Ancient Order of Hibernians defends shamrock tradition amid online boycott talk

The organization pushed back against recent media reports that framed unsigned petitions as a clear call for a boycott and said credible representation requires names, institutions, and accountability. It argued that the annual shamrock presentation is a nonpartisan diplomatic tradition that advances practical cooperation from trade to peacebuilding.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians has addressed recent media reports suggesting that online petitions, circulated without identified sponsorship, reflect a broad Irish diaspora sentiment that Irish leaders abstain from the traditional White House Shamrock ceremony. As a national organization representing Irish America for more than 180 years, the AOH reaffirmed that engagement, not absence, has been the foundation of the U.S.–Ireland relationship.

Last week the Derry, Mid Ulster, and Inishowen branches of the Ireland Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) launched an online petition urging all politicians on the island of Ireland to "Boycott the White House 2026." So far, the petition has 1,175 signatories.

Political Education Chair Neil Cosgrove said in a statement: "Recent media commentary has pointed to online petitions and open letters as reflecting broad Irish diaspora sentiment that Ireland should boycott the traditional White House Shamrock ceremony. The Irish diaspora is not an anonymous petition. Credible representation carries names, institutions, and accountability. Organizations that speak for Irish America do so openly, responsibly, and attach their names to their efforts.

"Dialogue requires presence. One cannot have a conversation or exchange of views if one does not participate in engagement.

"The annual presentation of the shamrock bowl at the White House is not a partisan exercise. It is a longstanding diplomatic tradition reflecting the deep and abiding relationship between the people of Ireland and the United States, a relationship that transcends governments on both sides of the Atlantic. That bond has enabled Ireland to exercise diplomatic influence in the United States disproportionate to its size. Irish leaders, to their credit, have advanced Ireland’s interests through engagement, not absence, from trade and investment to sustaining bipartisan American support for the Good Friday Agreement.

"St. Patrick’s Day honors a man who, after escaping enslavement, chose to return to the land of his captivity, not in bitterness, but in mission. The shamrock that legend says he used to teach is a symbol of encounter and dialogue. It should remain so today.

"The shamrock tradition should remain what it has always been: a symbol of connection between two great peoples."

Earlier this month, on Feb 6, Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed that he would be visiting the White House this St. Patrick's Day. He confirmed that he had received a formal invitation from President Trump. 

Speaking at the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner, he said: "In his letter [Trump] expresses that this visit would be an opportunity to celebrate the warm and historic friendship between the US and Ireland.

 "The President also pays tribute to the Irish American community, who have made such an enormous contribution to the United States. He believes this is an opportunity to celebrate the special relationship between our two countries.

"Ireland’s relationship with the United States is as old as their republic and it was a vital one in the foundation of ours.

"It is a relationship which has been strengthened through a shared commitment to engagement and understanding.

"Our economic contacts are of enormous value to both of our countries – and this has at its foundation an open dialogue.

 "Our cultural contacts are also of enormous value to both of our countries – and they have evolved through constant contact.

"I am looking forward to my meetings in Washington and to celebrating the 250th anniversary of a democratic ideal which remains an inspiration."