A chairde: Last May I arranged to meet with Mark Thompson, of Relatives for Justice, a Christmas Appeal recipient. A dozen victims' families arrived. They wanted the AOH to know how much they appreciate our AOH donations, but also how much they need American moral, political and public pressure on the British, to win justice. They are counting on the AOH, as the voice of the Irish in America, to rally that American pressure. Following our National Convention, I have been directed by our National President, to work with brothers across the country, in putting the British under … [Read more...] about AUGUST 2018 BULLETIN
AUGUST 2018 BULLETIN
Catholic Calendar – August 2018
We have the August Catholic Action update from Ohio State Chairman Pat Lally ... NEWS OF INTEREST --On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated a ruling by a Washington State court against florist Baronelle Stutzman. The court returned the case to the Washington Supreme Court, instructing reconsideration in line with the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision earlier in June. In the Masterpiece case, the court had determined that Colorado cannot compel Christian baker Jack Phillips to bake a cake for a homosexual wedding. In Washington, Stutzman had similarly faced compulsion to violate … [Read more...] about Catholic Calendar – August 2018
Statement from the National Board of the AOH on the Passing of Past National President and Secretary Emeritus Thomas McNabb.
It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of Thomas McNabb. Brother McNabb was the living embodiment of Hibernians and shaped the Order for over half a century; his contributions to the Order will continue to have impact long after his passing. Brother McNabb was born and raised in Auburn, New York, where he joined the Auburn Hibernian Division in 1955. Tom served his division in every capacity and started many local Irish-American traditions such as the Friends of Ireland Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and Auburn’s Irish Festival. … [Read more...] about Statement from the National Board of the AOH on the Passing of Past National President and Secretary Emeritus Thomas McNabb.
Rest in Peace Brother Tom McNabb
It is with a heavy heart we share that Thomas McNabb, Past National President and National Secretary Emeritus passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by family. The patriarch of the McNabb Family and a pillar of the Auburn and Hibernian Communities alike, he will always be remembered as Dad, Pop Pop, Councilor and Mr. Hibernian. Rest in Peace Brother Tom McNabb Tom will be waked this Sunday, August 5th, at the Cheche Funeral Home, 1778 Clark Street Rd., Auburn, NY 13021. Calling hours are 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at … [Read more...] about Rest in Peace Brother Tom McNabb
VA. Hibernian’s Seek Answers on Removal of Irish Immigrants Name From Fitzgerald Square
Alexandria’s Hibernians have noticed that something is missing from Alexandria's newly renovated Fitzgerald Square: the name of Col. John Fitzgerald. Ironically on St. Patrick's day of this year, the City Council of Alexandria announced without explanation that the new upscale park would now be designated "King Street Park at the Waterfront," stripping the name of this prominent Irish American from the public space. Irish immigrant Col. John Fitzgerald is a significant figure in both the history of Alexandria and the United States. Fitzgerald was prominent in … [Read more...] about VA. Hibernian’s Seek Answers on Removal of Irish Immigrants Name From Fitzgerald Square
AOH Vice President O’Connell Challenges Misleading Article in Belfast Telegraph
In response to an inaccurate post on the Tyrone AOH Facebook page concerning the AOH National Convention, a reporter from the Belfast Telegraph reached out to Vice President O'Connell for an interview. Despite efforts to clear up the inaccuracies and relay the facts, the reporter instead in her article persisted in parroting misinformation and conflated irrelevant detains resulting in portraying a specious inaccurate narrative. Below is worthy Vice President O'Connells response to the editor of the Belfast Telegraph. It should be noted, and as was explained ad nauseum to the reporter, … [Read more...] about AOH Vice President O’Connell Challenges Misleading Article in Belfast Telegraph
AOH Reiterates Their Continuing Commitment to the Families of Legacy Victims of the Troubles
Meeting at their National Convention, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution reiterating their commitment to the families of the Legacy Victims of the troubles WHEREAS hundreds of families of victims killed directly by British forces or in collusion with loyalist criminals during the conflict known as the Troubles continue to be denied truth and justice about their murdered loved ones, thereby compounding their grief; and, WHEREAS these same families of what is known as Legacy Victims encounter resistance from British judges, languish in courts denied funding by the British … [Read more...] about AOH Reiterates Their Continuing Commitment to the Families of Legacy Victims of the Troubles
AOH Resolves to promote and honor the centenary of Ireland’s Declaration of Independence.
