The Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Oldest and Largest Irish-Catholic Organization in the United States. Established 1836

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The Irish In Labor

The Irish In Labor

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One hundred years ago on August 19, a force was born that changed Irish history.  It is doubtful that the Easter Rising of 1916 could have taken place without the organizational ability of the Irish Citizen Army which sprang from the labor union movement in Dublin and the effects of the Great Dublin Labor Lockout.  Yet, that movement was very slow to organize in Ireland compared to the remarkable impact that the Irish had on organizing labor earlier in America which will be presented in Part Two.  The labor union movement was slow to grow in Ireland, partly because there was little industry in … [Read more...] about The Irish In Labor

President's Testimonial Dinner

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Interim Meeting of the AOH National Board                           National President’s Testimonial Dinner                                                   Conferral of The Sean MacBride Humanitarian Award   FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4TH      SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5TH See Below for Room and Function Reservations     FRIDAY:         Crowne Plaza Hotel 7 PM Welcome-“An Evening of Irish Entertainment and Hibernian Fellowship” One Hour Open Bar-Entertainment-Cash Bar   SATURDAY:  Crowne Plaza Hotel 9:30 AM          National Board Meeting 5 PM               Mass 6-7 PM            … [Read more...] about President's Testimonial Dinner

Letter to Mayor Bloomberg Regarding Kevin Bell

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June 20, 2013 The Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor, City of New York City Hall New York, NY 10007     Dear Mayor Bloomberg:   As the National Anti-Defamation Chairman of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the oldest and largest Irish American Catholic Organization in America,   I am writing to you regarding the tragic and reprehensible event that occurred on 16 June in the Bronx.   As I hope you are by now aware, on that date a young Irish immigrant, Kevin Bell, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run motorist.  The loss of anyone so young, especially by all accounts a … [Read more...] about Letter to Mayor Bloomberg Regarding Kevin Bell

Thomas Francis Meagher

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On July 1, 1867, three nations mourned the loss of one of their heros  Ireland, Australia and the United States.  The heros name was Thomas Francis Meagher and he was born on August 3, 1823.  His grandfather's successful trading business made it easy for his father to own a small hotel and pub in Waterford, where he was educated at a Jesuit boarding school.  Later at a Jesuit college in England he earned a reputation as an effective orator. He returned to Ireland in 1843, just two years before a blight hit the potato causing a great starvation among his people.  Watching his countrymen starve … [Read more...] about Thomas Francis Meagher

A Letter from the Anti-Defamation Chair regarding comments made by Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee

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OSU prez jabs Notre Dame, Catholics   May 31, 2013 Governor John R. Kasich Riffe Center, 30th Floor 77 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215-6117 Governor Kasich:   I am writing to you as the national Anti-Defamation Chairman of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, at 35,000 members the largest and oldest Irish Catholic Organization in America, regarding the recent comments by President E. Gordon Gee of Ohio State University.  As you are no doubt aware, President Gee made comments at the school’s athletic council concerning negotiations that he had with the University of Notre Dame … [Read more...] about A Letter from the Anti-Defamation Chair regarding comments made by Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee

President's Message

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Spring is the season of newness of growth, and of opportunity. Just as the lawns, trees and shrubs around us seem to take on new life, so, too, with each of us and with the AOH itself. In terms of growth, you should be aware that there are Hibernians in the State of Iowa, and they are increasing! Although it was February and we felt as though we were flying over the Polar Ice Cap, Danny O’Connell, our National Treasurer, and Patrick Sturdy, our National Legal Counsel, accompanied me to Dubuque to initiate new members, install a new division, and install a new county board. While the … [Read more...] about President's Message

The First Radio Broadcast

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There are many Irish radio programs today which feature bits of our history, news and musical heritage, but which one was the first?  For the answer, we must return to the early days of broadcast communication.  In 1895, Guglielmo Marconi demonstrated that rapid variations of electric current could be projected from point-to-point as telegraph waves.  Most credit him with inventing wireless communication, but few know that his mother, Annie Jameson, daughter of Andrew Jameson of Daphne Castle in County Wexford of the Jameson Irish Whisky family, was the one who encouraged and funded the young … [Read more...] about The First Radio Broadcast

Bobby Sands 32nd Anniversary

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May 5th is the 32nd anniversary of the death of Bobby Sands in the H Blocks of Long Kesh Prison – AKA The University of Freedom. I recently returned from a trip to Belfast and Derry. I was there with a group of friends that are part of the FFAI - Freedom For All Ireland. On Good Friday we participated in a conference commemorating the 15th Anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement that brought the end to the Troubles and peace to Northern Ireland. After the conference, we participated in the stations of the cross in Down Patrick. They were officiated by Father Sean Rogan who is … [Read more...] about Bobby Sands 32nd Anniversary

Good Friday Agreement 15th Anniversary Symposium

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Date/Time: Thursday, May 23, 2013 6:00PM to 9:00PM Place: Cooper Union Great Hall/ The Foundation Building Seven E 7th St between 3rd and 4th ave New York, NY (View Map) Admission: ADMISSION IS FREE, but seating is limited Tickets will be required for seat reservations Click Here To Reserve Your Tickets Download Event Flyer (pdf) Share This Event … [Read more...] about Good Friday Agreement 15th Anniversary Symposium

