New City, New York – 8/3/2015– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians is both disappointed and saddened that CNN, a major news network, would in its recent episode of the series “The Seventies” entitled “The Golden Age of Terrorism” continue to perpetuate a sadly dated, skewed and inaccurate depiction of the struggle for freedom in Northern Ireland Per AOH Political Education Chair Neil F. Cosgrove: “It was hoped that CNN’s series “The Seventies” in its episode "The Golden Age of Terrorism" aired 7/30/15 would take advantage of the forty years that have … [Read more...] about Statement from the National Political Education Chair Regarding CNN's Depiction of "the Troubles" in its series "the Seventies"
Statement From National President Brendan Moore Concerning the Passing of Former Congressman Mario Biaggi
New City, New York – 6/26/2015– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians mourn the passing of former Congressman Mario Biaggi. The son of Italian immigrants, the former Bronx Congressman was an improbable but impassioned voice for the cause of justice in Northern Ireland. Per AOH National President Brendan Moore: “The Irish-American community has lost a giant and a hero with the passing of Mario Biaggi. Former Congressman Mario Biaggi spoke for us when few others would even listen. He took up the challenge of exposing British injustice in … [Read more...] about Statement From National President Brendan Moore Concerning the Passing of Former Congressman Mario Biaggi
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Denounces Florida’s Repeal of the MacBride Principles
New City, New York – 6/9/2015– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians denounces Florida’s recent decision to rescind its commitment to the MacBride Principles and the continued pursuit of justice and peace for the people of Northern Ireland. Per National AOH Political Education Chair Neil F. Cosgrove: The Seventeen years of relative peace in Northern Ireland that have resulted from the Good Friday Agreement have lulled the state of Florida into complacency as indicated by the state's renunciation of the MacBride Principles. Governor Scott and the … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Denounces Florida’s Repeal of the MacBride Principles
Press Release from National President Brendan Moore Concerning BBC Panorama’s Documentary, “Britain's Secret Terror Deals”
New City, New York – 5/30/2015– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians commends the BBC current affairs program Panorama for shining a long overdue public spotlight on the British Government’s collusion through its organs of MI5, the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary in dozens of murders during the Troubles in Northern Ireland; murders which through incessant bureaucratic stonewalling and cover-ups remain officially unsolved denying the victims' families closure and justice for decades. Per AOH National President Brendan Moore: “BBC's Panorama … [Read more...] about Press Release from National President Brendan Moore Concerning BBC Panorama’s Documentary, “Britain's Secret Terror Deals”
Letter from the Anti-Defamation Chair to the Washington Post Regarding Columnist Dana Milbank's characterization of St. Patrick's Day as "a festival of inebriation"
To the Editor, Washington Post: Satire and sarcasm are standard tools of the opinion writing trade. However, Dana Milbank overstepped the line from drollery to denigration in his March 18 op-ed column, “A fanciful GOP budget,” when he used St. Patrick’s Day as a prop to lampoon House Republicans. For Milbank to trivialize and denigrate St. Patrick’s Day as a “festival of inebriation in honor of the man who magically (and apocryphally) banished snakes from Ireland” is an outrage and insult to all Irish Americans. I would direct Milbank to President Obama’s proclamation of March as Irish … [Read more...] about Letter from the Anti-Defamation Chair to the Washington Post Regarding Columnist Dana Milbank's characterization of St. Patrick's Day as "a festival of inebriation"
Statement from the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Regarding Recent Comments by the Archbishop of New York
New York's Cardinal Timothy Dolan is deservedly a tremendously popular figure within the Catholic community and the Irish-American community as well. It is therefore both disappointing and distressing to read his most recent (CNN, March 3) public comparison of the Irish Republican Army with ISIS. In his statement last month (New York Post, Feb. 17) the Cardinal commended the leadership of Ireland's bishops for condemning the IRA during the period referred to as The Troubles. One needs to wonder if The Troubles might have been avoided or diminished had those same Irish bishops spoken out to … [Read more...] about Statement from the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Regarding Recent Comments by the Archbishop of New York
Walmart Apologizes/Pulls "Pashtun Papa", but Defend Products Defaming the Irish
Press Release For immediate release 3/03/2015 New City, New York – 3/03/15 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns Walmart for not addressing the legitimate concerns of Irish Americans and continuing to sell denigrating and defaming merchandise caricaturing and ridiculing Irish heritage and culture. The Hibernians find this particularly offensive given the deference and sensitivity Walmart has previously shown other heritages; a respect and courtesy that it appears Walmart consciously chooses to withhold from the Irish. Per AOH National … [Read more...] about Walmart Apologizes/Pulls "Pashtun Papa", but Defend Products Defaming the Irish