Meeting at their National Convention, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution calling for the commemoration of Ireland's 1919 Declaration of Independance WHEREAS on January 21, 1919, representatives of the Irish people, elected in the thirty-two-county election of 1918 and assembled in Dublin as a National Parliament, did adopt Ireland's Declaration of Independence and ratify the Irish Republic proclaimed on Easter Monday 1916; and WHEREAS that Declaration of Independence states that the Irish people have always had a right to national freedom and self-government; … [Read more...] about AOH Resolves to promote and honor the centenary of Ireland’s Declaration of Independence.
Suffolk County Board Honored By Tyrone AOH
At the Suffolk County Board meeting on July 18, 2018, Martin Galvin, NY State Freedom for All Ireland (FFAI) Chairman, delivered certificates which read: “From Tyrone A.O.H. to Suffolk County, NY in appreciation of Thomas J. Clarke – Kathleen Daly Clarke Monument, Manorville, NY”. The certificates were signed by Tyrone County President Gerry McGeough and were entrusted to Martin Galvin on a recent FFAI trip. Presenting the certificate: (above, left to right) Rich Cremmins (Thomas J. Clarke Division 8 Past President, Thomas J Clarke Memorial co-chair), Victor J Vogel (NY State President), … [Read more...] about Suffolk County Board Honored By Tyrone AOH
Ancient Order of Hibernians Pass Resolution Calling for the Immediate Appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
Meeting at their National Convention and in the wake of recent violence in the North of Ireland, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution calling for the immediate appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland as committed nearly a year ago by President Trump. WHEREAS the thirty-year conflict known as “The Troubles” was proportionately one of the deadliest in human history; and WHEREAS twenty years ago, the Good Friday Agreement was signed allowing a generation in Northern Ireland to grow up in peace and prosperity; and WHEREAS it has been noted by all … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Pass Resolution Calling for the Immediate Appointment of a US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland
Hibernians Issue Resolution Calling for US Ambassador to Ireland
Meeting at their National Convention, the Ancient Order of Hibernians passed a resolution calling for the immediate appointment of a US Ambassador to Ireland. The position of US Ambassador to Ireland has been unfilled since January 2017. WHEREAS the relationship between America and Ireland predates the founding of the United States; and WHEREAS Ireland was one of the earliest supporters of American independence, causing General Washington to write after the revolution “Ireland, thou friend of my country in my country’s most friendless days, much injured, much enduring land, accept … [Read more...] about Hibernians Issue Resolution Calling for US Ambassador to Ireland
Louisville Convention Concluded – 2018 Election Results
The Louisville, KY AOH-LAOH 2018 Convention is now concluded. It was a great success, thanks to Co-chairs John and Julia O'Dwyer and their committee. Kudos! The convention re-elected all the incumbent officers, and Ed Halligan was elected to replace term-limited Tom O'Donnell (Thank You Tom). Rumor has it that site selection was a landslide in favor of Pittsburgh, PA in 2022. In the mean time, preparations are well under way for our next Convention - Orlando FL in 2020 More detail to follow ... John Wilson, Bill Sullivan, Denny Parks, Liam McNabb, Edward Halligan , Dan … [Read more...] about Louisville Convention Concluded – 2018 Election Results
Louisville’s Bloody Monday
In the mid 1800s, American Party (Know Nothings) were violently against Catholic immigrants and rioting took place in many Irish neighborhoods across the country. One of the most violent took place in Louisville, KY on 6 August 1855. It was election day and nativists were against allowing Catholics to vote. Irish and German immigrants, most of them Catholic, made up nearly a quarter of Louisville’s population of 43,000 at the time, but most native-born residents were Protestant and many were members of the American Party. George Prentice, editor of the Louisville Daily Journal newspaper, a … [Read more...] about Louisville’s Bloody Monday
THE BATTLE OF BENBURB
The 17th century dawned in Ireland during the 9 years war of the northern Chieftains against the Crown. By 1602 that conflict was over; Red Hugh O'Donnell had been poisoned, the Irish had capitulated, and Queen Elizabeth was dead. Against the treachery that threatened their heirs and families, the noblest Chieftains of the north The O'Neill, the O'Donnell, and the Maguire left Ireland forever in what became known as the Flight of the Earls. The Irish were leaderless, the Clan system had been broken, the great Gaelic Houses destroyed, and a foreign power had been established … [Read more...] about THE BATTLE OF BENBURB
In Light of Prime Minister May’s Lack of Confidence in Northern Ireland Wishing to Remain in the UK, Hibernians Call for Referendum
In an open letter to the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) asked for their support in calling for the British Government to honor its commitment to hold a referendum on the North of Ireland forming a part of a united Ireland in light of statements made by Prime Minister May indicating that the criteria for such a referendum have been met. The Letter by National Political Education Chair Neil Cosgrove states: “The U.S. brokered Good Friday Agreement (GFA) ended the thirty-year conflict known as “the Troubles” and has brought twenty … [Read more...] about In Light of Prime Minister May’s Lack of Confidence in Northern Ireland Wishing to Remain in the UK, Hibernians Call for Referendum
Statement from AOH Catholic Action Chair on the Forced Resignation of House Chaplain Fr. Patrick Conroy, S.J.
