Founders                  

                                      Hibernian History
                               Rockland County, New York

                            Book founded March 17th 2002
                                    By Martin Hickey
                               West Nyack, New York

                                            Our Motto
                       Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity

The founders of the Ancient Order of Hibernians
of Rockland County in 1962

Patrick Casey, Frank J. McDonald, Raymond W. Sheridan, John Schofield

Introduction

Bishop John Dubois first introduced the Catholic Church into Rockland County when he purchased 162 acres of land in Nyack; his intentions were to build a Seminary to train Priests. The construction of the first building was under the guidance of Father McGeary, but the good father was transferred before completion. The project was turned over to Father Marshall to see it through the final stages. This was an era when great hatred for the Catholic Church was visible throughout the county. A short time before the building was completed the entire structure was burned to the ground, the fire is believed to be of incendiary origin. The reason for the fire was never properly established, possibly either an accident or arson. Bishop Dubois declined to rebuild his seminary, as the climate was not favorable in Rockland.

The first Mass in Rockland was celebrated in a house near Broadway in Nyack. The first Catholic school in the county was opened in the same house under the auspices of Father Hugh McCloskey, later to become the first Cardinal in America. The first Mass celebrated in Haverstraw was in an old stone house situated on the north side of the Presbyterian Church, a house that was occupied by Patrick Riley. Father Volamus officiated at the Mass. The parish of Haverstraw was first under the charge of Father Hacket, who officiated at Verplanck’s point. The first settled Pastor was Father McKeone, who was given spiritual charge of all Catholics in the county.

The Protestant groups were well organized in each community and made known their feeling of dislike for the Catholic Church. The Irish American community felt a great need to organize into groups to protect themselves and their religion. The Hibernian movement was introduced into our county in the little town of Haverstraw. The first officers were elected on April 5th, 1882. The elected officers were William P Bannigan, President, Thomas Finnegan, Vice President, Edward Ryan, Recording Secretary, Thomas Sweeney, Financial Secretary, James McLaughlin, Treasurer, and Nicholas Murphy, County Delegate. Rockland County is rich in Hibernian history.

To understand what Hibernianism means I believe it was best described by James J Comerford in the June 1960 National Hibernian Digest. The Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded in Ireland in the year 1520. It was extended into America on May 4th, 1836, when a unit of it was established in New York City. The idea of organizations was known in Ireland more than 1000 B.C. In those far away day’s men in Ireland grouped themselves together in special types of organizations called “Orders”. Volumes of Irish history have been written about them. A few of the “Orders” were: “Knights of the Golden Chain”, “The Bardic Order”, and “The Knights of the Red Branch”. They were powerful units for centuries before the dawn of Christianity.

In Saint Patrick’s time these Ancient Orders embraced Christianity and built schools and monasteries. A student of ancient Irish history can easily understand why in 1520 the Ancient Order of Hibernians was patterned in structural formation along the lines of the Ancient Orders. It was organized to protect the Mass, the Priest and the Church and resisted King Henry VIII of England from 1536 to 1547 in his efforts to become the head of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The Ancient Order of Hibernians fought the ravaging armies of Queen Elizabeth I of England, which specialized in hunting Priests, and defied her plans from 1560 to 1603 to exterminate the Irish Catholic by use of the dungeon, fire and sword.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians fought Oliver Cromwell from 1649 to 1658 – the period in which Cromwell by law decreed “Priests were to be found guilty of high treason and those who sheltered them guilty of felony.
On May 4th, 1836, a charter to organize The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was sent from Ireland to New York City. Irish Catholics in America felt the need to have The Ancient Order of Hibernians established to protect the Mass, the Priest and the Church.

On August 11th, 1834, the Ursuline Convent in Boston was burned by a mob, which called itself the “Native Americans”. Other signs indicated that anti Catholic feelings were being methodically developed here and there in several States. An organization called the American Protective Association” – known as the A.P.A. – grew out of this. Its object was to oppose the spread of Catholicity in America. Any of the A.P.A.’s who happened to be arrested for repeated crimes of violence against Catholics, on being questioned said. “I know nothing”. By 1852, a political party called the “Know Nothings” had developed and was active.
Knowledge of these historical facts helps one to understand how and why The Ancient Order of Hibernians was established in America. The first unit, later called a Division, was organized at Saint James Church on Chambers street and the new Bowery, Manhattan, New York City. A bronze tablet, today, marks the spot. The unit then organized and later called Division 1, New York County, never lost its continuity.

By 1840, The Ancient Order of Hibernians had spread to Newark, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The first meeting of the “Native Americans” organizations was held in 1837 in Germantown, Pennsylvania. By 1844, this organization was actively and widely distributing, under the “Know Nothing” movement, anti Catholic Literature as well as preaching bigotry against Irish Catholics in particular. The infant organization of The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America prepared sensible and reasonable counter plans.

In May 1884, the “Know Nothings” organization physically attacked Catholics and burned Saint Michaels Church and Saint Augustine’s Church in Philadelphia. The two Rectories and the Convent nearby were also burned. Other Churches were threatened. The “Hibernian Greens’ a company of Irishmen in the local military forces, were among those who with civilian Hibernians, protected and defended the other Philadelphia Churches from attack.

In April 1844 the “Know Nothings” organization advanced and prepared to burn the old Saint Patrick’s Cathedral located at Prince Street and Mott Street in New York City. Archbishop John Hughes of New York called in the Hibernians to defend it. Armed with muskets, they quickly manned the walls while others swiftly erected barricades in the streets. The “Know Nothings” mob got scared, turned around and ran away. The New York County Board erected a large bronze tablet commemorating the stand taken by the Hibernians. It is still on the outside end of the old Saint Patrick’s Church.

During the ten or twelve year period in which the A.P.A.’s and the “Know Nothings” were active – roughly from 1844 to 1856 – in their attacks on Catholics, the Hibernians guarded all Churches in and around New York City.

Hibernians nurtured the seeds of Catholicism during these years in Newark, New Jersey, and in Jersey City. In Newark, some Catholic Churches were attacked by A.P.A. mobs but were repulsed by Hibernians. Records show that some persons here were killed and wounded. In Brooklyn, the “Know Nothings” attempted to burn Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s Church on Court street and Congress street. Hibernians routed this mob at Catherine street ferry and the church was saved.

In the war between the States, historically called the American Civil War, whole Divisions of The Ancient Order of Hibernians volunteered and entered the armies at a time when other young men who had latent ties with the old “Know Nothings” organization bought themselves “out of the draft” for $100 each. After the younger Ancient Order of Hibernians members went into the war, the aged members – much too old for war service – organized groups of women to help them raise funds for the spiritual and temporal welfare of the fighting men. Their action opened the way for Catholic Nuns to go on the battlefield as nurses for the sick and wounded. It was here that the “Order of Sisterhoods” distinguished themselves in the service of God and Country. Most of these Nuns had Hibernian names. There was no organized nurse corps in the civil war. The
steps taken by The Ancient Order of Hibernians made it possible to have Nuns serve as nurses and for the men on the battlefields to receive spiritual as well as physical comfort.

