February 2010 VOL. 21 #2 $1.50 Boston’s hometown journal of Irish culture.
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A snowstorm last month made this sturdy home in Adare Village, Co. Limerick, a candidate for a 2010 Christmas card collection. Photo by Nicolaus Boston
By Liam Ferrie tween Millstreet and Rathmore. When it eventually serious flooding over the weekend when the River Avoca The Irish Emigrant arrived in Killarney 12 passengers remained on board burst its banks. GALWAY -- The long cold spell seems to be well as the train slowly made its way to Tralee. • On Wednesday morning ice was the problem. Nu- behind us now, although it is more than a memory for • Cork Airport reopened at lunchtime on Monday merous minor accidents were reported and motorists those who broke bones or damaged cars on icy roads, following the snowstorm that closed it the previous were urged to leave their cars at home if at all possible. and for those whose houses were damaged by burst evening. For days, roads in parts of north Cork remained Some 2,500 homes in different parts of the country had pipes or who are still waiting for their water supply impassable while slush was a problem for motorists in no electricity as a result of the weather. to be restored. much of the southern half of the country. • Black ice and freezing fog were widespread prob- Here is a snapshot look at the heart of the wintry • A significant thaw on Monday night brought con- lems on Thursday morning, but it was dry and sunny stretch, the week following Jan. 11: siderable relief to much of the country although not all and there was no wind. The icy roads resulted in many • It was estimated that up to 60 homeless people areas were clear of snow and ice. minor accidents here in Galway and around the country remained on the streets of Dublin when the weather • Tuesday’s rain in Galway, and other parts of the and caused major tailbacks. was at its coldest during the week of the 11th. west and southwest, fell as snow in large patches of • The cold conditions have led to water shortages • The weather contributed to a train from Dublin the country, causing traffic problems. Worst affected in various parts of the country, with Dublin and Cork to Tralee reaching the Kerry town four hours and 40 were parts of Mayo and much of Leinster from south facing the most serious problems. Householders were minutes late. The train, with 45 passengers, began to Dublin to Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois. Precautions said to be running their cold water taps continuously experience difficulties at Mallow, where it was delayed were also being taken against flooding in Skibbereen. in an effort to prevent pipes freezing and that practice for 50 minutes, but then had to stop for two hours be- Part of the town of Arklow in Co. Wicklow experienced was discouraged. Councillor Brigid Ushers So Much Murphy is Springtime to To Do; How Taking Stock Irish Shores To Proceed? “We just want to make Feb. 1 being St. Brigid’s Dr. Larry Ronan, just sure we don’t give voters a Day, spring has formally back from two weeks of niche of anger over some- begun in Ireland. The triage medicine in Haiti thing that we control,” winter past has been aboard a U.S. Navy- says Boston City Coun- especially fierce for tiny owned ship, tells of the cillor Stephen Murphy of creatures like the robin catastrophic effects of the Hyde Park as he plots his who are not accustomed Jan. 12 quake and offers political future in a time to snow, ice and frigid Earthquake survivors walk his sense of priorities by the Cathedral that col- going forward. of electoral turmoil. Stephen Murphy, now 52, has temperatures. lapsed in Port-au-Prince on had a varied career in Bay Jan. 14. AP Photo by Gregory Page 6 State politics. Page 18 Bull. Page 8 Page February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com
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Tickets $30 & $25. Call 781-534-3919 or shamrocknation.com All seating will be at tables. Order now for the Best Reserved seats! Full bar and snacks available. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page BIR HIstory A Proud Educational Legacy Fights For Survival Second of two parts.
By Peter F. Stevens BIR Staff They stood among the cultural and educational crown jewels of Boston and environs for nearly a century. Today, however, the city’s parochial schools are fighting for survival. Many have lost the battle because of declining enrollments, changing urban demo- graphics, and budget shortfalls for the archdiocese. The scenario is a far cry from the glory days of the system from the turn of the 20th century to the post- World War II Baby Boomer era. By 1900, Boston’s Irish Catholics had made huge inroads politically, religiously, culturally, and economi- cally. The Catholic Church’s Third U.S. Plenary Council, held in Baltimore in 1884, had made the Baltimore Cat- echism the cornerstone of Catholic edu- cation and had mandated that every parish should have a parochial school. Boston Archbishop John J. Williams was poised for the mission. Originally, he had believed that separate Catholic schools would hamper the Catholic student’s assimilation to American life and exacerbate the tensions with Boston’s Protestants, but his viewpoint had shifted even before the landmark Baltimore convention. In The Boston Irish, Thomas H. The Central Campus of Pope John Paul II Academy, sited on the campus of the former St. Mark’s Grammar School, O’Connor writes: “Four years earlier will be closing in June as part of a continuing consolidation of Dorchester’s old parish school system. [1880], in response to longstanding Photo by Ed Forry. complaints that Catholic schoolchil- worship based on culture but rather dren suffered constant humiliation at to accommodate different language expansion of the Boston flock. By administrators announced the shut- the hands of Yankee schoolteachers, needs. For although the Mass was the mid-1960s, the archdiocese was ting down of St. Mark’s Grammar Williams had announced that he would said in Latin, sacramental and other tending to some 3.5 million Catholics. School, an 87-year-old institution just establish a parochial school system services were provided in English, a When Cushing died, in 1970, the city’s off Dorchester Avenue that in its prime and would withdraw Catholic children language the newer immigrants did parochial schools and Catholic high some 50-60 years ago was a sparkler in from the public schools wherever prac- not understand.” schools had educated, and was continu- Richard Cushing’s school system. ticable.” By the time Williams died, in O’Connell’s hard-charging, hard- ing to educate, a virtual Who’s Who of All across the archdiocese, parents, 1907, he had founded some 76 paro- nosed personality and style was the the Baby Boomer set. students, teachers, and Cardinal chial schools in the archdiocese. polar opposite of the quiet, stoic Wil- Today, the educational firmament of O’Malley’s administrators and accoun- What Williams had begun, his suc- liams; from the moment O’Connell was the archdiocese has shifted dramati- tants struggle to come to grips with cessor, Cardinal William H. O’Connell appointed overseer of the archdiocese, cally – in the direction of closed schools. this new educational landscape. While would take on a huge leap forward over he pushed hard for more parishes and According to bostoncatholic.org, mid- the glory days of parochial schools the next three decades. By 1907, the more schools. On both fronts, he proved 2009 enrollment in the archdiocese’s have waned, it is a solid bet that the archdiocesan population had swelled enormously successful: he not only in- Catholic schools was about 45,000. In system will continue in the surviving or to nearly a million, a majority of the creased the number of parishes to 325, Dorchester, for example, seven schools merged schools to impart a solid educa- members being Irish, but with increas- but also raised the number of parochial were closed and five buildings trans- tion to the next generation of pupils, ing numbers of Italians, Germans, schools from 76 to 158. Additionally, formed into the new Pope John Paul Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Lithuanians, and other immigrant he helped institute 86 Catholic high II Academy. Even that ground keeps groups. Robert Johnson Lally, Boston schools under his purview by 1944, shifting: Just last month, academy END of SERIES Archdiocesan Archivist and Records the year of his death. Manager, notes: “For the archdiocese, O’Connell’s successor, Cardinal The ICCNE Academy Spring Classes 2010 this generated a need for ethnic par- Richard J. Cushing, a product of South Tin Whistle Set Dancing Instructor: Andrea Mori Instructor: Cait Diamond ishes. The purpose of these parishes Boston and the parochial schools, Offering Beginner I, Beginner II, Advanced Offering All levels was not to set up separate places of continued in earnest the educational Beginner, Intermediate/Advanced Levels Classes Start: Continues throughout the year every Monday. Classes Start: March 24, 2010 for 9 weeks Times: 6:30pm Times: 5, 6, 7, and 8pm Ages: Adults (16 and up) Ages: Adults (16 and up) Price: No registration required. Just drop in. $5 donation Price: $175 for ICC Members, $190 for Non- Step Dancing Members Instructor: Elicia Greenway-Folmar Fiddle Offering Beginner Classes Instructor: Amy Basse Classes Start: March 20, 2010 for 10 weeks (except April Offering Beginner & Intermediate/Beginner 10) Classes Start: March 23, 2010 for 10 weeks Times: 9:30-10:15am Times: 1st: 6:30-7:15pm 2nd: 7:30-8:15pm Ages: 5 & up Ages: Adults (16 and up) Price: $110 for ICC Members, $125 for Non-Members Price: $160 for ICC Members, $185 for Non-Members Gaelic Language Classes (Private Lessons Available) Presented by: Cumann na Gaeilge Bodhran Hosted by: ICCNE Instructor: Marie Sullivan Offering Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Levels Offering Beginner and Advanced Levels Classes Start: March 10 & 1, 2010 for 10 weeks Classes Start: March 19, 2010 for 10 weeks Times: 7pm on the 10, 7:30pm on the 11 Times: Beginner 8-9pm Advanced 6:30-7:30pm Ages: Adults (16 and up) Ages: Adults (16 and up) Price: varies for more info and to register call 617-734-7472 Price: $175 for ICC Members, $200 for Non-Members ‘Erin Go Bread’ – an Irish Baking Workshop Rambling House– a singing workshop Instructor: Amanda Brawley (direct from Dublin, IRE) Instructor: Maureen McNally Offering a 4 series workshop, you are Offering All Levels welcome to attend one or all. Each workshop will focus on Classes Start: Continue throughout the year on the 2nd one baked good starting with Irish Soda Bread, 2nd: Irish Thursday of the month. Scones, 3rd: Irish Trifle & 4th: Irish Guinness Bread. Times: 7-9pm Classes Start: March 6-June 5, 2010 Ages: Adults (16 and up) Times: 3-5pm Price: No registration required. Just drop in. $5 donation Ages: Adults (16 and up) For more information on each class please visit our website at www.irishculture.org or call 781-821-8291 This registration form is for all classes except for Gaelic Language, which can be purchased separately by calling the individual Cumann na Gaeilge instructors. Class refunds are available prior to the 2nd week of class. Late Registration is accepted up to the 2nd week of class. There is a minimum number of students required for each class, if the minimum is not met the class will be cancelled and full refunds will be given. To register please send back the form below with payment; check or credit card to the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, PO Box 246, Canton, MA 02021. Name: ______Address: ______City/State/Zip: ______Phone:______Email: ______Age: ______
Ƒ Tin Whistle (Class Level) ______Ƒ Fiddle (Class Level) ______Ƒ Bodhran (Class Level) ______Ƒ Step Dancing ______
Ƒ Irish Baking Workshop (Please circle) 1st:Soda bread / 2nd:Scones / 3rd:Trifle / 4th:Guinness Bread or ALL ______New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, honorary chair of Best Buddies, smiles for the camera with Jim Brett, co-chair of the Celebrity Paying by: Ƒ Check Ƒ Credit Card Chef Challenge at last year’s fundraiser, and Jim’s sister, Peg McCobb of Weymouth. Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhanc- Credit Card Type:______Credit Card #:______ing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Exp Date: ______Three Digit Code:______Page February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary BC High, CM Hockey ‘Salesman’ for Northern Ireland Brings Legacy Continues Belief, Zest to His Economic Envoy Post
in Feb. 6 Game By Robert P. Connolly Ireland. But he’s also interested in developing trade By Ed Forry Special to the BIR opportunities for U.S. companies and in encouraging Old friend Marty Kane is back home in Boston after Declan Kelly describes himself as “a salesman for companies from Northern Ireland to invest here. some wayward years of working “outta town,” or as we Northern Ireland” and like any good salesman, he “It’s a two-way street,” he notes. locals say, somewhere west of Jamaica Pond. comes to the job armed with facts and figures -- and Kelly, 41, an Irish-born journalist turned business A long-ago hockey player for BC High and Boston brimming with energy, determination, and ideas. CEO, was appointed to his new post last September College, Marty sends word of a nifty annual event that Kelly also has the great advantage of selling a by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the Obama celebrates almost five decades of ice hockey rivalry product he truly believes in -- and his enthusiasm administration continued to chart its course in the between his high school alma mater and Catholic Me- North. Clinton, whose presidential campaign he ad- morial. may surprise those who still think of Northern Ire- The two schools, each considered land as an economic basket case, a place ravaged vised and supported, buttressed the appointment by hockey powerhouses, will resume by three decades of conflict and strife. “This is a visiting Belfast shortly after he was was named. their rivalry on Saturday, Feb. 6 place with real momentum,” Kelly said, speaking in Getting the chance to serve as U.S. economic envoy when the CM team hosts the BC Boston at a recent business lunch. to Northern Ireland was “a once in a lifetime oppor- High skaters in a 3:30 p.m. game “This is going to be a place that tunity that I knew I had to take,” said Kelly, who at the Walter Brown Arena, once will show the world how to do it is now fully involved in his salesman role. He notes called Boston Arena. differently.” that foreign companies – most of them American “The game is dedicated to the In a subsequent interview with – brought about 800 jobs to Northern Ireland during Ed Wright memorial scholarship the final four months of 2009, 400 jobs attributable fund,” Kane said. “The driving the Boston Irish Reporter, Kelly, force behind the event, now in the U.S. government’s new eco- to the New York Stock Exchange’s decision to open Ed Forry its tenth year, is Savin Hill’s own nomic envoy to Northern Ireland, a technology service center in Belfast and 60 new John Glynn. The committee in- said there are many reasons to be jobs being created by NaviNet, a Cambridge-based cludes (BC coach) Jerry York, (BU coach) Jack Parker impressed by Northern Ireland’s healthcare communications company. and Bill Coyne, all of whom played in that 1st game.” Robert P. current economic performance Both of those deals involved subsidies from Invest Alumni from both teams will appear on ice at the Connolly and to be optimistic about its Northern Ireland, a government agency respon- game’s conclusion to present the Ed Wright award to future. sible for creating jobs in the North. Kelly describes the game’s MVP. The trophy is named as a memorial “Northern Ireland is much further ahead in reality Invest Northern Ireland as another of the North’s to former CM player Ed Wright who participated in the than people perhaps first appreciate,” noted Kelly, key economic-development assets. The agency’s first-ever BCH/CM game December 31, 1962. He later Boston office sponsored the downtown lunch where played at Yale, and became a doctor. who said the six-county region’s economic assets in- Representing the school and the decades are: BC High, clude: “a very young, dedicated workforce with about Kelly spoke. Marty Kane ‘63, P.F. Hurley ‘73, Steve Connolly ‘87, 2,000 business graduates a year coming out of two of Clearly, American companies considering North- Jack O’Brien ‘96 and Matt Greene ‘04. Catholic Memo- the finest universities in Europe, a very significant ern Ireland are aware of the Troubles and of the rial alumni are Fred Kinsman ‘63, Richard Wright ‘71, and modern telecommunications infrastructure, an North’s long night of bloodshed and violence. “In Ed McElaney, Jr. ‘86. Mike Prendergast ‘91 and Chris airport with multiple access points to Europe and my discussions with any of the American companies Myers ‘02. a daily flight to the United States, and a very low that I’m hoping to interest in Northern Ireland, it ++++++ churn rate when it comes to employment.” is not the first, second or third question that comes Plans are underway in New Jersey to build a memorial Evidence of Northern Ireland’s new economic up,” Kelly said. “Eventually, people do want to talk to honor the late US Supreme Court Justice William J. strength can be found in its ability to weather the about it [the Troubles], but when you present the Brennan Jr., described as “one of this country’s most statistics and when you bring people there, they distinguished Irish-Americans.” global economic storm more readily than other econo- Organizer Guy Sterling told the BIR in an e-mail, “In mies. According to Northern Ireland government understand the reality that the region has moved mid-2009, a committee of local attorneys and citizens statistics, the North’s unemployment rate late in on and it’s not a factor.” was formed in Newark for the sole purpose of erecting 2009 was 6.6 percent, up from the 4.4 percent mark Kelly says he has a two-track approach as eco- a life-size bronze statue of Justice Brennan in a public it occupied on the eve of the global meltdown, but nomic envoy. The first he describes as a “momentum place for all to see. I am the group’s co-chairman. about half of the Republic of Ireland’s 13 percent track,” and that is under way as he speaks to busi- “As you may know, Justice Brennan was born and unemployment rate and considerably lower than the ness groups, works the phones, and brings potential raised in Newark and educated in the city’s public schools. European Union overall rate of 9.2 percent. investors to Northern Ireland. He also has a longer- His father, who came from County Roscommon, served Northern Ireland lost jobs in 2009 but the em- term track that will involve “literally hundreds and as Newark’s elected commissioner of public safety and ployment situation was turning around as the year hundreds and hundreds of conversations with many, could have been mayor had he so chosen. many leading companies all over America. We need “Justice Brennan began his law career in private prac- came to an end, something that Kelly attributes to tice in Newark and worked here both before and after the region’s strong educational and technological to make sure that Northern Ireland is up there in World War II until his appointment to the judiciary. foundation and to sound governmental policies. people’s considerations every time they think about Almost universally regarded as one of the Supreme And to an intangible factor: a visceral desire to where they are going to place offshore jobs.” Court’s most influential justices, he was always proud beat the swords of the past into the ploughshares of Kelly adds: “The [American] government is very to call Newark his home and usually made time to the future. “There’s a real can-do attitude up there committed to seeing this through, and I’m hoping meet with lawyers from the area when they traveled to because they really want to succeed.” that we can make a difference. This place will not Washington, DC, to be sworn in before the U.S. Supreme Bringing jobs to Northern Ireland is a key part fail.” Court Bar.” of Kelly’s portfolio as economic envoy to Northern “For the last five months, we’ve been raising the money to defray the project’s costs and are more than halfway to reaching our goal. You should know that the Brennan family is fully aware of what we are doing and behind Flashback: Scenes from Old St. Mark’s us 100 percent. Its members have both appeared and spoken at our functions. Nancy Brennan, the justice’s daughter, is director of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy in Boston.” Ushering a Pastor to Heaven Writing in early January, Sterling said, “As of this past week, the sculptor has begun his work and it is our By Tom Mulvoy But one flashback stands out, not about something I hope to dedicate the statue sometime in late spring or BIR Staff witnessed but about something I read in a journal I was early summer. Dedication of the memorial will cap a The news last week that come June there will be no given to read when I was working on a book celebrating year in which a U.S. postage stamp was issued in Jus- more schooling done at the 87-year-old building that the 70th anniversary of the school in 1993. Back in the tice Brennan’s honor and in which he was elected to the sits on the grounds of the St. Mark’s Parish campus day, a nun in each convent was given the responsibility New Jersey Hall of Fame. Additionally, his authorized in Dorchester was hardly a surprise. Stories about of compiling a diary of in-house happenings for the biography is finally set to be released in the fall.” the decline and disappearance of once-thriving urban edification of the sisterly community. Here is how one For more information, contact the committee at 973- parochial grammar schools have been part of the ur- nun told of the onset of the final illness of St. Mark’s 589-0085, email [email protected]. ban narrative for decades as successive generations first pastor, Rev. John Daly, who founded the parish of ever-more prospering Catholics have moved on and ran it for close to 40 years: to create new lives in suburban havens far from the March 5, 1944 – “St. Joseph was waiting to take bustle of city streets that once upon a time energized our pastor to Heaven. Today, a Sunday, around 9:30, Boston Irish their forebears. Father Daly arrived at the convent to say Mass. He As one who has left St. Mark’s, the parish that was sick, but no power could keep him from the Altar REPORTER schooled me through Grade Eight and that tended to of God. The Holy Sacrifice proceeded reverently, but The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: my soul until I was 35, I read with an edge of sadness there were evident signs that his strength was ebb- ing. He was very close to the ‘Ite Missa est’ when he Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., the news about the closing of the building I attended each school day with almost 1,000 other pupils in the staggered. Sister rushed to him, caught him in her 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 arms, and stretched him gently onto the predilla. Here, [email protected] www.bostonirish.com late 1940s and early 1950s. But it was a sadness attended by a sense of reality clothed in his vestments, he received the Last Rites of Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) – things change; that’s life – and by flashback moments, his Church. He remained unconscious for some time. Edward W. Forry, Publisher one after the other, of a time and place where the Sisters However, after regaining consciousness, a bit of his of Notre Dame de Namur had all the answers and the old self was evident as he tried to chat and joke with Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor ceaseless will to inculcate the virtues of Catholicism the Sisters. William P. Forry, Contributing Editor deep into their pupils’ psyches. “Once he reached the rectory, he made an effort to Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor For many of the tens of thousands of boys and girls, appear fully restored, but a gradual weakness over- came him, and on Tuesday morning around 8 o’clock, News Room: (617) 436-1222 Ads : (617) 436-1222 a large percentage of them of Irish stock, who trod the ramps and aisles of St. Mark’s School from its opening his beautiful soul went to Heaven. …We have lost a Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] in 1923 until the last nun closed her lesson plan many kind pastor and friend, but gained an intercessor in On The Web at www.bostonirish.com Heaven.” Date of Next Issue: March, 2010 decades later, the lessons of diligence and discipline in their studies and in their religion that their teach- Such piety surely was the true measure of the dedi- Deadline for Next Issue: Friday, February 19, at 2 p.m. cated women in black and white who gave their lives Published monthly in the first week of each month. ers conveyed insistently in their classrooms took hold with a permanence that has had an impressive effect to their church and shared their minds with me and The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements as more and more Catholics moved into positions of so many others in days now long gone by. beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. high responsibility in business and public life. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page Commentary News Background Cardinal Daly, Leader of Ireland’s Catholics Climate Change During Violent Years in Belfast, in Scott Brown’s and Hero of the Peace Process, is Dead at 92 Massachusetts
