In response to a request made by the Ancient Order of Hibernians to members of Congress and the Senate to register their support for the Good Friday Agreement and their concern for the damage that a hard Brexit could pose to two decades of peace in Ireland, Senator Minority Leader Charles Schumer has written Secretary of State Pompeo and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stating “He will vigorously and vociferously oppose any potential U.S.-U.K. trade deal that undermines the Good Friday Agreement or a return to a hard border.” Senator Schumer’s letter is available below. The … [Read more...] about Minority Leader Schumer Responds to Hibernian Request To Make GFA U.K. Trade Deal Precondition
AOH Responds to Senator Tom Cotton and Colleagues Pledge of “Unwavering Support” for Brexit; Reminds of Good Friday Commitments.
In response to a letter written by Senator Cotton to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and signed by 44 members of the Senate pledging “unwavering support” to Britain irrespective of the course Brexit takes, National President McKay and Politcal Education Chairman Neil Cosgrove have written to Senator Cotten to express their concern that the Senator's letter fails to address the challenges that Brexit and a potential hard border posed to the Irish People. Dear Senator Cotton: We write to you as the National President and Political Education Chairman of the … [Read more...] about AOH Responds to Senator Tom Cotton and Colleagues Pledge of “Unwavering Support” for Brexit; Reminds of Good Friday Commitments.
On the Third Anniversary of Brexit, Britain is Still Looking for its Cake
Note that is an Op Ed that appeared in the July 10, 2019 edition of the Irish Echo. On June 23rd, the Brexit Referendum, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), celebrated its third anniversary. To put that in perspective, that was two English Prime Ministers and two Brexit deadline extensions ago. In this period, the British Conservative party suffered a shocking defeat at the polls and, despite concerns over the impact Brexit could have on the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) peace process entered into a “Confidence and Supply Agreement” with … [Read more...] about On the Third Anniversary of Brexit, Britain is Still Looking for its Cake
INDEPENDENCE DAY – 2019
Click for Large Hi-Res Image of the Full Declaration...As we celebrate our Nation’s Independence, we as Irish Americans should take special pride in the day. Nine of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were of Irish descent, including the only non-Protestant, Charles Carroll. The Secretary of the Continental Congress was from Derry, the first printing was done by a printer from Tyrone, and it was read in public for the first time by the son of an immigrant from Wexford. At a minimum, 25% (some estimates go as high as 40%) of Washington’s Army was Irish including a large number of … [Read more...] about INDEPENDENCE DAY – 2019
US State Department Visa Policy “ Visits the Sins of the Fathers Upon the Sons (and Daughters)” of Ex-Prisoners of the Troubles
From the Political Education and Immigration Chairs Part of the foundational ethos of the United States is that individuals are treated based on their merits; rejecting the Old World concepts of royalty and aristocracy where a person is judged based on who their parents were. That American belief was a beacon of hope to the thousands of Irish who came to America in search of being able to achieve their full potential, and America has benefited incalculably from their energy and drive. It is therefore extremely disconcerting to learn that the US Department of State has repudiated this core … [Read more...] about US State Department Visa Policy “ Visits the Sins of the Fathers Upon the Sons (and Daughters)” of Ex-Prisoners of the Troubles
AOH Congratulates Edward Crawford on Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland
The Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomed the news today that Edward Crawford has been confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. It has been 874 days since there has been a U.S. Ambassador to this oldest of friends to the United States. The Hibernian's are heartened by the news that the special relationship between two nations which the exchange of Ambassadors signifies has been renewed. At this critical moment in history, when Brexit may have profound collateral consequences to the prosperity of the island of Ireland, we believe Mr. Crawford experience as a successful … [Read more...] about AOH Congratulates Edward Crawford on Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland
Brexit Trade Deal Should Be Contingent On Existing Good Friday Agreement Commitments Fulfillment
In his remarks from London today, President Trump stated that “the United States is committed to a phenomenal trade deal between the US and the UK.” Respectfully, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) reminds the President of the existing U.S. commitment as a guarantor of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and asks that its fulfillment and the delivery of lasting peace in Ireland must be a precondition to any future US/UK trade deal. Twenty-one years on from that groundbreaking achievement of United States diplomacy, the government of the United Kingdom still has not delivered on many of its Good … [Read more...] about Brexit Trade Deal Should Be Contingent On Existing Good Friday Agreement Commitments Fulfillment
Hibernians Thank President Trump, Members of the Senate, House and Cardinal Dolan for Six Month Stay of McAllister Deportation, Call for Fixing the System.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to express their appreciation to President Trump for another stay of deportation for Malachy McAllister. This stay would not have been possible without the direct involvement and untiring efforts of Senator Schumer, Senator Graham, Senator Menendez, Rep. Peter King, Rep. Eliot Engel, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Rep. Richie Neal, Rep. Chris Smith, other Senate and House supporters, and his Eminence Cardinal Dolan. At a time when there is little common ground in Washington, that so many prominent figures in their respective parties and the Cardinal of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Thank President Trump, Members of the Senate, House and Cardinal Dolan for Six Month Stay of McAllister Deportation, Call for Fixing the System.
Hibernians Condemn Deportation of Malachy McAllister, Ask Administration to Heed Bipartisan Call for Deferment.
The Hibernians are saddened and angered that once again their Brother Malachy McAllister and members of his family are being threatened with deportation by agencies of the United States government. Since entering the United States legally over twenty years ago, Mr. McAllister has been an exemplary member of the American community, creating two successful, job-producing businesses. However, despite having done nothing but positively contribute to his adopted country, US immigration officials are determined to deport this grandfather of 5 American grandchildren despite bipartisan … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn Deportation of Malachy McAllister, Ask Administration to Heed Bipartisan Call for Deferment.
Bravery Beyond Measure: The Heroic Story of Colonel Patrick O’Rorke
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 Bravery Beyond Measure: The Heroic Story of Colonel Patrick O’Rorke
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
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
Knights of Columbus Membership Should Not be a Test Act.
While the recent scurrilous questioning of district-court nominee Brian Buescher’s membership in the Knights of Columbus by Senators Mazie Hirono and Kamala Harris, with Senator Hirono suggesting that Mr. Buecher should resign the organization if appointed, may be viewed as yet another example of cynical political correctness, it is indictive of a much more ominous shift in contemporary American politics. In Senators Hirono and Harris’ questioning of Mr. Buescher’s membership in our nation’s largest Catholic Fraternal Organization can be heard the not so faint echoes from some of the darkest … [Read more...] about Knights of Columbus Membership Should Not be a Test Act.
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