The Ancient Order of Hibernians

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

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Courage, Sacrifice, and Loyalty: FDNY Firefighters Thomas and Daniel Foley

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At the young age of 32, Thomas Foley was already an 11-year decorated veteran firefighter of the FDNY and a legend. He was a larger than life individual who embraced life to the fullest and seemed to excel at everything he tried from powerlifting to skydiving. Having learned to ride horses on visits to his grandfather's farm, he even excelled as a competitor on the rodeo circuit. With boyish good looks, Thomas Foley was featured twice by People Magazine and appeared in the FDNY's "2003 Calendar of Heroes." However, being a firefighter was Thomas Foley's first passion; it was all he wanted to … [Read more...] about Courage, Sacrifice, and Loyalty: FDNY Firefighters Thomas and Daniel Foley

Unsinkable and Unstoppable: The True Story of Margaret “Molly” Brown

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Young Margaret Tobin Brown Margaret Tobin Brown, famously known as the "Unsinkable Molly Brown," is often celebrated in popular culture for her flamboyant personality and heroic actions on the Titanic.  However, this portrayal barely scratches the surface of her remarkable life and achievements.  While she is invariably portrayed as an outspoken, humorous, flamboyant woman of America's West, these depictions, though rooted in truth, do a disservice to the complexity and depth of her character and contributions. Born in 1867 in Hannibal, Missouri, to Irish immigrants John and … [Read more...] about Unsinkable and Unstoppable: The True Story of Margaret “Molly” Brown

Irish American Heritage Month 2024

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Irish American Heritage Month is a time to show your pride in being an Irish American and a Hibernian. Here you will find resources to allow you and your division to honor and celebrate the contributions that Irish Americans have made throughout the history of our nation. We must remember that Heritage is not a gift you receive, it is a gift you give and we have a duty to pass our heritage and the pride in being Irish American to the next generation. Resources to Support Your Irish American Heritage Month efforts Sample Irish American Heritage Month Resolution WHEREAS, {Your … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month 2024

Statement from National President Danny O’Connell the historic appointment of Michelle O’Neill as First Minister

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Today marks a monumental achievement that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago: the appointment of a representative from an Irish nationalist party as the First Minister of Northern Ireland. The Ancient Order of Hibernians congratulates First Minister Michelle O'Neill for making history for Ireland, women, and the world. However, even more significantly, today ends once and for all the days of Stormont being a "Protestant Parliament for a Protestant People," making it a parliament for all members of the community of Northern Ireland. It marks a significant stride towards … [Read more...] about Statement from National President Danny O’Connell the historic appointment of Michelle O’Neill as First Minister

AOH GAELIC MASS DAY WATCHED NATIONALLY

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Hibernians wearing sashes and medallions,joined local Irish community groups, Gaelic Clubs and St. Barnabas parishioners, for Bronx County’s 5th annual Gaelic Mass Day, celebrated by Fr. Brendan Fitzgerald on Sunday October 29th. Once again the symbol for the day was the Irish Mass Rocks, where outlawedMasses were said in secret by outlawed priestsduring the English Penal Laws. This year the Irish Language Mass included a special remembrance for bereaved families “who hunger and thirst for justice”, following a call by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of all Ireland, for prayers for those who … [Read more...] about AOH GAELIC MASS DAY WATCHED NATIONALLY

AOH Seeks to Sack U.K. End Run in Florida

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Recently, the British Government passed the "Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act." This legislation is nothing but a callous attempt to airbrush the role of the British Government during the conflict in Northern Ireland at the expense of the victims and their families.  The bill will halt all criminal investigations court proceedings and give an amnesty for all crimes committed during the Northern Ireland conflict, even murder.  Per legal scholars, this amnesty goes even further than the infamous amnesty of Dictator Pinochet.  In historic unity, this act is … [Read more...] about AOH Seeks to Sack U.K. End Run in Florida

AOH Statement on Passage of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill

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With the passage today of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, the government of Prime Minister Sunak has decided to add their own sad chapter in the history of Britain’s callous disregard for the rights of the Irish people.  The bill trades equal access to the courts and justice that are the mark of all democratic societies for an unrealistic, forlorn hope that perpetrators of killings and torture will, after decades of literally getting away with murder, will now have a ‘Road to Damascus” moment.  In rare unanimity, the bill is opposed by all major … [Read more...] about AOH Statement on Passage of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill

Cū Chulainn, Yeats and 1916

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The Dying Cuchulainn Oliver Sheppard was a respected Irish sculptor now remembered mostly for his 1911 work, The Dying Cuchulain. Sheppard, of Protestant background, was active in the Celtic Revival movement and sculpted The Dying Cuchulain in 1911, inspired at least in some respect by Lady Gregory’s work. In 1905 he sculpted a statute of a Wexford pikeman, recalling the United Irishmen Rising of 1798. Eamon DeValera chose The Dying Cuchulainn to be placed in the GPO in 1935, in advance of the 20th anniversary of the Rising, describing the work as “a creation of Irish genius, symbolizing … [Read more...] about Cū Chulainn, Yeats and 1916

Ancient Order of Hibernians Urges British House of Commons to Oppose Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill

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In an unprecedented move, the President of America's largest Irish American Organization, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), has written a letter to each member of the British House of Commons expressing strong opposition to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill currently before parliament. This marks the first time that the AOH, an influential Irish-American organization, has reached out directly to Members of Parliament, highlighting the significance of the issue. The text of the letter is as follows: In every official meeting between the United States and the … [Read more...] about Ancient Order of Hibernians Urges British House of Commons to Oppose Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill

UK’s Legacy Bill Threatens the Good Friday Agreement and ‘Special Relationship’

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Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris stated today that the U.K. Government plans to continue to pursue the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, restoring to the bill provisions that would provide an amnesty for murder and torture, halt current and future investigations, and deny victims access to the courts. This action contravenes Britain's pledged commitments under the Good Friday Agreement and the norms of justice of civilized societies, including the basic principles of the Magna Carta, which holds that no one is above the law. The Northern Ireland … [Read more...] about UK’s Legacy Bill Threatens the Good Friday Agreement and ‘Special Relationship’

AOH letter to Prime Minister Sunak, Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill threatens the US “special relationship” with the UK.

