Legislator Steven J. Flotteron recognized this year’s Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Division 7 honorees, William Michael LePage and Ladies (LAOH), Division 7 Aide Eileen Isabelle O’Leary Knockenhauer for the Annual John P. Reilly Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/Sashing of Grand Marshals at the Irish Coffee Pub in Islip.
Mr. LePage joined the AOH men’s division in 1991 and received his major degree in the same year. He has been a member of the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band for nearly 37 years, joining the band in 1984 on the chanter when he was 9 years old and became Pipe Major of the Roisin Dubh Irish Pipe Band in 1995 and still continues in this role today. He will serve as the Grand Marshal of the East Islip St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 6th.
Ms. Knockenhauer is the daughter of first generation Irish parents and a devote member of the LAOH. In In 1984, she began volunteering at St. Mary’s Church as both a catechist and a member of the Outreach Team. She retired in 2002 from Connetquot School District and spent the next 16 years volunteering at the Fire Island Lighthouse as a docent for school groups. In 2005, she went back to school, earning a BA in Children’s Literature and was a published author in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Living Catholic Faith, South Shore Monthly and Good Old Days Magazine. She also was an extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a member of the Consolation Ministry at St. Mary’s Church for 18 years. She has served on the Board as Sentinel, Mistress-at-Arms, Irish Historian, and Financial Secretary as well as Spiritual Advisor to LAOH.
Pictured (L-R): Suffolk County Legislator Steven J. Flotteron, Eileen Isabelle O’Leary Knockenhauer and William Michael LePage.