ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

2012-01-29T18:11:00.001-05:00

MYLES SCULLY ANNUAL GOLF OUTING

http://www.aohblogger-mylesscullynews.blogspot.com/

Ø Monday, April 30, 2012 at Ardsley Country Club

Ø Shotgun Start at 12:00 PM - Shamble Format

Ø $200.00 Per Person includes:

o Golf, Cart, Lunch, Plus Beverages Snacks, Burgers, Hot Dogs, Sandwiches & Salads on The Course & Cocktail hour & Dinner after golf, Prizes, Raffles And ….a lot of Laughs

o Availability of Locker Room Facilities

Ø Contests on the Par 3's

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

o Harp League Supporter $1,500 (Includes a foursome for all activities)

o Dinner Sponsorship is $1,000 (Includes a twosome for all activities)

o Cocktail Hour Sponsorship $500 (Includes one person attendance for all activities)

o Lunch Sponsorship is $250 (Includes one person attendance for Dinner)

o Hole Sponsorship is $150 per hole

SAMPLE OF CAUSES SUPPORTED BY AOH DIVISION ONE GOLF OUTING & YOUR SPONSORSHIP : Aisling Irish Community Center, Our Lady of Good Counsel H.S., Mill Hill Missionaries, Maryknoll Fathers, St Joseph Seminary, Sgt. Roy McLaughlin Benefit Fund, Expectant Mother Care – Frontline Pregnancy Centers, and Archdiocesan Elementary School Children in Yonkers, Sacred Heart H.S.

EVENT CONTACTS

Tom Allison 914-548-5389 Pat McLaughlin 914-376-1841

Mike Morley 914-423-6797 Ronan O'Brien 914-715-1673

Jack McDonald 914-830-8345 Mike McHugh 914-423-1331

Registration for April 30, 2012 AOH Golf Outing at Ardsley Country Club

Note your sponsor level by checking below:

____ Harp League Supporter $1,500 (Includes a Foursome for all activities)

____ Dinner Sponsorship is $1,000 (Includes a Twosome for all activities)

____ Cocktail Hour Sponsorship $500 (Includes one person attendance for all activities)

____ Lunch Sponsorship is $250 (Includes one person attendance for dinner)

____ Hole Sponsorship is $150 per hole

_____Dinner and Cocktails without golf is $100 per person

_____GOLFING ONLY AT $200 PER PERSON

· Name:___________________________________________________________

· Address__________________________________________________________

· City,State,Zip______________________________________________________

· Email address ____________________________________________________

· Telephone Day_____________________ Evening or Cell___________________

· NAME OF SPONSORSHIP LISTING: ______________________________________

Ø If you are golfing, please fill in names of your foursome .

Golfer Name _____________________________________Email___________________

Ø Check in 10:30 AM – Lunch – Shotgun Start at 12:00 Noon

Ø Proper Attire Please – No Jeans or Cutoffs – Cell phone usage frowned upon.

Please complete this form and return with your check On or Before April 16^th

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: AOH DIVISION 1

Mail completed form and payment to: Moretrench

51 Smart Ave.

Attn. Mike McHugh Yonkers, NY 10704

Foursomes are limited – so please mail your check early to reserve your spot

2012-01-24T22:15:00.001-05:00

MYLES SCULLY IS HONORED TO HAVE WORLD FAMOUS AUTHOR

FATHER MARTIN AS OUR GUEST SPEAKER

ANNUAL COMMUNION BREAKFAST

Rev. James Martin, SJ, is a Jesuit priest, culture editor of America magazine, and author of numerous books, including My Life with the Saints, which Publishers Weekly named one of the best books of 2006. Father Martin is a frequent commentator in the national and international media, having appeared in such diverse outlets as The Colbert Report, Fresh Air, The O'Reilly Factor, NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe, and on the History Channel, BBC, and Vatican Radio. Before entering the Jesuits in 1988 he graduated from the Wharton School of Business.

2012-01-19T21:15:00.001-05:00

UPCOMING EVENTS

SATURDAY           FE3 11               SPONSORED PUB TOUR

SATURDAY          FEB 25               CHANGING OF SASH &; DINNER DANCE

SUNDAY               FEB 26               ANNUAL COMMUNION BREAKFAST

SUNDAY              MAR 4               YONKERS ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE

SATURDAY         MAR 10              MT KISCO, STAMFORD PARADES

SUNDAY             MAR 11               EASTCHESTER & TARRYTOWN PARADES

SATURDAY        MAR 17-             NYC ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE

2011-10-30T20:50:00.002-04:00

Myles Scully Division Honored at Aisling Irish Center Awards Dinner

The Aisling Irish Community Center held its Eighth Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, October 1^st, at the Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, New York, and the Myles Scully Division of Yonkers was one of the Honorees for the evening. The other honorees for the evening were Sean Ruane, a pillar of the Yonkers Irish community, and Erin Loughran, this year's New York Rose of Tralee.

Many members of Division One were in attendance, including Bob Eggen, Tom Allison, Pat McLaughlin, Al Fitz, Bill Regan, Brendan Murphy, Peter Van Slyck, Bob Haines, Jack McDonald, and John Branley. The award was to honor the members of Division One for its growing charities program and their community outreach accomplishments.

Division President, Kevin Ellis accepted the award for the Division. In his remarks to all of those in attendance, he lauded the Aisling Center for the tremendous work they do. "It is a wonderful honor for us to be recognized by an organization that does so much for the Irish community here in Yonkers." said Ellis, "We are proud supporters of The Aisling Center and all that they do."

Division One was able to present a check of $2,500 to support the wonderful work of the Aisling Center. The check was presented by the Division's Charities and Missions Chairman, Jack McDonald.

To learn more about The Aisling Irish Community Center and to find out how you can support them, please visit their website at www.aislingcenter.org.

2011-09-24T16:05:00.000-04:00

The NY State Board of the AncientOrder of Hibernians

The BrehonLaw Societyof New York

invite you to the AOH Annual

Northern Ireland Christmas Appeal

Harbour Lights, NYC Thursday, October 13, 2011 6–9pm

Northern Ireland Christmas Appeal

Harbour Lights Restaurant Pier 17, 3rd Floor, South Street Seaport, New York, NY 10038 • Tel 212-2800

The NY State Board of the AncientOrder of Hibernians

& The BrehonLaw Societyof New York

invite you to the AOH Annual

Harbour Lights, NYC e Thursday, October 13, 2011 6–9pm

Join us for a lively evening of great food, the best Irish music, and to meet and hear from Irish and American leaders who are on the front lines of the struggle for a United Ireland with peace and justice for all.

Speakers will include:

• ClaraO'Reilly (Relatives For Justice) 2011 AOH Sean McBride Humanitarian Award Winner

• Matt Morrison (Thar Saile)

• Steve McCabe & General James Cullen (Brehon Law Society)

• Sean Pender (AOH National FFAI Chair & NJ State President)

Committee

Dan Dennehy, NYS AOH FFAI Chair

TimMyles, Past NYS AOH FFAI Chair

Vincent Tyer, NYS AOH District Director

Rob Dunne, President Brehon Law Society, NY

JP Delaney, Past President, Brehon Law Society, NY

Mike Carroll, Brehon Law Society, NY

Cody McCone, Past President, Brehon Law Society, NY

Reservations or Inquiries:

Dan Dennehy (914)588-2710 or

dandennehy@hotmail.com

Make checks payable to: AOH Christmas Appeal C/O Dan Dennehy,

NYS AOH Freedom for All Ireland Chairman, 22 Andre Lane, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567

New York State AOH

AOH Freedom for All Ireland

Harbour Lights

Our Mission:

Since 2001, the AOH's Christmas Appeal has raised and distributed over $570K of direct aid to make positive change in the lives of many people in Ireland. Last year the Christmas Appeal was able to make donations to 21 organizations throughout the North of Ireland & USA including:

• Bloody Sunday Families, Derry

• Cairdre, Strabane

• Holy Cross, Ardoyne, Belfast

• Justice for the Forgotten, Dublin & Monaghan

• Mary's Gift USA—for Irish speaking schools in the North

• Omagh Basketball Club & Omagh Choir

• Pat Finucane Center, Derry & Newry

• Relatives for Justice, $

2011-09-06T20:32:00.002-04:00

Naval Academy paying tribute to commodore

Commodore John Barry, a Revolutionary War hero and the United States Navy's first commissioned officer - and, according to some, the "Father of the U.S. Navy" - is about to have a monument erected in his honor at the Naval Academy.

Paul W. Gillespie — The CapitalJohn E. McInerney, left, and Jack O'Brien, of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, unveil a model of the 8-foot-tall granite and bronze Commodore John Barry memorial that will be built at the Naval Academy. Barry, an Irish immigrant, was a Revolutionary War hero and was the first officer commissioned in the United States Navy.

George Washington issued Barry's commission, Commission No. 1, on Washington's last birthday as president, Feb. 22, 1797. The commission, now displayed in the Naval Academy Museum, was backdated to June 4, 1794, when Congress approved Barry's appointment.

Barry was an Irish Catholic immigrant who lived in Philadelphia, and the $150,000 Naval Academy monument will be paid for by the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

"We feel very confident that the Irish community around the country will be able to raise the money - among Hibernians, Barry is a patron saint," said John E. McInerney, a member of the Hibernians.

The Naval Academy's Memorial Oversight Committee approved the Barry Memorial on March 15. The Hibernians will formally announce the fundraising drive on Saturday in New York City.

He commanded three ships during the American Revolution - Lexington, Raleigh and Alliance.
In April 1776, Lexington captured the British ship Edward, plus some privateers.
The British once offered Barry a fortune in British pounds, and command of any frigate in the British Navy, if he would defect. Barry refused.
Barry was seriously wounded in 1781, while commanding Alliance, but managed to capture HMS Atlanta and Trepassey.
In 1783, Barry commanded Alliance during the last naval battle of the Revolutionary War, off the coast of Cape Canaveral.
He was commissioned a captain in 1797, the highest rank that existed in the new United States Navy. Because he was the first commissioned officer in the Navy, he was generally referred to as "commodore," or commander, and he is recognized as the Navy's first flag officer.
After the Revolution, Barry fought in the new nation's first war, the Quasi-War with France, and four U.S. Navy ships have been named in his honor.

