The Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Oldest and Largest Irish-Catholic Organization in the United States. Established 1836

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Neil Cosgrove

The Gavel is Passed

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Newly Immediate Past President Judge James McKay III (center left) passes the gavel to newly elect National President Danny O'Connell (center right). They are flanked by newly elected Vice President Sean Pender (left) and Secretary Jere Cole (right) It is customary to say after each AOH convention that "it was a convention like no other", but nothing could be more true about the 100th biannual National Convention held in this COVID year of 2020. For the first time, the Convention was held on-line which saw exceptional participation by the members. It shows that despite being an … [Read more...] about The Gavel is Passed

Statement on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis

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The sons of Martin McGuinness meeting with Congressman John Lewis as he endorsed the McGuinness Principles which call for justice and civil rights in the north of Ireland. Shown are Peter Kissel (IAUC), Fiachra McGuinness, Congressman John Lewis, Emmett McGuinness, Marty Glennon (Brehons), AOH National Treasurer Sean Pender It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Congressman John Lewis, a man dedicated to improving the lives of others and who realize that the fight for Civil Rights transcends peoples and borders. The Congressman was an early signer of the McGuinness … [Read more...] about Statement on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis

Deafening Media Silence in Reporting of Wave of Catholic Church Attacks

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Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida After Being Attacked.Image Marion County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page It is with shock and profound sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the senseless attack upon Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida on Saturday, 11 July as parishioners were preparing for mass. According to police, a man crashed a minivan through the front door of the church and then ignited an incendiary device/accelerant causing a fire that resulted in extensive damage to the building. By the grace of God, all those who were in the … [Read more...] about Deafening Media Silence in Reporting of Wave of Catholic Church Attacks

Amazon’s “Irish Livers Matter” Merchandise; Twice the Defamation At One Low Price

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Amazon's Choice "Irish Livers Matter Shirt" Amazon continues to hypocritically talk about embracing respect for all heritages and diversity while peddling prejudice for profit. Currently on Amazon there are 142 Items for sale with the phrase “Irish Livers Matter”. One of the items is even labeled “Amazon’s Choice.” This is in addition to numerous items emblazoned with “Irish Lives Matter”, but certainly “Irish Livers Matter” plumbs new depths of defamation, there is no uninformed or misguided positive spin or nuanced interpretation one can put on “Irish Livers Matter”; it … [Read more...] about Amazon’s “Irish Livers Matter” Merchandise; Twice the Defamation At One Low Price

Statement from Senator Robert Menendez on Deportation of Malachy McAllister

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Senator Robert Menendez “Today is a sad day for the McAllister family and New Jersey’s Irish community. Deporting a community leader who poses no national security or public safety threat is not only a clear injustice, but also contrary to our nation’s values,” Sen. Menendez said. “By forcefully deporting Mr. McAllister to a place he fled because his life was put in danger, the Trump Administration is showing the immorality of their indiscriminate immigration policies.”  “This man’s deportation is shameful and will not make America safer. Mr. McAllister is a good man who built a life for … [Read more...] about Statement from Senator Robert Menendez on Deportation of Malachy McAllister

Rockland AOH Supports “Virtual 5K” To Feed The Hungry

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Rockland County AOH President John McGowan presents a check from the Hibernians to Orangetown, NY Supervisor Teresa Kenny to sponsor the Orangetown "Virtual 5K", an innovative fund raiser to help those in need. Adapting to the need for social distancing, runners who register will run the race individually over the course of the next few weeks. All proceeds raised will go to benefit food pantries in the community which are currently facing unprecedented demands during the COVID-19 pandemic. … [Read more...] about Rockland AOH Supports “Virtual 5K” To Feed The Hungry

AOH Pipers Rally Those on the COVID-19 Frontline

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For hundreds of years, the skirl of the pipes have been used to call communities to action against a common foe, to summon courage and to boost morale when hope was challenged. So effective were the pipes in uniting and inspiring people that the English once banned them. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, AOH Division 3, Pearl River member Dermot Moore and his sons have played a nightly tribute at 7:00 PM, a time at which it has now become a tradition to honor those on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight, and to remember those whom this insidious disease has claimed. … [Read more...] about AOH Pipers Rally Those on the COVID-19 Frontline

Embrace Your Irish Heritage, Say It on The Census!

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Amidst the current healthcare crisis, we can not lose the importance of the United States Census to Irish America.  Results of the U.S. 2020 Census will influence individuals, communities, governments, for-profit entities, and nonprofit organizations throughout the next decade. Data obtained will inform decision-makers in all sectors and lead to the allocation of political power and financial resources.   For the first time in many years, the Census form will have a question on Ethnic Origins (question 9 for the Head of household, question 7 for remaining household members).  … [Read more...] about Embrace Your Irish Heritage, Say It on The Census!

AOH: U.K. Using COVID-19 To Cover Breaking Good Friday Commitments Reprehensible

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In a letter to newly appointed Northern Ireland Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) call on Mr. Mulvaney to express opposition to Britain's intention not to investigate the majority of the 2,000 unsolved killings from the conflict known as "the Troubles" and to grant immunity from prosecution to members of Britain's Security Forces. The Hibernians question why these actions in contravention to the Good Friday Agreement are being pursued by Britain at a time when the world is focused on the COVID-19 Crisis.   " On March 18 th , Secretary of … [Read more...] about AOH: U.K. Using COVID-19 To Cover Breaking Good Friday Commitments Reprehensible

AOH Condemns NY Governor’s Irish Accent Stunt, Cancellation of Beloved NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade No Time for Paddywhackery

