Charlotte Grace O’Brien was born 23 November 1845 in Cahirmoyle, County Limerick. Her father, William Smith O’Brien, took part in the aborted rising of 1848 for which he was exiled to Tasmania when Charlotte was 9-years old. Charlotte’s mother died when she was 16 and the 19-year-old Charlotte went to live with her brother, Edward and his wife, Mary. Following Mary’s death in 1868, Charlotte remained with Edward to raise his three children, then aged 4, 3 and 2-years old. In 1870 she found her voice as a writer. Her first book was Dominick’s Trials: An Irish Story, but her 1878 novel about the … [Read more...] about CHARLOTTE GRACE O’BRIEN
CHARLOTTE GRACE O’BRIEN
National Board Officers Meet with Irish Leaders
On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, AOH National Board President Judge James McKay, National Treasurer Sean Pender and National Director Dan Dennehy had an unforgettable meeting with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the Oireachtas Éireann. The Oireachtas is the legislative body of the Republic of Ireland. It consists of the Office of the President of Ireland and its two houses: the Dáil Éireann (lower house) and Seanad Éireann (upper house). The houses of the Oireachtas sit in Leinster House in Dublin. The opportunity to meet with the Taoiseach was arranged by Senator Billy Lawless, … [Read more...] about National Board Officers Meet with Irish Leaders
Irish American Heritage Month, Less Than A Month Away
We are a little over a month away from March and Irish American Heritage Month. Recent events have indicated that we as an Order must commit to promoting our Irish American Heritage. It has recently been in the news that two AOH-sponsored parades have been canceled due to their local government’s billing them for services such as security and sanitation connected with the parade. If you will permit me a slight editorial, we are in a sad state indeed when our local municipalities do not see the need to support our communities coming together in positive celebration. Such shortsighted economics … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month, Less Than A Month Away
AOH/LAOH Delegation Meets with Border Communities Against Brexit
A delegation of forty AOH and LAOH members met with the group known as Border Communities Against Brexit in Newry, the city referred to as the "Gateway to the North" on the border of County Armagh and County Down. The encounter followed a discussion at Dromintee Gaelic Athletic Club, as part of the first stop on the delegation's Freedom For All Ireland Tour of Ireland. A panel including National President, Judge James McKay, National Freedom for All Ireland (FFAI) Martin Galvin, and Border Cross-Community leaders Damien McGenity, Declan Fearon, and John Sheridan discussed the impact … [Read more...] about AOH/LAOH Delegation Meets with Border Communities Against Brexit
Hibernians Ask Amazon to Accord the Irish the Same Respect Shown Others
Following the recent announcement that Amazon has removed items deemed offensive to members of the Islamic Community, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) repeat their earlier calls that Amazon similarly remove items perpetuating defaming Irish stereotypes. In a letter to Amazon, Nation Anti-Defamation Chairman Neil Cosgrove writes: "As an organization founded to combat religious and ethnic bigotry, the Hibernians applaud Amazon’s recent decision in response to the request of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to remove items deemed offensive to Muslim Americans; no one … [Read more...] about Hibernians Ask Amazon to Accord the Irish the Same Respect Shown Others
Ask Your Congressional Representative to Support H.Res.88 and Say “No” to a Hard Border
As you no doubt aware from the news, the prospect that Britain’s decision to pursue Brexit will result in a hard border in Ireland is increasing daily. The consequence to the people of Ireland, north and south, cannot be understated. The past two decades as seen the artificial walls of mistrust that were constructed to further special interest slowly being replace by bridges of peace and understanding. A hard border in Ireland would wind back the clock nearly a hundred years and threatens the peace and prosperity of the entire island. Congressman Brendan Boyle has introduce a resolution, … [Read more...] about Ask Your Congressional Representative to Support H.Res.88 and Say “No” to a Hard Border
SPERANZA
Jane Frances Agnes Elgee was born in Dublin at about 1821 and grew up in a deeply conservative family. She was a gifted linguist and published several translations of French and German works which were reprinted in America. Her first volume of poetry also contained translations from several European languages. In 1845, impressed by the size of the funeral of Young Irelander, Thomas Davis, she began to read his poetry in The Nation, an extremely nationalist newspaper published by Davis, Charles Gavan Duffy and John Blake Dillon, which awakened her to Irish nationalism. After Davis’s … [Read more...] about SPERANZA
Catholic Calendar – February 2019
To All Hibernians: In February, we are in a segment of Ordinary Time between Christmas and the Lenten season. The liturgical color is green. MAJOR SAINTS AND FEAST DAYS OF FEBRUARY February 2 The Presentation of the Lord Feast February 5 Agatha, Virgin and Martyr Memorial February 6 Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs Memorial February 14 Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop Memorial February 21 Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor Memorial February 22 Chair of Peter, Apostle Feast February 23 Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr Memorial IRISH SAINTS OF … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – February 2019
AOH Condemn Derry Bombings, Call for US Commitment to Northern Ireland
The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns the recent bomb attack in Derry which occurred this past Saturday, 1/19/19. There can be no rationalization, no palliation, of such a reckless and indiscriminate attack. The Hibernians are grateful to a merciful providence that reports indicate no one was injured in this wanton act of violence. The Hibernians are concerned over the continued political vacuum in Northern Ireland, a vacuum in which acts such as Saturday’s violence find sustenance and flourish. This weekend’s attack is a wake-up call to all those who believe that the issues of Northern … [Read more...] about AOH Condemn Derry Bombings, Call for US Commitment to Northern Ireland
AOH Joins Pro-Life March In Washington
The pipes were calling on Constitution Avenue during the annual March for Life as Hibernians from across the nation gathered to stand witness for the unborn. At the urging of President McKay, this year's contingent were led by two of our Pennsylvania brothers playing the bagpipes. Additionally the new national banners, introduced by National Organizer Tim McSweeney in Louisville, helped make the Hibernians a recognizable presence to those in attendance or watching live on EWTN. Special thanks is due to Frs. Henry Reid (NY), John Hurley (DC) and Deacon Stephen Mitchell (DC) for celebrating … [Read more...] about AOH Joins Pro-Life March In Washington
THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT IN IRISH HISTORY, II
Last month, we presented the circumstances that led up to the most defining moment in Irish history. They included growing nationalism, extending voting privilege to all men over 21 and women over 30 (from 701,475 registered in 1910 to 1,936,673 in 1918) and then, the UK General election on 14 December 1918. In the Irish part of that election, Sinn Fein won 73 of the 105 contested seats to the Irish Parliamentary Party’s 6 and Unionist’s 22. It was the last all-Ireland election; it was also the first to allow women to vote, the first to elect a woman (Countess Markievicz) to the British … [Read more...] about THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT IN IRISH HISTORY, II
Catholic Calendar – January 2019
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 13) , 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 2019
KING-NEAL-DOYLE BACK BALLYMURPHY JUSTICE
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
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