HOLYOKE – The Ancient Order of Hibernians James A. Curran Division One and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division Two of Hampden/Hampshire Counties will celebrate Irish American Heritage Month of March with an Irish flag raising ceremony at Holyoke City Hall on Friday March 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The public is invited to attend. Mayor Joshua A. Garcia and Holyoke City officials plan to be in attendance.
Hibernian President Joe O’Connor will preside as Master of Ceremonies. St. Patrick’s Parade President Hayley Dunn, Massachusetts State Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians represented by Barbara Twohig and Noranne Duquette, Paula Paoli President of LAOH Division Two of Hampden/Hampshire Counties and Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, Sean Cahillane plan to attend. Piper Matt O’Connor will play the Pipes at the event and Sheila Moreau will sing the American and Irish Anthems. This is a time for all of us to reflect upon this heritage, learn more about it, and celebrate.
There are over 31.5 million residents who claim Irish Ancestry in America.
The colors of the symbolic Irish flag represent: Green for Roman Catholics and Nationalism, Orange for the Protestant Minority, and the white in between the two colors as Hope for lasting Peace between the two.
The U. S. Congress designated March as Irish American Heritage Month in 1991 to recognize contributions Irish Americans have made to the country. The Ancient Order of Hibernians were founded in Ireland in 1520; established in New York City in 1836 and 1880 in Holyoke.