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Brothers,
Friday, June 25 2010
The New York State Senate unanimously
adopted the United Ireland Resolution. This resolution was sponsored
by Senator George D. Maziarz of Niagara County and was co-sponsored
by 11 other Senators from all over the Great State of New York.
Please pass this along to all interested
parties.
I would also request that this resolution
and a thank you to the sponsors be posted on our state website, and
under separate email cover I have asked that our Worthy State
President forward a thank you letter to the main sponsor Senator
Maziarz and all of the co-sponsors. It would also be great if
members could forward letters of thanks as well.
This is obviously an important step, but
more work remains to bring us to a United Ireland. I look forward to
working with you Brothers to see this goal accomplished.
Yours in our motto
Matt Nelligan
Senate Resolution No. 5795
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MAZIARZ CO:
AUBERTINE, BONACIC, DEFRANCISCO, ESPADA, GOLDEN, GRIFFO,
JOHNSON O, MCDONALD, ONORATO, VOLKER, WINNER |
CONSIDERING
The unification of Northern Ireland
with the Republic of Ireland
WHEREAS,
Ireland is an ancient and distinct island-nation that was
artificially partitioned by the United Kingdom with the
Government of
Ireland Act 1920; and
WHEREAS,
The partition divided the nation into Northern Ireland,
which is composed of six northern counties and is one of the
four
constituent countries of the United Kingdom, and Southern Ireland,
which
would eventually become the Republic of Ireland, and which
consists of
the remaining 26 counties; and
WHEREAS,
Negotiated with American support, the
Belfast Agreement,
commonly known as the Good Friday Agreement, was ratified by the
British
and Irish Governments on April 10, 1998; and
WHEREAS,
The Good Friday Agreement represents
a fundamental
political advance that created a framework and a mechanism for
further
political development toward the final resolution of the Irish
issue of
reunification; and
WHEREAS,
The time has come to move toward ending
the partition of
Ireland in favor of a united, sovereign nation that guarantees
equal
rights and equal opportunities for all its citizens; and
WHEREAS,
It is believed that in every area that affects the life and
well-being of the Irish people, including the economy,
education,
health, governance and social interaction, a united Ireland offers
the
best opportunity for peace and prosperity for the Irish nation and
its
people; and
WHEREAS,
An end to partition should be
supported by all
democratic-minded people and people of good will; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED,
That this Legislative Body pause in its
deliberations to
consider the unification of Northern Ireland
with the Republic of Ireland, and express its sense that Irish Americans
can make a significant contribution toward achieving the goal of Irish
reunification; and be it further
RESOLVED, That
copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the
President and Vice-President of the United States, the Majority and
Minority Leader of the United States Senate, the Speaker and
Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and
every member of Congress elected from this State,
The New York State President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the
National President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Ambassador
for the Republic of Ireland, and the Ambassador for the United Kingdom.
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Semi-annual New York State Board Meeting
Date: April 1, 2010
Photos:
http://gallery.me.com/johncoconnell#100340
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Brothers,
Below is posted the
Presidential Proclamation signed by President Barack Obama declaring
March as Irish-American Heritage Month. This is the 20th Anniversary of
the President of the United States issuing the Presidential
Proclamation. Work continues to have March permanently designated as
Irish-American Heritage Month.
I encourage all
jurisdictions throughout our great state to widely circulate this
Presidential Proclamation and in conjunction with the same take every
opportunity to set up cultural and historic displays and functions at
any public sites that may be available in your area. While we do not
necessarily need the month of March or a Presidential Proclamation to
promote our culture, heritage and history, what better time to do so.
Yours in our motto of
Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity,
Chip McLean
AOH New York State
President
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 01, 2010
Presidential Proclamation--Irish
American Heritage Month
A
PROCLAMATION
From long before American independence to
today, countless individuals have reached our shores, bringing vibrant
cultures and diverse roots, and immeasurably enriching our Nation. This
month, we honor the contributions made by the tens of millions of
Americans who trace their heritage to the Emerald Isle.
Irish Americans fought for our independence,
and their signatures adorn our founding documents. When famine ravaged
Ireland in the 1840s and 1850s, many Irish men and women sought a new
beginning in the United States. Though they faced poverty and
discrimination, these immigrants transformed our cities, served in our
Armed Forces, and settled the frontiers of our young Nation. Their
children, and succeeding generations of Irish Americans, have preserved
their culture's values while becoming leaders in every facet of American
life.
During this year's Irish-American Heritage
Month, we also celebrate an extraordinary Irishman: Senator Edward M.