In 1924, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians erected a monument to the “Nuns of the Battlefield” in Washington, D.C. It is dedicated to the 600 Nuns of the twelve religious orders who volunteered to serve in the civil war. Official records prove that 306 of these Nuns were born in Ireland. Located opposite Saint Matthew Cathedral on land donated by an act of Congress, the erection of the monument was the idea of the late Mrs. Ellen Ryan Jolly of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. She was the National President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and in 1914 she went to the National Ancient Order of Hibernians convention in Norfolk, Virginia, and had the plan for the monument approved by the delegates.

The Catholic Action record of the Ancient Order of Hibernians extends into areas and times well known to the present day members. Building churches, schools, convents, raising funds for charity and for the foreign missions programs; encouraging vocations for the priesthood and giving examples of the daily use by the everyday Ancient Order of Hibernians of the Catholic Action.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America is the oldest organization of Catholic laymen in the United States. Ever since it was founded here in 1836 it has consistently carried out Catholic Action. Ever since Atheistic communism cast its sinister shadow over our country, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America has consistently and openly opposed this anti-God doctrine with all its works and schemes. It is evident from the foregoing that the Ancient Order of Hibernians from its inception was actively engaged in Catholic Action and certainly long before the phrase became so applicable in our present day affairs.

Ever watchful to protect the rights of other Americans to worship God in their own way, the Ancient Order of Hibernians whose members were once the persecuted has never become a persecutor of others whose religion is different from that of Hibernian members. The motto of the Ancient Order of Hibernians has been and remains – FRIENDSHIP, UNITY AND CHRISTIAN CHARITY. -------------Let no man dream of changing it.
The Hibernian movement was introduced into Rockland County to offset the anti Catholic forces that had gained a foothold in our communities. The Ancient Order of Hibernians have grown stronger each year, they have become a highly respected organization in our County and remain in the forefront in supporting Catholic ideals and goals.

   Thomas W. Gleason - 1981

Thomas W. Gleason is President of the 116,000 member International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO representing dockworkers in Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports, on the Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, major rivers and in Canada. Additionally, the Masters, Mates and Pilots International Marine Division of the ILA have 12,000 members and the United Marine Division (Local 333, New York) has 5,000 members. He was elected a Vice-President and Executive Council member of the AFL-CIO in 1969 and has been re-elected at each biennial convention since.

Long recognized as one of the country’s most dynamic and forward-thinking labor leaders, Mr. Gleason celebrates his 64^th anniversary in the longshore industry in 1979. His leadership was given international recognition in early 1965 with his election to office in the International Transport Workers Federation (I.T.F.). Mr. Gleason has been hailed in the labor and industry circles for meeting the problems of automation on the docks by working out a mutually acceptable "Containerization Clause", and for concluding the first "Guaranteed Annual Wage" contract.

He was a member of former President Johnson’s Maritime Advisory Committee, and currently serves on the New York City Council on Port Development and Promotion, and the General Council of the International Transport Workers Federation. (The ITF represents more than 6 million transport workers in the 78 countries of the free world).

The oldest of thirteen children, Mr. Gleason was born on November 8^th, 1900, in a tenement neighborhood in Greenwich Village, New York City. His father and his grandfather, who emigrated from Tipperary, Ireland, were dockworkers. His mother immigrated from Tyrone, Ireland. Mr. Gleason, the father of three sons is a widower and lives in New York City.

John J. O’Connor – 1982

Mr. O’Connor is first Vice President of New York City District Council of Carpenters, along with many other positions he holds since migrating to the United States in the late forties. Joining Carpenters Local Union 608, he eventually became President in 1960 and shortly thereafter was elected to the position of Business Manager, which office he held until 1977. In June 1977 he was elected First Vice President of the New York City District Council of Carpenters while still maintaining President of Local 608.

Since 1974 he has been Chairman of the New York State Joint Labor Management Committee of Carpenters Apprenticeship and Retraining for the State of New York. He is a member of the Executive Board of the New York State Council of Carpenters and Labor Advisor to the New York City Concrete Industry Board. He also holds the position of Co-Chairman of the Joint Management Committee on all Benefit Funds in his District Council. John O’Connor was elected to represent his fellow members at all General Conventions in 1960 and at these conventions was appointed committeeman in different categories.

In 1971, the National Irish American Committee honored him as Chairman of their Labor Advisory Committee. In 1979 the United Irish Counties Association honored him as "Gael of the Year". John has served on numerous Labor Committees working for a wide variety of Irish and other ethnic American causes, and it is largely through his union activities that he has made his mark on the Irish American Community. He has labored quietly, effectively and diligently to help in many fund raising programs, which led to their success.

John was born in Salthill, Galway, Ireland, and is married to the former Mary Kenney from Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Fordham. They have four children, Thomas, Maureen, Eileen and John, and one grandchild, Thomas Michael, eight months old, who is, of course, the delight of both grandma and grandpa.

John also has six sisters and one brother who still reside in Ireland.

John has certainly earned this award, not by pretense but by his accomplishments, honesty, integrity, and leadership and by being a good friend to all.

A native of Kilglass, Strokestown in County Roscommon, and one of ten children, John Lawe came to the United States in 1949 and was employed by Fifth Avenue Coach Company as a car cleaner and later as a bus operator. Lawe became active in Transport Workers Union and quickly advanced through the union ranks in a number of elected posts. He was Chairman of Fifth Avenue Coach Company; then Division Secretary of MABSTOA Division 1; then Chairman two years later.

John became Vice President of Local 100 in 1968 and President in 1976. From the International Executive Board he was elected Executive Vice President of the International TWU. Lawe’s activities extend to the political field. Chairman of the Local’s Political Action Committee for three years, he had been active in Albany and Washington on behalf of TWU legislation and COPE movement. He was on the Ex. Board of Inwood-Marble Hill Democratic Club for many years.

In addition to his multiple union duties, Lawe is active in Irish affairs and has been honored by the Irish Northern Aid Society for helping hard – pressed women and children of Northern Ireland. He has also been cited by many other societies, including MABSOTOA and TA Holy Name and Emerald Societies and MAGSTOA Hispanic and Maccabees Societies. John is a member of JFK Division 9 of AOH and has been honored by them as well as Division V of AOH.

His commitment to the labor field extends to the State AFL-CIO Executive Board, Treasurer of Public Employee’s Coalition and Vice President of New York City Central Labor Council. In the area of health, he is on the Board of Directors of HIP and GHI. He is also a Trustee in the New York City Employee’s Retirement System and Chairman of TWU Health Benefit Trust. John is married to the former Mary Heaney, and is the father of three grown children.

Denis Mulcahy, a native of County Cork, Ireland, was born on March 29^th, 1944.

He immigrated to the United States in March of 1962, and joined the New York City Police Department seven years later, in 1969. Since then he has with the Tactical Patrol Unit, the Street Crime Unit, and the 28^th Precinct Detective Unit. He received the gold shield of a detective in 1973, and currently serves with the elite Bomb Squad. Mulcahy is a member of the Honor Legion, the Holy Name Society, and the NYPD Emerald Society.