2011-08-19T21:04:00.004-04:00

Myles Scully Division

Selected as Honoree for

Aisling Irish Community Center

Dinner Dance

The Aisling Irish Community Center will hold its 8^th Annual Dinner Dance on Sunday, October 1^st at the Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester at 8:00 pm,

Myles Scully Division of Yonkers has been chosen as one of the honorees

Established in 1996, the Aisling Irish Community Center's main principle is to assist Irish immigrants in their transition to life in the United States. The center accomplishes this by offering legal, social, psychological, and educational services.
The Aisling Center is one of the largest Irish immigrant resource centers in the tri-state area. Aisling is also the main provider of services for the elderly in the Irish-American community in Yonkers and Woodlawn.

The other honorees for the evening will be Sean Ruane, who has a career in Sales and Consulting, he also works as a barman at Durty Nelly's Tavern in Yonkers, and Erin Loughran, The 2011 New York Rose of Tralee, Erin is also an Irish music teacher and performer.

The officers and members of Division One are proud to be chosen as an honoree this year, and we encourage all of our friends and supporters to support this wonderful center and its mission!

Dinner tickets are priced at $85.00 per person.
There will be a souvenir journal with rates of $100 white page, $250 gold page, and $500 platinum page.

Journal ads are due by September 16^th with check payable to: Aisling Irish

Community Center, 990 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, N.Y. 10704. For more information,

you can contact the center at (914) 237-5121 or find them on the web at www.aislingcenter.org.

Aisling Irish Community Center

990 McLeanAve, Yonkers,NY 10704 914-237-5121 or914-237-7121

8th ANNUAL DINNER DANCE

Reservation and Souvenir Journal Advertisement Contract

Saturday,October 1st, 2011 @ 8:00pm

LakeIsle Country Club,660 White Plains Road, Eastchester, NY

Musicby New YorkShowband

AislingIrish Community Center 2011 Honorees

A.O.H.,Myles Scully Division One, Yonkers

SEANRUANE – Sales & Consulting and Barman (Durty Nelly’s)

ERINLOUGHRAN – New YorkRose of Tralee 2011 and

Irish Music Teacher & Performer

JournalRates: (check one) DinnerDance Tickets: (check one)

vPlatinumPage $500 _____ Single Ticket $85 _____

vGold Page $250_____ Table of Ten $850 _____

vWhite Page $100_____ Other # _____ $ _____

vBack Cover,inside cover and Patron pages, please contact

914-237-5121 for details

AdvertisingCopy: Pleaseuse the space below for your business card or printed advertisement (no scriptplease).

KindlyReturn contract by FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16THwith check payable to: Aisling Irish Community Center, 990 McLean Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704

Please feelfree to contact the Aisling Center @ 914-237-5121with any queries

2011-08-18T21:39:00.001-04:00

Five Irish immigration reform leaders meet with the White House

Immigration is at the beginning of every American story.

Five Irish immigration reform leaders meet with the White House

Five representatives of Irish immigration reform advocacy groups were invited to two high level White House meetings on August 11 and 12. Obama Chief of Staff Bill Daley attended.

The first meeting included a wide representation of European and Mediterranean ethnic groups at which these groups presented their various priorities for immigration reform.

The group agreed to plan an initiative to work with the Obama administration to present these priorities at grass roots meetings around the country.

The Irish immigration advocates spoke in favor of long term legalization objectives and the creation of adequate future flow opportunities for Irish immigrants through a targeted E-3 visa for the Irish.

Representing the administration at the meeting were White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecelia Muñoz and Office of Public Engagement staffers Kyle Lierman and Stephanie Valencia.

______________________________

New law - now criminal to give illegal immigrant a ride in Alabama

Irish summer students facing crackdown over passport forgery

Irish emigration figures to Britain skyrocket - new statistics show a 25 per cent increase

Emigration, not fees, the real problem facing Irish graduates today
______________________________

Representing the Irish community were Ciaran Staunton of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, Ned McGinley and Dan Dennehy of the AOH, Stella O'Leary of Irish American Democrats, and former Congressman Bruce Morrison.

The following day, the same Irish group met with representatives of the White House Domestic Policy Council (Felicia Escobar) and of the Department of Homeland Security (Brandon Prelogar).

The agenda focused on Irish immigration issues. The administration committed to a continuing dialog to advance community objectives on creating legal future flows in which those already in the U.S. and those in Ireland could participate.

This included seeking support for the targeted Irish E-3 visa.

2011-08-17T22:43:00.004-04:00

Myles Scully Division #1 & Our Lady of Knock Div#19

AOH MEMBERS, FAMILY, FRIENDS, GUESTS INVITED

DATE: SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH

PLACE: REDMOND FIELD (COOK fIELD ON COOK AVE

TIME 12 NOON TIL ????????????????????????????

Here's how it works………..

We'll provide the Fire for the BBQ Pit, All Cooking Utensils, and a Variety of Assorted Condiments, Plates and Fine Dining Utensils. There will be activities for the Children.

What you need to bring,,,,,,,,

Chairs, Blankets, or whatever you want to sit on. There is a Pavilion with many picnic tables. Bring your food or Meats suitable for Grilling, any sides you prefer and of course, Beverages you, your family and guests wish to consume in vast quantities while enjoying a day in the Park. Need to bring a cooler with ice.

QUESTIONS?

                           Jim Walsh (917)807-7790             Mary Keaveney (914) 262-4990

Tom Allison (914)548-5389 Claire McHugh (914 )370-0608

Ronan O'Brien (914)715-1673 Molly Fitzpatrick (914)588-0331

polar bear

2011-07-21T22:11:00.002-04:00

Nearly 12 percent of Americans claim some Irish ancestry. Even President Obama has a little Irish in him. But we've got nothing on polar bears.
According to a study in the journal Current Biology, every polar bear alive today can trace its ancestry to one mama bear that lived in Ireland during the last Ice Age. And what's more, she wasn't even a polar bear: She was a brown bear.

An international team of scientists has discovered that the female ancestor of all living polar bears was a brown bear that lived in the vicinity of present-day Britain and Ireland just prior to the peak of the last ice age -- 20,000 to 50,000 years ago.

The research, which is led by Shapiro and Daniel Bradley of Trinity College Dublin, is expected to help guide future conservation efforts for polar bears, which are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The results of the study will be published on 7 July 2011 in the journal Current Biology. Polar and brown bears are vastly different species in terms of body size, skin and coat color, fur type, tooth structure, and many other physical features. Behaviorally, they are also quite distinct: Polar bears are expert swimmers that have adapted to a highly specialized, arctic lifestyle, while brown bears -- a species that includes Grizzlies and Kodiaks -- are climbers that prefer the mountain forests, wilderness regions, and river valleys of Europe, Asia, and North America. "Despite these differences, we know that the two species have interbred opportunistically and probably on many occasions during the last 100,000 years," Shapiro said. "Most importantly, previous research has indicated that the brown bear contributed genetic material to the polar bear's mitochondrial lineage -- the maternal part of the genome, or the DNA that is passed exclusively from mothers to offspring. But, until now, it was unclear just when modern polar bears acquired their mitochondrial genome in its present form."

2011-06-19T12:41:00.002-04:00

Myles Scully Division Holds Annual Charity Golf Outing in Yonkers

The Myles Scully Division held its Annual Charity Golf Outing this past week at Dunwoodie Golf Course in Yonkers. The event is the principle yearly fundraiser for the Yonkers Division and the proceeds provide the majority of funding for its Charities and Missions program.

Unfortunately the entire event was threatened by severe thunderstorm damage from the previous night. Fallen trees blocked the main road and entranceway to the golf course and the entire facility lost electrical power from a severely damaged pole which snapped in half and left dangerous power lines dangling in the street!

Thankfully, the men of the Westchester County Department of Parks and Recreation came to the rescue. They provided a temporary generator to restore power, and also cut a temporary road through the woods for golfers to gain access to the course! Three cheers for those workers who really performed above and beyond to ensure that our outing went off without a hitch!

The Annual Charity Golf Outing went on to be a tremendous success, with over 100 golfers and over 95 different event sponsors, we are sure to continue the proud work of our organization this year!

Division One Would Like to Thank Our

Major Event Sponsors

PRO SAFETY SERVICES

LABORERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF AMERICA LOCAL # 60

PEPSI-COLA

MORETRENCH

THE HARTNETT FAMILY

SOCIAL @ DUNWOODIE

We also wish to thank all of our hole sponsors, which include local bars and restaurants, businesses, as well as individual Division One members and their families. The event would not be a success without your vital support!

We also owe an extra special thanks and a "JOB WELL DONE" to our golf Committee Chairman Tom Allison for all of his extraordinary work over the past several months. Committee members Mike Morley, Jack McDonald, Bob Eggen, Brian Hartnett, Al Fitz, Ronan O'Brien and Pat McLaughlin are to be congratulated for working very hard to make the event went so smoothly and making sure every detail of the event was covered.

Division One again thanks all of our golfers, sponsors, supporters and friends for your loyal and outstanding support!

2011-06-19T12:32:00.000-04:00

Myles Scully Division Endorses

JOHN W. HYLAND

For New York State Treasurer

We, the officers and members of the Myles Scully Division One of Yonkers, New York, have unanimously and enthusiastically voted to endorse the candidacy of:

John W. Hyland for the office of New York State Treasurer

Brother Hyland has been a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for over 20 years, and his accomplishments and contributions to our order have been nothing short of spectacular. He has served in every elected office on both the Division and County Board level, as well as having twice served the New York State Board as Director for District 4. John has been recognized numerous times for his years of dedicated service to the 19 Divisions and 3 County Boards of District 4. He made a tremendous effort to attend every Division and County Board meeting each and every month. He was there for every dinner dance, festival, mass, communion breakfast, golf outing, and of course, he never missed the wake of a fellow brother who passed away.

His support for all things "Hibernian" has been completely unwavering, all the while never asking for credit or accolades.

John views his campaign not as an opportunity to pad his own resume, but as a true call to service for the organization that he loves and men that he is proud to call "Brothers".

We believe that John Hyland would make an outstanding New York State Officer. His record of service and dedication serves as an example for all Hibernians throughout New York State. His character and integrity are qualities that shine through for everyone to see. His passion is an inspiration and his tireless efforts have benefitted the Ancient Order of Hibernians well beyond any measure for one member.

