Madigan Muses: Special Opportunities for Ireland

Madigan Muses: Special Opportunities for Ireland
By Marilyn Madigan

I was honored to participate as a panelist in Reflections on the Good Friday Agreements: Twenty-five years of Peace and Progress 

at the Cooper Union Hall in New York City on April 3. This event featured President Bill Clinton and Gerry Adams as speakers.

The event sponsors included seven leading Irish American organizations, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Friends of Sinn Fein, Irish American Unity Conference, James Connolly Connolly Labor Coalition, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Brehon Law Societies of New York City, Nassau County and Suffolk County.

Irish America was united in the goal of peace and justice in Northern Ireland. Over the past twenty-five years, Irish America has been supportive of the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

In press releases for the event, many of the sponsoring organizations shared their reflections. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians were quoted, “As we commemorate the Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we remember all the advocates for peace and justice on both sides of the Atlantic. We especially recognize the impact of the women in the North of Ireland for their dedication and commitment to peace and justice issues.

Their advocacy is making peace a reality for their children and grandchildren.” The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Inc (LAOH) is honored to collaborate with Relatives for Justice on a special project to Commemorate the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. The publication of Trasna na dTonnta – Across the Waves Women’s reflection on the Good Friday Agreement featured women on both sides of the Atlantic that were advocates for peace and social justice issues in the North of Ireland.

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians will be traveling to Ireland this April. One of the highlights of the trip will be the public launch of this publication, held on Saturday April 15^th at 3:00 PM at Áras Uí Chonghaile, Falls Road, Belfast.

Women in Irish History

This publication will be one that historians will value in their research on this period. Women need to be remembered in their role in history. The LAOH will also present the Freedom for All Ireland donations to various groups in Northern Ireland.

The LAOH Freedom for All Ireland Committee has provided financial aid to charities and agencies that encourage cross-community cooperation, economic development, social change, cross-border collaborations, Irish history and language education, nationalist infrastructure maintenance and construction efforts, and Irish unification initiatives based on peace and justice for all throughout Ireland. In addition to financial support, members of this Committee are advocates sharing information to support the full implementation of all parameters of the Good Friday Agreement.

Members of the LAOH will be attending the Global Irish Civic Forum, be held at Dublin Castle and hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs. This will be the second Global Irish Forum gathering Irish diaspora groups to connect with one another and discuss issues in the Irish Government’s Diaspora Strategy, including the Emigrant Support Program and Presidential Voting Rights. The LAOH is honored to attend this important networking event.

*Marilyn Madigan is the National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a Deputy Director of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. John College and retired from Nursing at University Hospitals of Cleveland.

*Marilyn Madigan is the National President of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians and a Deputy Director of the United Irish Societies of Cleveland. She received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. John College and retired from Nursing at University Hospitals of Cleveland.