Congrats to Brian O’Dwyer, 2015 AOH Seán MacBride Humanitarian Award Winner It was my honor to successfully nominate Dr. O’Dwyer. I have known and worked with Brian for decades, and no one is more deserving to be honored in this way. He followed in his great father Paul O’Dwyer’s footsteps and made many great strides himself. Brian’s dedication to Peace, Justice and a United Ireland, improvement of lives for people across the globe is legendary. He has both created great leadership and advised great leaders on many fronts, particularly those related in Ireland, the USA, and as Chairman of the … [Read more...] about Report for 2015 Fall National Board Meeting
Report for 2015 Fall National Board Meeting
Speech by Brian O'Dwyer on receiving the Sean McBride Award – Oct. 3, 2015
President Moore, President Hogan, Amb. Jones, brother and sister Hibernians, friends, I am honored beyond belief to have been chosen for this award for two reasons. One it bears the name of the distinguished Nobel Peace Prize winner and fighter for Irish freedom Sean McBride. There is literally no one in Irish history that has done as much for Ireland and the world as Sean McBride and to receive an award in his name is truly a great honor. Second this award is given to me by my brother and sister Hibernians. I have been blessed by my membership in the Hibernians since my early years and … [Read more...] about Speech by Brian O'Dwyer on receiving the Sean McBride Award – Oct. 3, 2015
THOMAS DAVIS
There are few events in Irish history as tragic as the death of Thomas Osborne Davis. He was a rare man whose impact on the history of Ireland has never been truly appreciated. Born in Mallow, Co Cork on Oct 14, 1814, the son of a British Army Surgeon, he was educated at Trinity College and called to the Bar in 1838, but Davis heard another call: the call of Ireland. He heard it in the voice of Dan O'Connell when the Great Emancipator visited his home town in 1842, and asked a crowd of 400,000, “Where is the coward who would not die for Ireland?” This was a fiery young O'Connell, not the … [Read more...] about THOMAS DAVIS
Support for a U.S. Postage Stamp Honoring the 1916 Proclamation
The American Irish Teachers Association is working to have a commemorative stamp issued in recognition of the Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Such recognition is not without precedent, in 1989 the U.S. Postal Service recognized the 200th Anniversary of France’s Bastille Day and the start of the French Revolution, it is equally fitting that the Easter Rising should similarly be commemorated. Though often absent from school history books, Ireland was an early and unfailing supporter of the fledgling United State as noted by George Washington: "Ireland, thou friend of my country in my … [Read more...] about Support for a U.S. Postage Stamp Honoring the 1916 Proclamation
Statement from the National Political Education Chair Regarding CNN's Depiction of "the Troubles" in its series "the Seventies"
New City, New York – 8/3/2015– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians is both disappointed and saddened that CNN, a major news network, would in its recent episode of the series “The Seventies” entitled “The Golden Age of Terrorism” continue to perpetuate a sadly dated, skewed and inaccurate depiction of the struggle for freedom in Northern Ireland Per AOH Political Education Chair Neil F. Cosgrove: “It was hoped that CNN’s series “The Seventies” in its episode "The Golden Age of Terrorism" aired 7/30/15 would take advantage of the forty years that have … [Read more...] about Statement from the National Political Education Chair Regarding CNN's Depiction of "the Troubles" in its series "the Seventies"
THE GALLOPING HOGAN
After Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland, more than 40,000 Irish were relocated west beyond the Shannon by the end of 1654. Those who didn’t were press-ganged into the British Navy, or sold as indentured servants to the colonies. There was one group however, who refused to relocate. They eluded capture in the hills and glens near their ancestral homes, and raided the new settlers on the lands of their clans. They led an outlaw existence, and the British called them highwaymen; the Irish called them Rapparees. They were a constant concern to the English as they continued to strike the new owners of … [Read more...] about THE GALLOPING HOGAN
A Chaplain’s Farewell
Sisters and Brothers, Hibernians one and all, God Bless You and Keep You! As I have been preparing for my new assignment in Austria, I had the privilege of representing our National Board alongside Brother Daniel O’Connell at the Ohio State Convention. I wish to report to all of you that the Ohio LAOH and AOH are continuing the wonderful Celtic tradition of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. The convention was a great opportunity for fellowship and faith. The Hibernians of Ohio recommitted themselves to the order and a grand time was had by all. As I am concluding my service to all of … [Read more...] about A Chaplain’s Farewell
