February 2014 Clannad Rocks ianohio.com the Rocksino

High Kings: Friends for Life ... Page 9 Lucky the Parting Glass Page ... 23 Let Them Play Page ... 27

Cover photo courtesy of Patrick Browne www.brownesphotography.ie 2 IAN Ohio “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com February 2014

Fare Thee Well My Friend: John Campbell the West Side Irish American Club, the Irish Ameri- can Club-East Side and every Irish event that passed By Roger S. Weist vexing problems crop up the next through Cleveland got John’s support. His passion to day. see a united Ireland guided him to become one of the This past Thursday I heard He arrived in Cleveland from co-founders of Cleveland’s Irish Northern Aid Com- the news of the passing of my Ballycroy, County Mayo, Ireland mittee, with a strong and unbending commitment to friend, John Campbell. I can’t in the late 50s. Here he met and the cause of Irish freedom. tell you how many nights and married the love of his life, Patricia John put words into action. He was always there to early, early mornings, over Mannion. Together, through 50 man a picket lines, or information lines. He attended so, so, many years, John and years of marriage, they raised 10 hearings, organized events to support the effort and in I would sit around The Pride children, 17 grandchildren and 2 2008 the United Irish Societies of Cleveland selected of Erin talking about so many great-grand children. He was an John as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshall. things. We talked about the Army veteran, had a successful John had a razor sharp wit and a gleam in his eyes, troubles in Ireland, and what career at Lincoln Electric, and in proud, honest and true. And now he is at rest. He joins we could do about what was 1982 became the proprietor of The his lovely wife Patricia and so many of our friends and happening and how we could Pride of Erin Pub at West 123rd & family. He will always be traveling the road in our hearts, help unify our beloved divided Lorain Avenue. A pub his family our minds and our souls. And while we are sad that he island nation. We talked about still operates today. is gone, and more than a few tears will be shed, today, the Irish in Cleveland and what John Campbell was a truly a tomorrow and every day, we will raise a glass to him, we could do to increase aware- great family man, who instilled in and to the loving legacy he left behind. ness and activity in the heritage his family his love of his adopted Thank you John Campbell, father, brother, Grandfa- he so loved and worked to home and a deep and abiding love ther, Uncle, Great Uncle, cousin, publican, friend, for share. Yes, in those chats, over for the land he left behind. His love all that you have done, but mostly, thank you for being those many nights and morn- of his heritage drove him to find a friend. ings, we routinely solved most time to support all things Irish in In John’s own words, “you don’t have to go home, of the problems of the world, Cleveland and beyond. but you can’t stay here!” only to have new and more The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Safe home my friend, safe home. February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 3

Editor’s Corner ~ each other and our heritage. Irish American Archives Society The information is here; the ball There truly is no rest for the is in your court; get up, show up, Announces Walks of Life Awardees wicked. Thanksgiving, Christ- and lift up. The Irish American Archives Bar Reception, 6:30 Dinner, 7:30 mas, New Years, our 7th Anni- DON”T FORGET, The Green Society (of Cleveland) will hold Award Presentations. Individual versary, pulsed with joy and bril- Season is nearly upon us. The its 18th Annual “Walks of Life” tickets to the dinner are $75; liant craic. Don’t pause, don’t March issue, our largest of the Award Dinner on Thursday, checks can be mailed, payable to even blink (and don’t hate), I am year, is now under construction. February 27, 2013, at the Holi- Irish American Archives Society, on the Joanie Madden Cruise as Don’t let your event get lost in day Inn, 6001 Rockside Road, in P.O. Box 91756, Cleveland, OH you read this and St. Patrick’s the fierce desperate shuffle of Independence. The “Walks of 44101-3756. Day is officially launched with a John O’Brien, Jr. the green season. Advertise, it Life” Awards, launched in 1997, The Irish American Archives bang in this month’s issue. pays! recognize living Clevelanders Society is a not-for-profit or- Plenty of events this month, year at Playhouse Square; I see The Ohio Irish American and northeast Ohioans of Irish ganization founded in 1994 by and Save the Dates for next fill it every year, and always have News is a great targeted format heritage whose attainments in the late Thomas F. Campbell the pages. Get out the calendar, a fantastic time. Check it out; to promote your St. Patrick’s their chosen Walks of Life have to support the preservation pick what are don’t misses to Flanagan’s Wake puts the fun season event(s), offer congratu- been truly remarkable and stand of the legacy of Irish and Irish you, and Write them Down, so in funeral. lations to club or organization as an inspiration to others. American achievement in north- you won’t forget the best of the We are delighted once again honorees in your community 2014 Walks of Life Award east Ohio. Information about best events this green season. I’ll to partner with the 38th Annual and to show your support for Recipients are Barbara O’Brien activities can be found at www. give you the cruise highlights Cleveland International Film the Irish community on this very Brown, Margaret Pigott Flynn, irisharchives.org or contact when I return; for me, the Joanie Festival, which opens March significant and meaningful day Jeanne M. Colleran, Jack Kahl Margaret Lynch, Executive Di- Madden Folk n Irish Cruise is 19th, and the Cleveland Pops, for the Irish around the world. and Maartin J. Sweeney. rector, Irish American Archives the first festival of the mighty who are presenting Ciarán We hope you will join us in this The schedule of events is: Society, [email protected] festival season in the States. Sheehan in Concert on March celebration. 5:30 VIP Reception, 6:00 Cash or 216-941-5727. Clannad rocks the Rocksino 15th. When you talk of nurtur- Organizations, please send us February 11th, the day I return ing great art and offering great a short bio and pic of your hon- from my Chicago book tour. If opportunity for both known’s orees, we’d love to feature and you are not familiar with the and unknown’s (as yet), these recognize them in our March is- group, look them up on Youtube two organizations show us the sue. See you in the high season. – all my words here could not way. Please give them your John do them justice. They have support as well, so they can con- “Follow me where I go, what I been, and are, a group of great tinue to present and promote the do and who I know; talent, and immense influence. arts in our community. Other O’Bent Enterprises includes: “Don’t Miss” is over used, but outstanding organizations and www.songsandstories.net could not apply more to Moya benefits are highlighted in this www.ianohio.com www. Brennan and Clannad. issue, please be as generous as clevelandirish.org If a song, a story and a laugh you are able. www.twitter.com/jobjr www. are right up your alley, be sure I only write this column when twitter.com/365Irish www.twit- to see Flanagan’s Wake at Play- the rest of the paper is complete, ter.com/cleveland_irish house Square’s Kennedy’s and sent off to layout. High- www.facebook.com/OhioIr- Down Under. Hilarious inter- lights emerge. I am always ishAmericanNews www.face- active comedy, every show is stunned at the breadth and the book.com/Cleveland-Irish unique as the cast feeds off and wealth of what is offered to us www.linkedin.com/in/jobjr/ takes the direction given by across the state in music, events http://songsandstories.net/my- Terry Kenneally and Colleen Corrigan Day model the Holy the audience. This is their 5th and opportunity to celebrate blog/feed/ Name 100th Anniversary Commemorative T-Shirt.

Marianne Mangan

Flashes of the moment... Images for a lifetime.

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Congratulations to Hooley House – Opening their 3rd location this month is Westlake to pair with their current locations in Mentor and Brooklyn. February 2014 Vol. 8 Issue 2 Publishers John O’Brien Jr. / Cliff Carlson Fine Irish Spirits Editor John O’Brien Jr. Website-Cathy Curry Columnists Blowin’ In ... Susan Mangan Fine Irish Food Behind the Hedge ... John O’Brien, Jr. Crossword Puzzle..Linda Fulton Burke Illuminations ... J. Michael Finn Fine Irish Entertainment Inner View … John O’Brien, Jr. Letter From Ireland ... Cathal Liam Off the Shelf … Terry Kenneally On This Day in Irish History.. Now Open Sundays! Terry Kenneally Out of the Mailbag John O’Brien, Jr. 117 WEST LIBERTY ST • MEDINA, OHIO Owens Sports ... Mark Owens Terry From Derry … Terry Boyle Ireland Past and Present ... 330-764-3333 Niamh O’Sullivan IAN Ohio Inc. is published monthly (12 www.sullysmedina.com issues a year) on the first day of each month. Subscription is by first class mail. year $30, 2 years at $55 3 years $80. To subscribe go online at www.ianohio. com, or Email us at subs@ianohio. com, or call us at 708-445-0700 or mail to address below. IAN Ohio is available for free at over 240 locations throughout Ohio. For in- formation on the locations go to www. ianohio.com and click on the Ohio Distribution button.