By Jim O’Sullivan hal Daly, who By Joe Leary Special to the BIR Special to the BIR most of the time The Jan. 19 election to succeed Paul Kirk – and One of the more substantive heroes of the Peace Pro- barely spoke Ted Kennedy – in the United States Senate was cess in Northern Ireland, Cardinal Cahal Daly, died in above a whis- supposed to be the tripwire. The vote that launched a Belfast hospital last month at the age of 92. A saintly per, compare a thousand domino campaigns, Democrats vying man of small stature, the caerdinal was trusted by to the dynamic against Democrats for seats long held safe by Demo- Protestant church leaders on all sides. A quiet man who Robin Eames? crats, and expected to be held by Democrats long carried a pleasant wry smile, he served as the bishop Dramatical- into the foreseeable. of Belfast and the surrounding area ly, with great Instead, state Sen. Scott Brown’s election over during the height of the bombings flair and a sur- Attorney General Martha Coakley has sent the and shootings that pervaded North- prisingly loud state’s plurality party into an unaccustomed place: ern Ireland in the 1970s, 1980s, and and command- the wilderness contemplative. early1990s. ing voice, the The last time the Dems were here was 2002, when “I’m sick of going to wakes and cardinal was a venture capitalist and Olympic organizational hero funerals” he used to say, “It must magnificent in named Mitt Romney had just dispatched a state stop before we all kill each other.” defending his treasurer named Shannon O’Brien, on a count of His courageous condemnation of point of view, 50 percent to 45 percent, in the gubernatorial elec- the IRA and its use of violence was citing instance tion. Enough, top Dems said, of holding staggering legendary. When he came onto the after instance advantages in the voter registration rolls and never, where Catho- Joe Leary altar to say Mass, IRA supporters not in 12 years, the governor’s office. would make a show of walking out lics had been A commission was formed. Post-mortems were of church. But Cardinal Daly was not deterred and he mistreated and conducted. Theories of the case were authored. The kept the pressure on the Sinn Fein leadership to accept where Protes- introspection is much broader this time around, constitutional government as the best way to change tants had re- the teeth-gnashing much more frantic. It is now a the system. fused to share national problem, not just the frustrated desires of Cahal Daly was consecrated as a bishop in Northern p o w e r . T h e some state senators and state reps. Ireland in 1967 just as the marches, bombings, and crowd stood Locally, of course, the immediate concern is No- killings were escalating. In 1990 he was named Arch- with an ovation vember. The incumbent lawmakers who had once bishop of Armagh and Catholic leader of all of Ireland. that lasted sev- Cardinal Daly thought they were safe – who even after New Year’s He resigned on Oct. 1, 1996, his 79th birthday. In a eral minutes. It Day thought Martha Coakley was secure – are now special message received after the prelate’s death last was a memo- questioning how they’ll spend their summers and month, Pope Benedict XVI recognized the cardinal for rable moment that this writer will never forget. falls. If a little-known state senator can unhorse his work in building peace in the North. During that trip we visited the White House and the state’s fourth woman elected to outside office Cardinal Daly came to Boston and the United States several Clinton Administration National Security of- despite her commanding lead with weeks to go … several times during his relatively short period as ficials. On the way to Washington, I was privileged to who’s OK? archbishop, and on occasion he traveled with various sit next to the cardinal on the train and there I received There were, again, theories. From opposite tips of leaders of the Protestant church. The Irish American the best lessons I ever heard on the Northern Ireland the Democratic Party, two senators held forth. Partnership in Boston sponsored the first visit by the difficulties. Not only was the conversation one-sided, Sen. James Eldridge, perhaps Gov. Deval Patrick’s leaders of the four main religions in Northern Ireland but it also was an intense but optimistic prayer that the favorite member of the Senate, circulated an e- during a time when some of the most severe violence was Sinn Fein/ IRA would soon accept non-violent constitu- mail to colleagues in the days after the election. occurring. The Leaders of the Methodist, Anglican, and tional government to obtain their goals. Cardinal Daly Sen. Steven Baddour, perhaps the governor’s least Presbyterian congregations visited Boston with Cardinal was convinced peace was coming. “We must convince favorite member even before the testy face-to-face Daly in February 1993 to speak to Irish Americans on Sinn Fein leaders that their best chance for power and they had near the end of 2008, published an op-ed behalf of peace. American support for the process was influence lies within government rather than as men in the Eagle-Tribune. considered very important to any progress, so special of violence,” he said.” Eldridge said voters were clearly peeved: “They’re luncheons and dinners were organized to bring interested Many will say today that Cahal Daly was really an angry about a lack of visible progress, deals made Bostonians in contact with the broad spectrum of ideas intellectual, an academic. That was surely true; he wrote behind closed doors, and giveaways to corporate represented by the religious leaders. Without Cardinal many books and was a learned priest. But when the time special interests.” Baddour concurred: “Taxpay- Daly this would not have happened. came to lead, or to condemn, or to speak of injustice, he ers, who feel nickel-and-dimed by government, are The Partnership also accompanied Cardinal Daly was unafraid, and electrifying. paying far more of their hard earned dollars for and Church of Ireland Archbishop Robin Eames to a The last time I saw the cardinal he was standing just fewer services, while special interests and waste- Northern Ireland seminar at Fordham University in New outside the Museum of Transportation in Hollywood, ful programs continue to receive more and more York City. The large crowd heard first from Archbishop Northern Ireland, chatting amiably with Archbishop … Criminal behavior, back-room deals, and lack of Eames, who gave a stirring defense of British policy and Eames. The Partnership had just presented them with true accountability have disenfranchised the voters delivered a bitter criticism of the violence. Eames, a large a $10,000 grant for the city of Armagh where they both and left them with a destructive and cynical view man of six feet in height with movie star qualities, was a resided. He was in good health, still showing that pleas- toward government.” compelling speaker. How would the quiet, diminutive Ca- ant smile as he said goodbye and wished me well. Eldridge was less specific – he proposed no new bills, and opposed no old ones. Baddour was a little Off the Bench tauter: no new taxes, less spending. Both wanted job creation. Baddour, Democrat of Methuen: “It would be fool- ish to ignore that a major reason a Democrat didn’t The Waiting Line is Fast Dwindling, win the seat formerly held by the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is because the Democratic Party has lost touch with the concerns of the majority of voters and Soon They Will All Be Gone in Massachusetts … Democrats must realize that they cannot tax themselves into a recovery because By James W. Dolan back to boom times, the G.I. Bill, jobs, marriage, a home we are reaching a point where the private sector The ranks are thin. Where once stood thousands and family. The whole country was proud of what they can no longer afford to subsidize the public sector of young soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. there had accomplished. The future was bright. Now, times and vice-versa.” are huge gaps. Those who are left are stooped, wrinkled, are tough; there is a sense of foreboding, a loss of direc- Eldridge, Democrat of Acton: “The answer, I and gray. As we watch, more crumple to the ground. tion. believe, is to do more to help working families get, Taps sounds in the distance. The rest remain silent … They can see in the distance the graves of the and stay, on their feet. We need to work even harder waiting. fallen from World War I and the Civil War and wonder on a range of important issues -- from housing and They are the rank and file. Their leaders, some if they had the same misgivings. foreclosure issues to job creation, consumer protec- of whom were veterans of World War I, are all gone. As the sun begins to set, medics move through tion, health care, and environmental protection -- to Come this August, it will be 65 years since the the ranks picking up those who have fallen that day. A show our constituents that we are taking action to end of World War II. The 17 and 18 year olds of 1945 lone trumpeter appears on a small hill and the haunting make a positive difference in their lives.” are 82 and 83. Those who enlisted at 20 in 1941 when strains of Taps echo in the valley. The ranks straighten Republicans, meanwhile, have their own dilemma, the war began are 89. Soon they all will be gone. and bent frames stand tall with arms raised in salute not unlike the one delivered to the Manhattan The “greatest generation” that fought the good as the colors are lowered. Project upon reaching its discovery: What do we do war in Italy and France, and on Guadalcanal, Saipan, Night slowly descends and the waiting retire to small with THIS? Iwo Jima and all the oceans between are fast joining campsites scattered about the valley. They sit by the fires In all likelihood, Brown’s victory will result in a their fallen brothers, those who never made it back and smoking, drinking, and recalling old times, not knowing recharge of lower-office candidates for the GOP. But, those who did but have since passed. who among them will pass before the morn. Republican strategists said, if the effort resembles For many the war was a great adventure; the At first the missing were few, but how the ranks have Romney’s “Team Reform” bid, the failed effort in most exciting time of their lives. It provided purpose shrunk. Where once stood a division, there are only the 2004 elections to erode the Democratic majority, and direction to what later became dull and routine. twelve. Where there was a battalion, there are four, and the long-term progress for the minority will be neg- Despite the sacrifices, the country they came only one remains of the crew of a destroyer. ligible. What the party needs, they said, are serious home to then was happier, more confident, and more Thus has it been after all the wars through history candidates for legitimately imperiled seats. secure than the one they are leaving. Like them, it is until only one survivor remains. He stands alone sur- Mathematics holds that the Democrats, even in showing the effects of time and the paradox of having rounded by the spirits of the hundreds of thousands disarray carried to the extreme, could not cough up more but less. Complexity, with all its distractions, who once stood with him. their legislative majority, even if the shut-outs in distorts the pleasures of simple things. He alone carries the memory of what once he shared the U.S. House delegation and the constitutional Those waiting sometimes wonder if it was with his fallen comrades. He is a relic, a throwback, the office ranks erode. worth the sacrifice. Has “progress” made life better or final witness to a forgotten era. Like a flickering candle Still the various and competing exertions on where just more confusing? Are the kids today better off than in a sea of darkness where once there were many, he the state party goes from here – toward Eldridge, and they were when they went off to war? Was their time stands alone … waiting. a sturdily progressive agenda, or toward Baddour, the golden age of a great country now slipping gradually and a largely centrist emphasis on fiscal conserva- into decline? James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District tism – stands to define not just the remainder of They wait and worry about their children, Court judge who now practices law. E-mail: jdolan@ 2010, but how Democrats view themselves in the new grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They came dolanconnly.com. political climate of Scott Brown’s Massachusetts. Page February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BIR Profile Murphy, a Mover on the Boston City Council, Takes Stock of Voter Anger in Mulling Future By Greg O’Brien A decision, says Mur- focusing on local aid and Special to the BIR phy, who has served on constituent service issues. The view is serene from the council for a dozen “It was an honor to work Stephen John Murphy’s years, is likely as the BIR for Bill Bulger,” Murphy office on the fifth floor of goes to press. He probably is not reticent to say. “He Boston City Hall. It over- will hold his fire as long is still a mentor, and one looks Faneuil Hall and a as possible, if the past is of the sharpest people I’ve swath of Boston Harbor any indication. A Boston ever met. He understood in the distance on this Phoenix story seven years the ebb and flow of the promising late January ago, later referenced in State House better than day when the sun is a bit the Dorchester Reporter, anyone.” higher in the sky and the revealed Murphy’s think- Murphy moved on to temperature is flirting ing on early electioneer- two others State House with the 50s. Inside this ing—in this case for the posts – executive as- dense concrete bunker, the big chair in the Iannella sistant in the attorney political climate is chill- Chamber. “The race of the general’s budget office, as- ing, as observers assess council presidency is much sistant personnel director the damage from the storm like the old Bugs Bunny in the secretary of state’s surge of angry voters that cartoon,” Murphy said at office – before his election swept Scott Brown into the time. “The first person to the City Council. the United States Senate that sticks their head out In a recent alumni pro- faster than you could say of their rabbit hole gets file, the Boston Latin Bul- “All bets are off!” blasted.” letin credited Murphy for “There was a flashpoint “Either way, I’d hate to his work on the council in of anger,” says Boston City lose him,” says Council- getting sidewalks paved Council Vice President lor Maureen Feeney, the outside senior housing Murphy, reelected last former council president projects, in gathering year to an at-large council who sits two doors down extra funding for pre- seat with 18 percent of the from Murphy. “He’s the scription drug coverage, vote, just 346 votes shy dean of the council and a in requiring the instal- of top vote-getter John resource to all of us. Steve lation across the city of R. Connolly. “We felt it has a tremendous grasp of state-of-the-art photo- months ago. We’ve bailed fiscal matters and a broad electric smoke detectors out Wall Street, and it understanding of complex and pedestrian-crossing hasn’t trickled down. Here budget issues.” signals that count down in Massachusetts, we have Chairman of the coun- the seconds before a traffic approved an income tax cil’s Committee on Pub- light turns. “It takes the rollback that hasn’t been lic Safety and former guesswork out of crossing implemented, and voted head of panels on Ways Stephen Murphy in a characteristic campaigner’s role. a major intersection here,” for a Clean Election man- and Means, Government he told the Bulletin. date that the Legislature Operations, Labor and in Murphy’s blood is to say of ’78 and ’82. When he live back in Boston. It is now early in the stopped in its tracks. All Historic Preservations, the Irish are partial to the worked in former State Marjorie (Mitchell), afternoon, and the phones this framed against the the 52-year-old Murphy color green. Senate President Bill with first-generation haven’t stopped ringing in national healthcare de- has a lot on his plate this Early on, Murphy de- Bulger’s office he was in- ties to County Donegal, Murphy’s office. He’s on bate. I’m not surprised.” morning juggling the veloped a standing as a volved in Bulger’s various worked days in the 1940s the run again, charging While elective politics future with the present conservative protégé of campaigns. He participat- as a teller with the First past a wall of photographs at the city and state level and past as his Blackberry the legendary Albert L. ed in Scott Harshbarger’s National Bank of Bos- that reflect his career have more to do with lo- and office phone chime “Dapper” O’Neill, but in 1990 campaign for state ton, then at Hyde Park in politic, including one cal aid than nation-wide constantly during a two- time the strapping six- Attorney General and, Cooperative Bank. “She of him with U.S. Sen. healthcare, sage officials hour interview, foot- four former hockey finally, in Deval Patrick’s is an upbeat, optimistic John Kerry, who when these days are hedging Speaking of the past, player from Stonehill 2006 run—an effort that woman who embraced op- he noticed during a visit their bets. “We just want Murphy, born in Dorches- College in Easton shifted some assumed would land portunity and was never that he wasn’t on the wall to make sure we don’t give ter and raised in Hyde lines to more tradition- him a plum position on discouraged by a bad with the councilor, had a voters a niche of anger Park, was elected in 1997 ally Democratic liberal Beacon Hill. day,” says the councilor, photographer in tow take over something that we to one of four coveted positions, forever carrying “My father always had noting his personality is a photo of him and Mur- control,” says Murphy. at-large seats on the 13- water for Irish working- an interest in campaign- a blend of his folks’ ways. phy, suitable for fram- There’s clearly much member Council after class firemen, policemen, ing and passed it along “She has an ebullient way ing, of course. Murphy’s at stake – and even more several failed attempts, and seniors. to me,” says Murphy. “I about her. But my mother favorite photo is from up in the air – as Murphy the first when he was 27 He cut his baby teeth in always thought politics wasn’t your friend, she 1962. It shows his father weighs his options going years old. Perseverance politics as a 10-year-old was fascinating—the abil- was your Mom, and as the in uniform while standing forward: Stay put on the is the coin of his politics. standing out on Gallivan ity to pick up a phone and oldest son, I got punished guard over the left shoul- council for a likely term He has run unsuccessfully Boulevard in Dorchester help someone.” for everything.” He seems der of President John F. some day as president? for state representative holding signs for a Joe Murphy’s father, Ste- to be wearing his upbring- Kennedy at St. Francis Perhaps a bid for mayor from Hyde Park, losing Timilty council run and phen Joseph Murphy Jr., ing well. Chapel in Boston. when Tom Menino steps narrowly in 1972, the years later for Timilty’s a fourth-generation Irish Murphy was five years Before he heads out for down? Announce for state year Bill Clinton was first mayoral runs against American from Dorches- old and living in the hous- another spate of appoint- treasurer to fill the va- elected president, and he Kevin White. When he ter with family ties to ing project in Dorchester’s ments, Murphy picks up a cancy of Tim Cahill, who has lost bids for Boston was 12, he worked on County Cork, always Morton/ Gallivan neigh- birthday card from 1994 is running for governor as School Committee, state White’s 1970 gubernato- answered the call as a pa- borhood when the fam- that is sitting on his desk, an independent? Or run treasurer and Suffolk rial campaign against trolman with the Boston ily moved first to nearby It was from the late mayor for state auditor to replace County sheriff, always Republican incumbent Police Department’s riot Fuller Street, then on of Boston, John F. Collins, the retiring veteran Joe enduring to live yet an- Frank Sargent, and later squad and later as a suc- to Hyde Park where he whose driver the elder DeNucci, who has held the other day in politics. To in Democrat Ed King’s cessful defense attorney attended Franklin Roos- Murphy had been. Collins post since 1987. say that public service is gubernatorial campaigns in Boston, and, for a while, evelt Elementary School, had written on the card a stint as assistant district then on to Boston Latin of his admiration for the attorney. “Dad is hard- where he was a member younger Murphy’s “core Irish Cultural Centre of New England nosed,” says Murphy. “As of the last all-male gradu- beliefs and courage.” On a cop, you get jaundiced. ating class in 1975. He the front of the card is a February Programming He was a practitioner entered Stonehill where credo written by Collins, of tough Irish love, but in addition to playing who had been stricken when you peel everything hockey he studied busi- with polio in his younger ICC Pub ICC Knitting Group “Sit & Nit” - Sunday, February 7 away, he is sensitive guy. ness administration and days. Murphy says he at 1pm. All levels welcome, enjoy tea/coffee and He still goes to bed every communications. Murphy strives to follow that knitting with friends. Held at the ICC. $5 donation. night striving to be a little is imposing enough on credo, and he goes on to Live Irish The Rambling House—a singing workshop-Thursday, better when he woke up. Congress Street today; recite the ending: February 11 at 7pm. Learn about Ireland’s rich his- He is always about self put skates on the guy and “Believe in yourself and Music & Full improvement.” he’d be outright menacing in your plans. Say not that tory through song and learn to sing songs in Irish At 48, Murphy’s dad unless you catch a hint I cannot, but say I can. Bar Menu. and English. Held at the ICC. $5 donation. had a heart attack that of his leprechaun-like The prizes of life we fail Irish Famine Presentation, —Saturday, February 13 forced his retirement smile. to win because we doubt Open Thurs- at 4:30pm. The evening will include a showing of from the police force, so While in college, he the power within.” the historical Irish Drama The Hanging Gale, cock- he decided to go into law, worked as a bus driver for Murphy clearly has no day, Friday earning a degree from Autobus Inc., transport- doubts about the power tails & discussion, an Irish Buffet Dinner and pres- New England School of ing special needs students within, and about the & Saturday entation by our host Seamus Mulligan. Tickets:$25 Law while continuing to school, and upon gradu- blessings that have sus- ICC Members/$30 non-members. Call the ICCNE to to be a steady parent ation he joined Autobus tained him. at 6pm. purchase your tickets. with his wife Marjorie fulltime, moving up the Greg O’Brien is editor to Stephen, the oldest of ranks to general man- and president of Stony Irish Film Series, Bloody Sunday—Friday, February, four; Diane, who works at ager and, in 1984, vice Brook Group, a publishing 200 New Boston Dr 19 at 7:30pm. Join us for an award winning Irish UMass-Boston in student president in 1984. After and political/communi- Canton, MA, 02021 Drama based on actual events. Tickets sold at the services; Kathleen, an en- the company was sold, cations strategy company 781-821-8291 door $4 ICC Members/$2 non-members. gineer; and Michael, also Murphy worked briefly based in Brewster. He is www.irishculture.org an engineer. The elder in the private sector on the author/editor of sev- For more information please visit our website at Murphys moved to Cen- public service projects, eral books and contributes www.irishculture.org. To purchase tickets call ICC at 781-821-8291. terville on the Cape with then spent three years as to various regional and son Michael in the wake of a budget analyst in Senate national publications. Book your next function at the ICC, call 781-821-8291 the busing crisis, and now President Bulger’s office Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There