O’Donovan Rossa funeral centenary commemorated today
Today we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the O'Donovan Rossa funeral. To remind the world of Pearse’s great words, we would like to share a video with you. This re-enactment of Padraig Mac Piaras graveside oration at the funeral of O’Donovan Rossa at Glasnevin was performed in 2012. Enjoy and share. Patrick Pearse’s Graveside Oration O’Donovan Rossa, 1 August 1915 … [Read more...] about O’Donovan Rossa funeral centenary commemorated today
Hibernian Rifles in Ireland
As the American Irish and their Irish-American sons and daughters coalesced into a wage-earning community of Diaporadoes, organizations like the Ancient Order of Hibernians were formed in 1836 from early Ribbon societies to defend Catholic values. They also nursed a dream of an independent Ireland and maintained links with their Ribbon mentors. In the 1850s, several Ribbon groups in Ireland adopted the AOH name and, facing extreme anti-Catholic bias, fought fire with fire and became anti-Protestant to such a degree that they were called a green version of the Orange Order. While still … [Read more...] about Hibernian Rifles in Ireland
Statement From National President Brendan Moore Concerning the Passing of Former Congressman Mario Biaggi
New City, New York – 6/26/2015– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians mourn the passing of former Congressman Mario Biaggi. The son of Italian immigrants, the former Bronx Congressman was an improbable but impassioned voice for the cause of justice in Northern Ireland. Per AOH National President Brendan Moore: “The Irish-American community has lost a giant and a hero with the passing of Mario Biaggi. Former Congressman Mario Biaggi spoke for us when few others would even listen. He took up the challenge of exposing British injustice in … [Read more...] about Statement From National President Brendan Moore Concerning the Passing of Former Congressman Mario Biaggi
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Denounces Florida’s Repeal of the MacBride Principles
New City, New York – 6/9/2015– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians denounces Florida’s recent decision to rescind its commitment to the MacBride Principles and the continued pursuit of justice and peace for the people of Northern Ireland. Per National AOH Political Education Chair Neil F. Cosgrove: The Seventeen years of relative peace in Northern Ireland that have resulted from the Good Friday Agreement have lulled the state of Florida into complacency as indicated by the state's renunciation of the MacBride Principles. Governor Scott and the … [Read more...] about The Ancient Order of Hibernians Denounces Florida’s Repeal of the MacBride Principles
JEREMIAH O’DONOVAN ROSSA
100 years ago, on June 29, an Irish hero died who has the unique position in history to be remembered by more people for what was said at his grave than for what he did in life. It should be otherwise for he was a key part of Irish independence. Further, what was said at his grave was inspired by his life and can be considered his final act of rebellion because as a result, enrollment in the Irish Volunteers soared. But, who was this man that he could inspire such action – even from the grave? His name was Jeremiah O’Donovan and he was born on September 10, 1831 in Co. Cork, to a tenant … [Read more...] about JEREMIAH O’DONOVAN ROSSA
Press Release from National President Brendan Moore Concerning BBC Panorama’s Documentary, “Britain's Secret Terror Deals”
New City, New York – 5/30/2015– The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) The Ancient Order of Hibernians commends the BBC current affairs program Panorama for shining a long overdue public spotlight on the British Government’s collusion through its organs of MI5, the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary in dozens of murders during the Troubles in Northern Ireland; murders which through incessant bureaucratic stonewalling and cover-ups remain officially unsolved denying the victims' families closure and justice for decades. Per AOH National President Brendan Moore: “BBC's Panorama … [Read more...] about Press Release from National President Brendan Moore Concerning BBC Panorama’s Documentary, “Britain's Secret Terror Deals”
Brothers and Sisters in Christ …
