In a surprise presentation at our AOH 2018 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, Rockland County’s Neil Cosgrove was honored with the AOH Commodore John Barry Medal. This was the very first granting of this award by the National Board.
Neil is certainly widely known beyond Division #3 and Rockland County. It was my pleasure to first appoint him to the National Board as National Political Education Chairman back in 2012, and he serves in that role currently, having been re-appointed by National President James McKay. However, his PEC leadership is but one of the many hats worn by Neil. He is the AOH Irish Heritage Month Chairman, as well as the National Anti-Defamation Chairman. In addition, Neil’s command of the facts, coupled with his exceptional ability as a writer, have anointed Cosgrove as the “go-to-guy” for any press releases or op-ed pieces that pertain to issues of immediate importance to the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Indeed, his writings are so frequently featured in the Irish-American media (and beyond) that Neil has become recognized as “The Voice of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.”
The AOH Commodore John Barry Medal was named for a patriot whose service and commitment were both generous and extraordinary. Clearly, the presentation of such a prestigious award to our own Neil Cosgrove bespeaks the recognition and gratitude that he so richly deserves.
Brendan Moore,
AOH Past National President