- Woman airlifted from Carrantuohill
- Drumm seeks damages for 'mental distress'
- Whiplash claim against Dublin Bus dismissed
- Armstrong family await confirmation
- Bishop backs Ballymurphy inquiry
- Postmistress sacked after armed raid
- Woman who stole to pay tax bill jailed
- Visits to Ireland down 23.6% in May
- Date set for retrial of brothers
- Man sentenced for trying to kill wife
In 2000, a few Hibernians living in the Kansas City metro area began to discuss the notion of starting a division in Johnson County, Kansas. At that time, there was no active AOH Division in the State of Kansas although, historically, Kansas has supported Divisions across the State. The primary focus of this group of Hibernians was to emphasize local support for the peaceful reunification of Ireland and promote the history and culture of the local Irish community. A formation committee was established and recruitment of potential members began. By late 2001 there was enough energy, dedicated men and opportunity to officially ask to be recognized by the AOH national office. In May of 2002 the Father Bernard Donnelly Division received our charter. The state of Kansas, again, had an active AOH Division who held official meetings and is continuing to grow as a division.
Since May of 2002 our division has become well-known in the Kansas City Metro Area for our willingness to help any worthy cause, man any work station, and take part in any Irish-theme event. We have marched in every Kansas City Saint Patrick’s Day parade since our inception and have sponsored visiting pipe and drum bands on two occasions. Our charitable works are also well known as we have raised and, in turn, donated tens of thousands of dollars. Some of our charitable highlights include helping establish an annual local Irish music festival that has raised
thousands of dollars for the Kansas City based inner city organization called Operation Breakthrough. We have held annual golf tournaments that have benefited Catholic Charities food banks and the Burnett Burn Center located in the KU Medical Center. In partnership with Anthony, Kansas (a small southeastern Kansas town) we funded a 9/11 Memorial and facilitated the participation of FDNY officers and firefighters. Hundreds of man-hours have been donated in support of the Kansas City Irish Festival and the Kansas City Irish Museum and Cultural Center. We are also supporting other Irish Catholic men in area communities who have an interest in forming their own divisions.