Brothers and Sisters in Christ. May the Lord Bless You and Keep You. I greet you in the name of our Beloved Patron Saint, Patrick of Ireland. Our Church provides so many wonderful opportunities for us, her children, to grow in grace. One of the most wonderful is the fact that our Church Year, what we call the Liturgical Year, has seasons. The seasons mark not only the passage of time, as our secular seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall do, but they reflect the Paschal Mystery. We have been celebrating for the past 5 weeks, the Easter season. The week that fell between Palm Sunday and … [Read more...] about Brothers and Sisters in Christ …
BRIAN BORU
A centenary is a 100-year anniversary and next year we will commemorate the Centenary of the Easter Rising. However, last year Ireland commemorated a millenium, or a thousand year anniversary, of the battle of Clontarf in which the power of the Vikings in Ireland was forever broken – the only country to ever do so. Wherever Vikings settled, they took control, but when they tried to control Ireland they failed. For two centuries they attacked towns and monasteries, making quick raids and plundering wherever and whenever they could. Their failure came at the hands of Brian mac Kennedy in … [Read more...] about BRIAN BORU
CUMANN na mBAN
On Saturday, April 29, 1916, after leaving the burning GPO for their substitute Moore Street HQ, Pádraic Pearse said that, when the history of this fight would be written, the foremost page in the annals should be given to the women of Dublin who had taken their place in the fight for the establishment of the republic. He also told the women that their presence had inspired the men whose heroism, wonderful though it was, paled before the devotion and duty of the women of Cumann na mBan and he prayed that God would give them the strength to carry on the fight. Just who were these Irish … [Read more...] about CUMANN na mBAN
Happy Easter from the AOH National Board
Happy Easter from the AOH National Board. Good Friday and Holy Saturday are days that require some time in the Classroom of Silence. Uncertainty, sadness, worry, and fear seem to create paralysis among the first believers, but in reality,we, with them, are moving toward the certainty of Resurrection. Suddenly all becomes affirmed and confirmed. No more doubts for them OR US!! Happy Easter, Brendan Moore, National President Blessed Easter This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Christ is risen from the dead, Alleluia! May Christ raise … [Read more...] about Happy Easter from the AOH National Board
Letter from the Anti-Defamation Chair to the Washington Post Regarding Columnist Dana Milbank's characterization of St. Patrick's Day as "a festival of inebriation"
To the Editor, Washington Post: Satire and sarcasm are standard tools of the opinion writing trade. However, Dana Milbank overstepped the line from drollery to denigration in his March 18 op-ed column, “A fanciful GOP budget,” when he used St. Patrick’s Day as a prop to lampoon House Republicans. For Milbank to trivialize and denigrate St. Patrick’s Day as a “festival of inebriation in honor of the man who magically (and apocryphally) banished snakes from Ireland” is an outrage and insult to all Irish Americans. I would direct Milbank to President Obama’s proclamation of March as Irish … [Read more...] about Letter from the Anti-Defamation Chair to the Washington Post Regarding Columnist Dana Milbank's characterization of St. Patrick's Day as "a festival of inebriation"
this joyous day, the Feast Day of our Beloved Patron Saint, Patrick of Ireland…
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ. I greet you on this joyous day, the Feast Day of our Beloved Patron Saint, Patrick of Ireland. I pray that you are being blessed this day through a good and jubilant celebration. I am preparing to celebrate Mass at noon her at Franciscan University for the intention of the many members of my family, living and deceased, who share the name of Patrick. It is one of the most precious gifts that I received from my ordination: the ability to offer the most awesome celebration of Christ’s Paschal Mystery for those whom I love. I share this with you because I … [Read more...] about this joyous day, the Feast Day of our Beloved Patron Saint, Patrick of Ireland…
Save The Seraphs! Mater Dei Prep Catholic School closure threatened unless they raise $1,000,000 in 60 days!
NJ AOH Division 2 Monmouth for the past 9 years has run the AOH Polar Plunge for Catholic Education. During that time the Division has led 1000 students, faculty, clergy and family members into the freezing Atlantic Ocean each January. The event has raised over $800,000 with 100% being returned to the school for tuition assistance, projects, infrastructure and sports teams. Now AOH Member and Polar Plunge organizer Jim Shaw has been called upon by his Parish to help Save The Seraphs. The Mater Dei Prep High School in New Monmouth, NJ is threatened with closure unless they can raise … [Read more...] about Save The Seraphs! Mater Dei Prep Catholic School closure threatened unless they raise $1,000,000 in 60 days!