Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians, 2750 Gerritsen Avenue, New York, NJ (2026)

08/07/2026

IN LOVING MEMORY OF BROTHER PETER A. FOUNTAINE
December 18, 1959 – August 2, 2026

It is with great sadness that the Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians mourns the passing of Brother Peter A. Fountaine, a proud member of Division 35 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Peter passed away on August 2, 2026, at the age of 66, following a long illness. A lifelong Brooklynite, Peter dedicated his life to his family, his community, and the organizations and traditions he held dear.

A graduate of Our Lady Help of Christians and Nazareth High School, Peter earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Francis College in Brooklyn and an MBA from Long Island University, Brooklyn, where he graduated seventh in his class. He enjoyed a distinguished career on Wall Street spanning more than 35 years. After retiring from Wall Street, Peter continued working as a horse and carriage driver in Central Park and later as a doorman and security professional.

Peter was a proud member of Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 35, as well as the Knights of Columbus Council #126, Battle of Brooklyn Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Breezy Point Surf Club, of which he was a lifelong member.

Peter will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Kathy, his son John, his brothers George, Christopher, and Richard, his nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, and his many brothers and sisters in the Hibernian community.

The Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians extends our deepest condolences to the Fountaine family and to all who had the privilege of knowing Peter. We are grateful for his membership, his fellowship, and the mark he left on our Hibernian family.

Calling Hours
Friday, August 7, 2026
2:00–5:00 PM & 7:00–9:00 PM
Marine Park Funeral Home
3024 Quentin Road
Brooklyn, NY

Funeral Mass
Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Good Shepherd R.C. Church
2992 Avenue S
Brooklyn, NY

Burial will take place at a later date at Prospect Hill Cemetery in York, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 35
3051 Nostrand Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11229
Attn: Stephen Cummins, President

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
May his faithful soul be at the right hand of God.

☘️ May he rest in eternal peace.

07/24/2026

Some legacies are measured not only by the people who built them, but by the generations they continue to serve.

In 1979, the Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians purchased the former American Legion Duffy Post, located in Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn, with a vision of creating a permanent home for the Irish community. The building would become the Baile na nGael “The Home of the Irish” a gathering place where members of both the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians could celebrate their shared commitment to faith, friendship, Irish culture, and community.

The purchase was made possible through the dedication and generosity of the Hibernians of Kings County. The Kings County AOH Bicentennial Committee committed the proceeds it had raised during the Bicentennial celebration to provide the down payment on the building, transforming years of fundraising into a lasting investment for future generations. The effort was championed by Al O’Hagan, whose leadership and determination helped turn the vision of a permanent Hibernian home into a reality.

For more than four decades, The Baile na nGael has served as the heart of Irish-American life in Kings County, welcoming Hibernian meetings, charitable events, Irish music, dance, language, educational programs, and countless community celebrations. It has become a place where traditions are preserved, friendships are forged, and new generations discover their Irish heritage.

The Baile na nGael remains the only Hibernian-owned hall in all of New York City. More importantly, it continues to be owned and operated by members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, just as its founders envisioned nearly half a century ago.

As we celebrate America 250, we honor the Hibernians of Kings County whose vision created more than a buildingthey created a lasting home for Irish-America in Brooklyn and a living symbol of our community’s enduring commitment to faith, heritage, and service.

07/08/2026

🇺🇸☘️ AMERICA 250: THE HIBERNIAN STORY

Long before social media, community centers, or modern support organizations, there was the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kings County’s Hibernian divisions became a second home for thousands of Irish immigrants and their families. Newspaper accounts from the era tell the story of packed meetings, degree ceremonies, charitable collections, religious observances, and gatherings that united Brooklyn’s growing Irish-American community.

For newly arrived immigrants, the Hibernians offered more than fellowship. They provided a community rooted in faith, friendship, and mutual support during a time when many Irish families were establishing new lives in America. Members could rely on one another during times of illness, hardship, and loss while preserving the customs, traditions, and values that connected them to Ireland.

Across Kings County, Hibernians organized charitable works, celebrated Irish culture, supported their parishes, and encouraged civic involvement, helping generations of Irish-Americans become active members of their communities while never forgetting their heritage.

Nearly 190 years after the Ancient Order of Hibernians was founded in America, that mission remains unchanged.

Today, the Kings County Board and its divisions continue to promote Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity through service to our communities, support for our Church, and the preservation of Irish-American history.

As we celebrate America 250, we remember that the strength of our nation has always been built by communities willing to lift one another up.

Their story is the American story.

07/06/2026

🇺🇸☘️ AMERICA 250: THE HIBERNIAN STORY

For generations, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade has stood as one of the most visible celebrations of Irish heritage, faith, and community in America.

