On Saturday, March 2, at the Relief’s In, local Irish held their 148th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Banquet and Dance with the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner with dancing to John Connors and the Irish Express. Introduced at the event were the Irishwoman and Irishman of the year 2019.
William J. Sullivan, President, Division 8 AOH and National Director AOH introducing Robert A. Crowley.
Robert A. Crowley has been named as the recipient of Division 8’s Richard Cardinal Cushing Award. This award honors an Irish Catholic who exhibits the characteristics of the beloved late Cardinal Cushing. Mr. Crowley, a lifelong Lawrencian, attended the Lawrence Public Schools and is a 1944 graduate of Central Catholic High School. After graduating from CCHS, Bob joined the US Army during World War II and was trained in Military Intelligence with additional training in the Japanese language.
Returning to Lawrence after WW II, Crowley studied Journalism at Suffolk University and worked as a Claims Investigator for Kemper Insurance. He remained in the U.S. Army Reserves during this time, reaching the rank of Master Sergeant before his unit was relocated from Boston to Springfield, Massachusetts in the 1960’s
Bob Crowley and his wife have been married for almost 69 years and are the proud parents of six children and grandparents of 11 grandchildren. They have traveled extensively throughout Europe. Bob has many hobbies including gardening.
Bob has been active in the Lawrence community. He has volunteered with the Central Catholic Alumni Association and the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He has been a member of Division 8 AOH for over 40 years and during that time has served as Division Treasurer, Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance Chairman and as Chairman of the Division’s Scholarship Committee. He and his wife Irene are members of Saint Monica’s Parish in Methuen.
Anne Marie Nyhan-Doherty, President, Division 8 LAOH presenting a plaque to Kathleen Melvin
On the occasion of the 125th Anniversary of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians National Organization, Kathleen Melvin has been named as the recipient of 2019 Irishwoman of the Year. She became a member of the Junior Division at a very young age.
Kathleen joined the adult organization of the LAOH in 2004 and has continued to contribute in a very meaningful way. She provides a presence at the Division level and State Level for which she is the co-webmaster. She helps organize events to benefit the Division and will always answer the call to help out, whether it is at the St. Bridget’s Tea or behind the lines.
She was born and raised in Methuen, graduated from Methuen High School in 2004 and has worked in the medical field (Allergy & Asthma Specialist) for thirteen years.
She loves Country music and traveling but most of all her family. She was born into a family of Lady Hibernians and is the third generation to be a member. She is also the third generation member to receive this award which is a first for Division 8 LAOH. Her grandfather hails from County Cork, Ireland as do all of her great grandparents.
Her parents are Ellen McCarthy Melvin and Paul Melvin. She has one brother, Brendan.
