It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of Thomas McNabb. Brother McNabb was the living embodiment of Hibernians and shaped the Order for over half a century; his contributions to the Order will continue to have impact long after his passing. Brother McNabb was born and raised in Auburn, New York, where he joined the Auburn Hibernian Division in 1955. Tom served his division in every capacity and started many local Irish-American traditions such as the Friends of Ireland Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and Auburn’s Irish Festival. … [Read more...] about Statement from the National Board of the AOH on the Passing of Past National President and Secretary Emeritus Thomas McNabb.
News
AOH Vice President O’Connell Challenges Misleading Article in Belfast Telegraph
In response to an inaccurate post on the Tyrone AOH Facebook page concerning the AOH National Convention, a reporter from the Belfast Telegraph reached out to Vice President O'Connell for an interview. Despite efforts to clear up the inaccuracies and relay the facts, the reporter instead in her article persisted in parroting misinformation and conflated irrelevant detains resulting in portraying a specious inaccurate narrative. Below is worthy Vice President O'Connells response to the editor of the Belfast Telegraph. It should be noted, and as was explained ad nauseum to the reporter, … [Read more...] about AOH Vice President O’Connell Challenges Misleading Article in Belfast Telegraph
Ancient Order of Hibernians Pass Resolution Calling for the Immediate Appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
Meeting at their National Convention and in the wake of recent violence in the North of Ireland, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution calling for the immediate appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland as committed nearly a year ago by President Trump. WHEREAS the thirty-year conflict known as “The Troubles” was proportionately one of the deadliest in human history; and WHEREAS twenty years ago, the Good Friday Agreement was signed allowing a generation in Northern Ireland to grow up in peace and prosperity; and WHEREAS it has been noted by all … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Pass Resolution Calling for the Immediate Appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
Hibernians Issue Resolution Calling for US Ambassador to Ireland
Meeting at their National Convention, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution calling for the immediate appointment of a US Ambassador to Ireland. The position of US Ambassador to Ireland has been unfilled since January 2017. WHEREAS the relationship between America and Ireland predates the founding of the United States; and WHEREAS Ireland was one of the earliest supporters of American independence, causing General Washington to write after the revolution “Ireland, thou friend of my country in my country’s most friendless days, much injured, much enduring land, accept … [Read more...] about Hibernians Issue Resolution Calling for US Ambassador to Ireland
Louisville Convention Concluded – 2018 Election Results
The Louisville, KY AOH-LAOH 2018 Convention is now concluded. It was a great success, thanks to Co-chairs John and Julia O'Dwyer and their committee. Kudos! The convention re-elected all the incumbent officers, and Ed Halligan was elected to replace term-limited Tom O'Donnell (Thank You Tom). Rumor has it that site selection was a landslide in favor of Pittsburgh, PA in 2022. In the mean time, preparations are well under way for our next Convention - Orlando FL in 2020 More detail to follow ... John Wilson, Bill Sullivan, Denny Parks, Liam McNabb, Edward Halligan , Dan … [Read more...] about Louisville Convention Concluded – 2018 Election Results
Statement from AOH Catholic Action Chair on the Forced Resignation of House Chaplain Fr. Patrick Conroy, S.J.
The tenth chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew underscores the cost and requirements of proclaiming Jesus’s message to the Church. “One’s enemies will be those of his own household,” is the stark reality Christ presents those of us who would preach that gospel message. Those passages have become prescient in light of the recent forced resignation of House Chaplain, Fr. Patrick Conroy, S.J., by House Speaker and self-proclaimed devout Catholic, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Only twice in its history has the House of Representatives employed Roman Catholics as chaplains, and Fr. Conroy is the first … [Read more...] about Statement from AOH Catholic Action Chair on the Forced Resignation of House Chaplain Fr. Patrick Conroy, S.J.
