Like every other division in the AOH, Nassau County’s divisions are named after famous Irish men, be it historical, national, or local. Each division is responsible for choosing their namesake, which are dear to the hearts of the brothers.
The following are short bios of each division namesake.
Division 3 – Padraic Pearse
Patrick Henry Pearse was an Irish teacher, barrister, poet, writer, nationalist and political activist who was one of the leaders of the Easter Rising in 1916. He was declared “President of the Provisional Government” of the Irish Republic in one of the bulletins issued by the Rising’s leaders, a status that was however disputed by others associated with the rebellion both then and subsequently. Following the collapse of the Rising and the execution of Pearse, along with his brother (Willie Pearse) and fourteen other leaders, Pearse came to be seen by many as the embodiment of the rebellion.
Division 7 – Monsignor Michael J. McLaughlin
Monsignor Michael J. McLaughlin was the longtime pastor of St Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh, NY. He was also active in interracial affair and vocational education in the Diocese of Rockville Centre and served the members of Division 7 in the Wantagh area.
After his untimely death at age 60 in 1979, the brothers of Division 7 voted to attach Monsignor McLaughlin’s name to the division.
Division 8 – Mike Moran
Mike Moran was a longtime member of Division 8, serving the AOH as division president and a member of the Nassau County Board. He was also responsible for a number of charitable events in the area, including Project Children, which raised money to bring children away from the bigotry and terror of Northern Ireland in order they can enjoy freedom.
After his death in April, 1997, Division 8 unanimously voted to have his name attached to the Glen Cove AOH.
Division 11 – Commodore John Barry
John Barry was an officer in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War and later in the United States Navy. He is often credited as “The Father of the American Navy”. Barry was born in Tacumshane, County Wexford, Ireland and appointed a Captain in the Continental Navy 7 December 1775.
Division 14 – John P. McGuinness and Richard Fitzsimons
The John P. McGuinness Division of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians was chartered over 35 Years ago, in 1965. The Division was originally named after the late U. S. President, John F. Kennedy. The Division was later renamed the John P McGuinness Division after one of its founding fathers. John McGuinness had a tremendous sense of his Irish Heritage and Culture. He enjoyed traditional Irish music and would entertain the membership after the monthly meetings with songs, dance and storytelling.
In 2002, the name Richard Fitzsimons was added to our division name. Richie, as he was known, was a victim of the September 11, 2001, atrocity at the World Trade Center. He was on the job in the World Trade Center helping to evacuate children, occupants and visitors when our world changed that infamous day.
Division 15 – Michael F. Hogan
Bio Coming Soon
Division 17 – St. Brendan the Navigator
Saint Brendan of Clonfert or Bréanainn of Clonfert called “the Navigator”, “the Voyager”, or “the Bold” is one of the early Irish monastic saints. He is chiefly renowned for his legendary quest to the “Isle of the Blessed,” also called St. Brendan’s Island. The Voyage of St. Brendan could be called an immram (Irish voyage story). He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.
Saint Brendan’s feast day is celebrated on May 16 in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church and within the Anglican Communion.
Division 19 – Fr. Patrick J. Whitney
Fr. Patrick J. Whitney is the current pastor of St. Peter of Alcantara parish in Port Washington. Appointed in 2006, Fr. Whitney was pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton in Ronkonkoma, NY for 18 years since 1988.
When Nassau County’s newest division was formed in 2007, the botherhood decided to name Port Washington after the Longford, Ireland native.
Division 20 – All Irish Martyrs
Division 20 in Western Nassau County is named for all those who have gave their lives for Ireland and the Catholic Church.
Note: Historical bios were taken from Wikipedia.