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.
Political Education Committee
Statement By AOH National President on Today’s Verdict Vindicating the Ballymurphy Massacre Victims
(Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Daniel O'Connell, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the U.S., has released the following statement: After 18,171 days, almost half a century, today's verdict by Mrs. Justice Keegan not only confirmed that the ten victims of Britain's Ballymurphy Massacre were totally innocent but indicts the British who branded them guilty. The verdict clearly demonstrates Britain's real reason for announcing plans for a soldiers' amnesty or cut-off of historical investigations because the crown … [Read more...] about Statement By AOH National President on Today’s Verdict Vindicating the Ballymurphy Massacre Victims
Hibernians Call on House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to the Good Friday Agreement
May 4, 2021 The Honorable William Keating2351 Rayburn HOBWashington, DC 20515 Re: May 5, 2021 Hearing on "Reaffirming the Good Friday Agreement. Dear Congressman Keating: We write to you as members of the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, with membership in all fifty states the largest Irish American organization in the United States, concerning your May 5, 2021 hearing on "Reaffirming the Good Friday Agreement." Given the currents taking place in the north of Ireland, we do not believe that your hearing could be more timely or more needed, and we commend you for … [Read more...] about Hibernians Call on House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to the Good Friday Agreement
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
AOH Writes to U.K. Ambassador and Congress Regarding Finucane Decision
In response to the statement by Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis that the U.K. will not pursuing an open inquiry into collusion by Britain in the assassination of civil rights lawyer Pat Finucane, the following letter has been sent to U.K. Pierce, DCMG with copies sent to all members of the U.S. House and Senate Dear Ambassador Pierce: We write to you, Ambassador Pierce, as members of the National Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, to express our indignation at the decision not to pursue an open inquiry into … [Read more...] about AOH Writes to U.K. Ambassador and Congress Regarding Finucane Decision
Hibernians Write U.S. Friends of Ireland Caucus Over Renewed Brexit Concerns
The Ancient Order of Hibernians, America's largest Irish American Organization, has written to members of the congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus expressing their concern that Prime Minister Johnson's government will use the post U.S. election transition as a distraction for a hard Brexit. In a letter from Political Action Chair Neil Cosgrove, the Hibernians state: "The Hibernians are very concerned that at this time when our nation demonstrates the strength of our democracy by the peaceful transition to a new administration, that a lack of focus on Brexit may result in … [Read more...] about Hibernians Write U.S. Friends of Ireland Caucus Over Renewed Brexit Concerns
A Halloween Lesson for Election Day.
In a few days, we will be celebrating the holiday of Halloween. The holiday has specific significance for us as Irish Americans. Like St. Patrick's Day, Halloween is a beloved tradition brought to America by Irish immigrants. It dates back thousands of years to the ancient festival of Samhain, which was the Celtic New Year. As with most ancient peoples, the Celts were keen observers of the sun and the night sky, which was essential for the agriculture they relied on for survival. Most cultures set their Calendar by the extremes of the sun's progression through the heavens; today, … [Read more...] about A Halloween Lesson for Election Day.
AOH Calls on Administration to Support Good Friday Agreement and Irish Protocol
The Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomes news of the trip to Ireland by the United States Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney and his comment to RTE Television that the United States would "protect and defend" the Good Friday Agreement. However, the Hibernians are disappointed that there seems to be a continued reluctance by the administration to make a clear, concise, and unambiguous statement that preserving the Good Friday Agreement by precluding the return of a British border in Ireland is a U.S. priority and necessary precondition to future U.S./U.K. agreements. The Hibernians believe that … [Read more...] about AOH Calls on Administration to Support Good Friday Agreement and Irish Protocol
Embrace Your Irish Heritage, Say It on The Census!
Amidst the current healthcare crisis, we can not lose the importance of the United States Census to Irish America. Results of the U.S. 2020 Census will influence individuals, communities, governments, for-profit entities, and nonprofit organizations throughout the next decade. Data obtained will inform decision-makers in all sectors and lead to the allocation of political power and financial resources. For the first time in many years, the Census form will have a question on Ethnic Origins (question 9 for the Head of household, question 7 for remaining household members). … [Read more...] about Embrace Your Irish Heritage, Say It on The Census!
AOH: U.K. Using COVID-19 To Cover Breaking Good Friday Commitments Reprehensible
In a letter to newly appointed Northern Ireland Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) call on Mr. Mulvaney to express opposition to Britain's intention not to investigate the majority of the 2,000 unsolved killings from the conflict known as "the Troubles" and to grant immunity from prosecution to members of Britain's Security Forces. The Hibernians question why these actions in contravention to the Good Friday Agreement are being pursued by Britain at a time when the world is focused on the COVID-19 Crisis. " On March 18 th , Secretary of … [Read more...] about AOH: U.K. Using COVID-19 To Cover Breaking Good Friday Commitments Reprehensible
AOH Statement on the Appointment of Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to congratulate Mr. Mulvaney on his appointment as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. The Hibernians also thank President Trump for fulfilling his promised commitment to maintaining this crucial diplomatic position, reaffirming the United States' commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland peace process. It is highly appropriate that President Trump has announced this appointment shortly after proclaiming March as "Irish American Heritage Month"; a time when America reflects on the oldest of American "special … [Read more...] about AOH Statement on the Appointment of Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
A Perspective on the 12/12/19 United Kingdom Elections
The British election of 12/12/19 can without hyperbole be described as a seismic event in the history of the United Kingdom, and its tremors will undoubtedly impact Ireland. Three items put the impact of last night into perspective: The Tory party has won its biggest victory since Margaret Thatcher captured a third term in 1987 The Labour party has suffered its worst defeat since 1935. For the first time since partition, Northern Ireland has returned more Nationalist than Union MPs to Westminster. So, what does this mean? First, it means that barring some … [Read more...] about A Perspective on the 12/12/19 United Kingdom Elections
Political Education Update, December 2019
Brothers, there is no other way to start this article than with a tremendous “Thank You” for all your support that was pivotal in obtaining a stay of deportation for our Brother Malachy McAllister. Many pundits had come to accept that Brother McAllister’s deportation on November 29th was a fait accompli, yet you by your phone calls to the White House in response to the call to action turned the tide. The White House switchboard reported they received thousands of calls; those five-minute phone calls turned the tide to allow an Irish immigrant who has complied with all U.S. law and … [Read more...] about Political Education Update, December 2019
Call to Action: Have Your Elected Representatives Commit to Preserving the Good Friday Agreement Against the Risks of Brexit.