By Bill O’Donnell Vatican is gravely concerned about the newest abuse find a sense of yesterday. Departing tourists say that Three Penny Opera, Irish Style -- For some in findings and Pope Benedict XVI has summoned they can get “modern and glitzy” anywhere in Europe Ireland the New England type of fierce winter weather some two dozen Irish bishops to Rome for two days of or at home but they come, increasingly, to Ireland to in recent weeks has been the topic of fireside conversa- meetings next month at which the Vatican will surely step back in time and to enjoy the ties with the past tion from Sligo to Kildare. Yet nothing beats a good involve the bishops’ views on what the pope’s pastoral in surroundings that are not all atriums and glass old-fashioned scandal and the Green Isle currently has letter to Ireland’s Catholics should say. Let’s hope it towers. three beauts that have dominated --overwhelmed would turns out to be a harsh nostrum for the proven Irish Some veteran cynics may say that it’s merely another be more accurate – the national news cycle. clerical abusers. spin in the tourist marketing cycle, but I would like to The Robinsons Ireland Stands Tall In Haiti – Ireland has once believe that it represents a recognition of the riches of In the North there is the again answered the call for help, this time from a rav- Ireland -- the writers, the personalities, the towers, the ongoing saga of the Robinsons, aged Haiti. Irish aid agencies like Goal and Concern touchstones of the past, and the links with a heritage Iris Robinson, member of have been shipping lifesaving supplies and personnel that no other land or location can replicate. I think the British Parliament, the into that island of nine million. The Irish government they’re onto something. Now if we can only get the Northern Ireland Assembly, and other EU countries have donated some $350 million cost of a pint and the hotels down a bit, why therein thrice mayor of Castlereigh, and quickly airlifted over 85 tons of food, medicine, and lies Paradise. and married to Peter Rob- other essential aid. Irish Doctors and nurses have been Is Ireland Imitating the U.S.? – It seems that inson, the First Minister volunteering to aid the sick and wounded while others Ireland is about to pull the plug on rural bus service, of the devolved Stormont have been deployed in a recovery mission unearthing initially cutting many less-traveled rural routes in government and leader of bodies in the rubble that was once Port-au-Prince. answer to a 10 percent decline in passenger numbers. the retired Ian Paisley’s One Galway senior on his own collected donations of A spokesman for Bus Eireann wouldn’t say how many powerful Democratic Unionist $8,500 for the stricken country. This has been repeated of the 330 service routes around the country will be Party. Peter was minding his elsewhere in Ireland ,North & South. Around the is- eliminated but the routes impacted would focus on the land of Ireland many individuals and NGOs have been frequency and efficiency of the route. Of course. Bill O’Donnell business, ruling in tandem with Deputy First Minister working around the clock to help Haiti and additional Some readers out there may recall that America’s Martin McGuinness, while flights have been leaving from Dublin for the Dominican Greyhound Bus Lines had a lot of trouble in the ‘80s stonewalling Sinn Fein on the transfer of policing Republic’s La Romana Airport to avoid aftershocks and and ‘90s and later with a series of ownership changes and justice from London to Stormont, when Iris, 60, congestion at the Haitian capital’s airport. Aer Lingus and strikes. One of the major charges against the reportedly attempted suicide in the aftermath of her has donated aircraft and paid flight crews to ferry tons bus company back then was that it tried to keep the soon-to-be-disclosed affair with a 19-year-old boy toy of medical and food supplies to the beleaguered island cream, dump the low passenger routes, especially in and erstwhile restaurateur, Kirk McCambley. nation while Dublin Airport fees have been waived to rural areas. All bottom-line oriented. One must ask if Unfortunately for the troubled Robinsons (Peter is facilitate the mercy airlifts. Ireland’s national bus company is trying to implement sticking with Iris), there is some difficulty beyond the Republican Prisoners Waterboarded By Brit- the “Greyhounding” of Ireland. There have been paral- affair and, as so often is the case, it involves money. ish Army – In a news article during Christmas week lel moves afoot to close a number of rural post offices, Mrs. Robinson was charged in a BBC-TV Spotlight that was nearly overlooked during the holiday rush, which will disproportionately punish small Irish towns program with obtaining over $80,000 from two develop- The Guardian newspaper in Britain reported (and where the local post office is the focal point of the com- ers to pass on to her paramour, young Kirk, to open a the Irish Independent picked it up) that British Army munity, and it’s right to ask if Bus Eireann is traveling Laganside Restaurant in Belfast. There is the added officers subjected nationalist prisoners in the North a similar route. Bypasses for those in a hurry? Yes. question of Mrs. Robinson’s vote in the local council in to “waterboarding” interrogation techniques during Shutting down small towns and hamlets? No! favor of the McCambley enterprise without disclosing the earlier days of the Troubles in the 1970s.Prison- More Mush From The Wimp – I am stealing a her interest, and a mysterious $8,000 in cash of the ers have said that the technique, considered torture story-line description that mistakenly morphed into developers’ money that allegedly went to Iris. by the United States and Human Rights courts, was an editorial headline in the Globe some years back Iris has resigned from both the parliament and her used both as punishment and in extracting confessions with the subject being Jimmy Carter. But reading Assembly seat and has not been seen in public for several from suspects. A former Royal Marines officers told the the latest pap from retired CNN news hour host and weeks. Peter’s problem, aside from his wife’s affair, is Guardian that he and his fellow officers and their men immigration fear-monger Lou Dobbs, it seems aptly that he is cited in the BBC program as being aware were all waterboarded during intensive escape and fitting. Lou, who (hint, hint) thinks he would make a of Iris’s financial improprieties but failing to report evasion training in Devon, England, in the late 60s great president, seems to have seen the political light them. He said he was “appalled” at the “insinuations” and 70s. The British Ministry of Defence was unable and is now soft-pedaling his tiresome “the Latinos are and had done nothing wrong, and then he suspended to confirm if waterboarding was used during- train coming” routine to burnish his image for a possible himself as First Minister for six weeks. The leading ing of British military personnel, and a spokesman political entry. Herewith Lou Dobbs and the new PR unionist paper, the Belfast Telegram, had him on the declined to answers further questions “for reasons of pitch: short end of its poll with 77 percent saying Robinson operational security.” “Lou has always been supportive of legal immigration should stand down. Used Crystal Ball For Sale – I had a boatload of so long as the federal government is enacting public The First Minister on Leave was seen in late January company in brushing off the Scott Brown candidacy policy that includes programs to assimilate immigrants leading the DUP into a meeting with Sinn Fein that and ceding him zero chance to win, but it doesn’t make into American society. Lou is working hard on solutions again came up empty on the question of transferring re-reading my November predictions in this space on that will help illegal immigrants in the country meet policing and justice to the North. how the Martha Coakley-Brown race would go any necessary conditions for a path to legalization... Expect The Adams Family more palatable. My comments back then on Senator- him to reach into the Hispanic community...to find an- The past months for Gerry Adams have not been a Elect Brown’s chances: swers and solutions to not only illegal immigration but rerun of Happy Days. They have included defections “Republican state senator Scott Brown is this year’s also larger economic and public policy issues...” by once loyal Sinn Fein local office holders, the violent sacrificial lamb and his party won’t forget it. His sole Lou, we hardly knew ye, but what we’ve seen is activism of a breakaway or dissident republican element resonance is to provide a statistical base line of the enough. seeking unity now/Brits out and willing to kill for it, Republican vote in the January final election for those Raytheon Finally Throws In The Towel – The and a rebuff in the last election as Sinn Fein attempted who care about such numbers.” A tad off, I’d say. A Waltham-based missile maker and major player in without success to expand its franchise southward. minor saving grace: I did, at least, correctly predict that the defense industry has decided after several years But that was politics and Gerry can usually handle unknown and under-financedAlan Khazei would end of contentious and noisy local opposition to close down that. However, recent revelations about charges of up third in the Democratic primary ahead of multi-mil- its small operation in Derry. The plant, which officials years of sexual abuse within the Adams family itself lionaire Celtics owner Steve Pagliuca. at Raytheon say did not deal in missiles or weapons, —about the late Gerry Adams, Senior, and Gerry’s Ireland Checks In On History & Tradition -- just software development, never approached the 300 brother Liam, and what Adams knew and when he Since I first visited Ireland over 40 years ago I have been employees that it originally said would be employed knew it – have dramatically changed the political and fascinated by its history and tradition —the cultural there. Activist and newspaper columnist Eamonn personal landscape of Gerry Adams’s world. Liam, as icons — of the country. There is an endless supply of McCann of the Derry Anti War Coalition, who was this is written, is a wanted man in Northern Ireland, locations, artifacts, buildings, and memorabilia associ- involved in several confrontations, said that he was charged with abuse of his daughter Aine when she ated with historic events or the men and women who “proud of the part which we played” in closing “the was a child. Liam remains in the Republic where no played a role in Ireland’s unique history. The array weapon company.” Some in Derry were not enthusiastic extradition order has force of law, although a European of places and things to see and touch and experience about Raytheon leaving and the loss of jobs, warning warrant is being sought by the PSNI. Brother Gerry invariably reminds me of the events and personalities “that if we go down this route we are opening up a has called on Liam to turn himself in to police in the of decades past and centuries ago. Pandora’s box.” Company officials contended that the North. It has also been recently revealed by Gerry I cherish the memory of climbing the stairs of Nora closing was unrelated to the demonstrations and was himself that his father had “emotionally, physically, Barnacle’s tiny childhood home on Bowling Green in purely a business move. and sexually abused members of the Adams family” Galway, or the Brazen Head pub in Dublin, Paddy Warnings on Dissident Republican Violence over many years. A messy, god-awful business to say Kavanagh’s family home in Iniskeen,Co. Monaghan, – Back in November, Norman Baxter, a veteran police the least. the Giant Causeway, Muckross House in Killarney, the officer who led the investigation into the 1998 Omagh While Gerry Adams has never been a suspect in any newer Writers Museum in Dublin near the Rotunda bombing testified before a British parliamentary com- of the abuse allegations, there has been some questions Hospital, Kilmainham Jail, Glasnevin Cemetery, the mittee looking into intelligence surrounding the 1998 about what Adams knew and when he knew it relat- memory lane of stone and stile, Lough Erne, the Forty atrocity. Baxter told the committee that another Omagh ing to Liam’s activities and membership in Sinn Fein. Steps and the tower Museum from Joyce’s Ulysses, St. bomb could happen because a blind eye is being turned Several newspapers, largely British publications like Stephens Green, Belfast’s Botanic Gardens, Innismore to dissident (breakaway) republicans. Baxter called the the Daily Mail as well as the Dublin-based Sunday anchoring the Arans, the Maam Cross in Connemara, security policy at the time a failure Tribune, have leveled charges against the Sinn Fein Glen Colmcille in Donegal, Cobh, where dreams began Flash ahead to the New Year and updated intelligence Party president of covering up for his brother. The amidst the tears,Wexford and Dunganstown and the report that senior security officials say shows that they Mail, in a Christmas Eve column by Andrew Malone Kennedy rootings, majestic Rock of Cashel, the Derry are tracking more “threat to life” terrorists plots from and Vanessa Allen, wrote, “The truth is that Gerry walls, Collins Barracks, Dublin, Antrim’s Coast Road dissident republicans in Northern Ireland than from Adams has spent the past two decades protecting his from Carrickfergus to Cushendall and Ballycastle, Islamic extremists in mainland Britain. They say there brother by covering up for his unspeakable crimes...” Arbor Hill, Merrion Square and the doors, Bridgit’s are currently more serious plots being prepared in the The Sinn Fein Party and the public have yet to render Grave and Monastiboyce and John Boyle O’Reilly’s North than since before the Good Friday agreement a verdict on Gerry and for now he continues as Sinn home in Meath and Renvyle on the Atlantic and Yeats’s of 1998. Fein president and (abstaining) member of the Brit- Thoor Ballylee, near Gort and Bantry and Ballyheigue So far, security officials note that most of the violence ish Parliament from West Belfast. It’s a bad time for Bays, and the Gate Theatre, the eternal Liffey, and from the IRA splinter groups has been confined to North- him, but absent conclusive evidence that he has done on and on. ern Ireland, but they warn that some dissidents have anything wrong, it seems a good moment to keep one’s The above is a brief and incomplete scattering of ambitions to mount an attack on the British mainland. peace. places that help bring Ireland’s history and its players One PSNI officer was killed last year, along with two Murphy Report On Clerical Abuse alive and I am delighted to learn that 21st-century British soldiers and there have been at least a dozen The third investigational report on clerical abuse of Ireland – Dublin, Galway, Cork, Belfast, which have attempts to kill PSNI members. Military personnel in children targeted a number of priests in the Dublin become too Europeanized, too cosmopolitan, too much the North have received new security warnings and archdiocese with particular focus on Irish bishops who alike– is giving way to a more traditional Ireland, North have been ordered not to travel outside in uniform, and aided the cover-up of abuse and helped shield offending & South. The country will, the Irish Tourist Board in scores of pubs, night clubs, and taxi companies have priests from removal or prosecution. This most recent its latest incarnation avers, be more traditional and been designated “out of bounds” for the military. report has prompted four bishops to resign. During step away perhaps from briskly modern Ireland. There TAKE HEART – Spring training reporting date in the tumultuous days eight years ago in Boston, no one will be more emphasis on history, culture, and some Fort Myers for pitchers and catchers is Feb. 19. Posi- resigned, in sharp contrast to the Irish situation. The things you can actually touch, and walk through and tion players report Feb.23. Page February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Dorchester’s Doctor Ronan Describes Devastation of Bodies and Souls in Haiti
Urges That U.S. Military Build Large MASH-type Units on Site
By Bill Forry Managing Editor After two weeks spent treat- ing Haitian earthquake victims aboard a U.S. Navy-owned hos- pital ship, Dr. Laurence Ronan returned to Boston last Friday. A physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Ronan is the director of the Thomas S. Durant, MD, Fellowship in Refugee Medicine program, and is a member of a disaster response team that deploys to catastrophes all over the world. What he saw in Haiti last month has topped them all. This week, as he prepares to return to the Caribbean in a matter of days to help coor- dinate long-term medical care for thousands of victims, Ronan A Navy helicopter prepares to land on the flight deck of the USNS Comfort. Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 off the coast of Port-au- talked to the Reporter about the Prince, Haiti. The hospital ship is anchored off the coast of Haiti. (AP Photo/The Baltimore Sun, Kim Hairston) scenes he witnessed and the great need for the world to keep its gaze focused on an island na- transferred, it’s a Sophie’s hospitals that existed before the had no infrastructure in place tion that has lost some 200,000 choice. What about the 40,000 Jan. 12 quake are still operating prior to Jan. 12 to handle people — and counting— to this other people who have that in Port-au-Prince. post-operative care, physical devastation. problem. Who should come to “The people who died in the therapy, and the like. Ronan is Ronan was deployed aboard the U.S.? Why does Larry Ronan initial earthquake died from urging federal officials to invest the USNS Comfort, a massive get to do that and [someone else] crush injuries. Most people in building those facilities now non-commissioned ship that is does not. Do we want people on haven’t been recovered. They to handle the demand. He be- owned by the Navy and crewed the ground figuring that out are still inside the buildings,” lieves at least 10-15 permanent by civilians. It can house some themselves? said Ronan. “Then, there are long-term care facilities will be 2,000 patients, doctors, and sup- “It’s not an intellectual discus- people who have been rescued needed in the coming months. port staff. The floating 1,000-bed sion. If you say this person goes by international teams. There “Whatever we do, do it in hospital has already reached and this one doesn’t. I have to are 132 documented cases of Haiti,” is Ronan’s advice. “We capacity, Ronan said, and the say to that patient or their fam- that. But, then there are a lot need to go to the countryside and chief problem that he and other ily, ‘Sorry.’ It’s not so easy. It’s a more people saved by Haitians find ways we can build Haiti, officials are trying to solve is how terrible position for our country who took their relatives and pour money into Haiti. It needs to rotate patients in and out to and for the Haitian people.” neighbors out themselves and to survive this and come out of it keep up with the overwhelming The situation on the ground we don’t have that number. as whole as we can make it.” demand for care. remains chaotic, despite im- “The people who survived The medical facilities in and “Who should be in acute care provements Ronan said he had crush injuries: femur frac- around Port-au-Prince that [aboard the Comfort]?” Ronan has seen over the last two tures, tib-fib [tibula-fibula], feet were destroyed “need to be stood asked. “That’s what’s going on weeks. New injuries are com- crushed, upper extremities, up and supported and we need Larry Ronan back on shore. Do you maximize ing into field hospitals caused head injuries— all from heavy to throw resources into them to Offers priorities treatment for someone who by post-earthquake conditions: stuff coming down on top of have them come back to what Bill Brett photo can actually have limb salvage Children are being burned in them. Those people who got they were before,” Ronan urged. versus someone you can sup- the makeshift camps where care, they would cast them. But “Secondly, there are hospitals in 4-5 miles outside the [Port- port, but can’t fix. If a person kerosene and charcoal fires then there were those with open [other Haitian cities]. They are au-Prince] Airport in an area is paralyzed or burned, they are used for heat and cooking; wound injuries and they didn’t two hours away by road and they barren right now. That will be will occupy a bed for weeks or car accidents are occurring as get fixed right away. They’ve got have good standard of care with a sub-acute facility for patients months. That’s the decision people try to move around a infected wounds and those tend Haitian and Americans, but are with recent amputations who that’s going on right now. city still strewn with debris and to require amputation. There overwhelmed by the numbers. don’t have to take up resources “There is a huge pressure on refugees. Then, of course, there are a whole group that are septic They need to be supported and of the hospital. That’s a whole our resources down there— for are the hundreds of thousands and sick because they got that stood up as well. new concept for Haiti that will the NGOs [nongovernmental of injured victims of the tem- infection. And that’s what is tak- “Then there are also things require a huge amount of help organizations] and the military blor and its aftershocks— men, ing a lot of people’s lives.” Haiti has never had: the sub- from U.S. and we need to help – to transfer people depending women, and children whose A major problem going for- acute facilities needed to help get all these specialists in im- on what their contacts are in chances of recovery have been ward, Ronan said, is how to people going forward. The cur- mediately and on the ground. the U.S.” said Ronan. “If you seriously compromised by the care for the tens of thousands rent thinking right now is that “You’re going to need 10-20 of now ask us to focus on the one lack of effective medical care of amputees and parapalegics the [U.S.] Air Force will stand those facilities in the next few [this particular senator] wants in-country. Only four small spawned by the disaster. Haiti up a 250-bed facility about months,” Dr Ronan said. Irish Immigration Center Is Quick to Pitch In
