Patrick Henry O'Rorke was born in County Cavan, Ireland on March 25, 1837. His family emigrated from Ireland when Patrick was but a year old, eventually settling in the “Little Dublin” neighborhood of Rochester, N.Y. An excellent student, he earned one of two scholarships to the newly formed University of Rochester. However, his father’s sudden death required young Patrick to take a job as a marble cutter to support his family. Patrick’s talents were too considerable to go unrecognized for long. He came to the attention of Congressman John Williams, who recommended him for … [Read more...] about Bravery Beyond Measure: The Heroic Story of Colonel Patrick O’Rorke
Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan, from the Depths of the Ocean to the Heights of Space
Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan preparing for a Space Walk When we think of explorers, it is common to think of phrases such as "plumbing new depths" or "scaling new heights," but how many individuals can both expressions be used to literally and accurately describe their achievements? Such an individual is Irish American Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan. Kathyrn Sullivan was born in Paterson, New Jersey, to Donald Paul Sullivan and his wife Barbara (née Kelly). Sullivan's grandfather had immigrated from Lauragh on the Beara Peninsula in County Kerry. She chose her middle … [Read more...] about Dr. Kathyrn Dwyer Sullivan, from the Depths of the Ocean to the Heights of Space
Patrolman, Poet, and Hero; the Remarkable Life of Phillip Fitzpatrick
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 … [Read more...] about Patrolman, Poet, and Hero; the Remarkable Life of Phillip Fitzpatrick
John Mackay, the Forgotten “Bonanza King”
John MacKay, the “Bonanza King” William Shakespeare observed, “The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.” It speaks to the ironic tendency for society to notarize, even glorify, the darkest aspects of humanity while ignoring the noble. Nowhere is this clearer than in the case of Irish American John Mackay, the “Bonanza King.” John Mackay (pronounced Mackee) was born on November 28, 1831, on the outskirts of Dublin in the appalling poverty that was the hallmark of pre-famine Ireland. In 1840, when Mackay was nine years old, … [Read more...] about John Mackay, the Forgotten “Bonanza King”
Beyond ‘Hamilton’: The True Story of Hercules Mulligan, American Patriot
Hercules Mulligan, an Irish immigrant, became an unsung hero of the American Revolution. Though the musical 'Hamilton', whose chief goal is to entertain, has introduced his name to a broader audience, Mulligan's real contributions as a spy and hero of American independence are far more compelling than the play suggests. Mulligan was born in Coleraine, Co Derry, in 1740 and emigrated with his family to North America at the age of 6, settling in New York City. He attended King's College (now Columbia University). Mulligan opened an upscale tailor … [Read more...] about Beyond ‘Hamilton’: The True Story of Hercules Mulligan, American Patriot
A Shepherd in the Flames: The Medal of Honor Story of Fr. Joseph O’Callahan
The Medal of Honor is the highest military honor bestowed by the United States. It is awarded for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.” Achieving this honor in battle is exceptional enough; earning this award when armed only with courage and faith is extraordinary. One such extraordinary man was Fr. Joseph T. O’Callahan, S.J. Joseph Timothy O’Callahan was born on May 14, 1905, in Roxbury, Mass. In 1922, young Joseph heard God’s call and joined the … [Read more...] about A Shepherd in the Flames: The Medal of Honor Story of Fr. Joseph O’Callahan
Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”
Kathleen Rita McNulty was born in the village of Creeslough on February 12, 1921, the third of six children of Anne Nelis and James McNulty. Her father was Commandant of the Doe Battalion of the Irish Volunteers. On the night of her birth, he was arrested and imprisoned in Derry Gaol for two years for his republican activities. On his release, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where James worked as a stonemason and went on to establish a successful construction business, frequently working with Irish American John B Kelly, the father of … [Read more...] about Irish American Heritage Month: Kathleen McNulty, an Irish American “Hidden Figure”
Dr. John B. Murphy, Surgical Genius
Dr. J.B. Murphy Dr. John B. Murphy, known throughout his life as "J.B.," was a renowned American surgeon and medical pioneer who made significant contributions to the field of medicine during his lifetime. He was born in a log cabin in Appleton, Wisconsin, on December 21, 1857. Murphy was the son of impoverished Irish immigrants Michael Murphy and Ann (née Grimes) Murphy, who had emigrated from Ireland during the Great Hunger. Murphy grew up in a large family with six siblings. His parents strongly emphasized education and encouraged their children to pursue academic and professional … [Read more...] about Dr. John B. Murphy, Surgical Genius
John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
John Lawrence Sullivan, born to Irish immigrants on October 15, 1858, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, grew into an embodiment of the American Dream for many Irish Americans. His parents, survivors of the Great Hunger in Ireland, instilled in him a profound sense of identity and resilience. Though he was an excellent student and his parents aspired for him to attend Boston College and become a priest, destiny had a different plan for Sullivan. Lured by the raw appeal of professional sports, Sullivan found his true calling in boxing, a sport then shadowed by legal ambiguities and often relegated to … [Read more...] about John L Sullivan: a Celtic Warrior and American Superstar
Courage, Sacrifice, and Loyalty: FDNY Firefighters Thomas and Daniel Foley
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
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
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
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
Call to Action: Ask Your Congressional Representative to Support H. RES. 596 and Democracy in Northern Ireland
Brother Hibernian:H. RES. 596, introduced by Hibernian Brother Mike Lawler, calls for the restoration of power-sharing in Northern Ireland. It is a critical step in addressing the ongoing political stalemate and maintaining the progress to peace in the north of Ireland, started 25 years ago by the Good Friday Agreement. The devolved Stormont Assembly has been in collapse since February 3, 2022, denying the people of Northern Ireland their democratically elected voice in their local government. Unconscionably, the reason for this rift is an internal party dispute between the … [Read more...] about Call to Action: Ask Your Congressional Representative to Support H. RES. 596 and Democracy in Northern Ireland
Phone Script to Protest U.K. Florida Trade Deal
Phone Number for Governor DeSantis' Office: (850) 488-7146 Phone Number for Florida Commerce Secretary Kelly (850) 245-7105 Please also consider calling your State Senator and State Representative The script is provided below as an aid to this call to action; you can, of course, use your own words. If you use the script, please pre-read it so you are comfortable. When you call, say, "I wish to speak to [ the person you are calling by title, for example, Governor DeSantis, Commerce Secretary Kelly]. You will likely be told that is not possible but that you can leave a message and … [Read more...] about Phone Script to Protest U.K. Florida Trade Deal
AOH Seeks to Sack U.K. End Run in Florida
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
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
Ancient Order of Hibernians Urges British House of Commons to Oppose Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill
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’
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’
Emergency Legacy Justice Appeal Webinar
AOH Brother Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick will join victims’ relative Patsy Kelly, civil rights lawyer Niall Murphy, and justice campaigner Andree Murphy in a live webinar broadcast hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) this Saturday, June 10th, at 10 AM Eastern Time, 3 PM Irish time. By its appointment of former Chief Justice Declan Morgan to head its new legacy commission, the British government is clearly signaling its intention to move ahead with the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, despite overwhelming opposition by victims’ relatives, human … [Read more...] about Emergency Legacy Justice Appeal Webinar