include Nativity Scene/Crèche
in public schools in the same manner it al-lows the display of the Menorah and the Star and
Crescent. Avella introduced Resolution No. 930/2007 in June of this year. However, to date,
neither the city administration nor DOE has responded to the proposed Resolution.
"As I have previously stated, this resolution is purely about inclusion," stated Avella.
"Unfortunately, the City has chosen not to respond to the overwhelming demand by many New
York residents to change this policy and allow for the display of a nativity scene/crèche
along with the other permitted religious displays - the menorah and the star and crescent".

The members of the AOH/LAOH throughout the five boroughs of New York City have been very
actively involved in this issue. They have been writing and calling Mayor Michael Bloomberg
and Speaker of the City Council Christine Quinn. Despite this wide-spread support for
Resolution 930 and repeated requests, Speaker of the Council Christine Quinn has failed, so
far, to put the Resolution in the Council's calendar for a hearing and vote. Her phone No.
Is (212)788-7210. Her mailing address is City Hall, New York, NY 10007. The Mayor's
mailing ad-dress is: Hon. Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of the city of New York, City Hall, NY, NY
10007. It is not necessary to be a resident of NY City to contact the mayor and the speaker
on this issue. It will be very embarrassing for the City ad-ministration if this issue gets
wide-spread publicity. It is important to note that in the U.S. Court of Appeals Second
Circuit decision it did not bar the City from displaying a nativity scene along with the
other religious symbols "We do not here decide whether the City could, consistent with the
Constitution, include a Crèche in its school holiday displays." Furthermore, the appeals
court rejected the "absurd" claim by the city's DOE that the Menorah is not a religious
symbol.

There was diverse representation at the two press conferences that have been held on Reso.
930 including a Jewish Rabbi, the President of the Catholic League, William Donohue, Brian
Rooney of the Thomas Moore Law Center, Bridget Kearney from the LAOH and Martin Kelly
representing National President Meehan for the AOH. All the participants called on the
Dept. of Education and the administration to end this injustice and discrimination. "It is
obvious and appropriate for the people of New York City to have a policy that represents them
and they should decide what symbol represents Christianity best during Christmas. A
Bureaucrat in the city Department of Education should not be the final arbiter as to what
symbol is best suited for display," concluded Brian Rooney of the Thomas Moore Law Center.
 

Martin Kelly Biography

MARCH 2008

First, I would like to thank the committee members from Albany county for their dedicated
service to the State Board and to congratulate their successful fundraising efforts in
December and February. I was present for the February fundraiser and I can attest to their
hard work and dedication to our motto.

Now that the Holiday season is over, the marching season begins; I would like to remind
everyone to please submit their charity and missions reports by April 1st. If you have
individual events scheduled for after April 1st you can al-ways send a single event report
to me after the April 1st date. Please remember to include all monies donated straight to
the National for Hibernian Charities. (I will not know that information unless you supply it
to me.)

The reporting period for the national convention in New Orleans is June 2006 through June
2008. Please forward hard copies (avail-able from the web site) to Dennis P. Browne, 15
Park Drive, Chester, NY 10918-1126. Further questions can be sent to my cell phone at,
(845) 774-9436.
23-343-37 Lest We Forget.

We have lost a great fighter for Irish Freedom. Brendan “Darky” Hughes died in hospital on
February 16th 2008 in his beloved Belfast.

Hughes was an “officer commanding” in the Maze and led the first 53 day Hunger Strike in
1980 and Dirty Protest. He escaped from the Maze only to be recaptured and returned to the 'H '
Blocks. Bobby Sands was his close associate while Hughes was OC at the Maze. Please remember
Brendan Hughes and his family in your prayers.

Mile Buichoas to all who contributed to this year’s Christmas Appeal. Sean Pender AOH
National FFAI Chair was in the north of Ireland and was received warmly by the good people
of Belfast, Derry and all of the North. There he distributed $51,000 for different
de-serving organizations. Once again NY AOH was the largest contributor with over
$12,000.00. Special thanks to Albany, Fr Tansey Div for a donation of $3000. Any
contributions which arrived after January will be placed in next years contributions.