Therefore, we, the Officers and Members of The Myles Scully Division One of Yonkers, proudly and enthusiastically proclaim our support for the candidacy of John W. Hyland for New York State Treasurer! We invite all New York State Convention delegates to join us in supporting this outstanding and selfless brother!

2011-06-19T12:28:00.000-04:00

Division One Announces This Years Winners of the "COMMODORE JOHN BARRY MEMORIAL MEDAL"

The officers and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Myles Scully Division One of Yonkers are pleased to announce this year's recipients of the COMMODORE JOHN BARRY MEMORIAL MEDAL. The award is made available to all Catholic Elementary Schools in the city of Yonkers each year. The award is given to a graduating student who excels in U.S. History and/or Social Studies. A total of 9 schools chose to participate in this year's award program. The winners are listed as follows;

St. Ann's School- Samantha McKillop

St. Paul the Apostle- Brandon Spear

Christ the King School- Matthew Gaschler

St. Anthony's School- Caitlin McHugh

St. Eugene's School- Thomas Espinal

St. John the Baptist School- Sean Crisp

Sacred Heart School- Virginia Hoblock

St. Peter's School- William McKissick

The Annunciation School- Joseph Ryan

The award is dedicated to the memory of Commodore John Barry, an Irish Catholic immigrant who is recognized as the father of the United States Navy. He was awarded Navy Commission #1 by President George Washington in 1798, making him the first flag officer of the U.S. Navy. Commodore John Barry's accomplishments embody the immigrant struggle for success and serves as an example for all young students today.

Congratulations to this year's winners!

2011-05-25T22:06:00.000-04:00

Hibernians Mark 175^th Anniversary with Gala Celebration and Mass in New York City

The Myles Scully Division was honored to take part in the Ancient Order of Hibernians National Celebration marking the 175^th Anniversary of our worthy organization this past Saturday in New York City.

The day began with Hibernians from across the United States gathering on Mulberry Street in New York City's Little Italy neighborhood for a grand parade through the area that was originally known as the "Five Points". The parade was led by A.O.H. National President Seamus Boyle, members of the National Board, and Division One N.Y. County, the first ever Division to be created in the United States in 1836.

The parade continued to the steps of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, where the assembled crowd attended a mass celebrated by the Basilica's Rector Monsignor Donald Sakano . He welcomed the large crowd of Hibernians and assured everyone in attendance that Old St. Patrick's "Will always be your home".

Members then joined everyone at the celebration and party held in the Basilica's school courtyard, where the tremendous amount of food and drink provided by the celebration committee assured that a wonderful time was had by all.

Members even took time out to sing "Happy Birthday" to Division Treasurer Mike Morley, with the help of a talented local musician. Happy 60^th Birthday Mike!

The officers and members of Division One would like to thank and congratulate N.Y. County President Tom Beirne for his tireless efforts in making sure the weekends events were such a success. Thanks also to the celebration committee for hours and hours of work to make sure the celebration went smoothly.

We hope to see everyone at the 200^th Anniversary Celebration in 2036. God Willing!!!

2011-05-10T06:36:00.001-04:00

Myles Scully Division Celebrates 175 Years of the A.O.H.

The officers and members of Division One marked the 175^th Anniversary of the founding of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America at its monthly meeting on May 4^th, 2011, exactly 175 years to the date of our founding on May 4^th 1836. The meeting was held at Double Days Bar and Restaurant in Dobbs Ferry with over 45 members in attendance.

Division President, Kevin Ellis welcomed several guests from the Yonkers, County and State Governments who presented proclamations congratulating the A.O.H on its historical milestone. After the meeting, members were treated to a wonderful celebration with an open bar and plenty of food and good times.

Division One would like to thank New York State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins; Westchester County Executive, Rob Astorino; Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, Ken Jenkins; and of course Yonkers Mayor, Philip Amicone for the wonder proclamations. The A.O.H is grateful for the support we receive from all levels of local government.

An extra special thanks to the Hartnett Family and all of the staff at Double Days, for the wonderful hospitality and work to make our event so enjoyable!

Happy Anniversary to all of our Hibernian Brothers in the United States and Ireland! We look forward to seeing all of you at the National A.O.H. parade and celebration on May 21^st on New York City!

2011-05-10T06:33:00.000-04:00

POLICE EMERALD SOCIETY OF WESTCHESTER

POST OFFICE BOX 177

HAWTHORNE, NEW YORK 10532

Web Address: www.pesw.org

Email: peswnewsletter@hotmail.com

Affiliated with the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies

and the N.Y. Grand Council of Emerald Societies

SUPER

RAFFLE

THE POLICE EMERALD SOCIETY

OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY WILL

BE HAVING A SOCIETY SOCIAL AT

FOGARTY'S IN BRONXVILLE ON

THURSDAY, JUNE 23. AT 5:00 P.M.

THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD IN

CONJUNCTION WITH OUR SUPER

RAFFLE, $100. EACH ONLY 300

SOLD. $10,000 TO WINNER AND

$2,500 - $1,500 - $500. PLEASE

SUPPORT THE SOCIETY! FOR

TICKETS CALL, John Marello 914

755-1464, Mike Denning 914 261-

3439 or John Vize 914 438-6104

2011-05-02T06:57:00.001-04:00

Myles Scully Division Receives Marching Unit Award from NYC Parade Committee

The Yonkers Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians was recently honored by the New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee at their awards brunch which was held on May 1^st, 2011 at Antun's Catering in Queens. The brunch was a "Thank You" to all of the parade volunteers and to present awards for Best Marching Unit and Band winners for the historic 250^th annual parade held this year in N.Y.C.

The Myles Scully Division won:

2^nd Place for "Best A.O.H. Marching Unit"!

"The A.O.H. Division from Yonkers is one of the finest divisions you will ever see." said John Dunleavy, Parade Chairman, "They looked absolutely magnificent marching up 5^th Avenue. A well deserved award and an outstanding job."

Division President Kevin Ellis accepted the trophy on behalf of the division members. "This is truly an exceptional honor for Division One. I am so proud of the effort and commitment of all of our officers and members!"

The parade trophy will be presented to the membership at our monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, May 4^th.

2011-04-26T19:01:00.000-04:00

Hibernians To Celebrate 175th Anniversary at Basilica of Old St. Patrick's Cathedral

At a February 23rd meeting at Old St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, chaired by General Chairman Past National President Ed Wallace with co-chair Tom Beirne, NY County President, Msgr. Sakano, National President Seamus Boyle and many 175th committee members, final plans were made for the parade, Mass and reception on May 21st, 2011 commemorating the 175th anniversary of the AOH.

This site and date in May 2011 were chosen to recognize the founding of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America at nearby St. James Church (now closed) 175 years ago on May 4, 1836 by a 'handful of Irishmen." A letter dated 5/4/1836 "From the Brethren in Ireland and Great Britain to the Brethren in New York." read:

"Brothers, greeting: Be it known to you and to all it may concern that we send to our few brothers in New York full instructions with our authority to establish branches of our society in America." The letter goes on to explain qualifications for membership, use of the motto Friendship, Unity and true Christian Charity, and what is expected of the new branches and its members.

It was at Old St. Patrick's that the call went out to the Hibernian brotherhood by Archbishop John "Dagger" Hughes to save the church from the Know Nothings in the mid 1800's when those bigots were burning catholic churches. The AOH surrounded and saved the Cathedral and later built the wall around it.

To note the founding of our Order, Hibernian members wearing sashes, and guests are asked to assemble on Mulberry Street near Precious Blood Church just north of Canal St. at at 9:00 am on May 21, 2011. The parade will step off at 9:30 am and go north on Mulberry St. to Prince St., right on Prince St., left on Mott St. to the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. This route retraces a similar route, depicted in the famous lithograph, of the 69th Regiment in April 1861 on their way to the Civil War parading to St. Patrick's Old Cathedral and past the then AOH headquarters at 41 Prince Street. The 175th parade will be led by AOH color guard, clergy, AOH National Bd, first two divisions organized in 1800's, LAOH Nat'l Bd, pipe bands and state, county and division officers and members with their flags and banners. Representatives of the Fighting 69th will also be part of the march to the Cathedral.

An anniversary Mass to be celebrated by the AOH National Chaplain Father Thomas O'Donnell of Pittsburgh and con-celebrated by the pastor Msgr. Sakano, AOH State, County and Division Chaplains bishops and priests will take place at 11:00 am in the Old Cathedral. The Mass will be sung by the Hibernian Festival Choir under the direction of Maura Allen.

This choir has sung at the White House and at many venues in Ireland, N. Ireland, Canada and the U.S. and have always added to the solemnity of the liturgy. AOH members will act as ushers and altar servers under guidance of a committee headed by Past National Director Martin Kelly of Brooklyn.

Following the Mass, a reception will be held in the Youth Center across from the Cathedral. Catered food and refreshments and entertainment will be offered starting at approximately 12:30 pm. A short program and introduction of visiting dignitaries will take place during the reception.

The reception will be chaired by Sir Patrick Allen, a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and a brother Hibernian. A fee of $20.00 per person will cover cost of reception and day's activities. All who plan to attend the May 21st celebration is urged to respond by April 30, 2011 with number attending and check made out to: AOH 175th Anniversary and send to: AOH 175th Anniversary % Mr. Patrick Allen 1713 Summit Avenue Union City, NJ 07087. Registration and receipt of wrist band of all pre-paid responders will take place at parade assemble area prior to start of parade and again for rest of attendees immediately following the Mass. All are urged to respond by the deadline.

For anyone coming to the 175th celebration at Old St. Patrick's and wishing to stay over the night before should make their own hotel arrangements at several of the hotels in the immediate area such as: Holiday Inn Soho 138 LaFayette Street at 212-966-8898 Use Code AOH for $179/night Fri/Sat (contact Brendan Moore 631-363-2388 or brendanaoh@yahoo.com and he will get more rooms added); Hotel East Houston 151 E. Houston St. at 212-777-0012 or The GEM Hotel –Soho 135 E. Houston St at 212-358-8844. Each of these are within a few minutes walk of the Cathedral. Other hotels can be found online.

