Press Release

If you are an Irish Catholic and want to join a great fraternal organization, keep reading.

Shamong, March 17, 2003: The New Jersey State Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is forming a new Division in Burlington County. 

Bill Young New Jersey AOH President said, “I am very pleased and excited about Hugh Connelly’s interest in forming an AOH Division in one of New Jersey’s largest counties, Burlington.  Hugh brings energy, ideas and a strong Catholic heritage to the AOH of New Jersey.”  Commenting on his plans Connelly stated, “Right now I am soliciting potential members.  We are looking for Irish Catholic men interested in adding some deeper meaning to their lives by caring for the poor and helping Senior Citizens.”  Membership in the AOH is limited to Catholics of Irish descent.

What is the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America?

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City 4 May1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a parent organization, of the same name, which has existed in Ireland for over 300 years. However, while the organizations share a common thread, the North American A.O.H. is a separate and much larger organization.

The Order evolved from a need in the early sixteen hundreds to protect the lives of priests who risked immediate death to keep the Catholic Faith alive in occupied Ireland after the reign of England's King Henry VIII. When England implemented its dreaded Penal Laws in Ireland, various secret social societies were formed across the country. These groups worked to aid and comfort the people by whatever means available. Similarly, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America was founded May 4th, 1836 at New York's St. James Church, to protect the clergy, and church Property from the "Know Nothings" and their followers. At the same time the vast influx of Irish Immigrants fleeing famine issues in Ireland in the late 1840's, prompted a growth of various social societies in the USA - the largest of which was, and continues to be, the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Active across the United States, The Order seeks to aid the newly arrived Irish, both socially and politically. The Order has also provided a continuing bridge with Ireland for those who are generations removed from our country. The AOH sponsors many of the programs associated with promoting our Irish Heritage such as the IRISH WAY PROGRAM.
 

Connelly is a resident of Shamong, NJ and parishioner of Holy Eucharist in Tabernacle, NJ.  He is married with three children.