From President Brendan Moore: The expression "Out of sight, out of mind" is often, but not always true. It is certainly not true in the case of the AOH's association with Bishop Dorsey. Many of us recall the fact that he served two terms as AOH National Chaplain during the "Gilligan Years." His selection was a brilliant choice on the part of Tom Gilligan. Bishop Dorsey brought not only a quiet eloquence to his role, but gifts of sincerity, piety, and intellect as well. During those four years as National Chaplain, his commitment to our Order never wavered, despite the fact that his … [Read more...] about The Passing of Bishop Norbert Dorsey
Archives for February 2013
AOH Car Rental Discount
Through the efforts of Brother Brian Burke of Commodore John Barry Division 2 in Syracuse, NY, the AOH has been able to partner with the Avis/Budget Group to offer our members discounts on car rentals. The discounts are available nationwide, 24/7, at all Avis and/or Budget locations. On average, the discounts will run between 10 to 20 percent, and will vary with location and season. For Avis use code # AWD = X265800 and for Budget use code # BCD = A766200. Happy traveling. … [Read more...] about AOH Car Rental Discount
2013 State Convention List
2013 State Conventions will take place at various times between May and October. This list is constantly updated, so please check with the local committees before attending a convention. All conventions are open to Hibernians in good standing. Please Click Here to Download the 2013 State Convention List … [Read more...] about 2013 State Convention List
A Call to Action to have the Smithsonian to Recognize Irish American Heritage Month
The AOH continues to work to have Irish American Heritage Month recognized and commemorated by our public institutions with the same level of commitment as they recognize other heritages. In particular, the Smithsonian Institute, which claims to be America’s leading educational institution, honors with extensive programs Black History Month, Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and American Indian Heritage Month but continues to ignore Irish American Heritage Month. We have tried to engage the administration of the Smithsonian several times, and have met with what … [Read more...] about A Call to Action to have the Smithsonian to Recognize Irish American Heritage Month
AOH, IAUC & Brehon Appeal to Kerry and Menendez
NY, NY & Wash. D. C. Feb. 10th The leaders of the most active Irish-American groups in the U. S. renewed their attack on Britain's subpoena of records from the Irish archives of Boston College. The two year battle has involved a challenge by the Belfast Project researchers Ed Moloney & Anthony McIntyre to the misuse of the U. S.-U. K. Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and 20 Members of Congress who not only share their concern but question Britain's commitment to the Irish peace process. The confirmation of Senator John Kerry as Secretary of State and the elevation of … [Read more...] about AOH, IAUC & Brehon Appeal to Kerry and Menendez
Consider a Day of Action
By Neil Cosgrove As I write this with the threat of a snow storm hitting the New York area, I must report that the first sign of Spring has been cited. It is not the first robin or the crocuses sprouting, but the sighting of the first defaming “St. Paddy’s Day” [sic] shirts at the local mall. From all reports this years’ crop looks to plum new lows. Among the shirts spotted were: ”Want to Get Lucky With an Irish Girl?”, “ Irish Food Stamps” (depicting chits with beer mugs on them) and “Did you hear the one about an Irishman who left a bar?...Nah, me neither”. Of course there were also the … [Read more...] about Consider a Day of Action
President's Message: "On Moving Forward"
By the time you receive this edition of the Hibernian Digest we will be well into 2013, but I still want to wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year on behalf of your National Board. As 2012 drew to a close, much of the focus was on Northern Ireland issues. While Britain’s Da Silva Report into the decades-ago assassination of attorney Patrick Finucane clearly pointed to security forces colluding with loyalist paramilitaries, there was an obvious attempt to avoid any hint that such collusion had been sanctioned by the higher/ highest reaches of the British government. In addition, the AOH … [Read more...] about President's Message: "On Moving Forward"
National Chaplain's Message
The Lenten Season is upon us. It is a good time to be reminded that we as an organization must be Christ-bearers or intercessors for Him. Eight-year-old Jimmy was acting up. He refused to do what he was told to do, and did about everything he was told not to do. In desperation his father finally sent him off to bed before the dessert was served. Just then a neighbor dropped in. He always liked Jimmy, and after a while he asked the parents if he could talk to the boy. With a prayer in his heart he reminded the lad that his disobedience displeased his parents and made them sad. Especially it … [Read more...] about National Chaplain's Message
One of the Best Hibernian Traditions
by Ed Wallace, PNP In the Penal Days, our ancestors stood guard to protect the Roman Catholic clergy as they celebrated the holy sacrifice of the Mass for the disenfranchised Irish. In the days of Nativist Bigotry, our immigrant forebears stood guard around Catholic churches to safeguard our clergy from the anti-Catholic Know Nothings. As they were needed then, we are needed now! Today, violence has diminished, but the need to protect our clerical tradition is just as great, if not greater. This time the enemy is economic. The number of applicants to the religious life is decreasing each … [Read more...] about One of the Best Hibernian Traditions
Glencoe
William of Orange defeated King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, and claimed the Throne of England. He had beaten and deceived the Celts of Ireland into submission, and turned his attention to the Celts of the Scottish Highlands. He demanded that all clan Chieftains swear an oath of allegiance, and surrender their lands to the Crown by 1 January, 1692 or suffer government reprisal. By that date, the clan of MacIan MacDonald of Glencoe had not yet signed. On 31 December MacIan had travelled to Fort William to ask the governor, Colonel Hill, to administer the required oath, but … [Read more...] about Glencoe