2008 President's Letters

To: ABC/ ESPN
From: Seamus Boyle
National President Ancient Order of Hibernians
Re: Remarks on Harrington
Date: August 14th 2008

Dear Sir,
The remarks that were made by your commentators following the British Open, in reference to Padraig Harrington “drinking Irish Whiskey out of the Claret Jug” and other insulting remarks about how “ All Ireland is primed for a boozed-based celebration” was totally uncalled for and demeaning to the Irish people.

 As the National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, the largest Irish American organization in the country, we ask how these comments can be allowed to take place on National TV without the person responsible being reprimanded.

Over 40 Million people in America, claiming Irish ancestry, would surely question these comments. Our members observe ESPN playing by two sets of rules, one for the Irish and the other for any other nationality. In 1997 Fuzzy Zoeller made an offensive remark about Tiger Woods and by reference African Americans, he was branded a racist for life and almost destroying his career.

Would your commentators even attempt to belittle or degrade the Jewish people, Asians or any other nationality? I think not. Is it permissible for your commentators to stereotype the Irish without being reprimanded or must the Irish/American people and organizations band together to make sure that your organization and your commentators are called to task when they degrade ANY Nationality.

Irish immigrants helped build this country and provided us with great statesmen, politicians, labor leaders, sports figures, religious leaders and their descendants as well as the Irish Diaspora continue to contribute to our great country today.

The AOH and Irish America request and demand an apology from ESPN and the commentators involved and ask that in the future these people think before they act. We know that having your nationality degraded on national television is not something of which any ethnic group can approve.

Looking forward to hearing from you in the near future. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Seamus Boyle
National President
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America