The following is a forwarded message from our very own Mickey Abbott - Thanks Mick!
Special Thanks!
This past year I inherited the job of getting our AOH Division 32 to march in Carnegie's Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 28th. It was our goal to march with all 32 County Flags of Ireland along with our float.
I realized because it was a holiday weekend a lot of members had plans to spend the day with family. But I hoped to get 40 out of our 150 members to sacrifice a couple of hours so our division would not be embarrassed. Although we did not get 40 members, we were able to pull it off because many of the marchers carried 2 flags!
*Keith Abbott (visiting from Florida), *George Bado (brother-in-law of Bernie Donnelly), *Ed Blank (will become a member of our division in September), Joe Byrne, Bill Delaney, Bernie Donnelly, Jim Kearns, Denny Maher, Pat McCann, Dennis Murphy, Jim Nolan, Jim O’Connell (came right after Bishop Canevin’s graduation and brought the float), *Erin (Jr. AOH Division), *Neil (Jr. AOH Division), Mike Finnerty, Mark Pritchard, Shag Shaugnessy, Father O’Shea, Tom Welch, Dennis McQuaide, *Tom McQuaide (Dennis’ son and Jr. AOH Division member), *Jason (future son-in-law of Dennis McQuaide) and *Rich Zanie (friend of Bernie Donnelly).
Irish Born Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients
The Medal of Honor Grove at Valley Forge has the names of Medal of Honor recipients by the state they resided in on Granite Obelisks in a large half circle.
When Joe Roche was National AOH President in 1982-1984, placed a Granite Obelisk there that was carved in Ireland.
That Obelisk bears the names of those Medal of Honor Recipients who were born in Ireland and thus had no state obelisk upon which to place their names, many died while serving in the military. The Sister who was the administrator of the Medal of Honor Grove at the time requested this obelisk from Ireland and the AOH provided it for these Irish immigrants. The names of other recipients who were immigrants and thus had no state, are on the other three sides of the monument. The Irish recipients are more than all the others combined.
The following are only five stories of bravery and courage from the Irish-born Medal of Honor recipients (for a complete list click here):
Landsman Thomas E. Corcoran, USN
Irish-born Landsman Thomas E. Corcoran served on board the U.S.S. Cincinnati, an ironclad river gunboat, during the Civil War siege and attack on the Vicksburg, Tennessee batteries.Engaging the enemy in a fierce battle on May 15, 1863, the Cincinnati, amidst an incessant fire of shot and shell, continued to fire her guns to the last, though so penetrated by shellfire that her fate was sealed.
The Cincinnati was eventually sunk by shellfire.Serving bravely during this action, Landsman Corcoran was conspicuously cool under the fire of the enemy, never ceasing to fight until his proud ship went down, "her colors nailed to the mast." In the chaos that followed the sinking, Landsman Corcoran succeeded in rescuing several of his fellow shipmates from drowning.
Colonel Bernard J. D. Irwin, USA.
The earliest military action to be recognized with a Medal of Honor was awarded to Irish-born Colonel Bernard J. D. Irwin of the United States Army. Doctor Irwin was serving as the Assistant Surgeon at Fort Buchanan in Arizona Territory during the US-Apache conflict in 1861.
He volunteered to lead the rescue of 2nd Lieutenant George Bascome who was trapped with 60 men of the U.S. 7th Infantry by the Chiricahua Apaches under Cochise.Irwin and 14 men left Fort Buchanan, riding mules, on the 100-mile journey to rescue Bascom's forces at Apache Pass. After fighting and capturing Apaches along the way and recovering stolen horses and cattle, they reached Bascom's forces on February 14, 1861 and Irwin proved instrumental in breaking the siege and rescuing Bascome and his men.
Although Irwin's bravery in this conflict was the earliest Medal of Honor action, the award itself was not created until 1862, and it was not until January 24, 1894 that Irwin received the nation's highest military honor.