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The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America have been closely following the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill which threatens the US "special relationship" with the UK and has issued the following letter to Prime Minister Sunak following the recent amendment's to the bill: Prime-Minister-Rishi-Sunak-send-6-14-2023Download … [Read more...] about AOH letter to Prime Minister Sunak, Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill threatens the US “special relationship” with the UK.

AOH in America Participates in Honoring 6000 Coffin Ship Victims in Montreal

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Lily MacLean, Esmé Cavanaugh (Gráinne), Tim Weklar (Albany, Division 5) Victor Boyle (AOH Canada National President), MP John Finnucane (Sinn Féin, Belfast North) and Jim Scott (Schenectady, Division 1)  On May 28th, members of the AOH in America participated in the “Annual Walk to the Stone” memorial ceremony that is organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Canada. The Black Rock Memorial is currently located in between two highway roads near the Victoria Bridge in the Point Saint Charles section of Montreal and is the site of a 6,000 person mass grave of coffin ship … [Read more...] about AOH in America Participates in Honoring 6000 Coffin Ship Victims in Montreal

Good Friday Agreement Anniversary Calls for Renewed US Commitment

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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

Forgotten Patriot: The Courageous Story and Legacy of Commodore John Barry

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Did you know that the first flag officer and founder of the United States Navy was an Irishman?  His name was John Barry and Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said in his eulogy at Barry's graveside, "He was born in Ireland, but America was the object of his devotion and the theater of his usefulness."  Barry was born in Co. Wexford, Ireland in 1745 and grew up with a great love for the sea.  As a young man, he emigrated to the Crown colonies in America and by 1760, he was employed in a shipbuilding firm in Philadelphia.  In 1766, at the age of … [Read more...] about Forgotten Patriot: The Courageous Story and Legacy of Commodore John Barry

The Grand Old Man of Baseball: The Enduring Legacy of Connie Mack

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Baseball is a sport built for superlatives and appellations; with every passing season, another member of the sport seems to be bestowed the title of "the Greatest" or a nickname.  Yet, there is only one "Grand Old Man of Baseball," and there will never be another like Irish American Connie Mack nor anyone as deserving of the title. Connie Mack was born Cornelius McGillicuddy in Brookfield, Massachusetts, on December 22, 1862.  His parents were both Irish immigrants, Michael McGillicuddy from Killarney, while Mary  (nee McKillop) McGillicuddy was from the Catholic section of … [Read more...] about The Grand Old Man of Baseball: The Enduring Legacy of Connie Mack

“Our Last Hero”: the Incredible Story of “Wild Bill” Donovan

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At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, for the first time in over four years, the guns fell silent across the trenches that scarred the face of Europe during the First World War. America had been latecomers to the conflict but at a tremendous cost had tipped the scales in what had been a murderous stalemate. No division had sacrificed more than the 42nd Division, nicknamed the "Rainbow Division," as it had been formed from National Guard Units whose origins stretched across the country. No unit in the Rainbow Division fought on more fronts, nor suffered more … [Read more...] about “Our Last Hero”: the Incredible Story of “Wild Bill” Donovan

Patrolman, Poet, and Hero; the Remarkable Life of Phillip Fitzpatrick

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Philip Fitzpatrick was born in Aughavas, Co. Leitrim in 1892.  Like so many of his generation, he emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. He joined the NYPD in 1926 and was assigned to Mounted Squad 1 in Manhattan.  He would serve with distinction for over 21 years as one of ‘New York’s Finest’ and would prove more than worthy of the title. However, in addition to protecting the streets of New York, Patrolman Fitzpatrick had another talent that few realized until many years after his death; he was a talented poet.  Fitzpatrick came from a family having a long … [Read more...] about Patrolman, Poet, and Hero; the Remarkable Life of Phillip Fitzpatrick

Irish American Heritage Month: Archbishop “Dagger John” Hughes

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John Joseph Hughes was born on 24 June 1797 in Annaloghan, Co. Tyrone, to a poor farmer. As a Catholic in English-ruled Ireland, he couldn’t even receive a Catholic education. When John was 15, his younger sister, Mary, died and British law barred a Catholic priest from presiding at her burial; the best he could do was to scoop up a handful of dirt, bless it, and hand it to John to sprinkle on her grave. Hughes never forgot that and dreamed of ‘a country in which no stigma of inferiority would be impressed on my brow, simply because I professed one creed or another.’ Fleeing poverty and … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Archbishop “Dagger John” Hughes

Andrew Higgins: The Man Who Built the Boats That Won World War II

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“The Jaws of Death.” A photo by CPHOM Robert F. Sargent, USCG. A Coast Guard-manned LCVP from the USS Samuel Chase disembarks troops of Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division on the morning of June 6, 1944, at Omaha Beach It is an iconic image of WW II, a photo taken on June 6, 1944 showing American soldiers exiting a landing craft coming ashore at Omaha beach. A few months later on October 20th, another photo captured the moment General Douglas MacArthur “returned” to the Philippines, wading ashore from a landing craft. Neither of these historic moments would have been possible … [Read more...] about Andrew Higgins: The Man Who Built the Boats That Won World War II