LAOH CELEBRATES 125TH ANNIVERSARY

Members of the Schenectady Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Division 1, are shown after Mass with Bishop Mark O’Connell and Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason (to Bishop Mark’s right) on April 18 at St. Luke’s in Schenectady. (Photo provided)

The Schenectady Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Division 1, celebrated their 125th anniversary on April 17-18 with a host of events and a visit from Geraldine Byrne Nason, the Irish Ambassador to the United States. 

The weekend festivities began Friday, April 17, with an evening of music, fellowship and celebration at Schenectady’s Hibernians Hall. On Saturday, April 18, members and guests gathered for a Mass at St. Luke’s Church in Schenectady, which was celebrated by Bishop Mark O’Connell, who offered a moment of reflection rooted in the faith traditions that have guided the organization for more than a century.

The centerpiece of the weekend was the 125th Anniversary Emerald Gala later that day attended by more than 150 guests, where Ambassador Byrne Nason delivered the keynote address and was formally honored and presented with the Key to the City by Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy, who also marked the occasion by lighting City Hall green in her honor.

“Welcoming Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, to Schenectady, was an extraordinary honor for our division and our city,” said Kim DePeaux, president of the Schenectady LAOH. “Her presence here brought real meaning to this milestone and highlighted the deep roots of Irish heritage in our community.”

The ambassador concluded her visit in Albany with a meeting with Governor Kathy Hochul, further highlighting the deep historical and contemporary connections between Ireland and New York State.