Brothers and Sisters, As we all deal with Covid-19, we must each do what is best for our families. We must also follow the directions of our local, state and national governments and health departments, and try to keep a semblance of normalcy in our daily lives. As cabin fever sets in, we are all looking forward to life beyond the virus. As Hibernians, we will continue to work on our National Convention at the Rosen Centre in Orlando Florida, July 22 – 25, 2020. Our hope is, we will have the opportunity to celebrate our faith and Irish heritage together again during the convention. Also, … [Read more...] about AOH-LAOH National Convention Update
News
AOH Condemns NY Governor’s Irish Accent Stunt, Cancellation of Beloved NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade No Time for Paddywhackery
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
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
Rituals And Degrees Update – March, 2020
from Jack Schneider, National Chairman Rituals & Degrees ... La Fheile Padraig! Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all! Major Degree activities have gotten off to a rapid start in 2020. We note the following Major Degrees held to date. Pennsylvania’s Isle of Erin Major Degree Team (MDT), celebrating their 25th Anniversary Year, got things off to a start this year with the first Major Degree at the historic Michael Dougherty Bucks County Division 1 Clubhouse in Bristol, PA on February 9. At this Degree, 27 Brothers were welcomed into the Inner Chamber of Hibernian Brotherhood. The … [Read more...] about Rituals And Degrees Update – March, 2020
Tell Amazon To End “No Irish Need Apply” When It Comes To Respect and Tolerance
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
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
Immigration
Bipartisan support At a gathering of the Brehon Law Society in Nassau County, New York, on January 22, U.S. Representatives Tom Suozzi and Peter King were praised for their bipartisan support for Irish Unity and continued support for Malachy McAllister’s fight to remain in the United States. National AOH Director Dan Dennehy, left in both photos, and National AOH Treasurer Sean Pender, right in both photos, pose with Democratic Congressman Suozzi and his wife, Helene; and with NJ AOH Immigration Chair Malachy McAllister and Republican Congressman King. The AOH National Immigration … [Read more...] about Immigration
FFAI BULLETIN – February 2020
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A-Stormont returns but bad faith on British financial pledges charged- Two days before the deadline threatening a new election, agreement was reached to restore the Stormont Assembly, after a three year absence.DUP head Arlene Foster returned as the north's first minister, while Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill was named deputy first minister. The agreement to restore the assembly was welcomed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and accompanied by British promises of extra funding to meet the north's economic crisis in areas … [Read more...] about FFAI BULLETIN – February 2020
AOH Condemns “Anti-St. Patrick’s Day” Sentiments on Amazon
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
Prayers for Past National President Joe Roche
We mourn the loss of our Past National President Joe Roche. Joe was a dedicated Hibernian and held a variety of positions within the Order including National President (84-88). Joe was proud of his work as National Organizer, creating many new divisions across the US, including the first in Alaska. He spent much time before congress, testifying on behalf of a variety of Irish causes, a tireless advocate for peace in the North. He was a recipient of the prestigious Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award. You can read his full obituary … [Read more...] about Prayers for Past National President Joe Roche
A Christmas Message From the Irish American Heritage Month Chair
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
FFAI BULLETIN – DECEMBER 2019
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A-Johnson has his Brexit majority - Boris Johnson picked up 47 seats and an overall majority more than 70 seats, which will empower him "to get Brexit done quickly." Meanwhile wins by nationalists and republicans in the north and the Scottish National Party in Scotland, kept Irish unity and Scottish independence on the agenda. Johnson called the British General Election after a series of parliamentary defeats blocked him from moving forward with Brexit and his renegotiated withdrawal agreement out of the European Union. He banked on winning an outright … [Read more...] about FFAI BULLETIN – DECEMBER 2019
A Perspective on the 12/12/19 United Kingdom Elections
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
Political Education Update, December 2019
