AOH Utica NY

05/25/2026

☘️ Remembering Our Fallen Heroes This Memorial Day ☘️

On this Memorial Day, the Ancient Order of Hibernians honors the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation and preserve our freedom. While today is a day of somber reflection, we also stand tall with pride as we celebrate their incredible legacy of courage, duty, and selflessness.

We especially remember the profound contributions of the Irish and Irish Americans who laid down their lives for this country. From the battlefields on our soil, the Revolutionary, with the Regiments of Dillon, Berwick, and Walsh, and the Civil War—where the legendary Irish Brigade charged with unmatched bravery—to modern conflicts around the globe, sons and daughters of Erin have always answered the call to defend the United States. They left their homes, crossed oceans, and gave their last full measure of devotion so that we might live in peace.

Let us carry their memory in our hearts not just today, but every day.

May God bless our fallen heroes, and may they rest in eternal peace.

05/16/2026

AOH MAJOR DEGREE CONGRATULATIONS ☘️

Congratulations to our own Patrick Hamilton for achieving his AOH Major Degree today!

Thank you to the Oswego AOH, Dean Michael Barry Div 1, for hosting this exceptional event.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the Schenectady AOH Degree team for guiding the candidates on their journey.

05/10/2026

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY FROM THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

☘️ To the women who raised us with a gentle hand and a look that could stop a stampede mid-track, we wish you a very Happy Mother's Day.

☘️ Being an Irish mother is a full-time job that requires the patience of a saint and the tactical skills of a high-ranking general. Whether she was making sure you had your wool sweater on in July or reminding you that "your face will stay that way if the wind changes," she’s always had your back.

☘️ Today we celebrate the matriarchs of our community who keep our heritage alive and our hearts full.

* Wishing a beautiful day to all mothers and grandmothers (especially the Irish ones ;)
* May your tea be hot and your family be on their best behavior for at least twenty minutes.
* God bless the mothers who make our world a better place.

☘️ As the old saying goes: A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.

04/21/2026

STANDING WITH THE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF HAWTHORNE

https://www.ncregister.com/news/dominican-sisters-of-hawthorne-response-new-york

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne have provided free, compassionate care to terminal cancer patients for 125 years. They have done so without taking a single cent of public taxpayer money. Their mission at Rosary Hill Home is one of pure charity, rooted in the Catholic faith and the dignity of the human person.

Now, Governor Kathy Hochul and the political machine in Albany are threatening this sacred ministry. Under new radical mandates, these Sisters are being told they must abandon their faith and comply with gender-identity policies that contradict the biological reality of s*x and the teachings of the Church.

The State of New York is literally threatening to shut down a free hospice for the dying unless these nuns bend the knee to a political agenda. This isn't about healthcare; it is about forced compliance and the erosion of religious liberty.

As brothers in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, we stand in solidarity with the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne https://hawthorne-dominicans.org/ . We admire their courage to stand up in court to protect their right to serve God and the vulnerable without government interference.

It is time to make your voice heard. We cannot allow the State to bulldoze our faith and our charitable institutions. ☘️

ACTION EXHORTATION:
Contact your New York State elected officials today. Tell them that the state's overreach is NOT OK. Demand that they respect religious freedom and stop the harassment of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne.

Stand for the Sisters. Stand for the Faith. Stand for what is right.

☘️ AOH John C Devereux, Div 1 ☘️

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, who have operated a home in upstate New York for terminal cancer patients for nearly 125 years, have filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming its gender-identity mandates would force them to violate the tenets of their Catholic faith.

