Bipartisan support At a gathering of the Brehon Law Society in Nassau County, New York, on January 22, U.S. Representatives Tom Suozzi and Peter King were praised for their bipartisan support for Irish Unity and continued support for Malachy McAllister’s fight to remain in the United States. National AOH Director Dan Dennehy, left in both photos, and National AOH Treasurer Sean Pender, right in both photos, pose with Democratic Congressman Suozzi and his wife, Helene; and with NJ AOH Immigration Chair Malachy McAllister and Republican Congressman King. The AOH National Immigration … [Read more...] about Immigration
Immigration
Hibernians take the plunge
On January 26, the Vol. Patrick Torphy Division, of Middletown, NJ, hosted its 14th annual Polar Plunge for Catholic Education at Sea Bright beach. Total raised exceeded $210,000 for the day and over $1.6 million since inception. AOH Brothers from Bergen, Fair Haven, Freehold, Middlesex, and Middletown divisions joined one thousand plungers in true Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. … [Read more...] about Hibernians take the plunge
Hibernians serve as coaches in inner-city Denver
The Father Joseph P. Carrigan Division, in Colorado, got involved in the basketball coaching business this fall at Annunciation Catholic School. Carrigan Division members, back row, from left, Tom Tearney and Joe Wolters, have coached these 6th-grade boys deep into the season with the final results still pending. Go Cardinals! … [Read more...] about Hibernians serve as coaches in inner-city Denver
Southwest Report – February 2020
from Mike Joyce, Southwest Liaison ... Hibernians in the Southwest are busy prepping for the Green Season. An update from Phoenix, Albuquerque, Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth: My home division in Austin, Texas the Brothers of Msg. McCabe Dv#1 are gearing up for their 4th Annual Irish Stew Cookoff at B.D. Riley's Pub. This event has raised thousands for local charities CARITAS and the St. Gabriel Project over the past few years. In Dallas/Fort Worth the Brothers of Michael Collins Dv#1 are in talks to participate in the Dallas St. Patrick's Day Parade as well as helping to organize a … [Read more...] about Southwest Report – February 2020
The RACE FOR THE REST OF US!!!
Saint Columcille Division 36 AOH, Worcester, MA from National Director William Sullivan ... Division 36 AOH has devised a unique fundraising endeavor. Advertised as “The Race for the Rest of Us”, Division members recently took part one weekend in a road race like no other! As in just about all road races, participants pay an entrance fee. These entrance fees are used to fund the Division’s cultural activities. The two-day event begins with a Friday night all you can carb spaghetti dinner, followed by the road race on Saturday. The 0.5k (1640.415 ft.) road race on Saturday morning, … [Read more...] about The RACE FOR THE REST OF US!!!
Michael Dougherty Division #1 in Bucks County Hosts Major Degree
from National Director Ed Halligan On Sunday February 9, 2020 the Isle of Erin Degree Team conducted a Major Degree at the home of the Michael Dougherty Division #1 in Bucks County. Twenty-six members received their Degree while forty-five Hibernians were in attendance to observe. The Isle of Erin Degree team will be celebrating their twenty fifth anniversary in March of 2020. Due to deaths and retirements the Degree Team needs new members. They currently have members from as far away as Wilkes Barre, PA, Cape May, NJ and Dauphin County, PA. If interested or have questions, please … [Read more...] about Michael Dougherty Division #1 in Bucks County Hosts Major Degree
FFAI BULLETIN – February 2020
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A-Stormont returns but bad faith on British financial pledges charged- Two days before the deadline threatening a new election, agreement was reached to restore the Stormont Assembly, after a three year absence.DUP head Arlene Foster returned as the north's first minister, while Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill was named deputy first minister. The agreement to restore the assembly was welcomed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and accompanied by British promises of extra funding to meet the north's economic crisis in areas … [Read more...] about FFAI BULLETIN – February 2020
Catholic Calendar – February 2020
To All Hibernians: February this year is a transitional month as far as the Church year is concerned. The first Sunday of the month, February 2, is The Presentation of the Lord, which calls for white vestments. The remaining Sundays are in Ordinary time--green vestments. Finally, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, falls on February 26, and we transition to violet vestments. As the penitential season of Lent approaches, check with your local diocese or parish for fast and abstinence regulations, as well as other opportunities for penance. IRISH SAINTS OF FEBRUARY February 1 … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – February 2020
THE IRISH BRIGADE COMES HOME
Prior to the American Civil War, the regular Army was small reflecting the logic that America was best defended by volunteer militia units. Many were little more than glorified fraternal organizations, filled with men who liked to parade, drink and sometimes drill. There were groups like the German Black Sharp-shooters and Hungarian Kossuth Rifles among others. Not to be outdone, the Irish formed the O'Connell Guards, Irish Rifles and Irish Zouaves. In New York, the more serious of these units were mustered into a formal state militia as was done in many states across the U.S. On October 12, … [Read more...] about THE IRISH BRIGADE COMES HOME
AOH Condemns “Anti-St. Patrick’s Day” Sentiments on Amazon
Note expletives referenced have been obfuscated, the items in question show them in their explicit form. In a letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, the Ancient Order of Hibernians again note the hypocrisy of Amazon claiming to promote diversity and tolerance while selling an item with emblazoned with "F*ck St. Patrick's Day" with the self-professed intent of promoting “Anti-St. Patrick’s Day” attitudes. National Anti-Defamation Chair Neil F. Cosgrove writes: Currently, Amazon is selling an item labeled as an “F*ck St Patrick's Day Shirt” (see URL below). Amazon … [Read more...] about AOH Condemns “Anti-St. Patrick’s Day” Sentiments on Amazon
Colorado AOH joins Denver’s “Celebrate Life Rally & March”