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Sober St. Patrick’s Day® Celebration It’s a great day for the Irish Spencer Reilly, who almost (and their friends) every St. lost a member of his family to Patrick’s Day as celebrations addiction just eight years ago. abound but in 2014 the Cleve- He first proposed the idea to land area will see a new and leaders in the recovery and different kind of celebration Irish American communities, as Cleveland joins the grow- a pitch that led, a year later, ing movement for a Sober St. to the 2012 inaugural party. Patrick’s Day® alternative. Now an annual event, Sober The Cleveland area Sober St. St. Patrick’s Day®was held Patrick’s Day® Celebration again with a sold-out audi- will take place from 5pm until torium on March 16, 2013; 8p at Ahern’s Banquet Center, parade day in New York City. 726 Avon Belden Road, Avon As word spread, Sober St. Lake, Ohio 44012. Patrick’s Day® celebrations The event offers outstand- were successfully staged in ing Irish entertainment in- Casper, Wyoming, and Bel-

13920 Triskett Road 13801 Triskett Road Cleveland OH 44111 Cleveland OH 44111 Phone (216) 251-3130 Phone (216) 251-4242

Irish Mu cluding Mary Agnes Ken- fast, Ireland in 2013. Cleve- Live sic! nedy (guitar and vocals) land joins the movement as singing traditional Irish bal- the fourth city to produce a lads; Patrick Kilroy on bag- Sober St. Patrick’s Day event. pipes; traditional Irish danc- Admission will be $10 per ers; and the popular trio Fior person with coffee, tea, and Gael with traditional Irish soft drinks provided along tunes and songs. Fior Gael with light snacks. Alcoholic features Brian Bigley on the beverages will not be served uillean pipes, Rory Hurley, or permitted. Ahern’s Ban- guitar & vocals, and Brendan quet Center has ample free Carr on the percussion and parking and is convenient bohdran drum. to I-90 just north of the Rte The purpose of Sober St. 83 – Avon exit. Patrick’s Day® is captured “I really like the idea of Hours: in the organization’s mission having a special event on Mon-Wed statement: this holiday for Americans “To reclaim the true spirit of Irish heritage [and those] 11am-Midnight 8th - Highland Reign 9pm of the day and to change the who are in recovery from perception and experience of alcoholism, to celebrate our Thur-Sat 11am-2am 15th - The Athen Fly 9pm what St. Patrick’s Day can be, shared heritage in a safe Sun 11am-10pm 1th - Trad Session 9pm by providing family-friendly, and inclusive environment.”- alcohol free events celebrat- Noel Kilkenny, Consul Gen- 414 S. Main St ing the best of Irish music, eral of Ireland, Sober St. Pat- dance and comedy.” rick’s Day® 2012. Findlay, OH 45850 419-420-3602 Sober St. Patrick’s Day®was created in New York City by Contact: Jack Kilroy, www.LogansIrishPubFindlay.com award-winning theater and 440-759-1253 or television producer, William [email protected] Facebook.com/LogansIrishPubFindlay February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 7

who lives with his mother LAOH We were honored that AOH and father and works in a Ohio State President and local co-op. He is mildly St Patrick’s LAOH Ohio State President handicapped and might be Day Parade Eloise Stalter attended the described as ‘a bit soft in the Honorees Day’s Celebration. The Our head.’ As a result, he had Lady of the Rosary Division been protected by his parents, LAOH -Our Lady of the Rosary was honored to present their especially his father. Division Cleveland, OH first Mary of the Gael Award.

The Thing About December The members of Our Lady of the Ro- By Donal Ryan, ISBN December, which is actually sary Division of the 9781781620106; Doubleday Ire- a prequel to The Spinning Ladies Ancient Or- land; Lilliput Press, 2013; 205 pp Heart. der of Hibernians Whereas The Spinning honored St. Brigid Several months ago, this Heart was narrated by twen- with a Mass dedi- column reviewed Donal Ry- ty-one victims of the property cated on Sunday, an’s first book titled, The crash in Ireland, this novel January 19, 2014 at St. Spinning Heart? It garnered is split into twelve chapters, Patrick’s Church WP, much praise and won the each detailing a month in the 4427 Rocky River Irish Book of the Year award. life of the book’s protagonist, Dr., Cleveland, Ohio This month we review his sec- Johnsey Cunliffe. Johnsey is 44135. ond novel, The Thing About a simple-minded young man Mass was fol- lowed by a breakfast and a short program recognizing the 2014 St. Patrick’s Day Pa- rade Honorees in Thorpe Hall. This Award will be presented biennially at the St. Brigid’s Both of his parents pass Our 2014 St. Patrick’s Day Day Celebration to a member away, leaving Johnsey to Parade Honorees are: of the Division to recognize fend for himself. Upon their Thomas Lynch her commitment in promoting deaths, Johnsey inherits the Hibernian of the Year a spirit of dedication to faith, land on which they live and Andy Dever family and heritage. By her becomes the focus of the story. Grand Marshall actions this Hibernian Sister Like its predecessor, I rate Bridie Joyce makes a difference in the com- The Thing About December Irish Mother of the Year munity living our motto of a TOP SHELF read. John O’Brien Jr. Friendship, Unity and Catholic *Terrence J. Kenneally is Inside Co-Chair Charity. This year, Division an attorney and president Mark Owens President presented the Award of Terrence J. Kenneally & Outside Co-Chair to Mary Celine O’Leary. Associates Co. located in Rocky River, Ohio. He has a Master’s in Irish Studies from John Carroll University and can be reached at terry@ tjkenneally.com.

River Terrace Building 19111 Detroit Rd, Ste 200 Rocky River, OH 44115 440-333-8960 [email protected] 8 IAN Ohio “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com February 2014

never stops un- Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas. and this CD is full of it, til it’s supposed topped off by McSher- to. The Spark ry’s and O’Connor’s and Way Out To skillful performances. Hope Street are As one snowy, cold tracks that feature day merges with an- so many musi- other, it’s nice to have cians, it’s difficult some great music to to keep track of pull out, dust off and who’s who. Har- slip into the player. by Gayle Baker variety of trad and not, fun and ris Dance, which The music brings me Jack is taking a long deserved sad on each CD. This CD has includes Ruil- right back to festival vacation, and he’s down in Three Minute Hamlet which is eadh Cailleach, season, listening and Florida soaking up the sun! He like Cliffs notes sung, plus one has been one of my favorite in 2006 and the combination of talking and seeing new bands. asked me to cover this month’s of my personal theme songs pieces since it first appeared on Uillean Pipes and fiddle plus Jack will be back in the paper column, since I’m still up north Mom’s Lullaby, the beautiful and Alasdair’s Skydance CD. You guest musicians on an assort- next month and hopefully there here, freezing my heinie off! I haunting Kilkelly and a taste of just can’t sit still when you listen. ment of guitars, bouzouki and will be some new CDs to hear took him up on the offer and Seamus’ wild side in How the The newest classic in my list percussion make the sound of about. In the meantime, stop by since there are no new CDs to re- Yodel was Born by Doug Green is by John McSherry and Donal each piece so full. I have always the store or email him at jack@ ally report on, I thought I’d take of Riders in the Sky. O’Connor. Tripswitch came out been a fan of great guitar playing rampantlion.com. a trip into the archives, and drag Kila has always been my go to out those recordings that are my group when it comes to eclectic standbys. These are discs that I and up-tempo tunes. They are fall back to when everything else always my recommendation for something different. Tóg É Go Bog É came out in 1997 and this band of Irish speakers loves to take trad just a little further on. Mostly instrumental, there are a few songs but the rhythm is what keeps me coming back for more. Gwerzy is a very rhythmic, fast driving, melodic tune and if Presents Direct from Ireland and you look on You Tube, goes with a very surreal video! Jasmine for the first time in Cincinnati is a lovely ballad, but the style sounds old or tiresome, tunes is such that there are no words. that I always will listen to no You’ll understand when you matter what mood I’m in. These listen. This is a disc that is never Seán Keane are CDs that make me laugh, get out of reach. my blood flowing or just take me Michael McGoldrick has al- back to that relaxing time on the ways had vision when it comes beach and I would like to share to Irish music. He has been a them with you. Maybe you will part of so many bands in so many The “ Never Alone ” find someone new or someone different ways over the years, old you have forgotten about! it’s not easy to tell where his In 1987, Alex Beaton released influences come from. In 2000, Daft Ditties, a collection of hu- he gave us Fused and it became morous and tastefully offensive THE soundtrack of many dance songs. Alex has a great voice, groups to choreograph to. Music and although health issues have flows and tempos change from Concert sidelined him, his catalog of beginning to end of several recordings remains available. tracks. Trad pieces take on a con- and New Cd Release! Some of my favorite tracks are temporary feel without losing Wee Castanettes, a fun song their tradition. Lough Mountain about inappropriate advances; keeps it upbeat and makes you Friday Feb. 21st @ 7:00PM Big Nellie May which is about want to dance in your chair or a lady golfer, and Maids When on the floor. You’re Young (Never Wed an Alasdair Fraser and his band Irish Heritage Center of Cincinnati Old Man). Alex is always good Skyedance released Live In 3905 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226 for a chuckle! Spain in 2001 and it include Seamus Kennedy released Bar guests from the Spanish Celtic Rooms and Ballads around the branch of the family, including All Seats are Reserved. same time and his baritone voice Hevia, Mikel Laboa and others. Tickets discounted when prepaid and guitar bring lots of life to this The music is traditional but with call 513-533-0100 for choice seats live recording. He always does a an addition of Spanish flavor and or go to cincyticket.com February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 9