To get idea of numbers attending on 5/21/11, everyone is asked to contact asap either 175th Chrmn. PNP Ed Wallace at 315-686-3917 or email ewallac2@twcny.rr.com or Nat'l Pres. Seamus Boyle at 215-820-1547 or email shay39@comcast.net

FIRST CASUALITY OF CIVIL WAR WAS IRISH

2011-04-21T21:39:00.000-04:00

The first casualty of the American Civil War which began 150 years ago this week was an Irishman, Private Daniel Hough from Tipperary, one of the Union Army defending Fort Sumter from confederate attack, an Irish immigrant who had enlisted in Battery D of the 1st United States Artillery Regiment.

Private Hough was serving as an artillerist, posted at Ft. Sumter, out in Charleston Harbor, when the Civil War began on the morning of April 12, 1861. The garrison put up a spirited defense, and the bombardment lasted until April 14, when the fort's commander, Major Robert Anderson, decided to surrender the fort.

On Friday, April 12, 1861, at 4:30 a.m., Confederate batteries opened fire, firing for 34 straight hours, on the fort. No attempt was made to return the fire for more than two hours. The fort's supply of ammunition was not suited for the task, also there were no fuses for their explosive shells, only solid balls could be used against the Rebel batteries.

At about 7:00 A.M., Captain Abner Doubleday , the fort's second in command, was given the honor of firing the first shot in defense of the fort. The shot was ineffective, in part because Major Anderson did not use the guns mounted on the highest tier, the barbette tier, where the gun detachments would be more exposed to Confederate fire. The firing continued all day, the Union fired slowly to conserve ammunition. At night the fire from the fort stopped, but the Confederates still lobbed an occasional shell in Sumter.

Confederate cannons had launched more than 3,000 rounds during the bombardment, said Rick Hatcher, a historian at Fort Sumter National Monument speaking to the Columbus Republic newspaper.

The cannonballs weighing up to 128 pounds destroyed the the outer walls and the Confederates then lobbed cannonballs heated in furnaces into the interior of the fort.

"They were coming down through the roofs of the barracks buildings and set those buildings on fire," Hatcher said.

The Union Army was offered an honorable surrender and to give a 100-gun salute to the fallen fort.

St Patricks Day Parade

2011-04-02T21:40:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The officers and members of Division 1 wish to share our thoughts and hopes on this solemn occasion:

"For 250 years we've marched, through adverse times and weather. We've marched in this sacred parade through years of occupation, persecution, and poverty.

We've marched through years of famine, war, discrimination and hate; years of working the killing jobs that no one else would take.

We triumphed over all with a courageous and joyful spirit that is uniquely Irish.

Through it all we survived and never waivered; we held the banner high; we never let the standard drop.

And as always, we marched.

Today we remember the millions of marchers who came before us, those magnificent Irish souls whose struggles have given us all we have today. We pray for them, we honor them; and we ask God to grant us the grace to always be as strong as they were.

On this momentous day let us rededicate ourselves to the struggle. May we always band together to help each other, and bravely fight to overcome the world's adversities. May we always hold the banner high and never drop the standard. And may we teach our children and our children's children to do the same.

Whatever the future brings, let us meet it with the hope, faith and happiness of our forebears.

And always…..LET US MARCH."

May God bless this parade, all who march in it, and all those who work to maintain it's spirit and message

2011-03-30T06:51:00.000-04:00

Westchester County Legislators Declare March Irish Heritage Month

WHITE PLAINS, NY – The month of March is recognized nationally as Irish History Month, and last Monday, the Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated the 250th anniversary of the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade, our country's oldest and proudest Irish tradition during its annual Irish History & Heritage Celebration. Board Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) was joined by county legislators along with local community stakeholders, clergy, business leaders and elected officials to celebrate the accomplishments of Irish-Americans in Westchester County. "Even before the birth of our Nation, the sons and daughters of Erin departed their homes in search of liberty and a more hopeful future," said Chairman Jenkins. "As these early pioneers left familiar lands, they carried with them the rich traditions of home. This March, we honor their journey and their lasting contributions to the history and culture of the United States. I am thrilled that the Board paused to acknowledge this historic milestone within the Irish-American community."

Chairman Jenkins, Minority Leader James Maisano (R-Pelham), Legislators William J. Ryan (D-White Plains), Sheila Marcotte (R-Eastchester) and John G. Testa (R-Peekskill) were join by county legislators, along with Brian Kelly, President of the Westchester County chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, local community stakeholders, clergy and business leaders to celebrate their annual program. Guests were delighted by performances of traditional Irish dance & folk music by the O'Rourke Irish Dancers of White Plains, the Fair-Haired Tinkers of Elmsford and the Westchester County Police Emerald Society Pipes and Drum Band.

The Legislature presented a proclamation on behalf of the residents of Westchester County marking this milestone to Hilary Beirne and Liam Murphy, members of the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. The New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which hosts 150,000- 250,000 marchers in front of approximately two million spectators. The Parade is also televised on New York's WNBC-TV to over half a million households and was web-streamed for the first time in 2008. "On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the British Army in New York marched on St. Patrick's Day to display pride in their Irish roots and to honor the patron saint of Ireland," said Legislator Ryan. "The parade allowed Irish immigrants the joy of freely expressing their Irish heritage by the wearing of the green, play bagpipes and speaking the language of the Emerald Isle, freedoms not permitted in Ireland at that time. Many Westchester residents and organizations have been honored in the New York City parade, marched and served vital roles. As a proud son of Erin, it is truly an honor to join with my colleagues to commemorate this anniversary."

This annual parade has been held for the past 250 years, in honor of the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Archdiocese of New York. The Parade is reviewed from the steps of Saint Patrick's Cathedral by His Eminence Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York in the same manner as the Archbishop of New York did in the early days of the Parade at the Old St. Patrick's Cathedral in Lower Manhattan, when the Parade was held in Lower Manhattan before the new St Patrick's was built on Fifth Avenue. "The Legislature was honored to have shared the evening with representatives from the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians from across the county," said Legislator Marcotte. "I congratulate Hilary and Liam for all of their hard work on behalf of the Parade Committee and wish for them a glorious Parade

Myles Scully Division 1 Annual Communion Breakfast

2011-03-22T18:59:00.000-04:00

The Myles Scully Division 1 Yonkers held their annual Communion Breakfast at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers on February 27^th. N.Y.S. President Charles "Chip" McLean, State Organizer Ed Rice, and Westchester County President Brian Kelly were among the over 150 friends and supporters who filled the seminary chapel and were treated to a full breakfast in the seminary's cafeteria.

The mass was celebrated by Bishop Gerald Walsh, the President of St. Joseph's Seminary, who once again honored the Hibernians with grateful remarks about the Order's support of the church and vocations during his homily. Bishop Walsh also brought out the famed McSweeney Chalice from its vault and used it in the celebration.

After mass, the attendees listened to the guest speaker for the afternoon, Father Dave Dywer, CSP who is the host of "The Busted Halo Radio Show" which can be heard every weeknight on the Catholic Channel on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. Father Dave spoke about the Paulist Fathers mission to reach out to younger generations of Catholics using mass media and networking technology.

Division 1 President Kevin Ellis recognized Tom Allison as the Hibernian of the year for his decades of community service to the City of Yonkers. He also presented a $500 donation to the Seminary in support of vocations.

2011-03-19T13:24:00.000-04:00

Myles Scully Division Marches in Historic 250^th N.Y.C. St. Patrick's Day Parade

History was made in New York City on Thursday, March 17^th 2011 as The Saint Patrick's Day Parade, the oldest and largest in the world, stepped off for the 250^th consecutive year.

It was a most memorable day as close to 300,000 marchers and 3 million spectators jammed 5^th Avenue and enjoyed a spring like day with temperatures soaring into the mid 70's.

The Myles Scully Division 1 of Yonkers was honored this year with a coveted spot in the front of the parade this year. This was done by the parade committee to express their gratitude for Division One's outstanding support for the parade and its organizing committee.

Division One was also pleased to welcome The Honorable Philip A. Amicone, Mayor of the City of Yonkers and Associate Member of Division One as he marched with us on this historic day.

Congratulations to all of the Officers and Members who made this historic and memorable march!

Myles Scully Marches in Stamford St Patricks Day Parade

2011-03-16T19:09:00.000-04:00

STAMFORD -- Irish eyes were smiling in downtown Stamford Saturday afternoon as the city celebrated its 16th annual St. Patrick's Day parade under clear, sunny skies.

Hundreds of people lined the parade route waving Irish flags, sporting kilts, pushing strollers, walking small dogs in green sweaters and, of course, sipping beer. The favorable weather was a relief for parade organizers and observers who remembered last year's parade, which was marked by fierce winds and heavy rain that eventually developed into a devastating nor'easter.

Myles Scully was on hand to march in this salute to the Irish

. In previous years, the procession started at the bottom of Summer Street and then looped up Bedford Street, he said. This year, the parade started at Summer Street by North Street and proceeded down Summer before turning east onto Main Street.

Some Irish songs for the Holiday

2011-03-16T06:43:00.000-04:00

Sit back and enjoy some pretty sounds
___________________________________

Click below for some great Irish songs

YouTube    - A Soldiers Song

Bing    Video: Wild Colonial Boy-Clancy Brothers & Robbie O'Connell

Bing    Video: Clancy Brothers-Isn't It Grand Boys

YouTube    - Chancy Brothers Black Velvet Band

YouTube    - The wearing of the green

YouTube    - MACNAMARA'S BAND BING CROSBY

YouTube    - The Irish Rovers - Finnegans Wake

YouTube - Dear Old    Donegal

YouTube    - If You're Irish (Come Into the Parlour) - Ruby Murray

YouTube -    Danny Boy Ireland

YouTube    - black thorn when New York was irish

YouTube    - Paul McCartney - Give Ireland back to the Irish

YouTube    - John Lennon- "Luck of the Irish"

YouTube - BING CROSBY - - -    GALWAY BAY

YouTube - (Christmas) Bing    Crosby- Christmas In Killarney (vinyl)

YouTube - Bing Crosby "When    Irish Eyes Are Smiling" 78

YouTube -    "Did Your Mother Come From Ireland"-BING CROSBY

YouTube    - Clancy Brothers-Jug of Punch

YouTube - The Clancy    Brothers - The Moonshiner

YouTube    - ?? TIM FINNEGANS WAKE with Lyrics ??

YouTube    - Clancy Brothers-Johnson's Motor Car

Nine Famous Irishmen

2011-03-16T06:42:00.000-04:00

I saw this some years ago on a placemat in a restaurant when I was a boy, and have loved it ever since.

