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
News
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
U.S. Senate Minority Leader calls for “full, independent international inquiry into unjustified killings by British paratroopers”
On Thursday, November 15, 2018, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer met with Ms. Carmel Quinn, sister of Ballymurphy victim John Laverty. Mr. Laverty was killed in an incident called the “Ballymurphy Massacre” that occurred at the start of British government’s policy of internment without trial in Northern Ireland. Over the course of three days, members of the British Army's Parachute Regiment killed 11 unarmed civilians. Besides Ms. Quinn’s brother among the victims were a Catholic Priest and a 45 year old mother of eight. Ms. Quinn and the families of the … [Read more...] about U.S. Senate Minority Leader calls for “full, independent international inquiry into unjustified killings by British paratroopers”
Hypocrisy of Former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers
New City, New York – 10/31/2018– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians shares the world’s concern on recent developments in Sri Lanka. The recent sacking of Sri Lanka's prime minister and his replacement with a man accused of human rights violations committed during that country’s civil war poses a threat to the search for justice for the victims of those heinous acts. However, the Hibernians cannot help but simultaneously note the outrageous hypocrisy in former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers’ calls for pressure to be brought to … [Read more...] about Hypocrisy of Former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers
Carmel Quinn Ballymurphy Massacre Appeal
FREEDOM FOR ALL IRELAND October 28,2018 Saying "the 'Ballymurphy Massacre' families need American help in their 47 year battle for justice", Carmel Quinn, a sister of one of 11 victims John Laverty, will begin a five state American tour as the Inquest opens in Belfast. The tour follows attacks by 150 Tory MPs and British Prime Minister Theresa May aimed at discrediting investigations of British forces for 'Troubles' killings in the north of Ireland. A founding member of the 'Ballymurphy Massacre' Campaign and member of Relatives for Justice, Carmel Quinn will ask for American help at … [Read more...] about Carmel Quinn Ballymurphy Massacre Appeal
President Donald J. Trump to Nominate Edward F. Crawford of Ohio, to be Ambassador to Ireland
This from ... The White House - Office of the Press Secretary - Oct 22, 2018 President Donald J. Trump Announces Intent to Nominate to Key Administration Posts Edward F. Crawford of Ohio, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland. Mr. Crawford currently serves as Chairman and CEO of the Edward Crawford Group and Park-Ohio Industries, Inc. He is the recipient of the Northeast Ohio Business Hall of Fame Entrepreneurial Award, and the Small Business Administration Man of the Year-Ohio Award. He served the Specialist Aviation Company, … [Read more...] about President Donald J. Trump to Nominate Edward F. Crawford of Ohio, to be Ambassador to Ireland
OCTOBER FFAI 2018 BULLETIN
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A-Bradley admits sent to rule with no clue about north Karen Bradley, picked by Prime Minister Theresa May to administer British rule in the six counties, said she had no understanding of the north when picked for the post. Bradley made her frank admissions to House magazine, a weekly parliamentary magazine giving Westminster MPs puff piece interviews. Bradley confessed she had did not understand basic facts of the north's politics, elections and deep-rooted issues saying it was all "a very different world from the world I come from." She said: "I … [Read more...] about OCTOBER FFAI 2018 BULLETIN
Liaison Report – Southwest
From Mike Joyce ... As this is my first post as Liaison for the Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona) it is probably appropriate to introduce myself – especially for those in the territory. My name is Mike Joyce and I’m in Austin, TX with my wife and young son. We’ve been in Austin for 10 years now with no plans to leave. I joined the Hibernians because I wanted an Irish Catholic experience I remembered from my childhood – thanks to countless Christmas with my grandparents in Youngstown, Ohio and an Milwaukee Irish Fest or two. Unfortunately the AOH didn’t exist in Austin, … [Read more...] about Liaison Report – Southwest
AOH Congratulates Dr. Brian O’Dwyer on His Selection as 2019 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal
With the formal announcement this evening that Dr. Brian O’Dwyer has been selected to be the 2019 Grand Marshal of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Judge James McKay has issued the following statement: As the President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, I wish to congratulate our Brother Dr. Brian O’Dwyer of AOH Division 3 New York County on his selection as Grand Marshal to the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest parades in the … [Read more...] about AOH Congratulates Dr. Brian O’Dwyer on His Selection as 2019 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal
Yonkers 1st to Adopt McGuinness Principles
AOH efforts sees Yonkers City Council and first major city to adopt McGuinness Principles, repeating 1st to adopt MacBride Principles On Tuesday, September 25 Yonkers City Council became the first major city to unanimously adopt the McGuinness Principles. The impetus came from Myles Scully Division One Westchester and its President Kevin Ellis. The Council meeting was attended by officers and members from National, New York State and all of Westchester Counties Divisions, as well as LAOH members, officers of the United Irish Counties, Hudson Valley Irish Center, Police Emerald Society of … [Read more...] about Yonkers 1st to Adopt McGuinness Principles
Charities & Missions Update
The last few weeks have illustrated our need to sustain and increase our charitable efforts toward increasing vocations, the pursuit and dissemination of Irish History, decreasing hunger and providing relief in the face of natural disaster. Hurricane Florence reminded us that natural disaster is never far from our door. The pernicious predilection of pedophilia makes all too clear the need to remain united in our defense of the church and support the formation of faithful servants of the church. The challenges we have recently experienced are balanced by the joy and celebration associated … [Read more...] about Charities & Missions Update
American AOH Meet Ballymurphy Families
Saying they were there "to pledge American support for Ballymurphy in its battle for truth and justice," National AOH Vice-President Danny O'Connell, and National Secretary Jere Cole met Ballymurphy Massacre families on Sunday. The AOH leaders were escorted by victims' family members to the murder scenes and given a moving account of each killing .The fact-finding visit was also attended by Relatives for Justice. John Teggart, son of Ballymurphy Massacre victim Danny Teggart, described the fact-finding visit in detail: "The families outlined how their loved ones were murdered in their own … [Read more...] about American AOH Meet Ballymurphy Families
American AOH to Meet Ballymurphy Families
Calling the upcoming Ballymurphy Massacre Inquest "a fundamental test of Britain's ability to give legacy justice", Danny O'Connell, National Vice-President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians,announced that he and National Secretary Jere Cole will be meeting with the Ballymurphy Massacre families in Belfast to pledge the support of the powerful Irish American organization to these families in their battle for truth. AOH National Vice-President Danny O'Connell said: "The AOH as a leading voice of the Irish in America, recognizes the upcoming Ballymurphy Massacre Inquest will … [Read more...] about American AOH to Meet Ballymurphy Families
SEPTEMBER FFAI 2018 BULLETIN
A chairde: This month's issues updates has crucial issues like Ballymurphy Inquest, Loughinisland Journalists being arrested , DUP attitudes to Stormont. Our National VP and Secretary will be meeting with the Ballymurphy Families this month to show American support and get a briefing. We are expanding Carmel Quinn's tour to include Philadelphia, New Jersey and other cities. to give AOH members the latest info. There will be an informal meeting to get suggestions on the FFAI Christmas Appeal on Sunday September 9th at 2pm. You can send ideas via email. FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A- … [Read more...] about SEPTEMBER FFAI 2018 BULLETIN
AOH Repeats Call for US Northern Ireland Special Envoy After Arrest of Loughinisland Journalists
The arrest of award-winning veteran journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey for their work connected to the 2017 documentary “No Stone Unturned” is an attack on one of the accepted pillars of a free society: free speech expressed through an independent press. It is also a blatant assault on the US-brokered Good Friday Agreement and its commitment to bring a lasting peace by addressing with justice the legacy of the troubles. Birney and McCaffrey were arrested for their investigative journalism of the 18 June 1994 attack on the Heights Bar in the remote village of … [Read more...] about AOH Repeats Call for US Northern Ireland Special Envoy After Arrest of Loughinisland Journalists