When John Boyle O’Reilly arrived in Boston in 1869, he was not a celebrated poet or civic leader. He was a Fenian exile who had escaped from a British penal colony in Western Australia after being transported there for revolutionary activity. Within twenty years he would become one of the most respected voices in the city: editor of The Boston Pilot, a widely read poet, and a civic leader whose influence extended far beyond the Irish immigrant community. O’Reilly rebuilt his life in America … Read More .... about John Boyle O’Reilly: The Fenian Who Became Boston’s Voice
Main Content
“I Shot at Every Damn Plane I Could See”: John Finn’s One Man Fight at Pearl Harbor
On the morning of December 7th, 1941, John William Finn was asleep at his home at Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station on Oahu when a neighbor's … [Read More...] about “I Shot at Every Damn Plane I Could See”: John Finn’s One Man Fight at Pearl Harbor
Kate Mullany: An Irish Immigrant Who Helped Working Women Organize
Kate Mullany was a nineteen-year-old Irish immigrant when she became the head of her household. Her father had died in 1864, leaving behind a … [Read More...] about Kate Mullany: An Irish Immigrant Who Helped Working Women Organize
Introducing Our Friend, Saint Patrick
The Ancient Order of Hibernians is pleased to share exciting news with our members and friends: the release of Our Friend, Saint Patrick, the … [Read More...] about Introducing Our Friend, Saint Patrick
AOH President’s Day Wreath Laying for Grant and Teddy Roosevelt
In a joint venture with Irish America 250, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to celebrating the Irish role in U.S. history, Hibernians across … [Read More...] about AOH President’s Day Wreath Laying for Grant and Teddy Roosevelt
The Chaplain’s Corner
Deputy National Chaplain Update – May 2025
Deputy National Chaplain Fr. Colm Mitchell I imagine by the time this issue of the Digest is sent out, we will be into the Easter season. As … [Read More...] about Deputy National Chaplain Update – May 2025
The Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’: A Reflection for the Ancient Order of Hibernians
The Jubilee Year theme, ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ resonates profoundly with the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH). As members of this storied organization, we are called to reflect on our shared history, values, and … [Read More...] about The Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’: A Reflection for the Ancient Order of Hibernians