Mike McCormick

Martin Kelly

Arnie Nagelhout

Tim Myles

Matt McFarland

Eddie Rice

A. Warren Scullin

Norman Nilsen

Dan Dennehy

Steve Curran

Matt Nelligan

Liam McNabb

Daniel Case

John Hennessey

Pat Burns

Edward J. Wallace

John M. Ryan

Robert L. Flaherty

John C. O'Connell

Jerry Callahan

History Page

JUNE 2010

It was a pleasure to see so many Hibernians at the annual Right to Life March on Washington in January. Familiar faces like Seamus Boyle, our National President, and Matt Nelligan, National Chairman of the A.O.H. Right to Life Committee, were prominent among thousands of Hibernian from around the country. It is heartening to see the A.O.H. do more than its share in this most noble of struggles.

My home division, Division No. 35 of Brooklyn, honored the Kings Count Financial Secretary, Bob Murphy, who is a member of the division, on occasion of the 131st birthday of the branch. The January salute packed the hall of the Columbus Council Knights of Columbus and was a worthy salute to this fine Irish gentleman.

I’ve been attending and marching in St. Patrick’s Day parades since I came to this country in 1968, but I never tire of being part of the great day on Fifth Avenue. It is amazing that we have endured despite all the brazen attacks over two centuries that are still continuing in this present day. Leading the parade this year was New York’s Police Commissioner Ray Kelly – no relation.

Project St. Patrick has received 99 applications from men and women preparing for lives in service to the church. It is a good time to make a donation to this cause that provides for the education of future priests and nuns.

Mike Byrne of Division No. 22 of Brooklyn is the hardworking prime mover of a special commemorative medal to mark the 175th Anniversary of the Order. Details are still to be released, but it looks like it will be more than worthy of the occasion. Mike has coordinated the production of this splendid work of art and has worked closely with National Chairman Ed Wallace, State Chairman Chip McLean and National Historian Mike McCormick.

Pat Cahill, past state director of New York and currently New York County Treasurer, passed away after an automobile accident recently. Pat was also well known in many Irish organizations around the city and served as a Past President of the County Cavan Association. Another sad passing was Mark Ridge, a member of Division No. 35 when he was a resident of Brooklyn some years ago, and a life long supporter of Irish social and cultural events.

My son and namesake, Martin Kelly, was recently married to Lauren Flanagan in a ceremony performed in St. Jerome’s R.C. Church in West Long Branch, N.J. He is well known to many Hibernian members by his attendance at many state and national A.O.H. conventions over the past twenty years.

My granddaughter, Caitlin Martin, finished chemotherapy after over two years of treatment at Sloan Kettering Hospital. I am a thousand times indebted to all my wonderful sisters and brothers who supported my daughter Margaret and her husband Mike and all our family over the most trying of times. Caitlin is in remission and we can thank the magnificent flowing of prayer from all of you. Prayer is the answer and we ask you to continue to remember Caitlin and our family. My daughter Margaret recently gave birth to a daughter, Ann Margaret, on March 29th.

Please contact me at galway21@aol.com with any additional news and comments.

Martin Kelly Biography

With our summer break from meetings fast approaching we as Hibernians must continue to remember the Motto of our Order; Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. Consider this: in Friendship invite your friends, relatives and neighbors to attend an Irish function, be it a dinner dance, picnic or festival. Then ask them if they would have an interest in joining your division to promote their Irish heritage. In Unity offer to assist your division officers and brothers in working a function your jurisdiction sponsors. Finally, in Christian Charity we can all do something to assist the less fortunate this summer. You may consider helping out at a soup kitchen providing meals for the needy. Your church, school, rectory and convents are always in need of repairs, painting and clean up, as a division, volunteer to assist on a project they may have. These are easy ways of letting your community know there is a local AOH and you are not just a group of
partygoers.

Summer is a fun time for most of us, but hunger goes on. If any of you are on a committee for your local Irish Festival or Concert suggest that a food collection be conducted to help the local food pantry and volunteer to man the project. Most localities sponsor 4th of July fireworks, community picnics and field days; why not approach your local government officials and offer to man a food collection point, during the event, to benefit the local City Mission or Soup Kitchen? Once again the exposure for the AOH is always good and you may even get some new members.

