As President Biden arrives in Ireland to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we recognize the tremendous progress that has been made in Northern Ireland since its signing. The agreement has brought about an unprecedented era of peace and stability, and its positive impact on the people of Northern Ireland cannot be overstated. However, we cannot let the significant achievements made over the past 25 years distract us from the significant challenges and threats the Good Friday Agreement and a lasting peace still faces. The ongoing political deadlock in Northern Ireland as … [Read more...] about Good Friday Agreement Anniversary Calls for Renewed US Commitment
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Irish American Heritage Month: Col. Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy
The recent HBO Mini-Series The Pacific has brought a long overdue recognition to the sacrifices and hardships endured by the U.S. Marines in the Second World War. These battles were fought on isolated islands that one would struggle to locate on a map: Guadalcanal, Roi-Namur, Saipan-Tinian, Peleliu, Okinawa. Combat was often at point blank range; not only did the men involved battle the enemy, but poisonous snakes, insects, disease and the climate. Nowhere was the fighting harder than the Battle of Iwo Jima, a battle where Admiral Nimitz later observed “Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue.” No … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Col. Joseph Jeremiah McCarthy
Congressional and Irish Opposition to British Amnesty Plans
Fiona O’Hagan and Una Casey, whose husbands were among 19 collusion murder victims named in the Operation Greenwich report, heard Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick announce a new Congressional initiative opposing any British amnesty designed to end or inhibit investigations into Troubles murders. The announcement came during an Ancient Order of Hibernian webinar, highlighted by the heartbreaking personal stories of two victims, and an overview of the Operation Greenwich report by Mark Thompson of Relatives for Justice. The victims then heard wide ranging support from Irish government … [Read more...] about Congressional and Irish Opposition to British Amnesty Plans
On Veteran’s Day We Thank and Remember Those Who Served.
https://youtu.be/gw9xgswOkVs … [Read more...] about On Veteran’s Day We Thank and Remember Those Who Served.
AMERICAN AOH MEETING BELFAST VICTIMS’ FAMILIES
Ancient Order of Hibernians National President Danny O'Connell gets briefing on Springhill Massacre at site of the Massacre. Last Wednesday British Secretary Brandon Lewis pledged that he was “absolutely committed” to legislate an amnesty for all Troubles killings. Danny O'Connell, National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians traveled to Belfast to meet the Springhill Massacre families, New Lodge Six families and Sean Graham’s Bookmakers Massacre Families in meetings arranged by Relatives for Justice. He pledged that the powerful Irish American organization is “absolutely … [Read more...] about AMERICAN AOH MEETING BELFAST VICTIMS’ FAMILIES
President’s Testimonial Dinner & Sean MacBride Award Presentation
The National Board and Hibernian Charity board convened in Youngstown Ohio for the President's testimonial dinner and the presentation of the 2021 Sean MacBride Award to Geraldine Finucane. https://youtu.be/Op1efN77rzk More Videos: Past Sean MacBride Award Recipients Congratulate Geraldine Finucane The gathering started with a meal and team building event at a great local restaurant the MVR whose bocce courts allowed for good fun and intense competition amongst the members. Two full days of meetings commenced early Friday morning where every chair, director and board member … [Read more...] about President’s Testimonial Dinner & Sean MacBride Award Presentation
Texas Hibernians Call for Renaming Ft. Hood to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy
Meeting at their biannual convention, Texas members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, have in a resolution called for Ft. Hood to be renamed in honor of Audie Murphy, the most decorated combat soldier of WW II. The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act mandates renaming any U.S. military assets that commemorate the Confederacy or those who served in the Confederacy. Ft. Hood is currently named for Confederate General John Bell Hood. The Texas Hibernians noted that Audie Murphy, a native of … [Read more...] about Texas Hibernians Call for Renaming Ft. Hood to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient Audie Murphy
Hibernians Call For End on Ban of Irish Travel to U.S.
Today, in a letter to United States President Joe Biden, the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Daniel J. O’Connell called for an end to the ban on travel from Ireland to the United States, which has been in place since March 2020. The letter states: The Ancient Order of Hibernians, the largest Irish American organization in the United States, calls upon you, Mr. President, to lift the travel ban that currently applies to Ireland and the rest of Europe and replace it with a sensible and scientific protocol that permits a resumption of … [Read more...] about Hibernians Call For End on Ban of Irish Travel to U.S.
Restore Irish American NYPD Olympian Martin Sheridan’s Medals
In his obituary, the New York Times describes Martin Sheridan as "one of the greatest athletes the United States has ever known." While his name may not be as readily recognized today, that assessment still holds true. Sheridan was born in Bohola, County Mayo, Ireland in 1881, and would later emigrate to the United States. A giant for his time standing at 6' 3", he was a member of a group known as the "Irish Whales," a group of Irish American Athletes who were also members of the New York City Police Department who dominated the track and field competitions of the … [Read more...] about Restore Irish American NYPD Olympian Martin Sheridan’s Medals
Hibernians Welcome Announcement of Claire Cronin as Ambassador to Ireland
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) welcomes the announcement that President Biden has nominated Massachusetts House Majority Leader Claire Cronin to be the United States Ambassador to Ireland. The alacrity in making this nomination shows an appreciation by the administration of the very "special relationship" that the U.S. and Ireland enjoy, a relationship that predates America's independence. It is a relationship which George Washington paid tribute to when he said "When our friendless standards were first unfurled, who were the strangers who first mustered around our staff, Erin's … [Read more...] about Hibernians Welcome Announcement of Claire Cronin as Ambassador to Ireland
In Rememberance of Memorial Day
In observance of Memorial Day, we remember in a special way the thousands of Irish immigrants, who though new to their adopted country, were willing to serve and made the ultimate sacrifice to their adopted country. Having left family in Ireland and having not had a chance to establish themselves in America, their sacrifices are often overlooked. May we never forget them. https://youtu.be/nhPXOCy6OcY … [Read more...] about In Rememberance of Memorial Day
Commemoration of the 1981 Hunger Strikers
Brothers from around the state of Connecticut gathered in Hartford on Saturday, May 8, for the 40th Anniversary Commemoration of the 1981 Hunger Strikers. The event was sponsored by Irish Northern Aid of Connecticut and held at Bobby Sand Circle. The memorial, which was dedicated in 1997, is the only one of its kind in the United States. The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Brother Martin Galvin, the chairman of FFAI for AOH. He gave a passionate talk on Sands and all the Hunger Strikers, and also the state of affairs in Ireland at the present time. Brothers from Divisions in … [Read more...] about Commemoration of the 1981 Hunger Strikers
Hartford AOH Calendar Raffle Benefits Parade, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Local Charities
Hartford AOH Division recently completed its March Calendar Raffle, which is annually one of its major fundraisers. Despite COVD-19, the Division was able to raise $2,500 from the raffle, which features a daily cash prize each day during March. The Division donated $1,000 to the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee for the 2022 Hartford Saint Patrick’s Day parade. Like most parades, the Hartford event has not taken place the past two years, but we will march again in 2022! A $500 gift was presented to help rebuild the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a center serving children and … [Read more...] about Hartford AOH Calendar Raffle Benefits Parade, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and Local Charities
Irish American Heritage Month: Michael McGovern, the ‘Puddler Poet’
Michael McGovern was born in the townland of Castlefield, near Williamstown, County Galway to John Govern and Bridget Flynn in October 1847. We don't know a lot about his early life. We know that he was educated at a Hedge School. As educating Irish children was often not permitted, secret schools were organized by itinerant teachers. These schools were usually held outdoors among the hedges; hence they were known as Hedge Schools. McGovern received an education in the basics, including Latin. He also learned Irish history by the fireside listening to the older … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Michael McGovern, the ‘Puddler Poet’
Join us for Christmas Mass
We invite you to join us online for Mass this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can use the links below to watch Mass celebrated by our National AOH Chaplains or stream the mass live from the Knock Shrine in Ireland. Christmas Masses from St. Paul Catholic Parish, North Canton Ohio National Chaplain Father John Keehner. Christmas Eve:4PM and 6PM Eastern TimeChristmas Day:8AM Eastern time St. Paul Church Parish Live, Click Here Christmas Masses from St. Vincent De Paul Church, San Francisco, CANational Chaplain Father Mike Healy Christmas Eve:8PM Pacific TimeChristmas … [Read more...] about Join us for Christmas Mass
The AOH Pays Tribute To Our Veterans
The Hibernians have released a video for Veterans day recognizing the unique contributions that Irish Americans have made in service to America. While recognizing and grateful for the sacrifices that Americans of every race, ethnicity, and religion have made in defense of our country, Irish America can take pride and have a very Celtic obligation of remembrance to those of our family, no matter how extended, who served. It is incredible the prominent place that the Irish occupy on our nation’s rolls of honor, especially given that Irish immigrants and their descendants have frequently … [Read more...] about The AOH Pays Tribute To Our Veterans
The U.S. Can’t Be Played for Puppets
While we hope we can bring a smile during these trying times in the best tradition of Jonathan Swift, the threat that Brexit and the Internal Market Bill pose to the Good Friday Agreement is no laughing matter. It is critical that we send a clear message to our elected officials, especially those newly elected, that the United States should not be played for a puppet in getting a U.K./U.S. trade deal; that we will not enter into new commitments with a Britain that has consistently failed to honor its two-decades-old commitments under the Good Friday Agreement. https://youtu.be/bqVvhF0KODk … [Read more...] about The U.S. Can’t Be Played for Puppets
Commodore Barry Day 2020
Commodore John Barry, 1801 Portrait by Gilbert Stuart Per our National Constitution, September 13th is designated "Commodore Barry Day," a national holiday of the Order. If you are not aware of who Commodore Barry is, you are not alone, for sadly, you are in the company of the majority of Americans. This speaks to the importance of the day and a significance of which extends far beyond the man himself. When one looks at the 1801 portrait of Barry by Gilbert Stuart, one may get a false impression of Barry; the painting shows an old man in declining health (Barry would die two … [Read more...] about Commodore Barry Day 2020
Representative Peter King Speaks out on McAllister Deportation
Congressman Peter King (Malachy McAllister) has resided in the United States for over 20 years as a valued member of his community. It is regrettable that the Department of Homeland Security has chosen to ignore the life Mr. McAllister has built for himself and his family in the United States, along with his tireless advocacy for the Irish Peace Process. Instead, they only focus on an association he gave up long ago. … [Read more...] about Representative Peter King Speaks out on McAllister Deportation
Texas AOH to host Virtual Happy Hour with the Blaggards, RSVP Now!
The Texas State Board of the AOH presents a Virtual Happy Hour with the Blaggards! Proceeds to benefit the Hibernian Hunger project of the Hibernian Charities. Join us on Facebook Live at 7 pm Eastern, 6 pm Central THIS Saturday, June 13 for all of the Stout Irish Rock you can handle! Do us a favor and spread the word. You can help by: Visiting www.Facebook.com/TXAOH, scrolling down to the event, and click the "going" or "interested" button. Sharing the event with a post to your personal page and your division's page, encouraging others to join us and share.Giving the Texas State … [Read more...] about Texas AOH to host Virtual Happy Hour with the Blaggards, RSVP Now!