He was instrumental in founding the Greenwood Lake Cultural Society in 1975, and served two years as its first president – 1976 and 1977. With his wife, Miriam, he was honored as "Celt of the Year" in 1980. Mulcahy was also honored as Grand Marshal of the Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1981. The Irish National Caucus, in 1980, recognized him for his constant concern for the welfare of the children of Northern Ireland. The Ancient Order of Hibernians Political Education Committee and the AOH Division IX of Montclair, New Jersey, both honored him for his work with "Project Children" in 1983. Mulcahy serves as chairman of "Project Children." Since 1975, this program has provided nearly two thousand of Northern Ireland’s children – both Catholic and Protestant – with six-week vacations in the United States. These holidays enable them to enjoy a brief respite from the violence and strife of their native land.

Mulcahy is married to the former Miriam O’Rourke, a native of County Leitrim, Ireland. They live in Greenwood Lake, New York with their four children, Denis, Maureen, Sean and Tara.

John T. Grant, Rockland’s first County Executive, was a Charter Member of Division I of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Haverstraw, formed in 1962. He was elected President of the Haverstraw Division in 1964. Born and raised in Rockland, John and his wife, the former Mary Zippilli, have raised their 6 children in their home in Thiells.

A Marine Corps veteran of the Korean conflict, John has long been active in Rockland’s civic and fraternal organizations. A Charter member of the Reverend Thomas F. McGare Division I of the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s, he served as President in 1964 and has remained as member for 23 years. John also retains membership in a number of other organizations including the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Elks and Marine Corp League. The County Executive has received numerous awards from Rockland organizations including those dedicated to the physically and mentally handicapped. A banker for over 30 years, John was an Executive with Chemical Bank prior to his election.

John began his career in public service in 1963 when he was elected a councilman in the Town of Haverstraw. After six years on the Town Council, he was elected to Rockland County’s first Legislature in 1969. During his sixteen years as a County Legislator, he served five terms as Chairman of the Legislature and five years as Chairman of the powerful Budget Review Committee. On November 5^th, 1985, John was elected Rockland County’s first County Executive by beating five other candidates in that election. The County Executive was inaugurated as Rockland’s highest official on January 1, 1986.

Bill Burke is the Senior Vice President of the Bank of Ireland, New York. He was born in County Sligo, Ireland and emigrated to the United States in1961. He was educated at St Nathy’s College, Roscommon, the American Institute of Banking, and the American Institute of Credit and Pace University, New York. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians since 1970 and is an active member of numerous American and Irish organizations in the United States including the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the United Irish Counties Association, the American Irish Association of Westchester, the Irish Institute, the United Irish Foundation, the Irish Cultural Center of New York and is Vice President of the County Sligo Association. He is listed in "Who’s Who in Banking" and "Who’s Who in Irish America"; he was listed in the Irish America Magazine as one of the top 100 influential Irish Americans.

Bill has been honored by numerous organizations including American Irish Association, Westchester, New York, Gaelic Athletic Association, New York, Gaelic Athletic Association Minor Board, Rockland Irish American Cultural Center, Donegal football Club, Kerrymen’s Association, American Business and Labor Community, Sligo Football Club, Tubbercurry Football Club, St. Joseph’s Football Club. Bill also was a guest of honor at the 150^th anniversary celebration of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in 1986.

Bill and his wife Kathleen have four children, Billy, Elizabeth, Michelle and Robert.

 Patrick Moroney – 1988

Patrick J. Moroney, the eldest of eight children, was born in the parish of Mullagh, County Clare, Ireland, in 1937 to Patrick and Mary Baker Moroney. He spent his younger years in Kilmihil, County Clare and then continued his education with the Franciscan Brothers in London, England. Pat immigrated to the United States in 1956 and settled in New York City. He played Soccer with the Yankee Scots and also Gaelic Football with the Leitrim Football Club, who in 1958 won the New York Championship. In 1959 Pat played with the New York Selected Team and in 1960 he joined the Clare Football Club where he also served as President for three years. In 1959 Pat returned to County Clare as a visitor and was instrumental in winning the Cusack Cup Final. This was the first time that Kilmihil has had that distinction.

During the "Great Snow Blizzard" of 1961 Pat married the former Ronnie McFadden and in 1965 moved to Pearl River, New York. Ronnie and Pat are the proud parents of six children: Mrs. Eileen Joyce, Katherine, Patrick, Teresa, Michael and Thomas.

Pat worked in Con Edison until 1967. He first ventured into business in 1964 and has been in the Hospitality Industry ever since.

Over the past five years with the assistance of Ken Venturi, Pat has been instrumental in organizing the Venturi Golf Classic, for the mentally handicapped, and has helped raise approximately $250,000 for Camp Venture. In 1987 Pat helped to organize a Golf Tournament for Project Children, raising $10,000 to bring children from Northern Ireland to the New York area for the summer. Last September he was involved in the County Kerry Mentally Handicapped Fund in conjunction with the famous Mick O’Connell.

Pat has been a behind the scenes worker for our Rockland Parade and Feis for many years and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 3, Pearl River and numerous American and Irish organizations in the United States.

Tom Kilgallen – 1989

Tom was raised in Skreen, County Sligo, where he departed for a brief stay in Liverpool and then on to New York City. When he arrived in New York City he worked with AT&T Longlines and on the docks of New York in the grain elevators, or as they were better known as, “The Irish Man O’ Wars.”

In May 1953 he married Bridget Teahon of Lauragh, County Kerry. That July, Tom embarked on his lifelong career of Mixology and Counseling. Tom immigrated to New City in 1960 with Bridie and his three children, Helen, Tom Jr, and Paul. Since arriving in Rockland County, Tom has been involved with the A.O.H., Knights of Columbus, Sons of Norway and is a founding Charter Member of the Rockland Irish-American Cultural Center. He sat on the organizational committees of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Emerald Ball. Throughout his 25 years of business in the county, Tom has always been supportive of all Irish events, whether it is out in front or behind the scenes.

Ed Larkin – 1990

Edward V. Larkin was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1943 to Vincent and Anne Larkin.  He was educated in Brooklyn, attending St. Theresa of Avilla Grammar School and Boys’ High School.  He joined the U.S. Navy in 1961 and was Honorably discharged in 1966.  Among other medals, he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to Vietnam where he served as a Corpsman. 

Ed was appointed to the New York City Police Department in 1967.  During his career he served in the Mounted Unit and the elite City Wide Anti-Crime Unit.  He was a highly decorated police officer; having been awarded over 30 medals during his career.  He was also a member of the Pipes and drums of the Emerald Society.  He retired in 1981. 

Ed is married to the former Margaret Glancy of County Roscommon, Ireland.  They are the proud parents of two children, Brian and Joan Marie.  They moved to Garnerville in 1977. 

After his retirement from the police department, Ed attended Dominican College and received a B.S. degree in nursing.  He is currently employed at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in the Bronx.  He works with cancer patients and is a Nursing Specialist in Chemotherapy. 

John Cawley – 1991

John was born in 1938 in Enniscrone, County Sligo, Ireland.  He is the oldest of thirteen children born to Mary and James Cawley.  John was educated in Qigabar National School and St. Muredachs College in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland.  He immigrated to the United States in 1957 entering the business world as a teller with Chemical Corn Bank of New York.  During his two-year tenure with the bank he attended the American Institute of Banking at night.  He left the banking business in 1959 and went to work for the Safeway Supermarket at night while attending school during the day.  After graduating from RCA Institute of Technology in 1961, John went to work for Consolidated Edison as an electrical technician.  He was promoted to management in 1970.  Presently he is a supervising engineer at Con Edison.