ers, the energy - the title matches the harmony. It has a and embrace country feel, but full of appreciation for birthed the Bal- life and how good it can make us feel. lad Boom in the Ireland’s Shore ~ A seafaring ballad, U.S. and then with devil may care trademark of seamen back in Ireland of old. I can picture the Kings dancing on too. The High deck, accordion blazing and watchmen Kings vigorously stamp it with their own swaying. The High Kings: vibrant arrangement, a sound modern, Come with Me Now ~ Stroll with a Friends for Life distinct and full of joy. maiden, a ship intrudes, as it so often Gucci ~ upbeat, moody; Jamaica goes did. Love laments: “I will look after you 2014, Sony Music Entertainment. 12 to Ireland and Ireland’s Diaspora sings always”. Tracks, 42 Minutes. Produced by Sharon to the world. MacAlpines Fusiliers ~ back to the Shannon and John Dunford All Around the World ~ A song of love, verve and high energy, with a great beat; We often talk of the Ballad Boom, with today, without lament and with open the old Irish classic,with a new twist that a hint of nostalgia of that era, and com- arms. is perfect for a festival setting – dancing ing along at the tail end of a most vibrant Leave Her Johnny ~ Acapella, each in the aisles and singing with the band. and influential period in Irish music. I voice can stand alone; together the High Friends for Life ~ The CD title track, the have had the pleasure of seeing the High Kings are magic! whole album is a tribute to the journey, Kings live at least a half dozen times. The echoes of the Ballad Boom heyday are far more than the sons of legends moniker first attached to the group, before the talent wrote its own itinerary of greatness. Darren Holden, Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy and Martin Furey are the sons of legends, they are also gifted, vibrant, committed and one of the most exciting Irish music bands to grace the festival and concert hall in recent memory. Friends for Life is their newest CD, fourth Health to the Company ~ Another reactions from the crowd, and those met overall, and fantastic. touch of world music, it is hard to NOT along the way: influences, fans and ghost Four great voices, arrangements that sing along to this one. leave no one behind ~ friends for life. touch with passion and persuasion and Galway Girl ~ A popular recording On Friends for Life, the first track, Oh the obvious love and intimate knowledge right now, Con O’Brien’s version with the Maggie, is my favorite, but it was hard of the songs they sing are trademarks of Irish Descendants is the best I have ever to choose. Every track on Friends for the CD and of the band. Have a listen, heard. I didn’t think it would be possible Life is good; every track forces a reaction you won’t be disappointed. to beat that, but the High Kings run neck and forces you to pay attention. For me, Oh Maggie starts ~ there is the sound and neck, a wonderful rendition. Oh Maggie and Galway Girl blaze the of the High Kings, and the great ballad Peggy Gordon ~ This Paddy Reilly brightest. The whole CD is a favorite, bands through and throughout modern classic is a little edgier, a little slower, and stays in the stereo and stays at the top of Ireland. Made famous to some degree beautiful. my Highly Recommended CD’s. Friends by Tommy Makem & the Clancy Broth- High ~ I have not heard this song before for Life is a Top Shelf Selection. 10 IAN Ohio “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com February 2014 February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 11

into Ireland hidden in her cloth- British snipers erupted from America in fear of internment. ing. Her Scottish accent often a nearby building. Margaret While in America, she collected kept her from being searched or turned just as Fred Ryan caught funds for the republican cause detained. the full blast of the first volley of and lectured with other women During the Easter Rebellion, fire, killing him instantly. Ryan who had fought in the Easter Ris- Margaret was assigned as a dis- was just seventeen years old. ing. In New York, Margaret also patch rider to St. Stephens Green, The second volley hit Margaret, wrote and published her auto- reporting to Commandant Mi- and she collapsed on the street. biography, titled, “Doing my Bit “Doing My Bit for Ireland” chael Mallin. She made several She had been shot in three places. for Ireland”. Her book provides Throughout Easter Week 1916, her coat. Margaret was fearful trips during that week between The others took cover in the shop an excellent firsthand account of women often faced the same that in a stateroom she would the Green and the General Post doorway. Partridge dragged the Rebellion. She later returned dangers as did the men, risking run into a stray electric wire or Office delivering dispatches and Margaret’s body into cover as to Ireland and took up a teaching their lives so that Ireland could a steam pipe that would deto- successfully dodging bullets the squad laid down covering post in Dublin in 1917. be free. One such interesting nate them. She wrote, “That I from British snipers. fire. She was still breathing, but During the War of Indepen- person of the Rebellion was ever awakened was a miracle. As fighting around the Green seriously wounded. She was the dence she was arrested and Margaret Skinnider. Pressure, they told me when I began, Mallin ordered that they only woman wounded during imprisoned. In the civil war she Margaret was born on April reached Dublin, is just as danger- take possession of the College the Rebellion. became Paymaster General of 5, 1892 to Irish parents in the ous, and my head had been Partridge carried Mar- the Irish Republican Army until Lanarkshire town of Coatbridge, resting on them all night!” garet back to the College she was arrested in 1923 and held Scotland. The family later moved She arrived in Dublin of Surgeons, where they at North Dublin Union. There to Glasgow. Her father and and was welcomed by the were able to remove the she became Director of Training mother had roots in County Countess to her home in bullets, without anes- for the prisoners. Monaghan and the family often Rathmines, known as Sur- thetic. That same day After her release from prison, returned there to visit relatives. rey House. The house was Partridge and the Count- Margaret worked as a teacher She wrote, “Scotland is my home, always a hive of activity, ess returned to the scene at Kings Inn Street Sisters of but Ireland my country.” full of an odd assortment of the shooting and the Charity Primary School in Dub- When she was twelve a friend of characters – out of work Countess personally dis- lin until her retirement in 1961. loaned her a book on Irish his- actors; struggling writers patched the two British She was a member of the Irish tory and she could not help but and artists; republican rev- snipers who had killed National Teachers’ Organization notice the difference between olutionaries; trade union- Ryan and wounded Mar- (INTO) throughout her teaching actual Irish history and the ists; Irish boy scouts; and garet. career and became its’ President “English version” of Irish history others. Someone wrote When the surrender in 1956. She lived her last years that she was taught in Scotland. that, “Until she (the Count- order was received on in Glenageary, County Dublin. She noted that, “The resentment ess) came down to break- Sunday, it was decided Margaret Skinnider died on Oc- I had felt in County Monaghan fast in the morning, she to take Margaret directly tober 10, 1971 and is buried in grew hotter.” never knew what guests to St. Vincent’s Hospital, the Republican plot in Glasnevin In college she was trained as a she had under her roof. rather than risk her fall- Cemetery, Dublin. mathematics teacher. Believing In order not to disturb her, ing into the hands of the that “An English war is always they often climbed in through of Surgeons building. Margaret British. She was in the hospital *J. Michael Finn is the Ohio a signal for an Irish rising” she the window late at night.” was asked to utilize her skills for several weeks after the Rising, State Historian for the Ancient joined Cumann na mBan (pro- Margaret soon fell right in, with a rifle as she was sent to was briefly detained and then Order of Hibernians and Divi- nounced coo-man nah van) and assisting the Countess with the the roof, where she served quite returned to the hospital when the sion Historian for the Patrick the Irish Volunteers in Glasgow training of her Irish boy scouts effectively as a sniper under the doctor advised the authorities Pearse Division in Columbus, in 1914. It was at this time that (known as Fianna Boys). The direction of the Countess. that she was too sick to be jailed. Ohio. He is also Chairman of Margaret learned to shoot at a Countess, a trained marksman Then, Margaret and William From the hospital, she arranged the Catholic Record Society for rifle club, which had been es- herself, was teaching them to Partridge were detailed to lead a to escape while awaiting medical the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio. tablished so that women could shoot. Margaret accompanied patrol towards the Russell Hotel treatment and obtained a travel He writes on Irish and Irish- help in defense of the British the Countess and her boys to on the corner of the Green and permit from Dublin Castle to American history; Ohio history Empire. Margaret became a very the woods surrounding Dublin, Harcourt Street. Here they were enable her to return to Scotland. and Ohio Catholic history. You good shot. where the boys learned shoot- ordered to gain entry to a nearby Margaret returned to Dublin may contact him at FCoolavin@ Her work in Glasgow for ing, camping and military skills. shop, work their way down later that year before fleeing to aol.com. Cumann na mBan and the Vol- Margaret wrote that the boys the row of buildings, unteers came to the attention of were delighted that she could and set fire to a British Countess Constance de Marki- hit the bulls-eye more often than outpost; this would re- evicz and she asked Margaret any of them. move the snipers, force to come to Dublin to visit her. “The Countess had trained the withdrawal of the Margaret made the overnight them to expect good marks- military and deny this trip to Dublin during Christmas manship from a woman,” wrote position to the enemy. of 1915. Margaret. Upon arrival at In crossing the Irish Sea, she At the encouragement of the the shop, Partridge chose to sleep on deck, using Countess and after meeting smashed the front her hat for a pillow rather than James Connolly, Margaret signed glass with the butt of sleeping in a stateroom. For on as a private in the Irish Citizen his rifle. As the sound of in her hat, she was smuggling Army. She also made several breaking glass echoed explosive detonators and had trips back and forth to Glasgow, throughout the street, a wires wrapped around her under each time smuggling explosives volley of rifle fire from 12 IAN Ohio “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com February 2014

