On 4 July 1776, the Philadelphia State House was packed, despite a sweltering heat, as Secretary Charles Thomson of Derry read a Declaration that Adams, Jefferson, Franklin and Livingston had composed and that he, Thomson, had drafted. It was a declaration explaining why their revolutionary action was justified. After a full day of debate, modifying copy and amendments, Secretary Thomson recorded the changes and America's Declaration of Independence was complete! The formal copy would not be ready for signature until August, but the public first heard that document read on 8 July 1776 by Col. … [Read more...] about IRISH SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
IRISH SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
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
AOH National Presidents Testimonial Weekend
BRITISH ROLE IN TYRONE-SOUTH DERRY KILLINGS UNDENIABLE McGOVERN-THOMPSON CHARGE
"You can argue whether the British government was justified in using loyalists to carry out murders in Tyrone and South Derry but it is just not credible to pretend state force collusion never happened." Professor Mark McGovern, joined by Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice, made that point to Congressmen, public officials and Irish Americans in a seven state American launch of COLLUSION COUNTERINSURGENCY in NORTHERN IRELAND, organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians with Relatives for Justice. CLAIM For decades nationalists in Tyrone, south Derry and across the north saw British … [Read more...] about BRITISH ROLE IN TYRONE-SOUTH DERRY KILLINGS UNDENIABLE McGOVERN-THOMPSON CHARGE
A Note From Our AOH Study Abroad Scholarship Winner…
Dear Mr. Norton and the National AOH Scholarship Committee, Thanks you so much for selecting me as the recipient of your Study Abroad Scholarship. I am so excited to return to Ireland after 10 years! When deciding which country to study in, Ireland offered me both great education at UCD and the ability to deepen the connection to my faith and heritage. This scholarship helps to make this all possible. I really appreciate it! Sincerely, Cara McCarthy … [Read more...] about A Note From Our AOH Study Abroad Scholarship Winner…
TD Peadar Tóibín Holds Irish Government Accountable Over 8th Amendment Repeal
from John Patrick Walsh, Pro-Life Chairman When the Irish Government first proposed repealing the 8th amendment two years ago, there were many promises made that abortions would limited in scope and treated as an option of last resort. Since those early attempts at pacification, the ugly truth of abortion’s slippery slope has been revealed. Many have buried their heads in the sand or outright changed their earlier statements when confronted with the government’s roll out of abortion policy. Luckily, pro-life advocates on both sides of the Atlantic can thank TD Peadar Tóibín (Meath West) … [Read more...] about TD Peadar Tóibín Holds Irish Government Accountable Over 8th Amendment Repeal
AOH John Barry Div. Annapolis Resists as MD tries to Legalize Assisted Suicide
from John Patrick Walsh, National Liaison MD/DC/VA Brothers and Sisters, I'm glad to be afforded the opportunity to highlight to great work of one of Maryland's finest divisions. This past March, the John Barry Division of Annapolis was instrumental in organizing AOH resistance when MD recently tried to legalize assisted suicide. Every indication pointed to this being the year that the MD legislature would pass such a bill. But through emails, letters, calls, and marches these brothers were part of the SUCCESSFUL campaign to defeat assisted suicide for another year. My sincere thanks to … [Read more...] about AOH John Barry Div. Annapolis Resists as MD tries to Legalize Assisted Suicide
Father Patrick McCabe Dedication Waseca, MN
from National Director John Wilson Saturday May 18, 2019, members of the two AOH Divisions in Minnesota -the Shamrock Division from LeSueur and the Archbishop John Ireland Division in St. Paul, came to St. Mary's Cemetery in Waseca, Minnesota to commemorated the unveiling of a memorial stone for Father Patrick McCabe. Thanks to George Thomas McLaughlin, AOH Member from Providence, Rhode Island and also the director of the Fenian Memorial Committee of America. Father Patrick McCabe played a heroic role in the escape of Fenians, including six on the whaling ship Catalpa in 1876 from the … [Read more...] about Father Patrick McCabe Dedication Waseca, MN
Irish Brigade Div. #1, Medina Co. OH, at the Hinckley Memorial Day Parade
from National Directory Dennis Parks A few of the members of The Irish Brigade #1 in Medina County, OH, marched in the Hinckley Memorial Day Parade, as they do every year. The parade ends at the Veterans Memorial where the Boy Scouts lay a wreath, followed by a prayer said by the AOH chaplain, Deacon Bruce Dobbins, himself a veteran. … [Read more...] about Irish Brigade Div. #1, Medina Co. OH, at the Hinckley Memorial Day Parade
AOH Div 2- Montgomery Co, PA Joins American Legion in Memorial Day Parade
from National Director Edward Halligan American Legion and the Ancient Order of Hibernians The American Legion Post 100 out of Wyndmoor, Pa have been sponsoring the Memorial Day Parade for decades. This year being the 100th anniversary of their Charter, the Post invited the AOH to be part of their parade Division #2 from Montgomery County, Division #80 from Philadelphia County along with the Glenside Gaelic Club and Division #46 from Philadelphia County responded with their Pipe Band. We marched together with the Pipers leading and the young athletes and their coaches behind us. It was a … [Read more...] about AOH Div 2- Montgomery Co, PA Joins American Legion in Memorial Day Parade
AOH Congratulates Edward Crawford on Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland
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
Notre Dame vs. Navy Classic August 2020 – 5 Day Tour in Dublin