I apologize that information for the Appeal was a little late this year, but we will do
better next year and I hope that you all continue to sup-port those who are in great need of
our help. Although Ireland in the south is doing fantastic, the Catholics in the north are
still facing severe joblessness and discrimination, particularly ex-prisoners and their
families. The organizations which benefit from our Appeal assist those that need the most
help, so our job continues.
Please note a list of donation be-low:

Pat Finucane Center
$ 10,000
Holy Cross Ardoyne Trust
$ 10,000
Coiste na n Iarchimi
$ 8,000
Relatives for Justice
$ 8,000
Cuimhneamih
$ 4,000
An Cumann Cabhrach
$ 2,000
Green Cross
$ 2,000
Tar Anall
$ 2,000
Derry AOH
$ 1,000
St Patrick's Centre
$ 2,000
National Graves Assoc
$ 2,000

2006 AOH Christmas Appeal
Total $ 51,000
Once again many thanks. Please contact me with any questions. Go Raibh Maith Agat.
Proinnsias.
 

Leo Kane

MARCH 2008

Bob Deemie and I assisted District Seven Director, Tom Boselett, in
installing new officers in Broome County on Jan. 6th.

On Jan. 18th, I traveled to Elmira with Tom Boselett for the joint installation of officers for Elmira and Hornell. The installing officer was New York State President Matt Nelligan. Pro-Life Red Roses were given to each officer. Congratulations to all the new officers.

On Jan. 21st and 22nd, I was in Washington, D.C. for the 35th Annual Right To Life March. On the 21st, I attended the National Prayer Vigil
For Life Solemn Eucharist Celebration at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, was the principal celebrant and Homilist. The procession, (which Cardinals, Arch Bishops,Abbots, Priests and Deacons. The Homily was extremely moving to all of the over 7,000 people in attendance. Cardinal Rigali, talked about the recently completed Moasics on the dome of the Basilica and that they were donated by the Knights Of Columbus. During the Homily, each scene was explained in detail exactly, how they were connected to Pro-Life. He said, "Never Give Up, do all you can to support life".

On Jan. 22nd, my wife and I attended the AOH Breakfast, at the Irish Channel Restaurant. In attendance was National President Jack Meehan, National Vice President Seamus Boyle and his Excellency Archbishop Washington, D.C., Donald Wuerl. He gave a motivating reflection on the AOH role on Pro-Life issues. Following breakfast, Ellen and I attended mass at St. Mary's, the mass was in Latin. After mass we gathered with other AOH brothers and sisters at 4th and Constitution and it was cold. From there we marched to the Supreme Court and gathered at Dubliner after the march. I was really impressed on how many young people were present and showed their opposition to Roe v. Wade.

All divisions should have petitions on Govenor Spitzer's Extreme Abortion Bill. Get signatures and send to the address on the petition.

I would like everyone to be aware that on March 8th there will be a Youth Pro-Life Rally at the AOH Hall, 375 Ontario Street, Albany, NY. Everybody should have received information on this from the E-mail from Brian Nelligan. If there are any questions, call me.

A reminder......please pay special attention to candidates views on Pro-Life Issues. Also, as much as possible please, especially during the month of March, ( Irish Heritage Month), save a life, give blood donations to the American Red Cross. Also, you can go to www.DonateBloodNow .org.

MARCH 2008

“All Irish Need Apply”

Brothers, your help is needed as we all work together to organize new divisions, recruit new
members and retain our current membership. Much of this larger campaign takes place on
the local and division level.

Our GOALS are as follows:
•To increase the name recognition of our Order
•To better publicize the good work of our Order at all levels
•To standardize and modernize the application form and information gathering and
dissemination process across our state
•To increase statewide member-ship by 20% over a two-year period
•To focus on the recruitment of members in the 18-35 year old demographic
•To ensure that every jurisdiction in our state has an active Organizer
•To organize the 31 unorganized counties in our State
•To standardize retention procedures throughout New York State
•To directly involve the State in the process of dropping members
•To decrease the amount of members dropped on a yearly basis •To increase cooperation and
communication between the State Board and the other jurisdictions
•To ensure that every jurisdiction has an active public relations officer

To assist with your efforts, funds are available through NYS AOH Advertising, Marketing &
Recruitment Grant program. Divisions are encouraged to apply for and use these funds to
assist in promoting the order in an effort to recruit new members. You can download a form
from nyaoh.com or contact me for an application.

