OCEAN CITY — The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Ocean City Emerald Isle Division held its 23rd Annual Mass and Awards Breakfast on March 17.
Mass was celebrated at St. Luke’s Church by Rev. Paul Jennings, Jr., Pastor of St. Luke’s and Dean of the Ocean Deanery, Wilmington Diocese. After Mass attendees recessed to Columbus Hall to celebrate the Irish Feast and enjoy a buffet breakfast. Guest speaker Fr. Paul Jennings delivered a special discussion on Irish myths and some great ways to deal with them.
Bernie Busby served as general chair for this event and provided oversight to the special awards. Bishop Francis Malolly of Wilmington received the AOH President’s Award which was accepted by Jennings. AOH President Larry Lee presented the award.
The Citizenship Award was presented to Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan for his outstanding leadership to the town as mayor and acting city manager. It was noted his civility with the council and town government was exceptional as well as with the Delmarva Irish American Club (DIAC) and his efforts to instill cooperation among Ocean City’s various ethnic groups including the Italian American Club, the Polish American Club.
John Staley, Planning and Zoning Commission member, and Bob McCarthy, past president of the AOH, formally presented the Award.
The other awards included Religious Award presented to Rev. Chris LaBarge, Pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Salisbury.
Gene Dore, past president of AOH, received the Hibernian Award for his outstanding service to the AOH and his focus on the Right to Life issues. Past President Charlie O’Brien presented the award and praised his service to the AOH.