The New York State Ancient Order of Hibernians elected Thomas Lambert of Erie County as the new state president, while the Ladies AOH elected Mary Beth Durkee of Rensselaer County.
The New York State Ancient Order of Hibernians held its 100th biennial convention in Albany in conjunction with the New York State Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians’ 61st biennial convention from July 10 through July 13. A dedicated local convention committee, comprised of Albany AOH and LAOH members, hosted the convention at the Hilton Albany Hotel.
Hundreds of delegates representing AOH and LAOH divisions from throughout New York converged on Albany to participate in meetings, social events and elect new leadership for the next term.
The AOH elected Thomas Lambert of Erie County as the new state president, while the LAOH elected Mary Beth Durkee of Rensselaer County to lead their organization for the next two years.
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There was significant National AOH and LAOH Board representation at the convention as well, including Danny O’Connell, AOH vice president (Ohio), and Carol Sheyer, LAOH president (Ohio), both of whom swore in the new officers of their respective organizations.
Irish Consul General Ciaran Madden was the featured speaker for the awards night dinner and spoke to a large crowd in front of an enormous Irish flag as the backdrop.
Awards were given to dedicated LAOH and AOH members for their contributions to local charities, and Divisions were recognized for growth in membership.
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli spoke to the AOH general session regarding his efforts to uphold the MacBride Principles, which promote fair employment practices, along with many of the state’s investment partnerships with Northern Ireland.
Numerous committees of both organizations met to discuss specific topics that included Irish history, freedom for all Ireland (FFAI), immigration and political education, to name a few. As always, delegates enjoyed socializing through hospitality events at the hotel and music at the Albany Hibernian Hall.
Syracuse was selected as the site of the 2021 conventions which will be hosted at the newly restored Marriott hotel in downtown.
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