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***IMPORTANT MESSAGES WILL BE POSTED HERE***

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
 
 
  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.

 

Semi-annual New York State Board Meeting


Date: April 1, 2010

  

Photos: http://gallery.me.com/johncoconnell#100340

 

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 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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,

 

New AOH State President Chip McLean
accepts a proclamation from
Assemblyman Michael Cusick of the 63rd Assembly District.

(Photo by John O'Connell)

 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.

 

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

 

For a listing of the positions, please go to this location.

http://www.nyaoh.com/Officers.htm


 

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