Hartford AOH Division 2 continues to be active in the autumn months as the holiday season approaches. The Division continues to have monthly food drives to benefit the Food Pantry at Saint Augustine Church in Hartford. The October drive included a call for an extra bag of Halloween treats with usual donations and the November drive was for Thanksgiving side dishes. The Division will work with Saint Augustine to help others for the Christmas holiday. The Division has been held monthly meetings that were both in-person practicing social distancing … [Read more...] about The Holiday Season Approaches
The Holiday Season Approaches
Macte Virtute! – “Increase Excellence”
Its official, National Board transition is finished. Our AOH leadership team completed their second Digest article, several national board meetings, several committee meetings, multiple state president meetings, and several live virtual events, there are no rookies left. To borrow a term used often by YSU’s president, Jim Tressel, “Macte Virtute!”, a Latin phrase meaning “increase excellence.” Our path to success through the trying times of COVID is for each and every Hibernian to increase your excellence. Our national board understands we must innovate to lead the AOH and Irish America into … [Read more...] about Macte Virtute! – “Increase Excellence”
AOH Statement on the British Government’s Refusal of an Independent Public Inquiry into the Murder of Pat Finucane
Once again, the British Government has refused to honor its own court rulings, pledges, and international law, regarding the murder of civil rights lawyer Pat Finucane. It has again refused a public inquiry which would reveal the extent of British state complicity in the murder and has instead told the Finucane family to again make complaints to the constabulary or ombudsman, in other words, to continue with the very process that the British Courts have found as insufficient. We can only conclude that Britain has much to hide. AOH National President, Daniel J O’Connell, added “the British … [Read more...] about AOH Statement on the British Government’s Refusal of an Independent Public Inquiry into the Murder of Pat Finucane
Hunger Strike 1980
https://youtu.be/YusVQUas-Zs Hibernians join 1980 Hunger Strikers Tommy McKearney and Fra McCann, and political commentator Andree Murphy for a discussion about the 1980 Hunger Strike. Forty years ago, seven Irish Republican political prisoners were in the midst of a 53 day Hunger Strike against British torture and a strategy to brand them as common criminals rather than political prisoners. Britain's decision at the end of that Hunger Strike, to intensify efforts to break the H-block prisoners rather than compromise, triggered the 1981 Hunger Strike transforming Irish politics and its … [Read more...] about Hunger Strike 1980
Bloody Sunday, State Violence and Legitimacy
The German Sociologist Max Weber famously defined the modern state as the “human community that claims the monopoly of the legitimate use of physical force within a given territory.” (Emphasis added). The violence in Dublin on Sunday November 21, 1920, “Bloody Sunday,” began with the culmination of Michael Collins’ masterful counterintelligence operation – nineteen suspected British intelligence agents were shot by members of Collins’ special unit known as “the Squad,” augmented by members of the Dublin Brigade of the IRA, including future Taoiseach Sean Lemass. The British had dominated Irish … [Read more...] about Bloody Sunday, State Violence and Legitimacy
The 2020-21 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal
Please donate to this year’s CHRISTMAS APPEAL. Together we can make a difference.All checks must be made out to “Ancient Order of Hibernians”. Payments should be sent to AOH-FFAI PO BOX 904 JEFFERSON VALLEY, NY 10535. 2020-21 Appeal Pledge FromDownload 2020-21 Freedom for All Ireland ClubDownload 2019-20 Grant Criteria and RecipientsDownload 2020 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal LetterDownload 2020-21 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal Closing LetterDownload 2019-20 Freedom For All Ireland Century Club DonorsDownload Your help for freedom for all Ireland is … [Read more...] about The 2020-21 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal
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
The AOH Pays Tribute To Our Veterans
The Hibernians have released a video for Veterans day recognizing the unique contributions that Irish Americans have made in service to America. While recognizing and grateful for the sacrifices that Americans of every race, ethnicity, and religion have made in defense of our country, Irish America can take pride and have a very Celtic obligation of remembrance to those of our family, no matter how extended, who served. It is incredible the prominent place that the Irish occupy on our nation’s rolls of honor, especially given that Irish immigrants and their descendants have frequently … [Read more...] about The AOH Pays Tribute To Our Veterans
Hibernians Congratulate President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris on their election
Daniel O'Connell, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), has sent the following letter to President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris on their election: "The Ancient Order of Hibernians, America's oldest and largest Irish American Catholic organization, wishes to express our congratulations to you, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris, on being elected to the two highest offices in our nation. Once again, the promise of America, as embraced and defended by hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants, has been vindicated by this … [Read more...] about Hibernians Congratulate President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris on their election
The U.S. Can’t Be Played for Puppets
While we hope we can bring a smile during these trying times in the best tradition of Jonathan Swift, the threat that Brexit and the Internal Market Bill pose to the Good Friday Agreement is no laughing matter. It is critical that we send a clear message to our elected officials, especially those newly elected, that the United States should not be played for a puppet in getting a U.K./U.S. trade deal; that we will not enter into new commitments with a Britain that has consistently failed to honor its two-decades-old commitments under the Good Friday Agreement. https://youtu.be/bqVvhF0KODk … [Read more...] about The U.S. Can’t Be Played for Puppets
Catholic Calendar – November 2020
November is a month to remember the departed, especially on All Souls' Day (Nov. 2). In November, we conclude a period of Ordinary time and the liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday, November 22. We open the new liturgical year with the first Sunday of the Advent season, November 29. Advent is a period of preparation for the Christmas season, and the liturgical color is violet. The Solemnity of All Saints, November 1, is a holy day of obligation. Thanksgiving Day falls on November 26. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF AUGUST November 1All SaintsSolemnityNovember … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – November 2020
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.
