From the Desk of President McKay ... Brothers, I'm just returning from D.C. where Senator Billy Lawless and I met with representatives from our National Homeland Security Agency concerning the many undocumented Irish born currently living in the United States. As many of you may know that figure could be anywhere from 35-50 thousand people. Many of these Irish born have been in residence for many years and have become hard working members of our community paying taxes and raising families just like you and I. With the attitude of our new administration toward this issue these undocumented … [Read more...] about AOH Update – JULY
News
The Situation in Northern Ireland
Brothers: It has been my intention to apprise you of the political event in Northern Ireland for some time. Unfortunately, every time I have attempted to do so, what I had written was made obsolescent by new events. At least as I write, here is the current political situation. The devolved government of Northern Ireland is in collapse.There has been no devolved local government in Northern Ireland since the resignation of Martin McGuinness in January.The key reasons for his resignations were DUP First Minister Arlene Foster’s refusal to step down without prejudice to … [Read more...] about The Situation in Northern Ireland
Medal of Honor Grove Update
Brothers, A few years ago we attempted to raise funds through the Hibernian Charity to do an upgrade at the Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Forge. At that time we were quoted a price of between $24,000 and $30,000 by different contractors but unfortunately we only raised about $12,000 to date. After much discussion and soul searching the committee decided to go forward with the project using our contacts in the Trade Unions, volunteers from the local AOH in the Delaware Valley, and anyone else who would help. Myself and Mick Dunleavy who started this project contacted other people and we … [Read more...] about Medal of Honor Grove Update
Political Education: With Britain’s Invocation of Article 50, AOH Renews Calls for Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
Today, the British Government of Prime Minister Theresa May invoked Article 50 and began the process of the United Kingdom severing its relationship with the European Union, which includes among its members the Republic of Ireland. The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is extremely concerned for the implications this action will have for the people of the island of Ireland and repeats its call for the appointment of a U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. Ms. May’s decision to trigger Brexit against the backdrop of the current political crisis in Northern Ireland where recent elections … [Read more...] about Political Education: With Britain’s Invocation of Article 50, AOH Renews Calls for Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
Statement on the Passing of Martin McGuinness
The Ancient Order of Hibernians mourn the passing of former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness. Per AOH National President Judge James McKay “It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of Martin McGuinness. If the measure of a man is how much he has grown in his life; then it must be acknowledged that Martin McGuinness became a giant in his all too brief 66 years on this earth. In his youth, Martin McGuinness was filled with the passion of youth to fight injustice, injustice he witnessed personally as he saw peaceful … [Read more...] about Statement on the Passing of Martin McGuinness
Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Contribution to America's Independance
DID YOU KNOW that when America was born, the Irish were there? The Irish, both Protestant and Catholic, were a major part of Washington’s volunteers from foot soldiers to high ranking officers. When increased Crown exploitation drove the colonists to protest, among the loudest were the Irish who had no great love for the Crown to begin with. And there were many Irish in America’s colonies. Among them were those who fought the English theft of their Irish lands and ended up hunted men; they were followed by those Catholics and Presbyterians who fled persecution by the Church of England. Some … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Contribution to America's Independance
AOH Update – February
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, The green season is upon us and we need every Hibernian to put our best foot forward. This is the time everyone celebrates their Irish Catholic Heritage just a little bit more than they do the rest of the year. This is why we are asking each and every Hibernian to recruit at least one new members by your April division meeting. Your recruit may be a family member, a friend, or someone you meet at the many St. Patrick Day Celebrations. Your job is to convey to your recruit the importance of celebrating our Irish heritage 365 days of the year. We need … [Read more...] about AOH Update – February
AOH Update – January
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Two weeks from today many Hibernians will converge on Washington DC for the annual Pro Life March and Hibernian Pro Life Breakfast. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there. It is also important that those of us unable to attend the march participate your local Pro Life events. I suggest that your next meeting will be a great time for additional focus on our Pro Life Efforts. Brother Walsh, National Pro Life Chairman has provided and update article below the included the details for the DC events. Why We March As we begin the New Year we are … [Read more...] about AOH Update – January
