A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A- Brexit chaos as Westminster rejects May deal- Britain's exit from the European Union, Brexit, due March 29th was delayed as Westminster vetoed Prime Minister Theresa May's deal with the EU. Multiple parliamentary defeats made May ask the EU for an extension. No one knows what will happen next. Had Britain accepted May's withdrawal deal with the EU nations, Brexit could have gone ahead on May 22nd. Brexit could go ahead without any deal on April 12th or Britain could ask for more time and even renegotiations. Exiting after May 22nd, would require Britain … [Read more...] about APRIL FFAI 2019 BULLETIN
News
HIBERNIAN FACT-FINDING MISSION CONCLUDES
Hibernians completed a highly publicized nine day fact-finding mission which included, a Ballymurphy Massacre Inquest session, receptions by Belfast and Derry Mayors, questioning Derry's Unionist Deputy Mayor and eight Councillors, briefings on collusion, legacy justice, Brexit, Pat Finucane, Bloody Sunday and the Dalraidian environmental threat, as well as meetings and presentations to community groups. The Freedom for all Ireland (FFAI) delegation led by President Jim McKay and LAOH President Carol Sheyer included leading Hibernians from 13 states. They concluded in Dublin briefing Irish … [Read more...] about HIBERNIAN FACT-FINDING MISSION CONCLUDES
Catholic Calendar- April 2019
To All Hibernians: MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF APRIL April 11 Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Memorial April 21 Easter Sunday Solemnity April 28 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) Solemnity April 29 Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor Memorial April 30 Piiu V, Pope Memorial IRISH SAINTS OF APRIL April 4 Tigernach, Bishop (d. 549) St. Tigernach (or Tierney) was baptized by St. Conleth of Kildare; St. Brigid may have been his godmother. One might say that St. Tigernach suffered the fate of St. Patrick in reverse: as a boy, he was kidnapped … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar- April 2019
Statement on GOP’s St. Patrick’s Day Tweet Promoting Defaming Stereotypes of Irish American
The Ancient Order of Hibernians are shocked and appalled that on St. Patrick’s Day, a day when America celebrates and honors the contributions that Irish Americans have made to our great country, the GOP would launch an attack on a prospective presidential candidate based solely on his Irish Heritage. On 3/17 at 12:16 PM the GOP twitter account tweeted a mug shot of candidate “Beto” O’Rourke taken during a 1998 DWI arrest wearing a photoshopped green top hat and shamrock and a caption “Please Drink Responsibly.” The tweet then states “On this St, Paddy’s Day [sic] a message from noted … [Read more...] about Statement on GOP’s St. Patrick’s Day Tweet Promoting Defaming Stereotypes of Irish American
Hibernians Condemn Philadelpha Magazine’s description of St.Patrick’s day as “A wave of green-clad, likely intoxicated, Irish potato-eating Philadelphians”
The Hibernians were appalled to read in the Philadelphia Magazine article “Philly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Your Need-to-Know Guide” by writer Claire Sasko the following statement Here comes St. Patrick’s Day, and with it a wave of green-clad, likely intoxicated, Irish potato-eating Philadelphians and (plenty of) suburbanites. Such a negative stereotype-laden, trope-ridden statement seems more in keeping with the sentiments of the nativist who burned Catholic Churches in early 19th century Philadelphia than 21st century America. Ironically, this exercise in defamation is published in … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn Philadelpha Magazine’s description of St.Patrick’s day as “A wave of green-clad, likely intoxicated, Irish potato-eating Philadelphians”
Hibernians Condemn NI Secretary Karen Bradley’s “acting under orders” defense of Security Force Murders in Northern Ireland
03/06/2019– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Since her appointment, it has been manifestly evident that British Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley is woefully unqualified. The world was amazed when the Crown’s senior official in the north of Ireland had so little understanding of the community of Northern Ireland as to be “surprised” to learn that members of the Unionist community do not vote for Irish Republicans and Republicans do not vote for Unionists. However, while there is some hope for the redemption of ignorance, there can be no toleration of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn NI Secretary Karen Bradley’s “acting under orders” defense of Security Force Murders in Northern Ireland
Hibernians Celebrate Irish American Heritage Month
