President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 2017 as Irish-American Heritage Month IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2017 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Irish Americans have made an indelible mark on the United States. From Dublin, California, to Limerick, Maine, from Emerald Isle, North Carolina, to Shamrock, Texas, we are reminded of the more than 35 million Americans of Irish descent who contribute every day to all facets of life in the United States. Over generations, millions of Irish have crossed the ocean in search of the American Dream, … [Read more...] about President Declares 2017 Irish American Heritage Month
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Supports the Decision of Martin McGuinness to Resign as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Calls for U.S. Re-engagement in the Peace Process
New City, New York – 01/10/17 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) On January 9, 2017, Martin McGuinness resigned from the role of Deputy First Minister that he has held for ten years. During his tenure, Mr. McGuinness and Sinn Fein have worked tirelessly for the betterment of all communities of Northern Ireland. However, the continuing intransigence by members of the DUP to embrace the core principles of equality and respect that are the basis of the Good Friday Agreement, the growing litany of corruption scandals and the DUP's failure to take accountability and deal effectively with a … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Supports the Decision of Martin McGuinness to Resign as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Calls for U.S. Re-engagement in the Peace Process
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Commends Mr. Alex Trebek and Jeopardy! for their Sincere Response to Perceived Defaming Comments.
New City, New York – 10/26/16 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to acknowledge and commend the response of Jeopardy! and the show’s host Alex Trebek in acknowledging and responding to concerns over perceived defaming remarks targeting individuals of Irish heritage during the 10.18/16 show. Per National Anti-Defamation Chairman Neil F. Cosgrove ... “On the evening of 10/21/16 as the National Anti-Defamation chair of the Ancient Order of Hibernians I received a call from Mr. Alex Trebek of the show Jeopardy! regarding the comments he had made during … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Commends Mr. Alex Trebek and Jeopardy! for their Sincere Response to Perceived Defaming Comments.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Calls on “Jeopardy!” for an On-Air Apology for Alex Trebek’s Comments Defaming those of Irish Heritage.
New City, New York – 10/19/16 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns the outrageous comments made by host Alex Trebek on the episode of “Jeopardy!” which aired on 10/18/16. During the contestant interview section, Mr. Trebek queried contestant Shannon Dilmore on his Irish connection given his first name of “Shannon”. Mr. Dillmore stated that he has visited all 26 Counties of the Republic of Ireland and has hill walked all of its highest peaks. It was at this point that Mr. Trebek took it upon himself to ask Mr. Dillmore “Were you sober when you did … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Calls on “Jeopardy!” for an On-Air Apology for Alex Trebek’s Comments Defaming those of Irish Heritage.
AOH UPDATE – BREXIT
From the Desk of Neil Cosgrove Political Education Chairman Brexit and its consequence to the Northern Irish Peace Process On June 23, 2016, the voters of the United Kingdom voted to remake the map of Europe and leave the European Union (EU). The motivation for this mandate can be simplified to two reasons: (1) a frustration with an alien and seemingly detached alien government (sound familiar?) based in Brussels enacting policies and decisions that were felt to impinge on British sovereignty and (2) the inability off the UK to control immigration, heightened by the middle east … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – BREXIT
Political Education: In the Wake of the Historic Brexit Vote, Hibernians Call for a Vote on a Reunified Ireland
New City, New York – 6/29/2016– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) In the wake of the historic vote by the citizens of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, the Ancient Order of Hibernians calls for a vote, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement, to allow the citizens of Northern Ireland to decide if they wish to leave the United Kingdom and to reunify with the Irish Republic and the European Union. Per National President Brendan Moore: “For those who seek a reunification of Ireland and the return of sovereignty to the Irish people, the recent 'Brexit' vote and the … [Read more...] about Political Education: In the Wake of the Historic Brexit Vote, Hibernians Call for a Vote on a Reunified Ireland
Statement From the Anti-Defamation Chair Regarding Charges of Discrimination Against Irish J-1 Students in Berkeley, California
For release 05:00PM EST 6/1/2016 The Ancient Order of Hibernians Calls on Mayor Tom Bates and the City of Berkeley to Actively Investigate and Prosecute Rental Discrimination Targeting Irish Students New City, New York – 6/1/2016 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) calls on City of Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates to investigate charges of discrimination by landlords of his city against Irish students solely on the basis of their ethnicity and prosecute where found to exist to the full extent of the fair housing law. The AOH further calls on Mayor Bates and the city of Berkeley to issue a … [Read more...] about Statement From the Anti-Defamation Chair Regarding Charges of Discrimination Against Irish J-1 Students in Berkeley, California
Help Honor a Great Irish Patriot, Rename “Reservation number 302” to “Robert Emmet Park”
Currently there is an effort underway spearheaded by AOH JFK Division 5 and the IAUC to officially rename the park bordering Massachusetts Ave and 24th Street NW in Washington, DC in honor of Irish Patriot Robert Emmet. The parks chief feature in in fact an impressive statue of Robert Emmett that was erected 50 years ago on April 22, 1966 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Rising, it is only fitting that we as Hibernians now finish the job for the 100th. The park is currently named “US Reservation number 302” by the U.S. National Park Service, a banal identifier no one will miss. … [Read more...] about Help Honor a Great Irish Patriot, Rename “Reservation number 302” to “Robert Emmet Park”
Amazon’s St. Patrick’s Day Merchandise are “Prime” Examples of Bigoted Stereotypes.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians denounces the defaming stereotypes targeting people of Irish heritage being promoted by merchandise sold by Amazon.com. Many of these items contemptibly conflate Irishness with drunkenness and promote a glorified image of binge drinking targeting young people. A small sampling of the items being sold includes: “Straight Outta F*ck It Let's Drink” St. Patrick's Day Triblend T-Shirt “Kiss Me I'm Irish Or Drunk Or Whatever” St. Patrick’s Day Baseball Sleeve Shirt “St. Patricks Day Good Day to Get Drunk” Juniors 3/4 Sleeve Raglan T-Shirt Juniors “Let's Get … [Read more...] about Amazon’s St. Patrick’s Day Merchandise are “Prime” Examples of Bigoted Stereotypes.
Statement from the AOH Natonal Anti-Defamation Chair on ABC Television's "Real O'Neals"
New City, New York – 3/3/14 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians calls on Disney/ABC to immediately apologize for the bigoted, stereotype ridden portrayal of Irish Americans and the denigration of the Catholic faith as depicted in their alleged comedy “The Real O’Neals” and to cancel this show which defames Irish Americans and mocks the Catholic faith. Per AOH National Anti-Defamation Chairman Neil Cosgrove: “We are outraged that Disney/ABC television has seen fit through its program “The Real O’Neals” to turn back the clock and engage in one of the worst examples of media bigotry targeting … [Read more...] about Statement from the AOH Natonal Anti-Defamation Chair on ABC Television's "Real O'Neals"
Support for a U.S. Postage Stamp Honoring the 1916 Proclamation
The American Irish Teachers Association is working to have a commemorative stamp issued in recognition of the Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Such recognition is not without precedent, in 1989 the U.S. Postal Service recognized the 200th Anniversary of France’s Bastille Day and the start of the French Revolution, it is equally fitting that the Easter Rising should similarly be commemorated. Though often absent from school history books, Ireland was an early and unfailing supporter of the fledgling United State as noted by George Washington: "Ireland, thou friend of my country in my … [Read more...] about Support for a U.S. Postage Stamp Honoring the 1916 Proclamation
Statement from the National Political Education Chair Regarding CNN's Depiction of "the Troubles" in its series "the Seventies"
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"