Its a reminder of what the Irish people are all about - never say die

Nine Famous Irishmen

In Ireland, nine men were captured, tried, and convicted of treason against Her Majesty, the Queen during what has been referred to as the "Young Irish Disorders", in 1848 or thereabouts. The nine, who were sentenced to death, were Pat Donahue, Charles Duffy, Michael Ireland, Morris Lyene, Thomas McGee, Terrence McMannus, Thomas Meagher, John Mitchell and Richard O'Gorman.

The judge asked if there was anything any of them wished to say before being sentenced. Meagher, whose response summed up the attitude of them all, replied, "My Lord, this is our first offense, but not our last. If you will be easy with us this once, we promise on our word as gentlemen, to do better next time, sure we won't be fools to get caught."

The judge, outraged rather than amused at Meagher's remarks, indignantly decreed that the defendants should be hanged until dead, and drawn and quartered. Passionate protests, however, influenced Queen Victoria to commute the sentence to banishment for life and transportation to far, wild Australia.

In 1874, an astounded Queen Victoria received word that the Sir Charles Duffy who had been elected Prime Minister of Australia was the very same Charles Duffy who had been transported there some twenty-five years earlier. curious about the fate of the other eight young Irishmen convicted with Duffy, the Queen demanded that the records of those transported and banished from England during the incidents of 1848 be researched and revealed. This is what they found:

Thomas Meagher Governor of Montana

Terrence McMannus Brigadier General, U.S. Army

Patrick Donahue Brigadier General, U.S. Army

Morris Lyene Attorney General of Australia

Richard O'Gorman Governor of Newfoundland

Michael Ireland Attorney General of Australia

Thomas McGee Member of Parliament

Minister of Agriculture

President of Council, Dominion of Canada

John Mitchell Writer and prominent New York politician

His son became Mayor of New York City

2011-03-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

Myles Scully Division Honored at Police Emerald Society Awards Dinner

The A.O.H. Division 1 of Yonkers was recently honored by the Police Emerald Society of Westchester at their annual awards dinner which was held on February 25^th 2011.

The awards dinner was held at the Dunwoodie Golf Course Banquet Hall in Yonkers and had over 200 people in attendance. P.E.S.W President Peter Van Slyck presided over the ceremony in which 14 police officers were presented awards for meritorious service, excellent police work and lifesaving. Everyone in attendance was treated to a performance by the Police Emerald Society's Pipe and Drum Band.

"We were privileged and grateful to be honored by those we consider to be heroes." said Division 1 President Kevin Ellis. "We will continue to always support those who put their lives at risk everyday to keep us safe."

The Police Emerald Society of Westchester County was formed in 1968, and has members representing over 40 municipalities that exist in Westchester County, New York

2011-02-22T21:07:00.001-05:00

2^nd Annual Golf Sponsor Pub Tour

Members of the Myles Scully Division set out on our annual pub tour to thank all of our Charity Golf Outing sponsors. There was no shortage of volunteers for this event!

Now in it's 2^nd year, the tour has become an important reminder that the Division greatly appreciates the support of all of our sponsors. Without that support, we could not have such an important and successful charities program. The Myles Scully Division closed out the year 2010 with charitable donations exceeding $15,300 dollars! All of our charitable donations are made possible from the loyal and tremendous support of our golf sponsors, and this tour gives us a wonderful opportunity to meet them and express our sincere appreciation.

Thanks again to Brother Peter Van Slyck for securing our tour bus, as well as all the members who participated in this year's tour. It's dedication like this that sets Division 1 apart!

Why Paddy's Not At Work ............ (Brilliant) ..........

2011-02-16T06:43:00.000-05:00

Irishmans excuse for calling off from work.

CLICK HERE...........

h ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx7aoEBtPXA

2011-01-30T18:25:00.000-05:00

IRELAND'S STONEHENGE

Tara was the coronation place of the country's pre- Christian kings. A pillar stone, the Lia Fail, originally stood at the northern end of the Mound of Hostages and legend had it that when the true king of Ireland stood on this phallic symbol, it would roar

At the summit of the hill, to the north of the ridge, is an oval hill top enclosure, measuring 318 metres (1,043 ft) north-south by 264 metres (866 ft) east-west and enclosed by an internal ditch and external bank known as Ráith na Ríogh (the Fort of the Kings, also known as the Royal Enclosure). The most prominent earthworks within are the two linked enclosures, a bivallate ring fort and a bivallete ring barrow known as Teach Chormaic an the Forradh or Royal Seat. In the middle of the Forradh is a standing stone or Stone of Destiny, at which the High Kings were crowned. Acording to legend, the stone would scream if a series of challenges were met by the would-be king. At his touch the stone would let out a screech that could be heard all over Ireland.

The most familiar role played by the Hill of Tara as the seat of the kings of Ireland until the 6th century. This role extended until the 12th century, albeit without its earlier splendor. Regardless, the significance of the Hill of Tara predates Celtic times, although it has not been shown that Tara was continuously important from the Neolithic to the 12th century. The central part of the site could not have housed a large permanent retinue, suggesting that it was used as an occasional meeting place. There were no large defensive works. Certainly the earliest records attest that high kings were inaugurated there, and the "Seanchas Mor" legal text (written down after 600AD) specified that they had to drink ale and symbolically marry the goddess Maeve to acquire the high-kingship.

Long after the megalithic mound was constructed Tara became the seat of the High Kings of Celtic Ireland. The most famous of these was Cormac Mac Airt who reigned in the third century AD. One of the ring forts within the large hill fort known as the Royal Enclosure is known as Cormac's House. The other ring fort known as the King's Seat may actually be constructed around a prehistoric tomb.

Ireland's Stonehenge, a 4,500-year-old structure at the Hill of Tara in County Meath, has been re-created by archaeologists and computer-graphics experts. They have built a representation of a huge, wooden monument that appears to have been used for inauguration ceremonies and pagan burials of Ireland's high kings.

Underground remains of the structure were discovered by soil x-rays of the hill, which has been at the centre of an international dispute because of its proximity to the new M3 motorway.

Study of the remains of tree trunks have prompted scientists to conclude the hill was once surrounded by a "wooden version of Stonehenge" that would have been 250 metres in diameter, a "massive scale" similar in size to Croke Park.

Archaeologists believe elaborately decorated timber posts and crossbars rose out of the ditch and surrounded the tomb, which is believed to be Tara's oldest monument. It is estimated the mound was raised in about 3,000BC, making it a contemporary of Stonehenge, the ancient monument in the English county of Wiltshire, and the pyramids of Egypt.

At around this time, there is evidence Ireland's passage tombs were abandoned in favour of "new monuments and new gods" and people were never buried in them again. One theory is that a long spell of bad weather could have led people to change their beliefs.

According to studies of ancient trees preserved in Ireland's bogs, a growth pause caused by climatic change occurred at this time, suggesting that some catastrophic event might have left people in fear.

Another theory is that a volcano in the 6th century may have frightened pagan Celts Celts into believing in "new" gods because of the weather changes caused when the dust reflected light and heat away from the Earth

2011-01-21T06:56:00.002-05:00

Myles Scully Division 1

Annual Communion Breakfast

The Officers and Members of Division 1 are proud to announce that we will be holding our Annual Communion Breakfast On Sunday, February 27^th 2011 at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers.

The Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. and will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Bishop Gerald Walsh, the Rector and President of Saint Joseph's Seminary.

Breakfast will be served immediately following the mass

Our guest speaker will be

Father Dave Dywer,CSP, host ofThe Busted Halo Show
Weeknights on the Catholic Channel on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio.

We will honoring Thomas Allison as Yonkers Hibernian of the Year!

Hope to see you & your family for this wonderful event!

Adults are $20.00, children under 10 will be $10.00.

Please mail your check with a list of guests to:

Daniel Mulvey, 398 Upland Avenue, Yonkers N.Y. 10703

Please make your checks out to AOH Division 1.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Kevin Ellis (914) 844-4123

Brendan Murphy (914) 237-9483

Robert Eggen (914) 562-1541

Commemorative Book Launch- 250th St. Patricks day Parade

2011-01-06T22:08:00.001-05:00

An American Landmark will be reached in 2011, when New York City celebrates the 250^th anniversary of its St. Patrick's Day Parade.

As part of the celebration, the Parade Committee has launched a commemorative book documenting 250 years of Irish Heritage, Culture and Faith in New York. The official book launch and signing ceremony was held at the Irish Consulate in Manhattan on Tuesday, January 4, 2011.

The story of 250 years of Irish Heritage is uniquely presented in Celebrating 250 Years of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade, written by noted historian John T. Ridge. The book is edited by Lynn Mosher Bushnell, and it is published by the Quinnipiac University Press. This beautiful book pays heartfelt tribute to the Irish in America, descendants of the 7 million who emigrated from Ireland over 3 centuries. The annual parade reflects their strength, spirit, character, and the countless contributions to the unique character of New York City.

Through moving text written by John T. Ridge, one of New York City's leading historians, Celebrating 250 Years of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade explores the past, present, and future of Irish-American heritage in a vivid portrait of the nation's longest running parade that symbolizes the proud and passionate people and the events that shaped it.

Drawing from New York's most precious archives, editor Lynn Mosher Bushnell has assembled a visual history of the parade that unfolds page by page with hundreds of rare and extraordinary photographs.

Mr. John Dunleavy, Chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, said "Recognizing the 250^th Anniversary of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is a momentous occasion worthy of great joy and celebration. By publishing this signature book, we strive to preserve the history of the parade for future generations to enjoy."

Celebrating 250 of the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is a full color hardcover edition, with 144 lavishly illustrated pages that documents the history of the oldest and largest parade of its kind. Published by Quinnipiac University Press, the book retails at $49.95 and is available through its website, www.250yearsparadebook.com.

The Myles Scully Division 1 of Yonkers is a proud sponsor of this publication, and we encourage all of our friends and supporters to consider owning a copy of this one of a kind book.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with either the author or editor, please contact Turlough McConnell Communications at (917) 873-6623

Yonkers Respect Life Week- Sunday, January 9

2011-01-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

Yonkers Mayor Philip Amicone & Archbishop Timothy Dolan

4th Annual Proclamation

Yonkers Respect Life Week

Place: Polish Community Center

92 Waverly Street on Sunday

Date: Sunday Jan 9 at 2pm

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino will again be a guest speaker along with Rev. Thomas Berg, the Rev. James N. Hassle of Kingdom Baptist Church, Rebecca Hodges of Life Options Center, Dr. Nancy Copolla of Healthy Respect and others. Anthony Felicissimo of the Advocates of Life will be the emcee.