National President McKay speaks out on Good Friday Agreement at 20
On March 22, 2018, and a month before the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, out Worthy President Judge James McKay testified before the Helsinki Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Commission, at the behest of Co-Chair Chris Smith of New Jersey, was holding a hearing, “The Good Friday Agreement at 20: achievements and unfinished business,” to review the status of the implementation of what panel member Congressman Brendan Boyle described as the “unquestioned gold standard in terms of peace agreements.” However, both Congressman Smith and Boyle both expressed … [Read more...] about National President McKay speaks out on Good Friday Agreement at 20
AOH President testifies about Good Friday Agreement
https://vimeo.com/261864814 Hon. James F. McKay III, President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, testifies at a Helsinki Commission hearing entitled "The Good Friday Agreement at 20," chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe … [Read more...] about AOH President testifies about Good Friday Agreement
Ancient Order of Hibernians Thank Senator Schumer and Secretary Spencer for Recognition of Cpl. Gallagher in Destroyer Naming
The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to express their gratitude to Senator Charles Schumer and Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer for their announcement that the Navy’s newest Destroyer, DDG-127, shall be christened the U.S.S Gallagher in fitting commemoration of the bravery and sacrifice that Corporal Patrick Gallagher, USMC, displayed during the Vietnam War. Cpl. Gallagher, an immigrant from County Mayo, Ireland was awarded the Navy Cross in recognition of his selfless bravery and would later be killed in that conflict just days before he was scheduled to return home. Cpl. Gallagher … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Thank Senator Schumer and Secretary Spencer for Recognition of Cpl. Gallagher in Destroyer Naming
Hibernians Commend Walmart for Swift Action in Response to Offensive Irish Stereotype Merchandise
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) today commended Walmart for their swift response in removing from their web site products that defamed the heritage of Irish Americans and glorified the dangerous practice of binge drinking. These items, which appeared to be exclusively the products of third party vendors selling through the Walmart site, included such phrases as “Can't Regret What You Don't Remember St. Patrick’s Day”, “Irish, Drunk, Whatever”, “The Four Fathers of St. Patrick’s Day: Jack, Jim, Johnny, Jameson” and others. In response to a message from the … [Read more...] about Hibernians Commend Walmart for Swift Action in Response to Offensive Irish Stereotype Merchandise
Hibernians Thank the Friends of Ireland Caucus For Calling for the Appointment of a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
In response to a 2/14/18 letter from the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the bipartisan Friends of Ireland Caucus today issued a statement calling on the President to fulfill his commitment to appoint a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. The Hibernians wish to thank Chairman Neal and all members of the caucus for once again being responsive to the concerns of Irish America and championing the cause of peace and justice in North of Ireland. Given the collapse of recent talks to restore the power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, the role of a fair and impartial intermediary so … [Read more...] about Hibernians Thank the Friends of Ireland Caucus For Calling for the Appointment of a Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
NY AOH Hosts Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice’s
Mark Thompson ended a weeklong emergency American tour that generated a new Congressional initiative, five public events and formal proclamations of support by the New York State Senate, Assembly and local governments. Sponsored by the New York State Board, Ancient Order of Hibernians, the tour brought together other Irish American organizations, and commitments to help Relatives for Justice and the victims they represent break the deadlock on legacy truth. The emergency tour was an AOH response to crown moves to give British troopers and constabulary an amnesty, while denying Inquest … [Read more...] about NY AOH Hosts Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice’s
From the Desk of President McKay 12/17
Brothers, Merry Christmas to you, your family and all your local Hibernians. In the midst of this giving season we are all receiving our AOH labels. What better time than the present to make a donation to the label program that supports our Hibernian Charities’. Once all the donations are collected, 100% of the proceeds will be donated in order to support specific Hibernian programs including: Hibernian disaster relief fund; Project St. Patrick vocation scholarships; National History Day; the Irish Way program and many more. Your donation, no matter how large or how small will go a long … [Read more...] about From the Desk of President McKay 12/17
