Commodore John Barry, 1801 Portrait by Gilbert Stuart 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 of which extends far beyond the man himself. 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 2020
News
The Big Irish American Campfire
The AOH was proud to be a sponsor of The Big Irish Echo Campfire - A Virtual Forum Across America on Friday August 28th 2020 as Irish America Comes Together to Survive the Pandemic and To Emerge Stronger and Better (while ensuring the bridge to Ireland remains open). Immediate Past-President Judge James McKay III took part in the panel for the session: In This Together: Irish American Societies and Networks Leading the Coronavirus Fightback. Watch more videos from the Campfire at: http://www.irishecho.com/campfire … [Read more...] about The Big Irish American Campfire
AOH Statement on the Passing of Nobel Laureate John Hume
The Late John Hume It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of John Hume. The Late Senator Robert Kennedy once said, “Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not.” In a land where an oppressive status quo had been carved into the marble of Stormont, where it was accepted that one person could have three votes while another had none, where one’s baptism defined one’s opportunities for life, John Hume dared to ask why must the generations of today be chained to the injustices of the … [Read more...] about AOH Statement on the Passing of Nobel Laureate John Hume
The Gavel is Passed
Newly Immediate Past President Judge James McKay III (center left) passes the gavel to newly elect National President Danny O'Connell (center right). They are flanked by newly elected Vice President Sean Pender (left) and Secretary Jere Cole (right) It is customary to say after each AOH convention that "it was a convention like no other", but nothing could be more true about the 100th biannual National Convention held in this COVID year of 2020. For the first time, the Convention was held on-line which saw exceptional participation by the members. It shows that despite being an … [Read more...] about The Gavel is Passed
Statement on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis
The sons of Martin McGuinness meeting with Congressman John Lewis as he endorsed the McGuinness Principles which call for justice and civil rights in the north of Ireland. Shown are Peter Kissel (IAUC), Fiachra McGuinness, Congressman John Lewis, Emmett McGuinness, Marty Glennon (Brehons), AOH National Treasurer Sean Pender It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Congressman John Lewis, a man dedicated to improving the lives of others and who realize that the fight for Civil Rights transcends peoples and borders. The Congressman was an early signer of the McGuinness … [Read more...] about Statement on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis
Deafening Media Silence in Reporting of Wave of Catholic Church Attacks
Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida After Being Attacked.Image Marion County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page It is with shock and profound sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the senseless attack upon Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Ocala, Florida on Saturday, 11 July as parishioners were preparing for mass. According to police, a man crashed a minivan through the front door of the church and then ignited an incendiary device/accelerant causing a fire that resulted in extensive damage to the building. By the grace of God, all those who were in the … [Read more...] about Deafening Media Silence in Reporting of Wave of Catholic Church Attacks
Amazon’s “Irish Livers Matter” Merchandise; Twice the Defamation At One Low Price
Amazon's Choice "Irish Livers Matter Shirt" Amazon continues to hypocritically talk about embracing respect for all heritages and diversity while peddling prejudice for profit. Currently on Amazon there are 142 Items for sale with the phrase “Irish Livers Matter”. One of the items is even labeled “Amazon’s Choice.” This is in addition to numerous items emblazoned with “Irish Lives Matter”, but certainly “Irish Livers Matter” plumbs new depths of defamation, there is no uninformed or misguided positive spin or nuanced interpretation one can put on “Irish Livers Matter”; it … [Read more...] about Amazon’s “Irish Livers Matter” Merchandise; Twice the Defamation At One Low Price
Hibernians Congratulate Ireland on Election to U.N. Security Council
The Ancient Order of Hibernians wishes to congratulate the Republic of Ireland on its election to the UN Security Council. In a letter to Irish Ambassador Daniel Mulhall, AOH National President James McKay writes: As Ireland's exiled children in America, we take special pride in being able to congratulate the Republic of Ireland in securing a position on the UN Security Council. For a nation that has yet to achieve its 100th birthday, for Ireland to now join the Security Council for the fourth time is truly an extraordinary accomplishment. It is a fitting … [Read more...] about Hibernians Congratulate Ireland on Election to U.N. Security Council
AOH Comments on Malachy McAllister Deportation
On the day Malachy McAllister surrendered for deportation, AOH National Board Members: Treasurer Sean Pender, Immigration Chairman Dan Dennehy, and Freedom For All Ireland Chairman Martin Galvin accompanied him to stand beside and support him on this very bleak day. Here are their video comments made about the deportation of our friend Malachy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkfX-IQkU8U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hanGdCMZBoE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mkcv-H9MdZU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AG2YRgIxZo … [Read more...] about AOH Comments on Malachy McAllister Deportation
Statement Of Senate Minority Leader Schumer On The Deportation Of Malachy Mcallister
Malachy McAllister and Leader Schumer “President Trump’s deportation of Malachy McAllister is profoundly unjust and serves no rational public purpose or positive benefit. Mr. McAllister has been a valued member of the Irish American community ever since seeking asylum in the United States following an assassination attempt on him and his family during the Troubles. He is a father and grandfather to U.S. citizen children, a strong supporter of the Irish peace process and a productive businessperson. Mr. McAllister has unfairly faced deportation for years and the looming threat has been … [Read more...] about Statement Of Senate Minority Leader Schumer On The Deportation Of Malachy Mcallister
Rep. Eliot Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Statement on McAllister Deportation