In honor of March being proclaimed Irish American Heritage Month, please join the Ancient Order of Hibernians in remembering the contributions of the Irish to America by watching the following video. We encourage you to like and share it with your family and friends as a reminder of why we should be proud of our great heritage. The Hibernians shall also be featuring profiles of the contributions of Irish American Men and Women throughout the month of March. #EmbraceYourHeritageAOH #IrishAmericanHeritageMonth … [Read more...] about Hibernians Celebrate Irish American Heritage Month
National Board Officers Meet with Irish Leaders
On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, AOH National Board President Judge James McKay, National Treasurer Sean Pender and National Director Dan Dennehy had an unforgettable meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the Oireachtas Éireann. The Oireachtas is the legislative body of the Republic of Ireland. It consists of the Office of the President of Ireland and its two houses: the Dáil Éireann (lower house) and Seanad Éireann (upper house). The houses of the Oireachtas sit in Leinster House in Dublin. The opportunity to meet with the Taoiseach was arranged by Senator Billy Lawless, … [Read more...] about National Board Officers Meet with Irish Leaders
AOH/LAOH Delegation Meets with Border Communities Against Brexit
A delegation of forty AOH and LAOH members met with the group known as Border Communities Against Brexit in Newry, the city referred to as the "Gateway to the North" on the border of County Armagh and County Down. The encounter followed a discussion at Dromintee Gaelic Athletic Club, as part of the first stop on the delegation's Freedom For All Ireland Tour of Ireland. A panel including National President, Judge James McKay, National Freedom for All Ireland (FFAI) Martin Galvin, and Border Cross-Community leaders Damien McGenity, Declan Fearon, and John Sheridan discussed the impact … [Read more...] about AOH/LAOH Delegation Meets with Border Communities Against Brexit
Hibernians Ask Amazon to Accord the Irish the Same Respect Shown Others
Following the recent announcement that Amazon has removed items deemed offensive to members of the Islamic Community, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) repeat their earlier calls that Amazon similarly remove items perpetuating defaming Irish stereotypes. In a letter to Amazon, Nation Anti-Defamation Chairman Neil Cosgrove writes: "As an organization founded to combat religious and ethnic bigotry, the Hibernians applaud Amazon’s recent decision in response to the request of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to remove items deemed offensive to Muslim Americans; no one … [Read more...] about Hibernians Ask Amazon to Accord the Irish the Same Respect Shown Others
Ask Your Congressional Representative to Support H.Res.88 and Say “No” to a Hard Border
As you no doubt aware from the news, the prospect that Britain’s decision to pursue Brexit will result in a hard border in Ireland is increasing daily. The consequence to the people of Ireland, north and south, cannot be understated. The past two decades as seen the artificial walls of mistrust that were constructed to further special interest slowly being replace by bridges of peace and understanding. A hard border in Ireland would wind back the clock nearly a hundred years and threatens the peace and prosperity of the entire island. Congressman Brendan Boyle has introduce a resolution, … [Read more...] about Ask Your Congressional Representative to Support H.Res.88 and Say “No” to a Hard Border
AOH Condemn Derry Bombings, Call for US Commitment to Northern Ireland
The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns the recent bomb attack in Derry which occurred this past Saturday, 1/19/19. There can be no rationalization, no palliation, of such a reckless and indiscriminate attack. The Hibernians are grateful to a merciful providence that reports indicate no one was injured in this wanton act of violence. The Hibernians are concerned over the continued political vacuum in Northern Ireland, a vacuum in which acts such as Saturday’s violence find sustenance and flourish. This weekend’s attack is a wake-up call to all those who believe that the issues of Northern … [Read more...] about AOH Condemn Derry Bombings, Call for US Commitment to Northern Ireland
AOH Joins Pro-Life March In Washington
The pipes were calling on Constitution Avenue during the annual March for Life as Hibernians from across the nation gathered to stand witness for the unborn. At the urging of President McKay, this year's contingent were led by two of our Pennsylvania brothers playing the bagpipes. Additionally the new national banners, introduced by National Organizer Tim McSweeney in Louisville, helped make the Hibernians a recognizable presence to those in attendance or watching live on EWTN. Special thanks is due to Frs. Henry Reid (NY), John Hurley (DC) and Deacon Stephen Mitchell (DC) for celebrating … [Read more...] about AOH Joins Pro-Life March In Washington
