Cherryland members John O’Brien and Timothy Brisbois have a few things in common. They have traveled to Ireland (over 15 times combined), they both have grandparents who immigrated to the United States from Ireland, and they have both been presidents (one still is) of the Bun Brady Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

The Bun Brady Division is the Grand Traverse County branch of the National Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), named for the founder of local watering hole Brady’s Bar. Nationally the AOH was established in Pennsylvania in 1836 to create a safe space for Irish immigrants facing discrimination in America. The protection of Irish culture didn’t start in 1836; however, its roots can be traced back to an Ancient Order of Hibernians protecting Catholic priests in Ireland after their religion was outlawed.

The theme of protection still rings through the organization, whose mission is “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.” Members take great pride in protecting Irish heritage. “Most people look at the Irish as very fun loving or having great craic as they say—which we are, but to me, it is so much more than that,” said O’Brien. Embracing their Irish heritage is a theme that brings this group together. You can feel their passion for their heritage whenever O’Brien and Brisbois share stories of Irish relatives or their experiences abroad.

You’ve probably seen local AOH members donning their green sashes in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which travels through downtown Traverse City the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day each year. St. Patrick’s Day is a lot more than green beer and corned beef for this group—it truly celebrates the welcoming nature of the Irish. They encourage everyone to participate in St. Patrick’s Day festivities, and as the saying goes, “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.”

In true Irish fashion, this group loves to have a good time and share their generosity. They combine the fun with giving back at an event the AOH is most proud of—the Father Fred Cigar Dinner. Locals may have heard about (or smelled) this sold-out event, bringing some of the best local chefs and specialties from Nolan’s Cigar Bar together each year for a wonderful cause. The event has raised over $2 million for the Father Fred Foundation since it began in the ‘90s and has become a cornerstone of their philanthropic efforts ever since.

When they’re not busy planning these popular, local events, they spend their time promoting Irish heritage. “We talk about Irish history, read Irish books, and listen to Irish music. A couple of our members even have Irish bands. I have learned so much,” said O’Brien. Their promotion of Irish culture reaches beyond their group activities and into the community. They have cultivated a collection of Irish books at the Traverse Area District Library so anyone can explore Ireland, its history, and its culture.

“This group brings home what being Irish is all about. You feel that spirit in this group,” said Brisbois. Sitting with either one of these Hibernians, you may start a stranger, but you end the conversation as a friend. That is the whole goal of the AOH, bringing that welcoming friendship the Irish people are known for 3,000 miles closer to home.

As the years go on, the AOH would like to continue the traditions that came before them and preserve the Irish culture and heritage they care so deeply for. But they need the next generation of men to join them in that endeavor. This St. Patrick’s Day, we should all try to embrace our Irish side and welcome all who wish to celebrate!

Please note that the Traverse City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is planned for March 15, 2025.

If you are interested in learning more about joining the Bun Brady Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, you can contact John O’Brien at [email protected] or Timothy Brisbois at [email protected].

Or follow them on Facebook: /traversecityaoh