AOH Continues Celebration of Irish Heritage

A tradition that reaches back almost five hundred years continues this weekend in Rockland County as the Ancient Order of Hibernians convenes its biennial New York state convention in Pearl River. 

An event that displays Irish pride and heritage combined with discussion of the issues that concern their ancestral homeland will continue at the Pearl River Hilton and conclude with the closing ceremonies on Sunday.

Meetings continue today and tomorrow with this evening’s agenda highlighted by an awards dinner beginning at 7:30 p.m., where members of the AOH and the Ladies AOH will be honored.  Saturday will see the installation of new officers at a black tie gala.

The county organized its initial AOH chapter in Haverstraw in 1882 and today Division 3 based in Pearl River boasts over 800 members, making it the largest division in the country.  Pearl River resident Vince Tyer has played an integral role in bringing the convention to Rockland and dealing with the many day to day elements to ensure its success.

“All the divisions in Rockland County (Blauvelt, Pearl River, Stony Point, Suffern) are contributing to this effort," Tyer said. "Because of the size of the Irish community in Rockland County and our related presence in AOH as a whole, we felt it would be nice to bring the convention here and show off our Irish heritage.

“I have been involved in this project for over three years but the late Ed Moane (a Pearl River resident) was the first person to say that the convention should come to Rockland County.  It was Ed who helped us to put together our strategy. We have had 50 to 75 people on our convention committee and an additional 50 to 75 volunteers.  It is great to be able to show off what we have here in Rockland County and within the Hibernians get our day in the sunshine.”

It appears that the AOH delegates from out of town are quite impressed with Pearl River as the host city. 

 "I’ve never been to Pearl River before," National AOH President Seamus Boyle from Philadelphia said. "I came up (Wednesday). I rode around a little bit because I was early. It’s a beautiful, beautiful town. Beautiful place to visit. The hotel here is terrific. It’s different. It’s someplace anybody could bring their family to. I might have my wife up here in the near future."

AOH National Director Danny O’Connell in from Ohio for the convention.

“What a beautiful hotel," O'Connell said. "And I always enjoy coming to New York because everyone treats you like family.  The Hibernians treat me like a long lost cousin from Ohio.”

O'Connell is in charge of AOH membership and he is gathering input during the convention.

"This is an opportunity to discuss our philosophy and recruit members," O'Connell said. "I can learn from their success.  New York has more Hibernians than anywhere else in the country.  I learn as much here as I bring to the table.  It is a learning experience combined with fellowship.”

New York State President Chip McLean from Staten Island commented, “Delegates from all over the state are happy to be here in Pearl River and the Hibernians are grateful for the hospitality that has been offered.”

McLean said the convention is meant to help focus the organization on its role.

"It is the work of our order to address the role that the AOH holds over our values and tenets," McLean said. "The men and ladies of the order are meeting and planning to address our key issues over the next two years.  We try and gather our best minds and listen to what is on the table.”

AOH delegate and Orangetown Supervisor Paul Whalen was obviously pleased that this event was being held locally. 

“The convention allows the members to learn about Orangetown and also raise awareness of the leaders in our community that are of Irish heritage," Whalen said. "To understand the similarities and differences of our brothers and sisters back in the homeland."

Whalen also commented on a speech given by Father Sean McManus during Thursday's joint meeting of the AOH and LAOH.

“One of the speakers said today, God bless America and God bless Ireland," Whalen said. "All of Orangetown, just like all of New York state, is a melting pot of folks from different religions and ethnic backgrounds. We embrace and love them all in friendship and charity as our neighbors. We celebrate our heritage but also celebrate our commonality as one people that America has given the opportunity, not only to the Irish people, but to all people who embrace the principles of liberty and justice for all."

Many of the conventioneers went into town for Thursday night's Lark in the Park, a free concert in Pearl River's Central Avenue Field. Check back with Patch early next week for a full gallery of pictures from the Lark in the Park and the rest of the convention.