Edited by John O’Brien
In April 2023, seven leading Irish American organizations hosted a sold-out event in The Great Hall at Cooper Union to mark the 25th Anniversary of the signing of The Good Friday Agreement. The event was addressed by former US President Bill Clinton, former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, and Irish American leaders.
By the end of the evening, the question on every one’s lips was, “What does the future hold?” Ireland is changing. The Good Friday Agreement provides a peaceful and democratic pathway to Irish Unity, but many questions remain. What are the challenges and opportunities to build a United Ireland? What steps need to be taken? What does a new Ireland look like? What is the role of the United States?
The same sponsoring groups are working together to host an event to answer these questions and to build awareness of the potential for Irish Unity. Together we can build a new and United Ireland.
Speakers and panelists include: Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, Author and Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania Brendan O’Leary, Author and
Journalist Megan Stack, and many more to be announced.
Sponsoring organizations: Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, James Connolly Labour Coalition, Brehon Law Society of Nassau County, New York City & Suffolk County, Irish American Unity Conference, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, and Friends of Sinn Fein.
Event details:
Friday, March 1, 2024, 1:00pm – 6:00pm
The Great Hall at Cooper Union
7 East 7th Street, New York, New York 10003
Ancient Order of Hibernians
“A primary constitutional purpose of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians is, ‘to aid and advance by all legitimate means the aspirations and endeavors of the Irish people for complete and absolute independence, promoting peace and unity for all Ireland.’ The right of the people of Ireland to self-determination is enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, and it is time to advance that conversation.” Sean Pender
Brehon Law Society of Nassau County
“The struggle to unite is more urgent now in light of turmoil in the world, and it is important that we keep Irish Unity in the forefront of people’s minds. Irish Unity will benefit all people of Ireland whether they live in the North or South.” Cathy Stanton
Friends of Sinn Féin USA
“This is an exciting time for Irish Americans. We can fully realize the transformative power of the Good Friday Agreement and be the generation to build a new and United Ireland.” Mark
Guilfoyle
James Connolly Labor Coalition
“The quest for Irish Unity is the quest for a more equal and prosperous Ireland for all her people – continuing the work of the great James Connolly” John Samuelsen
Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
“This is a historic time as the people of Ireland look towards a new Ireland. Irish Unity can be made a reality with the democratic will of the people of Ireland both North and South. As an Irish American Organization, we believe this would be the true legacy of 1916 and the
Good Friday Agreement.” Marilyn Madigan.
Contact [email protected] with questions or for more information.
