DID YOU KNOW that in the annals of America's heroes, there is scarcely a brighter entry than that of the fighting Sullivan brothers? Born in Waterloo, Iowa to Railroad conductor Tom Sullivan and his wife Alleta, George, Francis, Albert, Joseph, and Madison grew up the best of friends in the closeness of an Irish family and matured into patriotic Americans. It was no surprise therefore, that when Pearl Harbor was attacked, the Sullivan brothers headed straight for the nearest U.S. Navy recruiting office. Navy policy discouraged family members from serving together, but the Sullivans were … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Fighting Sullivan Brothers
Irish American Heritage Month: The Fighting Sullivan Brothers
Irish American Heritage Month: Colonel Eileen Collins, A Descendent of Immigrants Who Attained the Stars
On July 30th, 1999, 30 years and two days after the first successful moonwalk, Irish American Colonel Eileen Marie Collins became the first woman to command a U.S. spacecraft. Eileen Collins was one of four children born to a family that traced their heritage to immigrants from County Cork who had settled in Elmira New York. At an early age Eileen expressed an interest in flying, the skies around her home a frequent home to sailplanes and Elmira was home to the National Soaring Museum. Her father would often take her to the local airport to watch aircraft take off and … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Colonel Eileen Collins, A Descendent of Immigrants Who Attained the Stars
Irish American Heritage Month: Ther Angel of Andersonville
DID YOU KNOW that an Irish Catholic Priest Rev. Thomas O’Reilly threatened General Sherman with a mutiny by the Irish Catholics in his army if he torched the church district of Atlanta at the start of his infamous march to the sea and that General Sherman backed down and the entire church district was saved, including the City Hall which stood therein? However, Rev. Peter Whelan was just as courageous in another way. Rev. Whelan distinguished himself as a chaplain for the Montgomery Guards, an Irish company established in Savannah for the First Georgia Volunteer Regiment named for America’s … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Ther Angel of Andersonville
President Declares 2017 Irish American Heritage Month
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 2017 as Irish-American Heritage Month IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2017 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Irish Americans have made an indelible mark on the United States. From Dublin, California, to Limerick, Maine, from Emerald Isle, North Carolina, to Shamrock, Texas, we are reminded of the more than 35 million Americans of Irish descent who contribute every day to all facets of life in the United States. Over generations, millions of Irish have crossed the ocean in search of the American Dream, … [Read more...] about President Declares 2017 Irish American Heritage Month
Mary MacSwiney
On March 27, 1872, Mary MacSwiney (Maire Nic Shuibhne) was born in Surrey, England, of an Irish father and an English mother. She grew up in Cork beset by illness which culminated with the loss of an infected foot. Educated as a teacher, by 1900 she was teaching in a convent school. Her mother's death in 1904 led to her return to Cork to head the household and secure a teaching post back at St Angela's. The MacSwiney household was intensely separatist. They read Arthur Griffith newspaper, although they rejected his dual monarchy policy. She refused to join Griffith's Sinn Féin because she … [Read more...] about Mary MacSwiney
Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Contribution to America's Independance
DID YOU KNOW that when America was born, the Irish were there? The Irish, both Protestant and Catholic, were a major part of Washington’s volunteers from foot soldiers to high ranking officers. When increased Crown exploitation drove the colonists to protest, among the loudest were the Irish who had no great love for the Crown to begin with. And there were many Irish in America’s colonies. Among them were those who fought the English theft of their Irish lands and ended up hunted men; they were followed by those Catholics and Presbyterians who fled persecution by the Church of England. Some … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: The Irish Contribution to America's Independance
AOH Update – February
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, The green season is upon us and we need every Hibernian to put our best foot forward. This is the time everyone celebrates their Irish Catholic Heritage just a little bit more than they do the rest of the year. This is why we are asking each and every Hibernian to recruit at least one new members by your April division meeting. Your recruit may be a family member, a friend, or someone you meet at the many St. Patrick Day Celebrations. Your job is to convey to your recruit the importance of celebrating our Irish heritage 365 days of the year. We need … [Read more...] about AOH Update – February
THE BOB AND MOLLIE MONTEITH STORY (part I)
Robert ‘Bob’ Monteith was the third son of four with five sisters born March 1, 1879 in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow to Joseph (Cavan) and Mary Dillon (Wicklow) Monteith. He was baptized in the Episcopal Church in the diocese of Glendalough. At 16, he joined the British army claiming to be 18. After seeing action in India and Africa, he was honorably discharged on 21 March 1903. Back in Ireland, he secured a job in the Civil Service at an Ordinance Depot in Dundalk, Co. Louth. On weekends would cycle to Dublin to see his parents and siblings. One weekend, they took in a theater … [Read more...] about THE BOB AND MOLLIE MONTEITH STORY (part I)
AOH Update – January
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Two weeks from today many Hibernians will converge on Washington DC for the annual Pro Life March and Hibernian Pro Life Breakfast. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there. It is also important that those of us unable to attend the march participate your local Pro Life events. I suggest that your next meeting will be a great time for additional focus on our Pro Life Efforts. Brother Walsh, National Pro Life Chairman has provided and update article below the included the details for the DC events. Why We March As we begin the New Year we are … [Read more...] about AOH Update – January
Why We March
“My March Each Year Is A Work of Mercy” Growing up as a public school kid in New Jersey, the March for Life was something I only heard about in our church bulletin once a year. It took until college at Catholic University for me to fully understand the reason behind the March; but even then I was critical of the effort, believing students were more eager to get a ‘day off’ than stand up for the unborn. While the numerous high school students sleeping in CUA’s gymnasium were impressive, I still felt most were either forced or coerced into attending a rally for issues they didn’t fully … [Read more...] about Why We March
Recruiting – Organizer’s Update
