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
News
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
Britain Wants To Bury Hopes of Legacy Justice
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, has issued the following statement by National Freedom for All Ireland Chairman Martin Galvin. Congressman Brendan Boyle, Irish Consul General Ciaran Madden, and representatives of Irish and British political parties, joined with Irish Americans across the country, to hear victims’ relatives and survivors appeal for help to stop Britain from taking away their rights to legacy justice. Jacqueline Butler, daughter of a Springhill Massacre victim, Steven Travers a survivor of the Miami Showband Massacre, and Martin Mallon, whose aunt Roseann Mallon was one of … [Read more...] about Britain Wants To Bury Hopes of Legacy Justice
Hibernians Condemn U.K. Announcement of Troubles Amnesty.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the largest Irish American organization in the United States, condemns today's announcement by Britain of its plans to create a special statute of limitations for “all Trouble’s Related Incidents” [sic]. A model of British understatement, such “incidents” including the murder of innocent civilians and numerous human rights violations by British forces. (Photo by Getty Images) The announcement delivered by Northern Ireland Secretary Lewis today has achieved one singular distinction: he has succeeded in uniting and rallying the community of Northern … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn U.K. Announcement of Troubles Amnesty.
Hibernians Welcome Announcement of Claire Cronin as Ambassador to Ireland
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) welcomes the announcement that President Biden has nominated Massachusetts House Majority Leader Claire Cronin to be the United States Ambassador to Ireland. The alacrity in making this nomination shows an appreciation by the administration of the very "special relationship" that the U.S. and Ireland enjoy, a relationship that predates America's independence. It is a relationship which George Washington paid tribute to when he said "When our friendless standards were first unfurled, who were the strangers who first mustered around our staff, Erin's … [Read more...] about Hibernians Welcome Announcement of Claire Cronin as Ambassador to Ireland
As Violence Escalates in Northern Ireland, Hibernians Call on President to Fill Special Envoy Position
On the 23rd Anniversary of the historic Good Friday Agreement, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), America's largest Irish American Organization, have written President Biden asking for the appointment of a U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. The Hibernians expressed their concern that increasing violence and inflammatory rhetoric by senior leaders of the Unionist community are a threat to the over two decades of peace the Good Friday Agreement has delivered. The letter states: BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - APRIL 07: Nationalists and Loyalists riot against one another at the Peace … [Read more...] about As Violence Escalates in Northern Ireland, Hibernians Call on President to Fill Special Envoy Position
Time Magazine Article on Hibernians on History
The following article appeared in Time Magazine in their Education Section In the U. S., the Ancient Order of Hibernians is an association of Irish-born zealots, sensitive to the slightest slight to their kind. In a world preoccupied by other matters, for instance, it frequently appears to good Hibernians that the impact of the Irish on U. S. history is belittled or neglected. In Rochester last week, where the Hibernians of New York State were holding convention, fiery charges were heard that U. S. schoolbooks are unfair to the Irish. "We need a real American history!" shouted … [Read more...] about Time Magazine Article on Hibernians on History
Irish American Heritage Month: The Angel of Andersonville
Did you know that an Irish Catholic Priest Rev. Thomas O’Reilly threatened General Sherman with a mutiny by the Irish Catholics in his army if he torched the church district of Atlanta at the start of his infamous march to the sea and that General Sherman backed down and the entire church district was saved, including the City Hall which stood therein? However, Rev. Peter Whelan was just as courageous in another way. Rev. Whelan distinguished himself as a chaplain for the Montgomery Guards, an Irish company established in Savannah for the First Georgia Volunteer Regiment named for America’s … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Angel of Andersonville
Call To Action: Support the Senate Resolution Supporting the Good Friday Agreement!
Loyalist graffiti in Carrickfergus, Co Antrim Brother Hibernians and Friends, Currently before the Senate is a bipartisan resolution sponsored by Senators Mendez of New Jersey and Collins of Maine reaffirming U.S. support for the Good Friday Agreement. Twenty years on, many of the provisions of the agreement designed to cement a lasting peace in the north of Ireland have not been implemented. Now, once again, the peace wrought by this historic agreement is under threat. Several loyalist paramilitaries have recently withdrawn their support for the Good Friday Agreement, one prominent … [Read more...] about Call To Action: Support the Senate Resolution Supporting the Good Friday Agreement!
Irish American Heritage Month: The Most Dangerous Woman in America
Did You Know that a 72-year-old Irish woman, beloved by millions, was once called the most dangerous woman in America? Her name was Mary Harris Jones, and this feisty little Irish lady was also called the Mother of All Agitators. Born in Cork City, Ireland on 1 May 1837, her family fled the Great Hunger to Canada where she trained as a teacher and dressmaker. In 1861, she married George Jones, an iron molder and union organizer in Memphis, Tennessee. They had four children, but she lost all four and her husband in the 1867 yellow fever epidemic. Determined to survive, Mrs. Jones moved to … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Most Dangerous Woman in America