Over a dozen exhibits will be on display & entertainment will be provided by local choirs. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the event.

"Yonkers is the only municipality in the State of New York that commemorates Respect Life week. Sadly, this may be the last event of it's kind due to the fact that Mayor Amicone will be leaving office at the end of 2011 due to term limits.

Members of Division 1 are encouraged to attend

For more information, contact Richard Brand (914) 376-4545.

FW: Invitation To The Book Launch "250 Years of New York City St Patrick's Parade"

2010-12-22T06:41:00.001-05:00

New York City
St Patrick's Day Parade Committee

Cordially Invites You
To Attend
The Book Launch
Of
"250 Years of New York City
St Patrick's Day Parade"
A pictorial and historical review of the Irish community celebrating
St . Patrick's Day on the streets of New York City since 1762.
A limited number of books will be available for sale at the reception
(checks only, please). Books also may be ordered online after
December 20 at 250yearsparadebook.com.

At the launch to autograph the book will be:
the author John Ridge, the editor Lynn Bushnell
The Grand Marshal Mary Higgins Clark.



DATE OF LAUNCH: Tuesday January 4th 2011
TIME: 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Irish Consulate, 345 Park Ave, New York, NY

R.S.V.P.
No later than January 1st, 2011
by calling 914-833-8363
or e-mail
HBeirne@NYCStPatricksParade.Org

_____________________________________________________________
Upcoming Parade Events
Monday January 10th 2011
Installation of Grand Marshal & Aides

Sunday February 20th 2011

Grand Marshal & Aides Reception

Auntun's Queens
To Reserve Online

Tuesday March 15th 2011

Gala Banquet

Pier Sixty
To Reserve Online

Thursday March 17th 2011
250th NYC St Patrick's Day Parade
Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NYC
_____________________________________________________________

SECRET SOCIETIES IN IRELAND

2010-12-09T18:45:00.001-05:00

Secret Societies in Ireland were a result of the dreadful hardships and persecutions to which the people were subjected to. The first impulse towards forming such associations was due to the publication of an edict against the Catholic religion by the Earl of Sussex (Thomas Radcliffe), who was made Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland in 1562. He prohibited all monks and priests from either eating or sleeping in Dublin, and ordered the head of each family to attend Protestant services every Sunday, under the penalty of a fine.

This persecution by the English also included confiscation of property of nobles. The prince Rory O'Moore with his companions took up the cause of religion and the protection of the priesthood.

The O'Moore's belonged to the Clan Rory of the Province of Ulster, and were descended from the celebrated hero, Conall Cearnach, who was the chieftain of the Red Branch Knights at the beginning of the This famous Rory O'Moore was victorious over the English forces in many battles during the reigns of Queens Mary and Elizabeth, and in consequence recovered the principality of Leix, which had been the property of his forefathers and which he governed until his death in 1578.

It is claimed that this Rory Oge O'Moore organized and founded Hibernianism in the year 1565, in the County of Kildare, in the Province of Leinster, and gave to his followers the name of "The Defenders". After the death of Rory, "

Whiteboys

The Whiteboys were a secret Irish agrarian organization which used violent tactics to defend tenant farmer land rights. Their name derives from the white smocks the members wore in their nightly raids, but the Whiteboys were as usually referred to at the time as Levellers by the authorities, and by themselves as "Queen Sive Oultagh's children", "fairies", or as followers of "Johanna Meskill" or "Sheila Meskill", all symbolic figures supposed to lead the movement. They sought to address rack-rents, tithe collection, excessive priests' dues, evictions and other oppressive acts. As a result they targeted landlords and tithe collectors.

Mollies in Ireland

The Molly Maguires originated in Ireland, where secret societies with names such as Whiteboys and Peep O'Day Boys were common beginning in the 18th century and through most of the 19th century. In Making Sense of the Molly Maguires, historian Kevin Kenny traces "some institutional continuity" from the Molly Maguires, back to the Ribbonmen, and previously, to the Defenders.[4] Another organization — the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), with which the Molly Maguires have sometimes been associated — was founded in the United States, and is properly described as a fraternal organization. Although some believe that the Molly Maguires, Ribbonmen, and Ancient Order of Hibernians are different names for the same organization, Kenny has cast some doubt on such linkages, describing the practice of conflating these names as a strategy which "provided an important rationale for [the Molly Maguires'] eventual destruction". Kenny observes that most of the Ireland-based equivalents of the AOH were secret societies, and some were violent. Kenny describes a process of leaders from north-central and northwestern Ireland "[adapting] their AOH lodges to classic 'Ribbonite' purposes".[5]

Even though there was a specific organization called the Society of Ribbonmen, the term Ribbonism became a catchall expression for rural violence in Ireland. The Ancient Order of Hibernians was extended to Ireland by the Ribbonmen, according to the official history of the AOH. Kenny believes, "If the AOH was a transatlantic outgrowth of Ribbonism, it was clearly a peaceful fraternal society rather than a violent conspiratorial one." In some areas the terms Ribbonmen and Molly Maguires were used interchangeably. However, some have drawn distinctions between the Societies of Ribbonmen, who were regarded as "secular, cosmopolitan, and protonationalist", and the Molly Maguires who were "rural, local, and Gaelic".

Agrarian rebellion in Ireland can be traced to local concerns and grievances relating to land usage, particularly as traditional socioeconomic practices such as small-scale potato cultivation were supplanted by the fencing and pasturing of land. Agrarian resistance often took the form of fence destruction, night-time plowing of croplands that had been converted to pasture, and killing, mutilating, or driving off livestock. In areas where the land had long been dedicated to small-scale, growing-season leases of farmland, called conacre, opposition was conceived as "retributive justice" that was intended "to correct transgressions against traditional moral and social codes". The Mollies believed that they were carrying out "a just law of their own in opposition to the inequities of landlord law, the police and court system, and the transgressions of land-grabbers." The Mollies' reaction to "land-grabbers" of the 1840s — surreptitiously digging up the land to render it useful only for conacre — followed similar practices by Whiteboys in the 1760s, and by another group called the Terry Alts in the 1820s and early 1830s.[7]

One area of Molly Maguire activity was Donegal where they practiced rundale, in which land was divided for tenant usage by the tenants themselves, rather than according to the landowner's dictates. For example, the concept of "a cow's grass" acted as a measure of the land which was necessary to sustain one cow through summer grazing and winter fodder. The subdivision of land took into account the quality of grazing, and while some lots of land were frequently subdivided generationally among family members, other land was held in common. Although such practices had existed from "time immemorial", there were no written leases to protect the tenants. As .

BASILICA INAUGURATION OF SAINT PATRICK’S OLD CATHEDRAL

2010-11-21T08:45:00.000-05:00

BASILICA INAUGURATION OF SAINT PATRICK'S OLD CATHEDRAL

The Inauguration of the Basilica of Saint Patrick's Old Cathedral in lower Manhattan will take place at a vespers service on Sunday, December 5^th at 4 p.m.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan will preside, and the participating clergy will include the pastor of the Basilica, Msgr. Donald Sakano.

The former cathedral was officially designated a basilica this year on March 17^th, the feast day of it's patron, by Pope Benedict XVI. It is the first church in the Archdiocese of New York to be honored with the title. Archbishop Dolan had announced that he would seek the basilica designation for the cathedral when he celebrated its bicentennial Mass on June 7, 2009.

A basilica is a church to which certain privileges and responsibilities are attached. It holds special celebrations on feasts which underscore the role of the Holy See in the world today. It has the right to display the coat of arms of the Pope who made it a basilica, as well as its own coat of arms.

It also has the right to use and display two symbols rooted in the papal court. The Tintinnabulum, a bell that was used to alert people to the approach of the Holy Father during papal street processions, and the Ombrellino, an elaborate umbrella used to protect the pope from inclement weather.

St. Patrick's was built in 1809, and stands on the corner of Prince and Mott Streets in the Little Italy section of NYC. It was the seat of New York's Bishops until the current St. Patrick's Cathedral was dedicated in 1879.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians shares a rich history with the basilica. In April of 1844, Archbishop John Hughes called upon the men of the AOH to defend the cathedral against throngs of No-Nothing mobs whose intention was to burn the cathedral to the ground. It remains a very proud and defining moment in the history of the AOH to this very day.

Members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians have been invited to take part in the inaugural ceremonies on December 5^th. All officers and members are encouraged to attend. Dark conservative suits and tri-colored AOH sashes will be the order of the day. If you require any additional information, please contact Division President Kevin Ellis.

DIVISION 1 SUPPORTS SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL’S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

2010-11-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

DIVISION 1 SUPPORTS SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL'S SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Myles Scully Division has always been a tremendous supporter of Catholic Schools in the City of Yonkers, and that proud tradition continued as several members attended Sacred Heart High School's Scholarship Dinner this past weekend.

Our members joined with over 200 supporters to raise money for the School's Scholarship Program. The event was held at Beckwith Point in New Rochelle, where the Division presented a $1,000 pledge in support of Catholic Education. Sacred Heart is the only Catholic High School in the City of Yonkers.

Division President Tom Allison, along with Charities and Missions Chairman Jack McDonald, presented the check to Principal Agnes McNamara. The other members in attendance were Bob Shanley, Bob Haines and Larry Thomas.

The Division has donated over $20,000 to various Catholic Schools in Yonkers over the past several years. The money has been used for tuition assistance and scholarship grants. This is another outstanding job by our members in carrying on a very important and proud tradition Division 1.

Grand Marshal for Historic 250th Parade

2010-11-10T06:40:00.000-05:00

NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee Announces

Grand Marshal for Historic 250^th Parade

New York, NY-Monday, November 8^th 2010; The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee is pleased to announce the Grand Marshal for the Historic 250^th New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade will be the world renowned writer and novelist Mary Higgins Clark. She was born and raised in The Bronx and traces her Irish ancestry to Counties Roscommon, Sligo and Mayo. During her career she has written 29 novels, many short stories and movie scripts, and has co-authored 5 additional novels with her daughter. Ms. Clark is active in Catholic affairs and has received 21 honorary doctorates as well as numerous honors from many organizations across the world recognizing her life long endeavors.

