The latest division scéal (news):


• Next Meeting: April 9th - 7PM @ O'Rorke's Pub, 44 Steinwehr Ave., Gettysburg.



• Comhgaideas!: Brendan Daniels & Charlie McKinney were initiated at the March meeting. Congratulations and welcome to the divison, brothers.



• 2008 St. Patrick's Day Party: The party was a great success...so much so that there was worry that we would not be able to accomodate everyone. We even had brother, John Ounan take the microphone during one of the band's breaks and entertain us with a few Irish jokes. If you missed it, you really missed it! We will have the numbers as to our Hibernian Hunger Project donation at the April meeting.
  
  Thanks to Pat Bowling for the organization, publicity and everything else that made the party a great time. Thanks as well to the brothers who donated items to the raffle baskets. Thanks to Terry at the VFW for running the kitchen (and also donating a basket of Irish goods to be raffled off.
  
  Thanks to A Little Irish, Too, The Garryowen Pub & Gettysburg VFW Post #15 for helping with the ticket sales.
  
  Thanks to Sheffer Beer Distributors, York, PA for the door prizes.
  
  Thanks to the Gettysburg Times & Hanover Evening Sun for publicity.
  
  Last, but certainly not least, thanks to Irishtown Road for a night of great Irish music...we know they are the reason the people come out and we're very happy and appreciative that brother Brian Colgan always gives us first dibs when booking around St. Patrick's Day. Go raibh mile maith agat!



• 2008 Battlefield Tour: Plans are set for our 3rd "Irish-American Experience at Gettysburg" Tour of the Battlefield & National Cemetery. The date is set for October 4th. Our tour guide will be given by Mike Strong, licensed battlefield guide. Mike, as you may remember, hosted our inagural tour in 2005. The tour will be on the battlefield in the morning, then a break for lunch and a walking tour through the Soldier's National Cemetery afterwards. Ticket price, as it has been on previous tours will remain at $50/pp. This event will fund a donation to the Irish Cultural Society's effort to place a monument to Gen. Thomas Francis Meagjher in his hometown in Waterford, Ireland. This is a MAJOR fundraiser for the division and we really need the full support of the membership. Even if you cannot go on the tour, talk to your family and friends. Selling out the bus is a must if we are to make a generous donation to the monument's fund.
  
  
  • I will be working on the website to allow online reservations, but for now, if you want to hold any seats, contact me by email by clicking here



• Central Pa. AOH: A new division of the AOH is currently being organized in the city of York. For more information, click here to visit their website



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The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City on May 4th, 1836. 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 on 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, politically. The many Divisions and club facilities located throughout the U.S. traditionally have been among the first to welcome new Irish Americans. Here, the Irish culture -- art, dance, music, and sports are fostered and preserved. The newcomers can meet some of "their own" and are introduced to the social atmosphere of the Irish-American community. The AOH has been at the political forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as; Immigration Reform; economic Incentives both here and in Ireland; the human rights issues addressed in the MacBride Legislation; Right-To-Life; and a peaceful and just solution to the issues that divide Ireland.

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.