Patrick Henry O'Rorke was born in County Cavan, Ireland on March 25, 1837. His family emigrated from Ireland when Patrick was but a year old, eventually settling in the “Little Dublin” neighborhood of Rochester, N.Y. An excellent student, he earned one of two scholarships to the newly formed University of Rochester. However, his father’s sudden death required young Patrick to take a job as a marble cutter to support his family. Patrick’s talents were too considerable to go unrecognized for long. He came to the attention of Congressman John Williams, who recommended him for … [Read more...] about Patrick O’Rorke, a Forgotten Hero of Gettysburg
Statement on GOP’s St. Patrick’s Day Tweet Promoting Defaming Stereotypes of Irish American
The Ancient Order of Hibernians are shocked and appalled that on St. Patrick’s Day, a day when America celebrates and honors the contributions that Irish Americans have made to our great country, the GOP would launch an attack on a prospective presidential candidate based solely on his Irish Heritage. On 3/17 at 12:16 PM the GOP twitter account tweeted a mug shot of candidate “Beto” O’Rourke taken during a 1998 DWI arrest wearing a photoshopped green top hat and shamrock and a caption “Please Drink Responsibly.” The tweet then states “On this St, Paddy’s Day [sic] a message from noted … [Read more...] about Statement on GOP’s St. Patrick’s Day Tweet Promoting Defaming Stereotypes of Irish American
Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, USMC Recipient of two Medals of Honor and Nominated for a Third
In the history of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States Highest award "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty", only 19 men have been awarded the medal twice. Among them is Marine Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, one of only two marines to receive the Medal of Honor Twice for separate acts of heroism and nominated for a third. Daly was born in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, on 11 November 1873. He was slight of stature, only 5’ 6" in height and weighing 132 lbs, yet enjoyed an early reputation as a fighter, a reputation he … [Read more...] about Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, USMC Recipient of two Medals of Honor and Nominated for a Third
Hibernians Condemn Philadelpha Magazine’s description of St.Patrick’s day as “A wave of green-clad, likely intoxicated, Irish potato-eating Philadelphians”
The Hibernians were appalled to read in the Philadelphia Magazine article “Philly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Your Need-to-Know Guide” by writer Claire Sasko the following statement Here comes St. Patrick’s Day, and with it a wave of green-clad, likely intoxicated, Irish potato-eating Philadelphians and (plenty of) suburbanites. Such a negative stereotype-laden, trope-ridden statement seems more in keeping with the sentiments of the nativist who burned Catholic Churches in early 19th century Philadelphia than 21st century America. Ironically, this exercise in defamation is published in … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn Philadelpha Magazine’s description of St.Patrick’s day as “A wave of green-clad, likely intoxicated, Irish potato-eating Philadelphians”
Hibernians Condemn NI Secretary Karen Bradley’s “acting under orders” defense of Security Force Murders in Northern Ireland
03/06/2019– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Since her appointment, it has been manifestly evident that British Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley is woefully unqualified. The world was amazed when the Crown’s senior official in the north of Ireland had so little understanding of the community of Northern Ireland as to be “surprised” to learn that members of the Unionist community do not vote for Irish Republicans and Republicans do not vote for Unionists. However, while there is some hope for the redemption of ignorance, there can be no toleration of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn NI Secretary Karen Bradley’s “acting under orders” defense of Security Force Murders in Northern Ireland
Hibernians Celebrate Irish American Heritage Month
In honor of March being proclaimed Irish American Heritage Month, please join the Ancient Order of Hibernians in remembering the contributions of the Irish to America by watching the following video. We encourage you to like and share it with your family and friends as a reminder of why we should be proud of our great heritage. The Hibernians shall also be featuring profiles of the contributions of Irish American Men and Women throughout the month of March. #EmbraceYourHeritageAOH #IrishAmericanHeritageMonth … [Read more...] about Hibernians Celebrate Irish American Heritage Month
Irish American Heritage Month, Less Than A Month Away