John married Kathleen Morahan from County Roscommon in 1964.  They are the proud parents of three children, James, Marie and Patricia.  A short time after getting married, John and Kathleen moved from Brooklyn to Woodlawn in the Bronx.  In 1966 John joined the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  He was active in both organizations until he moved to Rockland County in 1971.  John transferred from Division V in the Bronx to Division V in Rockland County and has been active at both the Division and County levels ever since.

In 1973, John formed the Rockland County Hibernian Minor Football Club and was its first president, along with coaching and managing most of the teams during its early years.  He was also active and served in various offices in the greater New York Minor Board.  In 1966 John co-founded the Rockland Irish American Cultural Center and served as its first president.  He has been an active member on the Feis committee since its inception in Rockland County in 1974.  In 1986 John was elected President of the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians and proudly served in that position for four years.  The proudest moment in John’s life came in 1986 when he was elected Grand Marshal and led the Rockland County St. Patrick’s day parade down Central Avenue in Pearl River. John is presently serving as President of Division V, Secretary of the Celtic Golf Club and a member of the Board of Directors of the Rockland Irish American Cultural Center. 

Pat Dwyer was born in the Bronx to James and Helen Toner, whose parents hail from County Down. Pat, the oldest of five children, graduated St Barnabas High School in 1959 and the Mary Byers Secretarial School on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan in 1960. While the executive secretary for the treasurer of a large advertising firm on Park Avenue. Pat married William Dwyer in 1961. They are the proud parents of six children, Patricia, William, Terrence, Catherine, James and Michael.
In 1976, Pat helped organize the Ladies Auxiliary, Division I in North Rockland. The lure of the A.O.H. brought Pat to quickly become Rockland County’s first President of the Ladies A.O.H., in 1977. In 1980 she was the first lady to chair the Rockland County Feis, and has done so annually ever since. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Rockland Irish American Cultural Center. She was just recently appointed Secretary for the North American Feis Commission at their Convention in Hartford Connecticut. For the past two years, Pat served as the Awards Chairlady for the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She also served as President of her own Division and held many other offices in the A.O.H., presently acting as County Secretary. In 1990, Pat was elected first Lady Grand Marshal of the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She has been very active in her parish of St. Gregory Barbarigo in Garnerville and was the Altar and Rosary Society President from 1980 to 1983. Pat is a Committeewoman and Area Chairman in a Stony Point political party. Dwyer continued her education at Rockland Community College and is presently a Paralegal at the law offices of Gerald R. Kane, Esq., in Nyack, New York.

John Devlin – 1993

John Devlin was born and raised in the South Bronx. John married the former Catherine (Kay) Whelan in 1953 and they are the proud parents of Jean T. Bond and John T. They are blessed with three grandchildren, Doreen, Brian and Adrienne.

John moved to Pearl River in 1969 and became involved with the Ancient Order of Hibernians by joining Division V, South Orangetown. He served Division V as Recording Secretary and as Division President. John also served as Co-Chairman and Chairman of the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade for over ten years. He has served on the County Board as Recording Secretary and for the past four years as County Board President. He is a past recipient of Division V’s Man of the Year award. John served as Grand Marshal of the Rockland County Parade in 1978.

John is presently working as the confidential assistant to the Orange Town Supervisor

 Jim Normoyle – 1994

Jim Normoyle was born in the South Bronx (St Peter and Paul’s Parish). His mother May Heffernan hailed from Thurles, County Tipperary, and his father from Kilmihil, County Clare. Upon the death of his father at an early age he moved to Thurles where he received his primary and secondary education from the Christian Brothers of Ireland. It was in Thurles in the shadow of the Galtee Mountains, a sector of the country that ever since the first landing of the invaders has played a major role in the long and weary fight for Irish freedom, that Jim developed his sense of Irish history, its culture and his love of the Irish Langua
At the age of seventeen Jim returned to New York and at the outbreak of the Korean War enlisted in the United States Air Force. Upon discharge from the Air Force he met and married Nan Meehan from Drimboarty, County Donegal. They are the proud parents of five children, Seamus, Kevin, Brendan, Noreen and Peggy, grandparents of Michelle, Benjamin, Sarah and Conor. Jim continued his education and completed an undergraduate degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University and postgraduate at Fordham University. He is presently Northeastern Regional Sales Manager for Pulse Communications, a division of Hubbel Inc.
In 1962 Jim and Nan moved to Stony Point where he became a member of the newly reactivated Division I, AOH. He was a steadfast member since, and including President of Division I has served in a number of capacities on Division and County level. While County Chairman of Catholic Action he coordinated with the Orange County AOH in forming Our Lady of Knock regional committee. His interest in promoting our Irish Culture quickly got him involved in the Rockland County Feis where he has served as co-chairman and has been Treasurer since 1980. Jim has also been active in his parish at Immaculate Conception having served as reader and was a charter member of the Men’s Club in the parish.
Jim’s hope is “that by example and creating in the home an awareness of our Irish Culture we shall inculcate in future generations a pride and knowledge in their heritage.”

CCyril Hughes – 1995

Cyril “Cy” Hughes, a Nanuet resident, is the 1995 “Hibernian of the Year” as selected by the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians. One of three children, Cy was born to Peter and Lily Hughes in St. Mary’s, Clontibret, County Monaghan. Educated there in local schools, Cy immigrated to the United States in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army where he served with distinction in Korea from 1964 to 1966, attaining rank of Sergeant. Upon his discharge in 1966, he continued his education at Queens Community College and graduated with an associate’s degree in Civil Engineering. In 1967 he met and married Peggy O’Keefe from Cragg Abbeyfeale, County limerick. They are the proud parents of two children, Kelli and Joseph. In 1970, Cy joined the New York City Transit Authority (MABSTOA) division. Starting as a bus cleaner, he has worked his way up over the past 24 years and is presently Director of Bus Maintenance Training. He also continued with his military service and is presently a Technical Sergeant with the 105 Civil Engineering Company at Stewart Air Force Base, Newburgh, New York.

Cy and Peggy moved to Nanuet in 1969 whereupon he joined Division I Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians. At the present time he is President of Division I, Treasurer of the Rockland County Board A.O.H, and the moving force behind many fundraising efforts. Cy has always been active in Irish affairs, having also served as Treasurer and Vice President of the M.A.S.T.O.A, Emerald Society. His interests in promoting our Irish culture quickly got him involved in the Rockland County Feis. Cy’s hope is “…that by example and creating in the home an awareness of our Irish culture, we shall instill in future generations a pride and knowledge in their Irish heritage.”

Martin Daniel Fogarty – 1996

Martin Daniel Fogarty was born on December 24th 1937 to Martin (Ballymurphy, County Carlow) and Anne Higgins (Tourlestrane, County Sligo) Fogarty. The eldest of four children Martin grew up in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. He attended St Johns Grammar School, Manhattan Prep. And graduated from Manhattan College in 1960 with a degree in civil engineering and attended Fordham Law School.
Martin and his wife, Maureen are the proud parents of Mary, Annmarie, Martin, Marguerite, and Kerry. The Fogarty children are graduates of Albertus Magnus High School, in Bardonia. Mary and Marguerite attended Manhattan College, where Kerry is a senior, Martin, Jr. and Annmarie attended St Thomas Aquinas College.
A twenty-eight year resident of Blauvelt, Martin is a Knight of Columbus, a member of St. Catharine’s Parish, and served as director of St.Catharine’s Basketball Program during the 1980’s. He fondly recalls coaching the Rockland County CYO Champion Debs team 1986, as well as the South Orangetown Little League Softball Champions in 1984. Having five children has kept him involved in youth sports, including the Rockland Gaelic Athletic Association.