Mary Higgins Clark will lead the marchers up 5^th Avenue on Thursday, March 17^th, 2011 for the 250^th consecutive St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City. The Parade is the world's oldest and largest civic parade and celebrates "Irish Faith, Heritage and Culture".

John Dunleavy, Chairman of the Parade, said "We are truly delighted Mary Higgins Clark has been unanimously selected as the 2011 Grand Marshal. She is an outstanding Irish-American who has devoted a huge amount of her energy and charisma to building enduring ties between Irish-America and the rest of the world. We know that her selection will be a widely popular one."

The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade was held for the first time in the year 1762, fourteen years before the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. The Parade is regarded as the most popular of all the parades in New York City, and honors St. Patrick- The Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of New York and Ireland. The New York Parade consists of over 250,000 marchers and attracts over 2,000,000 spectators each year.

For additional information regarding the 2011 Grand Marshal and parade events leading up to the parade, contact Hilary Beirne at the parade office or visit the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade's web site at NYCStPatricksParade.org

BRONX COUNTY BOARD ANNUAL DINNER DANCE

2010-11-03T06:51:00.000-04:00

October 1, 2010

Dear Brother / Sister Hibernians and Friends:

The Bronx County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians is pleased to announce the occasion of their Annual Dinner Dance to be held at Rory Dolan's Restaurant 890 McLean Avenue in Yonkers on Sunday November 21^st 2010. The time is from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

There will be a Buffet dinner with beer, wine, soda and a cash bar. Tommy Goodwin and Sharon will provide the entertainment for your dancing and listening pleasure. The donation is $60.00 per person. The Honoree this year will be John Walpole of Division No. 9.

Reservations may be made through the names listed below. We ask that you reserve on or before November 16^th 2010. Please make your check payable to AOH Bronx County Board.

We would like to thank you in advance for your continued support and commitment to the Bronx County Ancient Order of Hibernians. We look forward to your response and presence to our Annual Dinner Dance.

Yours in Our Motto of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity,

Martin G. Keller Michael K. Flynn President Dance Chairman

914-237-2993 (Home) 212-460-6315 (Office)

914-522-8535 (Cell)

SEAN TALLON MEMORIAL CUP

2010-10-14T21:36:00.000-04:00

A.O.H. DIVISION 1 YONKERS HOSTS

SEAN TALLON MEMORIAL CUP TOURNAMENT

FOR 2010

The Myles Scully Division 1 welcomed back teams from the Gaelic Athletic Association's Minor Board this past Sunday for the 2^nd Annual A.O.H. Sean Tallon Memorial Gaelic Football Tournament held at Paddy's Field in the Bronx.

The four "Under 8" teams who participated were St. Barnabas, St. Raymond's, N.Y. Celtic, and N.Y. Rangers. The competition was fierce as the four teams competed in a round robin format with St. Barnabas defeating N.Y. Rangers in the final match to win the Sean Tallon Memorial Cup for 2010!

Thanks to Bob Eggen and Brendan Murphy for helping out with running this great event, as well a very special "Thank You" to brother Joe Hallinan for organizing the entire event, which involved securing the field, coordinating with the GAA Minor Board, arranging the teams, coaches and referees, setting up the goal posts, and securing the food and snacks for all of the players involved. A tremendous job JOE!!!

The division treasures its relationship with the GAA Minor Board. Thanks to Minor Board President Dan McKenna for all of his cooperation, and we look forward to an even more successful tournament next year!

respect life sunday

2010-10-06T18:56:00.000-04:00

Archbishop Dolan, John Hylamd
Members of Yonkers, Bronx and Manhatta Divisions

MYLES SCULLY DIVISION RESPECTS LIFE AT ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL

Sunday, October 3^rd 2010 marked Respect Life Sunday within the Archdiocese of New York, and the members of the Myles Scully Division #1 took part in a very special mass held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.

The Respect Life Mass was co-sponsored by the Sisters Of Life and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and once again, the members of Division#1 showed their commitment to the Pro-Life cause, by having the highest turnout of any Division in New York State!

The A.O.H. was warmly greeted by the Most Reverend Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, who stressed that life is the most cherished of human rights. Thanks to all of our members who came out to support this mass. It's dedication like this that sets Division #1 apart

Jim Walsh Bob Eggen Brendan Murphy (front)
John Ellis, Ronan O'Brien, Tom Allison, Kevin Ellis

2010-10-06T18:39:00.000-04:00

ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

In America

Organized in New York City, May 4, 1836

A.O.H. DIVISION #18, PEEKSKILL, NY

Cordially invites You to join Us at our

Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Dance

Saturday November 20, 2010 A.D.

7:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight

Cocktail hour 7:00 PM to 8PM

The Cortlandt Colonial

5714 Albany Post Road

, (at the "Rock Cut")

Cortlandt Manor, NY

Featuring Fine Irish Music from

The Black Velvet Band

Honoring

Mr. Jack Murphy

Hibernian of the Year

Price: $60.00 per person

For Reservations, Please Contact

Mr. Bernard Keaney, Chairperson

914-962-5675

BLOODY SUNDAY TRIP

2010-10-06T18:38:00.000-04:00

BLOODY SUNDAY

JANUARY 31, 2011

MARCH & REMEMBRANCE

The National Freedom for all Ireland Committee (FFAI) has announced that they will be sponsoring a week long trip to Ireland for the Annual Bloody Sunday Remembrance March on Sunday, January 31^st 2011 in Derry.

The trip will run from Thursday, January 27^th thru Saturday, February 5^th2011. The trip will cost $850.00 will will include all ground transportation, 9 nights lodging (double occupancy), tours, 9 breakfasts, 5 dinners, and 4 lunches. The air transportation is the responsibility of the traveler.

The trip will be open to all AOH and LAOH members and their guests. A non-refundable deposit of $250.00 is due by November 15^th 2010.

A complete and detailed itinerary will be available at the next Division meeting for October

Cancer Benefit for Yonkers

2010-10-06T07:10:00.000-04:00

Kevin Ellis, Meredith McLaughlin, Jim Walsh, Liam McLaughlin, Bob Eggen,
Pat McLuaughlin,
John Donaghy,, Bill Regan, Tom Allison, Peter Van Slyck

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

The officers and members of the Myles Scully Division 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 $4,000.00 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 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 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 through a very difficult time in his life" said Division 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

Kevin Ellis, Meredith McLaughlin, Pat McLaughlin

ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN AND ITS TRADITIONS IN IRELAND

2010-09-30T06:48:00.000-04:00

October 31st is a day of ghosts, witches, goblins, and grotesque creatures. It is also a day of orange and black, of candles and jack-o-lanterns. Costume parties and strange customs occupy the minds of western civilization, and all of this seems to be intensifying every year. Children wearing every kind of costume imaginable, and some unimaginable, have been going for door to door for years at the end of October saying "trick or treat" and collecting bags full of treats..

Halloween has its origin in the British Isles about 1300 years ago. In those days, there were many men and women who practiced a so-called "nature religion" known as Wicca. (The word "Wicca" means "wise ones." The word "witch" is derived from "Wicca.") The witches worked their spells and magic as individuals or sometimes in groups of 13 known as Covens. Sometimes the witches and wizards worked as a triumvirate or power of three. The female Wiccan was known as a witch, and the male Wiccan was known as a wizard. The word "warlock" was not used by witches to identify themselves. It is actually a Scotch-Gaelic word that means "traitor." Satanists use the word "warlock."

The Wiccans were worshippers of the "Earth Mother", the sun, the moon, and stars. Witches do not believe in Satan. The Wiccans or witches meet every Friday night at a gathering called an "esbat." They draw a magic circle with a six-pointed star in it called a "hexagram", from which we get the word "hex." The coven of 13 stand "sky clad" or naked in the hexagram and work spells by chanting and doing rituals such as "drawing down the moon." The full moon is sacred to witches, especially if it is on a Friday. It is considered to be even greater if the Friday is the 13th day of the month.

In those early days in England, there was another kind of witchcraft known as Druidism. The Druids were called "men of the oaks" and were a strange clan of men who dressed in white robes. The Druids worshipped Cernnunos, the "horned hunter of the night." Halloween was sacred to the Druids because their sun-god receded to the underworld on October 31st, which is why darkness increased and light decreased according to their reckoning.
Primarily, the customs associated with Halloween have been derived from the beliefs of the druids, the Celtic priests of ancient Gaul and Britain. Many of the ancient peoples in Western Europe would celebrate the end of the harvest season with a holiday in late autumn. The most important of these holidays to later influence Halloween customs was the Samhain, which was celebrated by the Celts of Western and Central Europe in the first millennium BC. The Samhain, which occurred on October 31, also marked the beginning of a new year in the ancient Celtic calendar. According to Celtic pagan religion, the druids believed that witches, demons, and spirits roamed the earth on the eve of November 1, which is known as All Saints' Day - a holy day in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. The holiday honors Christian saints and was established by the Catholic Church in the 9th century. The ancient druids used to lite bon fires to ward off evil spirits. In order to protect themselves from the devilish tricks of the evil spirits, the druids would appease the spirits by offering them treats. The druids would also disguise themselves in costumes so the spirits would think that the druids belonged to their own company. This is where the custom of wearing costumes on Halloween, as well as trick-or-treating originated.

When the Romans conquered and later incorporated the Celtic lands into the Roman Empire in the first century AD, the Romans adopted many Celtic traditions, including their religious observances. In Britain, the Romans blended the local Samhain customs with their own pagan harvest festival honoring the goddess of fruit trees, leading some to believe that the game of bobbing for apples derives from the blending these two customs.

As the Roman Empire expanded, so did the customs associated with Samhain. In fact, the holiday was only abandoned in the Middle Ages, when people began converting to Christianity. In fact, Pope Gregory IV sought to replace the pagan-like Samhain with the religious custom of All Saints' Day, followed by All Souls' Day, on Nov.2. All Souls' Day celebrates purifying the spirit of the dead, which is more similar to Halloween. This holiday, which rapidly became popular in France, as well as many of the Samhain customs spread rapidly throughout Europe.

Originally, Halloween was commonly celebrated as a religious holiday meant to scare evil spirits away. People used to dress up as goblins, witches, and ghosts in order to celebrate All Saints' Day without a visit from the evil spirits.