Kennedy. Throughout his career in public service, Senator Kennedy worked
tirelessly to create opportunity for all Americans. His legacy lives on
in the legislation he championed, which will bolster and protect the
health, education, and civil rights of Americans for generations to
come.
Across the Atlantic, the people of Ireland
continue to confront their own challenges with resolve and
determination. In the face of violence perpetuated by some -- testing a
hard-earned peace -- the people of Northern Ireland have responded
heroically. Undaunted, they and their leaders persist on the road to
peace and prosperity enshrined over a decade ago in the Good Friday
Agreement. The United States remains committed to supporting the
political process and the work of those who have shown leadership in
pursuit of a lasting peace.
Today, the sons and daughters of Erin can
look back with pride on their many contributions to the civic and
cultural life of America. Like so many of our Nation's ethnic
communities, Irish Americans are a people whose hard work and resilience
have brought them great opportunity and success, and whose service to
our Nation has left it a better place.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President
of the United States of America, by the virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States do hereby
proclaim March 2010 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all
Americans to observe this month by celebrating the contributions of
Irish American to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten,
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred
and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA |
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Brothers,
I would like to point out that of special relevance to New York
Hibernians, Governor Paterson and the NY Senate also proclaimed Irish
American Heritage Month in New York on 9 February 2010. This was the
result of efforts by the Rockland County Hibernians coordinated through
one of our Members Senator Thomas P. Morahan.
Neil Cosgrove
AOHDivision 3
AOH National Irish American Heritage Month Committee
(PDF
VERSION)
Pictured below is the proclamation.
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Below is the copy of the
resolution honoring our brothers and sisters that will be presented at
the County Legislature meeting on Tuesday night at 7p.m. at the County
Office Building, please join us in being present to witness this if you
can.
Schenectady County Legislature
RESOLUTION 32-10
Sponsored by Legislators Savage and Hughes:
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE JOHN F. KENNEDY
DIVISION 1 OF THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS TOGETHER WITH THE
SCHENECTADY DIVISION OF THE LADIES ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS AND ALL
PEOPLE OF IRISH DESCENT THROUGHOUT SCHENECTADY COUNTY ON THE OCCASION OF
THE FEAST OF SAINT PATRICK, MARCH 17th
WHEREAS, the County of Schenectady is proud of its many Irish residents,
and residents of Irish descent, which are many in this county, as are
their contributions to the well-being of Schenectady; and
WHEREAS, Saint Patrick is the patron Saint of Ireland and his deeds and
works are an important part of the heritage of all Irish people, and
people of Irish descent; and
WHEREAS, the John F. Kennedy Division 1, Ancient Order of Hibernians
together with the Schenectady Division of the Ladies Ancient Order of
Hibernians has contributed to the communities of Schenectady County for
130 years by making donations to worthy causes and deserving
organizations; and
WHEREAS, the John F. Kennedy Division 1 of the Ancient Order of
Hibernians together with the Schenectady Division of the Ladies Ancient
Order of Hibernians is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of Irish
heritage and to building community among all peoples of Schenectady
County; and
WHEREAS, the Schenectady County Legislature wishes to join with Irish
people everywhere in a sincere wish for peace in all of Ireland and the
full implementation of the Good Friday Peace Accord; now therefore be it
R 32-10 Page 2
RESOLVED, that the Schenectady County Legislature declares that on
Wednesday, March 17, 2010, St. Patrick’s Day shall be celebrated
throughout Schenectady County in the furtherance of peace in all of
Ireland, and in recognition of the many contributions and good works of
Irish-American people everywhere.
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Brothers,
I am
pleased to announce good news to you regarding the transfer of
policing and justice powers in the North of Ireland from London to
the North Assembly.
After much
work and arduous negotiations, some of which extended into
around-the-clock sessions, an agreement has been reached. Some will
find shortcomings with the agreement; however, compromise at times
is the key to negotiations. Just as some will take exception to
items in the agreement, some also find fault with both Sinn Fein and
the DUP. We must remember that both sides of the community rely
heavily on these two parties and we must keep in mind how far they
have brought the process to this point.
The
agreement provides for some key issues. The Irish Language and those
who choose to speak it are preserved and protected as well as the
rights and control by the residents of the Parades remains intact. I
am confident that this clearly shows a leap forward toward a United
Ireland.
Our quest
as outlined in the Constitution of the Ancient Order of Hibernians
for a United Ireland is something that we can now see as truly
attainable.
Yours in
our motto of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity,
Chip
McLean
NYS AOH
President
____________________
For immediate release 5th February 2010:
McGuinness welcomes agreement
Speaking
at Hillsborough this morning at the announcement of a deal on the
transfer of policing and justice powers from London to the North of
Ireland Sinn Féin MP and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness
said:
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an Taoiseach, Príomh Aire na Breataine agus na
páirtí uilig.