There continues to be interest in new divisions in various parts of the state. Specifically,
I am focused on Johnstown in Fulton County), and Kinderhook/Valatie in Columbia County.
There is now interest and a viable opportunity to start a new division in Hudson, Columbia
County and I expect the next few months to involve promoting the AOH. Fortunately, through
contacts in Columbia County, a press release with con-tact information was printed in a
monthly countywide newspaper in November.

There was an active AOH Division in Amsterdam, Montgomery County many years ago that met at
the Irish-American Club. I have been communicating with several potential members who are
evaluating the possibility of starting a division again to meet at the Irish-American Club.

In the past several months, we have made progress in attracting potential members in Essex
County and it will not be long until we have 15 members to start a new division in the
Elizabethtown area. Special thanks to Doug Uvyn, a member of the Albany division who
recently moved to Essex County and initiated the process.

I was interviewed on the radio through a radio station in Massachusetts and I promoted the
order and provided our 1-800 telephone number as well as my personal contact information.
This particular station reaches eastern New York counties that include Columbia and
Dutchess counties. In the next month, I am scheduled for appearances on a radio station in
Columbia County and the Irish Radio Show from Albany which reaches Fulton and Montgomery
counties.

On Saturday, December 8th, President Matt Nelligan and I assisted in a training/seminar
organized by National Secretary Tom McNabb and National Director Martin Kelly to promote and
encourage recruitment and retaining of members. The training was hosted by the Watervliet
AOH and included tips/instructions specific to Division Financial Secretaries. Numerous
divisions from much of upstate attended and we expect that this training/seminar will be
avail-able for other parts of the state in the future.

In closing, I encourage Brothers to contact me for more information about the recruitment and
retention grant program as well as if anyone has organizing tips or areas of interest for
organizing.
I wish all of you and your families
an enjoyable St. Patrick’s season and a wonderful Lenten season and Easter Holiday

 

A. Warren Scullin

I would like to thank Worthy President Matthew Nelligan and Worthy Organizer Liam McNabb for
the privilege of being appointed as the Downstate Deputy Organizer.

Too many times we Hibernians tend to see issues as problems. This reminds me of what John
Lennon once said: “There’s no problem, only solutions.”

During these past months I have met with Brothers from all over the Downstate region and have
discussed ways that we, as an organization, can increase current membership. In the
coming months I plan to hold an organization meeting where Brothers of the Order can work
together to develop new strategies to increase and strengthen our membership.

I have worked with the leadership in Richmond and New York Counties in referring new members
to their divisions. I have also issued organization materials to Brothers in other parts of
the Downstate region. If any County or Division is in need of Organization kits, please
have them contact me immediately.

During this time I have learned that as an organization we must be a multi-issues group ready
to serve the diverse needs of the Irish American community. We can not be a one issue
organization or tied to one political or philosophical thought. More and more new members
are part of diverse cu-tural marriages and families, and we must be responsive to their
needs.

I know we are ready for this challenge and together let us start to find the way.
 

Nollaig Shona Duit.
 

 Rev. John V. Ahern

MARCH 2008

The Commodore Barry Club of Brooklyn will hold its annual Commodore Barry Birthday
Commemoration on Friday, March 14, 2008 at 11:00am at Commodore Barry Park. The park is
located on North Elliot Place between Park and Flushing Avenues. All are invited to
attend. The club is looking to expand its member-ship.

Efforts to gather information regarding the re-issuance of Gallant John Barry, A Naval Hero
of Two Wars by William Clark Bell had been difficult at best. However, a descendant of
Commodore John Barry has recently come to light. Perhaps this source will provide
information needed to succeed in the endeavor.

I would like to thank Mike Kearny, past Commodore Barry Chairman, for his assistance in
communicating some of the obstacles that con-front our attempts to help Commodore Barry
receive his rightful place in history. You're a good man, Mike.

The commemoration of our Patron saint, the parades and celebrations that surround St.
Patrick’s Day give Hibernians a public forum for the religious and cultural issues that
concern us. It is a time when politicians and press are eager to attend our events to
demonstrate their connection to Irish and Catholic America. Our St. Patrick events are often
attended by our local, state and national representatives as well as visiting Irish
politicians. This offers us a rare opportunity to speak on issues, like immigration, that
will affect the future of both Ireland and America, and in particular, salvaging Irish
American culture.
Every week we learn of a new deportation of Irish men and women who came to this country
over the years seeking asylum from injustice and the economic possibilities that America
promises to all. In some cases, people have fought long, expensive asylum battles for the
right to stay in the US; only to be picked up on technicalities by Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, incarcerated for many weeks like common criminals and deported, without regard
for their safety or danger they face in Ire-land. Hibernians have worked tirelessly to
secure a place for the Irish in America; clearly our work is not done. In order to speak to
legislators about our issues, it is necessary to have the facts and some talking points.

In 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson started a process that sought to remove the quota of
allotted 17,750 visas to Irish Nationals since 1952. The 1968 Immigration and Nationality
Act ended the quota of 17,750 visas allotted to Ireland altogether. The Act benefited many
nations like India and China with its family unification mechanisms, but was ultimately
detrimental to the Irish, who in most cases don’t have the necessary family requirements in
the US. It is time that legislators both here and in Ireland recognize the need for
reparation for this 40 year long disparity.

The contributions the Irish have made to this nation are too numerous to mention. The Irish
are the single largest recipients of the Medal of Honor and have fought valiantly in every
American war and conflict. The United States national security and defense have benefited
in many ways from its relationship with Ireland. Recently, Ireland allowed US Customs and
Immigrations to create a security clearance and customs facility at Shannon Airport. These
innovations will allow improved screening of freight and passengers traveling to the US
before they land on US soil.

Hibernians visiting Ireland over the last few years have witnessed firsthand that the
Shannon stop-over is the first friendly port of call to US troops entering and leaving our
nation’s war against terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. The warm Irish welcome that our troops
receive every day at Shannon Airport is reflected on the faces of those brave service men
and women and can never be forgotten.

The Republic of Ireland is recognized as the ‘Gateway to European Commerce’. American
investment has led to a booming Irish economy on both sides of the border. Many American
workers desire to move to Ireland and Ireland would benefit from increased American business
interest. The US State Department greatly assisted the recent Northern Ireland Agreement.
It is hard to believe that the US would invest so much energy in promoting peace and then
deny the people of the North from experiencing our way of life. Irish men and women would
benefit from coming to America to legally live and work as they have always done in
generations past. At pre-sent, it is difficult for Americans to live and work in Ireland and
practically impossible for the Irish to work here. A bilateral immigration deal would
benefit both nations.

Ireland extends the welcome of CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE every day to American business and national
security issues and yet young Irish men, women and families who seek opportunity in the
United States are being swept under the door mat! It is incumbent on our Irish and American
legislators to address the facts and not ignore our demand for a real quota of visas for
the Irish people to correct the 40 years of inequality that has been the rule of law in US
immigration policy.

I wish you and yours a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Blessed Easter Week. If you or the
legislators you encounter would like to speak further on these issues please do not
hesitate to contact me at : (914) 588-2710 or email dandennehy@hotmail.com.
 

Richard Morris

Daniel Case

Brothers, well with your help and the help of so many others, including both Catholic &
Protestant Churches, we were able to ruin the box office receipts for the showing of the
Golden Compass. From what I can gather, there is no sequel planned for another episode of
this anti-Christian movie.

On December 9th I represented the AOH at the protest at our local cinema. There were
representatives from local churches and some concerned citizens that were opposed to the
showing of the movie, about 8 in all. Many that were about to attend were not aware of what
the movie contained, when told, many left. Security asked us all to leave but since it’s a
public area we did not. All was very orderly. So hurray for our team of Christians we won
this time!!

As I outlined at the board meeting, I have been pushing the use of the Project St Patrick
cards at our local meetings. Hopefully we can get many new users of these very important
cards.

Again I ask that our local divisions take it upon themselves to find a Catholic School in
Northern Ireland to support. While much of the violence has stopped, our children in the
North are still having a hard time attending these schools. Your support is greatly needed.
If I can assist you please contact me and I will find a school that you might aid.

