Monsignor Lawrence E. Giblin Division One
Broome County, NY - May 2025

​ CORPORATION NEWS

•   Thanks to all who supported the Hall during our St. Patrick's events. Special thanks to Diane Durgin and the kitchen volunteers who worked hard preparing , selling the food, and cleaning the kitchen.Thanks also to Cookie Luke for ensuring the Hall was ready for the many music, St. Patrick's, and funeral events.
  Corporation President Bill Burke.
  

AOH FINANCIAL NEWS

The 2025 AOH membership cards will be arriving shortly. We’d appreciate you paying your dues at your earliest convenience. The dues are $40.00. Drop off or mail your payment to: AOH Hall, 148 Main St., Binghamton, NY 13905. Attn: Mark Kadlecik. If you have an address change, please let us know. It’s the only way we can keep our records straight and ensure you’ll get all the mailings.

 IRISH HISTORY

IRISH HISTORY -  The Irish Export You Might Have Forgotten. 

   We know about Irish exports such as whiskey, linen and Guinness. However, we probably don’t think about another export that has had a profound influence on America. This export was different: it was Irish priests. In the 1830’s Ireland had such an abundance of priests that Irish bishops ordered thousands of seminary graduates to become missionaries. They became missionaries to the U.S.A.

   By the end of the 1800’s Irish priests were the most common foreign-born priests in the United States. They impacted Catholics and the American population in general. We know of Father Jeremiah O’Flynn, who helped settle the Irish in the nearby Silver Lake area. There was also the famous battle of Gettysburg priest, William Corby. Father Corby motivated both Catholic and protestant soldiers on the field of battle. Another famous Irish priest near the turn of the century was Father Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town. He was, of course, the subject of the famous movie by the same name. We all know the renowned phrase and moral message from the movie: “He ain’t heavy Father, he’s my brother.”

     In the 20th century, Irish priests continued their influence. Irish American priest Fulton John Sheen was one example. Starting in 1930, Father Fulton hosted a weekly radio broadcast that reportedly drew an audience of four million people every week for twenty years. Later, Fulton used the set of his popular television show Life is WorthLiving to teach, enlighten and entertain Americans. Fulton won an Emmy for the Most Outstanding Television Personality. His show ran until 1957, boasting as many as 30 million viewers.

     Another well-known Irish priest was the “Rosary Priest,” Father Patrick Peyton. Peyton was born in Ireland and came to America in 1927. He had received a diagnosis of tuberculosis, a disease that had killed millions, but after recovering he dedicated his life to promoting the Rosary and family prayer. Peyton, like Fulton Sheen, recognized the influence of the media. He then took to Hollywood and, against all odds, started a radio production company and launched a national show. He also used television and film and employed the biggest stars of the time.  He became a champion for family prayer. He made famous the phrase, “The family that prays together, stays together.”

      Irish priests greatly influenced our Irish American culture, and we should not forget them.  They played a big role in the acceptance of the Irish in America … even bigger than Irish whiskey or Guinness. –Bill Burke. Sources: Famous Irish American Clergy- Irish Am. Journey/  F.W. Corby, Irish Central Aug.’23/ Venerable F.J.S. on Irish humor, suffering & love-Catholic World Report/“On-Air” church bulletin, courtesy Joe Mihalko.

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 Parade Committee.

Parade Day 2026 is March 7, 2026

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

  Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. is confined to men 16 years and older who are practicing Roman Catholics of Irish birth or descent and who are citizens of United States of America or who have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States of America.

Associate memberships are also available to those who do not meet the aforementioned qualification.

It is a standing rule that Applications for Membership that languish without action for longer than 6 months are discarded.

Notifications for induction dates and times, through the Shamrock Degree, are sent to all applicants.
Those who have applied prior to this 6 month period, and are serious about joining the A.O.H., need to reapply for admission and make arrangements to attend a Shamrock Degree ceremony within the next six month.

Those interested in membership must stop into the Hall to submit an application as they must have an active member sponsor them and sign the form.

Please check the Bartender Schedule page here for days and times the hall is open.

2024 Event Pictures, click here.