I have received a total of 10 reports since our State Convention last July. Total donations are $64,397.86 and 953 Man Hours which total $7,147.50. Thanks to all of those reporting.

Division 7, Suffolk Co. made donations that totaled $15,510 in 2009. Some of those benefiting are Prostate Cancer Awareness Program, FFAI, Kevin Boyle Fundraiser, St. Mary Church, St. John of God Church, St. Peter the Apostle Church, Hope House Ministries, Manford Missions, Schneider's Children Hospital, St. Anne's Church and Little Flower Children Services.
Myles Scully Division 1 , Westchester Co. has made donations to Sisters of Divine Compassion, Niall Hearty Cancer Fund, Project St. Patrick, Iona College Gaelic Society, Good Council School and NY University Irish Music totaling $6,140.
Division 4, Queens Co. donated $300 to Blessed Sacrament Church and 500 man hours ($3,750) for Holy Child Jesus Social Outreach & Food Pantry.

Padraic Pierce Division 3, Nassau Co. gave $5,100 to several charitable groups and 128 man hours ($960) for the Nassau County Feis.

Patrick Curran Division 9, Queens Co. made donations that totaled $450 to FFAI, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, St. Andrew Avellino School and Glor Na NGail Pipe Band.

Staten Island Division 4, Richmond Co. submitted a report of 257 man hours ($1,927.50) and donations of $13,860 to St. Christopher School, Meals on Wheels, Brian Gorman Fund, Tate Hunt family and Alzheimer Foundation of Staten Island.

Thomas W. Carrol Division 1, Erie Co. continues to report donations to Project St. Patrick, FFAI and Buffalo Irish Center which totaled $1,445 and 36 man hours ($270)

Rev. James J. Browne Division 1, Niagara Co. reported an additional $1,950 to FFAI, United Irish American Assoc., McCarthy School of Irish Dance and Niagara Catholic High School Scholarship. $500 in food was collected and 6 man hours ($45) on St. Patrick's Day for Heart and Soul Food Pantry.

JUNE 2010

Once again NYS led the way on donations to the FFAI Christmas Appeal. Over $18,000 was donated by divisions, county boards and individuals. A special thanks to those who donated $1,000.00 or more. They were recognized at the State Board meeting, where National Freedom for All Ireland Chairman Sean Pender presented the personalized hurling sticks. With that said, we cannot rest on our laurels. Large donations were up, but individual donations from the 10 club were down as well as participation by divisions. There can be no reason why each division and county board does not participate in some way in the Christmas Appeal. Once again I traveled to Derry for the Bloody Sunday Commemoration where our donations are disbursed. They are well received and needed. Please see the latest edition of the Hibernian Digest for National FFAI chairman Sean Pender’s report and also LAOH FFAI chair Kathy Savage for all the details of our excellent tour.

Speaking of Derry, the theme of this year’s march was “Set the Truth Free”. The Bloody Sunday families were seeking to see the Saville Report when it is released without having to wait until British government operatives go over the report and possibly delete key parts. The political pressure seems to have worked. Though the release of the report was delayed once again because of British elections this month, Lord Saville has said that some family members will get to see the report as it is released.

Another cause we support is the Omagh Basketball Club. It is a cross community effort and the team will be coming to the U.S. this July. I was able to assist in them to get into Madison Square Garden and possibly play a game prior to a NY Liberty game on July 18.

I wish to acknowledge Ciaran Geraghty and the Albany brothers for getting Albany to pass a United Ireland resolution. Can you do that in your locale? Get involved in your community. We must educate our elected officials. They represent us as IrishCatholics and we should not just stand on the sidelines.

I was able to attend the Thomas and Kathleen Clarke Memorial and Communion Breakfast in Manorville last month. Thanks to County President Brian Clancy, Chairman Rich Cremmins, Mike McCormick and the brothers of Suffolk County for putting on this event. I also attended the Nassau County Easter Monday commemoration.

On St. Patrick’s Day, besides all the marching and other festivities, I was a guest on the Adrian Flannelly radio show and was able to report the breaking news that the McAllister family had just received delayed action in their case for another year.

Recently I was presented with the first James Connolly Centenary Award by the National Irish Freedom Committee in NYC. I was honored and humbled. As I said to many Hibernians in the hall in my acceptance speech, the award represents all of you from whom I get strength and inspiration.