It’s no secret; Our Order has seen a substantial decrease in membership over the last ten years. Many factors attribute to the decrease; aging membership, lack of interest, failure to engage members, changes in society, generational differences, lack of recruiting, just to name a few. Take your pick, every division in the country has run into one, if not all of these problems. So let’s look at ways to solve some of these problems: Problem: Aging Membership: We need younger Members who are willing to ensure that Our Order will continue in the future. Answer: Customize your local recruiting … [Read more...] about Recruiting – Organizer’s Update
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Supports the Decision of Martin McGuinness to Resign as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Calls for U.S. Re-engagement in the Peace Process
New City, New York – 01/10/17 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) On January 9, 2017, Martin McGuinness resigned from the role of Deputy First Minister that he has held for ten years. During his tenure, Mr. McGuinness and Sinn Fein have worked tirelessly for the betterment of all communities of Northern Ireland. However, the continuing intransigence by members of the DUP to embrace the core principles of equality and respect that are the basis of the Good Friday Agreement, the growing litany of corruption scandals and the DUP's failure to take accountability and deal effectively with a … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Supports the Decision of Martin McGuinness to Resign as Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister, Calls for U.S. Re-engagement in the Peace Process
ONE WAR ENDS – ANOTHER BEGINS
The end of WWI on 11 November, 1918 was followed by a general election in December. Ireland at the time was still suffering from post-1916 animosity and restrictions by the British government. The death of one of the many interned Volunteers, Richard Coleman, on 9 December was alleged by Sinn Féin to be indicative of the mistreatment of prisoners. Coleman’s funeral procession through Dublin bought that Republican party valuable support in the coming election. Of the 105 Parliamentary seats contested in Ireland, Sinn Fein won 73, Unionists won 26 and the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP) … [Read more...] about ONE WAR ENDS – ANOTHER BEGINS
Merry Christmas from the AOH National Board
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Merry Christmas to you and your family from the McKay's. Please take a moment to enjoy two brilliant Christmas Articles from National Historian Mike McCormack and Christmas Greetings from some of your National Board members. AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND In our Motto, James F. McKay III Irish Christmas Blessing The light of the Christmas star to you, The warmth of home and hearth to you, The cheer and good will of friends to you, The hope of a childlike heart to you, The joy of a thousand angels to you, The love of the Son … [Read more...] about Merry Christmas from the AOH National Board
AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS
In 1982, archeologist Dr. Robert Pyle investigated a petroglyph, or rock carving, in Wyoming County, West Virginia. Many such carvings exist whose origins are shrouded in mystery, but Pyle thought this one unique for the carving looked like early runic writing. He lychen-dated it as having been carved between 500 and 700 AD. He recorded every detail of the carving in 18 separate visits, and gave the story to a local newspaper. A reader clipped the article and sent it to the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce which published it in their periodical: Wonderful West Virginia. A copy of the … [Read more...] about AMERICA'S FIRST CHRISTMAS CARDS
CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND
The Christmas season in Ireland is a happy combination of modern and ancient customs that combine to bring a unique meaning to this special time of year. While Christmas shopping, decorated trees, and Santa Claus are evident everywhere, traditional customs that signify the true meaning of this holy season still remain in small towns and villages where some people still celebrate the holy feast as their ancestors had for generations. On Christmas Eve, the windows are decorated with garlands of holly and ivy with candles centered in each -- often in a hollowed-out turnip for support. The … [Read more...] about CHRISTMAS IN IRELAND
AOH Update – December
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Christmas is upon us and many divisions are in the process of installing new officers and hosting Christmas parties. We wish you all success as we move forward and continue to grow the premier Irish Catholic Organization in the USA. Once your installation is complete please send in an updated Form-9 so the National and State Boards know whom you new officers are. This should be completed every time there is any change in you officers at every level. Today’s e-mail features an article from Charities and Missions Chair Ted Sullivan. Missions and … [Read more...] about AOH Update – December
AOH Update – Hibernian Charity
From: Ted M. Sullivan, Chairman of Charities and Missions On behalf of the AOH and Hibernian Charity I would like to extend a Happy Christmas and New Year to you and your families. As part of our Motto, Charity is the heart of our Faith and Organization. The Mission of the Hibernian Charity is to support the Constitutional Purpose of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America as they seek to, enhance, and protect our Catholic Church as well as Irish History, Culture, and aid our Membership when in distress. What is Hibernian Charity? The Hibernian Charity a 501-3 charitable enterprise was … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Hibernian Charity
AOH Update – Immigration
Brothers, Irish immigrants, after centuries of British religious, economic and political oppression, contributed to the creation of this great nation. General George Washington recognized this on March 16, 1780, by declaring St. Patrick's Day a holiday for all his troops in gratitude for the courage of the Irish in his command. In 1812, we again defended America from attacks by the British. Later, our Catholic immigrants founded the AOH in America to fight discrimination, prejudice and attacks on our families, churches and religious leaders by nativists and Know-Nothings. The Medal Of Honor, … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Immigration
AOH Update – Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award – Call for Nomination
To: All Officers of the AOH/LAOH in America From: Daniel J. O’Connell, AOH National Vice President/MacBride Award Chair Carol Sheyer, LAOH National Vice President/MacBride Award Vice Chair Re: Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award Nominations Date: November, 2016 In accordance with Article XXVII of the National Constitution of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, we are sending this letter to all eligible members to request nominees for the 2017 Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award. This award will be conferred to memorialize the human rights contributions made by … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award – Call for Nomination