There were a few Irishmen living in and around Trenton, NJ prior to the Revolutionary War. Among them were Paddy Colvin and Sam McConkey, who ran two Delaware River ferries; Paddy Lamb, who resided near Quaker Bridge on Assunpink Creek; and John Honeyman, a retired British soldier, now a butcher and cattle-dealer in nearby Griggstown. They were all there during a very special Christmas adventure. Toward the end of 1776, George Washington’s patriot army retreated from New York through New Jersey, headed for the Delaware River with the British army in hot pursuit. On December 1, he sent … [Read more...] about GEORGE WASHINGTON’S CHRISTMAS IRISH
GEORGE WASHINGTON’S CHRISTMAS IRISH
Immigration Report – December 2016
I wish all the Blessings of Christmas and a happy, prosperous 2017 to you and yours. This Christmas, sadly, is an anxious time for Irish Immigrants and their families. Campaign promises from the President-elect threaten programs that the Irish facilitate to work here, and deportation may separate families. We remain committed to working with US lawmakers, Irish Immigration Centers, Senator Billy Lawless, the Chicago Celts and Irish Ambassador Anne Anderson and others to promote fair and legal paths for the Irish and end the plight of the undocumented. I will be hosting conference calls and … [Read more...] about Immigration Report – December 2016
AOH Update – Mid November
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, Thanksgiving is upon us and Christmas is just around the corner. This months AOH update features articles on Hibernian Hunger and the FFAI Christmas Appeal. We have also included some important dates for Hibernians. Thanksgiving is a good time to discuss hunger issues but we clearly understand that hunger is an issue 365 days a year. I am amazed at the great work done by our Hibernian Brothers around the country throughout the year. I have asked Hibernian Hunger Chair Tom Beirne to help educate us on the various successful programs from around the … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Mid November
AOH Update – Report from National Hunger Chairman
We are approaching the Thanksgiving Holiday, the time when Americans of all Faiths and backgrounds take time off and spend it with family and friends and give Thanks for our many blessings. At this time of year many of us are inspired to help the less fortunate. Hibernians across the Country as part of their charitable works continue to raise money, donate food, and volunteer their time, to feed the Hungry; and they are to be commended for their efforts. It is amazing that in a country such as ours that people still go hungry every day. I am aware that Many Hibernian Divisions, Counties, and … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Report from National Hunger Chairman
AOH Update – 2016-17 FFAI Christmas Appeal
Brothers, It is that time of the year again to begin our campaign for the 2016-17 Annual Christmas Appeal. I am enclosing this year’s package which includes, Click Here To Download the 2016 Annual Christmas Appeal Packet (This includes an Itemized list of 2016 FFAI Recipient Organizations). Click Here To Download the 2015-2016 Request for Donation Application Form Last year matched the total dollar amount for the previous year which makes me believe that we are becoming routine with our donations and because of circumstances we really need to think of ways to up our donations. The … [Read more...] about AOH Update – 2016-17 FFAI Christmas Appeal
Annual Fall clean up at the Double H Ranch
Nov. 12, 2016 - Albany, N.Y. Members of Albany LAOH Division 1 JFK and Albany AOH Division 5 Father Henry Tansey, including Albany LAOH President Christine O’Reilly and Albany AOH President Tim Carey, participated in the annual fall clean up at the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY. The Double H Ranch provides specialized programs to support children and their families dealing with life threatening illnesses … [Read more...] about Annual Fall clean up at the Double H Ranch
Edward Walsh
Edward Walsh was born in Dublin in 1873 and lived with his family in the North Inner City around the Bolton Street area. Edward married Ellen in 1894 and from that date on, he and his new family lived in the run-down tenements on Henrietta Street and, at the time of the Rising, on Dominick Street. By then they had 2 children, Christopher (20) and Helena (11). He worked as a Carter for McMasters in Capel Street. Edward joined the Hibernian Rifles just after their founding. The Hibernian Rifles were a military wing of the Ancient Order of Hibernians American Alliance. Many of the … [Read more...] about Edward Walsh