ACROSS of its 365 islands. 37 Have a pint at _’_____’s Pub in 1 Place your bets and watch the dog races at the Galway _____ 17 Take a stroll along the Salthill ______and kick the wall at the end. Salthill amongst all the antiques Stadium. 19 Spend a few hours horseback riding at Cooper’s Hill _____ on and collectibles covering every 3 See a production at the Galway ___ Hall Theatre. the Tuam Road outside Galway City. inch of available space. 4 Get your picture taken standing on the ____ Man Bridge off N59 21 See many different events at ____ Square, the city centre of 38 See Kilconnell ______Fri- on the way to Cong. Galway City. ary’s intricate tomb carvings and 7 Visit the Galway ______, the National Aquarium of Ireland. 24 Take the ferry to Connemara’s ______Island to see what Ireland celtic cross. 8 See many different events at ____ Square, the city centre of Gal- was like 60 years ago. 41 Visit ______Abbey and Vic- way City 25 See the _____ Arches,a 1700’s extension to the walls built in 1584 torian Walled Garden, home to 11 Hike the trails in Connermara ____ Park and climb Diamond Hill. to protect Galway City’s quays. the Benedictine Nuns in Conne- 14 Hike up to ______, a stone fort, on Inish Mor 26 Attend the Galway ____ to place a bet on the horses and people mara. 15 Visit ____ Park in Gort, once home to Lady Gregory and visited watch...,similar to our Kentucky Derby. 42 View the Twelve ____ of often by William Butler Yeats. 27 Attend a murder mystery dinner, Murder on the ____, in Galway Connemara and take some great 16 Stay a night in Cong’s ______Castle, once on Lough Corrib, once City. pics. owned by the Guinness Brewing family. 28 Take the time to explore the ruins of Ross ____ Friary in Headford. 43 Visit Leenane’s Sheep and 17 Visit ______Galway in Knocknacarra, Galway to test your skills 29 Visit the small _____ Ring Museum in Galway City for history ____ Centre to learn all you want at 10 different sports at this first of its kind in the world facility of the ring and purchase a certified original ring to know fleece and methods of 18 View the bog landing site of Alcock and ____;s first Atlantic flight 32 Attend a #1 rated show performance of ______in Salthill dyeing it over the years. in 1919 and see the Marconi Station near Clifden. 33 Visit the Galway ____ Centre, the cultural center for literary and 46 Stop at the beautiful, pristine 20 Hike the trails at Portumna ____ Park by the shore of Lough Derg. visual arts and the home to an impressive Irish art gallery white sand ______Beach in 22 Visit Athenry’s Norman Castle and _____, listed as a National 34 Tour the Irish _____ Centre in Portumna to learn about hardships Connemara for quiet walks. Monument. during the famine. 23 Tour ___’_ Garden in Rosscahill to see the four gardens represent- 35 Stop at _____ Tower, one of the best preserved ancient Round 49 Go to a play written by Irish ing the Celtic Heritage of the Four Seasons. Towers in Ireland, church ruins, and grave of St. Colman. playwrights at the _____ Theatre 27 Climb The Hill of ____ in Tuam 36 Drive the __ Road to Clifden to see some spectacular scenery in Galway City. 30 Take a ferry to the ____ Islands from Rossevale. 31 Stop at ______Castle, a impressive 16th-century castle flanked by two branches of the Drimmeen River in Oughterard. 39 Local legend says that if you touch the hand of the Connemara ____ you will be blessed with the knowledge of his ancient tribe, located on the road from Clifden to Galway. 40 Take a spin on a go-kart at Pallas _____ in Loughrea, Europe’s largest kart track or give paintballing a try. 44 Go to “ ____ in the Church” at St. Nicholas Collegiate Church in Galway City for some great traditional music. 45 Stop in at the Galway City _____ in the Spanish Arch to learn about the history of this wonderful city. 47 Visit the lovely fishing village of ______in Connemara,for great seafood, great pictures, and the best maker of bodhrans in Ireland. 48 See a demonstration of herding skills by the Joyce Country ______in Shanafaraghaun. 50 Explore Connemara’s ______mine, closed in 1865, to look for copper pyrite or crystals of quartz and fluorite, or pan for gold. 51 Attend the Medieval Banquet at ______Castle in Kinvara. 52 See the Lynch ______and the window where Galway’s Mayor Lynch hung his son, which is how the term “lynched” originated. 53 Tour the Woodville ____ Garden at Woodville House in Kilchree DOWN 2 Visit Kiltullagh ‘s ____ Castle and Woods, a restored castle that often hosts Medieval Festivals and Visits with Santa. 3 Take the family to ____ Pet Farm in Loughrea to feed the animals and play on the bouncing castles and slides. 4 Take a stroll down ____ Street in Galway City, watch the buskers, have a pint, listen to music in a pub, and have fish and chips at MacDonagh’s. 5 Attend a performance at newly renovated Taibhdhearc ______in Galway City. 6 Look for the ______, a geological formation on Inish Mor that fills and empties with the tides. 9 Stop in at the Burren ____ Sanctuary in Kinvara to learn about the flora and fauna found in the Burren. 10 Shop at Roundstone _____, located in a former monastery, to purchase lovely earthenware. 12 Stop at the Athenry _____’_ Centre to experience Medieval His- tory by participating in the many interactive exhibits. 13 Take a boat ride on Lough ____ by Ashford Castle to see many February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 13

