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
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
GEORGE WASHINGTON’S CHRISTMAS IRISH
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
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