Brothers: We are less than 90 days out from a climatic point in the history of the world which will remake the map of Europe and have dramatic consequences for our brothers and sister in Ireland: Brexit. The current Brexit deadline is October 31st, and newly elected Prime Minister Johnson has threatened that unless the European Union accedes to Britain’s demands they will leave without a deal, “a hard Brexit.” The economic disruption of a “hard Brexit” will touch every corner of the world, including the United States, and nowhere will the impact be more keenly felt than Ireland where … [Read more...] about Call to Action: Have Your Elected Representatives Commit to Preserving the Good Friday Agreement Against the Risks of Brexit.
Minority Leader Schumer Responds to Hibernian Request To Make GFA U.K. Trade Deal Precondition
In response to a request made by the Ancient Order of Hibernians to members of Congress and the Senate to register their support for the Good Friday Agreement and their concern for the damage that a hard Brexit could pose to two decades of peace in Ireland, Senator Minority Leader Charles Schumer has written Secretary of State Pompeo and British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stating “He will vigorously and vociferously oppose any potential U.S.-U.K. trade deal that undermines the Good Friday Agreement or a return to a hard border.” Senator Schumer’s letter is available below. The … [Read more...] about Minority Leader Schumer Responds to Hibernian Request To Make GFA U.K. Trade Deal Precondition
AOH Responds to Senator Tom Cotton and Colleagues Pledge of “Unwavering Support” for Brexit; Reminds of Good Friday Commitments.
In response to a letter written by Senator Cotton to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and signed by 44 members of the Senate pledging “unwavering support” to Britain irrespective of the course Brexit takes, National President McKay and Politcal Education Chairman Neil Cosgrove have written to Senator Cotten to express their concern that the Senator's letter fails to address the challenges that Brexit and a potential hard border posed to the Irish People. Dear Senator Cotton: We write to you as the National President and Political Education Chairman of the … [Read more...] about AOH Responds to Senator Tom Cotton and Colleagues Pledge of “Unwavering Support” for Brexit; Reminds of Good Friday Commitments.
Johnson’s Election Signals Brexit Climax Is Near
from Neil Cosgrove, National P.E.C. Chairman ... Brothers; the election of Boris Johnson as Prime Minister signals that we are nearing the climax of the Brexit saga. Mr. Johnson has made clear that he intends to take the United Kingdom out of the E.U. by October 31st even if it means a hard Brexit of leaving the E.U. without a deal. The key issue is the “Irish Backstop” which would mean that the U.K. would maintain regulatory alignment with the E.U. until another means was found to maintain the currently notional border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. Mr. Johnson and fellow … [Read more...] about Johnson’s Election Signals Brexit Climax Is Near
On the Third Anniversary of Brexit, Britain is Still Looking for its Cake
Note that is an Op Ed that appeared in the July 10, 2019 edition of the Irish Echo. On June 23rd, the Brexit Referendum, the withdrawal of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU), celebrated its third anniversary. To put that in perspective, that was two English Prime Ministers and two Brexit deadline extensions ago. In this period, the British Conservative party suffered a shocking defeat at the polls and, despite concerns over the impact Brexit could have on the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) peace process entered into a “Confidence and Supply Agreement” with … [Read more...] about On the Third Anniversary of Brexit, Britain is Still Looking for its Cake
Quick Summary on the Brexit Saga
from Neil Cosgrove, National P.E.C. Chairman ... Brothers: Just a quick abbreviated summary on the Brexit saga Prime Minister Theresa May has resigned, she is in a caretaker status until her Tory party selects a new leader The leadership race has been whittled down to two candidates: Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt This now goes to a mail in-campaign to registered members of the Conservative Party. This is an internal party process, not a general election. Boris Johnson is the heavy favorite to win, and he is the most extremist of Brexiters. Both candidates have pledged to go … [Read more...] about Quick Summary on the Brexit Saga
US State Department Visa Policy “ Visits the Sins of the Fathers Upon the Sons (and Daughters)” of Ex-Prisoners of the Troubles
From the Political Education and Immigration Chairs Part of the foundational ethos of the United States is that individuals are treated based on their merits; rejecting the Old World concepts of royalty and aristocracy where a person is judged based on who their parents were. That American belief was a beacon of hope to the thousands of Irish who came to America in search of being able to achieve their full potential, and America has benefited incalculably from their energy and drive. It is therefore extremely disconcerting to learn that the US Department of State has repudiated this core … [Read more...] about US State Department Visa Policy “ Visits the Sins of the Fathers Upon the Sons (and Daughters)” of Ex-Prisoners of the Troubles