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians  are shocked and disappointed that during a 3/11 press conference dealing with the response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and the heartbreaking announcement that for the first time in 258 years the NY St. Patrick's Day parade will not take place on March 17th that NY Governor Andrew Cuomo decided that this was an appropriate time to engage in stereotypical stage-Irishmanism. In response to a question from a reporter concerning what authority he was invoking to cancel the NYC St. Patrick's Day parade, the Governor decided to go for a cheap … [Read more...] about AOH Condemns NY Governor’s Irish Accent Stunt, Cancellation of Beloved NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade No Time for Paddywhackery

AOH Statement on the Appointment of Special Envoy to Northern Ireland

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 The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to congratulate Mr. Mulvaney on his appointment as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. The Hibernians also thank President Trump for fulfilling his promised commitment to maintaining this crucial diplomatic position, reaffirming the United States' commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland peace process.   It is highly appropriate that President Trump has announced this appointment shortly after proclaiming March as "Irish American Heritage Month"; a time when America reflects on the oldest of American "special … [Read more...] about AOH Statement on the Appointment of Special Envoy to Northern Ireland

Irish American Heritage Month: The Foley Brothers “No greater love than to lay down your life for another”

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At the young age of 32, Thomas Foley was already an 11-year decorated veteran firefighter of the FDNY and a legend. He was a larger than life individual who embraced life to the fullest and seemed to excel at everything he tried from powerlifting to skydiving. Having learned to ride horses on visits to his grandfather's farm, he even excelled as a competitor on the rodeo circuit. With boyish good looks, Thomas Foley was featured twice by People Magazine and appeared in the FDNY's "2003 Calendar of Heroes." However, being a firefighter was Thomas Foley's first passion; it was all he wanted … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Foley Brothers “No greater love than to lay down your life for another”

Tell Amazon To End “No Irish Need Apply” When It Comes To Respect and Tolerance

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Currently, Amazon is selling an item labeled as a “F*ck St Patrick's Day Shirt.”  Amazon describes the item as a “Funny Luck St. Patrick's Day Gift.”  As of my writing, Amazon currently sells 130 items with the phrase “F*ck Me, I’m Irish.”    A similar search replacing “Irish” with several other races and ethnicities returned ZERO results. Hundreds of other items defaming Irish Americans have messages such as  "Irish Today Hungover Tomorrow", "Irish, Drunk, or Whatever", "Drink Till You're Irish" In response to concerns from other ethnic groups, Amazon has … [Read more...] about Tell Amazon To End “No Irish Need Apply” When It Comes To Respect and Tolerance

In Our Special Month, Don’t Be “That Guy,” Be A Hibernian

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Brothers, we are about to enter the month of March, a month when we celebrate the contributions of the Irish to our Nation and the World and remember our Patron Saint St. Patrick, a man of faith, compassion, and humility who created a light from Ireland that illuminated the world in the Dark Ages and continues to shine. We have a lot to be proud of; we have a lot to celebrate. Unfortunately, many see our holiday as having no more depth than a pint of green beer, a green bacchanal combining the worst elements of Halloween and a college kegger. The only green others see is the greening of the … [Read more...] about In Our Special Month, Don’t Be “That Guy,” Be A Hibernian

Call to Action on Irish American Heritage Month

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We are currently in the final stages of preparing a new Irish American Heritage Month Video. Last year our video proclaimed Irish American Heritage Month to thousands on social media and the web. This year we wish to better that. We ask each of you not only to watch it but to share it on Facebook, Twitter, etc. and encourage others to do the same. It takes less than 2 minutes, yet if every Hibernian took the opportunity to share this video, then we should have no less than tens of thousands of shares. Tens of thousands of shares will be noticed promoting not only IAHM but the Hibernians. We … [Read more...] about Call to Action on Irish American Heritage Month

AOH Condemns  “Anti-St. Patrick’s Day” Sentiments on Amazon

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Note expletives referenced have been obfuscated, the items in question show them in their explicit form.  In a letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, the Ancient Order of Hibernians again note the hypocrisy of Amazon claiming to promote diversity and tolerance while selling an item with emblazoned with "F*ck St. Patrick's Day" with the self-professed intent of promoting “Anti-St. Patrick’s Day” attitudes.  National Anti-Defamation Chair Neil F. Cosgrove writes:  Currently, Amazon is selling an item labeled as an “F*ck St Patrick's Day Shirt” (see URL below).  Amazon … [Read more...] about AOH Condemns  “Anti-St. Patrick’s Day” Sentiments on Amazon

A Christmas Message From the Irish American Heritage Month Chair

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In has long been an Irish Tradition to place a candle in the window at Christmas time. The popular story is that this is done to guide Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, a beautiful sentiment. However, the tradition stems from a darker, sadder story; of a time when to be a Catholic in Ireland was to be a criminal and to be a priest or shelter a priest could result in being sent in chains to Barbados. The candle was a sign that a brave family was willing to take that risk and give shelter to a priest and welcome their neighbors to share Christmas Mass with them. Today, the Christmas … [Read more...] about A Christmas Message From the Irish American Heritage Month Chair

A Perspective on the 12/12/19 United Kingdom Elections

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The British election of 12/12/19 can without hyperbole be described as a seismic event in the history of the United Kingdom, and its tremors will undoubtedly impact Ireland.  Three items put the impact of last night into perspective: The Tory party has won its biggest victory since Margaret Thatcher captured a third term in 1987 The Labour party has suffered its worst defeat since 1935. For the first time since partition, Northern Ireland has returned more Nationalist than Union MPs to Westminster. So, what does this mean?  First, it means that barring some … [Read more...] about A Perspective on the 12/12/19 United Kingdom Elections