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
Hibernians Issue Resolution Calling for US Ambassador to Ireland
Meeting at their National Convention, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution calling for the immediate appointment of a US Ambassador to Ireland. The position of US Ambassador to Ireland has been unfilled since January 2017. WHEREAS the relationship between America and Ireland predates the founding of the United States; and WHEREAS Ireland was one of the earliest supporters of American independence, causing General Washington to write after the revolution “Ireland, thou friend of my country in my country’s most friendless days, much injured, much enduring land, accept … [Read more...] about Hibernians Issue Resolution Calling for US Ambassador to Ireland
In Light of Prime Minister May’s Lack of Confidence in Northern Ireland Wishing to Remain in the UK, Hibernians Call for Referendum
In an open letter to the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) asked for their support in calling for the British Government to honor its commitment to hold a referendum on the North of Ireland forming a part of a united Ireland in light of statements made by Prime Minister May indicating that the criteria for such a referendum have been met. The Letter by National Political Education Chair Neil Cosgrove states: “The U.S. brokered Good Friday Agreement (GFA) ended the thirty-year conflict known as “the Troubles” and has brought twenty … [Read more...] about In Light of Prime Minister May’s Lack of Confidence in Northern Ireland Wishing to Remain in the UK, Hibernians Call for Referendum
Recent Recipient Visits AOH Monument at the Medal of Honor Grove
Medal of Honor Recipient Jim McCloughan and his wife Cherie recently visited the AOH Monument at the Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Forge Pennsylvania. Jim was recently awarded the Medal of Honor for distinguished actions as a combat medic assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, during the Vietnam War near Don Que, Vietnam, from May 13-15, 1969. The Medal of Honor Grove commemorates those who have earned our Nation's highest award for valor. A section of the 52-acre grove is designated for each of the … [Read more...] about Recent Recipient Visits AOH Monument at the Medal of Honor Grove
National President McKay speaks out on Good Friday Agreement at 20
On March 22, 2018, and a month before the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, out Worthy President Judge James McKay testified before the Helsinki Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Commission, at the behest of Co-Chair Chris Smith of New Jersey, was holding a hearing, “The Good Friday Agreement at 20: achievements and unfinished business,” to review the status of the implementation of what panel member Congressman Brendan Boyle described as the “unquestioned gold standard in terms of peace agreements.” However, both Congressman Smith and Boyle both expressed … [Read more...] about National President McKay speaks out on Good Friday Agreement at 20
Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Contribution to America’s Independence
DID YOU KNOW that when America was born, the Irish were there? The Irish, both Protestant, and Catholic, were a major part of Washington’s volunteers from foot soldiers to high ranking officers. When increased Crown exploitation drove the colonists to protest, among the loudest were the Irish who had no great love for the Crown, to begin with. And there were many Irish in America’s colonies. Among them were those who fought the English theft of their Irish lands and ended up hunted men; they were followed by those Catholics and Presbyterians who fled persecution by the Church of England. Some … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Contribution to America’s Independence
Irish American Heritage Month: Colonel Eileen Collins, A Child of Immigrants Who Attained the Stars
On July 30th, 1999, 30 years and two days after the first successful moonwalk, Irish American Colonel Eileen Marie Collins became the first woman to command a U.S. spacecraft. Eileen Collins was one of four children born to immigrant parents from County Cork who had settled in Elmira New York. At an early age Eileen expressed an interest in flying, the skies around her home a frequent home to sailplanes and Elmira was home to the National Soaring Museum. Her parents would often take her to the local airport to watch aircraft take off and land. However, there was little money in a struggling … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Colonel Eileen Collins, A Child of Immigrants Who Attained the Stars