In wrapping up, please see if you can find the time to attend the 2011 Bloody Sunday March. Assuming the Saville report is released by then, it may be the last march.

New York State AOH
FFAI Donations
2009 Christmas Appeal

Thank You All!

Div. 5 Albany $5500
NYS Board 1500
Syracuse AOH 1263
Div 3 Rockland Co 1000
Div 14 Lynbrook 1000
Div 11 Hampton Bays 1000
Div 1 Schenectady 1000
Suffolk Co. Bd. 1000
Div 4 Staten Island 500
Div 17 Long Beach 500
Div 4 Suffolk 400
Div 3 Smithtown 250
Div 7 Suffolk 200
Div 3 Nassau 200
Div 1 New Hartford 150
Div 1 Bay Shore 130
Div 4 New York Co. 100
Div 4 Orange 100
Div 21 Rockaway 100
Di 1 Bay Shore (10 Club) 100
Nassau Co. Bd 100
Binghamton 100
Div 4 Lockport 100
Div. 1 Williamsville 100
Jeff Nisler 1000
Tom Slattery 500
Tom McNabb 50
Frank Kraft 20
LAOH Niagara Falls 240
LAOH Tarrytown 100
LAOH Div. 2 Babylon 100
LAOH Niagara Co. 50

Will Your Division Or Name Be Here Next Year???
 

Matt McFarland

JUNE  2010

As the springtime gets underway, our thoughts should be turning toward making plans for attending our National Convention in Cincinnati. It will be a good time to recharge our batteries as Hibernians, and reconnect with other brothers from across our great land. The meetings at the Convention are informational, and hopefully, some of you can signup to be on the National Organizer’s committee meeting. As a positive result, new ideas for our own State organizing can be germinated.

One of those ideas is the recruitment grant program of which divisions should be encouraged to take advantage. So far, the State has dispensed grant money to two divisions. It means some paperwork, but as one of my division brothers pointed out, it’s not often that the State gives out money. However, please be specific in how you are going to spend the money. Remember, a Division receiving grant money is required to submit a written report detailing how the grant money was used. Also, longterm goals of membership have to be put forth to be measured against previous membership levels. Examples of how the grant money can be used would be to advertise and to promote our Order. The more we advertise and promote the more chances we will have of attaining our membership goals. We all need to learn more about creative and successful marketing and recruitment strategies that brothers are employing in various parts of the State.

Do not overlook obvious places to advertise your local Division such as the local Church bulletin. County boards should be able to make use of the Diocesan newspapers. The Divisions can ask local Churches to have tables set up to recruit new members after Masses. Much can be done in Churches as good Catholics that we, as Hibernians, are.

I will be in contact with our National Organizer to obtain more posters, trifolds, table stands, and DVD’s espousing the good deeds of our Order.

My recruitment grant committee which includes our worthy State President Chip McLean, Warren Scullin, and Liam McNabb should be congratulated for their patience and guidance in overseeing the dispensing of the grant money.

My work would not be complete without getting leads on new members, potential
Divisions, and information on Major Degree ceremonies from our worthy National and fellow State officers; thanks again for all your help. My email address is: jrice13@nyc.rr.com and my cell phone is (917) 209-5829.

 

A. Warren Scullin

JUNE 2010

Major Breakthrough on Immigration Reform

On April 15, I represented our Order at an informative meeting of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) in Sunnyside, Queens along with the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, GAA, United Irish Counties, Senator Schumer and Former Congressman Bruce Morrison. I informed the audience, comprised mostly of recent Irish immigrants, of the long role and commitment of our Order in addressing immigration issues. I related that the total number of Irish naturalizations last fiscal year was at a 10 year low at 1,296 throughout the US. There were only 298 Irish born naturalized US citizens in New York State (the top number state was NYS). Of that number, the Emerald Isle Immigration Center filed 99 applications or a third of the total within New York State. I finished by stating that this trend cannot continue as it jeopardizes the future of our great Irish communities, our organizations, our heritage and ultimately, our Noble Order.

