Brother Hibernians,

I apologize for the long interlude since our last newsletter. I’ll try not to let that happen again!

There is a lot to catch up on, but I’m sorry to have to start out with the sad news.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to Virginia State Board President and Monsignor Bradican Division Treasurer Chuck Curran and family on the passing of Chuck’s father-in-law, and to our Division President Jim McLaughlin on the passing of his father. May their souls rest in peace. In addition, my younger brother passed away this past April. And finally, our dear friend and brother, National Chairman for Rituals and Degrees, Pat Shannon, passed away last week.

Enough of the sad news.

We have a lot to catch up on in this newsletter – the first since April 2011. A lot has happened since then. We had our 2011 AOH State Convention which resulted in Chuck Curran moving up from State Vice President to State President, and Gene Bransfield moving from State Treasurer to State Secretary. Well done, Brothers.

Our annual Christmas Party at the Auld Shebeen was once again a big success, as was our St. Patrick’s Party, also at the Auld Shebeen.

Out Virginia State Board Right to Life Chairman, Joe Kennedy, once again with the school children from St. Michael, put out the green, white and orange flags in the form of the Irish flag to draw attention to the number of abortions each year in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Well done, Joe.

We just got back from the National Convention in Turning Stone, NY. Jack Delaney gave us all a scare. He developed an infection in his leg and he and Kate left on very short notice to go home. I just talked to Jack and he is doing well. Keep him in your prayers as he fights the continuing infection.

Check out the coming events on the next page, and the flier for our annual trip to see a Potomac Nationals ball game.

In Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.

J J Kelly

Editor

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Welcome?

We’re looking for a few good new members! Help us recruit!

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President                                  Jim McLaughlin

                                                   (703) 569-3866

Vice President                       William McCabe

                                                   (703) 462-9215

Recording Secretary                    Fred Koester

                                                   (703) 941-5266

Financial Secretary                           J. J. Kelly

                                                   (703) 455-1507

Treasurer                                     Chuck Curran

                                                   (703) 866-9825

Standing Committee                 Mike Stephens

(703) 250-5388                                                  

Marshall                                      Sanford Stone

                                                   (703) 751-5663

Outer Sentinel                                                    

Inner Sentinel                               Dan Rhoades

                                                   (703) 532-6358

Chaplain                                                  Vacant

Historian                                       Dan Rhoades

                                                   (703) 532-6385

Organizer                                 Jim McLaughlin

                                                   (703) 569-3866

Pro-Life                                                    Vacant

Past President                             Joe McGowan

                                                   (703) 451-4071

Coming Events

·   Saturday, July 28, Annapolis, Maryland, completion of 250 mile run at Commodore Barry Gate.

·   Saturday, August 11, Alexandria Irish Festival, Waterfront Park, Alexandria

·   Thursday, August 23, Potomac Nationals Baseball, Prince William Park.

·   Thursday, September 27, Summer is over, back to our monthly meetings, 7:30 PM, St. Michael’s.

·   Saturday, October 13, Major Degrees Exemplification, Ocean City, Maryland.

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A Bit of Irish History

Galway Races – Where the Pint is the Unit of Currency

The Galway Races, traditionally run in the last week of July, represent one of Ireland’s most enduring and most characteristic festivals.
Throughout Ireland people of all ages and occupations prepare for the Galway Races with a fervor that is almost religious in its intensity. Budgets are planned, holidays are arranged and business is scheduled to conform with the sacrosanct dates of the annual week-long festival.
More significantly, perhaps, commemorative coups are prepared, often with horses that have abstained reverentially from victory for the obligatory twelve months. Horses will piously avail of the special dispensation permitting them to triumph twice in the one week at this exceptional venue.
On Monday, traditionally the opening evening, the turnstiles begin to rotate and the devotional crowds stream in regardless of prevailing economic or meteorological constraints. Mohair suits, elegant silks and clerical collars commingle spontaneously with cloth caps, braces (suspenders) and stout brown boots.
As the familiar strains of ‘The Galway Races’ resound from the loudspeakers, the emphasis is decidedly on camaraderie and merriment. Profit may be a significant motive; but the real profit is measured not in punts but in pints, not in coups but in craic. Old friendships are renewed, gossip is exchanged and tips are divulged in penitential whispers. Men and women who would ordinarily spurn the racing pages are suddenly privy to ‘inside information’; and the bookmakers are dutifully thankful.

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Dues overdue: Boyle, Bresnahan, Cirignano, Ferguson, Higgins, Kennedy (William), Lynch, McLeary, Murphy, Nolan, Shannon (Dennis & Peter), Snydstrup, Wagner.

Call J J if you have questions.

In Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity

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Disclaimer:  If it’s wrong – blame Jim. I just type this thing. J