Seaman Hugh Molloy, USN
Irish-born Ordinary Seaman Hugh Molloy served on board the U.S.S. Fort Hindmen during the Civil War engagement with Confederate forces near Harrisonburg, Louisiana on March 2, 1864.
Following a shell burst, which mortally wounded the first gun sponger, who dropped the sponge out of the forecastle port, Seaman Molloy jumped out of the port to the forecastle, recovered the sponge and continued to sponge and load the gun for the remainder of the fierce action.Despite his exposed position Seaman Molloy continued his efforts while risking extreme danger to his person from the constant raking fire of enemy musketry.
Major Joseph H. Thompson, USA
Irish-born Major Joseph H. Thompson was serving with the 110th Infantry, 28th Division near Apremont, France on October 1, 1918. Two regiments of the enemy counterattacked Major Thompson's battalion. Major Thompson encouraged his battalion by constantly braving the hazardous fire of machineguns and artillery. His courage was mainly responsible for the heavy repulse of the enemy.
Later in the action, when the advance of his assaulting companies was held up by fire from a hostile machinegun nest and all but one of the six assaulting tanks were disabled, Major Thompson, with great gallantry and coolness, rushed forward on foot three separate times in advance of the assaulting line, under heavy machinegun and anti-tank gun fire, and led the one remaining tank to within a few yards of the enemy machinegun nest, which succeeded in reducing it, thereby making it possible for the infantry to advance.
Captain Patrick H. White, USA
Irish-born Captain Patrick H. White was commanding the Chicago Mercantile Battery at the Battle of Vicksburg, Tennessee. On May 22, 1863 Union General A. J. Smith sought an artillery commander to take on a particularly dangerous assignment. Captain White accepted the assignment to pull a six-pound cannon down a steep hill and then up another in order to fire point blank into a rebel stronghold.
The Confederate position was staunchly defended in order to keep the Union forces from access to Hawkins Ferry Road, one of the major entrances to Vicksburg.Captain White and five of his men pushed and pulled the cannon through the ravine up to the Confederate position. They fired upon the Confederate position, which was instrumental in the taking of Vicksburg.
It should be noted that a "six-pound cannon" refers to the weight of the projectile, not the weight of the cannon. A six-pound cannon with shot would weigh about 1,000 lbs.For their heroic efforts Captain Patrick White and his five men were awarded the Medal of Honor in 1894. Captain White also has a monument in his honor at the battle site in recognition of his gallant assault. One of Captain White's men, Private Patrick McGuire, was also born in Ireland.
Yesterday, a small, but strong band of AOH 32 brothers marched along Main Street in Carnegie, PA to honor those men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives for our freedom during the borough's annual Memorial Day Parade. Many thanks to Mickey Abbott who organized the event and led the marchers onward to the Uke's Club for well-deserved refreshments! And, I probably speak for the many people who were grateful to those who decided to wear pants - not shorts - like Padraig McCann who is bringing up the proverbial REAR! Lastly, many thanks to Linda Donnelly - our lone AOH 32 groupie and President, and only member of our AOH 32 fan club - laughing hysterically in the picture above.
British director Ken Loach's "The Wind That Shakes the Barley," a saga set amid Ireland's struggle for independence in the early 1920s, won top honors Sunday in a unanimous vote at the Cannes Film Festival.
Here is a picture of our Junior Division from Bishop Canevin High School at the Irish Brigade Memorial at Gettysburg. An appropriate picture to see to kick-off this special weekend. Unfortunately, many people fail to remember how and why we celebrate Memorial Day. Here is a brief backgrounder.
You'll note that it was started to honor those who served our country and gave their lives in the Civil War. This weekend, let's remember in prayer all those who died to preserve and protect the freedoms we enjoy today.
A great way to honor those who served and died for us would be to march with AOH 32 this weekend in the Carnegie parade - call Mickey Abbott at (412) 279-3165 if you can make it.