AOH Update – Late October 2016
From the Desk of President McKay Brothers, As we close out the month of October we find ourselves in the midst of two important days to Hibernians. All Saints’ Day on November 1st and Veterans Day on November 11th. With this in mind we are sending you an article from Jim Green, National Veterans Affairs Chairman and Bill Lehn, Ohio State Catholic Action Chairman. Brother Lehn reminds us “All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1 and generally, All Saints' Day is a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Late October 2016
AOH Update – All Saints Day
Brothers, “All Saints' Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven. It should not be confused with All Souls' Day, which is observed on November 2, and is dedicated to those who have died and not yet reached heaven.”(Catholic Online) “Generally, All Saints' Day is a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day, unless they have an excellent excuse, such as serious illness.”(Catholic Online) As we prepare to … [Read more...] about AOH Update – All Saints Day
AOH Update – Veterans Day
Dear Hibernian Brothers and military veterans, As we approach Veterans Day on Friday, November 11th, please try to make an effort to do something, or say something, special to a veteran on this special holiday. Just buy him or her a cup of coffee if you can, and say thanks. Recently, Brother Rich O’Malley of Pittsburgh reminded me that this past Sunday, October 23rd, marked the 41st anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Try to remember those that came home, and those that didn’t make it back, in your prayers today. Finally, AOH Virginia State Vice President and Veterans Chairman Bill … [Read more...] about AOH Update – Veterans Day
Passing of Al O'Hagan
It is with much sadness that we announce the death of longtime Hibernian Al O'Hagan formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y. Al passed to his eternal reward last night, Wednesday, October 26th at his home in Deptford, N.J. surrounded by his loving family. Brother O’Hagan was a past AOH National Director and served as Grand Marshal of the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1986. Al was also a Past NYS President, founding member of the Baile Na Ngael , and Chief of Escort of the Roundtower Major Degree Team. Well known throughout the New York area in both social circles and political arenas as the “Man with … [Read more...] about Passing of Al O'Hagan
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Commends Mr. Alex Trebek and Jeopardy! for their Sincere Response to Perceived Defaming Comments.
New City, New York – 10/26/16 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians wish to acknowledge and commend the response of Jeopardy! and the show’s host Alex Trebek in acknowledging and responding to concerns over perceived defaming remarks targeting individuals of Irish heritage during the 10.18/16 show. Per National Anti-Defamation Chairman Neil F. Cosgrove ... “On the evening of 10/21/16 as the National Anti-Defamation chair of the Ancient Order of Hibernians I received a call from Mr. Alex Trebek of the show Jeopardy! regarding the comments he had made during … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Commends Mr. Alex Trebek and Jeopardy! for their Sincere Response to Perceived Defaming Comments.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Calls on “Jeopardy!” for an On-Air Apology for Alex Trebek’s Comments Defaming those of Irish Heritage.
New City, New York – 10/19/16 – The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians condemns the outrageous comments made by host Alex Trebek on the episode of “Jeopardy!” which aired on 10/18/16. During the contestant interview section, Mr. Trebek queried contestant Shannon Dilmore on his Irish connection given his first name of “Shannon”. Mr. Dillmore stated that he has visited all 26 Counties of the Republic of Ireland and has hill walked all of its highest peaks. It was at this point that Mr. Trebek took it upon himself to ask Mr. Dillmore “Were you sober when you did … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Calls on “Jeopardy!” for an On-Air Apology for Alex Trebek’s Comments Defaming those of Irish Heritage.