“I am very pleased that we have concluded this agreement with the
DUP.
“As
everyone knows this has been a difficult negotiation. This is hardly
a surprise given the reality that I am an Irish Republican and
others here have a completely different view. I believe in a united
Ireland. They want to maintain the union with England.
“This should not mean that we are incapable of respecting each
other, of treating one another as equals and proceeding on the basis
of partnership, respect, fairness and equality. I am utterly
determined to continue to work in good faith and with a good heart
with my unionist colleagues. I want to work in harmony with Peter
Robinson for the good of the entire community.
“That is what Sinn Féin is about. We signed up for agreements on
Good Friday and at St. Andrews and here today. We proceed on the
basis of implementing these commitments.
“We have agreed that the transfer of policing and justice powers to
our power sharing government will happen on April 12th. We have
agreed and put in place a process which will see the powers which
oversee parades transfer to our administration before the end of
this year.
“We have agreed a process to progress the rights of Irish Language
speakers and North/South aspects of the St. Andrews Agreement. Sinn
Féin are in these political institutions to deliver for everyone.
That’s what Sinn Féin Ministers and MLAs are here to do. I am a
Minister for all citizens.
“We are also agreed on the need to deliver for our community, it is
what they expect. There are families and children living in poverty;
elderly people feeling vulnerable and in fear. There are young
families burdened by massive mortgages and in fear of losing their
homes; people without jobs.
“Our
government needs to reach out to these people. It needs to deliver.
We need to confront and defeat all kinds of hatred. With determined
and courageous leadership we must continue to lead that shrinking
minority out of the trenches of the past. In this I am confident we
can be assured of the support of the vast majority of our people. We
need to make life better for all our children and grandchildren.
“That
is what this agreement must mean in practice. Fully functioning
political institutions operated for the people in true partnership
and equality. Let us now all face into the future with confidence in
ourselves and in the people who elect us.”
PDF
FILE OF HILLSBOROUGH AGREEMENT |
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At the 95th Biennial N.Y.S. A.O.H./L.A.O.H Convention, which was held in the
Albany Crowne Plaza Hotel, State and Lodge Streets, Albany NY 12207 the
following officers were installed on Saturday July 11, 2009.
L to R; (Sitting) President, Charles “Chip” McLean; Vice
President, Michael McNabb.
L to R; (Standing) Treasurer, Tim McSweeney; Secretary, James Burke,
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New AOH State President Chip McLean
accepts a proclamation from
Assemblyman Michael Cusick of the 63rd Assembly District.
(Photo by John O'Connell) |
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2009 STATEMENT ON SAME SEX
MARRIAGE BILL
The New York State Board of the AOH,
representing more than 15,000 Irish Catholics, adamantly opposes
Governor Paterson’s latest attempt to radically redefine the sacred
institution of marriage.
As faithful children of the Catholic Church we fully support the
position of the New York State and United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, which clearly and unequivocally states that marriage is the
union of one man and one woman. Further, we support a constitutional
amendment that would make this statement a part of the United States
Constitution.
New York Catholics needs to send a clear and unequivocal message to
Governor Paterson and the State legislature that when it comes to their
disrespect for our faith and values enough is enough. The institution of
marriage is far too important to be used by the Governor as a ploy to
distract the public from his other unpopular policies.
Once again Governor Paterson and his allies in the Senate and Assembly
have put forward an idea that appeals to the radical groups who make up
their voter base, while ignoring the wishes of most New Yorkers.
The New York State Board urges all members to write to their elected
officials and to the Governor to voice their opposition to the
Governor’s bill that would end marriage, as we know it.
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Press Release
upon Irish Foreign Affairs Dept. announcement of 20,000 J Visas for
Irish Citizens to US starting Jan. 1, 2009
by Matt
Nelligan and Dan Dennehy:
Ancient Order of Hibernians New York State
Board President Matt Nelligan and Immigration Chairman Dan Dennehy
welcomed the Irish State Department’s announcement of a new US Ireland
visa deal. “We join the Irish American community in congratulating
Taoiseach Brian Cowan, Irish Ambassador Michael Collins and the US and
Irish State Departments on this extremely significant step toward
rectifying the inequities created by the Immigration and Nationality Act
of 1965. The possibility of a secure and legal opportunity for 20,000
Irish people to annually live, work and experience our culture in the US
can definitely strengthen the invaluable bonds between our two nations.”
Matt Nelligan email:
i2000@hibernians.com
Dan Dennehy email:
dandennehy@hotmail.com
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