See Gaelic Storm in their Spring appearance at the Rex Theatre on Wednesday, May 24th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster Outlets, including Giant Eagle's, Ticketmaster.com, Paul's CDs, Dave's Music Mine, Brave New World, and the Rex Theatre. Charge by phone 412.323.1919. The Rex Theatre is located at 1602 East Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA - 412.381.6811.
Sunday, June 4. Gaelic Arts Society of Pittsburgh will close their season with a High Tea at the Epiphany at 2:30 p.m. Bishop McDowell will speak.
Contact Earl McCabe at 412.761.1844 or Jack Webber at 412.885.5540.
Saturday, June 24. AOH St. Patrick's Division 4, North Hills will sponsor Irish Day at Schitzen Park off Babcock Blvd. in Ross Twp. Entertainment with the West O'Clare and Michael Murphy and the Shannon River Band. All day activities, great outdoor setting and undercover in case of rain. Email Patrick O'Brien or call him at 412.939.0408.
Thursday, June 29.Andy Stewart Recognition Night at Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle, 24th Street & Penn Ave., in The Strip. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. – Happy Hour w/ Free Appetizers; Entertainment with Laughrey Connolly, Terry Griffith, Mike Gallagher, Tony Egan, Dave Hanner, and Guaranteed Irish. Donation $10. Raffle & Door Prize. Email Diane Byrnes or call her at 412.781.6368.
Thought you would enjoy a little bit of blarney today. Here is a letter from an Irish Mother to her son...
Dear Son,
Just a few lines to let you know I'm still alive. I'm writing this letter slowly because I know you can't read fast.
We are all doing very well.
You won't recognise the house when you get home - we have moved. Your dad read in the newspaper that most accidents happen within 20 miles from your home, so we moved. I won't be able to send you the address because the last Irish family that lived here took the house numbers when they moved so that they wouldn't have to change their address.
This place is really nice. It even has a washing machine. I'm not sure it works so well though: last week I put a load in and pulled the chain and haven't seen them since.
Your father's got a really good job now. He's got 500 men under him. He's cutting the grass at the cemetery. Your sister Mary had a baby this morning but I haven't found out if it's a boy or a girl, so I don't know whether you are an auntie or an uncle.
Your brother Tom is still in the army. He's only been there a short while and they've already made him a court martial!
Your Uncle Patrick drowned last week in a vat of whiskey in the Dublin Brewery. Some of his workmates tried to save him but he fought them off bravely. They cremated him and it took three days to put out the fire.
I'm sorry to say that your cousin Seamus was arrested while riding his bicycle last week. They are charging him with dope peddling.
I went to the doctor on Thursday and your father went with me. The doctor put a small tube in my mouth and told me not to talk for ten minutes. Your father offered to buy it from him.
The weather isn't bad here. It only rained twice this week, first for three days and then for four days. Monday was so windy one of the chickens laid the same egg four times.
We had a letter from the under-taker. He said if the last payment on your Grandmother's plot wasn't paid in seven days, up she comes.
About that coat you wanted me to send you, your Uncle Pat said it would be too heavy to send in the mail with the buttons on, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.
John locked his keys in the car yesterday. We were really worried because it took him two hours to get me and your father out.
Three of your friends went off a bridge in a pick-up truck. Ralph was driving. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. Your other two friends were in back. They drowned because they couldn't get the tailgate down.
There isn't much more news at this time. Nothing much has happened.
Your loving Mum
P.S. I was going to send you some money but I had already sealed the envelope.
The $110 Golf Package includes: 18 holes of golf and cart • Continental breakfast • Snacks at 9th hole - Hot buffet dinner • Gift for every golfer • Prizes on all Par 3’s • Hole-in-One wins a 2007 Toyota Yaris sponsored by Rohrich Toyota • and an open bar for one hour before dinner.
Tee Sponsorships and In Kind Prize Donations. Tee sponsorships are a low $50 and we are in need of prizes for the 120+ golfers we expect to attend our event. Any contribution you would like to make would be greatly appreciated. All prize donors will be recognized in our program and acknowledged in our prize presentation.
