"Irish? Catholic? Join Here": Finding community with The Ancient Order of Hibernians

Members of The Ancient Order of Hibernians from across America share why they joined their local AOH and why they would encourage others to do the same.

Finding a sense of community and purpose in your hometown can be an uplifting experience. For many Irish-Americans they find this through their local Ancient Order of Hibernians, otherwise known as the AOH, the largest and oldest Irish Catholic organization in America.

Spread across the US with 330 divisions nationwide, men of all ages and backgrounds come together to celebrate Irish heritage, deepen their faith, and make a difference in their local community.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomes new members and you can find out more about how you can join your local AOH here.

Maryland AOH members at the Maryland Irish Festival, donating their time to support the Irish Charities of Maryland.

Five members from Texas, New York, California, Ohio, and South Carolina chat with IrishCentral about their role in the AOH and the memorable moments they've experienced with their group. 

Nolan Maloney, 35 years old, Texas AOH division 

"I've always had a strong connection to my Irish heritage and to my faith, but never really had a place where the two intersected intentionally.

"My background with the AOH is largely due to my wife. She saw an ad in the local bulletin saying "Irish? Catholic? Join Here" and said, 'I feel like that's exactly who you are.' I met up with a group of guys who were hoping to form our division about 10 years ago and the rest is history."

What does your involvement in the AOH look like?

"I've been fortunate enough to help form a division that has a lot of youth and energy behind it. We meet monthly for meetings to discuss business and there is always a social gathering that follows. When we're not running fundraisers like Halfway to St. Patrick's Day and Irish Stew Cookoffs for local charities that we partner with, we also get to collaborate with others in the community like the Irish Consulate, the Celtic Society, and even our favorite local Irish pubs."

Hibernian Hunger Project

Liam McNabb, 49 years old, New York AOH division 

"I was born and raised in a Hibernian household in Auburn, New York where my parents and siblings were all members of the AOH, Ladies AOH, Junior AOH or LAOH. Most of my aunts, uncles, and cousins were also active Hibernians and our local hall was the place where we’d meet, celebrate milestones, and volunteer to support others in the community."

What does your involvement in the AOH look like?

"I currently serve as AOH National Vice President which keeps me very active with national initiatives as we promote our organization to grow our membership. There are many Zoom meetings each month and in person events throughout the year in New York or elsewhere that may relate to political advocacy or service efforts or celebrating significant achievements."

Why would you encourage others to join their local AOH?

"I always encourage others to join the AOH because there is something for everyone. You can do as little or as much as you would like. Our committees also offer ways to celebrate and learn more about being Irish and we promote lessons in Irish History which is very popular."

Liam McNabb

Rory McLaverty, 23 years old, California AOH division

"My name is Rory McLaverty, I’m 23 years old and I was born and raised in Missoula, MT. I graduated from my hometown college the University of Montana in May 2023 with a BFA in Acting. I moved to Los Angeles in December 2023 to pursue a career as an actor and as a proud Irish-American Catholic I have joined the local AOH while here."

What does your involvement in the AOH look like?

"My involvement is active, I attend regular monthly meetings and whenever possible, I attend events either hosted by the AOH or other Irish organizations. I particularly enjoy attending mass at one of the local parishes with my fellow brothers before our meetings."

Rory McLaverty

Denny Parks, 52 years old, Ohio AOH division

"My Father started taking me to the local AOH Hall as a child and as I got older and faith started to become more important in my life, I embraced the AOH as an organization that would not only let me celebrate my Irish heritage but also help me to deepen my Catholic faith."

What has been a highlight for you so far as a member of the AOH?

"I am currently the chairman of the National Oversight Committee and the Ohio State President. One highlight includes being on an AOH delegation to Ireland.  We met with the Lord Mayor of Belfast in her office and got a private tour of the Oireachtas in Dublin. Our group was also invited to meet with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs at Iveagh House. I often wonder what my ancestors who had to leave Ireland would think if they saw where the AOH has taken me in Ireland."

Nashville AOH members donating Christmas gifts and toys to Nashville Metro Police.

Aidan Morley, 23 years old, South Carolina AOH division

"I am originally from Scituate, Massachusetts and now work as an Army Engineer officer in the Savannah, Georgia area. I joined the Charleston AOH because I was looking for a way to participate in Irish cultural activities while I was in school."

What has been a highlight for you so far as a member of the AOH?

"The highlight of my time in the AOH was undoubtedly participating in the Young Ambassador Program with the Saint Patrick Centre in Northern Ireland. Throughout the program, I got a greater understanding of the rich history and difficult past of Northern Ireland and the greater role it plays in our heritage as Irish-Americans."

In 2025, the AOH will be sending its third class of ten young members 19-25 to participate in the St Patrick Centre Young Ambassador program.

Why would you encourage others to join their local AOH?

"As a college student in the AOH, being active in the organization was critical to my success in my young professional career. It’s hard to understate how many doors will be opened for any young person willing to put themselves out there and build those relationships.

"Most importantly, it allows young people to keep their Irish identity at the forefront of their lives, ensuring that Irish history is kept alive and remains a core pillar of our communities in the United States."

AOH leaders at a banquet

Interested in being part of America’s oldest Irish Catholic organization? Click here to learn more about how you can join your local Ancient Order of Hibernians. You can also keep up to date with the AOH on Facebook and Instagram.