Robert Emmet Thomas Emmet in Later Life On the surface, the brothers Thomas Addis Emmet and Robert Emmet were the most unlikely of revolutionaries. They were born (Thomas Addis 1764, Robert 1778) into an affluent family of Ireland's Protestant ascendency. Their father was the State Physician of Ireland; firmly positioning the family as members of the British establishment. Yet the spirit of the enlightenment ran strong in the Emmet family; they were sympathetic to the struggle for independence of the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War and critics of the disenfranchisement … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Emmets, an Irish and Irish American Story
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Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”
Kathleen Rita McNulty was born in the village of Creeslough on February 12, 1921, the third of six children of Anne Nelis and James McNulty. Her father was Commandant of the Doe Battalion of the Irish Volunteers. On the night of her birth, he was arrested and imprisoned in Derry Gaol for two years for his republican activities. On his release, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where James worked as a stonemason and went on to establish a successful construction business, frequently working with Irish American John B Kelly, the father of … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”
Irish American Heritage Month: The Foley Brothers “No greater love than to lay down your life for another”
At the young age of 32, Thomas Foley was already an 11-year decorated veteran firefighter of the FDNY and a legend. He was a larger than life individual who embraced life to the fullest and seemed to excel at everything he tried from powerlifting to skydiving. Having learned to ride horses on visits to his grandfather's farm, he even excelled as a competitor on the rodeo circuit. With boyish good looks, Thomas Foley was featured twice by People Magazine and appeared in the FDNY's "2003 Calendar of Heroes." However, being a firefighter was Thomas Foley's first passion; it was all he wanted to … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Foley Brothers “No greater love than to lay down your life for another”
Irish American Heritage Month: John Philip Holland, Inventor of the Modern Submarine
Did you know that an Irishman invented the first modern submarine? His name was John Philip Holland and he was born in Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland, on February 24, 1841. He experienced the Irish potato failure suffering poor eyesight as a result. His father was a member of the Coast Guards, and young John inherited a love of the sea. Although his poor eyesight prevented him from following in his father’s footsteps, he developed an interest in ship design. John attended the Christian Brothers School where he came under the influence of Brother Dominic Burke, a science teacher, who encouraged … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: John Philip Holland, Inventor of the Modern Submarine
Irish American Heritage Month: The Parachuting Padre
As an Army chaplain, Fr. Francis L. Sampson saw combat in two wars and earned the nickname of "the Parachuting Padre." His actions during the D-Day campaign would be adapted as part of two major motion pictures, though in both his actions would be attributed to others. Fr. Sampson was born in Cherokee, Iowa, the descendant of Immigrants from County Cork. Fr. Sampson graduated from Notre Dame before entering St. Paul's Seminary in Minnesota. He served briefly as a parish priest. When the U.S. entered the war, Fr. Sampson sought and was granted permission to join the … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Parachuting Padre
Irish American Heritage Month: The Sheas, Three Generations of Olympians
Since the ancient past, societies have honored athletes. Athletic competition may have developed out of pragmatic concerns such as training warriors, but it was soon realized that certain individuals were gifted with exceptional talents. In the Ancient Olympic Games winning competitors were awarded Olive Wreaths and honored as human incarnations of Apollo; in modern times they are honored with some of the highest salaries in the world. These honors are given in recognition of how exceptional athletic prowess is in on one individual; what then would be the likelihood of finding world class … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Sheas, Three Generations of Olympians
Irish American Heritage Month: Anne Sullivan, ‘The Miracle Worker’
Imagine the loneliness and isolation of a person who is both deaf and blind. Even worse, imagine that isolation beginning when you were only 19 months old when the disease took these vital senses away before you comprehended the concept of what the word was, leaving you with limited means to convey your thought and feelings. This is the description of the challenge that newly graduated teacher Anne Sullivan was taking on when she was hired to be the governess and teacher to seven-year-old Hellen Keller. Anne was only twenty years old and was herself seriously visually impaired. Sullivan was … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Anne Sullivan, ‘The Miracle Worker’