Professionally, Mr. Fogarty is the President of Fogarty-LaValle Associates, Manufacturers representatives for water treatment equipment. He is a registered Professional Engineer in New York State and past chairman of the Metropolitan Chapter of the New York Water Pollution Control Federation. A member of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and American Water Works Association, he is also past President of the Manhattan College “Plumbers” club.
Mr. Fogarty is past Recording Secretary of the Rockland County Board Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is past President of Division V, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Rockland Gaelic Athletic Association. A founding member of both the Rockland County Feis and Northern Aid, he was the first Treasurer of Northern Aid. He was Grand Marshal of the 1976 Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Aide to the Grand Marshal in New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17th, 1989. A member of the County Carlow Association, he was Captain of the 1963 Offaly Football Club Junior Team.
Martin, the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians thanks you for your years of support. Congratulations on being selected as our “Hibernian of the year”.

Denis Troy – 1997

Denis M. Troy was born in the Bronx to Peter and Catherine (Delaney) Troy of NYC in 1947. His Grandparents were from Tipperary, Mayo and Limerick. The oldest of three children, Denis grew up in the Fordham/Grand concourse section of the Bronx. He attended Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School, St Nicholas of Tolentine H.S. (where he met his lovely wife-Beatrice) and Manhattan College. Upon graduation from Manhattan Denis began teaching Mathematics at Stepinac High School and then St. Raymond’s High School for boys.

In 1971 Denis and Beatrice Rogers were married. They are the proud parents of a married daughter-Kathleen Maier, a district manager for The Great American Backrub; Michael, presently a junior at Boston College; Daniel – a senior at Pearl River High School, and Patrick (1st grader at Lincoln Avenue). In 1978 after obtaining an MBA from Iona College, Denis started working with AT&T in the computer systems area where he stayed for eighteen years. Presently he is working with IBM-Global Solutions as a systems development manager.

An eighteen-year resident of Pearl River, Denis has been active in St. Margaret’s Parish, particularly with CYO basketball. Also, he has been associated with Pearl River Little League in a variety of positions for the past 16 years. Presently Denis is serving as County Legislator from Orangetown.

Denis joined Division III in Pearl River as the Hunger Strikes were beginning in 1981. He has held various offices in the Division – Treasurer for five years, Vice President two years and just completed three years as President. He instituted scholarship’s for sons and daughters of Division members (over $10,000 the past 3 years), doubled the membership to over 400, helped bring the Great Hunger to Pearl River school district curriculum, started Division III sports teams, and supported various other local charitable causes (like the Kerry/Venture Exchange program) through fund raising efforts. He also worked on the Feis for many years.

Richard Caunitz – 1998

Richard Caunitz, a Nanuet resident, is the 1998 “Hibernian of the year” as voted by the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians. The younger of two children, Rich was born to Joseph and Mary Caunitz of New York City in 1940. His Grandparents were from Cork and Limerick. Growing up in Flatbush, Brooklyn, he attended St. Francis Prep in Williamsburg and graduated from Brooklyn College of the City of New York with a BS in accounting. Upon college graduation, Rich enlisted in the National Guard and served in a combination of active service and reserve duty with the U.S. Army. His first accounting position was at the headquarters of Texaco, inc. in New York City and five years later he joined IBM where he completed 27 years of financial management in January 1995. Today Rich is Assistant to the President and CEO at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC.

In 1971 Rich married Maureen Kelly from Washington Heights and they are the proud parents of Colleen, a Manhattan College Graduate, and Brian, a soon-to-be Siena College graduate. Rich and Maureen have been active members of St. Anthony’s Parish in Nanuet and Rich has taught CCD classes, served on the PTA, was a Cub Scout Den Leader and was Vice President of the Parish Council. He was also an executive committee member of the Albertus Magnus High School PTA and has also served on the allocations committee of the United Way of Rockland County and is presently Program Chairman of the Rockland County PC Users Group. A current member of the Clarkstown Republican Executive Committee, Rich served as Clarkstown County Legislature from 1992 through 1995. He was Honoree of the year for the Good Counsel Home in 1993 and Man of the Year of the Rockland County Federation of Catholic School Parents in 1994. Rich is currently an advisory board member of the New Yorkers for Choice in Education and the New York State American Family Association.

Rich joined The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division II, in New City in 1989 and was subsequently voted Aide to the Grand Marshal in the Rockland County St. Patrick’s day parade in Pearl River in 1991. He has also held the positions of Division Financial Secretary and Scholarship Committee Chairman. He is presently Division Treasurer and “Webmaster” of the Division Internet Committee while serving as the Catholic Action Chairman of the County AOH Committee. Rich and Maureen have been extensively involved with Project Children and have hosted the Savage brothers (Paul and Joseph) from Horn Drive, West Belfast for six summers to their home. Rich reflects “that is so important to the people of Belfast that we show our support for their right to religious and economic freedom. The present peace process can make dreams possible for all, and our prayers and support can make this process work

 Mary O’Sullivan – 1999
 

Mary is a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division III. Past Mary O’Sullivan – 1999

Mary O’Sullivan, our 1999 “Hibernian of the Year is a native of Rockland County. She began life in Sparkill in 1941, the fourth of four children and the only daughter of Grace Smith Crable and Augustine Crable. Anastasia Burke Smith, her maternal Grandmother, grew up in Tralee, County Kerry.

In a very different Rockland County, Mary attended local schools, a grammar school in Piermont now the site of an apartment complex, and the old Tappan Zee High School, also in Piermont. St John’s Parish School of Religion in the village draws her back to the area each week because she has taught CCD there for over 30 years. Four years at Ladycliff College in Highland Falls with Graduation in 1963 easily melded into a teaching position in the South Orangetown School District in the same year. As she takes on a new generation of children, some of whose parents she once taught. She remains an active member of her professional union, EASO, the Education Association of South Orangetown.

Mary’s marriage in 1981to Cornelius T O’Sullivan, her beloved Neil brought new interest to her life. The extended Crable family became the extended Crable-Sullivan family. Three Grandchildren – Ryan, the son of Eleanor and Bruce Handelsman, and Darcie and Dana, the daughters of Laura and Neil O’Sullivan – add joy and excitement to her home in Pearl River. She is a parishioner of St Aedan’s in the hamlet.

In Mary’s four trips to Ireland, one prior to her marriage and three with Neil, her interest in the history and culture provided days of discovery and insight. There was, of course, the search for and contact with roots and family but also the feel for what makes Ireland so special. Clonmacnoise! – A seat of learning when much of Europe was enveloped in the Dark Ages. The beehive on the Dingle Peninsula! – A watertight stone cone giving testimony to ancient skills. Westport! – For the music always a part of the Irish heart. Northern Ireland! _ So obvious in need for peace.activities have included work on the Rockland County Feis and hosting a child of Northern Ireland who enjoyed two pleasant summers in her home through Project Children. The O’Sullivan home has operated routinely as committee headquarters for our Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. On the Sunday after the New York City parade, we all respond to the Bagpipers, Irish contingents, community groups and children of many backgrounds who march on that day. Mary became involved and, after Neil’s death, took up the chairmanship with John. Her equilibrium, organizational skills and humor help foster its success. As we approach the year 2000, we are confident that the best of our Irish heritage will take flight into the twenty-first century.

Martin Hickey – 2000

Martin Hickey, a West Nyack resident, is our Millennium Hibernian of the year, as selected by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was born in the year 1942, the third child of Martin and Mary (nee Nagle) Hickey in Golden, County Tipperary, Ireland. For many years, he was the middle son of five boys, but in 1960 his sister Breda arrived to make it an even family of six. After being educated in the local schools, Martin immigrated to London, England, in 1961. Where he obtained first hand experience as an immigrant in a foreign and hostile country.

In 1963, he set sail for the more friendly shores of the United States, where he secured a position with New York Telephone Company. A year later, he enlisted in the United States Navy, and served at sea, off the Cuban coast. Next, his ship was commissioned to off load American citizens from Greece during the overthrow of the Greek King. During his final year at sea, his Destroyer oversaw the troubled areas of the North African coast. On return to the United States, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Torpedo Man, Second Class, Petty Officer, and resumed his career with New York Telephone Company. At the divestiture of AT&T, he selected AT&T as the company in which to continue his career.

In 1971, Martin met and married Theresa Gallagher from Ayle, Feakle, County Clare, and settled in Brooklyn. They are the proud parents of three children, Mary Catherine, Theresa Denise and Martin Gallagher, whom they raised in West Nyack.

After 27 years of combined service, he retired from AT&T in 1990 at the age of 47 years. In the spring of 1991, he joined the staff of New York University as a senior Telecommunications analyst, where he is presently employed.

Martin joined the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division II, in the late 1980’s. He had served as Vice President for three years before becoming President of the Division in 1994. He has been a driving force in promoting and funding the scholarship program, and was instrumental in securing a Website for Division II. His main thrust is securing new membership for the Division, particularly young members. For Martin, being chosen Hibernian of the year 2000 is a proud and honorable feat that will be cherished by him for the rest of his life.

Betty Lynch – 2001

Betty Lynch was born in Cullen, County Tipperary, Ireland, to Patrick Nihill from Cullen and Nora Ryan who hailed from Luke, County Limerick.  Betty married a New York City police officer, Bill Lynch, and they were blessed with three children, Patricia, Bridget and William, who in turn gave them seven beautiful grandchildren.  Bill was president of Division IV in Suffern, New York, and passed away in 1989.  Together, they ran the St Patrick’s Day Dance at St Joan of Arc Parish in Sloatsburg from 1969 through 1991, both financially and culturally successful. (Just a brief note, St Joan of Arc Parish was only sixteen percent Irish).

Betty started volunteer work at a very young age.  She campaigned for air conditioning for her Parish of Our Lady of Angels Church.  They were the first parish to get this convenience in the Bronx.  This Angel of Mercy worked for the Cardinal’s Annual Catholic Charities Appeal, raising thousands and thousands of dollars from 1955 to the present.  She was an integral part of the following facets of St. Joan of Arc Parish life: Captain of the 300 Club for the past eight years, singer in the choir in the past thirty-seven years. E.O.M. for the past eighteen years; visits the sick with the choir, and sings Christmas Carols every year, helps prepare and serve Christmas dinner every year for the elderly ladies at the Sloatsburg Community Home, works with Mother Seton Guild Christmas Sale to raise funds for the Children for Religion.  

Betty was a founding member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division IV in Suffern in 1966, and installed the present Division One in 1976.  She has worked yearly on the present Emerald Ball Journal.  She chaired the first Annual A.O.H. Dinner Dance of Division IV, L.A.O.H. thereby obtaining a check for Good Samaritan Hospital for cancer treatments for those children who could not afford the services.  Speaking of children, Betty Lynch helps form the Human Life Chain at the Four Corners at Nanuet, New York, standing with her parish priest, Fr. John McKenna.  This is a large annual demonstration supporting life in Rockland County.  Like the delivery of mail, Betty is there in any type of weather.

The Rockland County A.O.H. Feis is lucky to have Betty coordinate all of the Masses in Irish and in English. She finds the priest to say Mass in Irish and one to be available from the Parish Masses they already say.  She obtains the altar boys and girls, gets the vestments for the priests, the chalices, set up the altar at the site, microphones, tables, cloths, etc.

  In 1992, Betty was elected as Rockland County Aide to the Grand Marshal in New York City. The Twinning Committee of Ramapo and Doneraille, County Cork honored her, in 1995.  In 1999, Cardinal O’Connor honored Betty for the years that she has worked for the Cardinals appeal.  In 1995, the men and women of Division I at the Annual Dinner Dance also honored her.  We tried to total the years that Betty has put into all of the above, and came up with a modest sum of one hundred and seventy nine years.  More importantly, it is imperative to say here that Betty never complains.  She always attains her goals, and then some.  She’s a dynamo of a woman, a lady always, and to quote the famous author we all knew, just a week before he died, Fr. Peter Lappin, S.D.B. said “We have to do something for Betty”.  Well, Betty, there you have it!

Mike Dempsey – 2002

Although he does it in his own quiet, reserved way, Mike Dempsey is a man with a mission.  Mike immigrated to the U.S. as an eight-year old with his parents, Jack and Peg (Haughney), and sister Lucia.  The Dempsey family sailed into New York Harbor on the S.S. Ryandum the day after Thanksgiving 1957, landing in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Attending Lady Queen of Martyrs Grammar School, Mike held the record for the fastest sprint medley relay team in the country at the Bishop DuBois High School in Harlem, before graduating in 1966.  He became a U.S. citizen in May of that year.  He took his first job with Chase Manhattan Bank as an 18-year-old, just out of High School, before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966.  Mike served as an Army prison guard for two years during the Viet Nam War.  Discharged in 1968, Mike went back to work at Chase Manhattan Bank, and attended Manhattan College at night.  He married his wife of 28 years, Helena Casey (whose family is from County Armagh, in 1972, and moved to Pearl River in 1975.  

After Manhattan College, Mike attended the American Institute of Banking in New York.  He became an assistant treasurer of Chase in 1975 and a second Vice President in 1980 and in 1989; Mike became President of the Chase Security Processing Corp.  He worked for the bank for a total of 35 years, retiring as a vice President in January of this year.  

Mike’s two children, son Michael Sean (26) and daughter Emily (20) are the pride of his life. Michael is a graduate of S.U.N.Y. Cortlandt, and works at Consumer Reports Magazine.  He will marry his fiancée, Jennifer, in June.  Emily, a star varsity soccer player, is a junior at Springfield College in Massachusetts, and wants to be a teacher after she graduates.  Mike and Helena often travel to Massachusetts to see their daughter play.  A former player with the County Louth G.A.A. team, Mike coached in the Orangetown Mighty Midgets Soccer League for 14 years, and also managed Emily’s Clarkstown soccer team from 1996 to 1999.  He was umpire with the Pearl River Little League from 1992 to 1994.  