By Sue Asci will process the applications made Jan. 12. The Irish Immigration Center to this were trying to get away Special to the BIR and is working closely with all The assistance is offered by a has worked with the Haitian from the awful poverty.” The Irish Immigration Center relevant agencies, said Sister team of immigration attorneys immigrant community since the “There have also been issues is partnering with several orga- Lena Deevy, the IIC’s executive working with the IIC. Already organization was founded more around the deforestation that nizations throughout the city to director. several clinics have been held than 20 years ago. has taken place over many help Haitian immigrants seek- “We provide pretty intensive for the Haitian community, Of the estimated 80,000 Hai- years, some due to development ing Temporary Protected Status one-on-one help. The TPS pro- Deevy said, adding that the IIC tian immigrants in Massachu- and destruction from hurri- (TPS) complete applications by cess is not real straightforward,” is hiring an additional Haitian setts, there are probably about canes. Another contributor to a June deadline. Deevy said. “People need help to translator to help in the effort. 12,000 who are undocumented, deforestation has been the use In recent weeks, the Obama make sure they fill out the forms In the coming weeks, the said Deevy, who has been in- of the wood to create charcoal administration granted TPS correctly. You have to have some center will launch a partner- volved with the Haitian com- for fuel for heat and cooking. for Haitian immigrants who proof and some documents. We ship with the Haitian American munity since the 1990s. At that The majority of Haitians do not were in the U.S. prior to the can offer the legal expertise. Health Initiative in Mattapan time, she served on the Haitian have access to electricity. earthquake. The status allows The process needs professional to provide legal expertise and Solidarity Action Committee in “In the short term, there has undocumented immigrants to supervision. The application help in the TPS process at the Boston. She also was a member been an amazing outpouring remain in the country for up to also has a fee which can be pro- organization’s Mattapan loca- of the Haitian Faith and Justice of support. In the long-term, 18 months and avoid deporta- hibitive, she added. But there is tion. Group and a board member of aid needs to be given around tion back to the devastation in another application process for a In addition, the IIC is helping Grassroots International. building the country up,” she Haiti. The program also gives waiver of the fee, she said. those who already had family “Historically, the challenges said. “They need to build up immigrants the ability to work The processing has to be com- petitions under way prior to the in Haiti have been largely eco- the land, the infrastructure, in the U.S. pleted within six months of the earthquake to help move those nomic and political,” Deevy said. educational system, security, The Irish Immigration Center TPS announcement, which was applications along. “A lot of the people who fled prior and health care.” Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page Typically, Irish Everywhere Respond to Haitian Crisis
By Ed Forry gift is by far the largest single ven founder Leslie Buckley and week and we are determined 50 percent and opportunities are BIR Publisher donation we have made. I have another member of Haven’s to not just continue with our few. Secondly, Haven is bring- instructed our CFO to get the emergency response team, important work of providing ing large groups of volunteers The story of how one Boston check to BWH this week. Paddy Maguinness. shelter but scale up our house to Haiti for an intensive Build Irish business leader stepped up “I am a huge fan of Dr. Paul On that first day, according building program here, once the it Week. to help in the wake of the terrible Farmer, Jim Yong Kim and to a Haven internet posting, immediate emergency following Haven’s first project is in earthquake in Haiti typifies the Partners in Health. I request Buckley said “Walking around the earthquake subsides. Ouanaminthe (pronounced great sense of empathy, com- that all the funds be used for downtown Port-au-Prince at 5 “Haven will construct up to wan-a-menth) in the northeast passion and benevolence that the direct benefit of suffering this morning was unbelievably 10,000 houses in the rebuild- department of Haiti. It is a is part of the culture of Irish Haitians.” eerie. Buildings, which I have ing of Haiti. With more than border town close to the Do- Americans and the Irish around seen and visited before, have 1.5 million people estimated to minican Republic. There are the world. Reaction from Boston been reduced to rubble, barely be now homeless, the people of approximately 50,000 people Here’s the story of Kevin Was Huge and Swift a couple of feet in height. We Haiti will need our assistance living in the town and another Leary, CEO of Valet Parking know that there are bodies bur- in providing permanent shelter 50,000 on the outskirts. It is of New England, (VPNE,) in his The outpouring of assistance ied underneath there – and it is more than ever.” mainly rural and under-devel- own words: from Greater Boston was huge heartbreaking. I think it is also The agency said it will seek oped. The UN estimates that 94 “Our company has 47 em- in the early days after the di- very important to say that all the to recruit 250 volunteers to percent of the people there are ployees from Haiti -- friendly, saster struck. At Mass General Haven team are safe and well spend a week in Haiti in April living below the official poverty talented, and hard working Hospital, Dr. Larry Ronan was and are not feeling threatened. to begin rebuilding the homes. line and unemployment is rife. employees. Sadly, many have mobilized along with a group I have seen no looting, or rioting Calling the drive “Build It Week Haven will build 200 new homes lost members of their family in of doctors, nurses, and techni- or violence since I got here. The in Haiti,” the agency said: “On and upgrade 250 more in the the horrific earthquake. The day cians, part of a first-response important thing now is to ensure the 25th of April 2010, we will first year of operations. Most following the disaster, we told team that was deployed to Haiti that the appropriate aid – food, travel to Haiti to build homes, beneficiaries live in makeshift our managers that we would within the first 72 hours. For water and temporary shelter community facilities, and hope mud huts, often with thatched pay for any of these employees his part, Dr. Ronan left on Fri., items – gets to the people who for some of the poorest people roofs. They have no running to travel to Haiti. Jan. 15, for Baltimore where he need it most to prevent any in the western hemisphere. water and most have no toilet “Some have scheduled flights joined the staff of the hospital breakdown in law and order by We will hold a second Build facilities. The average income and some are going to wait ship USNS Comfort. (See re- people desperate to feed their It Week at the end of October in Ouanaminthe is 523 gourdes, awhile before they make the lated story in this section.) At families.” this year. which is just over 9 euros. Those trip. Three days after the Caritas Christi Health network, Later that week, Brennan who are working are mainly in- earthquake we sent a letter to a 20-person medical team head- said, “The towns immediately Haven “Build It Week” volved in agriculture or informal each of our Haitian employees ed to Haiti aboard corporate outside Port-au-Prince like trading. outlining our concern for them aircraft donated by John Fish Carrefour, which is largely a Leslie and Carmel Buckley In order to take part in Build and their families. We told them of Suffolk Construction. They slum area and home to some founded Haven in late 2008. It Week and help those less that we will be giving all of them joined hundreds of other first 410,000, and Leogane have been Leslie is a successful business- fortunate than ourselves, each bereavement benefits whether responders from Greater Boston extremely badly damaged and man and co-founder of the volunteer is required to raise they qualify or not and encour- in working on the ground with are also in need of assistance. Digicel mobile phone company. a minimum of 4,000 euros. aged them to take time off with earthquake victims. “Thankfully, towns farther to His business interests brought Approximately 2,000 of this pay, if they believed it would be There was a similar out- the west like Miragoane and Pe- him to Haiti for the first time in covers flights, accommodation, helpful. All have continued to pouring of aid workers from tite Riverre des Nippes, where 2004 and he was horrified by the food and water for the duration work and work diligently. charities and non-governmental Haven has a house upgrade level of poverty on this island in of Build it Week. The remain- “We have told our Haitian em- organizations (NGOs) based in project, have escaped almost the Caribbean. He decided to do der of the funds raised will go ployees that we will be making a Ireland. Three of the most ac- unharmed from the earthquake. something to help and set up toward building materials for meaningful contribution to the tive Irish agencies working over We are delighted to report that Haven with an initial donation the houses that you will build relief effort in their names. We the years are GOAL, Concern the Haven project there and, of one million euros. during Build it Week.” have decided that we will give Worldwide, and Haven. On Sat., more importantly, our con- Haven is building homes and Volunteers will live on site in Partners in Health (through Jan. 16, the BIR spoke with tractors and beneficiaries are communities in Haiti in two basic accommodations, and will Brigham and Women’s Hospi- Project Haven’s official Hugh unharmed.” ways: It is training, up-skilling, take part in all activities that go tal [BWH]) a $25,000 donation Brennan in Jamaica, who was Haven has committed to and employing local Haitian into the running of the camp as to support their extraordinary making ready to deploy the building 5,000 homes in Haiti. people to build the homes all well as the construction of the work. Although we have do- next day with aid workers from Buckley, a Cork native, said, year round. new homes. nated over 10 percent of our the other two Irish agencies. “Haven was working here on In this way, Haven is creating With help, Haven will build company’s earnings for each of Brennan arrived in the Haitian the ground in Haiti before the jobs in a country where unem- 300 houses across Haiti this the last 12 years, this $25,000 capital Port au Prince with Ha- massive earthquake hit last ployment stands at more than year. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti ~Friends of the Durant Fellowship
Durant Fellowship Annual Golf Tournament Oyster Harbors Club, Osterville, MA Monday, June 14, 2010 1 pm Shotgun Start
Golf Tournament Committee: Bill Reilly, Jr, Sean Durant Chairman Dick Flavin Joe Leary Andrew Aloisi Paul McDermott Tony Athanas Tom Ryan Bill Devin Sean Silvia Dr. Larry Ronan, Durant Fellowship Director Dr. Donna Perry, Durant Fellowship Associate Director Danica Mari, Durant Fellowship Program Coordinator For more information about the golf tournament, please call (617) 724-3874. Page 10 February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com
Immigration Q & A Notes from the Irish Immigration Center Keep your An agency accredited by US Department of Justice
Employment 59 Temple Place, Suite 1010, Boston, MA 02111 Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Authorization Current Website:iicenter.org Email: [email protected] Q. I have an application pending with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust my status to that of legal permanent resident. I received a work card Immigration and citi- the community and at based on a form I filed back when I filed for permanent zenship update -- The our office. IIC Food Festival residence. It’s now looking like my work card will expire Irish Immigration Center Upcoming clinic dates before I get my green card. What should I do? provides comprehensive, include: professional, and confi- Allston: Kells Bar and set for West Yarmouth A. Your work card (what USCIS refers to as an dential assistance on visa Restaurant, 161 Brighton February 21 “Employment Authorization Document” or EAD) al- options, immigration and Avenue, Brighton –Tues., lows you to obtain a Social Security number and work citizenship issues. IIC Feb. 9, at 6:30 pm. Wipe away winter dreariness with an afternoon of legally in the United States pending the processing of operations include a mix Dorchester: St. Mark’s fun, food, Irish music, and prizes for all the family your application to adjust status. You need a current of outreach and education Parish (School Hall), 1725 at the Cape Cod Irish Village in West Yarmouth EAD to continue to work legally here, so if it looks like to the immigrant commu- Dorchester Avenue – Tues., on Sun., Feb. 21. The annual “Taste of Ireland” - yours will expire before you get your green card, you nity, as well as specialized, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. - hosted by the Irish Immigration Center and the need to apply to renew it. individual consultation Clinics take place at our Cape Cod Irish Village -- invites you to sample You should file your renewal application as soon as for those with complex office the first and third the finest offerings of local Cape restaurants and possible within the time frame allowed by USCIS. The immigration cases. Do Tuesdays of each month. guarantees both parents and children the afternoon agency now accepts renewal applications no more than you have questions about Please call in advance to of friendly fun that has been the hallmark of this 120 days before the expiration date on the card. The citizenship or immigration 617-542-7654 to confirm event for over a decade. Proceeds will benefit IIC form for the renewal filing is I-765 (the same form you issues, but don’t know that clinic is being held. programs and services. In addition to top area used for the initial work permit). You check the box where to turn? Then stop Our offices are located restaurants, there will be music, dancing, the now marked “Renewal.” You should use the most recent by one of our free legal at 100 Franklin Street, legendary raffle, and lots of games for the kids. version of the form (currently the one dated 8/19/ 2009). clinics. Our experienced Boston (Enter from the Before the festival, at 11 a.m., the IIC will be You can download the form on the USCIS web site, immigration attorneys can side entrances at 60 Arch holding a free Immigration and Citizenship Work- uscis.gov; follow the link to the list of forms. answer your questions and Street or 201 Devonshire shop offering legal advice to Cape Cod immigrants The same form, I-765, is used for filing for a replace- help with paperwork for Street). Upcoming dates from all nations with questions about their status ment card when the original has been lost or stolen or you or a family member. for our in-house clinics are and their options. Legal experts and volunteer at- contained mistakes when issued. The 120-day limit Clinics are held both in Feb. 2 and Feb. 16. torneys will be present. does not apply to replacement applications; they may Food, music, and legal advice in the same day. and should be filed as soon as it is known that a re- Where else but at the Irish Immigration Center placement is needed. and The Irish Village? We will post additional Note that not just adjustment of status applicants, Emergency in Haiti information on our website, iicenter.org, as details but other people, including asylees and asylum seek- develop. ers, fiancés of US citizens, and those in or applying On Jan. 12, a powerful earthquake wreaked for temporary protected status, are generally eligible havoc on Haiti, an already struggling nation not to apply to USCIS for work authorization. Eligibility, far from our shores. Two weeks later, an estimated BITS AND PIECES more about the Relapse where to file, and whether a fee is required vary accord- 200,000 people are feared dead, according to the Join our new Relapse Prevention Group or to ing to a person’s immigration status. Likewise, some Associated Press, and millions left behind suffer- Prevention Group -- The sign up today. non-US citizens are able to work in the US without ing physically in their need for shelter, sanitation, IIC is collaborating with Thank you to all who applying for an EAD; for example, legal permanent and nutrition, and emotionally as they grieve for the Maria Droste Services attended our Celebra- residents, conditional permanent residents, and those loved ones lost. in Quincy to bring you tion of New Beginnings with visas authorizing them to work for a specific US The Irish Immigration Center is very much a twelve-week Relapse Reception -- employer (such as holders of H-1 B temporary employ- a part of the united response from our city Prevention Group. The A wonderful time was ment visas). and state and the many non-profits assisting a program will be held had by all who attended If you have questions about this or any other aspect grieving Haitian community, offering practical on Wednesday evenings our open house last week. of immigration law, you can have a free, confidential support and counseling, and legal assistance in from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. We were happy to open consultation at one of our legal clinics as cited monthly helping Haitians apply for Temporary Protected at 1354 Hancock St. The our doors and show guests in the Irish Reporter. Status (TPS). IIC Executive Director Sister Lena group will help you explore around our new space at Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform Deevy, along with other leaders of immigration ways of staying sober and 100 Franklin Street. More generally, not to advise in individual cases. Areas of agencies and organizations, attended a briefing at give you the opportunity importantly, the event of- law are rapidly changing. US Citizenship and Im- the Haitian Multi-Service Center at which Denis to share issues and chal- fered a great opportunity migration Services and the US Department of State Reardon, Director District-Region 1 of USCIS, of- lenges faced while trying for the Irish Immigra- regularly amend regulations and alter processing and fered information about TPS and the important role to overcome substance tion Center to show its filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance we all can play at this critical time. Meanwhile, abuse. gratitude to our friends of an IIC immigration specialist or an immigration we continue to assist the Haitian community with If you or someone you and supporters. A special lawyer. the filing of petitions to sponsor eligible family know need assistance and thanks goes to Eileen and members for immigrant visas. The IIC is grateful support to end substance Balloons Over Boston, that it can support our Haitian brothers and sisters abuse, please call Danielle Synergy, and Elephant at this very sad and painful time. at 617-542-7654, Ext. 14, and Castle for their sup- or send an e-mail to dow- port of this event. [email protected] to learn
FOLEY LAW OFFICES, P.C. Attorney John Philip Foley Matters Of Substance Permanent Residency & Citizenship • Family & Business Immigration • Labor Certification & Temporary Visas Return to Action, Hope, and Recovery ALL Nationalities & AILA Members By Danielle Owen sounds like you had made else!” Irish Immigration Center great progress when you • C o n t e m p l a t i o “I had stopped drink- stopped drinking before n: “I hate the hangovers, ing for over a year and and there is nothing to but I need to relax!” had been getting on great stop you from doing it • Preparation: “That’s with my husband, who again. Relapse, or drink- it!! I can’t do this any- had threatened to move ing again after stopping, more.” “What if I can’t out unless I quit. I was is all part of recovery, stop?” just given a promotion at believe it or not. It is what • Action: “I could use a my job and I thought that you learn from this re- drink now but will find an I had turned a corner. As lapse that will help bring AA meeting instead.” work got busier, I became you back to action and • Maintenance: “I am more stressed. My co-work- recovery. Change hap- bringing Mary to a meet- ers have drinks after work pens very gradually, as ing, because it has helped Danielle Owen and I began joining them described by the “Wheel” me so much.” a few times a week, just to or “Stages of Change” • Relapse: “Would one ways to manage your life, let off steam. My husband model developed in the drink really hurt?” including stress manage- hated that I was drinking late 1970’s/early 1980’s Change is always pos- ment for example, without again and left for Ireland by James Prochaska and sible, no matter how far alcohol and drugs, please for a few weeks. I’m heart- Carlo DiClemente. It is a away it seems, but you join us for our Relapse Pre- broken, but all I think great tool to help people need support, meetings, vention Group in Quincy. about is going to drink at with alcohol or drug prob- and perhaps treatment The program is being held 5 p.m.! Since my husband lems because it describes to move towards recov- on Wednesday evenings has been away I am drink- the stages that someone ery. When a relapse oc- from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. ing at home now, too. I’m goes through as they work curs, some return to the at 1354 Hancock St. Call so scared about losing my toward recovery. Here are pre- contemplation or Danielle, in confidence & job, my husband, and the some examples of state- contemplation stage. This without judgment, at the life we were enjoying. Is it ments that could identify is very normal. However, Irish Immigration Center too late for me?” where you might be on the it sounds like you may be for more information or wheel of change. ready to move from the for support/counseling. It’s never too late, no • Pre-Contempla- preparation stage and Phone: 617-542-7654, Ext. matter who you are and tion: “It’s not a problem; I take action again. If you 14, or via e-mail to dowen@ what you have done. It drink the same as anyone would like to learn new iicenter.org. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11
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8. BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events
he Adams Corner section of Dorchester is the site of the Tnewest Irish music Sesiun. Ev- ery Wednesday night, from 6- 8 p.m., Southie’s own Skip Toomey and friends set up shop at Gerard’s Adams Corner restaurant. For a full two hours, din- ers find the fun and excitement of live 9. Irish music to be an excellent addition 10. to their mid week meal. Also on Sunday afternoons, Gerard’s now plays host to another music session, this one featuring music from traditional American sources as well as some Irish songs. Restaurant owner Gerard Adomunes credits his friend, photographer Bill Brett, with helping to make arrangements for the new sessions. In the photos: 1.) Guitarist Leo Stapleton, So. Boston; 2.) Grandfather Arthur Rich, Dedham; with Jimmy and Jack Lowe (3 yr. old twins) accompanied by dad Kieran Lowe; 3.) Skip Toomey, So. Boston/Norwell; 4.) Violinist Karin Friedemann, Dorchester; 5.) Joe Lutz on Banjo, Dorchester; 6.) Accordionist Thoms Mehan, Lynn; 7.) Guitarist Dave Damon, Concord, MA; 8.) Keyboardist Andrew Gower, Belmont 9.) Dan McDonald, Marshfield; 10.) Accordionist Sean Gannon, Dorchester; 11.) Gene Favret, Dedham; 12.) Michael Duggan, Scituate. 11. 12. Page 12 February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com
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Boston Irish Reporter - February Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13
Newport, R.I. / Kinsale, Ireland Festival of Fine Food March 4 - 7, 2010
Buskers Irish Pub and Restaurant 178 Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island 401-846-5856 • www.BuskersPub.com
Fathoms at the Newport Marriott Hotel 25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island 401-849-7788 • www.NewportMarriott.com Chef: Eric Steinhauer With RTE (Radio TV Ireland) celebrity Derek Davis
La Forge Casino 186 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island 401-847-0418 • www.LaForgenewportcasino.com Chef: Nick Violette With Chef ~ Kinsale, IRE
One Bellevue at the Hotel Viking 1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island 401-848-4824 • www.HotelViking.com Chef: Kevin Thiele With ~Kinsale, IRE
The Windward Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Newport 1 Goat Island, Newport, Rhode Island 401-851-3325 • www.Newport.Hyatt.com Chef: Marty Quinn With Chef Hotel ~Kinsale, IRE The Kinsale, Ireland Festival of Fine Food is proudly sponsored by the Newport & Bristol County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kerrygold Dairy, and The Boston Irish Reporter.