Congressional and Irish Opposition to British Amnesty Plans
Fiona O’Hagan and Una Casey, whose husbands were among 19 collusion murder victims named in the Operation Greenwich report, heard Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick announce a new Congressional initiative opposing any British amnesty designed to end or inhibit investigations into Troubles murders. The announcement came during an Ancient Order of Hibernian webinar, highlighted by the heartbreaking personal stories of two victims, and an overview of the Operation Greenwich report by Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice. The victims then heard wide ranging support from Irish government … [Read more...] about Congressional and Irish Opposition to British Amnesty Plans
Hibernians Helping at Christmas
With typical Irish resolve and spirit, members of AOH Division 3, Pearl River, NY did not let concern over new Covid variants spoil Christmas for those with special needs. For the second year in a row, members of the AOH and LAOH along with OMM Buddyball, and with the support of the Orangeburg Fire and Police Departments and several local community organizations, hosted a “Reverse Christmas Parade.” The Hibernians have for many years hosted a Christmas party for those with special needs, both children and adults. Covid concerns last year made an indoor party untenable, so with a bit of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Helping at Christmas
AOH National Board to Present $10,000 in Awards for Hibernian Hunger Projects
The AOH National Board will present a total of $10,000 in Awards to Divisions who have developed Hibernian Hunger Projects that help to eliminate hunger in their communities. The award for First Prize is $1,000, and there will also be additional Second Prizes of $500 each. Every Division must fill out and submit an Official Hibernian Hunger Report and Awards Application to the AOH National Board Hibernian Hunger Project Committee. To be considered for these Hibernian Hunger Awards, all projects must have taken place between January 1 – December 31, 2021, and reports must be filled by … [Read more...] about AOH National Board to Present $10,000 in Awards for Hibernian Hunger Projects
On the 246th Birthday of the U.S. Marines, remembering Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, Recipient of Two Medals of Honor
In the history of the Medal of Honor, the United States Highest award for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty", only 19 men have been awarded the medal twice. Among them is Marine Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, one of only two marines to receive the Medal of Honor Twice for separate acts of heroism; Daly was also nominated for a third Medal of Honor. Daly was born in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, on 11 November 1873. He was slight of stature, only 5’ 6" in height and weighing 132 lbs., yet enjoyed an early reputation as a fighter, … [Read more...] about On the 246th Birthday of the U.S. Marines, remembering Sergeant Major Daniel Daly, Recipient of Two Medals of Honor
Hibernians Ask Boston College Not “To Call a Tail a Leg” in Promoting Trevor Ringland Talk
In a letter to Dr. Robert Mauro, Director of the Irish Institute of Boston College, the Ancient Order of Hibernians take exception with the institute promoting Mr. Trevor Ringland, MBE, as the "Special Envoy from Northern Ireland to the United States" in an upcoming talk at the Universities McMullen Museum on 10/19. The title was conferred on Mr. Ringland by the Government of Boris Johnson in an announcement on June 6th of this year. The letter states: "Precise language and rigor of description are the hallmarks of good scholarship. Therefore, we are gravely disappointed that Boston College … [Read more...] about Hibernians Ask Boston College Not “To Call a Tail a Leg” in Promoting Trevor Ringland Talk
Hibernians Question Double Standard of Outrage Regarding Latest Catholic Church Attack in Denver
As an organization formed in 1836 to combat attacks by bigoted nativist against newly arrived Irish immigrants and the Catholic Churches they attended, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) are saddened to see a return of that same prejudice in the recent vandalism of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, Colorado. The spraying of swastikas, messages of stereotypical bigotry, and the desecration of objects of veneration are proof that the anti-Catholic bigotry of the 19th century 'Know Nothings' still as adherents in 21st century America. Yet amplifying our outrage over this … [Read more...] about Hibernians Question Double Standard of Outrage Regarding Latest Catholic Church Attack in Denver
NYS AOH Remembers Members Lost on 9/11