Mike joined Division III of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Pearl River in 1976, beginning a record of service to the community that he is most proud.  Mike was Division III’s historian from 1980 to 1987, and ran an annual children’s Christmas party for five years during that time.  He was Vice President from 1986 to 1988, and again 1993 to 1996.  He was President of Division III for three years from 1997 to 1999, and is now in his second year as treasurer of the Hibernian House. He also spent one year as recording secretary to the Rockland County A.O.H.   

One of the proudest accomplishments Mike had as President was seeing Division III’s membership double, from 250 members to more than 500, in three years.  While he was rental chairman, Division III paid-off the mortgage on the Hibernian House, and, under past President Denis Troy, Mike helped establish the scholarship fund, now in its ninth year.  The fund has distributed more than $40,000 in scholarships to member’s children since 1994.  Along with brothers Quinton Van Wynen, Denis Troy and John Murphy, Mike helped raise more than $13,000 for the St. Catharine’s Community Center in Carlow in 1999, and raised more than $5,000 for the Brian Pearson Defense Fund at the premiere of the movie Michael Collins at the Helen Hayes Performing Arts center in 1998.  “There’s a great opportunity for peace and democracy in Ireland today, and there’s a great opportunity in Rockland County for the Irish community to support those goals,” Mike said. “But only if there’s unity.”

Senator Thomas Morahan, New City, is serving his second term representing the citizens of Rockland and the Orange county towns of Tuxedo, Minisink, and Warwick. Senator Morahan’s standing committee assignments 2002: Veterans and Military Affairs (Chair); Agriculture; Banks; Children and Families; Education; Health; local Government; Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.

A major priority of Senator Morahan and the Senate Majority in 2000 was to help NYS Senior Citizens cope with the high cost of prescription drugs through Epic+. He was also the prime sponsor of a nationally acclaimed program that affects communities throughout New York State, Project Save or the Safe Schools Against Violence Education Act.
For the 2001 legislation session, Senator Monahan’s priorities include energy, education, health care and tax cuts. Senator Morahan’s priorities extend beyond legislation. He spends a good deal of time in Rockland and Orange communities, listening to the people’s concerns and doing all he can to address their issues and improve the quality of life for everyone.
A hallmark of Senator Morahan’s public service is working totally bipartisan with his colleagues in his efforts dealing with the needs of his constituents. That is why he is known as the legislator who gets the job done!

For the 2002 legislation session, Senator Morahan’s priorities include Energy, Women’s Health Issues, Recovery from WTC Disaster and NYS Emergency Preparedness.

Helen Morahan, the former Helen Killion, married the Senator on October 18, 1952. They will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Helen Morahan was born in Queens, New York, and raised in a single family home after her father, a New York City police officer, was slain in the line of duty. She was educated in New York City, and employed by Warner Brothers Studios. The Morahan household grew with the birth of five daughters: Margaret, Helen, Maureen, Joan and Nancy. They moved from Queens to New City, in Rockland County. The family became active members of St. Augustine’s Parish, and Helen served as President of Catholic Big Sisters.

Helen Morahan was then employed by St. Thomas Aquinas College, in Sparkill. New York. With the birth of two more daughters, Eileen and Terri, Helen became a full time homemaker. As their daughters married, the family continued to grow, and they are the proud grandparents to 17 grandchildren.

Pat was born in Manhattan to Madelin and Patrick Donohue from County Mayo. When she was two, her family moved to Belle Harbor in Rockaway Beach, Queens. She attended St. Francis de Sales Grammar school and Stella Maris High School, both in Rockaway Beach. After school, Pat worked as an assistant in a doctor’s office. She then went to work for Household Finance Corp, in New York City, where she met her husband-to-be, Dan. Dan and Pat were married in 1963 at St. Francis de Sales Church. Their oldest three children were born in Rockaway Beach Hospital.
Dan and Pat moved to Pearl River in 1967, and are parishioners of St Margaret’s church. They are the proud parents of four children, Patrick, Meg, Christopher and Daniel, They also have three lovely daughters in law, Joann, Kim and Kristin, and eight grandchildren, Beth, P.J., Daniel, Michael, Madelin, Liam, Mackenzie and Tristan.
Born in Jersey City, Dan is a son of John and Edna Barry. His grandparents emigrated from Clare and Kerry. After attending St. Aloysius Grammar and High Schools, he graduated from St. Peters College in 1957. Dan then went to work for Household Finance and Marine midland Bank. While at the bank, an opportunity arose for him to transfer to Rockland County.
Dan and Pat became active at St. Margaret’s, and chaired the first New Years Eve dance in 1971. Dan was also active in bingo for many years, and Pat was active in all aspects of St Margaret’s School and Church.
Joining Division III in 1977, Dan has worked on many fundraisers, the Feis, Senior luncheons, as treasurer of the Division, and on other committees, along with chairing the Emerald Ball with Pat for the past fifteen Years.
Pat joined Division III LAOH over 20 years ago, holding many positions, including secretary, financial secretary (at present), numerous terms as President and Vice President. She also has co-chaired the County Communion Breakfast, and worked on many fundraisers for her Division. She runs the Annual Communion Dinner with her good friend Mae Kreider, and has chaired the music instrument competition at the Feis for the past two years.
The Barry’s are very proud of their family, their heritage, LAOH and AOH Division III. They want to thank everyone involved in granting them this wonderful honor.
 

Pat was born in Manhattan to Ellen Rose of County Leitrim and Patrick Tully of County Galway. One of seven children, he was raised in the Bronx and attended St. Josephs Grammar School and Cardinal Hayes High School. Pat received his diploma from the DeWitt Clinton High School.

During his High School years, Pat got his first job with Safeway Stores Inc. After he graduated, he began working full time and became the supermarket’s assistant manager. In 1962, he was promoted to store manager, a position he held until 1975, when he went on to become the district manager for Finast Supermarkets.

Soon After, Pat decided to take a position as manager of domestic distribution with the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., a job he held until he retired in December 2004.

Pat married his beloved wife Olga in 1964 and moved to Pearl River in 1969, where they had their daughter Tara. “She is the best girl in the world”, Pat says. “She brought a lot of love and happiness to Olga and me.”

Pat joined AOH Division III in 1982 and played a big part in the many fundraisers and charitable events the Division held for its scholarship fund.

“I liked being part of something that was helping people,” he said. “A lot of what we do is for people in the community that may be in financial trouble or need money for medical expenses or personal problems.”

As an officer of the Hibernian House for many years, Pat says he was impressed with the senior citizens luncheon and the children’s Christmas parties the Division sponsors each year.

The Tully family felt the generosity of Division III firsthand when Olga became ill and passed away on Mothers Day 2003.

“It was a troubled time for me and Tara. I feel much gratitude to Division III because we received a lot of help and support from them during that time,” he says.

Tara was married in August 2004 to Hugh O’Brien of the Bronx. The couple and the happy grandfather are expecting a new arrival this June.

“We are all very excited about this joyous occasion,” Pat says. “I think we’ll all be very happy then.”

Pat says he is very honored and moved by being selected as the 2005 Hibernian of the year by the AOH and LAOH Divisions in Rockland County. “This gives me great satisfaction. It’s a great honor,” he says.  “My goal in life is to continue helping people where ever I can.”