Congressman Eliot Engel Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement on Malachy McAllister being taken into custody for removal from the United States: “I am outraged that the Trump Administration is kicking Malachy McAllister out of the United States. He first fled Belfast in 1998 during the Troubles and came to this country fleeing attempts on his life and the lives of his family." “Now, despite strong bipartisan and bicameral advocacy from Congress about his model contributions to American society, Mr. … [Read more...] about Rep. Eliot Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Statement on McAllister Deportation
Statement from Senator Robert Menendez on Deportation of Malachy McAllister
Senator Robert Menendez “Today is a sad day for the McAllister family and New Jersey’s Irish community. Deporting a community leader who poses no national security or public safety threat is not only a clear injustice, but also contrary to our nation’s values,” Sen. Menendez said. “By forcefully deporting Mr. McAllister to a place he fled because his life was put in danger, the Trump Administration is showing the immorality of their indiscriminate immigration policies.” “This man’s deportation is shameful and will not make America safer. Mr. McAllister is a good man who built a life for … [Read more...] about Statement from Senator Robert Menendez on Deportation of Malachy McAllister
Congressman Pascrell Condemns McAllister Deportation
Congressman Bill Pascrell PATERSON, NJ – U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today condemned the Trump’s administration’s deportation of Malachy McAllister, an Irish national and longtime resident of New Jersey’s Ninth Congressional District. “For over 20 years, Malachy McAllister has been a valuable part of our North Jersey community. His roots are in New Jersey. America is where he belongs. His deportation at Trump’s hand is a heartless decision and separates a man with medical issues from his family for no good reason that puts him and his family at risk. For years, my office has … [Read more...] about Congressman Pascrell Condemns McAllister Deportation
Representative Peter King Speaks out on McAllister Deportation
Congressman Peter King (Malachy McAllister) has resided in the United States for over 20 years as a valued member of his community. It is regrettable that the Department of Homeland Security has chosen to ignore the life Mr. McAllister has built for himself and his family in the United States, along with his tireless advocacy for the Irish Peace Process. Instead, they only focus on an association he gave up long ago. … [Read more...] about Representative Peter King Speaks out on McAllister Deportation
Congressman Tom Suozzi on Malachy McAllister Deportation
Congressman Tom Suozzi "Mr. McAllister fled Northern Ireland during the Troubles and sought political asylum in the United States based on past persecution and fears that his life would be in danger if he returned home. In the nearly 40 years since Mr. McAllister fled, he has laid deep roots and become a valued and upstanding member of the community." “Mr. McAllister has built a life here, starting a family, and contributing to the fabric of our communities in the United States. He has been a vocal proponent of the Irish peace process. He helped urge the Irish-American community to … [Read more...] about Congressman Tom Suozzi on Malachy McAllister Deportation
A Message From Malachy McAllister To His Friends As He Reported For Deportation
The below video, recorded by Sean Claffery, are of comments made by Malachy McAllister as he reported for deportation after a 24 years of residence, contribution and service to the American Community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWAr6QS1POE video by Sean Claffery … [Read more...] about A Message From Malachy McAllister To His Friends As He Reported For Deportation
Freedom for all Ireland video chat with Belfast National Graves Association
https://youtu.be/j9k6Kd5gE_Y Featuring Joe Austin, Chairperson of Belfast National Graves Association, and Bik McFarlane, Members of Belfast NGA. About today's Guests: Joe Austin is a Sinn Fein activist. In addition to being Chairperson of Belfast NGA, Joe is a former SF Belfast City Councillor. Joe was a key liaison between the Hunger-Strikers, Republican POW's and the Republican leadership outside Long Kesh. Bik McFarlane is a Sinn Fein activist. A former Republican POW in Long Kesh Cages and the H-Blocks. Bik was OC for Republican POW's during the second Hunger-Strike. He … [Read more...] about Freedom for all Ireland video chat with Belfast National Graves Association
Charities and Missions Update – June 2020
In this time of continued uncertainty brought on by the COVID virus, and the civil unrest currently unfolding in cities around our country, our continued focus on extending charity, supporting unity, and reinforcing old and building new friendships is increasingly important. It bears repeating, that the Ancient Order of Hibernians has always risen to the challenge of providing for those in need. Whether it be money, food, time, clothing--even support of civility among our fellow Americans, members of the Ancient Order have risen to the occasion. In these trying times we have bothers acting as … [Read more...] about Charities and Missions Update – June 2020
FFAI BULLETIN – May 2020
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A -- Catholic Bishops, legal scholars and justice campaigners slam British plan on legacy killings -- Four Catholic Bishops, legal experts and justice campaigners slammed British plans on crown legacy killings, accusing Britain of "bad faith" and "rewriting the rules of justice." Instead of an Historical Investigations Unit investigating hundreds of controversial killings, including British trooper killings, Britain wants only a review by their appointed "independent body". This panel would close all cases, unless they saw "new compelling evidence and a … [Read more...] about FFAI BULLETIN – May 2020
AOH Pipers Rally Those on the COVID-19 Frontline
For hundreds of years, the skirl of the pipes have been used to call communities to action against a common foe, to summon courage and to boost morale when hope was challenged. So effective were the pipes in uniting and inspiring people that the English once banned them. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, AOH Division 3, Pearl River member Dermot Moore and his sons have played a nightly tribute at 7:00 PM, a time at which it has now become a tradition to honor those on the front lines of the COVID-19 fight, and to remember those whom this insidious disease has claimed. … [Read more...] about AOH Pipers Rally Those on the COVID-19 Frontline