Local Woman to Head National Hibernian Board

Special to the HERALD
(From the issue of 7/11/02)

The National Board of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians inaugurated its first president from the Commonwealth of Virginia at a banquet recently.

Eleonore Grimley, a parishioner at St. Lawrence Parish in Alexandria, was unanimously voted president of the group during a three-day meeting at Foxwoods Casino and Resort in Ledyard, Conn.

Grimley has worked with the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians since 1988 when she worked to bring the Hibernians’ convention to Virginia. In 1992, she was elected to her first post on the National Board.

In her inaugural address, Grimley praised the efforts of the Lady Hibernians across the country, and encouraged them in their mission.

"Be yourself," Grimley said. "Contribute your special and unique talents, combine them with those of your sisters and brothers and work harmoniously together to restore all things in Christ, through the mission of our beloved Hibernian Order."

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians participate in numerous charitable activities including support of the Columban Fathers, Columban Sisters, restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Baltimore, Md., participation in Habitat for Humanity and the funding of scholarships.

Also honored at the meeting was Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s "Hardball with Chris Matthews." Matthews was presented with the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medal. The award honors outstanding contributions by a Roman Catholic of Irish birth or decent in his or her field of endeavor. Matthews is married to local television station, WJLA anchor Kathleen Matthews.

Another local resident honored during the meeting was Dorothy Edwards of Alexandria. Edwards began the Roses for Life campaign that distributes roses to the president, vice president and members of Congress on Jan. 22.

She was also instrumental in obtaining recognition for Commodore John Barry's contributions to American history. She located documentation that George Washington had appointed the Irishman to the Navy. Barry is now recognized among the founders of the American Navy and is recognized on the Navy Memorial's roster.

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