Dating back to the 18th century and growing into the world-renowned tradition it is today, the parade has been a place where Irish immigrants and their descendants have celebrated their culture while proudly embracing their identity as Americans.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians has long played an important role in preserving the spirit of the parade—bringing together generations of families, honoring Irish history, and carrying forward the values of Faith, Family, and Community.

Kings County has a proud place in that legacy.

In 1929, John O’Hagan of John O’Hagan Division 19 in Gerritsen Beach served as Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. An Irish immigrant from County Derry, O’Hagan was a tireless advocate for Irish heritage and a respected leader whose influence helped strengthen the Hibernian mission throughout New York.

Nearly six decades later, that same Hibernian legacy continued when Al O’Hagan—also a member of Division 19—served as Grand Marshal in 1986, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and carrying forward a family tradition of service to the Irish-American community.

Today, Kings County Hibernians continue that tradition. Each year, the Kings County Board proudly alternates with the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in selecting an aide to represent Kings County in the annual parade, ensuring that both generations and both branches of the Hibernian family remain part of this historic celebration.

As we celebrate America 250, we honor the parade as more than a tradition—it is a living testament to the contributions of Irish-Americans who helped build New York and strengthen our nation.

Their story is the American story.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸☘️ Happy Independence Day!

As we celebrate the birth of our nation, the Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians proudly joins Americans everywhere in honoring the ideals of freedom, faith, service, and community.

This Independence Day also marks the beginning of our America 250: The Hibernian Story campaign. Over the coming year, we’ll celebrate the countless contributions of Irish-Americans and the Ancient Order of Hibernians to our nation’s history—from the immigrants who helped build America to the generations who have served their communities with pride.

Together, we’ll honor the stories that remind us our heritage and our patriotism go hand in hand.

From all of us at the Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians, we wish you and your family a safe, happy, and blessed Fourth of July.

250 Years of America. Nearly 190 Years of Hibernian Service.

Their story is the American story.

06/30/2026

🇺🇸☘️ AMERICA 250: THE HIBERNIAN STORY

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we celebrate the organizations and community leaders who helped generations of immigrants find fellowship, purpose, and a place to belong.

In 1936, members of the Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians gathered to welcome a new class of Hibernians into the Order. Representatives from Divisions 2, 5, 12, 19, 22, 33, and 35 participated in a special degree ceremony led by some of the most respected Irish-American leaders of their day, including John O’Hagan, John T. Rogan, and others who dedicated countless hours to strengthening the Hibernian mission.

These ceremonies continue today and are about far more than membership. They connected Irish-Americans to a larger tradition rooted in Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity. For many immigrants and their families, the Ancient Order of Hibernians provided a network of support, faith, and community during a time when Irish-Americans were still establishing themselves in American life.

Through organizations like the AOH, generations of Brooklyn families preserved their heritage while contributing to the growth and success of their adopted homeland.

Today, nearly a century later, Kings County Hibernians continue that same mission—welcoming new members, supporting local communities, and preserving the story of Irish-America for future generations.

As we celebrate America 250, we remember that the strength of America has always been found in organizations that bring people together in service, faith, and community.

Their story is the American story.

06/22/2026

☘️ BROTHERS — JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT KINGS COUNTY AOH COUNTY MEETING ☘️

The work of our Order continues! Join your fellow Brothers for our upcoming Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians County Meeting as we come together to discuss important initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities to strengthen our Brotherhood.

📅 Monday, June 22, 2026�⏰ 7:30 PM�📍 Greenhouse Café�7717 Third Avenue, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn�(Home of Division 12)

We’ll be discussing:
🇺🇸 Hibernian 250 Social Media Campaign — highlighting Irish contributions to Kings County, New York City, and America as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
⚾ Hibernians at the Ballpark — including our Brooklyn Cyclones outing on August 14th and New York Mets Irish Night on August 28th.
🌎 Updates on the 2026 AOH National Convention in Omaha
👕 America 250 commemorative jersey & Ladies AOH shirt fundraisers
🎳 Updates on our County Bowling Event
🎻 Discussion on a proposed County Irish Session and future opportunities for fellowship
Our strength comes from our Brothers who show up, get involved, and continue building the future of our Order.

☘️ Your participation matters. Your ideas matter. Our Brotherhood matters. ☘️

New Members are always welcome!!

We look forward to seeing you there!
Friendship • Unity • Christian Charity�

06/18/2026

🏀☘️ AMERICA 250: THE HIBERNIAN STORY

Today, New York City celebrates a moment generations of fans have waited decades to witness—a New York Knicks Championship Ticker Tape Parade through the Canyon of Heroes.

For many New Yorkers, the Knicks are more than a basketball team. They are part of the city’s identity, bringing together people from every neighborhood, background, and generation in support of New York’s team.

That connection has long resonated within New York’s Irish-American community. From Bay Ridge and Gerritsen Beach to Woodside, Woodlawn, and beyond, Irish-American families have cheered for the Knicks from Madison Square Garden, neighborhood pubs, living rooms, and local gathering places for generations.

The Knicks have also embraced New York’s Irish heritage. Each St. Patrick’s Day, Madison Square Garden is transformed with Irish green lighting, themed graphics, special promotions, and performances by local Irish dance schools, recognizing the city’s deep Irish roots and the millions of Irish-Americans who have helped shape New York’s history.

As we commemorate America 250, today’s championship parade reminds us that the American story is ultimately a story of communities coming together. The descendants of immigrants who helped build New York now stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow New Yorkers celebrating a championship that belongs to the entire city.

Today, the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Kings County proudly joins millions of fans in celebrating this historic achievement.

Congratulations to the New York Knicks, their players, coaches, and loyal fans everywhere.

From Brooklyn to Broadway, New York celebrates together.

Their story is the American story.

🏆☘️ Congratulations, NBA Champion New York Knicks!

06/16/2026

🇺🇸☘️ AMERICA 250: THE HIBERNIAN STORY

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we remember those whose lives embodied faith, service, and sacrifice.

Today we honor Father Mychal Judge, O.F.M., a son of Brooklyn, the child of Irish immigrants, Franciscan friar, FDNY Chaplain, and a man whose life reflected the Hibernian ideals of Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.

Born in Brooklyn in 1933 to parents who emigrated from County Leitrim, Ireland, Father Mychal understood the strength of the Irish-American experience. Throughout his ministry, he devoted himself to serving those in need—the homeless, the sick, recovering addicts, first responders, and anyone seeking comfort during difficult times.

In 1992, he was appointed Chaplain of the New York City Fire Department. He quickly became a beloved figure among New York’s Bravest, standing beside firefighters at fires, hospitals, funerals, and moments of personal hardship. His ministry was not confined to the pulpit; it was lived through daily acts of compassion and service.

On September 11, 2001, Father Mychal rushed to the World Trade Center alongside the firefighters he served. As the attacks unfolded, he prayed with the injured, comforted the frightened, and ministered to those in need. While carrying out his duties as chaplain, he was killed in the collapse of the South Tower, becoming the first officially identified victim of the attacks.

His story, however, began long before September 11th. It began in Brooklyn’s Irish-American neighborhoods, among families whose faith and commitment to community helped shape Kings County. Those same values remain central to the mission of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. His life reminds us that preserving our heritage means more than remembering the past—it means living the values that defined those who came before us.

As we celebrate America 250, we remember Father Mychal Judge as a proud Irish-American, a faithful servant of God, and a Brooklyn hero whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Their story is the American story.

06/10/2026

🇺🇸☘️ AMERICA 250: THE HIBERNIAN STORY

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we remember those whose dedication helped shape both the nation they adopted and the heritage they refused to leave behind.

John O’Hagan, is an Irish immigrant from County Derry, Ireland, whose leadership, activism, and devotion to the Ancient Order of Hibernians left an enduring mark on Brooklyn, Irish-America, and generations of Hibernian families that followed.

In 1920, during Ireland’s struggle for independence, O’Hagan hosted Irish President Éamon de Valera at Brooklyn’s famed Grand Prospect Hall. At the time, de Valera was traveling throughout the United States seeking support for the cause of Irish freedom. American authorities viewed portions of his fundraising activities with suspicion, particularly the sale of Republican Bonds used to support the underground Irish Republic during the War of Independence.

New York authorities sought to intervene in de Valera’s activities. O’Hagan was alerted to efforts to infiltrate the gathering and took steps to ensure de Valera’s safety while he was in Brooklyn. The episode stands as a remarkable chapter in Brooklyn’s connection to Ireland’s fight for independence and highlights O’Hagan’s role as a trusted figure within both the Irish-American and Hibernian communities.

O’Hagan’s leadership earned him widespread respect throughout Irish-America. In 1929, he was selected as Grand Marshal of New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the highest honors bestowed upon an Irish-American leader. His selection reflected a lifetime of service to faith, community, and the preservation of Irish heritage in America.

Yet perhaps his greatest legacy is one that continues to this day. Five generations of his family have carried forward his commitment to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, continuing a family tradition of service that spans more than a century.

As we celebrate America 250, we remember John O’Hagan as part of a larger American story—the story of immigrants who embraced their new homeland while preserving the traditions, values, and heritage that shaped them.

Their story is the American story.

Kings County Ancient Order of Hibernians

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