Each August 21^st on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Knock, a Mass is celebrated at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Middletown, New York. A crowning of Our Lady follows the Mass.  The following organizations participated in the celebration: Orange County Divisions 1, 3 and 4; Orange County Ladies Divisions 4 and 5 and the Orange County Irish American Society of Middletown Irish Heritage Festival.  Orange County AOH Div. 4 is named in honor of Father Emanuel Hourihan, O.Carm., the priest who was instrumental in bringing the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock to the site.

STATE PRESIDENT HONORED.

Charles “Chip” McLean, the popular president of the New York State AOH was honored at a testimonial dinner in his honor at the luxurious Staaten on Staten Island, New York.  Mike McCormack was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and was his usual happy self as he introduced the County, State and National dignitaries who came to salute New York State’s President.  Past NY President, Mat Nelligan was also the recipient of the fifth annual Burns Hayes Award which was presented at the Dinner.  The Burns Hayes Award, named for two beloved pasta NY State Presidents, is the highest honor that the NY State Board can bestow.  Previous recipients have been Rev John Ahern, Tom McNabb, Mike McCormack and John Hennessy.

Frank Fox Division Holds Annual Collection

The AOH Frank Fox Div 16 and the Ladies AOH Div 16 are pleased to announce that their annual collection for Rosary Hill Cancer Center in Hawthorne and Hospice Care (Visiting Nurse Association) of Westchester/ Putnam will be taking place during the fall at area churches.  Since 1992 AOH Div 16 has donated over $168,975 to these two and other community organizations in northern Westchester County.  The AOH is deeply grateful to all who help support our collection. Div 16 meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. For further information or an application contact President William McCormack at email-wfmccormack@optonline.net. or Chairwoman Grace Murphy at 914-218-8874 or Chairman James McHugh at 914-232-3766.

Myles Scully Division 1 Yonkers supports Cancer Benefit for Yonkers Police Sergeant

The officers and members of the Myles Scully Div 1 of Yonkers attended a benefit for Yonkers Police Sergeant Roy McLauglin, who has been diagnosed with brain cancer.  The Division presented the organizers of the event with a $4,000 pledge of support.  The “10-13” Event (Officer Needs Assistance) was attended by thousands of supporters from across the community.  The all day event showcased live music, a sports memorabilia auction, and a performance by the Pipes and Drums of the Police Police Department, is the father of 4 young children and is facing ever increasing medical expenses as he fights this terrible disease.  “We were honored to help support Sergeant McLaughlin as he goes Emerald Society of Westchester County.  Money was also being raised to support brain cancer awareness, thru the sale of specially colored wristbands.  Sergeant McLaughlin, a 12 year member of the Yonkers through a very difficult time in his life” said Div 1 President, Kevin Ellis.  “We are just a small part of a much larger community effort to see him get through this.” The event was co-sponsored by the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association and the Yonkers Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants Association.  For more information or to make a donation, please contact Tom Phelan at (914) 525-2834.

New York State AOH Respects Life at St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Members of the NYS AOH attended the annual Respect Life Mass held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on October 3^rd, 2010.  NYS President Charles McLean and LAOH State President Meg Redling led the large contingent of Hibernians up the center aisle and were warmly greeted by Archbishop Timothy Dolan.  The large group consisted of members from all five boroughs of New York City, as well as from the surrounding suburbs.  In his homily, Archbishop Dolan reminded the congregation that the Right to Life was not only a right proclaimed by God, but is also a founding principle of the United States. He said “God saw a reign of life, not destruction; a kingdom of life, not extinction; a culture of life, not of death; that’s God’s vision”.  He also assured the crowd that the culture of life will ultimately prevail.  The mass was co-sponsored by the AOH and the Sisters of Life, a religious order founded in 1991 by the late John Cardinal O’Connor for the protection and enhancement of the sacredness of every human life.

Nassau County Supporting Wounded Warriors

On Saturday, September 11^th, Division 11^th of Hicksville held its annual golf outing at the Rockhill Country Club in Manorville, Suffolk County.  Members of Division 11, those who were golfing and others assembled for some shared words and a moment of silence to remember the heroes who had fought and died in the 9-11 attacks. “Amazing Grace” played by Bob McCann of Div 15 on the bagpipes broke the morning air in tribute.  At the 10^th hole, memorial and sponsor signs were set up for the golfers to pause at and reflect upon before teeing off. For the fourth year in a row, part of the proceeds from this event was set aside to be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project.  Division President Phil Baumgartner thanked all those who planned and participated in this annual event. Joseph Barry Council 2520 of the Knights of Columbus for the use of their facility, Recorder and Past President Harry Deegan for running this fundraising event, Bill Jankowski and his wife Carol for all of their golf event experience that helped make the day a success, the Kennedy brothers, Dan and Tom for cooking, John Kilganon, our bartender, Vice President and Past President Billy McGough for his assistance, and for all the golfers and sign sponsors for their support in helping Division 11 meet its goal in regards to raising money for the Wounded Warriors Project. To find out more information about this organization, click onto: WWW.WOUNDEDWARRIORSPROJECT.ORG

Nassau County holds 38^th Annual Feis

Nassau County held its 38^th Annual Feis and Irish Festival on September 21^st at Molloy College in Rockville Centre. In addition to dancing, band, music, singing, art and soda bread contests, the Feis honored Irish Examiner Publisher Paddy McCarthy for his efforts of spreading Irish culture. Almost 2000 people attended this year’s Feis, which was considered one of the best put on in the county.

Long Beach Irish Day

Over 30,000 people attended the 2010 Long Beach Irish Day and Festival, held on October 2^nd in Nassau County, NY. Summerlike weather in early fall, helped the turnout as the streets were lined with green and vendors selling food and Irish memorabilia. The Day was sponsored by St. Brendan the Navigator Div 17 in Long Beach with representation from National, State, and County officers.

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FFAI October fundraiser held at O’Reilly’s in New York City

Pictured (L – R) are FFAI Chair – Sean Pender, Nat’l Director Jere Cole, and Immigration Chair Dan Dennehy

Pictured (L – R) are Vince Tyer (Pearl River Pres.) Dermot Moore (Rockland Co. Pres.) Jim Burke (NYS Sec.) Jack Ryan (NYS VA)