In the United States, the first instance of a Halloween celebration was recorded in Anoka, Minnesota in 1921. New York began celebrating the holiday in 1923 and Los Angeles caught on in 1925.

Other customs associated with Halloween that can be traced back in time include the Jack-O-Lantern. Irish children used to carve out potatoes or turnips and light them for their Halloween gatherings. The commemorated Jack was an wicked Irish villain unwanted by either heaven or hell. Jack wondered the world endlessly looking for a place to rest. Once in America, the Irish began to use pumpkins to celebrate Halloween with a Jack-O-Lantern because pumpkins were easier to carve and could be found in abundance. The autumn leaves, cornstalks, apples and nuts which are associated with the Halloween season are reminders of the druid's autumn festival in honor of the harvest.

RISH HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS

The Celts celebrated Halloween as Samhain, 'All Hallowtide' - the 'Feast of the Dead', when the dead revisited the mortal world. The celebration marked the end of Summer and the start of the Winter months.

During the eighth century the Catholic Church designated the first day of November as 'All Saints Day ('All Hallows') - a day of commemoration for those Saints that did not have a specific day of remembrance. The night before was known as 'All Hallows Eve' which, over time, became known as Halloween.

Here are the most notable Irish Halloween Traditions:

Colcannon for Dinner: Boiled Potato, Curly Kale (a cabbage) and raw Onions are provided as the traditional Irish Halloween dinner. Clean coins are wrapped in baking paper and placed in the potato for children to find and keep.

The Barnbrack Cake: The traditional Halloween cake in Ireland is the barnbrack which is a fruit bread. Each member of the family gets a slice. Great interest is taken in the outcome as there is a piece of rag, a coin and a ring in each cake. If you get the rag then your financial future is doubtful. If you get the coin then you can look forward to a prosperous year. Getting the ring is a sure sign of impending romance or continued happiness.

The Ivy Leaf: Each member of the family places a perfect ivy leaf into a cup of water and it is then left undisturbed overnight. If, in the morning, a leaf is still perfect and has not developed any spots then the person who placed the leaf in the cup can be sure of 12 months health until the following Halloween. If not.....

The Pumpkin: Carving Pumpkins dates back to the eighteenth century and to an Irish blacksmith named Jack who colluded with the Devil and was denied entry to Heaven. He was condemned to wander the earth but asked the Devil for some light. He was given a burning coal ember which he placed inside a turnip that he had gouged out.

The tradition of Jack O'Lanterns was born - the bearer being the wandering blacksmith - a damned soul. Villagers in Ireland hoped that the lantern in their window would keep the wanderer away. When the Irish emigrated in millions to America there was not a great supply of turnips so pumpkins were used instead.

Halloween Costumes: On Halloween night children would dress up in scary costumes and go house to house. 'Help the Halloween Party' and 'Trick or Treat' were the cries to be heard at each door. This tradition of wearing costumes also dates back to Celtic times. On the special night when the living and the dead were at their closest the Celtic Druids would dress up in elaborate costumes to disguise themselves as spirits and devils in case they encountered other devils and spirits during the night. By disguising they hoped that they would be able to avoid being carried away at the end of the night. This explains why witches, goblins and ghosts remain the most popular choices for the costumes.

Snap Apple: After the visits to the neighbours the Halloween games begin, the most popular of which is Snap Apple. An apple is suspended from a string and children are blindfolded. The first child to get a decent bite of the apple gets to keep their prize. The same game can be played by placing apples in a basin of water and trying to get a grip on the apple without too much mess!

The Bonfire: The Halloween bonfire is a tradition to encourage dreams of who your future husband or wife is going to be. The idea was to drop a cutting of your hair into the burning embers and then dream of you future loved one. Halloween was one of the Celt 'fire' celebrations.

Blind Date: Blindfolded local girls would go out into the fields and pull up the first cabbage they could find. If their cabbage had a substantial amount of earth attached to the roots then there future loved one would have money. Eating the cabbage would reveal the nature of their future husband - bitter or sweet!

Another way of finding your future spouse is to peel an apple in one go. If done successfully the single apple peel could be dropped on the floor to reveal the initials of the future-intended.

Anti-Fairy Measures: Fairies and goblins try to collect as many souls as they can at Halloween but if they met a person who threw the dust from under their feet at the Fairy then they would be obliged to release any souls that they held captive.

Holy water was sometimes anointed on farm animals to keep them safe during the night. If the animals were showing signs of ill health on All Hallows Eve then they would be spat on to try to ward off any evil spirits.

10-13 BENEFIT

2010-09-18T18:53:00.000-04:00

10-13

OFFICER NEED ASSISTANCE

BENEFIT

* LIVE MUSIC * PIPE AND DRUM BAND * RAFFLES * CASH BAR* ENTERTAINMENT

SUNDAY OCTOBER 3, 2019

GUEST SPEAKER DAVID SIMON

THE SOCIAL AT DUNWOODIE GOLF COURSE

1 Wasylenko Lane Yonkers, NY 10701

12 NOON TO 8:00PM

$25 DONATION (includes food and soda)

Sergeant Roy McLaughlin is a member of Yonkers Police Department for 12 years, father of four who has been suddenly diagnosed with brain cancer. The proceeds of this benefit to defray some of Roy's ongoing medical expenses

IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING EVENTS

2010-09-09T18:20:00.000-04:00

BROTHERS -- BELOW ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST NIGHT'S MEETING AT CLARKS

1. -- PRESIDENT KEVIN ELLIS HAS ORDERED 10 MORE MYLES SCULLY SASHES.
   WE'VE HAD SOME GOOD ATTENDANCE AT MANY OF OUR RECENT EVENTS
   AND WE "NEED" THEM [we will have 20 total]

2. -- DUES WILL NEED TO BE RAISED IN 2011 BECAUSE WE HAVE ACCESSED $4 PER MAN MORE
   BY THE NATIONAL BOARD AND WE EXPECT TO BE RAISED BY THE STATE ALSO.
   [GUYS WHO HAVEN'T PAID IN A WHILE WILL BE DROPPED "SOON"!!]

3.-- PEEKSKILL IRISH FEST IS SUNDAY SEPT. 25TH -- SPONSORED IN PART BY THE PEEKSKILL "AOH"
   CHECK OUT THEIR EVENT WEBSITE AT: http://www.hudsonvalleyirishfest.com/

4.-- RESPECT LIFE MASS WILL BE SUNDAY OCT. 3RD AT 10:15AM AT ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL
THE AOH WILL BE RECOGNIZED AT THIS MASS[special seating up front]. DARK SUITS WILL BE
THE ATTIRE. CALL OR E-MAIL KEVIN ELLIS FOR "MEETING UP" DETAILS -- 914-844-4123

5. -- **********SPECIAL MEMORIAL MASS**************
   THE AMERICAN IRISH AND MARYNOLL WILL BE CELEBRATING A MEMORIAL MASS
   FOR FELLOW HIBERNIANS AND IRISH AMERICANS:

-- JIM MCGINTY -- JOHN CAREY --
-- ELEANOR MCDONALD AND MARY DENNING

   ON SATURDAY OCT. 30TH -- 11AM -- MARYNOLL -- 55 RYDER ST. -- OSSINING,N.Y.
   ****IMPORTANT******
   PLEASE CALL BOB STAUFF AT 914-476-2284 TO LET HIM KNOW YOUR COMING.

6.--   SUN. DEC.5TH -- HIBERNIANS FROM "ALL OVER" WILL GATHER AT ST. PATRICK'S IN LOWER MANHATTAN
WHEN THE HISTORIC CHURCH WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A BASCILICA.

7. -- SUN. FEB. 27TH -- 2011 AOH COMMUNION BREAKFAST AT DUNWOODIE SEMINARY
   RADIO TALK SHOW HOST FR. DAVE DWYER WILL BE OUR FEATURED SPEAKER

Hudson Valley Irish Fest

2010-08-18T06:32:00.000-04:00

2nd Hudson Valley Irish Fest

Saturday, September 25, 2010

11am – 7pm rain or shine

Peekskill Riverfront Green

Featuring

SHILELAGH LAW, CELTIC CROSS, MARY COURTNEY and Morning Star,

THE RUFFIANS,

PAT WHELAN (Direct from Ireland)

SEISIUN

performing "Firefighter's Creed"

Also showcasing the Hudson Valley's Finest

Traditional Irish Musicians, Massed Pipe Bands & Irish Step Dancers

HUDSON VALLEY RAMBLE

2010-08-11T06:55:00.001-04:00

HI EVERYONE!

I hope you are all enjoying the HOT summer.

I'm suggesting that you take a look at this website:

www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com

In this guide there is close to 200 day trips you can enjoy during

the COOLER weekends of September! I have done a lot of

them and most are a lot of fun and interesting [and most are inexpensive].

Enjoy! Thanks TA

Myles Scully's Charitable Works Recognized at A.O.H. National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio

2010-07-23T06:31:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release July, 15 2010

Myles Scully Division #1 Yonkers Recognized for Charitable Works at A.O.H. National Convention in Cincinnati

(Cincinnati, OH) The National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians has honored the Myles Scully Division #1 of Yonkers, New York for its outstanding service to the community at its Biennial National Convention held in Cincinnati, OH last week. The "National Community Service Award" was given out to only 29 divisions across the United States. To qualify for the award, divisions had to have donated at least $5,000.00 or 250 Man Hours to charities in their communities, the Yonkers division reported well over $14,000 and over 300 Man Hours for 2009 calendar year. "The A.O.H. is very active in the City of Yonkers, and we are honored to have all the hard work of our officers and members recognized by the National Board" said Division #1 President Kevin Ellis "We're going to try and improve on that record in 2010."

According to the Hibernians National Charities Chairman, Mr. Frank Kearney, the organization last year donated over $800,000 in donations and over 8,100 Man Hours to worthy charities in communities nationwide. "At a time when the economic climate is less than ideal, the charitable efforts of our membership have been amazing, and the results are something we can all take pride in."

The A.O.H. sponsors national charity programs as well, which include Project St. Patrick, the Ireland Food Relief Fund, the Hibernian Hunger Project, the Freedom for all Ireland Christmas Appeal, as well as the Irish Way and Study Program.

For more information please go to www.aoh.com/charities