A.O.H. loses one of its great men – The passing of John McInerney May 7, 2014
Posted by Jim on May 13, 2014
The Order has lost an exemplary member. The passing of John McInerney this past week is a loss that will be felt not just in the Washington, D. C.-MD area where he so ably served in several elected capacities but wherever the history of the Irish in America is told. While serving as Public Relations Director for the National Board I had occasion to work with John and I recall two qualities he exhibited which made watching him and working with him a pleasure. He persevered with a great tenacitywhatever project he was assigned or embraced. He and “The O’Brien” never let bureaucracies or the bruising fundraising get them down when fighting for the Antietam and Commodore Barry memorials. Throughout John’s work on those campaigns he remained upbeat and humble…how I don’t know. I remember a presentation he made on political education at a National Convention. While many presentations of officers were all too brief, John gave the delegates a three credit course on lobbying complete with a 30 page packet for each of them. He recognized the importance of doing that task well and gave his Hibernian Brothers the best of his insight from his AARP days. He recognized the challenge of fighting the murderous treachery of the British in the North and the intrinsic evil of killing innocent life in the womb. He embraced both causes with a patriotic and religious fervor. I last talked with John at a March for Life in Washington, D. C. and the weather was inclement to say the least. Despite the bitter cold and his infirmities which he bore with a deep faith, he had that passion in his eyes for truth and the fire in the belly to fight for justice. God speed you good and faithful servant. Be at peace. The prize is yours!!
Michael J. Cummings
former member of the National Board