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2008 Press Releases
October 11, 2008
AOH National President Seamus Boyle and
State Leaders Meet with Irish Ambassador and
NY Consul General
State leaders of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America led by President Seamus Boyle of Philadelphia had a luncheon meeting with Irish Ambassador Michael Collins and NY Consul General Niall Burgess to discuss broad areas of cooperation at the Consul General's home in New York City.
Ambassador Collins has been tasked by the Taoiseach with creating avenues of communication with Irish American Diaspora on many levels and the AOH is seen as a main group in this effort.
The Ambassador began by thanking the Hibernians for their efforts on the Good Friday Agreement and the Peace Process and keeping Irish Culture as well as Heritage alive in the United States since their founding in 1836.
President Boyle in turn invited the Ambassador and the Counsel General to accompany the AOH to Grosse Isle on the St. Lawrence River to commemorate the erection of a Celtic Cross by the AOH on the island 100 years ago this August 15. The more than 60 foot cross located on a cliff overlooking the seaway was erected to commemorate those who died and were buried in mass graves on Gross Isle, used as a quarantine facility by the Canadian Government for those fleeing the Great Hunger in Ireland.
The discussion involved the undocumented, recent visas, Irish culture, and of course the Irish economy as well as progress in the north of Ireland on the Peace Process.
The Irish diplomats also commended the AOH for their efforts in bringing questions to the American Presidential candidates and singled out the answer on the Pat Finucane Enquiry from Senator Obama's campaign for special praise.
The Irish government has also made a grant to the AOH through the Hibernian Charity toward two cultural projects; the An Gorta Mor Awards and National History Day. The Hibernian officers thanked the Irish Government for their generosity.
President Boyle and Ambassador Collins will be meeting in Washington DC next week for further discussions and a video taping session.
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