On behalf of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, I would like to extend a warm and sincere thank you to the people of Pearl River. When we presented this convention to the men of the AOH and the ladies of the LAOH two years in Albany we knew we were facing strong competition from other venues. However, we also knew we had a secret weapon in “The Town of Friendly People.” Rather than historic buildings, large convention centers or casinos, our presentation focused on the special community and people of Pearl River. It was on this that we were awarded the convention, and on the day the graciousness and vitality of Pearl River exceeded our poor attempts to describe it. To a person, the people who came from across the state, the nation and even internationally to attended the largest and most successful AOH/LAOH convention that New York State has ever held praised the welcome they received and the hospitality of the community throughout the convention.

To try and thank here everyone who should be thanked would run on for pages and run the risk of doing the injustice of inadvertently missing someone. However, our countless hard working volunteers, our local government leaders, our talented musicians and dancers, local business owners and countless others all out did themselves. I look forward to reaching out to you all in the coming days to thank you personally. We do indeed live in a special and unique community, and while we may notice it more during events such as this convention, it is there quietly every day. We should never take it for granted how blessed we are to live in this special community. I know I never shall.

The Archdiocese of New York will be offering a Mass for Life on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at it’s weekly 10:15 Am Mass. The A.O.H. has been invited to take part in the mass by the Sisters of Life (an order founded by the late John Cardinal O’Connor, himself a Hibernian). Any Hibernian who can attend is asked to meet on the steps of the Cathedral at 9:30. Attire should be dark suits and Hibernian tri-color sashes. All Rockland Hibernians should make every effort to attend.

Brothers-

Yesterday 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

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.

Dear Brother Hibernians

Following one of the wettest summers on record in Ireland and rainfalls in November and December 2009 that have been nothing short of catastrophic, conditions caused by flooding have reached a level of devastation that actually parallels that encountered by New Orleans and the Gulf Coast following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

First hand reports and information from various news agencies indicate that at a minimum the current major areas affected include Clare, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Roscommon with reported rivers that have burst their banks, bridges collapsed and major roads shut down. Homes in Down, Armagh and Belfast have been damaged in the high waters and some residents in the east of the city have been forced to seek emergency accommodation. Property damage and the unsanitary conditions being caused as a result are extensive. South of the boarder the Midlands and Kilkenny were among the worst hit regions, with serious flooding affecting parts of Kildare, Westmeath, Offaly, Tipperary and Laois.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians in America is committed to doing everything within our power to aid those in need as a result of the current devastation and we are joining our Brothers Hibernians from the Board of Erin in raising funds to send to the Irish Red Cross. We are certain that, as has happened so many times in the past, the compassion, support and generosity of our membership will once again make our efforts a success.
We ask that you distribute this information to individual members, divisions and boards within your jurisdiction. Include it in your newsletters and add it to your web sites. No donation is too small. Checks should be made out to the AOH National Board 2009 IFR Appeal and mailed to the address above.

Thank you and God bless you for your anticipated support.

In our Motto,
Frank Kearney, Jr.
2009 Flood Relief Appeal Chairman

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