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eral hours alone with their fantastic collection challenging him with the startling: “…you should tell of The Nation newspapers. your policemen to let my agents alone. I, the principal Ireland Founded in 1842 by Thomas Davis among offender, am here, at 12 Trinity Street, a few yards from others, this was the paper that appeared your Castle gate. I remain, your enemy, John Mitchel.” Past and throughout the Famine years. I wanted to In a separate essay, he related an 1847 visit to a fam- see how exactly events were reported as they ily he has last seen two years previously. He arrived in Present unfolded. I wish I had taken notes, I wish I their tiny village, keenly aware of the terrible, ominous By Niamh O’Sullivan had taken a more scientific approach, but I do silence, every door open. The family are dead, all of them. recall from that long session my ever increas- He explains, “… the father was on a ‘public work’, and ing puzzlement. Where is it? Where is that anger which earned the sixth part of what would have maintained his The Principal Offender should have been obvious on every page? I reached family, which was not always duly paid him; but still it the 1847 editions before it became especially noticeable. kept them half alive for three months, and so instead of I frequently drive the Famine Road here in Callan. A I did rediscover John Mitchel tho. The Nation was dying in December they died in March.” ‘public works’ road, it is a haunting relic of that cata- toning down his contributions; he left to establish The By 1865 these heart-rending events in Ireland and strophic time when Ireland lost roughly one quarter America had burned themselves out. In an 1866 letter of her population in six years. In 2011, I visited to a former Young Ireland friend, after having been the new museum in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, en- imprisoned in Fortress Monroe with Jefferson Davis, thralled. Of all the objects and statistics I absorbed, John Mitchel states, “Future of humanity be damned – one set of figures lingers: 11,000 men died there. why, I don’t believe in the present, let alone the future.” 40,000 were wounded, captured or missing, com- Author Drew Gilpin Faust, in “This Republic of prising 51,000 casualties. Together these made up Suffering”, argues that Americans during and after twenty times the population of the little 1863 town. the Civil War had to exert enormous effort to com- Accompanying words on a text panel cling to my prehend and to cope with the colossal number of mind, unshakable: “It leaves us a different people deaths it delivered; the figures and the reality were in everything”. too overwhelming. Consider John Mitchel, someone who actually lived John Mitchel arrived in America right in time for through those events, being deeply and personally the Civil War, just after witnessing the worst of the affected by them both. Young Ireland member and Irish Famine. Mitchel’s colleagues and some histo- later citizen of the Confederate States of America, rians believe the devastating events in Ireland alone Mitchel obliquely questioned his own sanity in transformed him. His youngest son killed in Get- the aftermath of the Irish Famine, or Great Hunger tysburg, Mitchel’s oldest son, John Junior, also in the (1845-1852). At the beginning of his iconic work, “Jail Confederate army, perished one year later during a Journal”, chronicling conditions in Ireland, his arrest Union attack on Fort Sumter. It leaves us a different and transportation out of the country, he wrote: “At people in everything. the end of six years I can set down these things calmly, United Irishman, his own explicitly revolutionary news- Coming full circle, I need to re-examine one of Mitch- but to see them might have driven a wise man mad.” paper. And there I found it: John Mitchel’s legendary el’s most abhorrent notions; advocating the reopening John Mitchel lost his youngest son, Willie, less than a sacred wrath. Initially appearing on 12 February 1848 of the slave trade….. How could this ostensibly fearless, decade later during General George E. Pickett’s tragic (Abraham Lincoln’s 39th birthday) until Mitchel’s arrest principled man articulate such a position? Was he used charge on the third day at Gettysburg. three months later under the infamous Treason Felony up and disillusioned? Was he conforming to his time When I first studied Mitchel’s life in Ireland during Act, Mitchel named the wretched corpses. and place? Do we judge from our time, or theirs? Did the Famine, I admired him greatly. On learning that he His paper quoted incidents of deaths by starvation, his quest for nationhood, Irish and Confederate, temper chose the Confederate side in the American Civil War, restoring their names to the dead, leaving the horror all rational thought? His love for Ireland dominated: did I dismissed him out of hand, my youthful idealism furi- vividly in our dooryards and along our streets. Mitchel he hope for an American / British conflict which might ously disappointed. Starting work in the Jackie Clarke dared dedicate editions to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, benefit Ireland? Or did he believe it, plain and simple? Collection in Ballina, Co. Mayo, I promised myself sev- the Earl of Clarendon. He chastised the man, openly Could he be a courageous agitator for social justice at home, suffer the humiliation of being removed from Dublin in chains, and defend slavery in America? Charles Dana, journalist and contemporary of Mitchel, Marianne wrote of him, “He not only spoke the truth at all times, Mangan but he spoke the whole truth by a kind of moral necessity. He knew no reserve and no disguise … no prudence in Visit our website for this regard … his sincerity was perfect and his courage a complete list of live fearless.” entertainment, food and drink specials! Yet, words concerning Mitchel sent by Jefferson Davis, Flashes of erstwhile President of the Confederate States of America, Feb. 1 - Brent Kirby the moment... linger, “Together we struggled for states’ rights, for the Feb. 7 - The Higbees Images for supremacy of the Constitution …”. That Constitution Feb. 8 - The Bar Flys Davis revered recognised enslaved people as property. Feb. 14 & Feb. 15 - The New a lifetime. And this remarkable, flawed Irishman, who knew how Barleycorn it felt to walk in chains, although later disillusioned with Feb. 21 - Kristine Jackson Davis, had joined in that struggle with him. Feb. 22 - The Bar Flys Niamh O’Sullivan worked in Kilmainham Prison for 24 years with Kilmainham Jail Restoration Society & in

LIVE MUSIC Feb. 28 - Walking Cane the Archives. She is involved with the Jackie Clarke Col- 323 E. Prospect • Cleveland, Ohio 44115 mariannemangan.com lection, Ballina, and the Irish Life and Lore Series, Kerry”. (216) 781-7782 • flannerys.com [email protected] February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 17

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February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 19

eclectic, abstraction, is a far remove and teapots could not outshine the me with her. from the popular impressionists efforts of a city attempting to look Together, with her son, the three or realists. beyond the injustices of the past. of us clung to the side of the rink On entering the newly renovat- Sometimes when our expectations daring each other to let go. What ed army barracks, I was impressed. collide with reality, the inevitable were we doing? Were we wise at The former British army station disillusionment may also bring all? It was crazy, and, by some was creatively demilitarized. The with it a surprise. It’s not peculiar people’s reckoning, stupid, but The trip back to Derry ended as place where the warm, fuzzy, barbed wire, the high lookouts, to the people of Derry this ability bloody good fun! Once we finally it began, with the heavens lashing memories displace the unpleasant the oppressing sense of occupa- to transcend and transform a hor- released our grip on the safety bar, it down. I was sitting on the bus ones. It’s much like the Irish Tour- tion was a memory creatively rific past. Human beings are con- we skated like Bambi, almost fall- going to the airport, the gale force ist Board’s pitch to returnees as redeemed. Now, with its walls stantly reinventing, restoring, and ing but not quite. For the next hour, winds coming at us from every the ‘gathering’; the expectation is de-cluttered, and callouses of war rejuvenating their personal stories. we laughed, swore, and tentatively angle, and the roads slick with rooted in sentimental recollection hacked off, the former military It’s who we are. When pulled by skated around and around in cir- water when it occurred to me, why and the desire to generate money installation was visually stunning. despair we are teased back to our cles. The years fell away, we were had I bothered coming back? The is graciously forgotten. However, Ironically, the real art, for me lay right minds by hope. no longer responsible middle-aged extreme weather wasn’t the perfect the collision between what we not with the Tate Turner prize, My disappointment with the adults, and we were back in our end to a fortnight at home, but it want and what we get is disillu- but the architects who were able Turner Prize was offset by the reckless, carefree, 20s. certainly was consistent with the sioning, and I’m beginning to think to take a deep wound of the past creative ingenuity of those who Then there was the night when whole trip. I should’ve known bet- that this is not designed the Peace Bridge, my other younger sister got drunk. ter, but I’m forever the optimist. As a bad thing. a reminder that art is pri- Never a drinker, she had never I sat there watching the rain, a sea Before go- marily a celebration of been drunk before. My brother, of melancholy was quickly taking ing home, I human enterprise. Art is who was hosting the party, began hold of me. was really not a cosmetic. It doesn’t the evening with wine, then beer, We all love those picturesque looking for- cover up blemishes in then brandy. My sister happily images of Irish green fields and ward to the attempt to create an alter- guzzled every concoction present- misty hills. And, I am as guilty as Tate Turner native reality, but it can ed to her. The hilarity reached a anyone else about boasting about prize. Derry inspire us to see things crescendo when my brother and the best of the auld sod, but my as the City of differently. sister were up on the floor shaking enthusiasm was, at this point, most Culture was As you can see the their money to Abba’s Dancing definitely waning. first time host- drowning man has begun Queen. It was a moment of absur- When I arrived at Dublin airport ing this very to swim. Despite the bus dity, jocularity, but more so, it was two weeks beforehand, I greeted prestigious rocking to the whims of true Irish family bonding. the rain with fond nostalgia. After art competi- the strong gusts of wind, As I boarded the plane, the storm all, I was leaving the frigid air of tion. So, on and the lashes of rain, the had settled, and the sun shone. I Chicago behind me. In compari- one of the wet, optimist is not dead. In was leaving again, but not down- son to the dry, scour of the Windy sodden morn- between those constant heartedly. The wind, rain, crazy City, the rain did not faze me. ings, I walked across the Peace and transform it into a place of showers were moments, fractions family dynamics (including my Fourteen days later, waterlogged Bridge to see the exhibition. Since celebration. of time, when the pulse of life beat mother’s immeasurable decora- and frustrated, my positive rea- the weather was atrocious, there Inside the building that housed regardless of how wet it got. tions), raced around my mind, soning had darkened into despair. were only a few of us who braved the artwork I was uninspired, and For instance, Derry for the first swirled inside my head, and more Worse again, my innate need to the elements. I had heard from at a loss for words. A male cari- time had an ice rink. And, my often than not made me chuckle. redeem the whole experience was others, previous to my visit, that cature of a male nude, an empty younger sister, who in her day *Terry, originally from Derry, fighting back like a drowning man. the work of the four finalists was room where you were asked by was a star roller skater at the roller now resides in Chicago and teach- When the immigrant returns, disappointing, and anticlimactic. an attendant if you would give discos, had a ‘notion’ to go ice- es Irish and British Literature at unlike the prodigal, the expecta- Obviously, I reasoned, they didn’t a pound to know about market skating. Now, as a grandmother, Loyola University, Chicago. ter- tion is a coming back to the home understand modern art. The economy, and a film about water she wanted to chance fate and take [email protected] Welcome Newest Advertisers:

