President's Message September 2018
Dear Brothers, I had the honor of attending the AOH national convention in Louisville Kentucky this past July; I would like to thank the Division and Tommy Flynn for their donations in help covering the cost of the convention and hotel. It truly was a privilege to represent, Joseph Duelk, Jr., Division 1, and Orange County New York at the AOH National Convention.
To be around such great Hibernians, who represented their divisions, states and our national board was truly a great experience, the kindness and welcoming arms of embrace from all I met even though this was my first time representing this division was amazing. There were courtesy rooms on every floor run by different states. As I entered these rooms I could see people who have been friends for years shaking hands, asking each other about their children, family, friends and organizations.
Every room I entered I was greeted with a smile, a hand shake and thanks for representing our division and travelling to the convention. It reminded me of the night I joined our division on May 10th, 1996 over 22 years ago. I still remember Jack Quinn greeting me before the meeting and after, walking me to the bar and buying me a pint. He asked where I worked and lived and brought members over to welcome me into this great organization. We have been honored to have so many great Hibernians as members of our organization over the years and it was a special honor for me to be at the AOH National Convention to support Division 1 member of over 30 years, Denis Mulcahy, as he received The John F Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award from the National AOH in America Board.
National Deputy Director for Recruitment and Division 1 member Keith Reynolds was there to assist and welcome everyone. Keith is transferring from our division to a Florida division were he now lives so he can continue his recruitment efforts and work on the AOH National Convention in Florida in 2020.
Please note September 13th is Commodore John Barry Day. Commodore Barry was the founder of the United States Navy.
On Sunday, September 9th at 2 PM an Orange County AOH meeting shall be held at Division 2 in Cornwall. All members are encouraged to attend. Board officers please arrive at 1:30 PM. If you have anything to place on the agenda, please contact County President Edmund Burke before the meeting.
Our Division 1 meeting shall be held on Friday September 14th, doors open by 7:30 PM, meeting at 8 PM. I look forwarded to greeting everyone and planning our future months ahead.
In our motto, Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity, Neil O’Riordan, President