Phillip Sheridan 2006

Phillip Sheridan was born to Frank Sheridan and Mary Garrabrandt in Nyack, New York, 65 years ago. He received an elementary education at St Dominic, followed by Nyack Junior High, ultimately graduating Pearl River High School. In addition to a basic education, he received specialized training at the former Pearl River Annex of the BOCES Machine Shop.

Phil married Linda Fregeau of Sparkill, New York, and they have been married for nearly 40 years. They have three children: Timothy, Lisa and Tracy, and four grandchildren.

Never a stranger to a hard day’s work, Phil has worked at some diversified jobs. These have included tool and die work, merchant seaman, carpenter, heavy equipment, rigor, driver and operator.

Additionally, together with his wife, they owned and operated a diner/bakery and a retail store in upstate New York. He also owned and managed a home improvement business locally.

Now retired from the Operating Engineers Union, Phil finds more time to do things in the community. He is currently the Vice President of Division III AOH, a member of the Pearl River Elks. In his retirement, he has found the time to hone his culinary skills, and he enjoys cooking at the various outings and fundraisers of the organizations to which he belongs. From breakfast to barbecue, you will find Phil at the grill.

A great nephew of General Phillip H. Sheridan, Phil has a great deal of interest in the Civil War. He is involved in historical reenactments, and has portrayed the General at several events.  

 Tim O Neill 2007

Our 2007 Hibernian of the year is detective Sergeant Tim O’Neill of the Clarkstown Police Department. Tim has over 29 years of service, beginning his career with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Department, Correction Division, and joining the Clarkstown Police in 1978. After joining the police force, Tim almost immediately became involved with the police union, serving as Clarkstown PBA Vice President, and was then elected for three terms as President of the Rockland County Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. Tim has held numerous assignments since that time, including patrol sergeant, director of the county intelligence task force, and the department’s public information officer. Tim presently serves as a detective sergeant, supervising school security and the DARE and School Resource Officers in Clarkstown’s five high schools, two Junior high schools and twenty five elementary schools. 

Tim has served on several occasions as the security liaison for President Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and other dignitaries of the Sinn Fein Party in their numerous visits to Rockland County. He has also traveled to the North of Ireland as security director for New York City Police Detective Steven McDonald on his missions for peace and reconciliation.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Tim holds a bachelor degree from Mercy College and a master’s degree from Long Island University. He was selected the 1998 Rockland County AOH St. Patrick’s Day Parade Commander, Irish Northern Aid 2004 Man of the Year, the 2005 Leadership Rockland Leader of the Year, and the One-to-One Learning Program 2006 Citizen of the Year.

A member of AOH Division #1, Tim, on St. Patrick’s Day, can be found on the Avenue commentating the cablevision show with co-host Pat Murphy-Stark. He is a long time member of the Rockland County Feis Committee.
Tim sits on the board of directors of several not-for profit’s, including Leadership Rockland and 21 C Collaborative for Children and Youth. He is the founder of Children of Promise Stable, known as the COPS Barn, a therapeutic equestrian program, on the grounds of St Agatha’s Home in Nanuet, New York. During 2002 Barn fundraising, Tim successfully sat on a horse for 48 continuous hours.

In January 2004, Tim was elected councilman to the Stony Point Town Board, a position he still holds. He lives in Stony Point with his wife Patty and their daughter Meghan, who is presently attending Notre Dame Law School.

Carmel Reilly 
2008 Hibernian of The Year

A proud member of the AOH for the past eight years, Carmel Reilly has been involved in numerous activities along the way. Her Irish pride and commitment to the AOH and its causes resulted in her being bestowed this well deserved honor.

Carmel is the daughter of Matt and Moira Reilly, fellow Hibernians from Blauvelt where she grew up, along with her three sisters. The family's Irish heritage was proudly incorporated into everyday life, and Irish step-dancing lessons resulted in Carmel being a participant in Rockland County's first ever Feis in 1974.

Through the years, Carmel has participated in all things Irish: St. Patrick's Day parades, Irish Festivals, Feiseanna to mention just a few events. As a child, she spent time sitting in her parent's living room listening to WFUV on Sunday afternoons as she honed her love of her parent's native land and later studied Ireland's history in depth.

Joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 3 in the fall of 2001, and quickly joined the Rockland County St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. In 2003, she was part of the newly formed Halfway to St. Patrick's Day committee. As chairperson of the committee's highly successful Night at the Races, over $20,000 was raised for the Rockland County St. Patrick's Day Parade over the next two years.
As a Ladies AOH member, Carmel was always ready to volunteer to help out. She has been the chairperson for over a dozen Christmas and St. Patrick's Day dinners. She has been a steady fixture at the Rockland County AOH/LAOH Feis for several years and was a co-chairperson, along with Michael O'Sullivan, of the Feis journal for two years.

In 2004, Carmel began raising funds for the Rockland Gaelic Athletic Association. Carmel and her good friend, John Lowry, developed an 8-week Pub Quiz which was a great success. The Pub Quiz is now midway through its 5th season and is storming along - bigger and better than ever!
In 2006, Carmel and John joined some friends and invested in two racehorses managed by West Point Thoroughbreds - and one of those, Tater Tutt recently won his fifth race from his last six starts. So the winner's circle is now one of Carmel's favorite places to be!
A Dominican College alumnus, Carmel is employed as the Treasury/Budget Manager for Common Ground, an organization that helps the homeless find housing. Carmel, an enthusiastic fan of the Yankees and Giants, resides in Pearl River.

From working with the AOH county board assisting hurricane victims or sending a notice of a fundraiser to hundreds of supporters, Carmel tirelessly gives her time and energy to the AOH. Carmel is a proud member of the Ladies AOH but the LAOH should be proud to have such a dedicated individual among their ranks. Carmel thanks the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians for this wonderful honor. She is humbled. God Bless.

Denis Sullivan
2009 Hibernian of The Year

Denis was born in Westchester Square Hospital, located in the Bronx, New York, to the late Daniel and Margaret (Kearney) Sullivan. His father was from Kilgarvan, County Kerry; his mother was from Moyvane, County Kerry. Upon his graduation from Holy Spirit Grammar School, All Hollows High School and Manhattan College, Denis joined IBM. He retired from IBM in 1992.

In 1981, Denis married his lovely wife, Christine Hunter, and they have resided in Pomona for the last 28 Years. They are the proud parents of Daniel, Kelly and Kathryn.

Daniel graduated from New Jersey City University and is currently teaching music in the Teaneck, New Jersey, School District. Kelly graduated from Cortland University. Kathryn is in the fifth grade at Lime Kiln School.

A 12-year member of the AOH Division II, Denis was past treasurer and past President of Division II. He has chaired the Division’s golf outing for the last 10 years. He is the past Vice President and President of the Rockland County AOH; member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Rockland County; Past President of Albertus Magnus High School Parents Club; Member of the Haverstraw Elks 877. He was also Division II aide to the Grand Marshal in the Rockland County St. Patrick’s day Parade.

Denis and Christine are parishioners at St. Boniface Church, Wesley Hills. Denis served as Vice President, President and trustee to the Cardinal for the St. Boniface Parish Council.

Meetings
for held monthly for each division