Ancient Order of Hibernians celebrate Irish roots in Nebraska [Video]

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Chapters of the oldest Irish-Catholic fraternal organization in the country are celebrating their heritage on St. Patrick’s Day, including right here in Omaha.

Local members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians visit General John O’Neill’s gravesite every year at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

According to the Nebraska State Historical Society, General O’Neill was an Irish immigrant and Union general during the Civil War.

He led a group of Irish-American soldiers into British-governed Canada during “The Battle of Ridgeway.” Afterwards, they came back to Nebraska and formed the colony of O’Neill, which is now known as “Nebraska’s Irish Capital.”

AOH President Jeff Johnson said remembering O’Neill and other Irish figures is essential not just today, but all year long.

“It’s important to really understand the roots of where we come from and to understand the sufferings that the Irish had to go through,” Johnson said. “We just want to let everyone know that the Irish had …