Brothers, there is no other way to start this article than with a tremendous “Thank You” for all your support that was pivotal in obtaining a stay of deportation for our Brother Malachy McAllister. Many pundits had come to accept that Brother McAllister’s deportation on November 29th was a fait accompli, yet you by your phone calls to the White House in response to the call to action turned the tide. The White House switchboard reported they received thousands of calls; those five-minute phone calls turned the tide to allow an Irish immigrant who has complied with all U.S. law and … [Read more...] about Political Education Update, December 2019
January 24, 2020 – Annual Right to Life March in Washington DC
Please keep Friday, January 24, 2020 circled on your calendars for the annual Right to Life March in Washington DC. The District of Columbia State Board looks forward to hosting Hibernians at their annual Pro-Life Breakfast at the Irish Channel Restaurant from 9-11am ($25/pp). This year our invited speaker is none other than Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-4), a long time friend to the AOH and renowned defender of life. A Pro-Life mass will be held across the street at St. Mary Mother of God Church following the breakfast. We will then meet as a group along the parade route in time for the 1pm march … [Read more...] about January 24, 2020 – Annual Right to Life March in Washington DC
CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON TROOPER AMNESTY
Nine days after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to block prosecutions of British troopers for Troubles killings, the House Foreign Affairs Committee hosted a special briefing by Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice and Professor Mark McGovern. Congressman Eliot Engel scheduled the briefing, attended by Congressmen, many Congressional aides, two observers from the Irish Embassy and an observer from the British Northern Ireland Office. Mr. Thompson from Belfast and Professor McGovern from Edge Hill University near Liverpool, urged Congress, to take a lead along with Irish … [Read more...] about CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON TROOPER AMNESTY
Hibernian Charity Update – December 2019
We have just gathered with family and friends giving thanks for the bountiful yields from our nation’s fields and factories. As we give thanks, consider those who do not benefit from our shared bounty. I urge you to consider the less fortunate during during the Advent and Christmas Season. As you think about the Providential prosperity provided to you and yours, please consider donating your time, food and dollars to the less fortunate. We have a great resource for giving in the Hibernian Charity, but we cannot give what we do not get. Please send your checks made out to Hibernian Charity with … [Read more...] about Hibernian Charity Update – December 2019
2019 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal
Please donate to this year’s CHRISTMAS APPEAL. Together we can make a difference. All checks must be made out to “Ancient Order of Hibernians”. Payments should be sent to AOH-FFAI PO BOX 904 JEFFERSON VALLEY, NY 10535. Please refer to our Information Packet for more details. Click here for the 2019 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal Packet Your help for freedom for all Ireland is critical. Boris Johnson and the British government are stepping up efforts to deny truth to the families of victims murdered by the crown while starting new prosecutions against Irish Republicans. Brexit … [Read more...] about 2019 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal
AOH FIGHTS JOHNSON’S LEGACY COVERUP WITH THOMPSON TOUR
In the October FFAI Bulletin, the AOH predicted that "after Brexit, Boris Johnson would move to "shutdown prosecutions of British troopers for murdering the Irish, and ... end hopes for justice by cutting off truth mechanisms once and for all". Johnson did not even wait for Brexit! On November 11th, Johnson pledged to end prosecutions of British troopers. The AOH will stand behind victims' families and fight … [Read more...] about AOH FIGHTS JOHNSON’S LEGACY COVERUP WITH THOMPSON TOUR
DECEMBER 8th Set as DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR THE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
Among the core experiences in the story of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, was his capture and enslavement for six years as a youth. He writes in his Confessio, that he believed his enslavement was a just punishment for having abandoned God. However, we know now that God abandons no one. We human beings are the ones who instead abandon God and bring sin to this earth. The desolation and despair felt by the sixteen-year-old Patrick matches what far too many young people today experience in the most formative years of their lives. The scandals surrounding the sexual abuse of minors and … [Read more...] about DECEMBER 8th Set as DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR THE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE