Champion Maureen Mohney

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) is proud to have a partnership with the United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA). This past August, the LAOH was invited to have a table at the USGAA Finals in Philadelphia to promote this partnership.

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) is proud to stand beside the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in celebrating Irish culture, tradition, and community. The USGAA Finals bring together not only athletes but also proud bearers of Irish identity, spirit, and solidarity.

As the GAA promotes the strength, skill, and teamwork of Irish sports, the LAOH complements that mission by offering a Sisterhood rooted in Catholic faith, heritage, and service. Together, we represent two pillars of Irish American life – athletic excellence and cultural legacy.

To the young women competing, cheering, and celebrating with at the Finals: the LAOH was there to invite them to find out more about the LAOH and hopefully to take the next step in honoring your Irish roots by joining the LAOH. Joining the LAOH is more than becoming part of an organization – it’s becoming part of a Sisterhood that supports one another, uplifts our communities, and advocates for a united and peaceful Ireland.

At the Finals, some of our Pittsburgh and Cleveland members stopped in at the LAOH table. I find it a pleasure to meet my Hibernian Sisters from around the country. In addition to promoting one of the Irish Organizations that I love, I was extremely proud to attend the Finals and cheer on the St. Pat’s – St. Jarlath’s Men and Women’ Gaelic Football and Camogie Teams.

Cleveland Ladies Win Two Championships

As a former member of the Cleveland Emerald Camogie Club, I am proud of all the Cleveland Teams participating but was extremely proud to see the Ladies win two National Championships, in Football and Camogie.

Three women participated in both Championships. What a remarkable achievement. I would like to highlight one of those women: Maureen Mohney.

When I played with the Emeralds, Maureen was usually present as a young girl, following her sister Kathy, a member of the team. I am biased, but I think the success of women participating in the Cleveland GAA is due to Maureen’s efforts.

This is not the first Championship that Maureen was a part of. She was a member of the Ladies Football Team when they won the Nationals in 2023. Maureen made Cleveland GAA history by being one of three that played on two National Championship teams in the same year.

Maureen is not just a Champion on the pitch, but in her involvement with the Cleveland Irish Community too. This past May, the Irish Echo honored her as one of the Heroes of Irish America, recognizing her involvement with the GAA, LAOH, West Side Irish American Club, Irish American Club East Side and the United Irish Societies.

Since 2001, Maureen has been an active member of St. Pat- St, Jarlath’s GAA as a player and board member. Her dedication to the club includes actively recruiting players along with promoting the GAA community in Cleveland.

She served as a Delegate representing the GAA on the St. Patrick’s Day Committee and in 2016 was appointed Deputy Director. As one of the Deputy Directors, Maureen has taken on the responsibilities of Secretary and managing the IT needs of the Parade committee, ensuring the success of one of Cleveland’s most cherished traditions.

This past March, Maureen played a key role during the Lost Gael Book Tour sponsored Nationally by the AOH, LAOH and the local GAA. She was part of a committee that collaborated to make Cleveland the most attended event per Irish population of the book tour cities.

To sum up, Maureen Mohney is a testimony of what one individual can do when they use their passion, leadership and community participation to foster cultural and community connection. The Irish community of Cleveland is honored that Maureen is one of our Champions to make sure our Irish heritage thrives from the playing the games to marching down the Avenue. She promotes and shares her Irish Heritage and all of us benefit from her example as a Champion.