AOH Gives Jolly Old St. Nick a Run for His Money
Published: Dec 10, 2007
By: Jeff Meade
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| Judge Pat Dugan presented a citation from the state AOH to the family of fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy. From left: Judy, Colby and Katie. |
There are ways in which members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians have a lot in common with Santa Claus. Yes, there are more than a few white beards and little round bellies that shake when they laugh, like bowls full of jelly—but that’s not what we mean.
What we’re talking about is the amazing generosity of spirit that typifies the AOH, and not just during this time of year, but all year-round.
That generosity was in evidence Saturday night at the Pennsylvania National Guard in Northeast Philadelphia as the AOH presented the first-ever Project St. Nicholas. The proceeds of the event benefited several local charities, including the Hibernian Hunger Project, Toys for Tots, Cure Autism Now, Project Children and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
“We raised thousands of dollars,” said master of ceremonies Pat “Paddy” O’Brien, chairman of public relations for the Pennsylvania AOH. “We’ll do it again next year. It’ll be even bigger and better.”
Local Irish who visited the armory throughout the day listened to music by great local bands, including the Bogside Rogues, Ballina, the Birmingham Six, Tullamore Trio and The Shantys. (More than a few weren’t content just to listen—they got up and danced.) There was plenty of great food, including a bit of soda bread. For the kids, Santa Claus showed up about midday. The Celtic Flame Dancers also made an appearance.
As the afternoon gave way to the evening’s festivities, the Hibernians took the opportunity to recognize one of their own. Judge Patrick Dugan presented a plaque from the state AOH to the family of fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Chuck Cassidy. Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums also played in Cassidy's honor.
For O’Brien the healthy turnout was heartening. “It was good to see the AOH involved in a community event that went outside of the AOH. People came today just because they were Irish. And they came from everywhere. There’s a World War II vet who came all the way down from Scranton.”
Finally, a few other visitors were unexpected … but nonetheless quite welcome indeed.
It seems that four women from Ireland—dancers all—had just gotten off the plane at Philly International. They had an appointment in Southampton, Bucks County, so that’s where they asked the cabbie to take them. They didn’t get that far. The cabbie misunderstood and dropped them off at the National Guard Armory on Southampton Road.
“They were 15 miles of course,” O’Brien laughed. So we asked them to come in and get something to eat and drink, and we arranged for a ride for them back to Center City. I said to them, ‘If there’s any place on the planet where you want to get lost, this is the spot.”
Lost or not, we all felt just the same way.
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Tags: Project St. Nicholas
Irish Unity Day!
Many thanks to all who attended the Irish Unity event and to all those who participated to make it a success. Also to the hard work of P.J. O'Brian for organizing this special day to support Seamus Boyle and the delegates for the National Convention.
The Irish Thunder Pipe & Drums of the AOH Notre Dame Division of Montgomery County was honored to be a part of the special tribute to the Cassidy Family.
And the coverage by Jeff Meade and his staff has been great. Not only for this event but for their coverage of all Irish events in the area.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Pete Hand
President
Notre Dame Div, 1
Followup
Thank you for the class article.
We would like to briefly thank all the folks who made the day a success.
Especially the support of Senators Fumo and Stack, Judges Dugan, DeAngelis, McCaffery and Lynn; and Councilwoman Joan Krajewski.
The top line entertainment from the Bogside Rogues (215-870-6438), Ballina (215-333-8460), Tullamore Trio (215-509-0092), Celtic Connection (215-342-4871), Shantys (267-235-9681), Birmingham Six (267-235-9681). And a special thanks to DJ Kenny Ray (267-312-5785), Chrissy Zeo and the Celtic Flame Dancers and the Gallagher Brothers.
The tribute to the Cassidy Family by the Irish Thunder from Montgomery County was a lasting memory of respect by all.
Catering was provided by Denny Gaw (215-815-9052) and refreshments were provided by Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pubs, Nicolletti Beverage and Division 39 AOH.
Thanks to irishphiladelphia.com; Philly's #1 source of Irish news.
The list of volunteers is endless, and we'll probably miss a few, so apologies, but a special thanks to Maureen Bradley, Denny Gaw, Ed Halligan, Kate Aversa, Rob Williams and Christine, Duff, Hawk, Bert, Tom Coughlin Jr., Pete Hand, Bob Hurst, Bill Donahue, Paul Weise, Vince Schneider, Joe Mullen, Frank Gallagher, Mike Hobin, Tom O'Donnell, Pat Dugan, Brian Coleman, and the man himself, Shawn Murphy.
Thanks to our supporters the Brehon Law Society, Irish Brigade 116, Patrick Eidling, FOP Lodge #5, The Hosie Family, Joe Brooks, Jay McCarrrie, Brian Monaghan, John King, Pat Boyle, Frank Gallagher, Mr Joe "The Real" McIvor, Joe Ippolitto, Jose, George, Uncle Gerry Ennis, Berna Boyle, Gene Daly, Noel McGuinness, Joe Byrne, Joe Hosie, Mike Pender, Bill Heeney, Tom Meehan, Bob Haley, Karen Dobson, Kevin McDermott, Jimmy Smith, Joe Bradley, Irish Mike Dennery, Ed Dougherty, Jack Casey, Ryan Casey, Matt Jones, DJ Jones, Casey Jones, Marty Dillon, Walt Young, George Shotzbarger, Jim Coolen, Ed Green, Sean Cullen, The Cassidy Family, Dorthy Smith, the Boyle Clan, Ed Rooney, Sean Cullen, Bill Serody, Brian balowski, Billy Cullen, Eileen Daly, Colleen McGuinness, Pat Stanley, Joe McGuinness, Joyce Herron, Kathy Herron, Pat O'Connor, Jim Macken, John Riley, Tony Nahill, Jude and Kathy Fanning, Dan McCaffery, Joe Scheck, "Ralph", John Greer, Richie O'Connor, Jim Logue, "Worm", Jim Murphy, Coleen Murphy, Tom Bowman, Kathy Murphy, Jack McMahon, Gene Burns, Tim McShea, the Deputy Family, Joe Montgomery and many more.
Special thanks to the Costello Boxing Club, Teamsters 470, Roofers Local 30, and Carpenters 122.
Without doubt, the visit by Judy, Colby and Katie Cassidy; accompanied by brother Tom and family member Bob McCarthy meant a great deal to the coordinatiors of the event.
See ya next year.
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