The tenth chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew underscores the cost and requirements of proclaiming Jesus’s message to the Church. “One’s enemies will be those of his own household,” is the stark reality Christ presents those of us who would preach that gospel message. Those passages have become prescient in light of the recent forced resignation of House Chaplain, Fr. Patrick Conroy, S.J., by House Speaker and self-proclaimed devout Catholic, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Only twice in its history has the House of Representatives employed Roman Catholics as chaplains, and Fr. Conroy is the first … [Read more...] about Statement from AOH Catholic Action Chair on the Forced Resignation of House Chaplain Fr. Patrick Conroy, S.J.
THE BLACK IRISH
Dubh (Doov) in the Irish language means dark or black and is used to describe someone by the color of their hair as in Roisin Dubh (Dark Rosaleen) or Hugh Dubh O'Neill (Black Hugh O’Neill), an Irish patriot of the 17th century best remembered for his defense of Clonmel in 1650. He was also nephew of Owen Ruadh O’Neill (Owen the Red O’Neill) whose red hair was a distinguishing characteristic. Some believe that survivors of the Spanish Armada who landed in Ireland were the ancestors of Ireland’s black-haired population, but that’s not true; black hair and brown eyes were attributes of the … [Read more...] about THE BLACK IRISH
Recent Recipient Visits AOH Monument at the Medal of Honor Grove
Medal of Honor Recipient Jim McCloughan and his wife Cherie recently visited the AOH Monument at the Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Forge Pennsylvania. Jim was recently awarded the Medal of Honor for distinguished actions as a combat medic assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, during the Vietnam War near Don Que, Vietnam, from May 13-15, 1969. The Medal of Honor Grove commemorates those who have earned our Nation's highest award for valor. A section of the 52-acre grove is designated for each of the … [Read more...] about Recent Recipient Visits AOH Monument at the Medal of Honor Grove
National President McKay speaks out on Good Friday Agreement at 20
On March 22, 2018, and a month before the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, out Worthy President Judge James McKay testified before the Helsinki Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe. The Commission, at the behest of Co-Chair Chris Smith of New Jersey, was holding a hearing, “The Good Friday Agreement at 20: achievements and unfinished business,” to review the status of the implementation of what panel member Congressman Brendan Boyle described as the “unquestioned gold standard in terms of peace agreements.” However, both Congressman Smith and Boyle both expressed … [Read more...] about National President McKay speaks out on Good Friday Agreement at 20
The Bold Beauties from Bodyke
The O’Halloran sisters, Annie, Honoria and Sarah, lived with their parents and brothers, Patrick and Frank, in Bodyke, Co. Clare as tenants of the notorious Col. John O’Callaghan. Michael Davitt’s Land League forced the Irish Land Act of 1881 to allowed tenants to appeal for Court adjudicated rent reductions and, in some cases, eventual ownership. O’Callaghan charged the O’Hallorans £31 which the court ordered be reduced to £22-10s – a sum the family maintained was still unfair, since before he had raised it the rent had been £13-10s. The O’Hallorans joined in Bodyke rent boycotts and in June … [Read more...] about The Bold Beauties from Bodyke