“The record also seems to show that Matt is being disciplined for his beliefs as a Conservative Catholic”,  writes Seamus Boyle National Vice-President Ancient Order of Hibernians in a letter to Guilderland School Superintendent McGuire.

The full text of Boyle’s letter, as obtained by MarkTalk is below:

Dear Mr. McGuire,

I have been following with dismay the action taken by you and Mr. Weisz in the case concerning Matt Nelligan. It seems that one way or the other you are determined to see Mr. Nelligan degraded in any way possible. The truth does not seem to be a priority in this case and when a vast majority of his department was interviewed and nothing was found another witch-hunt was launched under a different name. We just had a similar experience in Zimbabwe with President Mugabe who must win no matter what the truth is or what others want. We live in America and have freedom of speech but apparently that does not apply in your school district. Not only were the original charges dropped after you forced the accuser to bring charges against Nelligan and others, Mr. Nelligan was notified that “just because no evidence exists does not mean the events did not take place”. Does this also apply in our judicial system or just in the school district? As Irish-Catholics we have seen these same tactics used by the British in the North of Ireland, in order to silence the nationalist community. It is certainly chilling to see these same techniques applied in the United States of America.
The record also seems to show that Matt is being disciplined for his beliefs as a Conservative Catholic. The school seems fine with tolerance, as it applies to people who agree with them, but not those that disagree. The Ancient Order of Hibernians was formed in 1836 to defend the Catholic Church and its clergy and faithful from physical attack and injury. These nativist mobs cared nothing for our democratic liberties and traditions or for tolerance. It is my conclusion that at least metaphorically you would fall into that same category. I know that I speak for tens of thousands of members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians when I condemn your arbitrary and discriminatory actions in this case. I have known Matt Nelligan and his family for many years and yes Matt is a very strong, fair and caring person but he certainly is not a liar, as you seem to claim. I ask that you read this letter at your meeting today, distribute to the board and make it part of the public record of the proceedings.

Sincerely,

Seamus Boyle
National Vice-President
Ancient Order of Hibernians in America Inc

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