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IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2013 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION For more than two centuries, America has been made and remade by striving, hopeful immigrants looking for a chance to pursue their dreams. Millions among them were born in Ireland, separated from our shores but united by their belief in a better day. This month, we celebrate the Irish-American journey, and we reflect on the ways a nation so small has inspired so much in another. Generations of Irish left the land of their forebears to cast their fortunes with a young Republic. … [Read more...] about Presidential Proclamation — Irish-American Heritage Month, 2013

From President Brendan Moore: The expression "Out of sight, out of mind" is often, but not always true. It is certainly not true in the case of the AOH's association with Bishop Dorsey. Many of us recall the fact that he served two terms as AOH National Chaplain during the "Gilligan Years." His selection was a brilliant choice on the part of Tom Gilligan. Bishop Dorsey brought not only a quiet eloquence to his role, but gifts of sincerity, piety, and intellect as well. During those four years as National Chaplain, his commitment to our Order never wavered, despite the fact that his … [Read more...] about The Passing of Bishop Norbert Dorsey

Through the efforts of Brother Brian Burke of Commodore John Barry Division 2 in Syracuse, NY, the AOH has been able to partner with the Avis/Budget Group to offer our members discounts on car rentals. The discounts are available nationwide, 24/7, at all Avis and/or Budget locations. On average, the discounts will run between 10 to 20 percent, and will vary with location and season. For Avis use code # AWD = X265800 and for Budget use code # BCD = A766200. Happy traveling. … [Read more...] about AOH Car Rental Discount

2013 State Conventions will take place at various times between May and October. This list is constantly updated, so please check with the local committees before attending a convention. All conventions are open to Hibernians in good standing. Please Click Here to Download the 2013 State Convention List … [Read more...] about 2013 State Convention List

NY, NY & Wash. D. C. Feb. 10th  The leaders of the most active Irish-American groups in the U. S. renewed their attack on  Britain's subpoena of records from the Irish archives of Boston College.  The two year battle has involved a challenge  by the Belfast Project researchers Ed Moloney & Anthony McIntyre to the misuse of the U. S.-U. K. Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) and    20 Members of Congress who not only share their concern but question  Britain's commitment to the Irish peace process.  The confirmation of Senator John Kerry as Secretary of State and the elevation of … [Read more...] about AOH, IAUC & Brehon Appeal to Kerry and Menendez

By the time you receive this edition of the Hibernian Digest we will be well into 2013, but I still want to wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year on behalf of your National Board. As 2012 drew to a close, much of the focus was on Northern Ireland issues. While Britain’s Da Silva Report into the decades-ago assassination of attorney Patrick Finucane clearly pointed to security forces colluding with loyalist paramilitaries, there was an obvious attempt to avoid any hint that such collusion had been sanctioned by the higher/ highest reaches of the British government. In addition, the AOH … [Read more...] about President's Message: "On Moving Forward"

The Lenten Season is upon us. It is a good time to be reminded that we as an organization must be Christ-bearers or intercessors for Him. Eight-year-old Jimmy was acting up. He refused to do what he was told to do, and did about everything he was told not to do. In desperation his father finally sent him off to bed before the dessert was served. Just then a neighbor dropped in. He always liked Jimmy, and after a while he asked the parents if he could talk to the boy. With a prayer in his heart he reminded the lad that his disobedience displeased his parents and made them sad. Especially it … [Read more...] about National Chaplain's Message

by Ed Wallace, PNP In the Penal Days, our ancestors stood guard to protect the Roman Catholic clergy as they celebrated the holy sacrifice of the Mass for the disenfranchised Irish. In the days of Nativist Bigotry, our immigrant forebears stood guard around Catholic churches to safeguard our clergy from the anti-Catholic Know Nothings. As they were needed then, we are needed now! Today, violence has diminished, but the need to protect our clerical tradition is just as great, if not greater. This time the enemy is economic. The number of applicants to the religious life is decreasing each … [Read more...] about One of the Best Hibernian Traditions

400 Irish volunteers descended on Rockaway and other areas slammed by Hurricane Sandy on Saturday for a Christmas Meitheal (helping neighbors in need). They fanned out to several stricken sites led by the Ancient Order of Hibernians who organized a massive manpower effort to help damaged areas. It was the second time in two months that the irish community had come together to help out those in need after the hurricane. Read more: http://www.irishcentral.com/news/400-Irish-reach-out-again-to-help-distressed-areas-after-Hurricane-Sandy-183696511.html#ixzz2FE7piuMC … [Read more...] about Irish Central: 400 Irish reach out again to help distressed areas after Hurricane Sandy

The steps that residents need to take that were impacted by Hurricane/Superstorm Sandy are as follows: 1.        Contact their homeowners insurance to start a claim 2.       Contact their flood insurance company if they have to start a claim 3.       Register for FEMA disaster assistance.  They can go to a Disaster Recovery Center , register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or via smart phone at m.fema.gov, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.  If they use 711-relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) call 1-800-621-3362. 4.       Once registered, FEMA will sent … [Read more...] about Steps To Follow Post Hurricane

Below is a list of requested supplies for the affected areas. To help donate these supplies in New York contact NY State Secretary Tim McSweeney at tmcsweeney@nyaoh.com or NYS Past President Chip McLean at cmclean@nyaoh.com and in New Jersey contact NJ State President Sean Pender at sean.pender@aoh.com. Water                                       Blankets                                                                       Baby Items/Diapers                  Toiletries                    Clothing                                   Baby Food Flashlights/ Batteries              Gloves (any … [Read more...] about Storm Relief Supplies Requested

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Sandy up and down the East Coast. Many AOH Brothers and LAOH Sisters from Delaware to New England experienced some sort of power loss or property damage. We hope they will recover quickly. The AOH National Board is examining - through the Hibernian Charity - how best to be of assistance. We will have more information on it within the next week. For now, please say a prayer for those who live in the disaster areas, so the Good Lord will protect those who are without the basic essentials of life and may He guide the rescue to a quick … [Read more...] about Statement From AOH National President Brendan Moore

The Greenhills Hotel in Co. Limerick  is offering a special rate for AOH members. The special AOH guaranteed rate would be €40pps per night Bed/Breakfast, this would include use of our leisure centre and complimentary car parking for the Bus. They will also include a dinner rate of €20 per night if required per person. If a group is large enough they can organize some traditional music at night in the Bar for the group. The Greenhills Hotel can be contacted at: Ennis Road, Caherdavin  Co. Limerick City, Ireland General Manager Daphne Greene Phone: 061 453033 Email: … [Read more...] about AOH Discount in Limerick, Ireland

By Michael McCormack and Ned McGinley More than 2,000 AOH and LAOH delegates, selected by their peers from all over the United States, assembled at Turning Stone Resort and Casino, on land that was once home to the six nations of the Iroquois Federation near Syracuse, New York, to hold the 96th Biennial Convention of their 176-year old Order. On Monday an Opening Mass began the proceedings, as always, with our Irish Catholic Heritage prominently on display celebrated by the Bishop Robert Cunningham. Immediately following the Mass the Icebreaker “Taste of New York” was the opening … [Read more...] about National Convention a Huge Success