At that meeting, Senator Chuck Schumer informed us that he would be introducing a reform bill “before May 1.” He spoke with confidence that he would be able to accomplish immigration reform with this bill. Following Schumer, Former Congressman Bruce Morrison, author of the 1990 Morrison Visa said it was “vital that we get something” with regard to “future flow from Ireland.” As promised, on Thursday, April 29, Senator Chuck Schumer along with US Senate Leader Harry Reid and Senator Bob Menendez introduced a draft version of planned immigration reform. The proposed reform includes a two tier approach where benchmarks on border security, strict employment sanctions and “mandates for detention and removal of unlawfully present persons” must be met in concert with immigration reform. The proposal includes a long path to legalization for illegal immigrants and could change the current family based system to an employment based system which would offer "low tech" and "high tech" visas.

The highlight of this bill for Irish Americans is the E3 visa and its 10,500 renewable work visa per annum for future Irish emigrants. According to Bart Murphy, Chairman of ILIR, in order to qualify, undocumented immigrants will need to register, undergo criminal background check and complete other requirements such as payment of back taxes. Upon approval, Lawful Prospective Immigrant (LPI) status would be granted allowing work in the US and travel outside the US. After eight years, the LPI would be permitted to petition for a green card. This aspect of the reform bill would address the AOH demand for correction to the inequities of the late 1960’s removal of quotas for Irish immigrants to the US. I will inform members of further developments on this proposed bill.

President McLean and I discussed the dilemma of Irish tourists and visitors that may have been stranded at area airports due to flight delays caused by the Icelandic volcanic eruptions. Fortunately the flights resumed shortly afterwards, but should the eruptions worsen, we may be faced with a similar situation.

I recently spoke to Eileen Byrne, spouse of Pearl River AOH brother, Joe Byrne. Joe was extradited to Ireland two years ago after a long battle with Irish authorities. Joe has been completely exonerated of all charges and we hope that he is united with his family here in New York soon. I remain in contact with several of our Brothers that face extradition and deportation issues. If you are aware of anyone facing similar dilemmas, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I am happy to report continued cooperation between our State Board, led by President McLean, our National Board, led by President Boyle, National Immigration Chairman Danny O’Connell and myself on the ever increasing leadership role that our Order maintains on this important issue. We have maintained a working relationship with the Irish advice centers and Irish American lobbying groups. Through this clear line of communication we have been able to assist on incarceration and deportation cases, citizenship and naturalization information and our work towards attaining permanent status for our Republican brothers, undocumented Irish and future Irish immigrants alike.

I believe that our Order’s commitment to this issue has been proven time and again. Our outreach to the member organizations of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers has proven mutually beneficial. With the prospect of immigration reform becoming a reality our Order and its leadership along with a true spirit of cooperation the Irish immigration centers and the ILIR assures that Irish immigrants can not and will not be ignored in any immigration legislation.

This application must be submitted by May 15, 2010.

Liam McNabb

Daniel Case

As I reported at the State Board meeting the calendar program for 2009 was a success, not a great success that it could have been. We made a profit of $8668.00, $4556.00 to the AOH State Board $4112.00 to the LAOH State Board. We gave out prizes totaling $6775.00 to 232 winners. As I stated at the meeting we have over 10,000 members of the AOH in this State, and I can’t understand why we cannot sell 1000 calendars. It’s the only fundraiser the State Board has.

I still have 2010 calendars, and we still have 6 months for you to become a winner. If you want a calendar just give me a call 631 6678396 or email me at  johnaoh@optonline.net

The National Convention is just around the Corner. We have the following brothers running for office, Brother Brendan Moore for National Vice President, Brother Tom McNabb for the office of National Secretary and Brother Matt Nelligan for National Director. I know we will be coming home winners. SEE YOU IN CINCINNATI.
 

JUNE  2010

Buy Irish
Robert Flaherty

I hope everybody made it through the winter and had a great St. Patrick’s Day. Well it's been a long haul but I have finally sent some listings to our webmaster, Al Norton. He is creating a Buy Irish page on the NYAOH web site.

I know how I am when I go to a city, I have to ask, is there an AOH hall or Irish shop around? So with that in mind I have gotten all the addresses of the AOH halls in the state. Little by little I am going to be adding Irish shops and AOH halls to the list. In the process we are going to try and keep them in alphabetical order by city.

All the shops listed have agreed to give all AOH members a 10% discount. I hope over the next year to really expand it. If you have an Irish shop you want put on the list please send it to me with an address and phone number.
Email: gelic46@aol.com
Telephone 518-399-4960

 

You can contact me at
NYAOHpublicity@me.com.