The Ancient Order of Hibernians was recently cited in a national Catholic news report as the cause for the beatification of Fulton J. Sheen moves forward. In an article published by OSV News, tributes highlighted Archbishop Sheen’s enduring influence on the Catholic Church in America and renewed momentum in the advancement of his cause. The progress marks another significant step toward possible sainthood for one of the most influential Catholic communicators of the 20th century. In addition to his global impact as an evangelist, Archbishop Sheen also served as National Chaplain of the … [Read more...] about Beatification Cause Advances for Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
Top Spot
AOH Statement Condemning Racist Depiction of Former President and First Lady Obama
[New Jersey 02/07/2026] – The following statement was released by the Ancient Order of Hibernians condemning the racist depiction of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama circulated via President Trump’s social media account. "The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns in the strongest possible terms the racist depiction of President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama as apes that was shared from President Trump's social media account. This is not a political statement, but a moral one founded in our Irish history and Catholic faith. We recognize this tactic because it … [Read more...] about AOH Statement Condemning Racist Depiction of Former President and First Lady Obama
Announcing the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (“AOH”) 2026 “America 250 Essay Contest”
The AOH is pleased to announce the revival of an old tradition, the AOH Irish History Essay Contest. This contest, which is designed to stimulate an interest in the study of the history of Ireland and the global Irish Diaspora, is open to students who are enrolled in grades 11 or 12 during the 2025/2026 Academic Year. OFFICIAL RULES TOPIC: Write an essay on the contributions of men and women of Irish heritage to the founding of the United States of America. All essays should be aligned with, although not necessarily about, the mission, … [Read more...] about Announcing the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (“AOH”) 2026 “America 250 Essay Contest”
The Great Hunger Was Not a Game, Survival Not a “Prize”
The Great Hunger board game by Compass Games has drawn sharp criticism from the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which argues that gamifying Ireland’s Great Hunger (An Gorta Mór) trivializes one of history's gravest human catastrophes. Framing mass starvation, forced emigration, and generational trauma as a competitive exercise distorts historical reality and undermines any serious educational claim about the Great Hunger and its causes.: The Ancient Order of Hibernians is both saddened and outraged by the announcement of The Great Hunger board game by Compass Games. We are saddened because … [Read more...] about The Great Hunger Was Not a Game, Survival Not a “Prize”
Feeding the Future: The Hibernian Hunger Project
We are pleased to highlight a recent podcast appearance by William "Bill" Sullivan, National Chair of the Hibernian Hunger Committee, on Craic on the Coast. In Episode 28, hosts Michael Schilling and Greg Shanahan sit down with Bill to discuss the origins, mission, and national impact of the Hibernian Hunger Project—one of the signature charitable initiatives of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. During the conversation, Bill reflects on how the Hibernian Hunger Project grew out of both compassion and historical memory, drawing a direct line between Ireland’s experience of famine and the … [Read more...] about Feeding the Future: The Hibernian Hunger Project
Standing for Life and True Choice
The National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, has issued a statement regarding a proposed facility in Hudson County capable of performing abortions through all stages of pregnancy. It's morally indefensible that abortions of viable children could occur while nearby, infants of identical gestational age embrace life in NICUs. Our laws and conscience cannot remain divided on whether the value of a child's life, or any life, depends solely on whether he or she is wanted or is convenient to others. Any society that adopts such a standard places itself on a slippery slope, … [Read more...] about Standing for Life and True Choice
AOH America 250
Honoring Irish America’s Role in Building the United States In 2026, the United States marks 250 years of independence.From the very beginning, Irish Americans were there—soldiers in Washington’s army, leaders in politics, builders of cities, and servants of community. The Ancient Order of Hibernians carries that legacy forward in faith, culture, and charity. Our Story For generations, Irish immigrants and their descendants helped shape America. They dug canals and built railroads, raised churches and schools, and filled the ranks of the military, police, and fire services. … [Read more...] about AOH America 250
AOH Condemns Minneapolis Church Attack, Demands Action on Anti-Catholic Violence
[New York, NY 08/28/2025] – The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific act of hate that took the lives of two innocent children and left many others wounded during Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. No American should ever face violence while practicing their faith. Our first thoughts and prayers are with the families who have suffered the unthinkable loss of their children, and with the parish community of Annunciation, whose sanctuary was violated and desecrated in the very act of worship. This must never … [Read more...] about AOH Condemns Minneapolis Church Attack, Demands Action on Anti-Catholic Violence
SC Hibernians Honor our Veterans in Washington, DC
Shortly after Memorial Day, Brothers from South Carolina and Georgia laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. The ceremony concluded a weekend (June 6-8th) of family fun and sightseeing that included attendance at Dropkick Murphy's Rally for Veterans on the National Mall, visits to several Smithsonian Museums, and a private tour of the the White House and US Capitol building coordinated by SC Senator Lindsay Graham's congressional staff. To conclude the weekend, the travel party which included State Vice President Greg … [Read more...] about SC Hibernians Honor our Veterans in Washington, DC
Justice Not Sympathy for Sean Brown
“We don’t need sympathy we need justice” said a visibly angry Clare Brown Loughran, as she described how British Secretary Hilary Benn, who feigns sympathy for her mother Bridie Brown, lodged papers to take the case to the London Supreme Court without even notifying the family or its lawyers. She spoke in a live webinar broadcast, hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) on Saturday May 31 st . Other panelists included another victim’s relative Roisin Read, Ciaran Madden representing the Irish government, and Daniel Holder of the Committee for the Administration of Justice. DAIL … [Read more...] about Justice Not Sympathy for Sean Brown
Experiencing the Places of History