Why We March
“My March Each Year Is A Work of Mercy” Growing up as a public school kid in New Jersey, the March for Life was something I only heard about in our church bulletin once a year. It took until college at Catholic University for me to fully understand the reason behind the March; but even then I was critical of the effort, believing students were more eager to get a ‘day off’ than stand up for the unborn. While the numerous high school students sleeping in CUA’s gymnasium were impressive, I still felt most were either forced or coerced into attending a rally for issues they didn’t fully … [Read more...] about Why We March
Recruiting – Organizer’s Update
It’s no secret; Our Order has seen a substantial decrease in membership over the last ten years. Many factors attribute to the decrease; aging membership, lack of interest, failure to engage members, changes in society, generational differences, lack of recruiting, just to name a few. Take your pick, every division in the country has run into one, if not all of these problems. So let’s look at ways to solve some of these problems: Problem: Aging Membership: We need younger Members who are willing to ensure that Our Order will continue in the future. Answer: Customize your local recruiting … [Read more...] about Recruiting – Organizer’s Update
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Supports the Decision of Martin McGuinness to Resign as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Calls for U.S. Re-engagement in the Peace Process
New City, New York – 01/10/17 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) On January 9, 2017, Martin McGuinness resigned from the role of Deputy First Minister that he has held for ten years. During his tenure, Mr. McGuinness and Sinn Fein have worked tirelessly for the betterment of all communities of Northern Ireland. However, the continuing intransigence by members of the DUP to embrace the core principles of equality and respect that are the basis of the Good Friday Agreement, the growing litany of corruption scandals and the DUP's failure to take accountability and deal effectively with a … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Supports the Decision of Martin McGuinness to Resign as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Calls for U.S. Re-engagement in the Peace Process
AOH Update – December
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Christmas is upon us and many divisions are in the process of installing new officers and hosting Christmas parties. We wish you all success as we move forward and continue to grow the premier Irish Catholic Organization in the USA. Once your installation is complete please send in an updated Form-9 so the National and State Boards know whom you new officers are. This should be completed every time there is any change in you officers at every level. Today’s e-mail features an article from Charities and Missions Chair Ted Sullivan. Missions and … [Read more...] about AOH Update – December
AOH Update – Hibernian Charity
From: Ted M. Sullivan, Chairman of Charities and Missions On behalf of the AOH and Hibernian Charity I would like to extend a Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your families. As part of our Motto, Charity is the heart of our Faith and Organization. The Mission of the Hibernian Charity is to support the Constitutional Purpose of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America as they seek to, enhance, and protect our Catholic Church as well as Irish History, Culture, and aid our Membership when in distress. What is Hibernian Charity? The Hibernian Charity a 501-3 charitable enterprise was … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Hibernian Charity
AOH Update – Immigration
Brothers, Irish immigrants, after centuries of British religious, economic and political oppression, contributed to the creation of this great nation. General George Washington recognized this on March 16, 1780, by declaring St. Patrick's Day a holiday for all his troops in gratitude for the courage of the Irish in his command. In 1812, we again defended America from attacks by the British. Later, our Catholic immigrants founded the AOH in America to fight discrimination, prejudice and attacks on our families, churches and religious leaders by nativists and Know-Nothings. The Medal Of Honor, … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Immigration
AOH Update – Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award – Call for Nomination
To: All Officers of the AOH/LAOH in America From: Daniel J. O’Connell, AOH National Vice President/MacBride Award Chair Carol Sheyer, LAOH National Vice President/MacBride Award Vice Chair Re: Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award Nominations Date: November, 2016 In accordance with Article XXVII of the National Constitution of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, we are sending this letter to all eligible members to request nominees for the 2017 Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award. This award will be conferred to memorialize the human rights contributions made by … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award – Call for Nomination
AOH Update – Report from National Hunger Chairman
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
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