Three key Congressional leaders on Irish issues, Peter King, Richard Neal and Michael Doyle, sent a bipartisan letter to British Ambassador Kim Darroch, citing the crucial implications of the Ballymurphy Inquest for all Troubles legacy issues. The three Congressmen acted after meeting Carmel Quinn during her multi-state American tour representing the Ballymurphy Campaign and Relatives for Justice. This letter is the latest sign of growing American focus on Ballymurphy, spearheaded by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, along with of the Irish American Unity Conference and Brehon Law … [Read more...] about KING-NEAL-DOYLE BACK BALLYMURPHY JUSTICE
KING-NEAL-DOYLE BACK BALLYMURPHY JUSTICE
Let Our Pride in Our Heritage be a Candle in the Window
One of the most beloved Irish Christmas traditions is “The Candle in the Window.” The popular story behind this tradition is that a candle is placed in the window as a light to guide Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and as a sign that they would be welcomed if they wish to break their journey at this home. It is a beautiful sentiment, and if it were for just this alone, it would be worth preserving. However, there is a sadder and darker history behind the tradition. It goes back to the time of the English Penal Laws in Ireland where Catholicism was proscribed and to be Irish a crime. In dark rural … [Read more...] about Let Our Pride in Our Heritage be a Candle in the Window
From the Desk of President McKay
2018 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 at PO Box 271 West Nyack NY 10994. Please refer to our Information Packet for more details. Click here for the 2018 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal Packet Your help for freedom for all Ireland is critical. Today Britain still denies truth and justice to the families of victims murdered by the crown or loyalist agents in places like Ballymurphy or Loughinisland. Brexit threatens catastrophe … [Read more...] about 2018 Freedom For All Ireland Christmas Appeal
2019 AOH Ireland Tour
Tour Dates: Sunday February 10th thru Tuesday February 19th Costs: Double Occupancy $1050* Working with Derry Blue Badge Tours we have once again put together a historical/political and educational tour of the North for 2019. Space is limited to 40 travelers; reservations will only be held based on receipt of non-refundable deposits. Click here for Tour Reservation Form (You may either print, fill-out, and send the form via USPS, or edit and email the form). Costs* are inclusive of ground … [Read more...] about 2019 AOH Ireland Tour
DECEMBER FFAI 2018 BULLETIN
A chairde: FFAI ISSUES UPDATE A- Ballymurphy Massacre Inquest opens- Forty-seven years after the Ballymurphy Massacre, new Inquests opened in Belfast, as family members of the 11 victims, many holding hands, witnessed the proceedings. The Inquest was technically limited to the 10 victims shot dead by British troopers between August 9th-11th,1971 in the Ballymurphy section of Belfast. However, as the Coroner's representative, it also covered the killing of Paddy McCarthy, who died of a heart attack after being subjected to a mock execution. The Inquest began with statements by … [Read more...] about DECEMBER FFAI 2018 BULLETIN
Advent Reflections
With election season over and the turkey carved, we can finally turn to Advent. As our minds stumble over gift lists, our hearts beat with hopeful anticipation as body and soul begin preparations for the Christ Child. I know you’ve all felt it before, the magnetic pull to the manger. It terrifies and exhilarates in equal measure, you fight between the urge to rush forward or sink to your knees. Why, why this child? He seems no different than any other; the circumstances of His birth leave much to be desired, then and now. Yet instinctively we know that within His hands lies the whole world, … [Read more...] about Advent Reflections
AOH Westchester Division 18 Peekskill Awards its Veterans
Division 18 Peekskill had a festive gathering today where it awarded Hibernian Veterans pins And a certificate to its members. These veterans participated in World War II Korea Vietnam & the Gulf Wars. You’re so welcome and I newest member Tim Murphy who received the Silverstar for valor in Vietnam. President Clive Cronin was assisted by Division 18 officers Aidan O’Kelly-Lynch state director Brian Kelly state officer and Dan DENNEHY national director. … [Read more...] about AOH Westchester Division 18 Peekskill Awards its Veterans
Immigration Report – December 2018
Ireland Gets Hibernian Help in Irish E3 Visa Push A Congressional Bill to add visas for the Irish, sails through the House, gets challenged in the Senate. At the time of writing this article, Hibernians in Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Missouri are calling on their US Senators to support nearly 5,000 bi-annual renewable visas for the Irish. Irish visa winners could bring their spouse and children to live and work in the US as part of a reciprocal deal which eases work and retirement rules and a path to Irish Citizenship for Americans in Ireland. If successful, it will be the first … [Read more...] about Immigration Report – December 2018
Catholic Calendar – December 2018
To All Hibernians: After spending many weeks in the liturgical cycle of Ordinary Time, in December we begin a new liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent (December 2) and pass through the liturgical season of Advent into that of Christmas. Advent represents the time of preparation for the coming of the Savior. The liturgical color, representative of repentance and humility, is violet, except on the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, when the color rose represents the joy of approaching the Christmas season. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – December 2018
THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT IN IRISH HISTORY
As 2018 ends, we recall that a century ago was a time of great change in Ireland. The Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP) goal of Home Rule, an Irish parliament under the Crown, was supported by many before 1916, but Britain’s reaction to the Rising struck them like an Irish Pearl Harbor. The British secretly court-martialed and murdered the leaders who should have been treated as prisoners of war; they unleashed nation-wide Martial Law treating every Irishman as a rebel and Loyalists convinced Lloyd George to break off a piece of Ireland and give it to them. The reaction was predictable – no … [Read more...] about THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT IN IRISH HISTORY