The Newport County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the City of Newport and the five townships of Newport County as a resort for leisure and business travel. For further information, please contact the NCCVB Marketing Department at (401) 845-9151 or www.GoNewport.com. Page 14 February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Reporter Travel & More Karan Casey and John Doyle Serve Up ‘Emotional Depth. It’s in Our Nature’ band [Niall Vallely], be- Three Feb. Dates in State cause we both happened to studied classical music be playing there. Johnny By Sean Smith D’s was where I did one of Special to the BIR made her all the more intriguing. my first gigs with Solas. It seems hard to imag- And I was involved in a ine, somehow, but more Casey and Doyle left Solas within a year of each performance at Symphony than a decade has passed Hall as well. There’s just (almost 14 years to be ex- other during 1999-2000 but certainly did not be- an awful lot going on in act) since the debut album Boston, and I love it. It’s of Solas, whose members come strangers: Doyle ap- peared on Casey’s second like doing a gig at home: at the time included gui- People know what’s go- tarist John Doyle and solo CD, “When the Winds Begin to Sing” and toured ing on, they know what lead singer Karan Casey. to listen for, and they get To many ears, Solas was as part of her band at one point, and Casey returned the jokes. a revelation, creating an BIR: So how did this Irish-American sound the favor on Doyle’s first solo CD “Evening Comes collaboration with John built on tradition but come about? clearly pointed toward Early.” The two also took part in the Solas 10th an- KC: We would see each contemporary styles and other every so often, influences. Doyle’s ac- niversary performance in 2006, which was released and we’d say “Yes, we’ll companiment — some- definitely do something times relentless, other on CD and DVD. Now, Doyle and Casey together.” We never did times lyrical — provided – and now we have! It was inspiration for more than have joined forces to tour as a duo with a just-released just a case of setting aside a few guitar players, Karan Casey will peform with former Solas bandmate John Doyle at concerts some time and being able while Casey attracted at- CD, “The Exiles Return,” this month in Cambridge, Northampton and Vineyard Haven. to their credit. This month to focus. I had finished tention in her own right, my last CD [“Ships in her vocals high and clear, will see them play three dates in Massachusetts: Late last month, Casey her new/old collaboration, Connections. What kind the Forest”] in 2008, and but demonstrating an un- – having just returned to among other things. of associations does the then the two of us went mistakable strength and Feb. 7 at Club Passim in Belfast after performing BIR: You’re no stranger place hold for you? to Nashville and started resolve. The fact that as Harvard Square; Feb. 10 at Northampton’s Iron with Doyle at Celtic Con- to the Boston area, obvi- KC: I did lots of gigs in recording. It’s just great a college student she had nections in Edinburgh ously, what with perform- The Burren , and in fact to be playing with John. been a jazz singer (and Horse; and Feb. 25 at the Katherine Cornell Theater — spoke by phone with ing in “Christmas Celtic that’s where I had my first We have very much the did a mean impersonation the BIR and talked about Sojourn” and at Irish night out with my hus- of Ella Fitzgerald) and in Vineyard Haven. (Continued on page 16) Two Nights of Great Celtic Music
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-69;0*2,;:(5+05-694(;065 ^^^>VYSK4\ZPJVYN to the Boston Irish Reporter ;0*2,;:(9,(3:6(=(03()3,(;;/,:64,9=033,;/,(;9,)6?6--0*, Call 617-436-1222 Presented by World Music/CRASHarts Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 Hair-Raising Master of Mayhem at ‘Shear Madness’
By R. J. Donovan of town, we bring them in ily, are from Roscommon. if they knew anybody Special to The BIR because it’s really a slice My grandfather was a who did Letterman . . . The confetti has just of Boston life.” New York City cop. He He put me in touch with settled at The Charles BIR: “Shear Madness” worked his way up to being this agent in New York . . Playhouse following the is also known for it’s topi- a Precinct Captain. . and the agent had me go 30th-anniversary celebra- cal humor. That has to BIR: Any history of down and interview. They tion for “Shear Madness.” keep the cast on its toes. show business in your took a look at me and said, Set in present-day Boston, PS: Some of the best family? ‘Well this guy looks a lot “Shear Madness” is all actors in town have done PS: My mother’s fa- like Dave.’ (Laughs.) So I about the scissor-stab- the show over the years ther owned movie the- did about a half dozen of bing murder of a famous . . . The ones who are so aters in Salem – The Em- those and it was really fun. concert pianist who lives good are the ones who pire and the Paramount, They sent me out to Indi- above a unisex hair sa- bring something to it and one other one, The ana to bring flowers to his lon on Newbury Street. every day. They read the Federal, which was torn mother on Mother’s Day. Having played to more newspapers. They always down long before I was I spent the whole day with than 1.8 million people have ideas. And they’re born, I think. his mother and his sister since opening at The thinking about keeping BIR: Your physical – really nice people. On Charles in 1980, the inter- the show as current as appearance got you a job the live broadcast, Dave active comedy-whodunit possible. playing David Letter- said, “Mom, I’m sorry I holds the Guinness record BIR: What’s the process man’s double. How did couldn’t be there with as the longest running for adding fresh material that happen? you on Mother’s Day, but play in the history of the and new jokes. PS: That was strange. here’s a guy who kind of American theater. The PS: I tell you, the pro- I do a lot of corporate looks like me.” twist is that the audience cess is We Never Know. work – trade show and BIR: I’ve also heard helps solve the crime ev- We kind of hash things videos. I was doing a job you on Irrational Public ery night, making each over before the show. . . for MetLife and a guy that Radio as Zoldar, Venutian performance a little dif- Most of us get there about works there . . . was asked Prince ferent. As well, the show an hour before show time. is constantly updated with We look at the newspa- topical references and per and talk about news . jokes, many of them based stories, just conversation- on that day’s headlines. ally, and then we’ll come Prospect Hill Company At the center of the may- up with something that “Personalized Attention Since 1951” hem is leading man Pat- might fit into the show. rick Shea. Playing Tony Sometimes, somebody Whitcomb, the owner of who’s not even in the show FIRST COMMUNION the salon, Shea gives an at the moment will call over-the-top performance up and have a great idea. DRESSES that delights audiences That always amuses me . night after night. He . . They might be doing a OVER 800 DRESSES IN STOCK joined the cast in 1983 and show somewhere else in Great Selection of Large and Half Sizes has been appearing in the the country, and they’ll Veils ✦ Shoes ✦ Slips ✦ Gloves show, in his words, “more call up and say “Hey, I got a great idea for a joke.” Purses ✦ Boleros ✦ Capes ✦ Sweaters on than off” ever since. Patrick Shea as Tony Whitcomb (top) attempts to Originally from New (Laughing.) Part of me shave Detective Rossetti (Michael Fennimore) in the wants to say, “Hey, get York, Shea was raised on comedy-whodunit “Shear Madness,” celebrating 30 BOYS’ WHITE SUITS Boston’s North Shore. In a life.” years at Boston’s Charles Playhouse. STARTING AT $59.50 addition to eight shows a Photo by Paul Lyden. BIR: Tell me how you week for “Shear Madness,” originally came to the SIZES 5 TO 20 IN STOCK Performers are always in energy and renewed good Boston area. he has also found time to Blue Sportcoats ✦ Shoes serve as narrator at sev- search of their next job. humor and better skills. PS: My father’s family eral Boston Pops concerts, For you, “Shear Madness” It’s terrific to be able to is from New York and my Shirts ✦ Ties ✦ Belts double for David Letter- has been the exception to have such longevity in a mother’s family is from man and appear in such the rule. show and to know that it’s Salem. But my Dad died WHITE SUIT SALE feature films as “Gone PS: Yeah, I’ve been very going to be there for you. when I was really young, Baby Gone,” “Mystic Riv- fortunate. “Shear Mad- BIR: “Shear Madness” I was only three years old FEBRUARY 15TH–20TH er” and Ricky Gervais’s ness” actors are always gets a tremendous amount when he passed away, so “The Invention of Lying.” looking for another gig. of repeat business. my mother moved back to All Suits 20% OFF We spoke on the morning Not that we don’t love PS: I’ve run into people Salem. I went to school in of a busy two-show Sat- doing “Shear Madness,” at the theater who’ll tell Marblehead, Swampscott, Visit the Largest Religious Goods Store in Massachusetts urday. Here’s an edited but it’s good for the show me during the break or and Salem. I spent most Inspirational Gifts ✦ Music ✦ Books ✦ Bibles transcript of our conver- for actors to get out and do after the show, “We’ve of my life growing up in sation. other shows. Or do other seen the show 14 times. Salem. The Sheas are from Corner of North Main & Field Streets, Brockton/Avon Line BIR: An actor’s life is projects and then be able Every time we have rela- Kerry, and the Deerys, Mon: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ✦ Tues-Sat: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. known for being transient. to come back with renewed tives coming in from out which is my mother’s fam- MINUTES OFF ROUTE 24 – 1-800-586-1951 Page 16 February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com An Affirmation of Singing’s Vital Role in Irish Heritage Karan Casey and John Doyle, “Exiles Return” the demise of the Belfast shipyards, strikes just the -- It’s not as if the Irish singing tradition has fallen right balance between nostalgia and resolve; and just completely off the map, but the emergence of the you try to keep from singing along on the chorus. Lunasas, Altans, Danus, Teadas, and other popular Casey readily acknowledges that most of the songs ensembles in the past decade or so has elevated the on the CD revolve around emigration and leave-taking instrumental aspect of Irish music – and arguably of some kind – such themes are, she says, “a massive overshadowed the vocal aspect in the process. So part of the Irish culture.” But when you have two such this new release by Karan Casey and John Doyle is accomplished singers who can plumb the full depth of a resounding declaration that song is a strong, vital songs and extract the range of emotions within, the part of the Irish heritage. results are anything but depressing. The title track, a Casey and Doyle, of course, each boast pedigrees that composition by Doyle, lovingly and vividly evokes the are among the most impressive of any musicians in native land left behind but convincingly holds forth the their generation. Here they join forces (with occasional promise of return and reunion. “The Bay of Biscay” is assistance by Michael McGoldrick on flute and whistle from the dead-lover’s-ghost-returns canon, but Casey and Dirk Powell on double bass and banjo) to present is able to help us imagine the bittersweet joy of one 12 simply but exquisitely arranged and performed last meeting. Doyle’s leisurely sublime version of “Sally settings of mainly traditional songs. Grier” – a Newfoundland ballad of an involuntary Casey has never sounded surer of herself, and she emigrant enduring various ordeals, including separa- brings out the innermost qualities of each song, from tion from his love – suggests a pride in surviving the romance to regret, loss to fond remembrance. The worst and prospering, and a determination to repair presence of Doyle might summon up visions of guitar the damage in one’s past. pyrotechnics, but although his playing is characteristi- What Casey and Doyle are saying here – and they’ve cally masterful, it never pushes aside the songs. Best reaches a high point on the intensely rhythmic, teas- said as much verbatim – is that if we listen, really of all, he continues to serve notice that, darn it, he’s ingly seductive “Madam I’m a Darlin’” (a song associ- listen, to songs, whether centuries old or of more re- every bit as good a singer as he is a strummer. ated with the legendary Frank Harte), with its clever, cent vintage, we’ll often be rewarded with a richness The blending of their voices – whether in unison or sly turns of phrase (“Blue it is a lovely color/until it gets of experiences and emotional textures. Listening to harmony – creates a whole other instrument, which the second dip”; “She fell under and I fell over/All the “Exiles Return,” it’s hard to argue otherwise. they demonstrate right off the bat on the first track, game was above the knee”). Their rendition of “The -- SEAN SMITH “The False Lady,” a ballad of passion and murder. It Shipyard Slips,” a song written by David Wilde about Karan Casey and John Doyle Serve Up ‘Emotional Depth. It’s in Our Nature’
(Continued from 14) — not simplistic, but couldn’t get through it in the Celtic Tiger era, but seems, and it’s a very nice with Seamus Egan [from same ideas about songs, simple. You have to be without crying. At least I’m not sure how success- feeling. In the folk world, Solas] producing. It’s not what we like and how we confident about your sing- when I sang it in Glasgow ful we really were. I feel we eke out a living, and so much a traditional want to do them. I feel like ing, and more to the point the other day I didn’t cry there’s more of a sense of we don’t have the fame album, though. We’re I’m on some sort of cloud you have to be confident until afterwards. release in this CD, and es- and fortune like in the kind of feeling our way when we’re performing. that the songs you’re “Sailing Off to Yankee- pecially because it’s truly “mainstream” music. So through it, but hopefully He’s just so good – if I miss singing will draw people land,” which is also about a joint effort between to hear that you’ve influ- it’ll be out at the end of a beat, he’s right there! into them. That’s what we immigration, was another John and myself; we’re in enced someone, or had the year. I suppose that’s (Laughs.) were looking to do. song on the CD that felt this together. some kind of impact on the thing about getting BIR: Did you approach BIR: What about the special for me, especially BIR: Is working with them in their enjoyment older: I’m only doing what “Exiles Return” with a songs themselves? Was since I associate it with John a different experi- of music, it really does I really, really want to do certain point of view, that there a pattern or a theme the singing of Frank ence now than it used mean a lot. now. You know it has to be there was a statement of you had in mind? Harte, who was a hero to to be? BIR: Is there anything worthwhile for me to leave some kind you wanted to KC: I suppose there are me. I liked that it offers a KC: Well, we’re both that strikes you about the girls. I’m not going to make, musical or other- a lot of lonely songs on the hint of the American side mellower, a bit kinder, not singers in Irish music go out on a tour just for a wise? CD. I think I wondered of the story, that there was all welled-up; certainly today? lark. I’m not a road hog KC: We wanted it to at some point, “Will they this sense of moving for- more easy-going. And KC: I have to say I’m a any more. be all about the songs, all be songs of abandon- ward. And “Bay of Biscay” we’ve got families: John little concerned. I’m not Opening for Karan and about really explor- ment?” But you know, is such a very tender song, has a little girl, and my sure there’s as much of Casey and John Doyle’s ing what’s going on in that’s such a massive and it draws you in. daughters are 10 and a platform for singers as Club Passim show on them. We felt strongly part of the Irish culture: BIR: You mentioned 3 ½. So we’re probably there used to be. I find Feb. 7 will be local duo that we had to get into abandonment, loss, not that you began this CD a lot more efficient and it troubling that there Liz Simmons and Hannah the depths of the songs, having what you need, not long after “Ships in the organized than we were. seems to be a growing Sanders, who sing songs and that’s why on most emigration, war. The Forest” came out. There All those things help a separation of the song and culled from the British tracks it’s just John and important thing for us, was a very quiet, subdued lot on the road! Also, we instrumental traditions, Isles and North American me, although we were though, was to have songs tone to that album, and didn’t want to just fall into where in the past people folk traditions as well as really pleased to have with emotional depth. It’s you had said something to the old roles we had in like Frank Harte, for their own compositions. Michael McGoldrick and in our nature — we just the effect that the songs Solas. We wanted this to example, really believed Simmons, a member of Dirk Powell with us at don’t go for the uptempo reflected your concern be a duet, where we really in keeping all the music, the bands Annalivia and times as well. drinking songs. whether Ireland – having share in the work. That’s the songs and the tunes, Long Time Courting, has Ten years or so ago, “Exiles Return,” which settled into a post-colonial been very important from together. Now musicians performed with Casey as it was different for me. John wrote, is a perfect era with some reasonable the start. will play the tunes, and well as Aoife Clancy, John When you’re still kind of example of that. John’s prosperity and self-con- BIR: You’ve built up then when a singer gets Whelan, North Cregg, and new to music, and you go been in the US now for fidence – would be able a body of work by now, up to sing it’s like a “break The Sevens. Sanders, like into the recording studio, almost longer than he’s to confront “the difficult whether with Solas or on time” for everyone. So it Simmons, grew up in a you get excited: “Oh, I spent in Ireland, and he events of our past and your own, and achieved a makes me wonder: If no- musical household, and want to have this and talks about being neither present.” Where do you stature in Irish music— body knows you, where do traveled and sang across that, and let’s bring in a Irish nor American at this see this CD in relation to KC: I’ve become part of you get a chance to sing? the UK and Europe with massive band here.” I’m point. So the song is about “Ships in the Forest”? the establishment, yes. How do you get the first her family band The not trying to demean that, all those immigrants who KC: The feeling I tried (Laughs.) foot on the ladder? I sup- Dunns. The two have but it is a phase in many know the sadness of leav- to convey in “Ships In the BIR: Do you get a sense pose there’s an ebb and appeared as part of the ways. I feel more adept ing home but also the joy Forest” was that there is that there are female flow to these things, so Boston Celtic Music Fest and confident in my sing- of finding a new life. so much grief in Ireland’s singers coming of age now maybe it’ll get better. “Celtic Music Monday” ing, and so for me there’s I actually found it hard past, and when and how who’ve looked to you as a BIR: Any other projects series and at Studio 99 not as much need for lots to sing “Exiles Return” do we get out of it? When model, an inspiration? in the offing? in Nashua, NH, among of other things to be going and I don’t know why, do we turn it around? I KC: I do hear that, KC: I’m working with other venues. on behind me. but at the beginning I think we certainly tried to especially in America, it Aoife O’Donovan on a CD, This album is simple Schedule Set at BC for Gaelic Roots Spring Series
