West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

U.S Hibernian Delegation visits West Belfast

Published: 9 February, 2009

West Belfast paid host last week to a delegation from the Ancient Order of Hibernians from the New York and New Jersey areas of the United States.

The 30 strong group of 'Hibs' were given a political tour of West Belfast last Thursday, 5 February, by tour guides from the ex-prisoners group, Coiste na nIarchimi.

That evening the group was brought to the Irish Republican Felons Club on the Falls Road where former OC of the H blocks, and musician, Bik McFarlane played a set to entertain the visitors.

In the Felons Club, the chairman of the National Graves Association, Liam Shannon, presented the Hibernian delegation's head, Sean Pender, with a National Graves Association tie in recognition of the work that the AOH has done for the NGA over the years.

Speaking at the event, Mr Shannon said:

''This presentation is a token of our deep appreciation for the work done, and support given, by the Ancient Order of Hibernians in the New York and New Jersey areas to allow the National Graves Association to rebuild and renew the graves of our patriot dead and the commemoration plots that honour their sacrifice.

''The AOH support is crucial and has been consistent for many years now and I want to thank Sean, on behalf of the NGA, for that support.''

Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane then made a presentation of a plaque to the AOH members present, on behalf of the Bobby Sands trust and in recognition of the AOH members' assistance to the Green Cross and An Cumann Cabhrach groups.