from National Director John Wilson ... Members of Denver, Colorado’s Michael Collins Division #1 and Father Joseph P. Carrigan Division of Boulder County joined thousands of people on the streets of downtown Denver, Jan. 11, 2020 to celebrate joy over the gift of life and human dignity at the annual “Celebrate Life Rally & March.” This year’s theme was, “Every life is a gift!” and the rally featured various guest speakers who shared their testimonies as well as musical performances to brighten up the celebration, including Irish dancers. Speakers included Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, … [Read more...] about Colorado AOH joins Denver’s “Celebrate Life Rally & March”
Tir Na’N Og’ Division 1, Lehigh Co., PA
from National Director Ed Halligan ... The Lehigh County, PA Division #1 was formed in 1984. They currently have 100 members. Their Charity endeavors are impressive. They sponsor May’s Shelter, Mercy Special Learning Center, the Rescue Mission and Joe’s Kids – a toys for kids’ charity. All of these charities are in the Lehigh Valley. A more recent charity out of Bethlehem, PA is the Kolbe Academy that provides individualized academic programs in a safe, compassionate, Christ-centered community for high school students in recovery from substance abuse. This Division also raises the … [Read more...] about Tir Na’N Og’ Division 1, Lehigh Co., PA
The Bell Ringers!!! – James C. Campbell Division 19 AOH, Lowell, MA
from National Director Bill Sullivan ... As it has annually for the past fifteen years, the James C. Campbell AOH Division 19 of Lowell, Massachusetts participated in the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign on Saturday, December 14, 2019. On Saturday morning, December 14 members of Division 19 greeted shoppers in front of one of the city's largest supermarkets in the area, Market Basket, and happily accepted donations on behalf of the Salvation Army. This nonprofit organization assists more than 4½ million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods in the United … [Read more...] about The Bell Ringers!!! – James C. Campbell Division 19 AOH, Lowell, MA
Catholic Calendar – January 2020
To All Hibernians: In the early part of January, we are still within the Christmas season. The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God (Jan. 1) is a holy day of obligation. At the Baptism of the Lord (January 12) , we pass from the Christmas season to a segment of Ordinary Time prior to the Lenten season, from the liturgical color white to green. In the month of January, two American saints are commemorated, Elizabeth Ann Seton (January 4) and John Neumann (January 5). In the United States, January 22 is a day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, in recognition of the Roe … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – January 2020
THE IRISH NEW YEAR’S EVE
You saw it; I saw it; in fact, almost everyone on the planet saw it. I’m not talking about the moon or the sun, but something a whole lot brighter – at least for the Irish. It was the magnificent Waterford Crystal Ball atop Times Square in New York City that has become an icon of introducing a new year to millions of celebrants. Regardless of what time zone you may be in, you saw it, but did you know the connection of the Irish with that unique celebration? New Year’s Eve in Times Square had been celebrated for many years as crowds assembled to cheer at midnight. In 1888, an Irishman … [Read more...] about THE IRISH NEW YEAR’S EVE
Prayers for Past National President Joe Roche
We mourn the loss of our Past National President Joe Roche. Joe was a dedicated Hibernian and held a variety of positions within the Order including National President (84-88). Joe was proud of his work as National Organizer, creating many new divisions across the US, including the first in Alaska. He spent much time before congress, testifying on behalf of a variety of Irish causes, a tireless advocate for peace in the North. He was a recipient of the prestigious Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award. You can read his full obituary … [Read more...] about Prayers for Past National President Joe Roche
Wheeling WV AOH Holds Day of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sex Abuse
from National Director Dennis Parks ... On December 8, in conjunction with the AOH National Board, the brothers of the Bishop Whelan Division in Wheeling WV, held a day of prayer and fasting for the victims of the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. The event was held outside of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Wheeling. According to Division President Tom Connelly, over 75 people joined with the AOH to pray the Rosary. The event was also covered by the local media. … [Read more...] about Wheeling WV AOH Holds Day of Prayer and Fasting for Victims of Sex Abuse
A Christmas Message From the Irish American Heritage Month Chair
In has long been an Irish Tradition to place a candle in the window at Christmas time. The popular story is that this is done to guide Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem, a beautiful sentiment. However, the tradition stems from a darker, sadder story; of a time when to be a Catholic in Ireland was to be a criminal and to be a priest or shelter a priest could result in being sent in chains to Barbados. The candle was a sign that a brave family was willing to take that risk and give shelter to a priest and welcome their neighbors to share Christmas Mass with them. Today, the Christmas … [Read more...] about A Christmas Message From the Irish American Heritage Month Chair
FFAI BULLETIN – DECEMBER 2019
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A-Johnson has his Brexit majority - Boris Johnson picked up 47 seats and an overall majority more than 70 seats, which will empower him "to get Brexit done quickly." Meanwhile wins by nationalists and republicans in the north and the Scottish National Party in Scotland, kept Irish unity and Scottish independence on the agenda. Johnson called the British General Election after a series of parliamentary defeats blocked him from moving forward with Brexit and his renegotiated withdrawal agreement out of the European Union. He banked on winning an outright … [Read more...] about FFAI BULLETIN – DECEMBER 2019
New Division in South Philly – Div. 27
from National Director Ed Halligan ... Division 27 in Philadelphia is a new Division that was created on September 5, 2019. They are located in South Philadelphia near 6th and Oregon. It has been a long time since we have had a Division in South Philly. Their members are from the Operating Engineers Local 542. The Division made a substantial donation to the Hibernian Hunger Project in Philadelphia and ran a fundraiser on December 14th for the same. They meet upstairs at the Fireside Pub … [Read more...] about New Division in South Philly – Div. 27