As we approach the holiday season the AOH is beginning this year’s Christmas Appeal. Our National Officers are asking for a commitment from everyone to participate and support FFAI with a donation or fundraising event. Please donate and help the AOH and LAOH make the difference in occupied northeast Ireland. Help make Freedom for All Ireland, not an aspiration or endeavor but the reality for those Irish people still denied it; Don’t let them down!!!
I am counting on the support of Hibernian organizations across North Carolina to make a meaningful contribution to this year’s annual Christmas appeal. I would also hope that some Hibernian Brothers will make individual donations as well. The National FFAI Chair Martin Galvin has just received the special premiums or gifts for $1000 donors to the Christmas Appeal. This year the premium is a mounted bodhran (see attached photo), specially made for AOH or LAOH donors by Tyrone ex-prisoners. Your FFAI contributions mean a great deal and these specially made premiums show how highly we are regarded in Ireland. Our donations to carefully chosen charities through monies raised by the FFAI Annual Christmas Appeal, alongside our political and educational campaigns, arethe cornerstone of our FFAIinitiative.The National FFAI Chair Martin Galvin has just received the special premiums or gifts for $1000 donors to the Christmas Appeal. This year the premium is a mounted bodhran (see attached photo), specially made for AOH or LAOH donors by Tyrone ex-prisoners. Your FFAI contributions mean a great deal and these specially made premiums show how highly we are regarded in Ireland. Our donations to carefully chosen charities through monies raised by the FFAI Annual Christmas Appeal, alongside our political and educational campaigns, are the cornerstone of our FFAI initiative.
Brexit threatens an economic catastrophe across Ireland but especially in occupied northeast Ireland. History shows us that in bad economic times that it is the Nationalist communities which suffer the loss of economic opportunities. Already the stage is set for a return to the conflicts of the past, the refusal to adopted an Irish Language Act, both Scotland and Wales have language acts. The Stormont Assembly does not function because of unionist bigotry which creates an opportunity for direct rule by England. Britain still denies truth and justice to the families of victims murdered by the crown or loyalist agents in places like Ballymurphy or Loughinisland. Instead of opening the door to Irish national freedom, Britain and the DUP want to nail that door shut. America can make a difference, but only if the AOH and LAOH, as the Voice of the Irish in America, lead the way.
Andy Cooney, has 7 Carnegie Hall sellouts under his belt and recently filled The David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center with The New York Tenors on December 12, 2016. His outstanding voice and dynamic stage presence has always been a favorite among young and old everywhere. His talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a song directly to the hearts of his audience. Andy is surely one of the greatest singing sensations on Irish Music scene today. Christened “Irish America’s Favorite Son” by The New York Times, it’s a title he truly deserves. Andy Cooney, one of “The New York Tenors” along with New York Italian Tenor Christopher Macchio and New York Puerto Rican Tenor Daniel Rodriquez been receiving high critical acclaim. Andy has recorded 19 albums to date including “Bright Brand New Day” with Phil Coulter and his Orchestra. Andy and Phil frequently tour together and recently completed a 3 week tour of the US in March 2017.
Shauna McStravock is a native of Ardboe, Co. Tyrone a region steeped in history with a rich musical heritage. Influenced by a love of local music throughout her young years, Shauna was drawn to singing and performing. School concerts and plays expanded her musical interests and happily enabled her to perform in front of her first live audiences. This set the stage for her appearance as a contestant on Glor Tire in 2015 bringing her talent to a national audience. Singing is in her family genes, most notably her aunt Jolene was lead vocalist with ‘The Country Flavour Band’ in the 1980’s. Since then Shauna reached a long held ambition by releasing her first album entitled “In The Middle of Love”. This young lady in her mid 20’s has already shared the stage with some of the best and brightest names on the Irish & Country music scene include the Bellamy Brothers, Daniel O’Donnell, Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Philomena Begley plus many more.
