Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), America’s oldest and largest Irish Catholic organization, issued a statement today offering congratulations and best wishes to newly inaugurated Irish President Catherine Connolly”
Dear President Connolly,
On behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, I extend our warmest congratulations on your inauguration as the 10th President of Ireland. Your resounding victory, winning 63.4% of first-preference votes, the highest share ever in a contested Irish presidential election, speaks to the deep confidence the Irish people have placed in your leadership. Ireland’s exiled children in America celebrate this moment alongside our brothers and sisters in Ireland.
As an Irish-American organization with deep roots in our shared heritage, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has long supported the aspirations of the Irish people to sovereignty and unity and has maintained strong ties between Ireland and the Irish diaspora in the United States. We are particularly heartened by your commitment to engaging young people and by your advocacy to include the North more fully in the life of the presidency. It has always been our central goal that Ireland be united, sovereign, and that the Irish people chart the destiny of Ireland.
As you have stated, you will be “a president who listens, who reflects and who speaks when it’s necessary.” We respect the important role you will play in representing Ireland on the world stage and wish you every success in that endeavor.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians extends our best wishes for your presidency and looks forward to the continued friendship between the people of Ireland and Irish America.
May you be blessed with wisdom, strength, and grace as you serve the Irish nation.
In Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity,
Sean Pender
National President, Ancient Order of Hibernians in America