As an organization formed in 1836 to combat attacks by bigoted nativist against newly arrived Irish immigrants and the Catholic Churches they attended, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) are saddened to see a return of that same prejudice in the recent vandalism of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Colorado. The spraying of swastikas, messages of stereotypical bigotry, and the desecration of objects of veneration are proof that the anti-Catholic bigotry of the 19th century 'Know Nothings' still as adherents in 21st century America. Yet amplifying our outrage over this … [Read more...] about Hibernians Question Double Standard of Outrage Regarding Latest Catholic Church Attack in Denver
U.S. Congress Writes to U.K.’s Johnson to Denounce Ban on Trouble’s Legacy Inquests and Prosecutions
As pledged during a webinar hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Freedom for All Ireland Chair Martin Galvin, held three days after the British government’s release of a plan to end further investigations and prosecution into killings committed during the conflict in Northern Ireland, Congressman Brendan Boyle, working in conjunction with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, has sent a bipartisan letter to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denouncing the U.K.’s plan to renege on its commitments under the Stormont House Agreement. The letter is cosigned by an additional 34 … [Read more...] about U.S. Congress Writes to U.K.’s Johnson to Denounce Ban on Trouble’s Legacy Inquests and Prosecutions
Commodore Barry Day 2021
Per our National Constitution, September 13th is designated "Commodore Barry Day," a national holiday of the Order. If you are not aware of who Commodore Barry is, you are not alone, for sadly, you are in the company of the majority of Americans. This speaks to the importance of the day and a significance which extends far beyond the man himself. Commodore John Barry, 1801 Portrait by Gilbert Stuart When one looks at the 1801 portrait of Barry by Gilbert Stuart, one may get a false impression of Barry; the painting shows an old man in declining health (Barry would die two … [Read more...] about Commodore Barry Day 2021
Texas Hibernians Call for Renaming Ft. Hood to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy
Meeting at their biannual convention, Texas members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, have in a resolution called for Ft. Hood to be renamed in honor of Audie Murphy, the most decorated combat soldier of WW II. The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act mandates renaming any U.S. military assets that commemorate the Confederacy or those who served in the Confederacy. Ft. Hood is currently named for Confederate General John Bell Hood. The Texas Hibernians noted that Audie Murphy, a native of … [Read more...] about Texas Hibernians Call for Renaming Ft. Hood to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy
Hibernians Call For End on Ban of Irish Travel to U.S.
Today, in a letter to United States President Joe Biden, the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Daniel J. O’Connell called for an end to the ban on travel from Ireland to the United States, which has been in place since March 2020. The letter states: The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, calls upon you, Mr. President, to lift the travel ban that currently applies to Ireland and the rest of Europe and replace it with a sensible and scientific protocol that permits a resumption of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Call For End on Ban of Irish Travel to U.S.
Claims of Notre Dame Leprechaun Offensiveness is Media Malarkey.
In response to the recent media frenzy concerning reports that a poll has found the Notre Dame Leprechaun Mascot and the nickname 'Fighting Irish' offensive, the National Anti Defamation Chair of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American Organization in the U.S., has issued the following statement: It is with a mixture of disbelief and despondency that the Hibernians read today headlines "Notre Dame leprechaun considered offensive, according to survey" in multiple newspapers and media outlets. This media-manufactured controversy stems from a poll conducted by a … [Read more...] about Claims of Notre Dame Leprechaun Offensiveness is Media Malarkey.
Restore Irish American NYPD Olympian Martin Sheridan’s Medals
In his obituary, the New York Times describes Martin Sheridan as "one of the greatest athletes the United States has ever known." While his name may not be as readily recognized today, that assessment still holds true. Sheridan was born in Bohola, County Mayo, Ireland in 1881, and would later emigrate to the United States. A giant for his time standing at 6' 3", he was a member of a group known as the "Irish Whales," a group of Irish American Athletes who were also members of the New York City Police Department who dominated the track and field competitions of the … [Read more...] about Restore Irish American NYPD Olympian Martin Sheridan’s Medals
Hibernians Condemn U.K. Announcement of Troubles Amnesty.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the largest Irish American organization in the United States, condemns today's announcement by Britain of its plans to create a special statute of limitations for “all Trouble’s Related Incidents” [sic]. A model of British understatement, such “incidents” including the murder of innocent civilians and numerous human rights violations by British forces. (Photo by Getty Images) The announcement delivered by Northern Ireland Secretary Lewis today has achieved one singular distinction: he has succeeded in uniting and rallying the community of Northern … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn U.K. Announcement of Troubles Amnesty.