KING-NEAL-DOYLE BACK BALLYMURPHY JUSTICE
Three key Congressional leaders on Irish issues, Peter King, Richard Neal and Michael Doyle, sent a bipartisan letter to British Ambassador Kim Darroch, citing the crucial implications of the Ballymurphy Inquest for all Troubles legacy issues. The three Congressmen acted after meeting Carmel Quinn during her multi-state American tour representing the Ballymurphy Campaign and Relatives for Justice. This letter is the latest sign of growing American focus on Ballymurphy, spearheaded by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, along with of the Irish American Unity Conference and Brehon Law … [Read more...] about KING-NEAL-DOYLE BACK BALLYMURPHY JUSTICE
Let Our Pride in Our Heritage be a Candle in the Window
One of the most beloved Irish Christmas traditions is “The Candle in the Window.” The popular story behind this tradition is that a candle is placed in the window as a light to guide Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and as a sign that they would be welcomed if they wish to break their journey at this home. It is a beautiful sentiment, and if it were for just this alone, it would be worth preserving. However, there is a sadder and darker history behind the tradition. It goes back to the time of the English Penal Laws in Ireland where Catholicism was proscribed and to be Irish a crime. In dark rural … [Read more...] about Let Our Pride in Our Heritage be a Candle in the Window
DECEMBER FFAI 2018 BULLETIN
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A- Ballymurphy Massacre Inquest opens- Forty-seven years after the Ballymurphy Massacre, new Inquests opened in Belfast, as family members of the 11 victims, many holding hands, witnessed the proceedings. The Inquest was technically limited to the 10 victims shot dead by British troopers between August 9th-11th,1971 in the Ballymurphy section of Belfast. However, as the Coroner's representative, it also covered the killing of Paddy McCarthy, who died of a heart attack after being subjected to a mock execution. The Inquest began with statements by … [Read more...] about DECEMBER FFAI 2018 BULLETIN
Advent Reflections
With election season over and the turkey carved, we can finally turn to Advent. As our minds stumble over gift lists, our hearts beat with hopeful anticipation as body and soul begin preparations for the Christ Child. I know you’ve all felt it before, the magnetic pull to the manger. It terrifies and exhilarates in equal measure, you fight between the urge to rush forward or sink to your knees. Why, why this child? He seems no different than any other; the circumstances of His birth leave much to be desired, then and now. Yet instinctively we know that within His hands lies the whole world, … [Read more...] about Advent Reflections
Irish American Heritage Museum Honors Tom McNabb
11/30/18 - Colonie NY Tom McNabb's legacy reached far beyond his service to the AOH. The Irish American Heritage Museum was one of the organizations that benefited from Tom's hard work and commitment. The Museum recently honored Tom at their annual Gov. Hugh Carey Gala. Pictured is Liam McNabb accepting the award from Museum Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Stack. … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Museum Honors Tom McNabb
Call to Action: Call for the Speedy Confirmation of Edward Crawford as Ambassador to Ireland
Brothers, It has been 676 days since the US has had an Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. In that time, over seventy ambassadorial appointments have been made. It is simply unacceptable given the historic relationship between the United States and Ireland and the countless contributions of Ireland’s sons and daughters to America that this post has been vacant so long. Additionally, in this time of Brexit it is in America’s best interest to strengthen its ties to Ireland as, with the departure of England, it will be the only predominantly English speaking country in … [Read more...] about Call to Action: Call for the Speedy Confirmation of Edward Crawford as Ambassador to Ireland
Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign for Justice Concludes
Stating, “the Ballymurphy Massacre families need American help in their 47-year battle for justice”, Carmel Quinn, a sister of one of 11 victims of the massacre, John Laverty, concluded a five-state American tour sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The tour came on the heels of the attacks by 150 Tory MPs and British Prime Minister Theresa May who are desperate to discredit investigations of British forces for ‘Troubles’ killings in the north of Ireland. Carmel Quinn, who is also a member of Relatives for Justice, met with U.S. Senators and Members of Congress asking for help in … [Read more...] about Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign for Justice Concludes