The Ancient Order of Hibernians Fulton J. Sheen, Brevard County Division #2, the State Board of Florida and the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums had something to Proclaim and Celebrate, and they were about to made sure everyone knew it.

Downtown Melbourne, Fl on a Friday night is bustleing with activity. Visitors and locals fill the area. Many of the small town specialty shops stay open late, the nighlife attracts all and the ice cream shop is a favorite.


The Hibernians, among their purposes calls to foster the ideas and perpetuate the history and traditions of the Irish people, promote Irish culture and encourage civic participation.

AOH Divisions around the State of Florida had petitioned their local Governments to declare March Irish-American Heritage Month and the Brevard Division had been very successful.

The Division annually tops more than 15 Declarations of IAHM from those solicited, and is a matter of pride for the Division. This year was no different and even more so throughout the state. Their efforts had spread to other Divisions, Universities and local and County library's.

"As a Division we have made a long standing commitment to furthering the awareness of the AOH and Irish Culture in our area", said Div #2 President Frank Corcoran.

Members of the Brevard County Division, State Board and the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums gathered a few blocks away from their objective; Meg o'Malley's Restaurant and Pub. It could be described as a "usual and customary" place for both groups to frequent.

Following a very short discussion of "Do we march down the sidewalk or in the street?" the two groups unanimously decided;


And that they did, armed with Proclamations and Declarations. Cars approached the group but with a quick look at the hold-up the travelers quickly learned, it was just better to wait. People in kilts were up to something.

Drum Major Dennis Covey - Malabar Fire Rescue (Fire Chief) called formation. Pipe Major Kelly Dobson - Brevard County Sheriffs Office prepped the pipes and the AOH fell in line, led by Florida State President Greg Seán Canning and VP Séamus Rukosky.

In their hands were Proclamations from President Obama, Florida Governor Rick Scott and locally the Brevard County Commissioners and City of Melbourne declaring March 2012 "Irish-American Heritage Month".

To the song "Dawning of the Day" the procession began. New Haven Avenue was quickly lined with onlookers coming out of the shops and bars. One woman came running out a shop and was heard to say to her friend "There go the Irish!" raising her fist in support. A short halt was made at The Irish Shop to show appreciation to it's owners.

The crowd, Irish or not followed the group to the tune of Let Erin Remember to their destination Meg o'Malley's still wondering,What's Happenning? It became more than standing room only inside and others peered through the windows trying to get the answer.  

The patrons of Meg's parted as the band, AOH State Officers, Div President Frank Corcoran and Brothers paraded through the dining room and bar area, Canning and Rukosky now holding the Proclamations high above their heads as the song Twenty Men from Dublin Towne  was played.


With the crowd now "fully in the moment" State VP & IAHM Chairman Rukosky introduced the Division and State Officers, Brothers and the band. With pride and exuberance the crowd heard tell of the AOH, it's roots in Ireland and the purpose of the Order then, and now. He was interupted several times by cheering of support. 

In the crowd was a "who's who" of the Brevard County Irish Community including Past Brevard Div. President Conrad "Ozzie" Osborne, LAOH State Treasurer Margo Neuendorf and Irish radio host Rob Killam.

Rukosky continued by professing the names of those Counties, Cities and towns in Florida who had declared March 2012  Irish-American Heritage Month.in Florida. With each the crowd applauded, but the Brevard County Commissioners and City of Melbourne got extra appreciation by the crowd.

A list of accomplishments by Irish-Americans to America and Florida was read. Again responding to the Florida and local connection, the crowd showed special appreciation to the mention of Commodore John Barry of County Wexford. Ireland.

Barry Commanded the ship Alliance in the last battle of the American Revolution just miles away, off the coast of Cape Canaveral. The AOH celebrates John Barry Day as one of the Orders National holiday's, September 13th.

Scotty one of the Publicans of Meg o'Malley's joined the duo on stage. Canning then read items from the Proclamations cited by Presidential, State, County and local leaders in testiment to the accomplishents of Irish-Americans and contributions to their Towns, City's, Counties, the Country and the World.
With that the crowd erupted and SP Canning then addressed the crowd and presented the Proclamations to Scotty with an Irish-American Heritage Month sign and Certificate of Appreciation from the AOH. Scotty promptly asked "Who's got a hammer to hang these up!  He continued on, thanking the AOH for the continued support in their programs and the shared commitment to Irish Culture and Heritage both groups have.

The presentation concluded with Irish trivia and gifts for the patrons.

Both groups then formed ranks and exited to the sounds of Who Fears to Speak of Easter '98. The celebration however continued long into the night.
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What was being shared that night was an integral part of the Irish people, their lives and culture. They were all intertwined in relationships like the Celtic trinity knot.

The mission to "Bring them Great News" was successful inside and outside as well. Several times the question was asked "What's the occasion?" by someone on the street.