We, as a men’s Catholic organization, need to step forward to assist the church in any way
possible. Since the shortage of Priests continues, if you can help out at your local parish
church, it helps take off some of the burden now placed on those that remain.

Another area that needs to be discussed is finding the local abandoned cemeteries that
have hundreds of our Irish Brothers & Sisters. All of our Brothers owe this respect to our
deceased brethren. Even if we just clean up the property it will be a good and worth while
cause. I encourage you to do this, it would take very little of your time, but the rewards
are great.

Mark your calendars! The annual NYS AOH Men’s bowling tournament is scheduled for
Saturday, April 5th and will be hosted by the JFK Division #1 in Auburn. Registration
begins at 12 noon at Starlite Lanes on Routes 5 & 20 and bowling begins at 1pm. The
dinner banquet will follow bowling at the AOH hall at 79 Van Anden Street in Auburn. The
cost for bowling and the banquet is $30 per person and $10 for those who wish to join us for
dinner only.

Lane sponsorships are available for $25. Contact State Sports Chair Pat Burns to register
your team or if you’re interested in sponsoring a lane by calling me at home at (315)
252-0990 or via e-mail at: president@auburnaoh.com Registration forms and hotel
information will be mailed in the near future. As always, if you’re in Auburn for the
entire weekend, all are welcome to visit the clubrooms on Fri-day night for fun and
Hibernian hospitality.

Also, the date for the 2008 Burns-Hayes Memorial Golf Tournament is Friday, May 2nd and the
tournament will be held at Sunny Hill Golf Course in Freehold. More details to follow in a
statewide mailing.

 

Good news! As of this writing Fr. (Maj. /USAF) Tim Hirten has returned home from his tour
in Iraq. You may recall that Fr. Tim served as the LAOH National Chaplain a few years ago.
He has asked me to thank you for all your prayers and e-mails.

We are asking the Divisions and Counties of the State to get involved in the Wounded
Warriors Project. The Wounded Warriors Project (WWP) is a 501© (3) non-profit organization
that provides tangible comfort and support to severely injured service men and women upon
their return from the war on terrorism. WWP programs can be divided into three segments
that correlate to the stage of recovery that the wounded warriors find themselves in after
incurring their injuries.

1. Immediate Impact: covers that period immediately following injury and long term
hospitalization.
2. Transitional: the period of time during which the wounded warrior is transitioning from
the hospital back into community or civilian life.
3. Long Term: includes programs that span the rest of the life of the wounded warrior.

WWP Back Packs
Transitional Care Packs (TCPs): a smaller, modified version of the WWP backpack, transition
care packs are sent directly to Iraq and Afghanistan to provide immediate comfort during a
warrior’s relocation to a U.S. military trauma center. Not only are the contents of these
packs invaluable to a warrior coming off the battlefield, but also the packs themselves are
utilized as a pillow while lying on a stretcher.

WWP Backpacks: contain essential care and comfort items including clothing, toiletries,
calling card, CD player, and playing cards, all designed to make their hospital stay more
comfortable. They are provided to severely wounded service members arriving at military
trauma centers in the U.S. Each backpack costs $99. Checks can be made payable to Wounded
Warrior Project.
Wounded Warrior Project
National Processing Center
P.O. Box 758516
Topeka, KS 66675-8516

Paul Hastings, a member of Division 15, Nassau County, is an Ambassador for the Wounded
Warrior Project in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. He can be reached at 516 785-8650
or dad-hastings@yahoo.com for an informational brochure outlining WWP programs, including
ideas for fund-raising in your division. You can also visit WWP at
woundedwarriorproject.org for further information. As a side note, Ian Lennon of Division
15, Nassau County, himself a wounded warrior, travels with Bro. Hastings. They would both
be glad to visit with your division to explain the project and give you some ideas on fund
raising. Bro. Lennon was a Marine Lance Corporal, who was burned over a third of his body
in a fuel explosion on 3/6/03.

Please contact me if I can be of any assistance in this project for your division. You can
reach me at JMRYAN3058@aol.com or 516 639-3695. Do not forget to include your donations on
your Charities and Missions report.