We are a little over a month away from March and Irish American Heritage Month. Recent events have indicated that we as an Order must commit to promoting our Irish American Heritage. It has recently been in the news that two AOH-sponsored parades have been canceled due to their local government’s billing them for services such as security and sanitation connected with the parade. If you will permit me a slight editorial, we are in a sad state indeed when our local municipalities do not see the need to support our communities coming together in positive celebration. Such shortsighted economics … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month, Less Than A Month Away
Hibernians Ask Amazon to Accord the Irish the Same Respect Shown Others
Following the recent announcement that Amazon has removed items deemed offensive to members of the Islamic Community, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) repeat their earlier calls that Amazon similarly remove items perpetuating defaming Irish stereotypes. In a letter to Amazon, Nation Anti-Defamation Chairman Neil Cosgrove writes: "As an organization founded to combat religious and ethnic bigotry, the Hibernians applaud Amazon’s recent decision in response to the request of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to remove items deemed offensive to Muslim Americans; no one … [Read more...] about Hibernians Ask Amazon to Accord the Irish the Same Respect Shown Others
Ask Your Congressional Representative to Support H.Res.88 and Say “No” to a Hard Border
As you no doubt aware from the news, the prospect that Britain’s decision to pursue Brexit will result in a hard border in Ireland is increasing daily. The consequence to the people of Ireland, north and south, cannot be understated. The past two decades as seen the artificial walls of mistrust that were constructed to further special interest slowly being replace by bridges of peace and understanding. A hard border in Ireland would wind back the clock nearly a hundred years and threatens the peace and prosperity of the entire island. Congressman Brendan Boyle has introduce a resolution, … [Read more...] about Ask Your Congressional Representative to Support H.Res.88 and Say “No” to a Hard Border
AOH Condemn Derry Bombings, Call for US Commitment to Northern Ireland
The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns the recent bomb attack in Derry which occurred this past Saturday, 1/19/19. There can be no rationalization, no palliation, of such a reckless and indiscriminate attack. The Hibernians are grateful to a merciful providence that reports indicate no one was injured in this wanton act of violence. The Hibernians are concerned over the continued political vacuum in Northern Ireland, a vacuum in which acts such as Saturday’s violence find sustenance and flourish. This weekend’s attack is a wake-up call to all those who believe that the issues of Northern … [Read more...] about AOH Condemn Derry Bombings, Call for US Commitment to Northern Ireland
Let Our Pride in Our Heritage be a Candle in the Window
One of the most beloved Irish Christmas traditions is “The Candle in the Window.” The popular story behind this tradition is that a candle is placed in the window as a light to guide Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and as a sign that they would be welcomed if they wish to break their journey at this home. It is a beautiful sentiment, and if it were for just this alone, it would be worth preserving. However, there is a sadder and darker history behind the tradition. It goes back to the time of the English Penal Laws in Ireland where Catholicism was proscribed and to be Irish a crime. In dark rural … [Read more...] about Let Our Pride in Our Heritage be a Candle in the Window
Call to Action: Call for the Speedy Confirmation of Edward Crawford as Ambassador to Ireland
Brothers, It has been 676 days since the US has had an Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. In that time, over seventy ambassadorial appointments have been made. It is simply unacceptable given the historic relationship between the United States and Ireland and the countless contributions of Ireland’s sons and daughters to America that this post has been vacant so long. Additionally, in this time of Brexit it is in America’s best interest to strengthen its ties to Ireland as, with the departure of England, it will be the only predominantly English speaking country in … [Read more...] about Call to Action: Call for the Speedy Confirmation of Edward Crawford as Ambassador to Ireland
Award Winning Ballymurphy Documentary
As Ms. Carmel Quinn, sister of Ballymurphy victim John Laverty visits the United States in a tour coordinated by the Ancient Order of Hibernians to bring awareness to the Ballymurphy Massacre and the need for justice; members may find this award-winning documentary informative on the atrocities that occurred between August 9th and 11th 1971. It should be remembered that the same Paratroop Regiment that was involved in the unjustified killings of Bloody Sunday. If a full inquiry had been made into BGally murphy and those responsible held accountable there may have been no … [Read more...] about Award Winning Ballymurphy Documentary
Vote this Nov. 6th.