A special offer for the AOH and their guests Aug 27, 2020 - Aug 31, 2020 Double / Twin room - $1,545.00 per person - based on 2 people sharing Triple Room - $1,470.00 per person - based on 3 people sharing Single Supplement - $595.00 The AOH National Board working with Journey through Ireland, a long-time reputable US based Irish tour operator has secured a very special tour of Dublin next August. The five-day, four-night tour of Dublin will include tickets to the 2020 Notre Dame – Navy football game in Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland on August 29, 2020. Specific ticket location are not … [Read more...] about Notre Dame vs. Navy Classic August 2020 – 5 Day Tour in Dublin
Organizer’s Update …
From Tim McSweeny, National Organizer ... Our order continues to grow. Through collective efforts of Brothers committed expanding Hibernianism, We are assured that Our Order has a bright future ahead. Organizeing efforts are on going in the following areas: Janesville Wisconsin Dallas Fort Worth Texas ( to be sworn in August) Spokane Washington Seattle/Tacoma Washington Casper Wyoming Warwick NY Pocatello Idaho If you know of any potential members in these areas, please contact me at: newjack12007@yahoo.com Resource page The Organizer resource page … [Read more...] about Organizer’s Update …
Brexit Trade Deal Should Be Contingent On Existing Good Friday Agreement Commitments Fulfillment
In his remarks from London today, President Trump stated that “the United States is committed to a phenomenal trade deal between the US and the UK.” Respectfully, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) reminds the President of the existing U.S. commitment as a guarantor of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and asks that its fulfillment and the delivery of lasting peace in Ireland must be a precondition to any future US/UK trade deal. Twenty-one years on from that groundbreaking achievement of United States diplomacy, the government of the United Kingdom still has not delivered on many of its Good … [Read more...] about Brexit Trade Deal Should Be Contingent On Existing Good Friday Agreement Commitments Fulfillment
Irish Road Bowling Organized by AOH
From Liam McNabb, National Director ... Irish culture is alive and well in the “North Country” of New York State as the Monsignor James Ruddy AOH Division in Jefferson County promotes Irish Road Bowling. Irish Road Bowling originated in Ireland and is now a regular Hibernian activity that has attracted young and old Watertown area residents to participate and learn more about Irish culture and the AOH. Sean Hennessy, Division President, reports this activity has grown to include business sponsors and has raised funds for local charities. … [Read more...] about Irish Road Bowling Organized by AOH
Project St. Patrick Update…
From Vic Vogel, Project St. Patrick Chairman ... I would like to thank all of the Divisions, Counties and States that have participated in the Project St. Patrick Easter Appeal. Your generosity makes this program the success that enables the Ancient Order of Hibernians to present Seminarians with the financial support they deserve. If your jurisdiction has not responded yet, there is still time to help. Please return the "Support Vocations" Donation Form and the Diocese Information Form soon. All proceeds will be used to provide grants for our Seminarians. In the Fall, Grant … [Read more...] about Project St. Patrick Update…
DEER ISLAND
In 1847, a crisis hit Boston as ‘coffin ships’ unloaded hordes of Irish exiles fleeing ‘An Gorta Mor’ – Ireland’s Great Hunger. It was no surprise that many were sick after the 6-to-8-week Atlantic crossing. With men and women packed into steerage so tightly, there was no way to preserve privacy or modesty. One report related: “I have known cases of females who had to sit up all night upon their boxes in steerage, because they could not think of going into a bed with a strange man.” Disease spread rapidly and lethally. About 25,000 arrived in ‘Black ‘47’ with many suffering from typhus, … [Read more...] about DEER ISLAND
Hibernians helped Tara Circle and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center Get Their Start
Hibernians helped these two Irish community support organizations get their start, now one gives the other a boost- The Tara Circle supports the Emerald Isle Immigration Center’s Woodlawn building renovation fund! Photo: Emerald Isle Immigration Center on Katonah Ave aka The Emerald Mile With the soon-to-be-expanded Woodlawn offices of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center as a backdrop, board members of two Irish community organizations serving the New York Metro area met for an exciting development! “Plans for the space renovation have been underway for a number of years, and this … [Read more...] about Hibernians helped Tara Circle and the Emerald Isle Immigration Center Get Their Start
Make Adoption An Option
From John Patrick Walsh, Pro-Life Chairman ... While home for Easter, my mother relayed a heartbreaking local news story to me. To make a long tragedy short, a local teen mother smothered her newborn infant son before obtaining the father’s help in disposing of the body in a nearby housing community dumpster. The young woman had hid the pregnancy from her parents and only came to the attention of local authorities after sharing pictures of the child, and alluding to her actions, through text messages with a friend who alerted police. (To date the body has not been found and police have … [Read more...] about Make Adoption An Option
TYRONE FAMILIES URGE BIG TURNOUT FOR AOH BOOK TOUR
Tyrone victims' relatives are appealing for support for this week’s AOH sponsored launches of the book Counterinsurgency and Collusion. As Professor Mark McGovern of Edge Hill University in England joined by Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice flew to America to begin a multistate tour on Sunday in Philadelphia, Tyrone families made their appeal to underline the importance of American support in their battle for justice. Poilin Quinn, sister of John Quinn murdered by the UVF alongside three other men in Cappagh, County Tyrone, on March 3rd 1991, said: “This book tells the definitive … [Read more...] about TYRONE FAMILIES URGE BIG TURNOUT FOR AOH BOOK TOUR