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The Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Oldest and Largest Irish-Catholic Organization in the United States. Established 1836

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Political Education Committee

AOH Writes to U.K. Ambassador and Congress Regarding Finucane Decision

December 8, 2020 By Neil Cosgrove

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

November 12, 2020 By Neil Cosgrove

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.

October 28, 2020 By Neil Cosgrove

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

September 29, 2020 By Neil Cosgrove

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!

March 24, 2020 By Neil Cosgrove

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

March 24, 2020 By Neil Cosgrove

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

March 7, 2020 By Neil Cosgrove

 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

December 13, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

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

December 11, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

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.

August 20, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

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

August 20, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

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.

August 8, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

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

August 7, 2019 By National Board

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

July 16, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

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

July 3, 2019 By National Board

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

July 1, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

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

AOH Congratulates Edward Crawford on Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland

June 14, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

The Ancient Order of Hibernians welcomed the news today that Edward Crawford has been confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. It has been 874 days since there has been a U.S. Ambassador to this oldest of friends to the United States.   The Hibernian's are heartened by the news that the special relationship between two nations which the exchange of Ambassadors signifies has been renewed. At this critical moment in history, when Brexit may have profound collateral consequences to the prosperity of the island of Ireland, we believe Mr. Crawford experience as a successful … [Read more...] about AOH Congratulates Edward Crawford on Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland

Political Education Committee Report

May 17, 2019 By National Board

from Neil Cosgrove, PEC Chairman ... Brothers: All signs point to things heating up on the Political Education front, Brexit still poses a threat to Ireland, both north and south. Let us remember that the people of Northern Ireland rejected Brexit by 56% and the citizens of the Republic of Ireland had no vote in the referendum at all, yet Ireland will disproportionately bear the brunt of Britain’s decision to leave the EU. This threat includes the real possibility of a hard border as a result of a hard Brexit which appears more likely every day. We have seen recent statements by … [Read more...] about Political Education Committee Report

Hibernians Thank President Trump, Members of the Senate, House and Cardinal Dolan for Six Month Stay of McAllister Deportation, Call for Fixing the System.

April 29, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to express their appreciation to President Trump for another stay of deportation for Malachy McAllister.   This stay would not have been possible without the direct involvement and untiring efforts of Senator Schumer, Senator Graham, Senator Menendez, Rep. Peter King, Rep. Eliot Engel, Rep. Bill Pascrell, Rep. Richie Neal, Rep. Chris Smith, other Senate and House supporters, and his Eminence Cardinal Dolan.  At a time when there is little common ground in Washington, that so many prominent figures in their respective parties and the Cardinal of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Thank President Trump, Members of the Senate, House and Cardinal Dolan for Six Month Stay of McAllister Deportation, Call for Fixing the System.

Hibernians Condemn Deportation of Malachy McAllister, Ask Administration to Heed Bipartisan Call for Deferment.

April 25, 2019 By Neil Cosgrove

The Hibernians are saddened and angered that once again their Brother Malachy McAllister and members of his family are being threatened with deportation by agencies of the United States government.  Since entering the United States legally over twenty years ago, Mr. McAllister has been an exemplary member of the American community, creating two successful, job-producing businesses.  However, despite having done nothing but positively contribute to his adopted country, US immigration officials are determined to deport this grandfather of 5 American grandchildren despite bipartisan … [Read more...] about Hibernians Condemn Deportation of Malachy McAllister, Ask Administration to Heed Bipartisan Call for Deferment.

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