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governments by the British state. The Lord Lieutenant propriately, emigrants’ voting and repre- View (whatever of Ireland, Lord Clarendon, wrote in a let- sentation rights are given ample exposure permutation ter (7th August, 1847) at the height of the in this report. We are reminded that Fine the parties in famine, that the mass emigration of Irish Gael once tabled a motion of allotting From Ireland power formed people would be entirely beneficial; he three senate seats to non-resident Irish By Maurice Fitzpatrick made no dif- described how a policy to create employ- people: this generation of Irish abroad, ference) con- ment oppourtunities abroad to lure Irish which is highly educated, will not be tentedly sent people away was necessary. Cleared of palmed off with such a sleight-of-hand, Emigration in Ireland’s youth into exile. As our former Irish people, Ireland would thus become the political equivalent of sending a mon- Foreign Minister, Brian Lenihan Senior, an outsize game shooting estate for the key into space. Currently the strongest an Age of Austerity gnomically observed in the 1980s: ‘we English gentry. lobby group for adequate representation, The report’s authors went for an ep- cannot all live on a small island’. It is Irish governments absorbed this British Votes for Irish Citizens Abroad, is based ochal title. It sounds a little like Love hard to trump that analysis unless one policy and, even today, Irish politicians in London. They focus on voting rights in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel García remembers that a relatively small island consistently duck out of challenging the in Presidential elections as the entering Márquez’s wondrous novel, although the nation like Japan, the majority of whose perception that the state should seek to wedge in the fight to have a voice in realities of emigration during a recession land surface is uninhabitable, has histori- retain rather than dispatch its popula- general elections. are not nearly as uplifting as reading the cally always had minuscule emigration tion. It is a perception that has ignoble These facts made for an interesting great Colombian. I am referring to the figures, and today 127 million people roots, and the faintly infanticidal malady study of contemporary Ireland’s attitudes work of a triumvirate of scholars (Irial manage to live in Japan without falling of spirit that sustains it needs to be ad- to, and experience of, emigration. But Glynn, Tomás Kelly and Piaras MacÉinri) through the floorboards. In voicing such dressed before trends of Irish emigration emigration impacts much more in the based in University College Cork who views, Lenihan sang in unison with Irish can be reversed permanently. heart than in trends of sociological data recently published a book length inves- governmental policy since the founda- Recent Irish arrivals in North America and in the shifting sands of politics. Hu- tigation entitledEmigration in an Age of tion of the state: they have all hoped that and the Antipodes are sharply aware of man stories, too, feature prominently in Austerity. Timely and topical, its subject the road would rise to meet us. the enthusiasm with which the Irish gov- Emigration in an Age of Austerity. In my is one that has touched everybody in This perspective epitomises current ernment bid them farewell. They want next column, I will return to this most fun- Ireland either directly or indirectly—and governmental policy too. Here is our to have a say in the way Irish matters damental dimension in Ireland’s narrative, many people outside our country as well. Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan: are handled in the future, and they have and the emotional perspectives of emigra- Emigration has been with us immemo- ‘What we have to make sure is our young begun to agitate to achieve that. So, ap- tion detailed in the report’s findings rially. Before the foundation of the state, people have the best Irish people had been leaving en masse possible education, so for the New World. The mass departure that when they go, they of Irish people is often attributed to The are employed as young Great Famine, but Irish people had left professionals’. Why does long before that trauma as well. The Noonan not even en- theme of Irish emigration is unrelenting tertain the idea that he in our past, resulting in an expectation might rather incentivise that one disappeared generation would young professionals to enable, and even fund, the departure of stay and give back to the the next. country that nurtured Yet there was one exceptional period them? when emigration was not a de facto part One emigrant who of Irish life. During a tiny window in participated in the sur- our contemporary history, the 1990s and veys that form the back- into the noughties, emigration did not bone of this report ac- dominate Irish thinking or demograph- cused the government ics. The country was gripped then by a of being ‘bloody lazy- contrary fervour: how best to integrate minded’ in setting great the arrival of immigrants into Ireland. store in emigration as a With the popping of the economic bubble, silver bullet for Ireland’s however, Ireland fondly embraced the woes. That criticism is mass emigration that had been with us not fully correct. While, for over two centuries. It is this swathe certainly, the govern- of Irish emigrants that MacÉinri and ment’s thinking is lazy his colleagues profile. This research is a in not seeking to staunch valuable first attempt at chronicling the the haemorrhage of peo- latest chapter of the Irish emigration story ple from our shores, the against the backdrop of past experiences real problem is more of Irish emigrants. profoundly rooted than We are informed that The Irish Times in the government sim- in an editorial published in the 1950s sav- ply falling back on a aged De Valera for his government’s role disastrous policy. in pushing people out: ‘De Valera’s reac- Irish governments tion to emigration in 1951 was to blame since the foundation of the victim’ for leaving behind frugal the state have blithely comforts in search of material gain. Unde- maintained a policy on terred by such rumblings, successive Irish emigration first formed

February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 23

a shovelful of soil was tossed pet, and the vast beauty of the one year. Both dogs are lovely, on the grave. Truly, Swimmy sea. albeit due to the proud lineage was sent off with the pride of Admittedly, I have a romantic from whence they came. a dignitary. After a toast to adoration for the Border collie. Knowing our attachment to Swimmy’s life, the revelers Each time I see one in the States, Lucky, all our family members happily reconvened for the I am transported to Ireland, its were kind, offering heartfelt after party. rolling green meadows and sympathies, and even a spiral Our sadness did not last long rugged strands. I see Cousin sliced ham placed anonymously as we still had another carnival Thomas and The Uncle sur- on our front door. After all, goldfish, Swimmer, and our dog rounded by an adoring group Lucky was more than a pet, she The Parting Glass From the kitchen I could hear a Lucky, a half-breed Border collie of dogs seeking affection after symbolized a bit of Ireland and pitch perfect rendition of “Amaz- from Ireland, to provide the love a long journey moving sheep to a lot of our Irish family. Family gatherings at our ing Grace.” I thought nothing only a pet can give. greener pastures. Lucky was there to greet each house are loud, boisterous affairs. of this somber choice of tune of our three babies when my Counters buckle with the weight as perhaps the girls had moved husband and I arrived home of food. Spirits flow freely. The on to a game of “America’s Got from the hospital. jokes are never ending. Unortho- Talent” featuring church hymns. Ever patient and attentive, she dox humor may often abound, The same cousin who astutely would stand at the door of our but love is present among all. observed the flooding found family room until our infant The children scatter to all me in the kitchen once again. daughter fell asleep in her crib. corners of the house: the girls This time he told me, “I think When spring arrives, I will miss playing office or board games, Michael’s fish is dead.” watering my plants and flowers while the boys play ball in the Yes indeed, Swimmy, our car- with Lucky at my side. Much backyard. For everyone, there nival goldfish of five years, was like her Border collie kin, Lucky is someone. dead. The cousins felt a prompt would stay in step with my hus- When my youngest son turned burial was in order. As it was band during all his gardening nine, the annual family party May and the lilacs were in bloom, chores. was a bit of a calamity. One we buried Swimmy beneath a True to her Border collie an- cousin, mild and sweet by na- lilac bush. Our motley group cestry, Lucky was loyal to her ture, caught my attention and of revelers became mourners. masters. She even earned a red informed me that our basement A leading representative from flag of warning on her medical was flooding. Apparently, the the finest funeral home this side file stating, “protective of owner.” ball players became bored with of the Mississippi was on hand I felt this was a bit slanderous, their game and left the hose on to lead prayer. One of the boys given her sweet nature. during a water fight. Shortly af- played Amazing Grace on the When the time came for Lucky ter that catastrophe was cleared, fife, while the girls sang along. to be put down, I wrapped her another arrived. Passing words were shared as in the children’s baby blankets Iconic to farming areas in Our dog, Lucky, was born in for comfort. My daughter came England and Ireland, the Border Newport, Co. Mayo Ireland. As with me to the veterinary of- collie is a graceful worker filled she was a half-breed, part col- fice to say her last goodbyes to with loyalty to his master. On my lie and part fox terrier, she was the pet that stayed by her side recent trip to England, I watched meant to be a pet, rather than a during infancy and throughout as a collie ran along the beach working dog. Smitten with the the tumultuous storms of early with the speed of an antelope. swing of her tail, my mother- adolescence. As Lucky passed, I Clearing fishing baskets and ce- in-law thought that she would stroked her silken ears and cried ment posts with ease, the collie make a great pet for her son and unabashedly over her peaceful always had an eye out for his me, the newlyweds. And so face. Pets are more than just owners who strolled together Lucky arrived to us on a cold Jan- animals, they do indeed carry a in the dog’s wake. Relaxed in uary day somewhere between piece of the human heart. Wellington’s and worn jeans, New Year’s Day and the Feast On Christmas Night, the same the couple laughed as I compli- of the Epiphany, during our first group of revelers that once laid mented them on their dog. “He’s Christmas together. Perhaps it Swimmy to rest gathered around like a child, so he is, needin’ to was fitting that Lucky passed on the table. Stories were shared run and play, but we’s likes our just as the winter snows began about Lucky and we ushered her walks along the beach as well.” on the shortest night of this year, memory into that other world. I smiled at their comfort with nearly three weeks shy of her A final parting glass was raised one another and their simple American homecoming, seven- toasting the richness of a life well way of living in this coastal teen long years ago. lived, a very special dog, and the village. The couple went on to Lucky was a special dog be- wonder of family. tell me that they rescued their cause of her heritage. When she *Susan holds a Master of Fine Border collie and had not raised came to us, she unknowingly Arts in English from John Carroll him as a pup. Nonetheless, they brought with her a piece of Ire- University and a Master’s De- explained, their dog was quick to land. Lucky does have a living gree in Education from Baldwin- learn and affectionate. I waved half-sister, a purebred fox terrier, Wallace University. She may as the couple went on their way, with the same adorable face. be contacted at suemangan@ content with one another, their Lucky was her sister’s senior by yahoo.com 24 IAN Ohio “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com February 2014