Plastic Justice Report
A Report on the use of Plastic and Rubber Bullets in Ireland The Ancient Order of Hibernians was honored to host a virtual release of the “Plastic Justice Report” prepared by Relatives for Justice, Belfast. The report was broadcast on YouTube on Saturday, October 24 at 4 pm Local time in Ireland, 11 am Eastern U.S. https://youtu.be/QahLrUFCbuA Per FFAI Chairman Martin Galvin: “Plastic Justice“ is a special report on how British state forces used plastic bullets to kill 17 innocent Irish people with impunity, will get a transatlantic launch on Saturday, October 24. In Belfast, … [Read more...] about Plastic Justice Report
FFAI – Virtual Event – Saturday 10-24
Hibernians Host Live Virtual Release of "Plastic Justice Report" The Ancient Order of Hibernians, National Freedom for All Ireland (FFAI) Chairman Martin Galvin has announced that the Hibernians will be hosting a virtual release of the "Plastic Justice Report" prepared by Relatives for Justice, Belfast. The report will be broadcast on YouTube on Saturday, October 24 at 4 pm Local time in Ireland, 11 am Eastern U.S. Per FFAI Chairman Galvin: "Plastic Justice" is a special report on how British state forces used plastic bullets to kill 17 innocent Irish people with … [Read more...] about FFAI – Virtual Event – Saturday 10-24
Pro Life – Virtual Event – Saturday October 17th
Guest Speaker Nikki Bruni is one of the principal organizers of the Pittsburgh 40 Days for Life campaigns that take place during Lent, and again in the fall. During the campaigns, volunteers meet in front of planned parenthood and pray for an end to abortion. There are many stories associated with the experience including couples who decide to keep their babies. Nikki is going to share her experiences and talk about the 40 Days for Life Campaigns. This Virtual event will take place Saturday October 17, 2020, 11:00 AM EDT. CLICK HERE TO WATCH LIVE ON YOUTUBE … [Read more...] about Pro Life – Virtual Event – Saturday October 17th
Notre Dame, Nativism and the “Fighting Irish”
The country is again in the midst of a movement aimed at retiring team names and mascots deemed to be offensive. As with prior such movements, the “Fighting Irish” moniker and leprechaun mascot, with his classic “fisticuffs stance”, have entered the discussion. Those objecting to the nickname are presumably well-intentioned. But is “Fighting Irish” a slur? Or does the term have an origin of which the University, its students, alumni and the countless “subway alumni” can rightfully be proud? Long before Notre Dame was established, the Irish soldier had a reputation for military prowess among … [Read more...] about Notre Dame, Nativism and the “Fighting Irish”
Catholic Calendar – October 2020
The month of October still remains within Ordinary Time. October is a month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF AUGUST October 1Theresa of the Child Jesus, VirginMemorialOctober 2Guardian AngelsMemorialOctober 7Our Lady of the RosaryMemorialOctober 15Teresa of Avila, Virgin and DoctorMemorialOctober 17Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and MartyrMemorialOctober 19John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, and Companions, MartyrsMemorialOctober 22Pope St. John Paul IIMemorialOctober 28Simon and Jude, ApostlesFeast THE BATTLE OF LEPANTO In the sixteenth century, … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – October 2020
The Cushwa Center at Notre Dame 2020 Hibernian Lecture “The Idea of Greater Ireland”
https://youtu.be/p-Lm5AQjl_I On Friday, October 9, the 2020 Hibernian Lecture was presented by Colin Barr (University of Aberdeen). Stained glass window depicting Daniel O'Connell, “Liberator of Ireland,” at St. Patrick's Parish Church in Boorowa, New South Wales. With an appointment as the Herbert Allen and Donald R. Keough Visiting Faculty Fellow, Barr is visiting Notre Dame’s Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies this academic year from the University of Aberdeen, where he is senior lecturer in modern Irish history. Barr is author of Ireland’s Empire: The Roman Catholic … [Read more...] about The Cushwa Center at Notre Dame 2020 Hibernian Lecture “The Idea of Greater Ireland”
HIBERNIANS PRESENT FREEDOM GRANTS
AOH/LAOH present Freedom For All Ireland (FFAI) Grants by Zoom. Freedom for all Ireland (FFAI) grants totaling almost $100,000 were handed out last month to seventeen applicants by the American Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH.) Leading figures from each grant recipient, then joined in a zoom webinar conference on September 19th, telling Hibernians from across the United States, about each group's work and how much they count on American financial help. The grant checks were personally delivered in Belfast, Derry, Tyrone and Down by recently … [Read more...] about HIBERNIANS PRESENT FREEDOM GRANTS
Justice for Bloody Sunday Denied Again Says AOH
The Statue of Justice erected at Dublin Castle during British Imperial Rule. The decision not to prosecute Soldiers involved in Bloody Sunday confirms again that British justice in Ireland is to look to the sword and not the scales of fairness.(Image by Alberto Sanchez from Pixabay) Ancient Order of Hibernians National Freedom for All Ireland Chair Martin Galvin has issued the following statement concerning the decision by the Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service not to prosecute 15 British Soldiers accused of participating in the killings of Bloody Sunday in Derry in … [Read more...] about Justice for Bloody Sunday Denied Again Says AOH