Members of the National Board at the site of the Michael Collins ambush near Béal na Bláth. The late Professor Marshall McLuhan presciently noted, long before the advent of the World Wide Web, that we “live today in an age of information and communication [in which] electric media instantly and constantly create a total field of interacting events in which all men participate.” The contents of entire libraries now reside online, making history accessible from any place, at any time, without the need for even local travel. Even so, there has been a renewed interest in recent years, across … [Read more...] about Experiencing the Places of History
Ancient Order of Hibernians Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope, on His Election as the 267th Successor of St. Peter
New York — May 8, 2025 — The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (AOH) extends heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, on his election as the 267th successor of St. Peter. His election marks a special moment for American Catholics as the first pope born in the United States. “We offer our prayers and support to Pope Leo XIV as he begins his ministry as Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the Universal Church,” said Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Ad Multos Annos, Pope Leo XIV. … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Congratulates Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope, on His Election as the 267th Successor of St. Peter
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Congratulate Bishop-Elect Father John E.Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa
New York— 04/29/25 — The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America (AOH) congratulate and offer our prayerful best wishes to our brother Hibernian, Bishop Elect Father John E. Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa on Thursday, May 1 st , 2025. “We look forward to working with Bishop Elect Keehner as he assumes the office of Bishop for the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa”, said Sean Pender, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians President. As our immediate past National Chaplain, I have worked with Bishop Elect Keehner on a number of different projects. Our … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Congratulate Bishop-Elect Father John E.Keehner on being installed as the Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa
Statement from Fr Martin O’Reilly, National Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis
Dear Brothers in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, family, and friends, It is with a sad heart that we learn of the passing of Pope Francis. Pope Francis’ legacy is one of boundless grace, simplicity, humility, and hope. He demonstrated a gentle spirit, offering solace and guidance to those in need. His words and actions were a testament to the power of faith and the enduring strength of the human spirit. May he now rest forever in the loving arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let us quietly pray for the happy repose of his soul: Our Father ... Hail Mary … [Read more...] about Statement from Fr Martin O’Reilly, National Chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on the Passing of Pope Francis
John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
John Lawrence Sullivan, born to Irish immigrants on October 15, 1858, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, grew into an embodiment of the American Dream for many Irish Americans. His parents, survivors of the Great Hunger in Ireland, instilled in him a profound sense of identity and resilience. Though he was an excellent student and his parents aspired for him to attend Boston College and become a priest, destiny had a different plan for Sullivan. Lured by the raw appeal of professional sports, Sullivan found his true calling in boxing, a sport then shadowed by legal ambiguities and often relegated to … [Read more...] about John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
From Donegal to Duffy’s Cut: The Forgotten Massacre of Irish Immigrants
On April 24, 1832, 57 Irish immigrants from the counties of Derry, Donegal and Tyrone boarded the barque John Stamp at the port of Derry to begin their voyage to Philadelphia. They had all taken different roads to arrive at this literal and emotional departure. John Ruddy was just 18 when he hugged his parents goodbye, knowing it was unlikely that he would see them again in this life. Catherine Burns was 29 and had already experienced a lifetime of sadness; she was a widow and traveling with her Father-in-Law, hoping for a better life in America. What united them all was their … [Read more...] about From Donegal to Duffy’s Cut: The Forgotten Massacre of Irish Immigrants
Breaking Rules, Breaking News: The Fearless Journalism of Nellie Bly
There was a time when mouse clicks and tweets did not drive reporters; they actually went out, sometimes at great personal peril, to find the news. One such reporter and a pioneer of investigative journalism was Irish American Nellie Bly. 21-year-old Nellie Bly as she appeared while reporting from Mexico Nellie Bly was born Elizabeth Cochrane on May 5, 1864 in Cochran's Mills, now part of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, Michael Cochran (Elizabeth would add the 'e' to the last name later), was the son of an immigrant from Derry who has started as a laborer and had … [Read more...] about Breaking Rules, Breaking News: The Fearless Journalism of Nellie Bly
“Never Lose Your Good Name”: The Life of ‘Bonanza King’ John Mackay
John Mackay, the “Bonanza King” William Shakespeare observed, “The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.” It speaks to the ironic tendency for society to notarize, even glorify, the darkest aspects of humanity while ignoring the noble. Nowhere is this clearer than in the case of Irish American John Mackay, the “Bonanza King.” John Mackay (pronounced Mackee) was born on November 28, 1831, on the outskirts of Dublin in the appalling poverty of pre-famine Ireland. In 1840, when Mackay was nine years old, the family emigrated to New … [Read more...] about “Never Lose Your Good Name”: The Life of ‘Bonanza King’ John Mackay
Daniel Daly: The Marine Who Earned Two Medals of Honor—and Deserved a Third
Sergeant Major Daniel Joseph Daly, USMC, recipient of the Medal of Honor twice for engagements in two separate conflicts 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 and nominated for a third. Daly was born in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, on 11 November 1873. He was slight of … [Read more...] about Daniel Daly: The Marine Who Earned Two Medals of Honor—and Deserved a Third
From Priest to Martyr, From Klan Robes to Justice Robes
The 1920s marks one of the darkest and least discussed chapters in American history. During this period, the Ku Klux Klan experienced a resurgence, propelled by various factors, including D. W. Griffith's controversial portrayal of the Klan in "Birth of a Nation" (originally titled "The Klansman"), a complex mix of patriotism and isolationism following World War I, and the adoption of modern marketing techniques. As a result, the Klan transcended its Southern roots, evolving into a nationwide movement with a staggering membership of six million. To sustain its rapid growth and appeal to a … [Read more...] about From Priest to Martyr, From Klan Robes to Justice Robes