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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Kevin Murphy |
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Murphy resolution honors Hibernian Heritage Month
HARRISBURG, March 9 – The state House of Representatives today unanimously adopted a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Kevin Murphy recognizing March as Hibernian Heritage Month in Pennsylvania.
"The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the oldest Irish Catholic organization in America, was founded concurrently in New York and Pennsylvania in May 1836," said Murphy, D-Lackawanna. "The group’s roots can be traced back 300 years earlier when members’ ancestors risked their lives to keep the Irish language, culture and Roman Catholic religion alive in their beloved Ireland."
Murphy said the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Lackawanna County, which has more than 450 members, supports a multitude of charities such as the Woman’s Resource Center, multiple myeloma cancer research and various food pantries.
There are six divisions of Hibernians in Lackawanna County. Murphy followed in his father’s footsteps as a member of John F. Kennedy, division one of Scranton.
The twin goals of the organization are to assist in the reunification of Ireland and promote Irish culture; additionally, it historically gave aid to the newly arrived Irish, both economically and socially, and is among the first to welcome new Irish immigrants.
There are more than 80,000 members of the Hibernians in 46 states, Canada and Ireland.
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