Irish American Heritage Museum Honors Tom McNabb
11/30/18 - Colonie NY Tom McNabb's legacy reached far beyond his service to the AOH. The Irish American Heritage Museum was one of the organizations that benefited from Tom's hard work and commitment. The Museum recently honored Tom at their annual Gov. Hugh Carey Gala. Pictured is Liam McNabb accepting the award from Museum Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Stack. … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Museum Honors Tom McNabb
Call to Action: Call for the Speedy Confirmation of Edward Crawford as Ambassador to Ireland
Brothers, It has been 676 days since the US has had an Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. In that time, over seventy ambassadorial appointments have been made. It is simply unacceptable given the historic relationship between the United States and Ireland and the countless contributions of Ireland’s sons and daughters to America that this post has been vacant so long. Additionally, in this time of Brexit it is in America’s best interest to strengthen its ties to Ireland as, with the departure of England, it will be the only predominantly English speaking country in … [Read more...] about Call to Action: Call for the Speedy Confirmation of Edward Crawford as Ambassador to Ireland
Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign for Justice Concludes
Stating, “the Ballymurphy Massacre families need American help in their 47-year battle for justice”, Carmel Quinn, a sister of one of 11 victims of the massacre, John Laverty, concluded a five-state American tour sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The tour came on the heels of the attacks by 150 Tory MPs and British Prime Minister Theresa May who are desperate to discredit investigations of British forces for ‘Troubles’ killings in the north of Ireland. Carmel Quinn, who is also a member of Relatives for Justice, met with U.S. Senators and Members of Congress asking for help in … [Read more...] about Ballymurphy Massacre Campaign for Justice Concludes
Award Winning Ballymurphy Documentary
As Ms. Carmel Quinn, sister of Ballymurphy victim John Laverty visits the United States in a tour coordinated by the Ancient Order of Hibernians to bring awareness to the Ballymurphy Massacre and the need for justice; members may find this award-winning documentary informative on the atrocities that occurred between August 9th and 11th 1971. It should be remembered that the same Paratroop Regiment that was involved in the unjustified killings of Bloody Sunday. If a full inquiry had been made into BGally murphy and those responsible held accountable there may have been no … [Read more...] about Award Winning Ballymurphy Documentary
U.S. Senate Minority Leader calls for “full, independent international inquiry into unjustified killings by British paratroopers”
On Thursday, November 15, 2018, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer met with Ms. Carmel Quinn, sister of Ballymurphy victim John Laverty. Mr. Laverty was killed in an incident called the “Ballymurphy Massacre” that occurred at the start of British government’s policy of internment without trial in Northern Ireland. Over the course of three days, members of the British Army's Parachute Regiment killed 11 unarmed civilians. Besides Ms. Quinn’s brother among the victims were a Catholic Priest and a 45 year old mother of eight. Ms. Quinn and the families of the … [Read more...] about U.S. Senate Minority Leader calls for “full, independent international inquiry into unjustified killings by British paratroopers”
Vote this Nov. 6th.
This coming Tuesday, November 6th is Election Day. As the preamble to our AOH constitution notes, one of the purposes of this organization is to encourage civic participation. There is no greater civic duty in a democratic republic than to exercise ones right to vote. As the late Fr. Theodore Hesburgh noted “Voting is a civic sacrament." There are many political pundits who question whether there is still an Irish-America out there. That is why it is very important that we as Irish Americans vote and express our conscience. The cold political calculus is that if we do not vote and other … [Read more...] about Vote this Nov. 6th.
Catholic Calendar – November 2018
In November, we conclude Ordinary time for the liturgical year with the Feast of Christ the King on the last Sunday of the month (Nov. 25). November is a month to remember the departed, especially on All Souls' Day (Nov. 2). The Solemnity of All Saints (Nov. 1) is a holy day of obligation. Thanksgiving Day falls on November 22. NOTABLE SAINTS, SOLEMNITIES, AND FEAST DAYS November 1All SaintsSolemnity November 9Dedication of Saint John LateranFeast November 10Leo the Great, Pope and DoctorMemorial November 15Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor November 17Elizabeth of … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – November 2018
A LEGACY OF WW1
One hundred years ago this month, the War to End All Wars concluded as an armistice was signed at 5 AM on November 11, 1918. Because of the six-hour time difference, in America it was the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month – a remarkable coincidence! And again, the Irish were there. Up until the United States entered World War One on 6 April 1917, there were some Irish-Americans pulling for Germany to overpower Britain; after all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend! However, loyalty to the land that adopted their families came first and foremost and when America entered the war on … [Read more...] about A LEGACY OF WW1
Hypocrisy of Former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers
New City, New York – 10/31/2018– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians shares the world’s concern on recent developments in Sri Lanka. The recent sacking of Sri Lanka's prime minister and his replacement with a man accused of human rights violations committed during that country’s civil war poses a threat to the search for justice for the victims of those heinous acts. However, the Hibernians cannot help but simultaneously note the outrageous hypocrisy in former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers’ calls for pressure to be brought to … [Read more...] about Hypocrisy of Former Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers