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By Sean Smith Special to the BIR Gaelic Storm, the irrepressible Celtic folk-rock quintet, headlines this year’s Boston Irish Festival, which takes place June 8-10 at the Irish Cultural Centre of New England in Canton. Other performers slated to appear at the festival include The Prodigals, The Glengarry Bhoys, and The Screaming Orphans, as well as popular local acts such as The Gobshites, Devri, The Great Whiskey Rebellion, The Silver Spears, Erin’s Melody, and the Andy Healy Band. As always, music is just one of the attractions at the festival, which will feature GAA Irish football and hurling, Irish step dance performances, Irish arts and crafts shops, genealogy consultations, and amusements and activities for children. There also will be special events, notably a road race and an attempt to set the world’s record for a gathering of redheads. Gaelic Storm will open the festival with an evening concert on Fri., June 8. While the band drew international attention through its cameo appearance in the 1996 film “Titanic,” Gaelic Storm has built a solid, loyal following through nearly two decades of constant touring and the release of a concert DVD and four albums, with another, “Chicken Boxer,” due out this Gaelic Storm will kick off this year’s Boston Irish Festival with an opening-night concert on June 8. summer. The band’s members are Patrick Murphy – an audience favorite for his spirited singing and stage patter; guitarist Steve Twigger; percussionist Ryan Lacey; bagpiper and whistle player Pete Purvis; and inside fiddler Jessie Burns. ONE OF A KIND Tickets for the Gaelic Storm concert range from $30 Thomas O’Connor for preferred seating (sold only in advance) to $25 at Piercing the the gate and $20 for advance purchase. wrote the book(s) Irish Ceiling: Similar to Gaelic Storm, many of the other acts performing at the festival bring rock and other more on Boston’s Irish, contemporary styles to their treatment of Irish music. Memoir by But traditional sounds will be around, too, say festival Robert E. Riley organizers, such as the musicians from Boston’s Hana- the city’s history fin-Cooley branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Page 4 The Saturday portion of the festival will open at An Appreciation 9:30 a.m. with a 5K road race; entrants will get free Update on admission to the festival (go to the festival website By Peter F. Stevens O’Connor’s career itself. for details on registration). BIR Staff Few historians anywhere ‘The Gathering’ Festival information, including ticket prices, is The passing of Professor have bridged the gulf Page 5 available online at bostonirishfestival.info. Thomas H. O’Connor last that exists between professional historians and month marked the pass- Thomas H. O’Connor ing of a man and historian the general reader better Irish president who was truly one of a than O’Connor, and when as it means the pages are kind. O’Connor’s work it comes to the history of read and reread. on the Famine stood – and stands – as the Boston Irish or the Three books that were Page 7 the bar for anyone who general city proper, he had published between 1995 writes about history. He no peers in these parts. and 1997 – The Boston was that good. He also was He was named Profes- Irish: A Political History, Bloomsday at generous with his time, sor Emeritus at Boston Civil War Boston: Home IIIC Center his experience, and sage College in 1993 and held Front and Battlefield, insights to this writer, the title of University and Boston Catholics: A Page 9 and I’ve rarely enjoyed Historian at Boston Col- History of the Church and interviewing and simply lege. For anyone with Its People – stand as must conversing with someone even a passing interest reading for those seeking Generosity rules more than with Professor in Boston’s Irish heritage, a sense of Boston’s past at Sergio benefit O’Connor. O’Connor’s works hold a and present. So much of special place in bookcases, Page 12 Although he will always O’Connor’s writing did If you think you have the reddest locks in the be best-known around coffee tables, or any other just that, connecting the region, then you should get yourself to the Bos- here for his splendid The site within easy reach. threads of the past that Remembering ton Irish Festival in Canton on Sat., June 9. The Boston Irish: A Political Equally important, copies color and shape the literal Festival will be attempting that day to break History, in many ways of his books are likely to be and figurative face of the De Valera the world record for the most redheads ever in the title of his book Boston “dog-eared” – the ultimate city. Page 15 a single gathering. A-Z is an apt one title for compliment to any author, (Continued on page 4) Photo courtesy, Boston Irish Festival At Mt. Washington Bank you’ve got choices. Our Totally Free Checking and Totally Free Business Checking offer: • Free Online Banking, BillPay and e-Statements • Free ATM/VISA® Check Card (access to 40,000 Free Allpoint ATMS – Worldwide) • 24-hour Driveup ATMs You’ll find a whole lot of access and convenience at Mt. Washington Bank! Connecting All Offices – 617.268.0379 • www.MtWashingtonBank.com Get your choice of a FREE Emerson® Lantern Member FDIC OR Igloo® Member DIF Cooler with any Customer purchases checks. We reserve the right to substitute an item of similar value. In the event the value of the free gift new checking account! exceeds $10, the bank is required to report the gift on Form 1099-INT. The recipient is responsible for all applicable taxes.

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“Landfall,” Lithograph by John Skelton (1924-2009) Matted and framed in custom moulding measuring 29” x 22” $195 Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner every day of the week Kitchen open nightly Art of Ireland until 10:45 p.m. 229 Lincoln Street (Rt. 3A) Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043 GERARD’S ADAMS CORNER 781-749-0555 772 - 776 Adams Street Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday noon - 5:00 pm Dorchester, MA 02124 email: [email protected] 617-282-6370 www.aisling-gallery.com Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Sen. Kerry and immigrant he helped speak at IIIC business leaders breakfast Irish Consul General also offers remarks Business leaders from greater Boston gathered at the Irish Internation- al Immigrant Center’s (IIIC) 3rd Annual Busi- ness Leaders Breakfast last month to hear a keynote address from US Sen. John F. Kerry (D- MA) and to support the life changing services offered by the IIIC to immigrants from Ireland from over 100 other countries. This year, the breakfast included for the first time The G Hotel in Galway. a speech by a recipient of the IIIC’s services who was also assisted by Consul General Michael Lonergan addresses business leaders. It’s all about Senator Kerry. Thaer families. Small Business commit- their support of the IIIC Abdallah is a Palestinian Senator Kerry, chair- tees, also spoke about J1-Irish Work and Travel who was born in Iraq. He man of the Senate Foreign the economy and deficit intern placement proj- you having the came to give testimony Relations Committee, reduction while taking ect. Arbella Insurance Co. about the extensive sup- provided those gathered questions from some of the CEO John Donohue spoke port provided to him by with his knowledgeable more than 150 business to the significant contribu- Irish ‘experience’ the IIIC. A human rights perspective on immigra- men and women gathered tion Irish graduates are activist, Abdallah was tion reform and offered to support the work of the making in his business, By Ed Forry held in a prisoner of war some insight on the cur- IIIC. and how one of their Irish BIR Publisher camp in Syria, among rent session of Congress. Irish Consul General interns recently returned Suzanne Meade, business development manager for many other challenging Kerry, who also holds Michael Lonergan, who is to Dublin to secure a great the Edwards Hotels, was among a group of Irish travel experiences. He also res- senior positions on the based in Boston, thanked job in human resources. and hospitality officials who visited Boston this spring cued eight other refugee Finance, Commerce, and the business leaders for under the sponsorship of Tourism Ireland’s “Jump into Ireland“ campaign. Meade’s company operates four leading hotels, including the Meyrick Hotel and the G Hotel both in Galway, the Lisloughrey Lodge, a 60-bed country house adjacent Ashford Castle in Cong, Cty Mayo, and the D Hotel in Drogheda, Cty Louth. “It’s all about experiencing Ireland, get involved with it,” Meade said in an interview during her visit to the Boston’s Seaport District in late April. Her company owns the land- mark Meyrick at Eyre Square, formerly known as the Great Southern Hotel/ Galway. She said the Edwards Hotel group Irish Language Society of Boston Suzanne Meade purchased the hotel called the “Grande Dame of Galway” in 2007, and renamed it after General Meyrick, whose name elects Newell as its next president had historically been linked with the land. The origin Cumann na Gaeilge i mBoston, The Irish Language Mahon of Quincy, David Chamberlain of Roslindale, of the square comes from medieval open space in front Society of Boston has elected its first new president in Mary Coughlin of Dedham, Michael Dwyer of Norwood, of town gate, known as The Green. nearly 30 years. Mike Newell of Dorchester, a native Tommy Beatty, Michael Quinn and Michael Tolan. The In 1801, General Meyrick raised a stone wall around speaker from Ros Muc, was elected at the Cumann’s new Board of Directors will comprise Mary O’Toole of the square, which was later known as Meyrick Square. annual meeting last month where more than 90 mem- Hull, Rev. John McLaughlin of Weston, Paul Moran Meade said the new management “refurbished the bers cast votes. of Dorchester, Mary Cloherty of Medford, and Michael hotel to the old elegance.” He defeated long-time President Peggy Cloherty of Graham of Newton. Just on the edge of town, a short car, cab or bus ride Brookline. Cumann na Gaeilge i mBoston was founded in 1973 to Eyre Square is the luxurious G Hotel, the newest and “I think we all felt that it was time for a change of and is dedicated to the promotion of the Irish Language. quite likely the most glitzy hotel on the island. Galway’s leadership,” said Newell. “Personally, I was energized The Cumann conducts classes in the language in the only five-star hotel, the G was designed by the world by the efforts of my colleagues on the Executive Com- Greater Boston area and holds several social and edu- renowned milliner Philip Treacy, and offers glorious mittee, and by the prospect of our working as a team cational events during the year where Irish speakers at guestrooms, a luxury spa and first class dining options. to revive the organization. We have in place now a all levels of proficiency can converse in the language. “Treacy did all those wonderful hats in the Harry group with the talent and expertise to ensure greater The Irish language (sometimes called Irish Gaelic Potter movies, and he designed the hats in the royal success in language learning both through classroom or just Gaelic) is still spoken in Ireland, primarily on wedding of Prince William and His fashions are world- instruction and social activities.” the West Coast, but it has enjoyed a strong comeback renowned, and Galway proudly claims him as a native. The new Executive Committee will consist of: Ber- elsewhere in recent years. Currently the president, The G was rated “one of the top three hotels in the nadette Nic Con Iomaire (Ridge) of Braintree, a native prime minister and deputy prime minister of Ireland world for ambience and design” by the Condé Nast of Casla , Co. Galway, who was elected vice president, are all fluent speakers of Irish. The language, with its Gold List, and “Top Hotel in Ireland” by Travel & replacing Martin Gavin of North Attleboro, who will lyrical quality and different way of looking at the world, Leisure magazine. take the post of recording secretary. Mike Cahill of has become a popular subject among Irish-Americans Meade says the summer of 2012 is going to be huge Canton, a Galway City native, was elected treasurer, and lovers of Celtic culture. For further information in Galway: “We have an awful lot going on; it’s really and Natasha Sumner of Cambridge, a doctoral student about Cumann na Gaeilge please visit the website at the city of festivals for Ireland, non-stop from March.” at Harvard, was elected corresponding secretary. The cumann-na-gaeilge.org. There’s the upcoming Festival of Literature and the delegates to the Executive Committee will be Liz Mc- Related story, Page 7. Traditional Music Festival July 16-29. And Galway Race Week begins on Mon., July 30, and runs through Sun., Aug. 5 in Ballybrit. But the big event this summer, she says, takes place in early July: “The first week in July the Volvo Ocean race returns to Galway at the finish. It came here three years ago, on a Boston to Galway leg. But they purposely chose Galway for the finish this year because they were so blown away last time. Meade says the Volvo activities include “Free entertainment – bands every night from the 30th of June until the 8th of July. And it’s all free; just pay for your drinks and food!” Don’t just come and see the island of Ireland in 2012 but “Jump In.” That was the message as Tour- ism Ireland launched its new brand to a gathering of Boston travel trade partners and industry media at Boston Exchange Conference Center recently. “Jump into Ireland” describes the joyful immersion of a trip to Boston Health Care for the Homeless honored Troyen A. Brennan, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President, Ireland, a theme that will dominate Tourism Ireland’s and Chief Medical Officer at CVS Caremark, with its Dr. Jim O’Connell Award in recognition of his “care advertising, consumer and trade promotional activi- for those most in need; his engaging passion for his work; and his belief in the resilience of the human ties, co-operative campaigns and media outreach this spirit” at the organization’s Medicine That Matters gala at Boston’s Seaport Hotel on April. 30. The event year and also be a focus for extensive social media raised $485,000 and was attended by some 400 guests, including Meghan Geoghan of Dorchester, Bridget campaigns to drive awareness of the unique nature of Horne of Scituate, Sarah Ciambrone of Dorchester, the director of BHCHP’s McInnis House, and Laurie a vacation to the island of Ireland. Jo Wallace of Roslindale. Roger Farrington photo Page 4 June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BIR Profile Riley’s way: Combine drive and a moral compass In his compelling memoir, Piercing the Irish Ceiling, financial guys still came from Yankee families who top exec Robert Riley tells of his groundbreaking career made their fortunes in the 18th and 19th centuries in the investment world and what he has learned about through privateering and the opium trade and over life along the way time had ruled the business landscape in Boston and hung on to it even as the Irish made inroads in other By Peter F. Stevens walks of life and business. BIR Staff In all historical accuracy, and in fairness, as time When it comes to success, Robert E. Riley knows what went by the investment business began to outgrow the he talking and writing about, and in his just-released Old Guard. I was probably the first to benefit from memoir, Piercing the Irish Ceiling, he has rendered a that. The investment business exploded in a way that blueprint of how hard work, tenacity, education, faith, became too big for the Old Guard alone. The real world and family were key to his success. He also presents opened it up. There were simply not enough members a candid, often poignant, and often self-deprecatingly of the old clubs to handle it all. humorous chronicle of what it was to grow up Irish After 150 years, the field expanded. I was a Catholic in a time when all doors were still not open Boston Irish Catholic at the junction point. I was to those with Irish bloodlines. For Riley, the doors he fortunate that way – proximity and my own ambi- opened were, and are, as his book’s subtitle cites, “the tion, driven by fear of failure – came together at that story of a Boston Irish Catholic who reached the top time. They had to let us all the way up, and that’s of the American investment world.” where I intended to go. Investment companies, Born on Feb. 19, 1930, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital even the oldest ones, finally became meritocracies. in Brighton, Riley writes of BIR: When you actually took the CEO post at Putnam, a fascinating family that was there residual prejudice? begins with “croppies” (peas- Riley: When I became CEO, the opportunities for ants) in Counties Cavan and younger talent in finance had begun to rise. The top Galway. In a loving but guys were now in their 40s, not 50s like before. Still, unstinting manner, he pulls even when I was at the top position at Putnam, preju- few punches in describing dice lingered at other forms. I was the right guy at his own family’s virtues and the right time – luckily so. The opportunity was there, flaws, doing so when it comes and I truly believe that no one else there was up to it to his own life, too. The book’s better than I was. I was ready for that chance. opening lines signal that BIR: How do you feel your working-class, Irish- Robert Riley is going to tell Catholic roots prepared you for the resistance you you the real story of his life, encountered in the investment arena? not the wan autobiographi- Riley: I had the proverbial “fire in the belly.” So Robert E. Riley cal watercolor that so many did guys like Jack Welch. When I went to Holy Cross, notable men and women foist it was a fine school, as it is now; but in that day, it Medical Center, a trustee associate and member of the upon readers. He writes in strokes that are often bold, did not have the Ivy cachet, the old club path to the Investment Committee of Boston College High School, sometimes blunt, and always engaging, which flows top in Boston’s boardrooms. I compensated by push- and chairman of the Investment Advisory Committee from that opening paragraph: ing forward always, trying and largely succeeding in of the Cohasset Library Trust. “If it was not already obvious from the name – “Riley” outworking and outstudying others. Profiled in the bookNew Breed on Wall Street, Riley – I did not descend from the aristocracy….my great I also have to give so much credit to BC High. They was twice named Investment Companies Industry grandparents were Irish peasants…who emigrated to prepared me there for almost anything, but also taught CEO of the Year by Financial World. In Irish America Boston directly or via Canada in the mid-nineteenth me and the other boys that success did not – does not Magazine’s Tenth Anniversary Issue, Riley was chosen century. The other two [great grandparents] were – mean operating immorally or unethically. for the “Business 100: A Celebration of Irish American Jews from Germany and Switzerland who came to BIR: Some would contend that God does not have Corporate Success.” He has five sons, and he and his New York during the same period. a seat, so to speak, in corporate America; yet as you wife Carol live in Cohasset, Massachusetts. “Recently I mentioned to a Jewish acquaintance relate in your book, your religious faith has been a Piercing the Irish Ceiling is a unique memoir writ- my Irish/Jewish heritage. ‘Great combination!’ he cornerstone of your career. ten in a strong, forthright, and compelling voice. The exclaimed. ‘You got your brains from the Jews and Riley: I not only believe that morality and ethics man who wrote it sat down recently with the BIR in your b--lls from the Irish.’” are the right way to approach all of one’s life, but also his Hingham office to discuss his book and career. Throughout his life and career, those two attributes that doing the bad thing in business, the unethical or BIR: What prompted you to write the book? surfaced. Riley’s story is a tribute to the uniquely illegal thing, is the dumb thing to do. In many ways, Riley: Family exposition might not have been enough Boston, uniquely Irish experience. Educated at Boston there is fear in my religion. My Catholic faith is what – I felt that the Irish Ceiling, which I had encountered College High, the College of the Holy Cross, and Harvard I know well, fear as well as love. Fear of doing the firsthand, was a real theme. Irish Catholics in Boston Business School, he is also a retired Lieutenant Com- wrong thing and what it brings, fear of hurting those were not allowed above a certain level at financial mander (Supply Corps) in the US Naval Reserve who one loves. I am a great admirer of Pope John Paul and institutions, That theme was a key issue. served during and after the Korean War. He entered Sir and Saint Thomas More. More was both a man of BIR: When you began your career, what were your the financial world in an era when Irish Catholics could both the religious and the secular, but it was his faith first direct experiences with that prejudice? advance only so far before they hit a glass ceiling. Riley that guided his secular actions. Riley: I knew about George Sullivan, who had been does a fine job of describing concisely how the world of I believe that one can have both drive and a moral blocked. He didn’t have a chance at the top jobs. He Boston finance long remained a haven of longstanding compass. In terms of my faith, I didn’t ask for it, but had all the right academic and business pedigrees, Yankee-Puritan prejudices that survived well after that’s who I am, where I end up. I was raised in a very but he was still blocked. When I did start in Boston the local Irish had studied and pushed their way into conservative Catholic background, but it made sense to financial companies, they were skeptical of my being politics and just about every other former Brahmin me. It still shapes me today. I believe that it fits me. able to climb above a certain rung. The big senior jobs bastion. At Putnam Investments, Riley did what no BIR: If there’s one thing – or a few things – that were supposed to be out of my reach. Boston Irishman had done: He became the CEO of a you’d like readers to take away from Piercing the Irish BIR: Why was that still the case? major investment house in the region. Ceiling, what would you like it or them to be? Riley: Catholics had the majority in and around Today, he serves as a director and chairman of the Riley: I believe that the book extols the basics of Boston in so many ways by 1960, but in the Boston Investment Committee of the John F. Kennedy Library family, hard work, and having a moral compass that finance scene, it was a different story. It was not a done Foundation, a former member of the Investment Com- guides you in all parts of your life. I do believe that if deal for Irish Catholics even though an Irish Catholic mittee of Holy Cross College, an overseer and member one works hard, perseveres, and tries to live ethically, he was on his way to the White House. Some of the top of the Finance Committee of Beth Israel Deaconess or she is likely to succeed personally and professionally. He wrote the book(s) on Boston’s Irish, the city’s history (Continued from page 1) the Gate of Heaven Gram- O’Connor had started addressed that need with awarded him the Gold interesting for everyone as All his life, O’Connor mar School, he went to teaching US history at BC; his groundbreaking books Medal in History; the Erie it is to me. In that sense, was part of that city. the Boston Latin School. the post was supposed to South Boston: My Home Society of Boston named one writes with audience He was born on Dec. 9, When the school day end- be open for “only a year.” Town; Fitzpatrick’s Bos- him the winner of the or- in mind. It’s an approach 1922, in South Boston. ed, he would head down Some five decades later, he ton, 1846-1866; The Bos- ganization’s Gold Medal. that good teachers use in His father, John Francis Huntington Avenue to was still teaching there. ton Irish; Building a New In a visit I once made the lecture hall, too. What O’Connor, was a mail car- the Boston Public Library He moved onto the ten- Boston; Civil War Boston; to Thomas O’Connor’s of- good is it if your listeners rier, and his mother, Ma- at Copley Square, where ure track as one of BC’s and Boston Catholics. fice across College Road or readers drift off? You’ve rie A. (Meany) O’Connor, he earned thirty cents an most popular and gifted One need only glance at from BC’s Bapst Library, got to make it interesting as with most of the moth- hour shelving books. The instructors, becoming a Dr. O’Connor’s resume he chatted about his un- for all, as best you can. I ers in the neighborhood, money provided enough to full professor in 1970 and to glean his status in abashed love of history don’t believe there is ever a home-maker. Then, in cover the cost of his carfare serving a stint as chair- local historical circles. in general and Boston’s one history. I also don’t 1940, John O’Connor died. and lunches. man of the History De- For thirty-five years, he history in particular. believe there can ever be His wife was compelled His next stop was Bos- partment. His introduc- taught a class in Boston “As a kid,” he said, “I one approach to history. to go back to work and ton College, but World tory courses in American History at the Extension loved books, especially In my field, many view his- eventually landed a post War II erupted, and after History and such elective School of Harvard Univer- historical adventures. tory as science, and it is a with the Social Security his freshmen year, he offerings as the Age of sity, where he was named My friends and I invaded valid approach. However, Administration. spent three years with the Jackson and the Civil the Lowell Lecturer for the BPL book stacks; I I also view history as a As with so many local US Army in the Chinese- War not only cemented 2000-2001. A member especially went for books human story, often driven Irish kids, young Tom Burma-India Theater, his reputation as one of of the Board of Directors about Colonial history. by emotion and random spent summers either rising to the rank of staff the region’s top history of the Boston Society, a By the time I got to the events such as movements swimming with his friends sergeant. When his tour professors, but also led Resident Fellow at the Latin School, I gravitated or larger themes.” at the M Street beach or, on of duty ended, he came to his publication of the Massachusetts Historical toward history; I loved Thomas O’Connor’s lis- rainy days, entrenched in back to Boston College and books Lords of the Loom Society, and a member the color and sweep of the teners and readers never the South Boston branch received his AB degree and The Disunited States. of the Massachusetts wonderful stories.” drifted off. That is not of the Boston Public Li- in 1949 and MA degree Gradually, he found Archives Commission on We talked in depth hyperbole; it is simple brary in the Municipal in 1950; from there, he himself delving even deep- the Bicentennial of the about balancing academic truth. When it came to Building, where he was moved down the Comm. er into the history of the United States Constitu- history with history that history in general and the drawn to historical ad- Ave. tracks to Boston Irish in Boston where he tion – these well-deserved excites the non-scholar, a story of the Boston Irish venture books, especially University and in 1958 learned that there was laurels were just a few of balance that no one han- especially, there was no those featuring the vivid earned his PhD in Ameri- a surprising paucity of the many that came his dled better than O’Connor. one better than Thomas illustrations of Andrew can History. serious scholarly work way. The Daughters of He related: “I work hard O’Connor. One wonders Wyeth. After attending Back in 1950, Dr. on the subject. O’Connor the American Revolution to make the material as if there ever will be. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell which associated the decorative stitching with dead specifically excluded from buying the state shares, Irish “Gathering” To Be Highlight of 2013 -- The fisherman. What Synge was actuallywriting about was but Abu Dhabi (Etihad) took an initial small Irish government and its tourist agency are planning a plain stocking worn by most fisherman, not the hand stake in the Irish airline and could be looking for a mammoth party next year and are inviting some 70 knits that appeared later. more. million people of Irish heritage around the world to Memories of ‘My Left Foot’s’ Christy Brown—I Two possible scenarios regarding Aer Lingus in the join in. It is hoped that the Gathering, modeled on first met Christy Brown, the author of the sear- coming months: the widely acclaimed Scottish event in 2009 called the ing novel Down All The Days and several others (A) The state would like to get out of the airline “Homecoming, will bring over a quarter of a million and three volumes of poetry, in 1970 in Cork at the business and Aer Lingus, cleanly in the black, is visitors to Ireland. since shuttered Oyster Bar. His first novel, taken an attractive target for other regional air carriers. At the launch last month largely from his own life story, was an international (B) Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airlines is considered a serious in Dublin, Taoiseach Enda bestseller, translated into 14 languages and wildly bidder in the short term and could buy a fairly sub- Kenny and Taniste praised with encomiums ranging from “unforget- stantial share of the state-owned stock, and Aer Lingus Eamon Gilmore took table” to the Irish Times reviewer’s “Will surely stand appears amenable to a cash infusion from Abu Dhabi. turns describing the events beside Joyce and in front of all the others as Dublin Irish Social Club Makes A Comeback—In and reaching out to the dias- writ large and writ for all time.” His first writing effort in his April 2011, the Irish Social Club closed its doors pora in an effort to promote twenties was an autobiography, “My Left Foot,” in West Roxbury. Founded in 1945 by Mary Con- the 2013 Gathering as the wrenched from his young life as a creative genius cannon, it had at one time an astonishing 13,000 biggest tourist event in in a body wrecked at birth by cerebral palsy that members. A year ago membership had dwindled to 239 Irish history. Said Ken- left him with just his soon-to-be famous workable with no plan in place for survival. Now in the spring ny: “This initiative needs left foot, an IQ in the 150s, and a hunger to create. of 2012, less than a year later, the Irish Social Club the widespread participa- His autobiography, Christy gleefully boasted to one is completing the repairs and upgrades necessary to tion of communities and lo- and all, was written by the world’s youngest author keep the club site solid and functioning; a membership cal organizations across Ire- [himself], “next to Helen Keller, of course.” From that drive has been a huge success with over 500 renewals land. The Gathering gives initial week together in the spring of 1970 we became already in and more coming every week, and the club each of us an opportunity fast friends, pals, with letters back and forth, signed has reopened and welcomes all to join in the revival. Bill O’Donnell to do something positive for books, visits, and even the occasional phone call from From Kathleen Adams, who led the effort to reverse our country in our own unique way.” Added Gilmore: first Dublin, then Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry and later Par- the decision to close and helped to form the steering “Ireland aims to engage with our global diaspora, to brook, in Sussex, England. My wife Jean and I were in committee to save the club: invite them to come home in 2013 ... it is not just for Christy’s specially-fitted home in County Dublin when “Thanks to the new officers: President Mary Ma- anyone with Irish heritage; it is also addressed to those he and his lady, the Kerry girl Mary Carr, announced loney and fellow officers K. Adams, T. Maloney, who love or have an interest in Ireland” their engagement. Later we visited Chris and Mary Irene Daly, Ken Daly, Kay Hayes, Richie Gorm- A number of high profile Irish celebrities, including in Kerry along with our daughter, Erin. Happy Days ley, Mary Tannian, Mike Walsh, S. Mannion, M. Liam Neeson, Maeve Binchey, and Pierce Bros- indeed and for the two of us, Chris and Willie (which he O’Donnell, Doc Walsh, K. Murphy, John Daven- nan are among the active supporters of the Gathering. always called me), far too much free-flowing Hennessy. port, and Joan Kelliher. The club would have been For more details or to track information as it becomes He asked about straws, the flexible hospital type lost without the kindness of Marty Walsh and the available visit thegatheringireland.com that he loved. I sent some and then sent more and Boston Building Trades, Mike Monahan and Local Sinn Fein Seeks To Upend Fiscal Treaty— more. Finally an urgent SOS from Christy: no more 103 IBEW and our union friends. Thanks all! Sinn Fein has moved from its original proposal straws! Chris, hostage to a body that made him de- Also due thanks for their prote - that Ireland simply refuse to put the May 31 treaty pendent on those around him and with daily demons an help are Richard Archer, Jim Calvey, referendum to a national vote to a new approach that helped make him, awry in his wheelchair, a heavy Patrick Casey, Mary Mulvey Jacobson, Rep. Ed calling for the treaty to be voted down or ignored drinker (which would help kill him before his 50th Coppinger, City Councillors Matt O’Malley and entirely and replaced by an alternative of a $16.5 birthday) was often notorious for his whimsy, bad John Connolly, Sen. Mike Rush and our West Rox- billion investment boost to jobs and infrastructure. The puns and ribald, raucous exchanges with the males bury neighbors who deserve a hug or a handshake for party of Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness amongst his dozen siblings. Christy loved semantic rising to the occasion. To all the new and old members claims that the proposal would create 130,000 jobs duels, horse racing on the telly, singing badly with may your tribe increase and may the ISC thrive for over the next three years and cut public welfare costs friends in the pub, writing when it was going good years to come. over a trillion dollars. This proposal was countered by and the IBM Selectric was humming, his wife Mary, RANDOM CLIPPINGS the government campaign appealing to the public to American Jazz, lolling in his chair with a pint Peacemaker George Mitchell recently made a vote ‘yes’ in the referendum. In a related matter the glass and floating straw of anything alcoholic except quiet trip back to Northern Ireland with son An- Referendum Commission ruled that the fiscal treaty beer. drew to keep a promise he made to himself during vote can only be deferred in the case of a general elec- The phone call from Britain came on a Sunday the GFA talks. … What is the Irish Embassy in tion. This effectively prevents a postponement of the night in September 1981. I had just received in Brussels doing promoting tax avoidance plans so May 31 vote, which Sinn Fein and some others have the Saturday mail a long letter from Christy, three Irish expats can escape taxes at home? … Don’t miss consistently proposed. foolscap pages filled with tales of writer’s block, the June 10 Tony Awards on TV where the Irish love A political sidelight of the debate over the ref- a horrific internment to dry out at a local clinic, story “Once” is likely to do very well. …Want an is- erendum has been the opposition of Eamon O and tales “to hell and back.” as Chris described land all your own? Inisliroo Island on Lough Erne is Cuiv, Fianna Fail deputy, to the treaty and his his recent weeks. On the phone, Mary, sobbing uncon- for sale at just under a million. … Irish lawyers and criticism of his party for “gagging him.” While O Cuiv, trollably, hysterically, was telling me that Christy was judges are seeking help for depression and stress, grandson of Eamonn deValera, has remained in Fi- dead and asking had I received his letter. It was the higher than in the UK. … Congratulations to St. anna Fail, he is seriously looking at challenging his last letter he had written to anyone, she said. Please Clement Parish on the Somerville-Medford line, party in June and seeking the leader’s post now held by don’t lose it, Mary pleaded. I flew to Ireland, to a my old school, on its Centennial. … The forecast for Michael Martin. cheerless, Christy-less Sussex country home, and later Irish growth for 2012 is a low 0.5 percent, hoping for Irish Grads Fall Behind IT Job Needs—For escorted Mary to Glasnevin where Christy resides today almost 2 percent in 2013. … NI’s Darren Clarke, years Ireland’s graduates from universities and some among Ireland’s dubs and dukes. who won last year’s British Open, reportedly takes the technical schools have enjoyed a reputation as the Eight years later, at Dublin’s Savoy movie house winner’s Claret Jug with him everywhere. … June cream of Europe’s workforce, the best trained, most I was sitting between Mary Brown and the actress 15 and 16 are days to mark Bloomsday 2012 at 100 talented and eagerly sought after by multination- Anna Manahan, holding hands. The three of us later Franklin St., Boston, at Arch and Devonshire. … als. Sadly that was the profile some six or eight chatted with U2’s Bono and the Edge, and watched Hard to believe, but Galway University Hospitals years ago but things are changing in Ireland and not the premiere for family and close friends of the 104 report that they had 35,000 no-shows for appoint- for the better. memorable minutes of Christy’s life in My Left Foot. ments last year. … Ireland still doing its part; its just A shocking story recently in the Irish Indepen- Later that night, after a party for family and cast at sent six unarmed observers to monitor the situation dent reported that recent graduates are “failing the Gresham, we all landed at Powerscourt in the in Syria. … True story: A member of Families Act- the country’s thriving tech sector by turning out city centre where I somehow ended up taking Mary ing for Innocent Relatives (FAIR) saw an Italian flag unemployable graduates.” The charge is that al- Brown by the elbow, walking her across the noisy jam- atop a Tyrone school and reported it as a Tricolor and most none of Ireland’s dozen plus colleges that packed floor to introduce her to Daniel Day-Lewis the school as an IRA training facility. … The actress offer marketing degrees carries a relevant digital while I swiftly disappeared. Mary was a friend and Fionnula Flanagan joined the protest against build- marketing content. late night phone caller until she died in Brighton, ing a mall in Dublin at the Moore Street site where Critics suggest that the Irish students are being England in 2006. Christy would have celebrated his the Rising leaders sought refuge after leaving the GPO. taught by people who have not worked in the digital 80th birthday this month on June 5. … Newt Gingrich owes his vendors and PR people industry. Ian Dodson, who operates the Digital NOTABLE QUOTE $4.8 million and Pastor Santorum owes $2.3 million. Marketing Institute, says that after four years in college, “Shooting is a popular sport in the countryside... An expensive ego trip for Nasty Newt. … Even long new hires in the digital sector are having to take courses unlike many other countries, the outstanding charac- gone from this earthly scene, Charlie Haughey makes like Microsoft Power Point and Office. “We are being sent teristic of the sport has been that it is not confined to news. His Abbeville estate in Co. Dublin, is going for babies who need to be taught how to walk,” says Dodson. any one class.” $9.5 million. …Friends were worried about 91-year- He also looked at Paypal, which has been trying to fill Quoted by the New Statesman old Maureen O’Hara, who some said was a victim of 1,000 job openings. “They will be lucky if they get 500 from a Northern Ireland Tourist Board brochure,1969 elderly abuse. That proved groundless and she’s fine Irish people who are qualified enough in language Aer Lingus In Play—It is almost six years since and working away on her foundation. skills.” Aer Lingus ceased to be a state-owned airline and the Old friend Bertie Ahern may have found a way to That’s a deeply troubling assessment if it is true. In the Irish carrier is likely to change hands, or, at the least, spend his retirement riches, He is facing a possible $1.3 late 1990s, I ran job training programs for young people sell off a sizeable portion of the shares it still retains. million penalty about his finances and could have to pay from Ireland and they were first rate and eagerly scooped That much is evident since Etihad, the national airline his legal bills, which are substantial following the Mahon up by solid companies and agencies here. It would be a of Abu Dhabi, took a nearly 3 percent stake in Aer Lin- Tribunal negative findings. … What a couple of stand-up shame if Irish skills in some of the more prolific tech gus and Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary has not lost his guys? Rupert Murdoch blames his employees for his and digital fields were to drag down Ireland’s reputa- interest in Aer Lingus despite a ruling in 2007 by the papers’ phone tapping woes. And Mitt Romney looked tion for having an excellent work force. European Commission that Ryanair could not wholly the other way and had a virtual “no comment” when Did You Know That … despite widespread belief own its rival airline. This ruling was later upheld by his top foreign affairs advisor, who is gay, left under that Aran knit sweaters or jumpers had distinctive the EU Court of Justice. pressure. … Some news outlets are asking if the US cable stitching chiefly to identify fisherman lost There is a continuing deadlock over who will ulti- Conference of Catholic Bishops is becoming the new in curraghs off the Aran Isles, there is a much more mately be able to purchase enough stock to own a con- religious right? Were they around during George W’s prosaic explanation for their origin? Aran sweaters were trolling interest. Today the ownership of Aer Lingus is love affair with the Catholic Church and its voters? originally knitted in the 1920s to be worn by boys for largely split by three entities. One is Ryanair, which has This is old, old news. … And is it true that Cardinal their First Holy Communion. They were hand-knitted been allowed to keep the 29.8 percent it owned prior to Law, who was at the helm during the worst of the almost always by family members who as a matter the EU ruling. The Irish government has retained 25.2 clerical abuse in Boston, is actually leading the hunt of family pride adorned the garments with intricate, percent, and Aer Lingus employees have a scattered to “expose” the good nuns who have labored with dignity decorative stitches. 14.9 percent stake. These shares together represent and something akin to sacred servitude. The earlier misconception, romantic as it is, that almost a 70 percent ownership of Aer Lingus. BC’s Tom O’Connor was the real thing, a the stitching served as amethod of identification for Earlier this year as part of a planned state as- Southie guy who loved his city and its history. How fisherman recovered from the water off the AranIsles set sale, the government announced that is was fortunate we were to have him with us all these was fueled by J.M. Synge’s play “Riders to the Sea,” looking to sell its 25.2 percent share. Ryanair was years sharing his wisdom. A good man at rest. RIP. Page 6 June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Fifty years later, I was back home, safely home. Again By Ed Forry “How far we all come. How far we all come away from ourselves,” James Agee wrote in “A Death in the Family.” “You can never go home again.” Well home again I did go last month, to a special gathering to observe the 50th anniversary of my graduation from high school. And my, what a time we had! Mine was the class of 1962 from BC High (see photo at right), and last year the alumni staff reached to en- courage us to make plans for our event. The high school has done a good job of keeping current addresses for many of us – we were a class of 289 graduates that June day in 1962 – and a few had stayed in touch with classmates. MEMBERS OF THE Boston College High School class of 1962 One of our number, Ray Capobianco, is the propri- etor of Cappy’s Tavern, a delightful little outpost in Wolcott Square, where Hyde Park, Readville, and Commentary Dedham meet, and it was there one day last October that a few of us gathered to begin making plans for a reunion. After a brief meeting at the old high school, we be- About the troubles facing gan to follow a loose schedule of sessions at Cappy’s. We let the alumni staffers believe they were “working meetings,” but truthfully they were old-fashioned bull the Catholic Church in Ireland sessions. Someone brought along a yearbook, and we new papal nuncio is Archbishop Charles Brown, a quickly realized that we all were unrecognizable from By Joe Leary Special to the BIR 53-year-old American who was born in New York. that 50-year-old senior class . His low-key style and former relationship with Pope The planning group numbered less than 12: Mike Are the continuing controversies surrounding the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland as serious as Benedict could help the Irish Church and most view Manning, Carl Johnson, Joe Galeota, Jim Rourke, Ray his appointment as a very positive sign from the “Cappy” Capabianco, Gil Sullivan, John Jones, Bill they sometimes seem? After a 1,500-year history of strength and fidelity, has the Church been weakened Vatican. He has a lot of work to do. McCarthy, Tom Gilarde, with all of us in our 67th And yet more trouble has occurred. Early last or 68th year, and some of us still working or in the so much that political leaders now find it advanta- geous to call for the resignation of its leader, Cardinal month, the BBC ran a documentary entitled “The early years of retirement. Among us were teachers, Shame of the Catholic Church” that detailed the accountants, a youth athletic referee, lawyers, a Sean Brady, for his role as a young priest-clerk in a tribunal investigating an abusive priest 37 years ago? repeated abuse by a priest named Brendan Smyth retired business owner, even a couple who had spent and implied that Sean Brady, a young priest in at- time preparing to be priests, before their life’s path The answer to both questions is “yes.” tendance at the investigation in 1975, should have, led elsewhere. on his own, gone around his superiors and proclaimed The sessions, always intended to have the serious Sexual abuse of young children by a few Catholic Smyth’s guilt to all. goal of reaching out and finding other classmates, Whatever the merits of that charge, to some Irish inevitably turned into nostalgia-fests. Old friends priests, and almost as importantly, the subsequent politicians it was just another instance of a cover-up, meeting again after 50 years shared handshakes, and they immediately began to suggest that the-now hugs, and all sorts of long-remembered stories. That attempts by the church in Ireland and in Rome to keep Cardinal Sean Brady resign his position. Brady is the very first night at Cappy’s, the barmaid handled a primate of the Catholic Church in Ireland – North long-distance call from Houston. It was Hubie Walsh such behavior secret and out of public knowledge, have and South. He is actually located in the North, in the saying he wished he could join us. City of Armagh. We Boston guys quickly learned to love these get- caused, and are continuing to cause, the nearly complete Taniste Eamon Gilmore called for his resigna- togethers. There were just two rules: no discussion of tion. The Taniste is equivalent to an American Vice personal political views, and a limit of three minutes, skepticism and distrust of the church by many in Ireland. President except that he has formal duties and is – tops! – to grandchildren stories. also the Foreign Affairs Minister. Gilmore said that Over time, we were able to reach about half of our Joe Leary Irish politicians, who depend upon voter approbation to while he always believed in the separation of church classmates; sadly, we learned that about 10 percent and state, in this case he personally felt that Brady of our old mates were deceased. maintain their power, sense these sentiments and criticize the church at every turn. should resign. Most other politicians – North and Joe Galeota spoke by phone with Tim Sullivan, and South – were a bit more temperate, suggesting that reported, “He was close to death a number of years Ireland and the Irish are experiencing very difficult years of change. As one result of the economic Brady should consider his position. But almost all ago; his family was summoned before he was to be of them felt the necessity to speak out. It is highly removed from the extraordinary means. After the plug collapse, the people elected a new government, which was formed on March 9, 2011. The party in power for unlikely that the cardinal will resign as a result of was pulled, his heart kept on beating and even though this type of pressure. He has said he would like to it took him almost 15 months to return to normalcy, many years -- Fianna Fail – was reduced to a weak shadow of its former glory with less than 20 delegates leave his position in two years. he did and even went on to teach high school calculus In the meantime the Irish people are led politically at a Georgia high school! Truly, the class of ‘62 has in the Irish Parliament. A new coalition of the Fine Gael party and the Labor party came into power. by men and women who are very angry and critical of experienced at least one miracle!” the way the Roman Catholic Church has dealt with the Our alma mater saved the best for last. The class of Four months later, on July 11, 2011, a special government-appointed commission issued an ex- clergy abuse tragedy. They are outspoken and willing 1962 was invited to the stage last month as the class to bitterly condemn the leadership of a church that of 2012 received their diplomas. One by one, the ’62 tremely critical report of the local Catholic Church’s handling of sexual abuse incidents by priests in the has been seriously weakened and may never again grads mounted the stage and received a golden diploma. be an important factor in Irish life. One of our class, Father Jim Savage, is a pastoral Cloyne Diocese of Cork. Known as the Cloyne Report, assistant at St. Paul Church in Harvard Square, and it claimed, among other things, that Bishop James he delivered the benediction to the new graduates. Magee and Monsignor Denis O’Callaghan deliberately As my fellow grads lifted our arms in silent prayer lied in their attempts to cover up the priests’ abuse. for the class of 2012, Father Jim spoke: The reaction was explosive. In deploring the report, Boston Irish “We the graduates of 1962 of the era of Moriarty, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the newly elected prime Mahoney, and Gilday, salute you the graduates of minister, criticized “the dysfunction, and elitism that 2012, of the era of Hughes, Kemeza and Perry, and dominates the culture of the Vatican to this day.” He REPORTER continued: “The historic relationship between the we ask God’s blessing upon you! The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: “May your focus be small, Zeroing in on those things church and state in Ireland can never be the same that you can actually control – like your manners, your again.” Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., temper, your values and your spiritual growth. But According to a July 25, 2011, article in the Irish 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 may your acts be large, living lives: lavish in hope, Times, Kenny accused the Vatican of downplaying [email protected] www.bostonirish.com the rape and torture of children in order to uphold extravagant in generosity, and ambitious in self-giving. Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) “May you learn to cope with failure, and delight in its own power and reputation. It is hard to imagine success. May you learn to get over it, get used to it, an Irish leader saying such a thing if he did not think Edward W. Forry, Publisher and get on with it: Get over your mistakes and your that many of the Irish people believed it, too. Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor In fact, Irish leadership was so upset with the refusal failures – learn from them and don’t get stuck in them William P. Forry, Contributing Editor “Get used to it – life is filled with loose ends, unfin- of the Vatican and local Irish clergy to acknowledge ished business, and persons and things that disappoint. sexual abuse and the cover- up described in the Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor “And get on with it – not only living but also living Cloyne Report that on Nov. 3, 2011, the government News Room: (617) 436-1222 Ads : (617) 436-1222 well and doing what is doable and doing it now. announced the closure of the Irish Embassy at the “May in the future you find not only a job but your Vatican. The reason given was economic -- “We will Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] vocation. May your greatest joy and satisfaction meet save money.” Diplomatic relations would now be man- On The Web at www.bostonirish.com the world’s greatest needs. aged out of Dublin. Now this was a shock! Whether Date of Next Issue: June, 2012 “And in the spirit of this Jesuit high school, may you done in anger or not, the closing was a major insult. Deadline for Next Issue: Friday, May 25 at 2 p.m. always excel for the greater glory of God and under That decision has been reviewed several times in these Published monthly in the first week of each month. last months, and the government has announced the the blessing of God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in ad- today and hereafter. Amen.” embassy will not reopen. Fifty years after graduation, I was home, safely Since the Cloyne Report was issued, the papal vertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. The home. Again. nuncio at the time has been withdrawn and a new right is reserved by The Boston Irish Reporter to edit, reject, or cut one appointed. Equivalent to an ambassador, the any copy without notice. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 Recalling an Gorta Mor … thinking about today’s hungry Following are excerpts from remarks on an Gorta a population fleeing a stricken land – more than 1.8 Mor – The Great Hunger of Ireland of 1845-1847 – by million Irish emigrated, more than half of these fleeing Irish President Michael D. Higgins at the Famine (more as refugees than as emigrants, as the historian Commemoration in Faneuil Hall on May 5: Peter Gray has remarked) during the famine years of 1846-50. The population of Ireland, which was close I am delighted to be here in Boston, the capital of to 8.5 million in 1845, had fallen to 6.6m by 1851. It Irish America. This is not my first time in Boston would continue to fall – due to the relentless drain of but it is my first time here as president. emigration – for many decades to come. … There is not a single narrative of the Great … the post-Famine exodus of men women and chil- Irish Famine. We are compelled to acknowledge the dren created an ongoing memory of culpable neglect many different elements that make up the story of at best, and more usually, an abiding communal Ireland’s greatest disaster – its causes, contents, and recall of the consequences of imperial degradation, consequences. a response that would now live on beyond the seas. Be it the trauma of the Famine itself in the 19th … We are here today, of course, I remind myself, century, the clearances of families that preceded or not only to commemorate the victims of the Great succeeded it, the emigrations for seasonal work across Irish Famine but also to celebrate the lives that those the Irish Sea that has seasonally bled life from our who emigrated, forged in this city from adversity, and ancestors as they sought to pay the rent and they their achievements in creating and the enduring links and their families sought to survive, the tyranny of between our countries which live on today. landlordism and the emergence, after the Famine, of … The Boston evidence demonstrates the determi- those elements in a grazier class, native predators, as nation of the Famine Irish to overcome poverty and acquisitive and cruel as any absentee landlord – from prejudice to empower their children, and, they, in their all this we have a legacy – many narratives – that turn, were dedicated to further, inter-generational, have to be revisited, kept open, revised and made more advancement and upward social mobility. They made inclusive of much that has been forgotten or perhaps an early and sustained commitment to serving the deliberately avoided in a great silence amongst the public good and contributing to the prosperity of their survivors at home and abroad. ‘new world’. This is evident everywhere in this country, … It is when we acknowledge the facts of what has in the great state of Massachusetts and in the proud been omitted, and speculate on why, that we are best city of Boston: in the services (police, fire services); in prepared to use our own Famine experience in such education (schools, colleges); in business, industry and a way as would generate an appropriately ethical finance; in health, welfare and philanthropy; in all response to the obscenity of recurring famines in our aspects of religious life of the community; in politics own time in different parts of our shared vulnerable and public administration; in science, technology and planet. innovation; in all branches of the arts, creativity and The Irish Famine of 1845-50 was the greatest social cultural expression. calamity – in terms of mortality and suffering – that … Building on, and learning from, our shared expe- Ireland has ever experienced. It was also the worst rience of famine, Ireland and the US are working in social calamity based on crop failure experienced in partnership to lead efforts to combat under-nutrition Europe, indeed, in the ‘developed’ world, in modern around the world. Since September 2010, Ireland times. and the United States have been leading the 1,000 … The salient facts of the calamity are not in dis- Days of Action to Scale Up Nutrition. This innovative pute. From late summer 1845 a hitherto unknown movement aims to prevent the irreversible effects of fungus, to which there was then no known antidote, under nutrition on children during the critical 1,000 attacked and partially destroyed the potato crop in days between pregnancy and age two. Ireland. In 1846 the blight was more severe and de- ... I would like to congratulate that Committee for stroyed virtually the entire potato crop. The ravages their work over the last number of years in commemo- of starvation and various diseases in 1847 earned for rating and paying tribute to those who suffered loss, that year the grim description ‘Black 47’. … During death and displacement during the Great Famine the crisis years it is estimated that over one million years and also for the way they have linked respect- Irish perished, from hunger or, more commonly, from ing the memory of the Irish Famine with raising hunger-related diseases. In the decade following awareness of food security issues in the world today. 1846 – when the floodgates of emigration opened to President Michael D. Higgins Off the Bench Irishfest hosts The ultimate power tool advocates for By James W. Dolan to. He later reported that he lost sight of Martin, had Special to the Reporter given up the chase, and was returning to his vehicle Irish language With all of the hoopla sur- when Martin confronted him. An argument ensued rounding the Trayvon Martin during which Martin attacked him, knocked him to case in Florida, it is difficult the ground, and began pounding his head on the ce- June 8-10 in Canton to determine what likely hap- ment, according to Zimmerman. Fearing for his life, pened. This is my take based Zimmerman said, he drew his weapon and shot the The ICCNE’s Irish who spoke the Irish Lan- on a lot of years of observing youth, who took his version of the events to the grave. Festival in Canton (June guage as well as those human nature and trying to What likely happened? Zimmerman was on a mis- 8-10) will welcome sever- who spoke English. In find the truth. sion. Relying entirely on racial profiling, he believed al individuals involved in coming to the United A misguided law set the Martin was suspicious and was determined to detain a project that advocates States, CISTE seeks to stage for a tragedy in which a and question him. That makes him the aggressor. for the Irish language in renew those bonds of cul- 17-year-old, innocent African- From Martin’s perspective, he was being followed Northern Ireland. ture, hope and friendship James W. Dolan American youth was killed by by an older man for no reason. His fear was justified; The project, Ciste by offering a unique and a police officer wannabe. George Zimmerman fits the Zimmerman’s suspicion was not. When the two finally Infheistíochta Gaeilge genuinely historic oppor- pattern of a well-intentioned neighborhood watch- confronted each other, is it likely that Zimmerman (CISTE), is headed by tunity for partnership in man, who enjoyed the inflated status of a quasi law would at least have displayed his weapon? In his mind, Caoimhin Mac Giolla reconnecting the historic enforcement role. it was his badge – his power and authority. At that Mhin (Kevin McElwee province of Ulster and The gun he legally carried underscored that status point, Martin was likely terrified. He was faced with in English), who will be all its communities with and gave him the power and authority to amplify his an angry armed man and in reasonable fear for his life. joined by Frank Costello, the Irish language and importance. Unfortunately, he lacked the judgment Who was acting in self defense? Was it Zimmerman, the longtime Boston Irish to enable the Irish in and the training necessary to exercise the discipline who precipitated the entire incident without justifica- activisit who has resided Americas to be part of and restraint expected of law enforcement officers. tion after being instructed not to pursue the “suspect,” and worked in Belfast for that vital work. The Florida “stand your ground” law permits someone or Martin, who only knew that an angry man with a almost 20 years. “Our work at the rural to use deadly force – a gun – whenever they reasonably gun was after him? “We are not fund rais- and urban levels alike fear death or serious bodily arm at the hands of an Under these circumstances, would Martin have the ing but outlining the involves making the Irish assailant. Just who provoked the incident and what right to physically assault Zimmerman (as Zimmerman changes happening in language a central part is reasonable fear are two threshold questions. claims)? In my opinion, he would have been justified the North for the good in building the peace as in using physical force to protect himself. But Zimmer- The law obviously creates an advantage for the on the Irish language well as the future while man had power; he possessed the gun. person with a gun. Dead men don’t talk. The alleged and cultural front and honoring the sacrifices assailant is unable to provide his version of events. Too often under the “stand your ground” law, might makes right. A person who recklessly provokes an why Ciste is important at and hard work of by so Moreover, having a gun in your hand may influence home and abroad to those many men and women one’s notion of what is reasonable. incident and kills someone prevails, simply because the victim is dead and therefore unable to assert a efforts,” says Costello. at home and abroad in Trayvon Martin was visiting his father in the gated “The long and unbroken working to build a bet- community where George Zimmerman also lived. When claim of self defense. One must consider the victim’s state of mind and the history of the Irish in ter life.” Zimmerman observed a young black male wearing a America has included Costello added that he hoodie, he assumed he was at least suspicious. The context in which this incident occurred in determining if Zimmerman committed a crime. His misguided zeal all parts of Ireland, all is “helping in a strategic young man was simply returning to his father’s home communities, and has effort to raise the profile after visiting a local store. Other than his race, age does not make him a bad man, only someone who lacks included several genera- of the Irish language and the hoodie, there was nothing to suggest he was the discipline, maturity, and judgment to be patrolling tions as old as the great doing anything wrong. But, for Zimmerman, that was the neighborhood with a gun. among philanthropic enough. Armed with a gun, his badge of authority, he I expect he is now truly sorry for what occurred. American Republic itself. influencers and others decided to investigate. His life will never be the same. But the facts and the It is a tie that is indeed in the US. The emphasis After being told by the police dispatcher not to do consequences call for prosecution and, if convicted, seamless beginning with is on the development so, he got in his vehicle and slowly followed the young punishment for his reckless behavior – more likely the Irish contribution to needs of the Irish lan- man, who was talking to his girlfriend on a cell phone. negligent homicide or manslaughter. the creation of the Ameri- guage in the North and Martin reportedly told his girlfriend he was being fol- More importantly, the law which is a throwback to can nation and runs deep making Irish America lowed by a strange man. In an attempt to get away, the Wild West, should be changed. For all our professed to the present day. aware of the work they he ran. This confirmed Zimmerman’s suspicions – the concerns about human rights, our passion for guns “Among those who are doing.” youth was up to no good. makes us the most violent of industrialized nations. came to America, some To learn more about Zimmerman exited his vehicle and followed, intent James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court by choice and many by Ciste, visit ciste.ie. upon confronting Martin to determine what he was up judge who now practices law. necessity, were those Page 8 June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com The Eire Society of Boston held its 75th anniversary dinner on May 10, at the Hampshire House, Back Bay, Boston. Gold Medal citations were presented to Seamus Mulligan, radio personality, and Ronan Tynan, Irish tenor, motivational speaker and physician. Presiding officer was President Cathleen A. McGrail; the emcee was Dick Flavin. Karen Thornton photos

Ronan Tynan and Seamus Mulligan

Ronan Tynan, Cate McGrail, and Seamus Mulligan

Consul General Michael Lonergan, Connie Kotoujuian, and Neil Hurley

Ronan Tynan & Pauline Wells

Barbara Mahoney and Edris Kelly

Mike O’Connor Dick Flavin

Barbara Fitzgerald Mary Ellen and Seamus Mulligan Patrick and Phyllis McDevitt Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Irish International Immigrant Center An agency accredited by US Department of Justice 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected]

The Here Comes Ev- novel of the same name, of the Irish International Boston community with erybody Players, in col- Nuvoletta, a passage from Immigrant Center. over 1,000 hours of service laboration with the IIIC Finnegans Wake set to Calling All Employ- to local organizations in presents Bloomsday 2012 music by the American ers and Landlords – 2011 and return to Ire- An Evening of Music and composer Samuel Barber, Irish Summer “J1’ers” land with new skills and Drama to celebrate the and other music associ- need your help – The confidence which allows literary work of James ated with Joyce and his IIIC continues to help the many to become future Joyce and benefit the writings. “Joyce’s work J-1 summer students in community leaders, youth IIIC’s programs. can be difficult and im- their search for jobs and workers, care providers, Bloomsday is celebrated penetrable for the reader,” housing. We have new and more. Please consider annually throughout the says director Jean Sheikh. arrivals from Ireland visit supporting this program world on June 16. The “The process of drama- us every day. A lot of the by opening your home to day is named for Leopold tization brings it to life students are finding it one or two of these young Bloom, the main charac- and helps the audience hard to secure a job and adults for their six week ter of Joyce’s great novel to both hear and see the we need your help! If stay! Ulysses, set in Dublin on humor and the humanity you are an employer or Congratulations Sis- June 16, 1904. Within the in Joyce’s writing and landlord, please gives us ter Lena Deevy! – Our rich context of the life of characters.” a call or e-mail us and we executive director has the city, Joyce delineated Bloomsday promises will include your jobs and/ been nominated as a final- every detail of Bloom’s to be thought-provoking, or housing free of charge ist for the Massachusetts thoughts, words, and funny, moving, and true to in our resource list. Please Nonprofit Network has actions throughout the Joyce’s work. The perfor- contact Erika Bareiss Excellence in Leadership course of that day. It is one mance will be a fundraiser at 617-542-7654, Ext.18 Award. This award recog- of the most extraordinary for the Irish International or email at J1summer@ nizes a nonprofit leader books of the twentieth Immigrant Center, a not- iiicenter.org. On behalf of whose strategic vision, century. for-profit organization the young Irish men and passion, perseverance, This year Bloomsday that assists immigrants women seeking employ- and collaborative style will be celebrated at the from all over the world ment and accommodation, have led to extraordinary IIIC Center in Boston by with the challenges of we really appreciate your organizational or pro- Senator John Kerry speaks about immigration and The Here Comes Every- settling in a new country help! Thank you. grammatic results. The the US economy. See story, other photo, Page 3. body Players, a Boston- and culture and becoming H o s t F a m i l i e s award will be announced based theater group that part of American society. Needed for Wider on June 11 at an event in focuses on dramatic in- The event is on Fri., Horizons Program the State House. Immigration Q & A terpretations of Joyce’s June 15 and Sat., June 16 The Wider Horizons pro- Save the Date: Oct literary work, and will at 8 p.m. with reception gram brings young Irish 4th Evening Party – feature dramatizations following each perfor- men and women to Boston The Irish American Club Trusted traveler of excerpts from Ulysses mance at 100 Franklin for six week internships in Malden and the Irish and A Portrait of the Street, Boston 02110. community-based organi- International Immigrant Artist as a Young Man. Reservations (recom- zations. The experience Center will be hosting program has merit The production will also mended) Phone: 617-542- provides a great oppor- a great night of music, include a scene from 7654 or reservations@ tunity for personal and dance and partying as a Q. Is there a program operated by the US government Mary Manning’s theatri- iiicenter.org W e b : professional growth for fundraiser for the IIIC. that allows people to avoid some of the hassles when cal adaptation, Passages iiicenter.org. Suggested these young adults. They Please see iiicenter.org they fly to the US from abroad? from Finnegans Wake, Donation: $25. All pro- provide a tremendous for more details. A. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) oper- based closely on Joyce’s ceeds support the services contribution to the local ates a trusted traveler program called Global Entry at 20 major US airports, including Boston Logan, with expansion to four additional airports planned to take effect by September 2012. Global Entry allows approved Matters Of Substance US citizens and permanent residents, as well as Cana- dian and Mexican citizens and certain citizens of The Netherlands, to avoid passport and customs declaration Is there ‘recovery’ for families, too? processing lines and check in at a self-service kiosk in Q. “My sister has been their apartment. sober is her responsibil- the airport’s international arrivals area. sober for nearly six months I’m terrified that she ity alone. People do stay The traveler inserts his/her passport or green card and seems to be doing okay. has gone back drinking sober without meetings into a document reader, provides digital fingerprints, We used to live together but especially if her roommate and without calling them- answers a few customs declarations questions on a touch finally I couldn’t deal with has! Every time I call her selves alcoholic. Some- screen, and then receives a receipt for presentation to her constant mood swings, and try to reason with her, times they don’t. They CBP officers upon leaving the inspection area. CBP bringing home strange we end up fighting. I am need to learn what will estimates that use of the Global Entry program reduces people, and drinking on awake most nights terri- work to keep them sober. exit processing time by an average 70 per cent. the couch all day. I was fied that I will get a phone Do you think that stay- There is no minimum frequency of international air constantly worrying about call telling me that she has ing awake worrying and travel to qualify for the program. Those wishing to her lit cigarettes burn- been injured or even killed stressing at night will stop take part must apply on-line at globalentry.gov. A non- ing my apartment down! when driving with one of her from drinking if she refundable $100 fee is charged. CBP conducts a back- Eventually I gave her an her drunk friends! What has started again? Did it ground check for criminal records, immigration or cus- ultimatum: unless she got can I do? stop her before? Remem- toms violations, etc., and then summons the applicant treatment, she would have A. It sounds like you ber how you put yourself to a personal interview and digital biometrics (finger- to move out or go into a have been worrying about first when you finally Danielle Owen prints and photograph). Membership in the program, if granted, is valid for five years and may be renewed. shelter. Thankfully, she your sister for a long time asked her to leave your some counseling or maybe did stop, got help, and now and that you did her a apartment? You didn’t Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform, not go to Al-Anon meetings. to advise. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has a part-time job. huge favor by telling her wait till she got sober to Everyone there knows She has been sharing an to leave! It also seems like protect yourself and your and US Department of State regularly amend regula- exactly what you are tions and alter processing and filing procedures. For apartment with a friend she used the opportunity own peace of mind then, so afraid of and may share who’s also in recovery. I’m she was offered, with your why now? Putting yourself legal advice seek the assistance of an IIC immigration some ideas that helped specialist or an immigration lawyer. still very worried about ultimatum, to get sober. It first is not rejecting the them. Those who love an her, though. In her treat- can feel impossible to just person we love. It may alcoholic can and should ment center, they said that stop being concerned once seem impossible to let find peace of mind, too. Alcoholics should go to someone we love stops go of your sister and her Call Danielle at the Irish AA meetings to stop them drinking! Her recovery is decisions but you have International Immigrant going back drinking. Yet now her own responsibil- your life, too! Do you really Center, in confidence, to she insists that she isn’t ity. So how come you’re want to spend the rest of go over all your options. IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES an alcoholic and doesn’t still losing sleep? Whether your life wondering what Phone: 617-542-7654, Upcoming Free Immigration Legal Clinics need the meetings. I also or not your sister sees her- she is or isn’t doing? It can Ext: 14 or e-mail: dowen@ Tuesday, June 5 at IIIC, 100 Franklin St. LL-1, Boston recently saw her roommate self as an alcoholic or goes help to talk about it with iicenter.org. Check out: al- Monday, June 11 at 6:30 PM at The Green Briar Pub, 304 Washington St., Brighton outside the off-license near to AA meetings, staying someone you trust, get Tuesday, June 19 at IIIC, 100 Franklin St. LL-1, Boston anon.alateen.org. Tuesday, June 26 at 6:00PM at The South Boston Laboure Center, 275 West Broadway, South Boston All clinics are first-come, first-served. For complete details, please call (617) 542-7654.

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TOURISM IRELAND DIMENSIONS Supplied by: Tengo Two, S.L. Publication: Boston Irish Reporter Page Trim: 10" x 16” Barcelona, Spain Publish Date: June 2012 Bleed: 10.25" x 16.25” Tel: 011 [34] 652 081 624 Materials Date: June 31st, 2012 Live Area: 9" x 15” eMail: [email protected] Page 12 June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Travel & More ReporterDetours mark Bradshaw’s life – in the end, there’s the music

By Sean Smith which features 12 songs solely or collab- Special to the BIR oratively composed by him. Simply and It sounds like the kind of moment only appropriately titled “Bob Bradshaw,” the the imagination of a singer-songwriter— CD represents a meshing of Bradshaw’s like, say, Bob Bradshaw—might cook up, past and present through contributions only it really happened. from long-time collaborators like Scoop The quick lead-in: Irish native moves McGuire (who in addition to playing to the US at the tail end of the 1980s, various instruments also produced and pursues a musical career that eventually arranged the album) and more recent lands him in Boston, where he decides to Boston/Berklee-era acquaintances such apply to, and is accepted by, the Berklee as Dan Gurney, Annie Lynch, Duke College of Music. Then he has misgiv- Levine, and Maeve Gilchrist. ings, so he calls the school to cancel his Bradshaw’s songs are situated com- enrollment. fortably in a country-rock/acoustic “The lady at Berklee who answered the folk-pop landscape that has been shaped phone listened and asked me, ‘Are you by influences like Guy Clark and The sure?’ ” recalls Bradshaw. “I thought for Waterboys; fiddles, mandolins and ac- a few seconds and said, ‘No.’ And then cordions—even a harp—provide cross- I hung up. hatching across guitars, lap steel, bass, “If she hadn’t asked me that ques- keyboards and drums. tion, if she hadn’t made me think about His songs can be sparse yet abundant it, I wouldn’t have ended up going to with just-below-the-surface emotion Berklee.” (“Carlos”), keenly observed cautionary But Bradshaw did, ushering in another tales (“Iowa Girl”), simultaneously fan- chapter of a career that has often proved ciful and thoughtful (“Wings of Desire”) to be more interesting than he might’ve and sometimes suddenly, startlingly thought possible—full of, as he puts it nimble (“Remember Me”). somewhat self-deprecatingly, “sideways “Long Way to Go”—about the emo- or even backward steps.” The more re- tional as well as geographical distance cent years, coinciding with his time in a pair of wary lovers must travel—is Boston, have seen Bradshaw focus on marked by Gurney’s accordion, acting his craft in new ways, whether obtaining almost as a soothing counterweight to his degree in professional music from the angsty elements in the song. Berklee or gaining a fresh appreciation “The song is in F-sharp, and I couldn’t for the music traditions of his homeland. find another accordion player in Boston “Maybe,” he quips, “I’m the ultimate who could play it the way Dan does,” says Cork native Bob Bradshaw: “I guess I’m famous for taking a detour. There late bloomer — just figuring it all out Bradshaw. “As far as I’m concerned, the are things I want to do, but it seems like I have to go through something else now.” accordion made that song.” to get there. But at least I’m still going.” Aditi Mehta photo These and other experiences are dis- “Wings of Desire,” he says, takes its tilled in Bradshaw’s newly produced CD, (Continued on page 13) Generous crowd gathers to help Sergio Musicians, singers, dancers from condition that prevents him from their son is in the hospital – was on the Greater Boston area came out eating, drinking and swallowing due hand for the festivities and joined in to The Burren in Somerville’s Davis to a hole in his esophagus. An esti- the music himself. The helpsergio. Square on May 20 in support of Ser- mated $20,000 was raised at the six- com website reports that Sergio has gio O’Connor, a 1-year-old boy from hour-plus event to help the O’Connor been responding well thus far to the Ireland who is undergoing treatment family pay for the treatment. Sergio’s treatment, and at press time he was at Boston Children’s Hospital for father, Donal – who along with his scheduled to undergo esophageal tracheo-oesophageal fistula, a rare wife Rosa are staying in Boston while repair surgery.

Nigel Heaton, 1 ½, kept a watchful eye on his par- ents, Matt and Shannon, as they performed during Tina Lech and Ted Davis were among the many musicians who performed at the “session for Sergio” the Burren event. Sean Smith photos at The Burren. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Having the time of her life in ‘Mamma Mia!’ By R. J. Donovan such ABBA mega-hits audience and see four markets. Like in Los An- okay because it all worked Special to The BIR as “The Winner Takes It generations There’s the geles, [they were] tearing out in the end . . . It was Boston theater audi- All,” “Dancing Queen,” grandmother, who would the seats out of the theater never that they didn’t ences love Mary Calla- “Take A Chance On Me” be my mother’s age. Then . . . You think, Los Angeles, want me. At one point I nan. Period. From her and “Thank You For The there’s me, and there’s my they’re sophisticated. But took one of those audition performances at Speak- Music.” daughter, and then her when people get there, classes where you meet Easy Stage, New Rep and As Mary traveled be- daughter. And the hus- they’re ready to have a with an actual casting Lyric to the hot night spots tween engagements in bands. They’re all there. good time. It’s crazy. They director and they give you in Provincetown, she’s Kentucky, we spoke by BIR: Rosie is the no- put on the costumes . . . In choices of songs to sing, known for her razor-sharp phone about the tour and nonsense, comic relief in LA there was a drag queen blah, blah, blah. way with a funny line as her upcoming Boston run. the show. That role is in Donna’s opening outfit BIR: And one of those Here’s an edited look at perfect for you. in the front row. Full on! classes was with the cast- well as her ability to knock Boston’s Mary Callanan a musical number out of our conversation: MC: It is perfect for me. BIR: Diehard fans of ing director from “Mamma BIR: “Mamma Mia!” is I always say, I think I’m plays the role of Rosie the park. “Mamma Mia!” tend to be Mia!” in the national tour of Loyal followers haven’t like the Eveready Bunny. the luckiest person in the very committed. MC: He laughed when “Mamma Mia!” coming seen a lot of the South From your perspective, world because I have the I was in the class because to Boston’s Opera House Shore resident lately be- what is it that makes the best lines, the best song, MC: [At one perfor- I know him. He’s seen me June 19 - 24. cause she’s been on the show such a phenomenon. in the best position in the mance], three teenage do my club act and we’ve road playing the role of MC: That’s easy. It’s show. If you’re a comic, girls had their mothers know each other for a long their family. “Mamma Rosie in the national tour this music. It’s the music there’s really nothing help them sew the dynamo time. And he said, in a Mia!” is a juggernaut all by of “Mamma Mia!” All that that you and I grew up more that you could re- costumes that we wear mock whisper, “What are itself. But for me person- changes this month when with. It’s known all over ally ask for. Except that at the end. They had on you doing here?” And I ally, Facebook certainly is the tour works its way to the world . . . It’s also a I am blessed with [stage] these full sequin versions said, “Do you really want widening my purview, so the Opera House for a family show. It’s about the partners who are equally of us. It’s very flattering. me to tell the whole class?” that for the next thing, I June 19-24 run. strength of mothers and dedicated to comedy. It’s amazing that someone And he turned really red have all these new friends. Seen by more than 50 daughters and friendships BIR: Having played loves this story so much and said, “Actually, yes, BIR: The inevitable million people around . . . It’s sticking together coast to coast, have you that they’re going to go you should tell the whole question is, what’s it going the world, the phenom- and friends and girl power, found that audiences em- through that. class.” And I said, “I’m to be like performing for enally successful musical whether it’s old girl power brace the show differently BIR: They way the here to ask you, what do I the hometown crowd at is about a single mother, or young girls. in different parts of the story is told, the audience have to do to get this job?” the Opera House? When a spirited daughter, and BIR: It crosses all country? clearly bonds with the And everybody started you walk out for your first a wedding on a Greek is- borders. MC: We’ve had surpris- three female characters. laughing. And he said, entrance in this huge hit, land. The score includes MC: You look in the ing responses in different MC: Every woman who “It’s just a matter of time.” the response is going to be comes to the show says And I said, “So I’m going to incredible. “They’re just like me. stick with it if it kills me!” MC: I just hope I don’t She’s just like my friend BIR: You’ve used Face- completely sob, that’s all Suzy or my mother or my book very effectively to I’m counting on . . . When Aunt Helen” or whatever stay in touch with people I was a little girl or a teen- it is. Our characters are so while you’ve been on the ager, I was sitting in the easily identifiable. Which road. Social media has [Colonial] Theatre, say- is a beautiful thing. Our given the arts world a ing, “This is what I want characters are not far from whole new promotional to do. This is what I want the truth. tool. to do.” You check off one BIR: You and I have MC: It certainly helps big Bucket List childhood spoken in the past about me get in touch with my dream. how many times you’ve ever-expanding family BIR: And the headline auditioned over the years all across the country . . . reads, Local Girl Makes to get into this show. How it helps, quote, The Good. MC: I auditioned Fan Base, is that people MC: (Laughing) Yes, throughout six years. who have seen me in I’m an overnight success! They kept calling me back Provincetown are saying, R. J. Donovan is pub- in. (Laughing) I’m as- “You’re in Kentucky! Oh lisher of OnStageBoston. suming they waited until my God, I’m in Kentucky.“ com. my hair and my wrinkles That kind of thing. Which *** and my age were the right is why every morning – ex- “Mamma Mia!” – June combination. cept I forgot this morning, 19-24, Boston’s Opera BIR: The process had to thank you for reminding House, 539 Washington be somewhat challenging. me – I change my city Street. Tickets: 1-800-982- The national tour of “Mamma Mia!” stars Alison Ewing, Kaye Tuckerman and It was a little on Mary Callanan (far right, front). Photo credit: Joan Marcus MC: when we move so people 2787; BroadwayInBoston. the rigorous side, but it’s can either keep up or tell com. Detours mark Bradshaw’s life – in the end, there’s the music inspiration from the 1987 Therein, Bradshaw Freddie White also caught McGuire), which built on In any case, Bradshaw stop singing so far behind Wim Wenders movie of says, lies the paradox in Bradshaw’s ear. the American roots sound found he had a knack the beat. But at Berklee I the same name, “about many of his compositions. Bradshaw did have Bradshaw had been play- for songwriting, slow a found both the confidence an angel willing to give “My songs are not au- the paradigmatic day job ing to include the 1990s process as it was, and con- and the vocabulary for my up his wings”—even if tobiographical, but they for a while, writing for Celtic folk-rock that had tinues to be: “If I write six music.” it doesn’t follow the plot. do incorporate autobio- a local newspaper and, come into vogue; that songs a year, that’s great Bradshaw has found “I’ve always loved that graphical elements in after moving to Dublin, development owed a great for me. And then I seem to other avenues of explora- movie, and for years I tried them,” he says. “The songs contributing stories to deal to a collaboration spend years tweaking or tion at Boston, including a to work it into a song. I may focus on a particular the Irish Press and In with legendary singer- fiddling with them; I also new appreciation for Irish thought it would be kind character, but they’re not Dublin magazine. He even songwriter Ron Kavana, throw away a lot of them.” music: For a performance of amusing to have a harp me. I may be in the songs, earned a bursary from the who had the Resident The next, critical part of in Harvard Square’s Club in a song about an angel, somewhere, but at the Irish Arts Council, and Aliens as his back-up band Bradshaw’s development Passim, Bradshaw played so I asked Maeve Gilchrist same time I want to seem set about trying to write and recorded a live album came after he moved to songs that were associat- to sit in, and she did a as if I’m not. the elusive novel that all with them. Boston, when practically ed, in one way or another, fantastic job.” “Mostly, they’re simply writers supposedly have Most of all, San Fran- on a whim he enrolled with his native Cork; he The album’s final stories.” within them. But Brad- cisco was where Bradshaw in Berklee—a whim he also has taken lessons track, “Mourning Dove,” Born and raised in shaw couldn’t make his first dipped his toe into the later second-guessed. “I from Shannon Heaton stemmed from Brad- Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, novel emerge, and found songwriting pool—some- thought, ‘This is ridicu- and Liz Simmons, whose shaw’s participation in a Bradshaw found a model that, as far as writing what out of necessity, as lous, I’m in my 40s, I style and repertoire tends Holocaust-themed play, of music appreciation in went, he had “hit the wall.” he explains: “It all started don’t belong there.” But to traditional singing. “Budzin,” that was staged his father, who “sang at So he turned to music, and because someone offered after the fateful phone call What’s more, after hav- in Harvard’s Sanders the drop of a hat.” But hit the road, first going to make a CD of us. I that brought him so close ing sung in Spanish while Theater. Recruited at first as a young man, once he east to Portugal, Spain, felt there was no point in to pulling out of Berklee, gigging in Barcelona, and as a guitar player, Brad- decided he wanted to play Germany, and Sweden, making an album of cover Bradshaw went all in. He in Polish for “Budzin,” shaw wound up one of the music, too, and got himself and then west, all the way material. So I started put- took part in the college’s Bradshaw says he began production’s main actors: a guitar, Bradshaw looked to New York City and San ting together some songs. Celtic ensemble, led by thinking, “Well, why not a concentration camp in- elsewhere than his own Francisco. It was all part of an inter- the late John McGann, sing in Irish, too?” mate who must, literally, country’s music for inspi- In San Francisco, he esting transition in many and Dave Hollander’s “I guess I’m famous perform for his life. The ration—from American found pretty regular pub ways. I had been used to bluegrass ensemble, en- for taking a detour,” he song touches on a succes- country rock performers gigs, but more impor- playing in pubs, where tered the school’s singer- laughs. “There are things sion of powerful emotions, like Guy Clark and The tantly, for the first time you’re mainly concerned songwriter competitions I want to do, but it seems summed up by a masterful Eagles, who in the 1970s began playing more often with hitting people over and, in general, soaked like I have to go through couplet of a chorus: “It’s a were capturing the fancy with other musicians. the head to get their atten- up as much as he could. something else to get rising up and laying down/ of many Irish singer-song- This led to the formation tion. But when it comes to “It was a struggle,” he there. But at least I’m Of a boundless love and a writers; fellow country- of Resident Aliens (whose ‘listening rooms,’ you have says. “I had to learn to read still going.” thorny crown.” men like Mick Hanly and members included Scoop to be that much better.” music. I had to learn to Where in the World Can You Find News about Ourselves & Our Town www.BostonIrish.Com Page 14 June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com well as traditional Irish material, and are dynamic Moloney to invite and thoroughly absorbing. them to participate CD Roundup O’Connor’s fiddling, for instance, powers a trio of reels in the band’s next that includes his “Ar Thóir An Donn” and provides a recording project. powerful emotional current for a melodic interpretation In fact, maybe we By Sean Smith of the sean-nos song “Máire An Chúil Ór Bhuí.” He also should start a bet- Special to the BIR shows a deft touch on piano for McCrickard’s soulful ting pool on whom renditions of the traditional false-true love lament they’ll call on next: At First Light, “Idir” – The trio of John McSherry “Courting Is a Pleasure” and a John McCambridge Lady Gaga? Skril- (Uilleann pipes, whistles), Donal O’Connor (fiddle, song, “The Quiet Land of Erin.” lex? Kraftwerk? keyboards) and Francis McIlduff (bodhran, Uilleann The McSherry-McIlduff duets on whistle and espe- OK, that’s gra- pipes, whistles, percussion) at long last bring forth the cially pipes are nothing short of brilliant, especially tuitously snarky. follow-up to their 2006 album “Tripswitch,” regarded their treatment of piping master Finbar Furey’s epic “Voice of Ages” is as one of the more “Roy’s Hands” — the pipes seem to perform a sad bal- by turns charm- outstanding exam- let of sound, bending and shifting notes at, or with, ing, fascinating, ples in what’s often one another. and generally quite well-conceived and well-executed. called the “neo- Another highlight is “Rolling in Rosemont,” which Following their modus operandi of the last couple of traditional” style begins with “Brelydian” — a cheerful, gently rollicking decades, The Chieftains put together another collabora- of Irish music. jig invention of McSherry, O’Connor and American slide tive recording, this time with bands and performers At First Light’s guitarist Bob Brozman (which they recorded on their who primarily fall (or are pushed) into the “indie-rock” sound is centered CD “Six Days in Down”) — that segues smartly into category – The Low Anthem, Bon Iver, The Decem- on Lunasa co- the traditional hop jig “Comb Your Hair and Curl It” berists, Imelda May -- and others with ties to roots- founder McSher- on the strength of McSherry’s whistle before the gang Americana and country, like The Carolina Chocolate ry’s innovative opens the throttle on a pair of slides. Drops, the Punch Brothers, and Pistol Annies. The piping, O’Connor’s At First Light elevates tune selection and arrange- common thread among them is that for the most part lyrical fiddling, ment to practically a high art form, blending moods they’re young(ish), open to experimentation and genre- and McIlduff’s tal- and shades as well as key signatures — but in the end, hopping, and somewhat out of whatever entity passes ent on rhythm and melody; they are bolstered here by it’s all about playing with the requisite amount of guts for the mainstream nowadays. a quintet of guest musicians, including vocalist and and grit, and they manage that just fine, too. Most of the songs, whether traditional or contem- fiddler Ciara McCrickard. Their intelligently crafted porary, have some sort of Irish association, and the and arranged instrumental sets include original com- The Chieftains, “Voice of Ages” – If The Chief- guest artists seek to put their own particular stamps positions and tunes from Breton and the Asturian tains keep this up, practically every pop/rock performer on them, with the influence and assistance of Paddy region of Spain, even a French Renaissance dance, as in creation will be on tenterhooks waiting for Paddy and the guys. (It bears mentioning that The Chieftains also work here with a fine supporting cast of fiddlers Deanie Richardson and Jon Pilatzke, guitarist Jeff White, and the delightful harpist Triona Marshall.) When you’re The Carolina Chocolate Drops, and you have an other-worldly vocalist like Rhiannon Giddens, the result is stunning: “Pretty Little Girl” is easily one of the album’s best, a high-energy, seamless mix of Irish and American South traditions. Meanwhile, Imelda May, the rockabilly/R&B torch singer, gives the traditional “Carolina Rua” a bounce and swagger, and you can tell she is absolutely savoring the whole thing, right down to the bit of scat-singing she employs. The Punch Brothers are the only guests to get more than one track, and they deserve it, with Noam Pilkeny’s banjo and Chris Thile’s mandolin in particular enliven- ing “The Lark in the Clear Air” and “The Frost Is All Over.” The Civil Wars offer up their own, tender “Lily Love,” which they wrote specifically for the album, and with Marshall’s harp taking a prominent role, the song almost sounds like some lost O’Carolan piece with words. The Decemberists are at their typically dramatic/ nautical best with Bob Dylan’s “When the Ship Comes In” and The Low Anthem — preceded by a children’s choir singing in Gaelic — brings a certain exoticness to Ewan MacColl’s “School Days Over,” with cello, pump organ, and hammered dulcimer underneath Ben Knox Miller’s melancholic, but not maudlin, vocals. The Chieftains even bring back Michael Tubridy and Sean Potts to join them for a “Reunion” track, one of their characteristic long instrumental sets that includes solos and occasional bits of singing. It’s wonderful, of course, but seems oddly out of place here – unless it’s a sneak peek at a future recording project? Davis Square events will heat things up Early this month will see Somerville’s Davis Square once again be a hotbed for Irish music, with a pair of events spotlighting some highly popular Celtic performers. This Sat., June 2, Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant and Music Club will feature two Massachusetts-based acts, singer-songwriter Robbie O’Connell and all-female quartet Long Time Courting. One of the most beloved performers of Irish music around today, O’Connell has authored songs like “Keg of Brandy,” “The Man from Connemara,” “Islander’s Lament” and other compositions that have become staples of many a folksinger’s repertoire. In addition, O’Connell has appeared as part of The Clancy Legacy and The Green Fields of America. Long Time Courting is comprised of four accom- plished traditional musicians: Shannon Heaton (flute, accordion, vocals), Liz Simmons (vocals, guitar), Sarah Blair (fiddle, vocals) and their newest member, cellist Val Thompson. Their vocal harmonies and excellent musicianship, combined with material from Irish, English, Scottish and contemporary sources, have won the ears, as well as hearts, of audiences. The concert begins at 7 p.m. For more information, see johnnyds.com. More from ‘Backroom’ series On Wed., June 6, Caoimhin O’Raghallaigh and Mick O’Brien, along with Boston-based duo Matt and Shannon Heaton, will perform in the latest offering of The Burren’s “Backroom” series. O’Raghallaigh has emerged as one of Ireland’s more intriguing traditional fiddlers of recent years — especially with his use of the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle — and his duos with Uilleann piper O’Brien have proved captivating and invigorating. The two recently released their second CD, “Aoibhinn Crónán (The Deadly Buzz).” The Heatons are among the more high-profile performers in the Boston area, both as a duo and in their various other musical pursuits. Their instrumentals and songs, which include both traditional and original material, are featured on their four albums as a duo; Shannon also has a solo CD, “The Blue Dress.” For more details on the show, which begins at 7:30 p.m., see burren.com. —SEAN SMITH Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 De Valera: Colossus of Irish civic life Following is the fourth in a series of retrospective American citizen articles on individuals who made notable contributions by birth, so at to civic life in Ireland in the 20th century. his trial, he was represented by Eamon de Valera counsel from the 1882-1975 United State em- A column of news and updates of the Boston Celtic We have been examining the roots of the Irish push bassy in Dublin, Music Fest (BCMFest), which celebrates the Boston for independence and the lives of those who sacrificed who argued for area’s rich heritage of Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton along the way, controversial and important figures in his release. Al- music and dance with a grassroots, musician-run 20th century Irish history. Eamon de Valera was a though that ap- winter music festival and other events during the year. singular player among those figures, a man of many peal was unsuc- —SEAN SMITH maneuvers who dominated Irish political life across a cessful, World School spirit: Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Boston swath of decades, essentially until his death at age 92. War I was ongo- Music School faculty members and friends — who He and Michael Collins stand out in Irish memory ing, and with the happen to be among the finest Irish music performers as counterpoints on the political axis. They fought to- United States in the Greater Boston area — will give a concert on gether, they conspired together, and, in the end, they not yet involved, June 11 as part of the monthly BCMFest Celtic Music fought each other. As the memory of Collins as a fallen the UK was care- Monday series at Club Passim. martyr was taking hold on the island in the mid-1920s, ful not to inflame Among those appearing will be Flynn Cohen (guitar), de Valera was grabbing the reins of government and the situation by Patrick Hutchinson (Uilleann pipes), Danny Noveck consolidating his party’s hold on the national agenda. executing a US (fiddle, guitar), Tommy Sheridan (accordion), and Over the course of the next 30 years, he would serve citizen. Bridget Fitzgerald (vocals), as well as the duos of Matt thrice as Taoiseach (prime minister), as president, De Valera’s position was also helped by he fact that Heaton (guitar) and Shannon Heaton (flute, whistle), and as head of the Dail (Parliament) and the Execu- the file on him was negligible; he was not nearly as Tina Lech (fiddle) and Ted Davis (guitar), and John tive Council. well known as other leaders in the Rising like James Coyne (bouzouki) and Josie Coyne (fiddle). Taking into account what de Valera had done in the Connolly. Organizers say the event is a celebration of the school years leading up to the Rising and over the course of In 1917, having been released from prison under an and the music tradition it represents, and a means to the war for independence and the civil war over treaty amnesty agreement, de Valera was elected to the House help support both: Part of the concert proceeds will obligations, you end up with a picture of a citizen- of Commons representing County Clare. A year later, benefit the CCE Boston Music School, which holds politician who knew his mind and tended to get what he was heading up the Sinn Fein party, which won classes at the St. Columbkille Partnership School in he wanted. governing rights by a large majority soon thereafter. Brighton. But just as importantly, organizers add, the De Valera, like other standout figures in 20th century From 1919 to 1921 he was the president of the Dail, concert is a show of appreciation for one of the most Irish civic life, was not to country born. He is among a post more or less equivalent to prime minister, but important figures in the school’s history, CCE Boston those who are hailed by the Irish national anthem, not head of state position. The Dail presidency was Chairman Larry Reynolds. Amhran na bhFiann (A Soldier’s Song), which tells abolished in 1922, and de Valera became president of Since immigrating from Galway to Boston in 1953 of Ireland’s leaders and fighters for independence the Republic of Ireland, not to be confused with the at the height of the city’s renowned Dudley Street coming “...from a land beyond the