04/06/2026

EASTER MONDAY AND THE LUAIN NA CÁSCA TRADITION ☘️

The celebration continues! Today we observe Easter Monday, traditionally known in Ireland as Luain na Cásca. While the solemnity of Holy Week has passed, this day remains a cherished time for community, family, and the continued joy of the Season. 🕯️✨

In Irish history and lore, Easter Monday held its own special significance:

* The Field Games: After the strictness of Lent, Easter Monday was a day for "Pattern" days and outdoor gatherings. Villages would host races, football matches, and dancing, celebrating the return of social life and the arrival of Spring. 🏃‍♂️

* The "Clúdóg" Leftovers: For the children, the fun of the Easter Sunday egg roast often spilled over into Monday, with the last of the saved eggs being shared and enjoyed among friends in the fields. 🥚

* A Day of Pilgrimage: Many would use this day to visit local Holy Wells, offering prayers of thanks for the blessings of the Resurrection and seeking the "Easter Water" believed to have special restorative powers. 💦

* Remembrance of 1916: For many Hibernians, Easter Monday also holds a deep historical resonance as the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. We remember the courage and sacrifice of those who stood for Irish independence, forever linking our faith with our love of country. 🇮🇪

As we enjoy this day in the Mohawk Valley, let us remember that the joy of Easter isn't just for a single morning—it is a spirit we carry with us through the entire year. ☘️

Wishing all our brothers, sisters, and neighbors a peaceful and happy Easter Monday! ☘️

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04/05/2026

HE IS RISEN: ALLELUIA!! REJOICE! THE RESURRECTION AND THE CLÚDÓG ☘️

Happy Easter! Today, the Ancient Order of Hibernians celebrates the glorious Resurrection of our Lord. In the Irish tradition, the somber silence of Lent and the "Black Fast" of Good Friday give way to a jubilant explosion of faith, family, and long-awaited feasts. 🕯️✨

While we gather for Mass and celebration, we look back at the beautiful customs that marked this day for our ancestors:

* The Clúdóg (The Egg Collection): One of the most beloved Easter traditions was the Clúdóg. Throughout Lent, children would save eggs, hiding them away in a safe place. On Easter Sunday, they would gather in a field to roast their eggs over a small fire, a joyful celebration of the return of plenty. 🥚
* Rising with the Sun: Many families would climb a local hill to witness the "dancing of the sun" at dawn, a tradition symbolizing the joy of the heavens at the moment of the Resurrection. 🌅
* The Easter Feast: After forty days of herring and oatmeal, the "Breaking of the Fast" was a grand affair. The table was filled with roast lamb or corned beef, fresh soda bread, and the finest butter, shared with neighbors and those in need. 🍽️
* New Clothes for a New Life: It was customary to wear at least one new piece of clothing on Easter Sunday to represent the new life and spiritual renewal found in Christ. 🧥

As we celebrate today in the Mohawk Valley, let us carry forward the spirit of our motto—Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity. May the light of the Risen Christ bring peace to your homes and joy to your hearts. ☘️

He is Risen, Indeed! Alleluia! ☘️

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04/04/2026

☘️ 🐟 WHIPPING THE HERRING - A FAREWELL TO LENT 🐟☘️

SOME of the oldest customs associated with Easter survive to this day, but many are now all but forgotten, among them a bizarre Cork tradition which involved the whole city turning out to beat up a dead fish.

As we reach Holy Saturday, we look back at one of the more unique and lighthearted traditions in Irish Catholic history: the "Whipping of the Herring." 🐟

For our Irish-Catholic ancestors, the Lenten fast was incredibly strict. Meat was discouraged for forty days, leaving the humble herring as the primary source of food. As you can imagine, this was wildly unpopular with butchers, shepherds, or anyone involved in the trade of meat products. By the time Holy Saturday arrived, people were so tired of eating fish that they staged a "funeral" for it! ☘️ That may sound pretty lame, but the after party was epic!

* The Procession: Led by the local butcher, a group would process through the town with a salted herring tied to a stick or a long piece of string. 🪢
* The Whipping: As they marched toward a nearby river or lake, the townspeople would "whip" the herring with sticks and switches, venting their frustration at the long weeks of fasting. 🪵
* The Burial: Once they reached the water, the battered fish was tossed in, symbolizing the end of the "reign of the herring" and the return of meat to the Irish table. 🌊
* Welcoming the Beef: In its place, the butcher would hoist a fresh side of beef or a leg of lamb decorated with ribbons to signal that the Easter feast was finally at hand! 🍖