a Local 10 Union establishment. Hiram Home of the Celtic Supporter’s Columbus Sean Moore Irish Music Sessiúns Club. Book all your parties & Shamrock Club Events 16th-learn tunes: 2:00/open ses- Events in our Bridgie Ned’s Irish 1st – Quiz Night, 2nd – General sion:3:00 Potluck refreshments Flanagan’s Wake is Back! Parlor Party Room. 17119 Lorain Meeting, 6th – Bardic Circle, 8th All welcome. Frohring Music The Hilarious Interactive Irish Road, 44111. www.pjmcintyres. – Death by Banjo, 9th – Blood Hall Rm 102, 11746 Dean St. Wake is Every Fri & Sat& at 8pm com 216-941-9311. Drive, 15th – Joe Conley Extrava- and Kennedy’s Theatre at Play- West Park Station ganza, 16th – General Meeting, Lakewood house Square; Downtown Cleve- ‘Merican Mondays & Trivia 20th – Bardic Circle, 21st – Kirby Beck Center for the Arts 7th – land. 216-241-6000 or 866-546- Night 7pm. 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Irish Heritage Center 3905 PJ McIntyre’s 1st - Velvetshake, Pops Orchestra, and Murphy 922 East 222nd Street, Euclid, 14th - Faction, 15th - Abbey Ro- Eastern Ave 513.533.0100, www. 5th - Monthly Pub Quiz- hosted Irish Dancers, Cleveland POPS 44123 216.289.2569 deo, 22nd - UFC 170, 28th - Jinx. irishcenterofcincinnati.com. by Mike D, 7th - The New Barley- Chorus and Cleveland Firefight- Starts @9:30. Every Tuesday corn, 8th - Samantha Fitzpatrick ers Memorial Pipes & Drums. Fairview Park - Open Mic w Nick Zuber, Every Cleveland Band, 13th - Craic Brothers, 14th www.clevelandpops.com Stampers Bar & Grill Wednesday - Trivia Night. 7861 The Harp 1st - The Porter Sharks, - Colin Dussault, 15th - Ace Molar, 21750 Lorain Road, Fairview Reynolds Rd www.1funpub.com 5th - Lonesome Stars, 7th - Irish 20th - Donegal Doggs, 21st - DJ Park 44126. 440.333.7826. www. (440) 942-6611. 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Flanagan’s Wake ~Every Fri & Sat 8pm, Playhouse Square Ciaran Sheehan with the Clannad 11th – Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park Cleveland Pops, March 15th February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 25

iseach Enda Kenny addressed their socks and getting on with [Check out www.failteireland. the nation just before Christmas. it...be it good, bad or indiffer- ie/wildatlanticway for updates.] His announcement that Ire- ent. Keeping the bright side out Under the title “Discover Ire- land was exiting the EU bailout can’t hurt. land”, Ray O’Hanlon, editor programme was viewed with With that in mind, the Irish of The Irish Echo, writes an mixed emotions. He noted that Tourist Board is launching sev- appetising introduction to this the country was now one-step eral new, bold initiatives, hop- unique travel adventure. See closer to financial solvency, but ing to build on the positive the 25 December 2013 issue at Can you believe it? Winter is the days lengthen and signs of he quickly pointed out there energy “The Gathering” initiated www.irishecho.com for Ray’s certainly making a bold state- spring are in the air, children was still more self-sacrifice and last year. The Riverside City of description. ment. Sure, if you believe the set about weaving new Brigid economic pain required of us all. Limerick, only a short distance Finally, much like Michael old saw [cliché] “The sharper the crosses for the house. Strips of His sombre pronouncement from Shannon Airport, has been Considine’s song, “Spancil Hill,” blast, the sooner ‘tis past,” we’ll cloth or articles of clothing are did little to lift my spirits. Sure, designated “A National City of I recently stepped aboard a ‘vi- be basking in the warmth of an left outside for the saint to bless regaining our economic sover- Culture” for 2014. [Visit www. sion ship and followed with the early spring before long. as she passes by. Candles or eignty is important, but the cur- limerickcityofculture.ie/] wind’ only to land in Galway It seems just yesterday I wrote bonfires are lit and holy wells rent Government’s austerity plan As you can see, a wide-ranging during a driving rain. With great of Samhain’s advent. Now, we’re visited. Here in urban America, continues to choke the life-blood programme of varied activi- eagerness, I walked the one block on the cusp of Earrach [spring] however, traditional Irish rural out of its people. ties and experiences is planned from the station to #1 Eyre Square, and St. Brigid’s feast day [Im- customs are difficult to replicate, Kenny, warning that now is that should have great appeal. Richardson’s Pub. There, behind bolc, 1 February]. It’s a time to but do what you can...some- not the time to give up, said, “I Check out the website’s list- the bar, was my good friend Tom, honour hearth and home. As thing to honour our Gaelic past. know that many people are ing. Rightfully so, Irish culture ‘the Publican,’ waiting for me with Here in Ohio, the recent in- struggling to make ends meet. receives a huge nod of attention a smile and a cuppa tea. vasion from a sub-zero polar I also know that, for many of in addition to sport, architecture, After a good chat, we headed Westlake vortex had me huddled in front you, the recent improvements local festivals, city tours, history up the road to his family home. Coming This Month – the of the fire, while across the in the economic situation are and much more...and oh, while There was Mrs. Richardson and 3rd Hooley House. Joining sea, enormous Atlantic storms not yet being felt in your daily you’re visiting the ‘Treaty-Stone’ her two Yorkshire terriers an- Sister Houses in Mentor and pounded the west coast of Ire- lives. But it is now clear that your town, do visit the wonderful ticipating our arrival. Warmed Brooklyn,www.1funpub.com land...the worst in living mem- sacrifices are making a real dif- Hunt Museum and King John’s by her cheerful welcome, more for Grand Opening and details. ory. Record high tides and mas- ference. Ireland is moving in the immense castle. They’re two of tea and a grand dinner of roasted Hooley House Westlake 24940 sive flooding impacted parts right direction. Our economy is Ireland’s finest historical and chicken, mash, veg and custard, Sperry Dr . (440) 835-2890. of Limerick, Mayo, Cork City starting to recover.” visual attractions. we three sat and talked of old and Galway. A number of busi- An Taoiseach emphasised that The other tourist scheme being times and new. Willoughby nesses beside the Spanish Arch stepping back from the bailout promoted this year is the 2,500 Later, Mrs. R set the fire in the Mullarkey’s in the City of Tribes sustained was an important move, but it’s km-long tour of Western Ireland parlour and we relaxed with 7th – Jam Sammich, 8th – Sean heavy damage. For a time, the not the end all. Peoples’ lives touted as “The Wild Atlantic a glass and the telly. As with Benjamin, 14th – Eric Butler, 15th roads, prom and carparks along will not change overnight, but Way.” From Donegal in the north most such visits, it was all too – Dan McCoy, 21st – Mo Andrews, Salthill’s waterfront became be prideful these past three to Cork in the south, the visitor is short. But fear not, I’m already 22nd – Mossy Moran, 28th – part of Galway Bay while in years have been a signal to the directed through parts of Ireland dreaming of hopping aboard that Brendan Butler. Wed: Karaoke, Co. Clare, Lahinch’s quayside world that Ireland is resilient...its likely only known to locals. The vision ship again. God bless and Thurs: Ladies Night w/ D.J. 4110 witnessed 100 mph winds and people are fighters, not quitters. winding, narrow roads with keep springtime in your hearts. Erie Street www.mullarkeys.com sixty-foot waves. The pictures In talking with folks, there their many majestic views lie Cathal Croagh Patrick’s of the flooding on RTÉ were still seems to be much more pes- just over the next hill or around Cathal is a freelance writer and 4857 Robinhood Drive Willough- unbelieviable. simism than optimism about the that far bend. the author of four historical fic- by, 44094 (440) 946-8250. www. Hoping to bring some good future, but I do give them credit. The final details of this travel tion novels. www.cathalliam. croaghpatrickspub.webs.com news to the people, Irish Tao- The Irish continue pulling up venture are still in the works. com