The Hunger Strike of 1981

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Thirty-two years ago, a protest by Irish republican prisoners ended in one of the most courageous and tragic events in Irish history.  It began 9 years earlier in July 1972, when Political Prisoner Status was introduced after a hunger strike by 40 IRA prisoners led by Billy McKee.  It meant being treated as prisoners of war and not having to wear prison uniforms nor do prison work.  In 1976, the Brits decided that disagreeing with the government was a crime and political dissidents were criminals just as thieves, rapists and murderers.  They ended Political Prisoner Status; prisoner’s clothes … [Read more...] about The Hunger Strike of 1981

Maude Gonne McBride

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One of the least known today, yet the most influential Irish Revolutionaries of her time, was a lady named Maud Gonne. She was born on Dec. 20, 1865, in England, to a British army colonel of Irish descent and an Irish mother.  Her mother died when Maud was only six and she and her sister were sent to France to be educated.  In 1882, her father was posted to Dublin Castle and he brought his two daughters with him and Maud assumed the role of hostess of the household.  She grew into a stunningly beautiful woman - six feet tall, pretty face, hour-glass figure and long, wavy, red hair; she was … [Read more...] about Maude Gonne McBride

AOH Protests Spencer's

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by Neil Cosgrove   New York News | NYC Breaking News I regret to say that once again our proud and noble heritage is under attack by the forces of ignorance, prejudice and corporations that will peddle anything for a dollar.  Once again Spencer’s, Urban Outfitters and Wal-Mart are selling shirts and novelties that seem to have sprung from the 19th Century pen of bigoted nativist cartoonist Thomas Nast.  Among some of the items on offer this year: A hat with “Irish Girl Wasted”  (Spencer’s) A green shamrock emblazoned shirt with “Everyone Loves a Drunk Slut” (Spencer’s) A shirt with … [Read more...] about AOH Protests Spencer's

Irish Way Study Abroad Program

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Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! The AOH National Board offers several scholarship opportunities for the children and grandchildren of its members. We ask that you please share this information on our scholarship  programs with your membership at your next meeting or in your next newsletter or communication.  Please also feel free to make copies of this letter and distribute it to your membership. Many thanks in advance for your assistance and cooperation with this request and endeavor.  If you are no longer President, please pass this letter onto your successor. The Irish Way High School … [Read more...] about Irish Way Study Abroad Program

AOH Immigration Reform

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On Sunday, March 3, 2013 Bronx County Division 5 Woodlawn,  honored Retired Judge John P. Collins, Bronx Division 3 President Bob Nolan and my wife, Siobhan Dennehy, AOH JFK Medal awardee & Executive Director Emerald Isle Immigration Center. Division 5, a newly reorganized Division has a long history of leadership on Immigration reform and leadership. Along with his fellow honorees  Judge Collins spoke to a capacity audience of clergy leaders, NYC elected officials, United Irish County Assn and AOH and LAOH National, State, County leaders. Judge Collins, now retired, is a lifelong Bronx … [Read more...] about AOH Immigration Reform

Forty Years Ago

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Today, when we hear of the intransigence of some extremists in Northern Ireland, it may help to look at where we were just 40 years ago this month and realize how far we’ve come.  Back in 1973, the Nationalist command structure in Belfast was losing the support of people once sympathetic to their cause.  It was as a result of the slanted coverage distributed by the British-controlled press to the media around the world.  Even the people in the Republic to the south were being insulated from the true story and, as a result, had lost much of their enthusiasm for the cause.  Reports of IRA … [Read more...] about Forty Years Ago

Presidential Proclamation — Irish-American Heritage Month, 2013

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IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2013 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION For more than two centuries, America has been made and remade by striving, hopeful immigrants looking for a chance to pursue their dreams. Millions among them were born in Ireland, separated from our shores but united by their belief in a better day. This month, we celebrate the Irish-American journey, and we reflect on the ways a nation so small has inspired so much in another. Generations of Irish left the land of their forebears to cast their fortunes with a young Republic. … [Read more...] about Presidential Proclamation — Irish-American Heritage Month, 2013

The Passing of Bishop Norbert Dorsey

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From President Brendan Moore: The expression "Out of sight, out of mind" is often, but not always true. It is certainly not true in the case of the AOH's association with Bishop Dorsey. Many of us recall the fact that he served two terms as AOH National Chaplain during the "Gilligan Years." His selection was a brilliant choice on the part of Tom Gilligan. Bishop Dorsey brought not only a quiet eloquence to his role, but gifts of sincerity, piety, and intellect as well. During those four years as National Chaplain, his commitment to our Order never wavered, despite the fact that his … [Read more...] about The Passing of Bishop Norbert Dorsey

AOH Car Rental Discount

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Through the efforts of Brother Brian Burke of Commodore John Barry Division 2 in Syracuse, NY, the AOH has been able to partner with the Avis/Budget Group to offer our members discounts on car rentals. The discounts are available nationwide, 24/7, at all Avis and/or Budget locations. On average, the discounts will run between 10 to 20 percent, and will vary with location and season. For Avis use code # AWD = X265800 and for Budget use code # BCD = A766200. Happy traveling. … [Read more...] about AOH Car Rental Discount