Tender love songs, ro- at BC, and supported by breaking Irish-American bert, and Jerry Holland. multi-instrumentalist trio Chulrua. Leading bust sea ballads, and BC’s Center for Irish Pro- band The Flying Cloud MacGillivray, like Fraser, Grey Larsen. Kallett has the group is accordion- plenty of exciting jigs, grams and Irish Studies and has played and re- is equally adept on fiddle often drawn on the New ist Paddy O’Brien, who reels, hornpipes, and Program. corded with a host of lumi- and piano and comes from England landscape and has built a reputation strathspeys are among the Popular singers Robbie naries ranging from John an impressive family mu- seacoast for her music as a scholar — collecting features of this spring’s O’Connell and Dan Milner Doyle to Mick Moloney to sic tradition as well; his and songwriting, which more than 4,000 tunes Gaelic Roots Music, Song, kick off the series on Feb- Joanie Madden. recent CD “When Here she has presented on five — as well as a musician. Dance, Workshop and ruary 18 with “Irish Love The duet of Kimberley Meets There” won the solo albums. Larsen is a Fiddler Dale Russ comple- Lecture Series at Boston Songs and Sea Ballads.” Fraser and Troy MacGil- 2009 East Coast Music recognized virtuoso on ments O’Brien’s playing College. O’Connell -- a performer- livray will present an Award for Roots/Tradi- Irish flute and whistle, on melody, while guitarist The series, which is instructor at the Gaelic evening of Cape Breton tional Group Album of but also plays fiddle and Pat Egan also lends his free and open to the pub- Roots festival hosted by music on March 18. Fra- the Year. concertina, among other talents as singer. lic, takes place at Con- BC for 10 years -- has ser has emerged as one Songs and tunes from instruments, and is highly All Gaelic Roots events nolly House on BC’s main cultivated a reputation of the foremost young Ireland, New England, sought after for his work take place from 6:30 campus. Gaelic Roots as a songwriter whose practitioners of the Cape Appalachia, and Scandi- as a recording engineer to 8:30 p.m. For more is directed by Sullivan compositions fit snugly Breton fiddle tradition, navia will be the showcase and producer. information, see bc.edu/ Artist-in-Residence Sea- alongside the Irish song and has worked alongside of the March 25 perfor- The series will wrap gaelicroots. mus Connolly, director tradition. Milner was a such notables as Buddy mance by guitarist-vo- up on April 8 with the of Irish music programs member of the ground- MacMaster, Brenda Stub- calist Cindy Kallett and traditional Irish music Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 BIR Music 7th BCMFest CD Roundup Warms Up a Chilly By Sean Smith Winter Weekend Munnelly, “Tight Squeeze” – Box player supreme David Munnelly and his band have been tearing up the 21st century thus far with their wild West Mayo A column of news and style of playing, echoing the 1920s Flanagan Brothers: updates of the Boston Celt- hell-for-leather lead and solid, swinging guitar/percus- ic Music Fest (BCMFest), sion-driven rhythm, lending occasional jazz and ragtime which celebrates the Bos- flavor to a mainly Irish repertoire. ton area’s rich heritage On this, their third re- of Irish, Scottish, Cape lease, the group (they’ve Breton music and dance shortened the name to the with a grassroots, musi- more economical “Mun- cian-run winter music nelly”) has diversified and festival and other events broadened its sound. Oh, during the year. the swing is still there, such -- SEAN SMITH as on the “Leitrim Polkas,” “Ann from Monaghan” and From Core Tradi- “Nick’s Boat” sets, and tions to Growing the David and brother Kieran Community -- Outside, (masterful on flute, bodhran and percussion) lead it was about as typical the proceedings as well as ever. But overall there’s January weather as you a decided variation in tone and texture among the can get – really cold, that instrumental tracks: the strict oom-chuck dynamic is is – but the seventh an- less prevalent. nual BCMFest (January One major reason is the addition of Ryan Molloy on 8 and 9) basked in the piano, which lends a certain depth and sophistication to warmth from its com- the music. The other is the presence of brass on some munity of friends and supporters. The audience The young BCMFest audience member had a chance to show her dance moves tracks, notably the “Druid’s Perambulation/Wizard’s during a performance of “The Fiddler’s Wish.” Photo by Sean Smith. Walk” set, which invites comparisons (very favorable, was consistently strong one must add) to La Bottine Souriante. for special events such Two other revelations on “Tight Squeeze”: Fiddler- as “Community Groups” The Whiskey Boys are Caroline O’Shea (flute/ begins at 8 p.m. in Club mandolinist-banjoist Paul Kelly really comes to the (with David O’Docherty, David Delaney (fiddle) whistle), and Lindsay Passim, which is located fore, especially on “The Bike in the Tree,” a trilogy of the New England Irish and Mark Kilianski (gui- Straw (bouzouki) are The at 47 Palmer Street in tunes he composed. And not so incidentally, there is Harp Orchestra, and the tar), who met through Ivy Leaf. Formed this Harvard Square. As a the band’s new lead vocalist, Shauna Mullins, grand- Boston Scottish Fiddle the Berklee College of past autumn, the group special feature, there will niece of the great Paddy Tunney. She has a sinewy, Club), the family-ori- Music and proceeded has been pulling together be a discount $6 admis- mid-range voice that fits in very well with the band, and ented musical story “The to put together a sound tunes and influences from sion for all persons with she uses it to great effect on songs from a fascinating Fiddler’s Wish,” and the that draws upon not only the Boston/Providence a valid current student array of sources, from the traditional “Moorlough Mary” “BCMFest Music Make- Celtic but American folk session scene and players ID. Regular admission (which goes back three generations in her family) to over,” as well as the one- and jazz influences. With such as Denis Murphy, is $12, $6 for members the late John Martyn’s “Fairytale Lullaby,” as well as of-a-kind performance this old/new dynamic and Caoimhin O Raghallaigh, of Passim, WGBH and a tasty, brass-enriched “What Are You Waiting For?” by the Boston Highlands a winning stage presence, Kevin Crawford, Dolores WUMB. Go to clubpassim. by Karine Polwart, and the poignant 18th-century Ceili Band, which evoked The Whiskey Boys [whis- Keane, and Paul Brady org for information and Scottish lament “Lochaber No More,” set to gorgeous the classic “Dudley Street keyboys.com] have begun to create a unique, tra- reservations. accompaniment by Molloy, Kieran Munnelly and gui- sound” of the Boston Irish building an audience for ditional sound. To get a For more information tarist Fergal Scahill. Dance Hall era. themselves in clubs, pubs sample of their sound, on BCMFest, see bcmfest. A thoroughly unscientific, anecdotal consensus on The Saturday evening and other venues around take a listen at myspace. com; you can also sign up Munnelly seems to be that their live performances show finale concert, “Artists Boston. com/accardiosheastraw. for the BCMFest e-mail their true, and best, form (especially when they’ve got and Mentors” – which Dan Accardi (fiddle), Celtic Music Monday list via the Web site. dancer Nic Gareiss with them). But it’s hard not to ap- celebrated Liam Clancy, preciate the creativity and thoughtful use of influences Tommy Makem, Jerry in “Tight Squeeze.” Holland, Seamus Con- nolly and all those who Grada, “Natural Angle” – The interplay between have helped maintain the Irish and American music traditions appears to be core traditions of Celtic one of the leading trends of the new millennium thus music – also resonated far, with folks like Maura O’Connell, Sean Keane, and with the audience, who Sharon Shannon among the explorers of note. Now cheered appearances by add to the list Grada, whose the Makem and Spain founding members Andy Brothers, Kimberley Fra- Laking (double bass) and ser, Barbara and Robert Gerry Paul (guitar) have McOwen, the Kieran assembled a new line-up Jordan Dancers, John for this album, which has and Sean Connor, Tina a palpable Nashville stamp Lech, and many other on it – that’s where it was fine Greater Boston area recorded, for one thing – via performers. contributions by producer Having sounded a “core and multi-instrumentalist traditions” theme for the Tim O’Brien, banjo picker 2010 festival, BCMFest extraordinaire Alison Brown, and drummer John Gard- this year will be focused ner (whose credentials include stints with the Dixie on “growing the commu- Chicks, Kenny Rogers, and Earl Scruggs). nity” – broadening the Not that Grada, for all the incarnations, has ever involvement not only in been averse to going beyond the trad-Irish realm. Their the festival (which will previous releases have included flirtations with Eastern take place next year on European and Breton musical styles, and renditions January 7 and 8) but oth- of songs by the likes of Suzanne Vega, Emily Smith er BCMFest events and ,and Sonny Condell. That said, they start out with the activities. The BCMFest tried-and-true “Templehouse Reel,” linked with a band Board will be looking original, “Moy Cottage,” through which they showcase for more people to share their new fiddler David Doocey and flute-whistle-ac- ideas and skills, as well as cordion player Stephen Doherty. time and energy, to help New vocalist Nicola Joyce comes to the fore, along BCMFest continue build- with the American/Nashville influence, on the second ing on its success. Send track, “John Riley,” O’Brien’s tale of an Irishman in an e-mail to bcmfest@ the US-Mexican War who opts to join the San Patricio gmail.com if you want to Brigade. Elsewhere on the song front, Ralph Stanley take part. aficionados will recognize “Pretty Polly,” which here New Faces, New is enhanced by a nifty instrumental break in 4/4 time Sounds -- The commu- led by fiddle and flute. And one of the more intriguing nity of Celtic musicians tracks is Mississippi John Hurt’s “Louis Collins,” fea- in Greater Boston cer- turing gospel-like close harmony between Joyce, Paul, tainly never seems to stop Laking, and O’Brien. growing, and BCMFest The album includes three songs composed by the is happy to welcome new band: the sly, country-bluesy “Bottom of the Hill”; faces into its midst. In this “Panama,” a spare, fleeting meditation on wanderlust; spirit, BCMFest’s month- and the stately, sorrowful “No Linen, No Lace,” which ly series at Club Passim sounds straight from the traditional canon of laments in Harvard Square, Celtic for absent lovers. Music Monday, will pres- The other instrumental tracks include “The Hutt ent a “New Bands on Reels,” very Lunasa-sounding and with a very pleasing the Block” showcase on GERARD’S ADAMS CORNER Mon., Feb. 8, with The cameo by Brown; “Five Jumps,” which marries reels from 772 - 776 Adams Street Denmark, Ireland and former Gradaian Colin Farrell; Whiskey Boys and The and a funky bit of frivolity in “Salthill Bugalu.” Ivy Leaf – all of whose Dorchester, MA 02124 “Natural Angle” is a very intelligently conceived and members are current or arranged CD, and (hopefully) heralds a sustained, and recently graduated col- 617-282-6370 sustainable, course for Grada. lege students. Page 18 February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Traveling People
One of many wonderful birds that are struggling in Ireland’s cold, snowy landscape this winter is the This brightly-colored Chaffinch is a frequent visitor Perky little Irish robins are everywhere in the Great Tit. This adult was photographed last Spring to the food supplies we leave out. spring. Photos by Judy Enright in Co. Mayo. St. Brigid/Brigit Sounds the Bell as Ireland Welcomes spring
By Judy Enright was called a Brigit’s bed or cradle. After the making Viney, author and keen environmentalist, wrote: “The Special to the BIR of the crosses, the residue was also fashioned into extreme cold is having a huge impact on survival It’s hard to believe that this cruelest of winters, rushlights which were lit in honor of the Saint. Even and hibernation. A little Scandinavian thrush with one that has flooded Ireland’s green fields and laced these were believed to have curative powers. Alterna- chestnut flanks has been the first notable casualty of the country with snowstorms, ice, and the coldest tively, they were put under pillows to ward off disease.” the big freeze in Ireland, its feather-light corpses scat- temperatures in years, may finally be over and that So, who was this St. Brigit anyway? As you drive tered widely along icy roadsides and in frozen fields. spring has officially arrived on the Emerald Isle! across the Irish countryside and note the num- “Redwings are among the huge flocks of birds from Publisher Ed Forry recently reminded us that Feb. 1 ber of holy wells named for her and St. Patrick, northern Europe, which fled west as temperatures fell. is St. Brigid’s Day, the official start of Ireland’s spring. you’d think that the two of them had high-speed Some winter migration to Ireland is normal, but the [The saint’s name varies in the telling between Brigid cars and traveled everywhere. They sure did get scale of the influx, of everything from blackbirds and and Brigit]. We know spring arrives in Ireland ahead around, or should we say their followers got around? chaffinches to lapwing and snipe, has been phenomenal. of New England and that their daffodils are nearly We learned that she was probably born between 451 and “The clouds of redwings and fieldfares (another, bigger, gone by when we get ours here in April, but we never 458 in Faughart, a few miles from Dundalk, and lived Scandinavian thrush) arriving to carpet coastal fields realized that the season started over there as early for about 70 years. According to the Cill Dara Histori- at some stretches of the west have not been seen in as Feb. 1. Don’t we wish it started here that early? cal Society, “St Brigid -- Mary of the Gael -- is second decades. Many are prey not only to hunger and cold, The Feb. 1 celebrations in Ireland signify the rebirth only to St. Patrick in the esteem of the Irish people. but hunting by peregrine falcons, kestrels and stoats.” of fertility in the land and, in some rural areas, are a She is, of course, specially associated with Kildare We also read recently on the Birdwatch Ireland website time for popular Druidic rituals such as the making and the whole area of Magh Life (The Liffey Plain).” (birdwatchireland.ie) that, “Harsh winter weather can of the Bridoge (straw doll effigies of St. Brigit) and the On Jan. 31, 2009, Sylvia Thompson wrote in The Irish spell doom for our garden birds. The current cold spell tradition of the Biddy boys when bands of young people, Times,“St. Brigid is enjoying a new lease of life thanks across the country is making life hard for [them]. As wearing straw masks, white shirts and skirts, carried to her roots as a goddess in ancient Celtic traditions. temperatures drop, so the birds need to eat as much a straw Bridoge in a procession to neighbors’ homes. Tomorrow, the life and work of St. Brigid will be cel- high-energy food as possible to try to keep warm. Unfor- The boys -- called Biddies or Biddy boys -- also car- ebrated in cities, towns and villages across Ireland. tunately, it is still too early for there to be many insects ried musical instruments. They asked permission to Celebrations will range from small pilgrimages to around, and most of the berries on garden trees and enter a home and would then all leap inside reciting ancient shrines, holy wells, and monastic settlements bushes have already been eaten. In situations like this, a rhyme in St. Brigit’s honor. As a reward, the collec- to classes for children on making St. Brigid’s crosses. very often birds must make do with searching the ground tion for the biddy party would consist of food or money “But who exactly was St. Brigid or Brigit as some prefer for whatever seeds and scraps they can find; heavy snow- and a Biddy feast would be held the same evening. to remember her? And what do we know about her life? fall, of course, will prevent them from doing even that. The straw Biddy doll was often made from the last History and myth are particularly difficult to separate “BirdWatch Ireland members have already noticed sheaf of the previous harvest, called the Cailleach. when it comes to figures such as Brigit whose lives that the cold weather has brought large numbers of When I read about the Biddy boys custom, it brought straddled the political divide of Celtic and Christian certain more uncommon bird species, such as Siskins to mind the Straw Boys I saw one year on Achill Island Ireland. According to Mary Condren, director of the and Redpolls, into their gardens in search of food in the west of Ireland. Back in the day, Straw Boys Institute for Feminism and Religion at Trinity College and shelter. These join the more frequently observed visited weddings uninvited and disguised in pointed Dublin, the cult of Brigit has origins long before the garden species, such as Blue Tits, Dunnocks, Chaf- top hats, masks, and skirts of straw. They reportedly historical figure we associate with the fifth-century finches, and Robins, and compete with them for food. brought good luck. saint. ‘I consider Brigit [the old Irish spelling of Brigid] “This winter has also seen a particularly large influx of to be a pre-Celtic goddess as the root of the word Brí winter visitors from Scandinavia and elsewhere in north- WELCOME SPRING is an indigenous European word for female divinity.’ ern Europe. This means that this year the pressure on “Condren, who is the author of “The Serpent and the the remaining food resources is even greater than usual.” So, after receiving Ed’s e-mail about the significance Goddess: Women, Religion and Power in Celtic Ire- The website encouraged residents to feed and provide of Feb. 1, we went scurrying about to learn more about land (New Island),” is one of a number of academic fresh water for the tiny garden birds and we heard the rites of spring and Brigit/Brigid -- one of Ireland’s theologians who have promoted a wider interpreta- from friends in Co. Mayo that their peanut feeders were three patron saints with St. Patrick and St. Columba. tion of Brigit than that which was handed down constantly filled and attracting great numbers of birds. In a Fermanagh Herald article from 2009, we found through Christian churches over the centuries.” There’s a wooden picnic table just outside full-length this: “As with all quarter days, it was customary for Thompson also quotes Padraigin Clancy, folklor- French doors in the living room of the house we rent customs, festivities, and rituals to be enacted and ist and historian, saying, “You could put the facts each spring in Mulranny, Co. Mayo. Every morning, these have remained an unbroken folk tradition in about St. Brigid on the back of a postage stamp but we put out bits of bread and seeds and anything else practice in many west of Ireland’s rural communities. there is no doubt that monasteries offered women an we think the birds might enjoy and have been amply “One such enduring tradition marking the 1st of Febru- alternative to marriage. They also gave these early rewarded with visits from Blue Tits, Robins, and Chaf- ary are the distinct strawcraft folk rituals associated with holy women a place to learn to read and to write. finches, who will sometimes even sit still long enough Brigit who symbolically on the same date deposes the god- Monasteries were also great centres of craftwork, for us to photograph them. They are such great fun dess of winter thereby marking the beginning of Spring. farming and places of refuge for the poor and the sick.” to watch especially when they bring “the kids” with “Loved by young and old is the fashioning of various So, if you were in Ireland for the first day of spring, we them. When we are slow about getting their food out Brigit crosses, Three armed, four armed, diamond and hope you enjoyed the Brigid’s Day festivals and other there, they let us know it and sit staring at the doors. interwoven which occur in prehistoric stone carvings national events. In addition to the birds we see in Mayo, we have also throughout Europe where they are understood to be enjoyed watching the Wagtail, a funny little guy that ancient symbols of the life giving earth mother goddess. DUBLIN EXCITEMENT seems like the avian world’s resident comedian. We “A more common type of Brigit’s cross resembles captured one image of a wagtail in love with his image what is known as the “god eye” design and is a Oscar-winning film director Steven Soderbergh will in the rearview mirror of a small car in Letterfrack and diamond or lozenge made of straw wound on a begin shooting a new action spy thriller --“Knockout” -- on found another wagtail perched on top of a large sign wooden cross shaped frame,” the Herald article said. the streets of Dublin this spring. The film was written spe- with images and descriptions of “The Birds of Killary “All crosses, sprinkled with holy water and hung above cifically to utilize Dublin as the location and will be filmed Harbor.” Apparently that wagtail wanted to be sure entrances, remained as a sign of protection against on rooftops and other locations around the city center. to get top billing! fire, lightning, and evil spirits couldn’t enter a house Holding starring roles are Ewan McGregor, known for where it was hung near the door. Also, the crosses “Trainspotting” and the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and TRAVEL PLANS were interpreted as a sign of plenty for the whole year. Irish actor Michael Fassbender, who portrayed Bobby “The straw or rushes which were laid on the thresh- Sands in “Hunger.” Filming will take place at Dublin As spring arrives, many events and festivi- old on St Brigit’s Eve, 31st January, or at the hearth Docklands, Dublin airport, the Shelbourne Hotel, as well ties are planned for the Emerald Isle and many place on which Brigit would kneel to bless the house as other locations in the city center and Co. Wicklow. tourist attractions begin reopening for another Shooting begins on Feb. 2 and is expected to last for year. For seasonal happenings, be sure to check at least three weeks. out Tourism Ireland’s website at discoverireland. The Irish Film Board, which is part-financing the proj- com and Failte Ireland’s site at discoverireland.ie. ect, said the film created more than 100 jobs in Ireland, When you plan your trip to Ireland, be sure to including cast and crew, which is always a good thing for visit your favorite travel agent and the Aer Lingus’ those adversely affected by the downturn in the economy. website (aerlingus.com) for the latest direct flights and ground packages. Flights and deals are also GARDEN BIRDS offered by US Airways (usairways.com) and sev- Large Format Printing eral other airlines, but usually involve layovers that One of the many joys of visiting Ireland is watching add several hours but also cut the cost of the trip. Billboards • Banners and feeding the birds, which are so colorful and so differ- Ireland is great craic in any season and, especially 1022 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester ent from ours. This past winter has been especially fierce next month when cities and towns crank up the for these tiny creatures that, much like the Irish people, heat for the various St. Patrick’s Day festivities. 617-282-2100 are not accustomed to snow, ice and frigid temperatures. carrolladvertising.com In his column in The Irish Times on Jan. 9, Michael Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 Thirty-Two Counties
Antrim: Leon McCarron, Hotel, known for its five-star Limerick: Noel Regan and a former student of Dalriada service, is extending its hospi- Pat Madigan from Murroe have School in Ballymoney, is pre- tality to encourage people with been nominated for a 2010 JFC paring for an expedition that dogs to stay with them. The Innovation Award for their in- will include world travel and hotel has added two new rooms novative luggage set, which they film-making. The twenty-three- to its complement of eighty- call Flylight. The two men came year-old plans to cover North eight, with the two additions up with the idea after seeing America, New Zealand, Austra- housing kennels. Each of these people coping with overweight lia and Southeast Asia and he has either Lord of the Manor baggage at airports. The two will film interviews with people or Lady of the Manor on a sign suitcases, one with a capacity he meets along the way for a over the door and, in addition for fifteen kilos and the other future film. Leon is undertak- to what constitutes a gourmet with a capacity for ten kilos, ing this marathon 7,000-mile meal in the canine world, the have in-built weighing devices journey on a bicycle, and hasn’t four-legged guests will be taken so that travellers can find out yet decided whether he will for walks by Louis, the hotel’s immediately how much their complete the return journey us- doorman. The idea for the new luggage weighs. The inbuilt ing the same form of transport. facility came to owners Joe and weighing device also rules out Much depends, he says, on his Margaret Scally in response to the chance of the more usual finances and his state of health guests enquiring about accom- sort, with a hook attachment, when he reaches his destination, modation for their dogs. being confiscated by security. Hong Kong. Derry: The county is to have flylight.ie Armagh: The site of a house two new specialist schools, one Longford: Although it is go- that was destroyed by fire in the in Magherafelt and the other in ing to take up to five years to 1950s is to be redeveloped, with Limavady. The site of the former restore St. Mel’s Cathedral, one planning permission having St. Columba’s Primary School in bit of good news has emerged already been granted for No. 1 Knockloughrim, Magherafelt, during the last week. Ken Ryan Seven Houses at Lower English will be the location for a new of Abbey Stained Glass Studios Street. The terrace was built to- school for secondary school age has confirmed that his studio wards the end of the eighteenth Brethren children from across still has in its possession full century by Dean Averall for his Northern Ireland. This school tracings of each of the windows. seven sisters and in its new life will replace the Hydepark In- This is unusual as such tracings it will have four stories on the dependent School in Mallusk. are usually discarded after ten Lower English Street side with Meanwhile a new Irish-me- years, but it means that the three stories fronting onto Col- dium primary school is to open windows can be accurately lege Street. Before the fire the in Limavady in September. restored. It is thirteen years house had been used as a Labour Gaelscoil Léim an Mhadaidh since Ken last worked on the Exchange and its demolition has had a commitment from windows, when they were re- two years after the fire led to InaG, the Irish-medium Schools moved, restored, and refitted, protests since the walls of the Trust Fund, for funding for the and it is from that time that the building had not been damaged project. According to committee same position. Kenny’s mother was Conor Hynes from Confey tracings date. in the blaze. member Lee Devine, the new Elsie still lives in Ballinamal- Community College in Leixlip Louth: The end of the month Carlow: The county was school will focus on the highest lard where her late husband with his project investigating saw the start of a six-day cel- recorded as the coldest place levels of oral and written Irish established Fisher Engineering. how stick insects adapt to the ebration of Brigid of Faughart in Ireland during the recent and English as well as on aca- Kenny himself took early retire- Irish climate. Conor also won a comprising lectures and work- freeze and now it can claim demic and personal skills. ment from his work in South Display Award for his project. shops and culminating on St another unwanted record – the Donegal: Two ceremonies West College in Enniskillen Kilkenny: Last month, the Brigid’s feast day on February largest pothole. The road at were held late last month to and now works part-time in lo- Kilkenny branch of the Irish 1. The event is organized by Rathnagrew on the outskirts commemorate those who lost cal store Beatty’s and in Marks Farmers’ Association created Brat Bhríde, a voluntary group of Hacketstown has been left their lives during the First and Spencer in Enniskillen. As county history by electing a whose members include Maura with a pothole that stretches World War when the Laurentic well as being heavily involved woman, Joan Fitzpatrick from Lennon, Mairéad Heaney, Dolo- from one side of the road to struck two German mines. More in the scouting movement, he Threecastles, as chairman for res Whelan, Marianne Gosling, the other, with the result that than three hundred sailors died serves on the Select Vestry of the first time. Joan runs a Maura Matthews, Catherine children living there have to when the vessel sank in Lough Magheracross Parish Church farm with her husband Sean, Pepper and Noreen Townsend. be brought to school by Willie Swilly, and many are buried in and is a long-serving member of who is also active in the IFA Workshops will include the Whelan and his tractor. Several graveyards in the Fanad and Ballinamallard Silver Band. and is Forestry Chairman making of St Brigid’s crosses by locals have complained to the Inishowen peninsulas. The Galway: When Eileen Lovett for Kilkenny. Prior to her ap- local schoolchildren, and in the council, including Fran Kenna, memorial ceremonies were held bought a new Ford car this pointment Joan has held the town centre opposite the court- Sheila Whelan, Noel Kavanagh, on Inishowen, at Cockhill grave- month it was the twenty-third post of National Farm Family house a ceremony will take place and Brendan Byrne, but the yard outside Buncrana and at time she had bought the make, Chairman. Also elected at the for the reception of a sacred council has responded by saying St Mura’s, Fahan. Organised by and the twenty-third time she meeting were Henry Connolly- flame and healing water. that national and regional roads the Ulster Newfoundland Ini- had gone to Higgins Garage Rice as vice-chairman, Frank Mayo: Eddie Gibbons, who will take priority when it comes tiative, the ceremony included in Galway to buy it. Eileen, Grace as county secretary, Hugh left Cong for New York fifty- to repairs. wreaths being laid. originally from Clifden, began Hutchinson as county treasurer three years ago, has been named Cavan: There were a number Down: Caroline Mussen from driving at the age of twelve and Adrian Hayden as PRO. as the Mayo Society Person of of entrants from the county Newry has been chosen as the when her mother asked her to Meanwhile Martin Murray was the Year. A former flight stew- in the provincial final of Scór bride for the cover of Ireland’s make a delivery from the Lydon awarded honorary life member- ard with Eastern Airlines, Eddie na nÓg, which took place in Wedding Journal after her sis- family bakery. She bought her ship of the association. married Mary Hopkins from Galbally, Co. Tyrone last month. ter persuaded her to enter the first Ford in 1929 and now, Laois: Hume’s on Main Corr na Mona and the two oper- Among the line-up were céilí contest for the title. Caroline, some eighty years later, she Street, the oldest pub in Portlao- ated the Potcheen Still and the dancers from Templeport, a who has three young children, has bought her car from the ise and also the town’s first when Irish Imports Store in Queens recitation and ballad group from took to the catwalk at the Wed- original garage, now known as it opened, has closed after serv- for sixteen years. He also has Cornafean, and participants in ding Journal’s International Motorpark. However now that ing the local people for almost his own cable show, which is Question Time from Drumlane. Catwalk Show in Dublin last she is almost ninety-nine years one hundred and fifty years. broadcast in Queens and in Nas- However it was the set dancers month and she will feature on of age Eileen has decided to buy The license was first granted sau County, Long Island. Eddie from Crosserlough who brought the front cover of the magazine’s the car for her daughter and let to Robert Hume, great-grand- has two sisters still living in home a trophy, having been summer edition. In addition, someone else do the driving. father of Noel, the last member Mayo, Dorrie Murphy, who lives named as Ulster champions for she was given a makeover by Kerry: While many be- of the Hume family to run the in Carnalecka, Ballinrobe, and the fourth consecutive year. For the magazine’s style team and moaned the recent spell of bad pub. He and his wife Maureen Alice O’Sullivan, whose home the last three years the group was presented with a Justin weather, and they themselves retired five years ago and Noel is in Corr na Mona. has reached the All-Ireland final Alexander wedding dress to the were called on more frequently, decided not to attend the clos- Meath: The overall title of but has never quite made it to value of 3,000 euro. Caroline is the members of the Kerry ing party. His family also ran Sports Personality of the Year, the national title. This year they engaged to Aidan McEvoy and Mountain Rescue Team were Peig’s and Lockie’s on the Top sponsored by the Meath Chroni- hope things will be different the pair are to be married in able to carry out a training Square. At the closing party a cle and Cusack Hotels, has been and that they will come home Rathfriland in October. exercise without leaving the sing-song took place, which was awarded to jockey Johnny Mur- victorious. Dublin: When a Guinness country. Normally they would particularly enjoyed by Hume’s tagh from Bohermeen. Johnny, Clare: Provided planning tanker turned up on the Kilmore go to Scotland or even to the long time regular customer who was named as Sports Per- is granted for the proposed Estate in Santry there were a Alps for specialist winter moun- Liam ‘Skipper’ Deegan. sonality of the Month last June, establishment of a 200-million few disappointed people who tain training, but this year the Leitrim: Members of the was presented with his award at € windfarm on Mount Callan, were hoping that there would McGillycuddy Reeks provided Drumkeerin Drama Group are a ceremony in the Knightsbrook the project is set to benefit some be Guinness on tap. However the perfect setting for all the taking their new production on Hotel in Trim last month. This thirty farmers as well as the most of the residents were procedures, according to press tour this month, but this will is not the first time that he has local communities in Connolly, delighted to receive supplies of officer Damien Courtney. The be an international tour as the won a Meath Chronicle award; Inagh, Kilmurry Ibrickane, fresh water, since the area has thirty-strong team practiced group has been invited to per- at the ceremony Johnny told of Miltown Malbay, and Kilmaley. been without water since the walking on the snow and ice us- form “Widows’ Paradise” in New receiving an award for under- West Clare Renewable Energy freezing weather, due to burst ing crampons, snow belays, and York City. They have received age boxing many years ago. For Ltd company director Padraig pipes and to people running taps self-arrest using an ice axe. an invitation from a group of the first time this year a youth Howard expects construction to prevent such an occurrence. Kildare: At the recent BT young people from the area now award was also presented, and to begin in 2012 if permission The brewery has vast reserves Young Scientist and Technology living in New York and they will this went to equestrian Kellie is granted, and farmers will re- of water from which it can draw Exhibition two students from be staging their production in a Allen. ceive 516,666 € over the twenty supplies and it has been able to Kildare took first and second parish hall. This is not the first Monaghan: The winner of years that the farm will operate, transport the precious liquid place in the Senior Individual time that the drama group has the All-Ireland Science Essay while the local communities will to areas affected by the short- Category – Biological and Eco- received such an invitation, for Competition was announced receive 46,500 € each year. One age without affecting its own logical. Thomas Dunne from some twenty-five years ago the- last month by Minister for Sci- of the farmers who will benefit production. Coláiste Lorcain in Castleder- then members were invited to ence, Technology, and Innova- is John Talty, who believes that Fermanagh: The new high mot took first place with his perform in Dublin by a number tion Conor Lenihan. This year’s the operation of the windfarm sheriff for the county, Kenny computer research into the one of people from Drumkeerin winner is Lisa Duffy, a fifth- will guarantee the livelihoods Fisher from Ballinamallard, has of the five parasites that causes living there. On that occasion year student of Castleblayney of the farmers for the next been chosen for the position ex- malaria. He also won the IBM they staged John B. Keane’s College. She was presented by generation. actly twenty-five years after his Special Award in the same cat- “The Highest House on the Minister Lenihan with a trophy, Cork: The Hayfield Manor father, Tommy Fisher, held the egory. Awarded second place Mountain”. (Continued on page 20) Page 20 February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com News Direct From Ireland City Council to erase the publication of the Murphy Re- suspects in the abduction and name of Archbishop Ryan port, and the decision of Bishop on Sunday a man and a woman – Dublin City Council plans to Ireland Today: of Galway Martin Drennan to were arrested in Wales in con- ask the public for suggestions remain in office. nection with the incident. It is for a new name for the park in Average ’09 Home Price 213,183 €; Majority of judges pay understood that the baby had no Merrion Square that is officially voluntary pension levy -- connection with Carlow, or with known as Archbishop Ryan It Was 311,078 € in Feb. ’07 The Revenue Commissioners Ireland for that matter. Park. The park had been the Average national house prices in Ireland fell by 18.5% in reported last month that 111 of Omagh witness gives evi- property of the Catholic Church 2009, according to the end-of-year permanent tsb / ESRI the country’s 141 judges have dence by video link -- Patrick and at one stage it was hoped House Price Index review. The index also reveals that prices so far made voluntary contribu- Morgan from Mullaghbawn, to build a cathedral on the site, declined by 3.6 percent in December. This compares to reduc- tions in lieu of the pension levy Co. Armagh, was described by but in 1974 Archbishop Dermot tions in November (-3.1 percent), October (-1.8 percent) and that other public servants are re- Justice Paul Butler as “terrified” Ryan transferred ownership to September 2009 (-1.1 percent). The full-year decline of 18.5 quired to pay. The background to when he gave evidence via video the city. Subsequently the city percent compares to a reduction of 9.1 percent in 2008. The this is that the attorney general link in the Special Criminal saw fit to acknowledge the ges- average price for a house nationally in December 2009 was controversially decided that, Court last month. Mr Morgan, ture by naming the park after the 213,183 €, compared with 261,573 € in December 2008 and a under the Constitution, the de- who continually wiped his face Archbishop. Ryan was criticised peak of 311,078 € February 2007. National prices have fallen duction could not be compulsory and took sips of water, repeat- in the recent Murphy report and 31.5 percent since the price peak. for members of the judiciary; edly said he could not remember, so two Labour councillors, Mary few legal academics seem to when asked if he ever worked Freehill and Kevin Humphreys, agree with him. In an attempt for Colm Murphy, also from Co. tabled a motion calling for a might be thought that a work- day earlier. to introduce some equity Chief Armagh but with a Co. Louth name change “as a gesture to all to-rule would lead to an increase From the flooding the debate Justice John Murray reached address. Murphy is charged those who suffered as a result in productivity but the plan is moved on to the state of the roads an agreement with Revenue with involvement in the Omagh of clerical abuse.” The process to inconvenience the public as around the country. The unusu- under which judges could make bombing, in that he supplied two is now under way although much as possible in an effort to ally cold weather of the previous an equivalent voluntary contri- mobile phones which were used public reaction, as expressed have the Government reverse weeks has had a devastating bution. This has so far yielded in setting up the bomb. through Joe Duffy’s “Liveline” the Budget measure that cut effect on the minor roads. Large 698,000 euro. Gardaí still complaining programme, was quite negative. the salaries of all public service potholes are commonplace and Returned emigrants re- -- The Garda Representative Many wondered whether we are workers. in many parts the road edges fused welfare payments Association is asking its mem- going to re-examine the records Public servants have gained have fallen away. Local authori- -- The number of returning bers what action, if any, they of everyone who has a road or few friends as they try to limit ties say they are facing a massive emigrants refused social welfare are prepared to take in protest park named after him or her. the pain they experience as a repair bill while Government payments in 2009 increased by at the latest pay cuts, which Teachers rule out extracur- result of the country’s economic insists that it has no pot of gold 75 percent to 738. A report in the threaten their status as the ricular activities – The Irish problems and any action the to bail them out. Irish Times suggests that civil world’s best paid police officers. National Teachers’ Organisa- Government takes in response Galway City Council has al- servants are being overzealous Questionnaires are being sent tion has issued a directive to its to the work-to-rule will be widely ready sent workmen to repair in their interpretation of a law to all members asking if they 25,000 members that precludes supported. the holes on our roads. The speed introduced in 2004. At the time are prepared to take any action attendance at parent/teacher Members of the Irish Nurses of response is commendable but the Government brought in an short of a withdrawal of labor, or meetings and staff meetings and Midwives Organisation not so the quality of the work. A habitual residency requirement if they believe the force should outside school hours. The union working at the four hospitals large truck spilled tarred chip- to prevent Ireland becoming a go on strike. The questionnaire is also asking its members not to of the Bon Secours group have pings into a wheelbarrow; two haven for welfare tourists. Crit- also allows for the suggestion of attend in-service training during voted in favour of industrial ac- men with shovels placed the ics were assured that returning alternative measures. Initially school hours unless a substitute tion. All are also members of the chippings and patted them down emigrants would be taken care the GRA planned a ballot on has been appointed. Last month SIPTU trade union. The nurses, with the back of their shovels; a of if they could satisfy welfare strike action but were reminded ASTI, for secondary school who are based in Cork, Dublin, colleague driving a hired white officers that their return was that this might be breaking the teachers, also discussed a ban Galway and Tralee, claim that van then performed the function permanent. That does not now law as it is illegal for a garda on extracurricular activities. the recently imposed pay cuts of road-roller, driving forward appear to be happening. officer to go on strike. The move is part of a campaign and reduction in allowances and back over the filling. Abandoned baby identified 100 software jobs for Gal- against the cuts announced in are illegal. Abuse victim formally -- Gardaí launched an investiga- way; 221 lost in Dublin and the Budget. Road problems follow leaves Church -- Andrew Mad- tion following the discovery of Belfast; PayPal expands -- The teachers are just one of weather problems -- Five den, who 15 years ago became an abandoned baby in Carlow StreamServe inc, a US software many groups of public sector roads in different parts of Co. the first person in the country Cathedral on Jan. 22. A label company that describes itself as workers who are expected to Carlow were impassable as a re- to go public on his abuse by Fr. had been attached to the eight- “a leading provider of Enterprise begin a work-to-rule today. sult of flooding. Also, flood water Ivan Payne, has received his month-old baby boy, who was Document Presentment solu- Members of IMPACT working damaged a number of business “cessation of church member- in good health, giving his full tions,” is to open an office in for the civil service, local au- premises in Enniscorthy, Co. ship by formal act of defection” name. It was eventually estab- Galway which will have a staff of thorities and the Health Service Wexford. And by the third week following his application to the lished that this was a baby who 20. The Galway operation will be Executive will be the first to of the month, the main bridge Dublin archdiocese. Madden had earlier been snatched from involved in sales, maintenance engage in industrial action, or over the River Avoca in Arklow, had taken the action following his legal guardian in England. renewals and customer-care inaction. Co. Wicklow, had reopened to the failure of the bishops to Soon it became clear that the operations. To the innocent among us it traffic after serious flooding a immediately resign after the baby’s parents were the main
Thirty-Two Counties From Roscommon to Wicklow
(Continued from page 19) prize, accompanied by a number in Matt the Thresher’s. funding will now be forthcoming However Kerry woman Marian a laptop and a 500-euro science of family members and friends, Tyrone: With Seamus Mc- for a new residential property Walsh noticed the hat on the bursary for her school. This is and so far Michelle has plans Philemy’s decision to retire from for the vulnerable, to be located floor of a nightclub in Limerick, the second consecutive year for a new car and holidays. his shop on Railway Street in on part of the site of the former took it home and mentioned it that the competition, organized She bought the ticket at the Strabane comes the closure of Carmelite College in Moate. to a member of her family. He by the Regenerative Medicine Kilmartin service station in the store which he first opened The project has received plan- recalled a newspaper article Institute in NUI Galway, has Athlone. on Abercorn Street almost forty ning permission for twenty-five about the missing hat and Mar- been won by a Castleblayney Sligo: The old corn mill at years ago. Seamus, known as residential units in addition to ian was able to trace Eleanor College student. Last year’s Keenaghan in Ballymote, built Mr. James, has been in retail for the conversion of the former and her husband Bobby and winner was Leaving Cert stu- at the end of the eighteenth cen- fifty-four years, having started Carmelite Monastery on New- posted the hat back to a grate- dent Daniel O’Reilly. tury by Sir Jocelyn Gore-Booth, at Wright’s furniture and cloth- town Road, which is a protected ful Eleanor. Offaly: Over the last few is to be restored and will become ing store on Railway Street structure. This would be used Wicklow: On the last week- weeks gardaí based in Birr a major tourist attraction for the before working in the menswear to provide six one-bedroomed end of January, the people of have had to go to the rescue area. It is hoped that the project department of Morgan’s for apartments with communal Arklow were heading to the of motorists who have been di- will be completed by 2012 and sixteen years. He moved his facilities. The completion of Arklow Bay Hotel for the an- rected up into the Slieve Bloom it is to include a Transport own menswear shop to Railway the development will lead to nual fundraiser for the Arklow mountains by their satnavs. Museum and a Paddy Killoran Street in 1980 and had a second the demolition of some of the Lifeboat crew. Once known as Apparently when motorists are Room, the latter a tribute to the area of responsibility over the buildings on the site. ‘Hurry to the Curry,’ the event, travelling east to west across the Ballymote traditional musician. years, for anyone who wanted Wexford: When Eleanor now known as ‘Dan’s Lifeboat country their satnavs select the The work on the protected struc- to send a parcel by Ulsterbus Quilty left her hat in the back of Special,’ featured food prepared quickest route and this results ture, which was badly damaged had to come into his store to a taxi in Limerick she thought by Jimmy Russell and his team, in their being directed off the by fire in 1941, is being carried purchase a ticket. she would never see it again, with music provided by Adam’s motorway onto a boreen which out by the Ballymote Enterprise Waterford: The restaurant but a story in a national paper Dream and DJ Donal and plenty leads them through four miles Company under chairman John at the Cliff House Hotel in led to the hat being returned to of raffles and spot prizes. Organ- of the mountains. The problem Perry Ardmore is the only new Irish her. Eleanor, from Killinick, is ised by a fundraising committee was exacerbated during the Tipperary: The recent pub- entry in the Michelin guide, an aunt of Munster rugby player headed by Tommy Annesley, the cold weather when patrol cars lication of the Village Design which is due to be published in Paul O’Connell and over the event supports the members couldn’t reach the motorists and Statement for Birdhill by the coming weeks. The House years she has collected a number of the voluntary lifeboat crew gardaí had to call first on Garda the North Tipperary County restaurant, which opened of club and international badges at the country’s oldest lifeboat Traffic Patrol jeeps and eventu- Council has received a mixed less than two years ago, was with which she adorned her hat. station, opened in 1826. ally on an industrial tractor. welcome locally. The statement awarded a Michelin star which, Roscommon: Although they sets out development guidelines it is reported, ‘stunned’ the are now living across the county for the village, which has won Dutch born head chef, Martijn border in Athlone, latest Lotto a number of awards in the an- Kajuiter. With a policy of sourc- Ireland’s Weather winner Michelle Ryan and her nual Tidy Towns competition. ing produce for the restaurant Reported Monday, February 1, 2010 partner Tommy Joyce both come However Denis Floyd of Birdhill locally, much of it is grown by by Liam Ferrie from Roscommon, Michelle from Tidy Village and Development themselves in the hotel’s garden Castlerea and Tommy from Bal- has expressed his disappoint- in Youghal, while game comes We had a mostly dry sunny week with heavy frost on Tuesday and Sunday. lymoe. Tommy is retired from ment both at the time it took to from the Ballynatray Estate. Other parts of the country had colder conditions and snow fell in much of his cash and carry business so publish the statement and the The hotel, which is owned by the North of the country although there was no great accumulation. he and Michelle and her son content. He believes it has come Barry O’Callaghan, reopened It will be cold again today but rain will come in overnight and continue Dylan will have plenty of time too late to influence the approval in May 2008 after some years through Tuesday. After that the forecast is for mostly mild, wet and windy to enjoy the 7.5-million euro given to a new residential devel- of redevelopment. conditions although we could have another one or two frosty nights. that Michelle scooped in last opment on the Newport road. A Westmeath: Eamonn Martin, Latest Temperatures: Day 6C (43F) weekend’s Lotto. They went to workshop with the community the joint chief of Sophia Hous- Night 2C (36F) Dublin in a coach to claim the is to be held in two weeks’ time ing Association, is hoping that Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 21 The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic Brrr! Tá sé fuar agus tá sé ag cur sneachta inniu. “It’s cold and snowing today. Cross What a good time to review some terms about the weather and even add a few new ones. Words Continental Europeans often ask, “Why do Ameri- The Irish cans always begin a conversation by talking about the weather?” The answer is, “Our culture – Irish, crosswords are Scottish, English – comes from people who lived on islands in the northern Atlantic. The weather can a service of an change within the hour so it was important to us when we were mostly farmers and fishermen. Ireland-based
The Irish word for “weather” is aimsir /AM-shur/, website which referred to as sé, “it-masculine.” Occasionally you might hear sí but always use sé yourself. Early on provides Irish you learned some phrases to describe the weather: Tá sé … Family Coats of go breá “fine” go dona “bad” go maith “good” go hálainn “beautiful” Arms by email. go hiontach “wonderful” go deas “nice” You are invited The words for “wonderful” and “beautiful” are re- ally iontach and álainn but when following go an to visit h is inserted to keep the two vowels –o and i- from running together – much as English inserts an –n, www. “a tree” but “an onion.” Of course you can use the verb bi in all of its forms bigwood.com/ and all of its tenses: heraldry Tá an aimsir go breá. Níl an aimsir go breá. Am bhfuil an aimsir go breá? ©-bigwood.com Nach an aimsir go breá? IRELAND IN CROSSWORDS ACROSS 4. Flea hops over the page in Rathkeale afterwards. Bhí sé go breá aréir. 1. I’d be G2inger Hill. (anag.) Carlow birthplace of (4) “It was fine last night.” scientist John Tyndall in the Barrow valley. (14) 5. Small number on at midday. (4) Ní raibh sé go breá aréir. 8. Vine about right for small Donegal fishing village 6. Lied very badly about the birth. (8) “It wasn’t fine last night.” at the mouth of the Eaney River where Tom Nesbitt, 7. Fit women live up here in small Tyrone plantation An raibh sé go breá aréir? inventor of the whale harpoon was born. (5) town near the Fermanagh border. (12) “Was it fine last night?” 9. “Widg240ery didgery dok, the army ran ——. The 10. Her flag team wavers in Derry market town near Nach raibh ségo breá aréir? judge said ‘No, it wasn’t so; they didn’t run they wok’” Lough Neagh, and angling centre for Moyola River. “Wasn’t it fine last night?” Derry street rhyme following the Widgery Tribunal (11) into Bloody Sunday in 1971. (4) 12. Ann shall by no other means go to the largest town Beidh sé go breá amárach. 11. Join one to use one, of course. (4) in south Donegal on the banks of the Erne. (12) “It will be fine tomorrow.” 12. This produces moving air for the devotee. (3) 15. Agree certainly to include 29 across’s country. (6) Ní bheidh sé go breá … 14. “Bernard Shaw hasn’t an —— in the world, and 16. Speaks in truest fashion. (6) “It won’t be fine …” none of his friends like him.” Oscar Wilde. (5) 17. Farm layer seen in Glenbeigh enclosure. (3) An mbeidh sé go breá …? 15. Lover gets disturbed after note and will plead in a 18. “That passed the time. It would have passed in “Will it be fine ...?” self-humiliating way. (6) — case. Yes but not so rapidly.” Beckett. (3) Nach mbeidh sé go breá ? 16. He will put her after us when showing where the 19. Bail into disorder and produce a drink fit for the “Won’t it be fine …?” seats are. (5) gods. (8) 18. Mary got confused by the military. (4) 22. Settle the land and restrict its possession in tale At the beginning of the column you saw Tá sé fuar, 19. Kneel, try net. (anag.) Principal Donegal town near of chaos. (6) “It’s cold.” You might have seen Tá sé an-fhuar /tah the head of Lough Swilly. (11) 24. Fowl with its head covered? (5) shey AHN-oor/, “It’s very cold” or “It’s really cold.” 20. Ireland of the poets and songwriters gets in after 25. Towards the centre in Dublin town. (4) Some words describing weather can be used alone Queen Elizabeth. (4) 26. A thousand times in front metrically when 49 go or emphasized by prefixingan- where English uses 21. Search recklessly and rob firearm coming back into knockout. (4) “very” or “really”. Some of these are … from Listowel firing range. (5) 23. Speaks formally even though sore at mix-up in CROSSWORD SOLUTION ON PAGE 23 fuar “cold” an-fhuar “very cold” Kilfenora tests. (6) te “hot/warm” an-te “very hot/warm” 24. Can no letters be enough for the law of the church fliuch “wet” an-fhliuch “very wet” in Lucan only? (5) tirim “dry” an-tirim “very dry” 25. Of that family in Spancil kinship. (3) dorcha “dark” an-dorcha “very dark” Irish Sayings … 27. Small metal spike fixing wood that’s lain up in A narrow neck keeps the bottle from being emptied geal “bright” an-gheal “very bright” Ballina illness. (4) in one swig. scamallach “cloudy” /SKAH-mahl-ahk/ 28. Christina comes around at last and is against it. Show the fatted calf but not the thing that fattened (4) him. Notice that words beginning with f- and g- must 29. Starting softly, alto goes to pieces for author of Marry a woman from the mountain, and you’ll marry be lenited (“aspirated”) when an- is prefixed. When “The Republic”. (5) the mountain. f- becomes fh- it is “silent” just as bfh- is always 30. Neil and colonel get ordered to see barrister who It’s better to solve the problem than to improve the “silent.” gh- becomes a “gargled g”, the back of the secured Catholic Emancipation for Ireland in1829. law. tongue not quite touching the roof of the mouth. (6,8) One word that does not fit this pattern is “windy”, The thing that is closest to the heart, is closest to the mouth. gaofar /GEE-fur/. To say, “It’s very windy” you must DOWN Don’t bring your troubles to the person who hasn’t got use the basic word for “wind” gaoth plus mhor “great” 2. Was jealous of the end I’ve contrived. (6) sympathy for your case. and say Tá gaoth mhor ann “There is a great wind 3. Nothing grey about north Wexford town near the on.” Remember, you can tell the gender of a word A scholar’s ink lasts longer than a martyr’s blood. Wicklow border with a 1798 Memorial Cross. (5) Take gifts with a sigh , most men give to be paid. by its accompanying adjective. Gaoth is feminine because the adjective “great” is mhor, not mor. At the beginning you also saw Tá sé ag cur ADVERTISEMENT sneachta “It’s snowing.” In Irish you have to say “It is (at) putting snow.” You must do the same for “rain”. “It is raining” is Tá sé ag cur báistí, /BAHS-tee/ or /BAHS-chee/, literally, “It is (at) putting rain.” Cuir can mean to “put, plant, laying.” Photography by See if you can put these sentences in to Irish. 1.) “It was warm yesterday, thank God.” 2. “Will it rain tomorrow?” 3.) “No, it won’t. But it will be cloudy.” Image Photo Service 4.) “Was it cold?” 5.) Yes, it was very cold. 6.) “What is the weather outside?” 7.) “It was cold and wet last night but it’s really beautiful today.” 8.) • Weddings • Anniversaries “Put on your coat! It’s snowing.” 9.) “What’s your name?” 10.) “They were drinking tea.” • Banquets • Portraits 11.) “Did it snow yesterday?” 12.) “I don’t know.” 13.) “We were at dinner in the kitchen.” 14.) “It • Reunions rained last night and it’s wet outside.” Answers: 1.) Bhí sé te inné, buíochas le Dia. 2.) An mbeidh sé ag cur báistí amárach? 3.) Ní • Groups • Families bheidh. Ach beidh sé scamallach. 4.) An raibh sé fuar? 5.) Bhí. Bhí sé go fuar. 6.) Cad é an • Special Occasions aimsir amuigh? 7.) Bhí sé fuar agus fluich aréir ach tá sé go hálainn inné. 8.) Cuir do chòta ort! Tá sé ag cur sneachta. 9.) Cad is ainm duit? 10.) Bhí said ag òl tea. 11.) An raibh sé ag cur (617) 291-6609 sneachta inné? 12.) Níl fhios agam. 13.) Bhí muid ag dinnéar sa chistin. 14.) Bhí sé ag cur báistí aréir agus tá sé fluich amuigh. The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Page 22 February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com 20,000 Travelers Caught in Air Traffic Controllers Strike GALWAY – By way of 20, totally unconcerned Aviation Authority until as all air traffic controllers lers who refused to use with the public service in contrast to those head- about the problems faced around lunch time on would be attending a man- the technology. A further general. It was pointed ing out from Ireland to by 20,000 travellers who Tuesday when the possi- datory four-hour meeting two were suspended on out by the IAA’s Human offer assistance to the were left stranded when bility that all was not well called by their trade union, Wednesday. Resource manager, Liam people of Haiti, we had the country’s airports was mentioned briefly in IMPACT. The Irish Aviation Au- Kavanagh, that the num- another group who are were brought to a stand- a news bulletin. Later in The union had earlier thority claimed that the ber of flights being handled unable to think beyond still for four hours. the day it was announced instructed its members union was using the issue by the controllers has themselves. Our 300 air No one appeared to that no flights would take not to use what it termed in pursuit of a 6 percent fallen by 25 percent, which traffic controllers went be aware that there was off on the following day new technology, although pay claim and the main- means a 25 percent reduc- out on strike on Wed., Jan. a problem at the Irish between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. using the technology had tenance of the status quo tion in fees to the IAA. become part of their job in the pension scheme. Worst hit by he strike over the previous two Management has refused were Aer Lingus, which years. That directive came to increase salaries at a cancelled 64 flights, and into effect from January time when other public ser- Ryanair, with 52 flights 1. 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Collected Stories Florian Kilderry couldn’t Scorching Wind.” He also Part of the Liberties Reviv- of William Trevor know that the Connultys phas ublished a number of al series, this novel depicts were said to own half the books for children. Known life in an Ireland ensconced town; and, in any case, he for his romanticized por- in clerical power, which had come to Rathmoye trayal of the Irish and the still resonates with life only to see the scorched portrait he painted of the in Ireland today. Basing remains of the cinema. But colonial oppression of the his work upon a notorious Mrs. Connulty’s daughter, people, Macken’s writings clerical scandal of Victori- liberated at last by the were a product of a more an Ireland, Thomas Kilroy death of her imperious nationalistic time. has written an anatomy of mother, resolves to keep religious violence that re- an eye on Florian Kilderry, mains relevant. In scenes and it’s she who comes to Set in Stone that range from the private witness the events that By Catherine Dunne and lyrical to the panora- follow. A few miles out ma of a whole community in the country a farmer in convulsion he draws called Dillahan lives with upon a deep knowledge the knowledge that he was Mary Robinson’s presi- of the history and folk- accidentally responsible dency; growing cultural lore of nineteenth-century for the deaths of his wife confidence ‘back home’; Ireland. While there is a the chaos in Europe, the Viking Penguin has and baby. He has married legislative reform on sex- great deal of humor in the Catholic state and her own just released a deluxe box again: Ellie is the young ual and moral issues; the book, it is a work of grave Protestant up-bringing, set gift edition of William convent girl who came to uneven effects generated tragic proportions. It is she searches for freedom. Trevor’s Collected Stories. work for him when he was by the resurgence of the the characters, however, To be free was to be an out- His previous combined widowed. But she falls Irish economy (the ‘Celtic that remain longest in the cast, and as such, she be- collected stories was pub- in love with Florian and Tiger’ myth); Ireland’s in- memory. Father Lannigan, comes imprisoned in a deep lished in 1992 to great though he plans to leave creasingly prominent role the anguished demagogue, chaos of her own. “Girl on a acclaim. Since then he Ireland, a dangerously in Europe; and changing the man haunted by the Bicycle” is Bardwell’s first has published four new reckless attachment de- reputation. In its breadth implications of his own rev- novel and it introduced collections: After Rain, The velops between them . In a and critical currency, this olution. Emerine Scully, a several of the themes that Hill Bachelors, A Bit on characteristically master- book will be of particular man unable to choose, at continue to resurface in the Side and Cheating at ly way Trevor evokes the to academics and students a time when all men are Bardwell’s subsequent Canasta. The stories from passions and frustrations working in the fields of faced by choice, and Horace writing. Dislocation, anti- these later collections have felt by Ellie and Florian, literature, drama and This is a compelling and Percy Butler, landlord and authoritarian tendencies, now been added to those in and by the people of a small cultural studies. intriguing novel of obses- amateur scientist, a comic, sexual curiosity tempered the 1992 book, to make two Irish town during one long sion and deception set to tragic character who is by the stringencies of the shake the foundations of highly collectable volumes summer. Walter Macken: quite unlike anyone else in day, and the confusion and containing the complete family relationships. Mo- Irish fiction. Extracts from castigation of the “misfit” shorter fiction of ‘the great- Dreams on Paper saic artist Linda Graham Butler’s journal, in itself a all merge in this coming- est living writer of short Irish Literature By Ultan Macken has, up until now, been remarkable tour de force, of-age novel. This book stories’ (John Banville). A Since 1990 fortunate in life. She is punctuate the novel. also serves to illuminate This is a personal biogra- happily married, with limited number of this gift By Scott Brewster phy of one of Ireland’s fin- a society that is coming of set available. and Michael Palmer two wonderful children, age and is pushing against est writers that sheds light Ciaran and Katie, and Girl on a Bicycle William Trevor was born on his private life through its own boundaries of in- in Michelstown, County a beautiful home with a By Leland Bardwell dependence, religion, and his many unpublished and dream garden just outside Cork. He has written many privately held papers and Julie De Vraie is young, new found nation identity novels, and has won many Dublin. Her world is safe impressionable, and pas- in a Europe torn apart by letters. Walter Macken and uncomplicated, and it’s prizes including the Haw- was born in Galway in sionate. However, she lives war. Anthony Burgess has thornden Prize, the York- one she has always taken at a most passionless time. described it as “a literary 1915 and died there in for granted. That is until shire Post Book of the Year 1967. Originally an ac- Against the backdrop of gem.” Award, and the Whitbread Jon, a friend of Ciaran’s the “Emergency” at home, tor, principally with the from University, inveigles Book of the Year Award. Taidhbhearc in Galway He is a celebrated short- his way into their lives. and The Abbey Theatre, There’s something about story writer whose two he played lead roles on most recent collections are Jon which Linda finds un- Broadway and also acted nerving -- he seems almost The Hill Bachelors (2000), in films, notably in Bren- which won the Macmillan too perfect. Her suspicions dan Behan’s “The Quare are confirmed when it be- Silver Pen Award and the Fellow.” With the success Irish Times Literature comes apparent that he is of his third book, “Rain on responsible for a spiral of Prize, and A Bit on the the Wind,” he became a Side (2004). Both are avail- events that contributes to full-time writer. His novels the gradual disintegration able in Penguin, as are his also include “The Bog- Collected Stories. In 1999 This is a distinctive book of her family. When Jon man,” but he is probably leaves, his disappearance William Trevor received that examines the diver- best know for his trilogy the prestigious David sity and energy of writing is even more destructive “Seek the Fair Land,” “The than his presence. Linda’s Cohen Literature Prize in in a period marked by the Silent People,” and “The recognition of a lifetime’s unparalleled global promi- quest to track him down literary achievement, and nence of Irish culture. This reveals surprising and in 2002 he was knighted for collection provides a wide- sinister information about his services to literature. ranging survey of fiction, his past and the reason for He now lives in Devon. poetry, and drama over the his existence in their lives. last two decades, consider- Linda knows that Jon is out ing both well-established there somewhere -- watch- figures and also emerging ing, waiting, malevolent. “Serving Greater Boston since 1971” Love and And she also knows that writers who have received 1060 N. MaiN St., RaNdolph, Ma 02368 Summer relatively little critical she must do whatever it By William Trevor attention before. Contribu- takes to protect the most phone: 781-963-3660 precious thing she has left, It’s summer and noth- tors explore the central developments within Irish her family. fax: 781-986-8004 ing much is happening in www.miltonmonuments.com Rathmoye. So it doesn’t go culture and society that unnoticed when a dark- have transformed the The Big Chapel email: [email protected] haired stranger appears on writing and reading of By Thomas Kilroy his bicycle and begins pho- identity, sexuality, his- tory, and gender. The book “The Big Chapel” is one PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 21 tographing the mourners of the great Irish novels. at Mrs. Connulty’s funeral. examines the impact of SAVE $$$ ON YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE! YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR UP TO A 33% DISCOUNT JUDITH M. FLYNN Insurance Agency, Inc. Call me for a quote today! Judie Flynn • 617-296-0350 1152 Washington Street, Dorchester Lower Mills Page 24 February 2010 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BOSTON HAITIAN REPORTER
January 12, 2010 • A Date Which Will Live in Infamy
On behalf of our staff and contributors, advertisers and the whole city of Boston, the Reporter Newspapers wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Haiti and to all of those who love her. We pledge that we will continue to report on the efforts to find our missing loved ones, comfort the injured and rebuild Haiti anew. ‘ This too shall pass.’
Nanpwen laprié ki pa gen Amén
A boy looks through an opening in the rubble of his home in the 31 Delmar neighborhood in Port-au-Prince, Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)