This coming Tuesday, November 6th is Election Day. As the preamble to our AOH constitution notes, one of the purposes of this organization is to encourage civic participation. There is no greater civic duty in a democratic republic than to exercise ones right to vote. As the late Fr. Theodore Hesburgh noted “Voting is a civic sacrament." There are many political pundits who question whether there is still an Irish-America out there. That is why it is very important that we as Irish Americans vote and express our conscience. The cold political calculus is that if we do not vote and other … [Read more...] about Vote this Nov. 6th.
Hypocrisy of Former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers
New City, New York – 10/31/2018– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians shares the world’s concern on recent developments in Sri Lanka. The recent sacking of Sri Lanka's prime minister and his replacement with a man accused of human rights violations committed during that country’s civil war poses a threat to the search for justice for the victims of those heinous acts. However, the Hibernians cannot help but simultaneously note the outrageous hypocrisy in former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers’ calls for pressure to be brought to … [Read more...] about Hypocrisy of Former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers
Ancient Order of Hibernians Welcomes Nomination of Edward Crawford as US Ambassador to Ireland, Urges Senate for Swift Confirmation.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomes the formal nomination by the President of Mr. Edward Crawford as Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. Mr. Crawford’s impressive business credentials and strong cultural connections to Ireland uniquely qualify him for this vital role at this key moment in US-Irish relations. That as a son of County Cork Mr. Crawford was honored as the “Man of the Year” by The Mayo Society of Greater Cleveland bespeaks considerable talents as a diplomat. The Hibernians respectfully request that the members of the United States Senate expedite the approval of this … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Welcomes Nomination of Edward Crawford as US Ambassador to Ireland, Urges Senate for Swift Confirmation.
Video Hibernian Lecture: “America and the Irish Revolution, 1916–1922″
The 2018 Hibernian Lecture marks the fortieth anniversary of the relationship between the Hibernians and the Cushwa Center. In 1978, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians undertook a campaign to establish an endowment at the University of Notre Dame for illuminating the Irish heritage in America. Thanks to this support, since then the Cushwa Center has administered a variety of programs—including the Hibernian Research Award—promoting the study of the Irish experience in Ireland and America. Each year, the center invites a distinguished scholar or author … [Read more...] about Video Hibernian Lecture: “America and the Irish Revolution, 1916–1922″
AOH Repeats Call for US Northern Ireland Special Envoy After Arrest of Loughinisland Journalists
The arrest of award-winning veteran journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey for their work connected to the 2017 documentary “No Stone Unturned” is an attack on one of the accepted pillars of a free society: free speech expressed through an independent press. It is also a blatant assault on the US-brokered Good Friday Agreement and its commitment to bring a lasting peace by addressing with justice the legacy of the troubles. Birney and McCaffrey were arrested for their investigative journalism of the 18 June 1994 attack on the Heights Bar in the remote village of … [Read more...] about AOH Repeats Call for US Northern Ireland Special Envoy After Arrest of Loughinisland Journalists
VA. Hibernian’s Seek Answers on Removal of Irish Immigrants Name From Fitzgerald Square
Alexandria’s Hibernians have noticed that something is missing from Alexandria's newly renovated Fitzgerald Square: the name of Col. John Fitzgerald. Ironically on St. Patrick's day of this year, the City Council of Alexandria announced without explanation that the new upscale park would now be designated "King Street Park at the Waterfront," stripping the name of this prominent Irish American from the public space. Irish immigrant Col. John Fitzgerald is a significant figure in both the history of Alexandria and the United States. Fitzgerald was prominent in … [Read more...] about VA. Hibernian’s Seek Answers on Removal of Irish Immigrants Name From Fitzgerald Square
Ancient Order of Hibernians Pass Resolution Calling for the Immediate Appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
Meeting at their National Convention and in the wake of recent violence in the North of Ireland, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution calling for the immediate appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland as committed nearly a year ago by President Trump. WHEREAS the thirty-year conflict known as “The Troubles” was proportionately one of the deadliest in human history; and WHEREAS twenty years ago, the Good Friday Agreement was signed allowing a generation in Northern Ireland to grow up in peace and prosperity; and WHEREAS it has been noted by all … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Pass Resolution Calling for the Immediate Appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland