President’s Message April 2008

Brother Hibernians,

    A lot has happened since our last meeting in January, most of it of a very positive nature. The Southern Hospitality Committee is working on getting things together in preparation for July's National Convention in New Orleans. The St. Patrick’s Day Parades and celebrations have taken place and all with great turnouts due to wonderful weather on the coast. And last, but not least, the shepherd's pie and corn beef and cabbage have all been eaten with great gusto. 

    The Irish celebrations in this state are growing and it makes March a month of expectation and joy. I hate to see it pass but time does what it does.

    I was in North Myrtle Beach and marched with the Joseph J. McGarry Division 1 on St. Patrick’s Day. It was a warm day and a very well attended parade. We then had the pleasure of going to Flynn’s Irish Tavern after the Parade and were present when Bob Mott drew the winning raffle ticket for the "Trip For Four to Ireland". This year’s winners were John and Mary Ellen Farrelly of Clifton, New Jersey. 

    I wanted to be sure to thank all of those many, many, people who have, over the years, supported, promoted and sold tickets for the State's "Trip to Ireland for Four" raffle. Again it has been a success with all the tickets having been sold. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all that each division does to promote the efforts of the State Board. I also want to thank Marty Flynn for allowing us to do this year’s drawing at his Irish Tavern, Marty thank you so very much. 

    After the raffle drawing, I needed to get in my car and return home to change clothes and make a much anticipated visit to an Irish flagship, the L. E. Eithne which docked at the Charleston Naval Base for a two or three day stay. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed meeting the crew and officers of the L.E. Eitne. I felt as though I was back in Ireland for an evening. The Deputy Consul General of Ireland was everywhere, welcoming all the invited guests and making us feel welcome. 

    During the month of March, I spoke with Rev. Richard D. Harris, Vicar for Vocations, and he provided me with the names of some seminarians in need. Richard Smith will be discussing this at the upcoming meeting. We will also be discussing awarding a check to the Charleston Monument people for at least a portion of the funds that had been sitting in a CD for quite a long time. We need to determine how we want to make these awards and promote the South Carolina Ancient Order of Hibernians in the process.

    So for now I will close and look forward to meeting all of you at the State Board Meeting on April 19, 2008, at the K of C Hall on Marion and Blanding streets. If you haven’t sent your Missions and Charities report in yet, please bring them with you on the 19th and please let us know that you have paid your per capita dues to the National AOH. This is very important as we go toward the National Convention. Any division not on record of having paid their dues cannot vote in convention.

As always, I am yours in,
Friendship, Unity and True Christian Charity


Neil J. Diamond
President
South Carolina State Board 
Ancient Order of Hibernians