Hibernians Welcome Announcement of Claire Cronin as Ambassador to Ireland
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) welcomes the announcement that President Biden has nominated Massachusetts House Majority Leader Claire Cronin to be the United States Ambassador to Ireland. The alacrity in making this nomination shows an appreciation by the administration of the very "special relationship" that the U.S. and Ireland enjoy, a relationship that predates America's independence. It is a relationship which George Washington paid tribute to when he said "When our friendless standards were first unfurled, who were the strangers who first mustered around our staff, Erin's … [Read more...] about Hibernians Welcome Announcement of Claire Cronin as Ambassador to Ireland
In Rememberance of Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day, we remember in a special way the thousands of Irish immigrants, who though new to their adopted country, were willing to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice to their adopted country. Having left family in Ireland and having not had a chance to establish themselves in America, their sacrifices are often overlooked. May we never forget them. https://youtu.be/nhPXOCy6OcY … [Read more...] about In Rememberance of Memorial Day
Statement By AOH National President on Today’s Verdict Vindicating the Ballymurphy Massacre Victims
(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Daniel O'Connell, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the U.S., has released the following statement: After 18,171 days, almost half a century, today's verdict by Mrs. Justice Keegan not only confirmed that the ten victims of Britain's Ballymurphy Massacre were totally innocent but indicts the British who branded them guilty. The verdict clearly demonstrates Britain's real reason for announcing plans for a soldiers' amnesty or cut-off of historical investigations because the crown … [Read more...] about Statement By AOH National President on Today’s Verdict Vindicating the Ballymurphy Massacre Victims
Hibernians Call on House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to the Good Friday Agreement
May 4, 2021 The Honorable William Keating2351 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515 Re: May 5, 2021 Hearing on "Reaffirming the Good Friday Agreement. Dear Congressman Keating: We write to you as members of the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, with membership in all fifty states the largest Irish American organization in the United States, concerning your May 5, 2021 hearing on "Reaffirming the Good Friday Agreement." Given the currents taking place in the north of Ireland, we do not believe that your hearing could be more timely or more needed, and we commend you for … [Read more...] about Hibernians Call on House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to the Good Friday Agreement
As Violence Escalates in Northern Ireland, Hibernians Call on President to Fill Special Envoy Position
On the 23rd Anniversary of the historic Good Friday Agreement, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), America's largest Irish American Organization, have written President Biden asking for the appointment of a U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. The Hibernians expressed their concern that increasing violence and inflammatory rhetoric by senior leaders of the Unionist community are a threat to the over two decades of peace the Good Friday Agreement has delivered. The letter states: BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - APRIL 07: Nationalists and Loyalists riot against one another at the Peace … [Read more...] about As Violence Escalates in Northern Ireland, Hibernians Call on President to Fill Special Envoy Position
Time Magazine Article on Hibernians on History
The following article appeared in Time Magazine in their Education Section In the U. S., the Ancient Order of Hibernians is an association of Irish-born zealots, sensitive to the slightest slight to their kind. In a world preoccupied by other matters, for instance, it frequently appears to good Hibernians that the impact of the Irish on U. S. history is belittled or neglected. In Rochester last week, where the Hibernians of New York State were holding convention, fiery charges were heard that U. S. schoolbooks are unfair to the Irish. "We need a real American history!" shouted … [Read more...] about Time Magazine Article on Hibernians on History
Call To Action: Support the Senate Resolution Supporting the Good Friday Agreement!
Loyalist graffiti in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim Brother Hibernians and Friends, Currently before the Senate is a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Senators Mendez of New Jersey and Collins of Maine reaffirming U.S. support for the Good Friday Agreement. Twenty years on, many of the provisions of the agreement designed to cement a lasting peace in the north of Ireland have not been implemented. Now, once again, the peace wrought by this historic agreement is under threat. Several loyalist paramilitaries have recently withdrawn their support for the Good Friday Agreement, one prominent … [Read more...] about Call To Action: Support the Senate Resolution Supporting the Good Friday Agreement!
Irish American Heritage Month: Patrick Gallagher, USMC
Patrick Gallagher was born in Derrintogher, County Mayo, Ireland, on February 2, 1944. At the age of eighteen, like so many you Irish men and women before him, Patrick immigrated to the United States and the promise of a new life filled with opportunity. He quickly started on the immigrant dream: studying law while working in real estate, even getting involved in local politics as a campaign worker for Senator Robert Kennedy. In 1966, Patrick was drafted for service in Viet Nam. Despite pleas from a heartsick sister living in the states to avoid the horrors of war by merely returning to … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Patrick Gallagher, USMC
Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, USMC Recipient of two Medals of Honor and Nominated for a Third
In the history of the Medal of Honor, the United States Highest award for "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 would prove … [Read more...] about Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, USMC Recipient of two Medals of Honor and Nominated for a Third
Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”
Kathleen Rita McNulty was born in the village of Creeslough on February 12, 1921, the third of six children of Anne Nelis and James McNulty. Her father was Commandant of the Doe Battalion of the Irish Volunteers. On the night of her birth, he was arrested and imprisoned in Derry Gaol for two years for his republican activities. On his release, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where James worked as a stonemason and went on to establish a successful construction business, frequently working with Irish American John B Kelly, the father of … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”
Irish American Heritage Month: The Parachuting Padre
As an Army chaplain, Fr. Francis L. Sampson saw combat in two wars and earned the nickname of "the Parachuting Padre." His actions during the D-Day campaign would be adapted as part of two major motion pictures, though his actions would be attributed to others. Fr. Sampson was born in Cherokee, Iowa, the descendant of Immigrants from County Cork. Fr. Sampson graduated from Notre Dame before entering St. Paul's Seminary in Minnesota. He served briefly as a parish priest. When the U.S. entered the war, Fr. Sampson sought and was granted permission to join the Chaplain Corps … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Parachuting Padre
Irish American Heritage Month: The Emmets, an Irish and Irish American Story
Robert Emmet Thomas Emmet in Later Life On the surface, the brothers Thomas Addis Emmet and Robert Emmet were the most unlikely of revolutionaries. They were born (Thomas Addis 1764, Robert 1778) into an affluent family of Ireland's Protestant ascendency. Their father was the State Physician of Ireland; firmly positioning the family as members of the British establishment. Yet the spirit of the enlightenment ran strong in the Emmet family; they were sympathetic to the struggle for independence of the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War and critics of the disenfranchisement … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Emmets, an Irish and Irish American Story