Press Release From Anti-Defamation Chair: Ancient Order of Hibernians Condemns Spencer’s Gifts for their Promotion of Defaming Irish Stereotypes, Denigration of Women and Promotion of St. Patrick’s Day Binge Drinking
For immediate release 2/23/2015 The Ancient Order of Hibernians Condemns Spencer’s Gifts for their Promotion of Defaming Irish Stereotypes, Denigration of Women and Promotion of St. Patrick’s Day Binge Drinking New City, New York – 2/23/15 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns the defaming Irish stereotypes and messages promoted by Spencer Gift’s “St. Pat’s” [sic] merchandise line and the attempts by Spencer’s to debase by their merchandise St. Patrick’s Day into an excuse for binge drinking and licentious behavior. The Hibernians also … [Read more...] about Press Release From Anti-Defamation Chair: Ancient Order of Hibernians Condemns Spencer’s Gifts for their Promotion of Defaming Irish Stereotypes, Denigration of Women and Promotion of St. Patrick’s Day Binge Drinking
Press Release from the Anti-Defamation Chairman concerning British Channel 4 TV Commissioning a Comedy Based on "The Great Hunger"
The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns the commissioning of a new comedy series by Channel 4 Television Corporation entitled “Hungry” based on the events of Ireland’s “Great Hunger” also known as the Famine. The Ancient Order of Hibernians finds outrageous that an event in which, at minimum, one million Irish people died and another million were forced to emigrate should be considered by TV Channel 4 and writer Hugh Travers as a fit basis for a comedy series. Per AOH National Anti-Defamation Chairman Neil Cosgrove: “We sadly live in an age where outrageousness and insensitivity are now … [Read more...] about Press Release from the Anti-Defamation Chairman concerning British Channel 4 TV Commissioning a Comedy Based on "The Great Hunger"
Don’t be “Tricked” into Supporting Irish Defamation in March, by purchasing from Spirit Halloween in October
In a few short weeks, millions of Americans, particularly children, will be engaged in the joyous celebration that is Halloween. This festive holiday is another of the gifts that Irish Immigrants have brought to America; its origin and customs dating back to the ancient Gaelic holiday of Samhain, which was not only the start of that culture’s new year, but had as its central message the struggle between the forces of light and darkness. It is with this in mind that the Ancient Order of Hibernians asks that all its members, their families and friends to boycott Spencer’s Gifts affiliate Spirit … [Read more...] about Don’t be “Tricked” into Supporting Irish Defamation in March, by purchasing from Spirit Halloween in October
Bill O'Reilly: "Part of the Fault is With the Irish" for Ethnic Stereotypes
Bill O'Reilly has thrown a challenge to all Hibernians; stating that part of the reason our Heritage is subjected to abuse that would not be tolerated if the target was any other ethnic group is because there is "No Organized Irish Concern" that defends Irish Heritage and culture. Well Mr. O'Reilly, there is a "Organized Irish Concern" that has been defending our faith and heritage since 1836: The Ancient Order of Hibernians. Brothers, how will you answer the challenge? Are we going to let it be said that we care less about our Heritage than other groups? Will we by our silence encourage … [Read more...] about Bill O'Reilly: "Part of the Fault is With the Irish" for Ethnic Stereotypes
Give Walmart Your "Input" as Regards Merchandise Defaming Irish Americans
Brothers, I would like to update you on an item from the last issue of Hibernian Digest. As you will recall Walmart was selling several shirts fostering negative stereotypes and promoting ignorant misrepresentations of Irish Americans. Among the items sold was a shirt “I May Not Be Irish, but I Can Drink Like One”, another “Blame the Irish for My Behavior” and finally what has to be the hands down winner in the questionable judgment/bad taste award the shamrock festooned “Irish I Could Drink” Maternity top. We had sent a letter on February 24th and were acknowledge with a case number that … [Read more...] about Give Walmart Your "Input" as Regards Merchandise Defaming Irish Americans
March is Irish American Heritage Month
Presidential Proclamation — Irish-American Heritage Month, 2014 Washington, D.C. (United States) (OFFICIAL WIRE) February 28, 2014 IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2014 - – - – - – - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Centuries after America welcomed the first sons and daughters of the Emerald Isle to our shores, Irish heritage continues to enrich our Nation. This month, we reflect on proud traditions handed down through the generations, and we celebrate the many threads of green woven into the red, white, and blue. Irish Americans have defended our country through … [Read more...] about March is Irish American Heritage Month
Press Release From the Anti-Defamation Chair Concerning the Sale by Walmart of Defaming Merchandise Targeting Irish Americans
The Ancient Order of Hibernians calls on national retailer Walmart to immediately cease the sale of defaming merchandise targeting Irish Americans. Among items being sold are T-Shirts with such phrases as “I may not be Irish, but I Can Drink like One” and “Blame the Irish for My Behavior”. These items are an outrage to those whose Irish Heritage traces to hard working Irish immigrants, not to a beer bottle, and seek in March, which is Irish American Heritage Month, to see their culture celebrated, not used as an excuse for aberrant behavior. Per AOH National Anti-Defamation Chairman Neil … [Read more...] about Press Release From the Anti-Defamation Chair Concerning the Sale by Walmart of Defaming Merchandise Targeting Irish Americans