Ancient Order of Hibernians Mourns the Passing of General James Cullen
The National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Judge James F. McKay has issued the following statement in response to the news of the passing of Brigadier General James Cullen: It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of Brigadier General James P. Cullen, Esq. after a courageous battle with illness. His passing is a loss to both America and Ireland. The story of General Cullen is in miniature the story of Irish America. He severed his country honorably in the United States Army. Starting from the rank of private soldier, by his … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Mourns the Passing of General James Cullen
President’s Veterans’ Day Message
Brothers, I would like to thank and congratulate all of the Veterans who belong to the AOH. We owe each of you a debt of gratitude. It is because of your work we enjoy the many freedoms we have in the United States of America. In honor of the Hibernian Veterans, I share a poem that National Veterans Affairs Chairman Jim Green sent along. I invite all Hibernians to watch this recording of the poem in honor of our Veterans: I Am a Veteran Also Thanks to Brother Green and Brother Cole, you will notice a change on our membership cards this year indicating Veteran Status for all … [Read more...] about President’s Veterans’ Day Message
Hibernians Give Newsweek’s Defaming Article an “F”
In his Newsweek article “Why Are All the Conservative Loudmouths Irish-American?”, Professor Van Gosse of Franklin & Marshall College gives us a textbook example of “Confirmation Bias”. Confirmation Bias is defined as “the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one's existing beliefs”. In the trappings of academic scholarship, Professor Gosse instead gives us a window into his own and, by its publication, Newsweek’s offensive preconceptions towards Irish Americans. As a professor of history, one has to wonder how Professor Gosse would grade a paper from one of his students … [Read more...] about Hibernians Give Newsweek’s Defaming Article an “F”
New AOH Division form in Westchester, Thomas Addis Emmet Division 17
The formation of the Thomas Addis Emmet Division 17 of Pelham & New Rochelle, Westchester County of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) took place on Monday, October 16, 2017. The new division is comprised of the next generation of the Irish American community; 25 Iona College students ranging in age from 18 to 24. The division was organized by its charter president, James McGlashin who canvassed the campus and surrounding community for prospective members. In addition to the college members, there were additional members recruited from the surrounding communities of Pelham and New … [Read more...] about New AOH Division form in Westchester, Thomas Addis Emmet Division 17
Nothing “Wonderful” About Catholic Bigotry
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was established in 1836 to protect and defend Our Holy Mother, the Roman Catholic Church, from the violence and bigotry of anti-Catholic nativist mobs. While violent physical attacks on our churches have become largely a thing of the past, bigotry and disdain for the Catholic Church has not vanished; it hides in the shadows where it nurses on the darkness until its next opportunity to spread the poison of prejudice. On Friday evening, October 21, President Trump through twitter promoted the work of Dr. Robert Jeffress, a megachurch pastor of First Baptist … [Read more...] about Nothing “Wonderful” About Catholic Bigotry
The Hypocrisy of MSNBC in Their Defaming Profiling of Irish American Catholics
In reading Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s claims that White House Chief of Staff General John Kelly is a racist because he compared her to an “empty barrel making the most noise”, an outrageous accusation to which MSNBC hosts Joy Reid and Lawrence O’Donnell attempted to give further credence by offering as “evidence” that General Kelly is an Irish American from Boston, I am reminded of the story of the astronomer Percival Lowell. In the 1890’s, Lowell grabbed headlines by announcing the discovery of “canals” on the planet Mars. Lowell asserted that the “canals” could only … [Read more...] about The Hypocrisy of MSNBC in Their Defaming Profiling of Irish American Catholics
AOH Helps the Hungry
Twenty-eight members of Division 3, Doylestown, Bucks County, PA, made the last of three food deliveries on June 23 for the needy of Bucks County. They are pictured moving the cases from the Weis Markets’ pallets and loading them into three groups in a truck and trailer. The organizer of the project, and long-time chairman of this ministry is brother Sean McArdle. The three agencies whose families benefit from the ministry are the Bucks County Housing Authority in Doylestown, The New Britain Baptist Church Larder and St. John the Baptist Church Kitchen in Ottsville. This activity occurs at … [Read more...] about AOH Helps the Hungry