This custom perfectly captures the Irish spirit—finding humor and community even in the midst of solemn penance. It reminds us that the discipline of Lent makes the joy of the Resurrection even sweeter. ☘️

As we keep our vigil this Holy Saturday, we prepare our hearts (and our tables) for the Resurrection tomorrow. May your evening be filled with hope and the promise of the coming Light! ☘️

04/03/2026

☘️ ✝️ THE SOLEMN TRADITIONS OF AN IRISH GOOD FRIDAY ✝️ ☘️

Today, the Ancient Order of Hibernians joins Irish Catholics worldwide in observing Good Friday—a day once known in Ireland for the "Black Fast" and a silence so deep it was said the earth itself paused to mourn. 🕯️

Drawing from our rich Irish Catholic heritage we reflect on the unique customs that have defined this holy day for generations:

* The Sacred Silence: Historically, a "quiet respect" fell over the island. From the 1920s until 2018, even the pubs remained closed by law, reflecting a national commitment to solemnity and prayer. 🤫

* Prohibitions of the Cross: Out of reverence for the Crucifixion, traditional Irish families avoided any work involving wood—no hammering nails, sawing, or burning timber—to honor the wood of the True Cross. 🪵

* Curative Lore: Ancient traditions held that planting garlic before noon on Good Friday would give it special healing powers, while many believed a haircut on this day ensured a year of health and thick growth. 🧄

* The Humble Fare: During the strict fast, many sustained themselves with "sowens" (a fermented oatmeal drink) or simple oatcakes, abstaining entirely from meat and dairy in an act of communal penance. 🥣
RECIPE: https://thehappypear.ie/plant-based-and-vegan-recipes/fermented-irish-superfood-porridge-sowans-sughan/

As we walk the Stations of the Cross today, we remember that these traditions are more than just history; they are the threads of faith and resilience that bind us to our ancestors. May your Good Friday be filled with peace, humility, and sacred reflection. ☘️

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04/01/2026

HONORING OUR ANCESTORS’ RESOLVE

Today, 1 April, while many are preparing the prank their friends and loved ones, we reflect on the significance of this day and the solemn history that paved the way for Irish sovereignty. While the world engages in the lighthearted traditions of the day, we in the Ancient Order of Hibernians remember this date as a cornerstone of the Irish Republic.

On this day, April 1st in 1919, Eamon de Valera was elected President of the first Dáil Éireann. It was a moment of profound gravity, occurring in the heat of the War of Independence, as our ancestors stood firm in their resolve for a free and independent nation.

We also look toward the approaching anniversary of the Easter Rising, which occurred on Easter Monday (the day after Easter), on the 24th of April in 1916.

For those who don't know - On Easter Monday 1916 a group of rebels stormed a number of strategic locations around Dublin, including the General Post Office (GPO) which was the headquarters of the rebellion. Their aim was to ignite a national rebellion and bring about independence for Ireland. One of the rebel leaders – Patrick Pearse - stood outside the GPO and read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, which declared Ireland to be a sovereign, independent state. A week of intense fighting followed, leaving the city centre devastated and the rebels defeated. Over 480 people were killed, most of them civilians.

We remember the men and women of 1916 who sacrificed everything so that the dream of an Irish Republic could become a reality. Their courage is the foundation upon which our heritage stands today.

As Hibernians, we carry their legacy forward through our commitment to Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.

In memory of those who gave their lives for Ireland.

AOH John C. Devereux Division 1
Utica, New York

Photos sourced from the National Library of Ireland: https://www.nli.ie

☘️ ☘️ ☘️

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03/31/2026

IN MEMORIAM: BARBARA A. KLEIN

We offer our deepest condolences to our brother Kevin Klein and his family on the passing of his mother, Barbara Ann Kennedy Klein.

Barbara was a pillar of the Utica community and a woman of immense faith and service. A proud Irish-American, she made history in 1996 as the first female Grand Marshal of the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Her legacy of dedication to education, public service, and her heritage will not be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis (May her faithful soul be at the right hand of God). ☘️

View Barbara A. Klein's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.