Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Division 1 Schenectady, NY

Tickets are going fast for the event! Don't miss out on the discounted presale price! And make sure to get your raffle tickets

Division meeting tonight. Don't forget to bring some personal care items!

As we often do during the summer months, there will be one meeting this month. Friday August 16th.

On Friday evening, NDBG principal was presented with a check for $20,000 from Schenectady AOH president John Humphrey. The funds were raised at the AOH Annual Golf Tournament. Over four years the AOH has graciously raised more than $55,000 to support scholarships for our school. We are SO grateful.

REMINDER! Men's Division meeting tonight. Please consider bringing personal care items we can donate to our Veterans in need. A collection box has been set up.

We recently acquired this address by Thomas Mooney (c. 1798–1888), historian and journalist. In 1841 he emigrated to the USA and began contributing letters and articles to newspapers back in Ireland about politics and his travels.

He states: 'Fellow Countrymen ... the suffering country of your birth ... is committed in deadly strife with her oppressors ... Let me therefore implore you in the name of our suffering, famine stricken country ... collect from men and women of every creed and every nation ... The men of Cincinnati ... have been meeting almost every night in the public streets, with drums beating, and the new banner of Ireland floating over them - the Green, White and Orange ...'

This address contains one of the earliest references to the Irish tricolour.

On Friday June 7th our division, and President John Humphrey were extremely honored to present the Kirsch Memorial Scholarship to two students from Notre Dame Bishop Gibbons.
This scholarship honors the memory of Gerry and Maryann Kirsch, who so generously left our organization money with the purpose of helping our community. They were devout Catholics with a strong love for academics. We cannot help but think they would be very proud of this scholarship. I know we as an organization are. Truly, all the candidates were extremely impressive. Reading over the applications was truly inspiring and left us hopeful for the future ...It was no easy decision. This year we were able to give a $1000 scholarship to two exceptional students. Tatum Liverio and Cora Justino.

Please support this!

Fundraiser for Liam McNabb's candidacy for National Board.

Queen Maeve, one of the most fascinating characters in Irish mythology and history, she was always depicted as beautiful but was often seen dressed for war, leading the charge. Whether you know her as a warrior queen, a tragic sister, or a divine ruler, Maeve has captured the imagination of many people for centuries.

Maeve was born as Medb in the Kingship of Tara, which was the capital of ancient Ireland. She had several siblings, including a sister named Eithne who was pregnant with a child. However, according to some versions of the story, Maeve killed Eithne and her unborn baby out of jealousy or ambition. This act of kin-slaying would haunt Maeve for the rest of her life and shape her destiny.

Maeve later married Aillil, who was also a king, and together they ruled over Connacht, which was one of the five provinces of Ireland at that time. However, Maeve's claim to Connacht was disputed by her sister's son, who had a rightful stake in the land. To prove her worthiness as a queen, Maeve embarked on a quest to obtain a magical bull called Donn Cuailnge from Ulster, another province. This epic tale is known as Táin Bó Cúailnge or The Cattle Raid of Cooley, and it showcases Maeve's bravery.

Now, whether Maeve actually existed as a historical figure is debatable. Some scholars believe that she could be based on a real queen or goddess who was worshipped by the Celts or other tribes in pre-Christian Ireland. Others argue that she is purely fictional and symbolic, representing various aspects of Irish culture such as sovereignty, war, fertility, or storytelling.

Personally, we think that both perspectives have merit. Even if Maeve never lived as a mortal woman, she has become an archetype of feminine power and wisdom that resonates with many people today. Her story shows us that women can be leaders, warriors, lovers, and mothers at the same time, and that they can overcome their own flaws and tragedies to achieve greatness. Whether we see Maeve as a historical figure or a mythical goddess, we can learn from her example and honor her legacy as part of our shared heritage.

So whether you view Queen Maeve as a historical figure or a mythical goddess, there is no denying that she is a fascinating character with a complex legacy. And her story is just one example of the rich history and mythology that Ireland has to offer.

From: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/q5CYHH3vX34Dshw9/?mibextid=oFDknk

Definitely do not miss this one!!!

On May 4th 1836 at St. James Church in lower Manhattan irish men of our faith formed a society to protect our clergy from anti Catholic forces. Their motto was and still is “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity”.
For 188 years the Ancient Order of Hibernians continues to protect our faith and is a testament to Irish culture worldwide.

In Celtic mythology, Oonagh is the last queen of the fairies. She is the wife of the fairy king Finvarra, who frequently leaves her to sleep with mortal women. Oonagh is described as beautiful with glittering dew and flowing gold hair, the most beautiful fairy queen of them. She was also a shapeshifter and could turn into any animal so she could roam the countryside undetected. Oonagh is totally at one with nature. Her hair touching the ground and walking barefoot, allowed her to be connected to the earth. Her symbols are all fairy plants, silver and dew.

See you Sunday!!

On this day in 1916 ...the Easter Rising