Every Thursday is Irish Night 7 – 10pm Open Seisiún – Traditional musicians of all ages welcome! $3 Guinness & Jameson on Thursday Nights Come enjoy our patio, expanded wine selection and new dinner menu! 16719 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107 26 IAN Ohio “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com February 2014

around. They begin their cam- paign on home soil on Febru- ary 2nd, hosting Scotland. Their big rival game with the English will be held on Saturday February 22nd. It will be interesting to see what new manager Joe Schmidt can Rugby – Six Nations Cham- ship in its current format of rustle up, he has the players pionships The annual Europe- six teams back to back (each there, but as they showed an rugby international tour- once), but neither was able against the All Blacks when nament, better known as the to three-peat. Wales are com- they led going into the final Six Nations Championship, ing into the Six Nations on few minutes, they might just kicks into gear this month the back of a mixed series of lack the bottle. Let’s hope not. with the first matches taking autumn games when they lost Finally there’s the Scots place February 1st, when cur- to Australia and South Africa. and the Italians, who finished rent champions Wales will Despite this though, Warren 3rd and 4th respectively last play host to Italy. The Welsh Gartland’s men will be the fa- season – the best finish in team is looking to make his- vorites for the championship, the competition for Italy, and tory by becoming the 1st team with talented players such as further proof that they are to win the Championship in Leigh Halfpenny, Sam War- no longer the whipping boys burton and George of Europe. Although it is North all hopeful highly unlikely that either of of continuing their these teams will walk away fine individual play with the trophy, do not be from last season. surprised to see them record a If not Wales, then few victories again this year. I the next threat may think it will be hard for Wales actually come from to win three in a row; there is England, looking to a lot of pressure on them to build momentum do so – perhaps too much. As for 2015 when they much as I hate to bet against host the World Cup. the Irish, I think 2014 could The English will see the Six Nations Cham- host rivals Ireland pionship return to England. and Wales, which Like most of my predictions could prove to be over the years, let’s hope this three consecutive years. crucial home field advantage. will not happen, and the Irish In the last thirteen seasons, Then there are the French, a will prove me wrong! only England and France team you can never write off, Here is the full 2014 Six have won the Champion- despite a horrible 2013 season, Nations schedule – for those looking to watch live in the Cleveland area, PJ McIntyre’s Irish Pub in West Park shows the games live, as does Clad- dagh Irish Pub in Legacy Vil- lage (Lyndhurst). Trivia: First last month’s ques- tion: Next month sees the Six when they finished last in the came within a few minutes Nations Championships kick Six Nations and became a of beating the All Blacks, off once again, but who are the national embarrassment, fin- will have to build up extra reigning champions? Wales. ishing below minnows Italy.ú motivation if they are to win This year they are going for 2 Ireland, who most recently the Championship this time in a row. This month’s question: When was the last time Ireland won the Six Nations Championship? *Mark Owens is originally from Derry City, Ireland and has resided in the Cleveland area since 2001. Mark is the Director of Marketing for Skylight Finan- cial Group in Cleveland. Send questions, comments or sugges- tions for future articles to Mark at: [email protected] February 2014 “We’ve Always Been Green!” www.ianohio.com 27

Let Them Play proceeded to take his team to such places area and beyond has earned our recog- Jimmy, Joe and Anne. Educated at St as Chicago and New York in search of nition, respect and admiration. He is a Ignatius High School and John Carroll fresh challenges. While these road trips true Gael. University, he has worked for thirty years Cleveland St Jarlath’s Gaelic Football served to enhance club camaraderie and Jim Coyne resides in Avon Lake Ohio as a Market Business Manager with Bayer Club recently held a celebratory “Evening build a solid foundation on which the with his wife Kay. He has three children; Healthcare. with the Cup” at the Plank Road Tavern club would flourish, they also helped in in Lakewood Ohio. While the occasion establishing St Jarlaths as a major player included a medal ceremony to recognize on the North American GAA map. the 2013 North American Championship Under Jim’s guidance, the club went team and other past Jarlath greats, the from strength to strength through the highlight of the evening was the presen- nineties and beyond, winning numerous tation of a lifetime achievement award Midwest titles and back-to back National to club Chairman and Head Coach, Jim titles in 2005 and 2006. Such was the clubs Coyne, in recognition of his services to divisional dominance that between 1982 Gaelic football. Representatives from and 2011, St Jarlaths competed in all but other Midwest clubs joined many in the one Midwest final. Jarlath’s family at the microphone to pay Jim’s contribution to Gaelic games has tribute to Jim. not just been limited to his role as player, It was also fitting that in attendance was coach and clubman. He served as the John O’Brien Sr., Honorary President of Midwest divisional chairman for a time the North American County Board and and was known and admired for bringing former St Jarlath’s coach, as he had been a relaxed style to the role. While others one of the men who had helped mentor on the board sought to adhere strictly to Jim when he became involved with the the GAA rulebook, Jim realized that in a game in the early 1970s. division made up of small market teams By then Gaelic football had been played located over a wide geographical area, in Cleveland for many decades, and the the onus should be on preservation and sport provided an avenue by which Irish strengthening through accommodation. immigrants could embrace their culture. He was instrumental in the Midwest Many worked tirelessly to promote the division adopting an unlimited substitu- game within the Cleveland community tion rule that ensured that all players on and young locally born athletes like Jim the game day roster got the opportunity were drawn to the physical and skillful to play. Indeed his motto was ‘let them nature of the sport. However the summer play’ and he takes great pride in the fact Kevin, Mike and Chris Pap Stand with Uncle, Jim Coyne influx of Irish born players meant that that at no time during his tenure on the many of these talented young American board did any club incur suspension or lads had limited opportunities to play financial penalty. competitively. As St.Jarlath’s head coach, Jim sur- Rather than become disillusioned about rounds himself with like minded individ- their lack of playing time, some set out uals who strive for a quality Gaelic foot- to do something about it. In early 1980, ball product, and share his unquenchable the decision was made to form a new thirst for success on the field of play. It is club, whose primary focus would be this winning mentality that has helped to promote the game of Gaelic football ensure that St Jarlath’s, under his leader- among American born athletes. As a re- ship, have firmly established themselves sult, Cleveland St Jarlath’s Gaelic Football as a Gaelic football powerhouse within Club was born. the Midwest. The accumulation of three An opportunity to compete against National titles and fourteen Midwest ti- Irish born players at their own game tles cements their claim to the winningest meant that the club had little problem re- Gaelic football club in the region. cruiting players in those early years. They St Jarlath’s GFC is busy planning for the hit the ground running and by 1982, Jim future. A fundraising drive is underway and his peers had won their first Midwest to help finance an Ireland trip in 2015 on championship. A repeat the following the occasion of the clubs 35th anniversary. year proved they were no flash in the pan. Accommodation and training facilities are The establishment of a new club in being researched in the centrally located Cleveland also ensured that more people Athlone area, and the intention is to play were afforded an opportunity to play a game in each province over a two week the game and as Jim and others built the period. profile of Gaelic sport locally, the newly While the focus of some in 2013 was to formed rivalries helped swell numbers present a quality Gaelic games product at festivals and other cultural events. By in the form of the NACB finals weekend, the late 1980s, Jim had become a lead- Jim’s primary focus, as always, was to ing figure within the club. Not content present a quality Gaelic football product to compete solely with clubs within the on the field of play. His contribution to Midwest region, the forward thinking Jim Irish sport and culture in the Cleveland