AOH UPDATE – October 2016
From the Desk of President McKay Dear Brothers, As I send this out today I am sure that you and I have everyone in the path of Hurricane Mathew, including our Hibernian Brothers and Sisters, in our prayers. I have been in e-mail contact with our Liaisons in the affected area and most were preparing for the worst and praying for the best outcome. As always, the AOH will be there for them. In this months update we look at our Label Program and the Notre Dame Cushwa Center Hibernian Lecture. AOH UPDATE - AOH National Board Directs All Label Program Proceeds to Hibernian Charities AOH UPDATE – … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – October 2016
AOH UPDATE – AOH National Board Directs All Label Program Proceeds to Hibernian Charities
In a recent vote your national board has designated Hibernian Charities as the recipient of all proceeds from the Label Program. The largest benefactor will be Project St. Patrick demonstrating our commitment to our clergy. Other programs that will be shored up include the Irish Way Scholarship, the Study Abroad Scholarship and National History Day. AOH Label Appeal needs you to succeed! Everyone should have your labels in hand. Please take a minute today and send your donation to help continue the tradition of the AOH making a difference since 1936! Your Support will provide direct … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – AOH National Board Directs All Label Program Proceeds to Hibernian Charities
AOH UPDATE – University of Notre Dame Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism Hibernian Lecture Series
The 33rd annual Hibernian Lecture featured author and poet Thomas Lynch. His lecture on September 9, addressed the poetry and recent deaths of Dennis O’Driscoll and Seamus Heaney. Some of the Hibernians in attendance are shown here with the Lecture. From the left are Danny O’Connell, Carol Sheyer, Maureen Shelton, Jere Cole, LAOH national President Patricia O’Connell, Thomas Lynch, Denny Parks, Sandi Swift, Mary Conlon, Mary Ann Lubinsky and Ned McGinley. Each year the Cushwa Center of Notre Dame invites one or more distinguished scholars to deliver a public lecture on some aspect of the Irish … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – University of Notre Dame Cushwa Center for the Study of American Catholicism Hibernian Lecture Series
THE BIRTH OF REPUBLICANISM
Up to the 20th Century, the closest that the Irish ever came to complete independence happened when Irish Catholics and Protestants united in a brotherhood of purpose for the benefit of all. It started after the American Revolution. The 1777 surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga in the American Revolution was followed by the alliance of France to America's cause. The British began to fear an invasion of either England or Ireland. In April 1778, John Paul Jones crossed the Atlantic, captured two British ships, then boldly sailed into Belfast Bay in broad daylight, and sank a British … [Read more...] about THE BIRTH OF REPUBLICANISM
Echoes of History – The Manchester Martyrs
After the American Civil War, the Fenian brotherhood felt the time was right for a long-awaited national rising in Ireland. In February 1867, a small local rising in Cahirciveen, Co. Kerry, finally prompted a national rising which took place on 6 March. Thousands of Fenians took to the hills, but poorly armed, they were easily put down and hundreds were jailed. Unaware of the failure of the rising, support was sent from America’s Fenians. On 23 May, the ship Erin’s Hope with 40 Fenians (former Civil War officers), 5,000 firearms and several artillery pieces on board sailed into Sligo … [Read more...] about Echoes of History – The Manchester Martyrs
AOH UPDATE
From the Desk of President McKay Dear Brothers, This is the first of what will be a monthly “AOH UPDATE” touching on some of the key issues we face in a timely manner. Within these updates we hope to address issues pertaining to all facets of the AOH. This inaugural update includes an article on Brexit from our political education chairman as well as an article from Catholic Action. Because of the recent developments in Ireland regarding the exit of Britain from the EU, I have formed an ad hoc committee entitled the “Border Elimination Committee”. I have appointed Seamus Boyle as the … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE
AOH UPDATE – BREXIT
From the Desk of Neil Cosgrove Political Education Chairman Brexit and its consequence to the Northern Irish Peace Process On June 23, 2016, the voters of the United Kingdom voted to remake the map of Europe and leave the European Union (EU). The motivation for this mandate can be simplified to two reasons: (1) a frustration with an alien and seemingly detached alien government (sound familiar?) based in Brussels enacting policies and decisions that were felt to impinge on British sovereignty and (2) the inability off the UK to control immigration, heightened by the middle east … [Read more...] about AOH UPDATE – BREXIT