Irish Groups
Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 8, Lawrence
Lawrence’s vibrant Irish community dates back to 1871, when Irish immigrants formed Division 8 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, America’s oldest Catholic fraternal organization. They named their chapter after parish priest Rev. James T. O’Reilly OSA, a 19th century champion of temperance and Irish independence.
Today, AOH Division 8 Lawrence and its Ladies AOH chapter continue the fine tradition of Irish-American pride by celebrating Irish cultural year round while supporting charitable causes such as scholarships for high school students. Its annual Irish Heritage Month each March features authors, musicians and dancers, an Irish film festival and exhibit, and a luncheon honoring local heroes.
Charitable Irish Society
On March 17, 1737, Irish immigrants in Boston formed the Charitable Irish Society. Since then CIS, North America’s oldest Irish organization, has continued its noble mission of assisting fellow immigrants while cultivating a spirit of community. Its annual St. Patrick’s Day banquet each March 17 celebrates the fellowship and good will of nearly three centuries, with guest speakers ranging from U.S. presidents and Irish leaders to contemporary authors and playwrights. Each fall, the Society’s Silver Key Awards recognizes worthy recipients for their outstanding dedication in helping new immigrants. Proceeds from these events support charitable grantmaking throughout the year.
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Since 1952, the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a beloved celebration of Irish pride in Western Massachusetts. Held on the Sunday following St. Patrick’s Day in March, this regional rite of spring attracts thousands of marchers parading through downtown Holyoke, cheered on by 400,000 spectators. Countless volunteers, sponsors, schools and municipal groups organize this annual event, as well as the Holyoke St. Patrick’s 10K Road Race. Annual awards are bestowed to deserving recipients, from community heroes to national figures ranging from John F. Kennedy and Tip O’Neill to actress Bridget Moynihan and Celtics announcer Mike Gorman.
Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston
Since opening in 1999, the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton has become a dynamic and vibrant hub for the area’s Irish community. The year-round, 61-acre facility hosts concerts, weekly music sessions and dancing, adult and children’s classes, an Irish Beer Fest and golf tournament, plus St. Patrick’s Day, Easter and Christmas holiday celebrations.
The Centre has a popular Irish pub with full kitchen facilities, function rooms,
a library and an authentic thatched cottage on the grounds. The Gaelic Athletic Association plays its home games on the well-manicured playing fields from May through August, and there’s an annual road race each September.
Enjoy articles like this?
Join our mailing list and have the latest sent to your inbox.