All checks should be made payable to: A.O.H. Division #32. Please mail your registration form and payment to: Bill Delaney, 319 Ryan Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. Or, drop off payment c/o Bill Delaney at: Paddy's Pour House, 215 E. Main St., Carnegie, PA - 412.279.0770.
Golf registration deadline is July 12, 2006. Every year we sell-out and will take the first 120 golfers with paid registration. Call Bill at 412.531.2764 with or email him with questions.
We need brothers to march on Sunday, May 28th at 1:30 p.m. and honor the men and women who have served and currently serve our country by marching in a Carnegie's community parade in the borough in which our Division #32 is chartered.
We would like to march with our full display of the Province and County Flag, the United States and Irish flags along with our Float.
In order for us to do this, we need a minimum of 40 members and ask that you set aside a few hours of your time on Sunday, May 28th to be part of this wonderful celebration and honor our troops - past and present.
Please contact Chairman Mickey Abbott at 412.279.3165 to sign-up. Refreshments will be available after the parade at the Uke's Club.
May 12 - AOH County Board 3rd Annual Celtic Open Golf Outing. South Park Golf Course. 8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start. For information call John McEvoy 412.431.7196. Checks are to be made payable to AOH Division 4, Pat O'Brien, 31 Chalfonte Ave. , Pgh PA 15229, 412-939-0408.
May 19 - AOH Division 4 - 5th Anniversary. At Sieb's Irish Pub, 2nd Floor, 3382 Babcock Blvd., Ross Twp. 7:30 p.m. Entertainment with Ballad Singer, Mike Gallagher and Michael Murphy & The Shannon River Band and The Bell School of Irish Dance . Admission is $25 per person and includes buffet dinner and beer. Cash bar available and reservations are required. Email Division 4 and make your check payable to AOH Division 4, Pat O'Brien, 31 Chalfonte Ave. , Pgh., PA 15229, 412.939.0408.
May 20 - All Ireland Athletic Club presents Matt Cunningham's Irish Ceili Band direct from Galway. VFW Post 5008, 401 Draper Street, East Pittsburgh . Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Baked goods, tea and coffee and cash bar include. For information call Nellie Mannion at 412.362.1963.
At our AOH 32 Division meeting in April, we welcomed two new members into our brotherhood - Michael Walsh (left) and Gary Clayton Jr. (right).
Michael lives in Scott Twp., and is a member of St. John Capistran Parish. He's married to Katie and has four children William, Kevin, Maureen and Michael - and they have 10 grandchildren too! He works part-time along with Katie as real estate agents for Howard Hanna.
Gary lives in Crescent Twp., with wife Darla and son Trent.
Please welcome both Michael and Gary by clicking on their names above.
Many thanks Tom Welch and his dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer staff (our Lovable Fish Nazi too) who led another successful Fish Fry fundraiser over seven weeks and to sponsors such as: All Pro Painters, Inc., – Riley Brothers; Barb’s Country Junction Café; BrandMill - Steve Wayhart; Snyder Bros. Exxon - Tom Snyder; Chris and Frank Ferris; Michael Finnerty - County Council District #4; Gift Baskets by Johanna - Johanna Messina; The Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh – Jim Lamb; Tim McCarty and Family; Mitchell & Westerman, Inc. - Frank Ferris; Powell Electric Corp. – Dan Powell; Scoglio - Debbie & Gary Komoroski; Score’s Sports Bar & Grille at Pennsbury Village; and Westbrook Pharmacy & Surgical Supply - Joseph C. Kress.
If you did not partake in our Fresh Fish sandwiches (with new breading this year) and Halushka - like manna from heaven above - you missed out on something special!
The following is a forwarded message from our very own Mickey Abbott - Thanks Mick!
Many thanks to Mickey Abbott who organized the event and led the marchers onward to the Uke's Club for well-deserved refreshments! 
May 12 - 
If you did not partake in our Fresh Fish sandwiches (with new breading this year) and Halushka - like manna from heaven above - you missed out on something special!
