Inauguration of the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral: It was my honor to represent the National Board at the Inauguration of the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral by Archbishop Timothy Dolan on Sunday, December 5. New York County President Tom Beirne wonderfully organized the AOH participation in this historic event at the request of the Archbishop and Monsignor Donald Sakano. The men of AOH New York and Westchester County Boards provided escort and security for the major historical event, the New York Archdiocese first basilica. Paid for with pennies donated by poor Irish immigrants and surrounded by walls built by the men and woman of the AOH defending their Cathedral night and day from destruction by the No-Nothings and Nativists, the ascent by Papal declaration to Basilica status gives Old St. Patrick’s even more significance to our Order. Through NY County President Tom Beirne’s coordination, the AOH was part of the majestic procession of Catholic Church leaders including Archbishop Dolan, Cardinal Egan and our National Deputy Chaplain Fr. Henry Reid. The Knights of Columbus provided an Honor Guard for the procession which also included the K of C executive board  and our AOH NY State President Chip McLean, NY State Secretary Jim Burke, NY County Vice-president Pat Brady, President Beirne, and myself. Both Cardinal Egan and Archbishop Dolan recognized the historical role of the Irish immigrants and the AOH and thanked us for participating in the Inauguration. Afterwards a reception was held and presented an opportunity for the men and women of the AOH to speak with the Catholic, civic and community leaders in attendance including Irish Consul General Noel Kilkenny and his lovely wife, Hanora.

Thanks to Sheila Gleeson of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers: Best wishes and sincere thanks are extended to Sheila s she departs her position as Executive Director of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, www.ciic-usa.org. For the past 5 years, Sheila has been invaluable in her assistance to the AOH on deportation and incarceration cases involving Irish immigrants across the United States. Her informative newsletters and bulletins on the CIIC website have set the standard on Irish immigration information. I know that Siobhan Dennehy, President of the CIIC and the Irish immigration advocates in centers across the US and in Ireland join me in wishing Sheila and her family the best in the future. Keep in touch, Sheila!

Thar Saile: We continue to support the efforts of Thar Saile www.tharsaile.org to achieve a permanent solution to the immigration issues of former Republican political prisoners living in the U.S.  Thar Saile’s members fully supported the Good Friday Agreement and as yet the immigration status of many of their members remains in limbo. These men and their families, many of their wives’ and children were born in the United States and deserve your support and attention. Please visit their website to learn more or contact me to find out about ways you can help.

Proceed with Caution: We are all aware of the dire economic straights that Ireland shares with much of Europe and the U.S. Many young people both here and in Ireland face long term unemployment and as in the past Irish people look to the West as a way to escape economic turmoil.  I would like to remind the membership that we do not condone or encourage illegal activity. If you know of a person thinking of emigrating to the U.S., please encourage them to seek the advice of an attorney or immigration counselor before coming to the U.S. A useful website: http://www.migrantproject.ie/emigrating_from_ireland_usa.htm

Ring in the New Year by resolving to be your Division’s Immigration Chairman: I close by wishing a happy and healthy New Year to one and all. Here’s to the creation of a safe, legal path of immigration for the Irish through legislative success in 2011! If you have not done so already please resolve to have an immigration chairman appointed in your Division, County and State Board and have them email, write or call me. Together we can begin to work on legislation and help secure a future for Irish American culture and heritage.

Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about immigration, citizenship or legislation at Dan Dennehy, 22 Andre Lane, Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567, by email: dandennehy@hotmail.com or phone (914) 588-2710.