AOH National
Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. is confined to men 16 years and older who are practicing Roman Catholics of Irish birth or descent and who are citizens of United States of America or who have declared their intentions to become citizens of the United States of America.
Fr. Donnelly Division #1 Johnson Co., Kansas
The only active AOH Division in the State of Kansas, the Father Bernard Donnelly Division is named for the pioneering priest from Cavan County, Ireland. Officially recognized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America as the “Father Bernard Donnelly Division #1, Johnson County, Kansas”.
The Division was formed at the end of 2002 by a few handfuls of men, including a few members of our brother organization, the Padraig Pearse Division in Kansas City, Missouri, who saw the need for a Division on the Kansas side of the state line.
We are always looking for Catholic men of Irish ancestry who enjoy their heritage and having a great time doing good deeds for their community. Frankly, if being Irish and Catholic is important to you, you enjoy celebrating Irish culture and heritage and you’d prefer performing charitable works while having fun at the same time – we are your people.
Elected Officers
Hibernian of the Year
- 2022: Seán Thomas Kane
- 2021: Charlie Roult
- 2020: Bye Year
- 2019: Brian O’Laughlin
- 2018: Dan Barry
- 2017: Zach Kittle
- 2016: Dennis Dennihan
- 2015: Kevin McNellis
- 2014: Gerard Walsh
- 2013: Pat McCluskey
- 2012: Pat Ryan
- 2011: Charlie Lamont, Shaun Cronin
- 2010: Pat O’Neal, Brendon O’Neal
- 2009: John T. O’Neal, Sr.
- 2008: Larry Shepard
- 2007: Andy Sprehe
- 2006: Craig Farewell
- 2005: Tom O’Malley
- 2004: Bill Herdegen
Members comment on…
Road Bowling
Andy Sprehe
“What a great opportunity to get a team together and get out there and have some fun.”
Larry Shepard
“What does an Irishman do with a field full of spent two pound British cannonballs? Well, you pick them up and see who can roll them from one pub to another in the fewest throws, right?
More common in the past in Ireland than today, you’ll still encounter an Irish Road Bowling contest in Counties Armagh and Cork. Course distances of from one to two miles, narrow roads with hedges and walls, back and forth between pubs and always with a pint in your fist is the simplest way to describe these events.
No surprise to the AOH. Just another example of the Irish making the best of British occupation, wager money and create a sport which is not played anywhere else but Ireland. At least, until now.”
Denny Dennihan
Last year, while at my first ever Irish Road Bowling Tournament, I learned a life-changing certitude!
First, it’s a sport which makes me an Athlete.
Secondly, my chosen sport has no goals, baskets, holes, first downs, bases, wickets, nets, fences, foils, uniforms, or managers.
Thirdly, the only strategy discussed is full Irish Blarney and dismissed with “keep your flippin opinions to yourself”, and those are your teammates.
And finally, you drink beer during the entire event.
I’m turning pro this year!!!!
Kansas AOH Fr. Donnelly Division 