Lockport Ancient Order of Hibernians William J. Ryan Div IV

06/13/2026

We could not have asked for better weather for our rescheduled golf outing today. We had a great group out on the course enjoying the camaraderie and a full day of golf. Thank you Br. Matt O’Bryne for once again chairing this great event and keeping the tradition strong.

Thanks to Vice President Dave Miller and his wife Ginny for hosting us at Gothic Hill Golf Course.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. All proceeds from the tournament are going to Kids Escaping Drugs.

06/07/2026

Reminder: The William J. Ryan Division IV Ancient Order of Hibernians Golf Tournament is coming up on June 13 at Gothic Hill Golf Course. Shotgun start is at 10 a.m. and the cost is $35 per golfer which includes golf, cart and lunch.

All are welcome to come out, enjoy a great day of golf and camaraderie with the Hibernians and Lady Hibernians and support a meaningful cause. This year we’re proud to donate all proceeds to Kids Escaping Drugs.

06/07/2026

Our Division held its annual “Travel” meeting this week, the traditional final gathering before we break for the summer. This year we made the trip to the Olcott Yacht Club and the weather could not have been better. It was a beautiful day on the lake and a great time was had by all.

After the group photo we carried on one of our long‑standing customs with an impromptu singing of the Irish national anthem, Soldiers Song. We won’t subject you to a recording of that but the spirit and camaraderie were strong as always.

While this is our last formal meeting until September, we have a full slate of events throughout the summer. Our annual golf outing is June 13th, our lock tending demonstration with the LAOH is June 27th and we will proudly march in Lockport’s Independence Day parade on July 3rd as the community honors the 250th anniversary of America.

05/25/2026

Today, members of the William J. Ryan Division IV Ancient Order of Hibernians were honored to once again participate in the Lockport Memorial Day Parade.

We proudly marched alongside the ladies of the Lockport LAOH as we joined the community in remembering and honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We were also honored to have our Chaplain, Father Walt, come out and march with us today.

On this Memorial Day, we remember our fallen heroes and keep their families and loved ones in our prayers.

05/21/2026

All are welcome to join us for the William J. Ryan Division IV Ancient Order of Hibernians Golf Tournament

Come out enjoy a great day of golf and camaraderie with the Hibernians and Lady Hibernians. This year we’re proud to donate the proceeds to Kids Escaping Drugs.

Saturday June 13th, Shotgun start at 10:00AM.

$35 per golfer, includes golf, cart and lunch

03/30/2026

Reminder Brothers, due to Holy Thursday Mass, the April meeting has been rescheduled to this Wednesday, April 1, at 7:00 p.m. at Gothic Hill Golf Course.

And no, this is not an April Fools’ joke.

03/17/2026

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh — St. Patrick’s Day blessings upon you.

Though it is a cold and blustery morning, St. Patrick’s Day is here and with it comes our annual Mass to celebrate the day and honor our deceased Brothers, along with our Sisters of the Lockport Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.

We invite everyone to join us today at 12 noon at All Saints – St. Patrick’s Church. Members will be out front at 11:30 a.m. to ceremonially guard the church and all are welcome to attend.

We are especially blessed this year to have our Chaplain, Walter Szczesny, serving as principal celebrant, joined by Fr Matt Nycz. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful team helping lead this special day.

Following Mass, we will hold a short procession down Church Street to the canal and the Hibernian Monument, dedicated to the Irish workers who helped build the Erie Canal.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Mass and hope all have a safe, happy, and blessed St. Patrick’s Day.

03/16/2026

What started with a little snow in the morning turned into a beautiful, sunny day for the Buffalo St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The day began at Gothic Hill Golf Course, where we met with the Lockport Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and boarded the bus to pick up our brothers and sisters from the Niagara Falls Division. From there, we headed to Buffalo, proud to once again represent the Hibernians before the great crowd that came out to enjoy the parade.

John Lang, better known to many as Bills Elvis, was once again a crowd favorite as he marched alongside us.

After the parade, we boarded the bus and returned to Gothic Hill Golf Course, where the camaraderie and celebration continued.

We look forward to coming together once again on Tuesday for Mass on St. Patrick’s Day at All Saints Church in Lockport at noon.

02/22/2026

As we near the St. Patrick’s Day season, let’s take a look at a drink enjoyed by many. What some may not realize, however, is where the name comes from. We are talking about the Half-and-Half, sometimes referred to as a “Black and Tan.” While often associated simply with a combination of Guinness and a light lager such as Harp, the origins of that name are rooted in a painful chapter of Irish history.
The term “Black and Tans” refers to a force recruited by the British government in 1920 during the Irish War of Independence. Many were former soldiers brought into Ireland to reinforce British control. They became widely known for violent reprisals against civilians, including the burning of homes and towns, and acts directed largely at the Irish Catholic and nationalist population. Their actions left lasting scars on communities across Ireland.
Over time, the term “Black and Tan” was adopted outside of Ireland to describe the Guinness drink. While it may be used casually in that context, it is important to recognize that for many Irish people, the name represents a history of oppression, suffering and loss, not simply a beverage.
As Hibernians, our mission is rooted in Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity, as well as preserving and promoting Irish history and heritage. Education is an important part of that mission, helping ensure that Irish culture and traditions are honored with the respect they deserve.
We proudly celebrate Ireland’s rich traditions, resilience, and faith, and remain committed to remembering the sacrifices made by those who came before us. If you are out and would like to enjoy a Guinness and Harp, simply ask for a Half and Half.

02/17/2026

The Lenten season is upon us once again. We are fortunate in Western New York to have many great options for seafood, especially in Lockport.
What are some of your favorite restaurants to go for a fish fry during Lent?

🙏 Lent is beginning 💜

With Ash Wednesday on February 18, 2026, the Church enters 40 days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, preparing our hearts for Holy Week, when we contemplate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

📌 Fasting & Abstinence Guide:

🔹 Who must fast? Baptized Catholics between 18 and 59.
🍽 What is fasting? One full meal + two small meals that, combined, do not exceed the main meal.

🔹 Who must abstain from meat? Catholics 14 and older.
❌ Avoid: Beef, pork, chicken, lamb.
✅ Allowed: Fish, seafood, and—believe it or not—reptiles!

📅 Obligatory fasting & abstinence: Ash Wednesday & Good Friday
⏳ Recommended abstinence: Every Friday of the year

As we begin this sacred time, let’s embrace prayer, sacrifice, and generosity, preparing ourselves for the joy of Easter.

👉🏻 Stay up-to-date by signing up for our newsletter here: https://bit.ly/ewtnvatican