We are approaching the Thanksgiving Holiday, the time when Americans of all Faiths and backgrounds take time off and spend it with family and friends and give Thanks for our many blessings. At this time of year many of us are inspired to help the less fortunate. Hibernians across the Country as part of their charitable works continue to raise money, donate food, and volunteer their time, to feed the Hungry; and they are to be commended for their efforts. It is amazing that in a country such as ours that people still go hungry every day. I am aware that Many Hibernian Divisions, Counties, and … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Report from National Hunger Chairman
News
AOH Update – 2016-17 FFAI Christmas Appeal
Brothers, It is that time of the year again to begin our campaign for the 2016-17 Annual Christmas Appeal. I am enclosing this year’s package which includes, Click Here To Download the 2016 Annual Christmas Appeal Packet (This includes an Itemized list of 2016 FFAI Recipient Organizations). Click Here To Download the 2015-2016 Request for Donation Application Form Last year matched the total dollar amount for the previous year which makes me believe that we are becoming routine with our donations and because of circumstances we really need to think of ways to up our donations. The … [Read more...] about AOH Update – 2016-17 FFAI Christmas Appeal
AOH Update – All Saints Day
Brothers, “All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven. It should not be confused with All Souls' Day, which is observed on November 2, and is dedicated to those who have died and not yet reached heaven.”(Catholic Online) “Generally, All Saints' Day is a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day, unless they have an excellent excuse, such as serious illness.”(Catholic Online) As we prepare to … [Read more...] about AOH Update – All Saints Day
AOH Update – Veterans Day
Dear Hibernian Brothers and military veterans, As we approach Veterans Day on Friday, November 11th, please try to make an effort to do something, or say something, special to a veteran on this special holiday. Just buy him or her a cup of coffee if you can, and say thanks. Recently, Brother Rich O’Malley of Pittsburgh reminded me that this past Sunday, October 23rd, marked the 41st anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Try to remember those that came home, and those that didn’t make it back, in your prayers today. Finally, AOH Virginia State Vice President and Veterans Chairman Bill … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Veterans Day
Passing of Al O'Hagan
It is with much sadness that we announce the death of longtime Hibernian Al O'Hagan formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y. Al passed to his eternal reward last night, Wednesday, October 26th at his home in Deptford, N.J. surrounded by his loving family. Brother O’Hagan was a past AOH National Director and served as Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1986. Al was also a Past NYS President, founding member of the Baile Na Ngael , and Chief of Escort of the Roundtower Major Degree Team. Well known throughout the New York area in both social circles and political arenas as the “Man with … [Read more...] about Passing of Al O'Hagan
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.
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
AOH UPDATE – Catholic Action
From the Desk of John Fitzmorris Catholic Action Chairman CATHOLIC CHURCHES AFFECTED BY THE FLOODING IN LOUISIANA AND THE WILDFIRES IN CALIFORNIA The might of Mother Nature has again exacted a heavy toll on the citizens of Louisiana and those in California as historic floods and devastating wildfires has robbed people of their homes and possessions. Fortunately, loss of life has been kept to a minimum, but the human suffering continues. Tangipahoa Parish, fifty miles to the northwest and the home of Louisiana State AOH President James Kuhn, along with Livingston and East Baton Rouge Parish … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – Catholic Action
Congratulations to Our Newly Elected National Board
Liam McNabb, Tom O'Donnell, Dan Dennehy, John Wilson, Denny Parks, Bill Sullivan Jere Cole, Judge James McKay, Danny O"Connell, Sean Pender President James McKay - New Orleans, LA Vice President Daniel O'Connell - Girard, OH Secretary Jere E. Cole, Jr. - Roseland, NJ Treasurer Sean Pender - Hamilton, NJ Directors Daniel Dennehy - Cortlandt Manor, NY Liam McNabb - Delmar, NY Tommy O'Donnell - Philadelphia, PA Dennis Parks - Akron, OH William Sullivan - North Andover, MA John Wilson - St Peters, MO … [Read more...] about Congratulations to Our Newly Elected National Board
JFK Memorial Medal awarded to Major General Patrick Brady.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, awarded their highest honor, the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial Medal, to Major General Patrick Brady. While in Vietnam General Brady was awarded the Medal of Honor for a series of rescues, which began at sunrise and ended after dark. Repeatedly competent advisors warned him that the missions were impossible due to weather, the enemy situation, and mines. On three different missions and six tasks, Major Brady extracted patients from areas where other aircraft failed. On two different occasions his aircraft was hit … [Read more...] about JFK Memorial Medal awarded to Major General Patrick Brady.
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
AOH NATIONAL IMMIGRATION CHAIR WELCOMES SEANAD APPOINTMENT FOR BILLY LAWLESS
As National Immigration Chair of the Ancient Order of Hibernian in America Inc., I welcome the appointment of the first ever US based Irish Senate member to represent Irish Immigrants abroad, Billy Lawless. Billy Lawless, a Chicago based, Irish born business owner and recent US citizen will represent the interests of the Irish abroad. Mr. Lawless is a tireless advocate for Irish Immigrants, and as such, an ally of the AOH in our work on the issue. Celine Kennelly, President of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers has stated that US based Irish immigrant advocates have waited and … [Read more...] about AOH NATIONAL IMMIGRATION CHAIR WELCOMES SEANAD APPOINTMENT FOR BILLY LAWLESS
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"
Speech by Brian O'Dwyer on receiving the Sean McBride Award – Oct. 3, 2015
President Moore, President Hogan, Amb. Jones, brother and sister Hibernians, friends, I am honored beyond belief to have been chosen for this award for two reasons. One it bears the name of the distinguished Nobel Peace Prize winner and fighter for Irish freedom Sean McBride. There is literally no one in Irish history that has done as much for Ireland and the world as Sean McBride and to receive an award in his name is truly a great honor. Second this award is given to me by my brother and sister Hibernians. I have been blessed by my membership in the Hibernians since my early years and … [Read more...] about Speech by Brian O'Dwyer on receiving the Sean McBride Award – Oct. 3, 2015
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"
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