The men and women of the Ancient Order of Hibernians are gathering in Verona, New York this week for the order's 96th biennial national convention. The convention is centered at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in the scenic upstate town.
The convention opened Monday and will run to Thursday, concluding with Mass and an installation banquet. The gathering marks the end of the two-term national presidency of Philadelphia's Seamus Boyle and the election of a new national president, expected to be New York's Brendan Moore who is currently national vice president.
The convention was addressed on Tuesday by Irish Consul General in New York, Ambassador Noel Kilkenny. North Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness is due to speak to delegates on Thursday.
While a range of issues is listed for discussion over the four days, immigration and future legal access to the U.S. for the Irish is one of the more prominent ones being raised by Hibernian leaders including outgoing president Boyle.
The 2014 national convention will take place in St. Louis.
