Ireland Ancient Order of Hibernians

aoh 1911 plaque, kanturk, county cork, ireland

after 1916 easter rising organisation declined outside of ulster, members absorbed sinn féin , irish republican army (the ira). in many areas organisation provided aoh nearest thing paramilitary force. many republican leaders in 1916–1923 period, among them seán macdiarmada, j. j. walsh, , rory o connor, had been hibs before formation of irish volunteers in 1913.

the aoh significant link between new nationalist organisations , century-old tradition of popular militant societies. more directly, lingered on pro-treaty support organisation. hibernians fought in irish brigade in spanish civil war. quasi-fascist blueshirts movement of 1930s may, in fact, have owed ribbon tradition resembled, did continental analogies.

within ulster generally, within northern ireland, aoh remains visible marginal part of catholic community. parades @ easter, lady day , few other times year. being closest catholic equivalent orange order, aoh has been described green orangemen. typical parade similar orange order march although smaller in size , parade not have return leg.

at beginning of troubles, aoh placed voluntary ban on members parading until 1975, though records of parades taking place in defiance of ban reported. in 1978 estimated 10,000 participants attended parade in kilrea. since there has been rapid decrease of numbers , around 20 divisions parade @ single location in contrast twelfth, 18 locations used orange order on 1 day.

the locations of aoh parades in northern ireland tend cities high catholic population coupled aoh s desire not provoke trouble. county fermanagh has never hosted aoh parade since onset of troubles , county armagh has held one. majority of 21 locations parades have been in counties antrim, down , derry. on occasion when parade has been held in area significant loyalist population has been met aggressive protest, notably garvagh in 1985 , armoy in 1989 held first aoh parade in 35 years.