The New York State Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians held a Memorial Mass at St. Peter’s Church, in lower Manhattan, on Sept. 25, at which they unveiled a special plaque in honor of the Hibernians lost on 9/11/01. NY AOH Chaplain Fr. Henry Reid said the Mass. The event was conceived of and planned by NYS AOH President John Manning, with the help of many other Hibernians. NJ AOH President Richard O’Brien, North Carolina AOH President Chris Cooke and PA AOH President Ed Dougherty, and Ladies AOH NY State VP Regina Begley also participated. The Hibernian Singers served as the choir at the … [Read more...] about NYS AOH Remembers Members Lost on 9/11
U.S. Congress Writes to U.K.’s Johnson to Denounce Ban on Trouble’s Legacy Inquests and Prosecutions
As pledged during a webinar hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Freedom for All Ireland Chair Martin Galvin, held three days after the British government’s release of a plan to end further investigations and prosecution into killings committed during the conflict in Northern Ireland, Congressman Brendan Boyle, working in conjunction with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, has sent a bipartisan letter to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denouncing the U.K.’s plan to renege on its commitments under the Stormont House Agreement. The letter is cosigned by an additional 34 … [Read more...] about U.S. Congress Writes to U.K.’s Johnson to Denounce Ban on Trouble’s Legacy Inquests and Prosecutions
Commodore Barry Day 2021
Per our National Constitution, September 13th is designated "Commodore Barry Day," a national holiday of the Order. If you are not aware of who Commodore Barry is, you are not alone, for sadly, you are in the company of the majority of Americans. This speaks to the importance of the day and a significance which extends far beyond the man himself. Commodore John Barry, 1801 Portrait by Gilbert Stuart When one looks at the 1801 portrait of Barry by Gilbert Stuart, one may get a false impression of Barry; the painting shows an old man in declining health (Barry would die two … [Read more...] about Commodore Barry Day 2021
Texas Hibernians Call for Renaming Ft. Hood to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy
Meeting at their biannual convention, Texas members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, have in a resolution called for Ft. Hood to be renamed in honor of Audie Murphy, the most decorated combat soldier of WW II. The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act mandates renaming any U.S. military assets that commemorate the Confederacy or those who served in the Confederacy. Ft. Hood is currently named for Confederate General John Bell Hood. The Texas Hibernians noted that Audie Murphy, a native of … [Read more...] about Texas Hibernians Call for Renaming Ft. Hood to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy
Hibernians Call For End on Ban of Irish Travel to U.S.
Today, in a letter to United States President Joe Biden, the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Daniel J. O’Connell called for an end to the ban on travel from Ireland to the United States, which has been in place since March 2020. The letter states: The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, calls upon you, Mr. President, to lift the travel ban that currently applies to Ireland and the rest of Europe and replace it with a sensible and scientific protocol that permits a resumption of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Call For End on Ban of Irish Travel to U.S.
Claims of Notre Dame Leprechaun Offensiveness is Media Malarkey.
In response to the recent media frenzy concerning reports that a poll has found the Notre Dame Leprechaun Mascot and the nickname 'Fighting Irish' offensive, the National Anti Defamation Chair of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American Organization in the U.S., has issued the following statement: It is with a mixture of disbelief and despondency that the Hibernians read today headlines "Notre Dame leprechaun considered offensive, according to survey" in multiple newspapers and media outlets. This media-manufactured controversy stems from a poll conducted by a … [Read more...] about Claims of Notre Dame Leprechaun Offensiveness is Media Malarkey.
Restore Irish American NYPD Olympian Martin Sheridan’s Medals
In his obituary, the New York Times describes Martin Sheridan as "one of the greatest athletes the United States has ever known." While his name may not be as readily recognized today, that assessment still holds true. Sheridan was born in Bohola, County Mayo, Ireland in 1881, and would later emigrate to the United States. A giant for his time standing at 6' 3", he was a member of a group known as the "Irish Whales," a group of Irish American Athletes who were also members of the New York City Police Department who dominated the track and field competitions of the … [Read more...] about Restore Irish American NYPD Olympian Martin Sheridan’s Medals