Irish ambassador attending Schenectady LAOH’s 125th anniversary

The Schenectady Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Division 1, announced that Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, will visit Schenectady from April 17-18 to headline the division’s 125th anniversary celebration.

On the heels of St. Patrick’s Day, the biggest day on the Irish American calendar, the Schenectady Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Division 1, announced that Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, will visit Schenectady from April 17-18 to headline the division’s 125th anniversary celebration.

The milestone celebration will honor more than a century of Irish heritage, faith and civic leadership by one of the Capital Region’s longstanding Irish American organizations.

The weekend festivities begin Friday, April 17, from 6-9 p.m., with an evening of music, fellowship and celebration at Schenectady Hibernian Hall (1748 State St.).

On Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m., members and guests will gather for a Mass at St. Luke’s Church in Schenectady, reflecting the organization’s deep roots in faith and the Irish Catholic tradition.

The 125th Anniversary Gala Reception and Dinner will be held later that evening at The Edison Downtown (132 Broadway), beginning with a cocktail hour at 5 p.m. Dinner and the evening program begin at 6 p.m. and will feature a keynote address by Ambassador Byrne Nason reflecting on the enduring ties between Ireland and the United States and the important role of Irish American organizations in preserving heritage and community. The evening will conclude with live music and dancing with the Kitty Kelly Band.

“Celebrating 125 years of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in Schenectady is a remarkable milestone for our organization and our community,” said Kim DePeaux, President of Schenectady LAOH JFK Division 1. “It is a tremendous honor to welcome Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, to Schenectady for this historic occasion. Her presence highlights the enduring connection between Ireland and the Irish American community that our organization has proudly supported for generations.”

Founded in 1901, the Schenectady Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Division 1, has been a vibrant part of the city’s Irish American and Catholic life for more than a century. 

Denise Murphy McGraw, Mistress of Arms of Schenectady LAOH JFK Division 1, also expressed appreciation for the leadership and friendships that have helped make the celebration possible.

“I speak for all our members when I say we are deeply grateful to our president, Kim DePeaux, for her leadership and dedication in guiding the LAOH as we mark this historic anniversary,” McGraw said. “I am also especially thankful to our dear family friend, Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, for traveling from Washington to join us in Schenectady for this important celebration of Irish heritage, faith and friendship.”

Tickets for the Saturday gala are $125 per person, RSVPs are requested by April 1 and can be sent to [email protected].