The Best of Irish America

Division 4 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians swore in officers last week in a special ceremony. Janet Tumelty, columnist for Cinnaminson Patch, recounts the night:

The sound of bagpipes resonated as local Irish men lined up in front of the Cinnaminson Community Center to be part of the . The meeting room overflowed with new and visiting members as well as national, state, county and division officers. Around 70 new members registered on Thursday and there are many more that could not make the meeting.

Bill Brennan and Bobby Tippin, co-founders were astonished at the size of the crowd. They both commented on how this all came to be from one conversation between friends back in March. It was mentioned a few times during the evening that it is amazing what can happen when good people come together with a common goal. The new officers were overwhelmed and grateful for all of the support and help they received from other A.O.H. divisions, officers and members; the Irish Society; the Doyle family; and the Cinnaminson community.  

In addition to the induction of the new division and members, the night was also about honoring Mike Doyle, Division 4’s namesake.

Mike Doyle, who passed away on Christmas Eve, 2008 was called “Ireland’s Philadelphia man” in an article by Mairtin O Muiller which you can read at http://apublishersblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/death-of-mike-doyle.html. Mike Doyle is remembered in the Irish community for his unselfish and unfaltering commitment to a united Ireland.

He was also a dedicated family man and successful business man who once managed over 20 bars in Philadelphia. Slainte is one of his most recent successes which is still run by the Doyle family along with the New Deck Tavern, both in University City.

His wife, Bernadette, daughters, Cathleen and Denise, as well as his son, Mike Jr. graciously attended the ceremonies along with their children and were presented with plaques to be hung in Mike Doyle’s memory at the two pubs they still manage and operate. Mike Jr., was given a Division 4 shirt. It was an honor to have them join in the celebration.

The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. All members were sworn in behind closed doors and then the National President of the A.O.H., Seamus Boyle, swore the officers in. He told them, “You don’t have a better patron saint than Mike Doyle as your guide.”

Cinnaminson’s Mayor attended and wished the new division luck in their endeavor and offered the township’s help if needed.  Burlington County Freeholder, Joe Donnelly, who is also a longtime Cinnaminson resident, joined the A.O.H. Division 4 and presented Bill Brennan with a Proclamation.

Mike Driscoll, a representative of the Irish Society and owner of Philadelphia’s Finnigan’s Wake spoke at the ceremony and recalled memories of his good friend, Mike Doyle. He said his friend was “larger than life”. Mike Driscoll said he wished everyone in the room could have spent an afternoon with Mike Doyle just to see what a great man he was.” Friends and acquaintances described Mr. Doyle as caring, funny, committed, humble, happy, generous, patriotic and kind. All found it fitting that he be remembered in this way as inspiration for the newly formed  A.O.H. division. Mike Driscoll said, “The legacy that this division will bring is one that will bring happiness, patriotism, camaraderie and generosity to all  that you touch in the memory of Mike Doyle.”  He also reached out to Mayor Fitzpatrick suggesting an L.A.O.H. division be established in Cinnaminson as a continued inspiration in Mike’s honor.

Pat Ghegan, a retired Philadelphia police officer was another close, personal friend of Mike Doyle and he read a letter to the group from Gerry Adams, the Sinn Fein President. Gerry Adams was also a friend of Mike Doyle’s and was known to visit with him when he traveled to Philadelphia. Mr. Adams said that his friend, Mike, never sought recognition or praise for his hard work. That was just the kind of person he was. He also said, “It is fitting that his name is being remembered and the work is being honored in this way, people will remember his hard work, his kindness and his craic.” Craic is Irish for good times and fun. On his blog, Leargas, Gerry Adams wrote that Mike Doyle “epitomized the best of Irish America.”

Bill Brennan, Bobby Tippin and others are hoping to emulate Mike Doyle’s commitment to support Irish freedom and culture with this new division and it looks like they are off to a good start. The best of Cinnaminson’s Irish Americans (as well as those from other towns) were present  and  joined for a greater purpose. An outstanding individual from Philadelphia was honored and the efforts of all received praises from across the Atlantic Ocean. It is amazing what can happen in such a short time when good people come together with a common goal.

The luck of the Irish be with the A.O.H. Mike Doyle Division 4. Slainte!