wave.” later position of President of Ireland. dance hall era, Reynolds has been a mainstay in the He was born in New York City in October 1882 to an Angry at the division of Ireland that Collins agreed local Irish music scene, leading such famous sessions Irish mother, Catherine Coll, and a Cuban immigrant to with the British, de Valera removed himself from as The Green Briar and Canadian-American Club and named Juan Vivion de Valera, and the boy’s family Sinn Fein and formed his own party, Fianna Fail, while serving as a teacher and mentor to countless musicians. life was anything but normal. Although Catherine anti-treaty and pro-treaty forces descended into civil In 1975, he co-founded the Hanafin-Cooley Boston CCE and Juan allegedly were married in the summer of war, although de Valera’s involvement as an anti-treaty branch, one of the largest and most active chapters in 1881, there have no records extant verifying the bond. leader was reportedly quite limited. the world. A member of the Comhaltas Hall of Fame, Soon after Eamonn was born, his father, reportedly Thereafter, de Valera returned to politics and played Reynolds also has been honored by Harvard Univer- in ill health, decamped to Colorado where he died in a crucial role in the crafting of the Irish Free State sity’s Celtic Languages and Literatures Department, 1885. Three years later, after she had sent her son to constitution. In the 1932 elections, Fianna Fail secu- the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, and, in live with relatives in Bruree, Co. Limerick, Catherine reed 72 seats in the Dail, an important achievement 2006, by Irish America Magazine, which included him married an Englishman named Wheelwright and and one showing a bright future for the party and de in its Top 100 Irish-Americans list. rarely saw her son after that and never again did he Valera, who ruled as head of the executive council. “The Boston Comhaltas School is committed to live with her. In 1937, an entirely new constitution was drafted and helping preserve and pass along the great Irish mu- Eamonn was raised by his grandmother and uncle directed fully to total Irish independence. Among the sic tradition, and we’re grateful for the school’s very and grew up an Irish lad with a Carribean name and new realties: a formal name change to Eire; territorial talented and dedicated faculty members who enable heritage. claims to the entire island of Ireland, and the estab- us to fulfill that mission,” says the school’s executive For all that, over time in the eyes of the Irish he was lishment of Irish as the republic’s official language. director, John Kearney. “It wouldn’t have been possible 100 percent theirs. That same year, de Valera assumed the position without Larry Reynolds and the Comhaltas officers Growing up in Ireland, de Valera attended several of taoiseach, a seat he would hold until 1948. From who started the school 15 years ago. colleges, mostly in the Dublin area, and for a time this chair, he formally renounced all ties with the “Now, with the help of the area music community, we considered a life in the priesthood, a vocation his half- UK just before the start of World War II, and later look to continue teaching these great tunes and songs brother, Thomas Wheelwright, took up. declared a “National Emergency” during the war that to the next generation of young players.” After college, he remained in academia, teaching suspended constitutional review. In fact, the “emer- The Boston Comhaltas School offers instruction in mathematics on both a primary school and university gency” remained in effect formally until 1976. To the fiddle, flute, whistle, anglo concertina, button accordion, level, and although he wanted to continue his education consternation of the Allies, De Valera maintained full Uilleann pipes, harp, guitar, tenor banjo, mandolin, further, family life and work requirements came first. neutrality during the war: no involvement, simply a singing and bodhran. In addition, the school has started In 1910, he married Sinead Flanagan, a teacher and commitment to peace. a ceili band class and holds open sessions for students. writer who would herself rise to some literary fame, In 1948, de Valera took some time off from politics Comhaltas School faculty members are some of the writing over thirty books in both English and Irish. to travel, but soon enough issues called him back to city’s most distinguished Irish musicians, including They raised five sons – Vivion, Eamon, Brian, Ruairi, Ireland. Elected taoiseach once more in 1951, he served full-time performers as well as highly active, in-demand and Terrence – and two daughters, Mairin and Emer. through 1954, and yet again from 1957-1959. session players. As a young activist and supporter of the Irish lan- At age 75, he was elected to the post of President “BCMFest’s central mission is to promote and honor guage, de Valera was soon swept into the world of Irish of Ireland, a largely ceremonial post with certain excellent players who advance traditional music,” Republicanism, and in 1913 was sworn into the Irish diplomatic responsibilities. He lived out his days of says BCMFest co-founder and committee member Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a precursor of the IRA retirement in County Dublin, losing his beloved wife Shannon Heaton, herself a Boston Comhaltas School and an organization that would take on the fight for Sinead in January 1975, before he died in August of faculty member. “Boston is one of the best places in Irish independence. the same year, at 92. He is buried in Dublin’s Glasn- the world for Irish music, thanks in large part to the He played a key role in the Easter Rising of 1916, evin Cemetery. incredible work and support that Larry Reynolds, John leading a group of troops that occupied Boland’s Mill Eamonn de Valera stood astride Irish civic life for Kearney and the rest of the Comhaltas gang offer to in Dublin. Like so many others, he was arrested for his more than half a century; he contributed to the ris- our trad music community.” involvement in the rising and sentenced immediately ing, and he saw the coming of The Troubles. He ached Adds Kearney, “We are very pleased to have this to death, a fate that was not to be. His sentence was for independence for all of the island of Ireland, and opportunity to showcase the talents of our faculty, changed to life in prison, to be served at Kilmainham worked to his last breath to make that happen. He did and hope people will come out to enjoy an evening Gaol, for reasons of citizenship. things his way, the Irish way. of fine music—and to show support for the Boston De Valera was not an Irish/UK citizen; he was an Comhaltas School.” Admission to the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m., is $12, $6 for members of Passim, WGBH and WUMB. More details at passim.org. Clock’s ticking: There is still time left for musicians, Burials in singers, dancers and others interested in performing at the 10th BCMFest (January 11-12, 2013) to apply. Massachusetts Go to cmfest.com/performers.html to download an ap- or Ireland plication. Deadline for submissions is July 10. Upbeat news on Fleadh front Gormley There was plenty of good news for Greater Boston/ Eastern Massachusetts Irish musicians at the recent Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Mid-Atlantic Fleadh. Funeral Home Among those tasting success at the event, held May 18-20 in Parsippany, NJ, were Armand Aromin, who won first place in Miscellaneous Instrument and 617-323-8600 in Duos with Patrick Hutchinson, and second in the Newly Composed Tune category; Hutchinson, who in addition to winning first in Duos with Aromin placed “Serving Greater Boston since 1971” first in Trios with Willie and Siobhan Kelly; Lindsay 1060 N. MaiN St., RaNdolph, Ma 02368 Straw, second in Singing; Natalya Kay, second in 2055 Centre Street Over-18 Solo Fiddle; Lisa Coyne, second in Duos and phone: 781-963-3660 West Roxbury, MA in Trios, and third in Newly Composed Tune; Coyne’s fax: daughter Josie, third in Under-15 Solo Fiddle, and 781-986-8004 second in Under-15 Duos. www.miltonmonuments.com Next month’s issue of the BIR will include a look at www.Gormleyfuneral.com email: [email protected] some of the local fleadh winners. Page 16 June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Traveling People Hello, sheep lovers: Ireland is the place for ewe

By Judy Enright Special to the BIR The clerk in the upscale Connemara shop said, “Sheep sell. Items here with sheep on them fly out the door!” She had seen me ad- miring a large display of ceramic mugs, coasters, magnets, cards, prints, and more – by Thomas Joseph, an artist in Co. Down, Northern Ireland. He has a lot of fun with the word “ewe” – using it in place of “you” (wish ewe were here, for instance) – and depicts sheep on surf boards, driving tractors, playing and doing other whimsical things that, of course, sheep don’t do. It is no wonder to me that sheep items sell -- especially to Americans -- because we simply do not see them strolling – with their lambs – down the middle of our busy roads. They are a real treat and a novelty to most Irish tourists although they are an everyday sight to the residents of rural areas and are often not such a treat when they rampage through gardens or snack on the prized shrubbery. Above: Mayo/Connemara Blackface Mountain ram. Below, left: Blackface Mountain lamb. Center: Not all Irish sheep have black faces. This pretty black and white ewe is an example of a breed that’s different from the Mayo/Connemara Blackface Mountain Obsessed with sheep Sheep. Bottom, right: This lamb stopped long enough to pose for us. And, while he is no beauty, there is something so endearing I enjoy seeing sheep about his funny face and ears that look like they are too long. Judy Enright photos wandering around and I find one more photogenic than the next. Catherine, a longtime member of the staff at the Beehive in Keel, Co. Mayo, laugh- ingly told me one day that I am obsessed with sheep. Her family raises sheep -- as do many in Mayo -- so she’s quite used to them and can’t really fathom why I jump up from lunch to photograph them as they amble down the middle of the main road that winds through Achill Island. My sheep “obsession” is quiring farmers to fence adds: “No dogs …that’s an American lady who was also well known to those thearkopenfarm.co.uk hours in Newport, visit their land so that live- common sense. Dogs wor- taking a bus tour of Ire- in Mulranny, Mayo, where Ireland Comes Alive: greenwayartists.com or stock are contained and rying sheep is a legal land. … I thought I made I rent a house. I endure, There’s so much to do in go to greenwayartists. don’t cause accidents. offence…that’s the law.” a great impression! When but also enjoy, no end of Ireland now that summer blogspot.com. And, while I have seen This year, there’s a sign the lady returned to the kidding there. In fact, and the warmer weather Events: If you’re in some evidence of very saying, “Slow down, don’t US, she was asked what wandering the hills some- have arrived. You can go the Westport, Co. Mayo, good fencing in the more mow down.” the highlight of her trip to where above my rented boating or to one of many area, the annual Horse rural counties, apparently Ireland was. She replied, house is a big, old ewe Sheep lovers gorgeous beaches, play & Pony Show is Sunday there are many sheep that At an extremely infor- ‘those lovely Irish Sheep.’” that Francis O’Donnell, golf, wind surf, hill walk, and Monday, June 3 and didn’t get the message. mative website called bal- When you’re in Ireland, local fisherman and sheep enjoy music, and art and 4) in Knockranny, West- They manage to slip out lybegvillage.com, I found be on the lookout for some farmer, named “Judy” in so much more. port. The Westport Folk of even the tightest fences the following: “Everyone of the farms that welcome my honor. We’ve written before & Blue Grass Festival is and are everywhere and, loves sheep. It probably visitors including: the Sheep are spray-paint- about the Great Western scheduled from June 29 to more often than not, that stems from the fact that Kissane Sheep Farm (kis- ed in Ireland with each Greenway, the longest (26 July 1 and the Westport means in the middle of the as lambs, they are among sanesheepfarm.com) near farmer’s distinctive col- miles) off-road cycling and Sea Angling Festival is road or grazing the “long the most cuddly and soft- Kenmare in Co. Kerry, ors, some of which are walking trail in Ireland June 22, 23, and 24. They acre” along the edge. est creatures you can where you can visit and completely mad – like that follows the defunct all sound like fun. Last spring, for the first imagine, and as adults also “adopt” a sheep, and fluorescent purple and Westport to Achill rail- The annual Eigse Car- time, I saw an “Animal they seem to be the most Killary Sheep Farm, just orange together on the way line. The Greenway low Arts Festival is set for Safety and Welfare – Po- docile and harmless crea- outside Leenane, Co. Gal- same sheep. Marking has inspired many local June 8-17. The Festival lite Notice” signposted tures you will ever meet way, where sheep walks locations are also unique residents to open assorted is extensive and the best near the bridge on Achill up with.” and dog demonstrations to each farmer and sheep businesses in towns along bet is to take a look at the Island in Mayo, warn- The writer added, “I are held at 11 a.m., 1p.m., wear numbered tags in the way – like cafes and website to see what event ing motorists that it was once drove over 100 miles and 3 p.m. or by appoint- their ears. bicycle hire – and now the you might be interested lambing season and sheep as a favor to an American ment Tuesday to Sunday Long ago, I heard that pathway has inspired the in attending. There is a were grazing. The sign friend of mine to visit with (April 1-Oct. 31.) See more Ireland passed a law re- Greenway Artists Initia- Borris House hay festival, at killarysheepfarm.com. tive, which started in Carlow Town Park Fam- You can find more infor- Newport last July and of- ily Day, musical events, mation about other Irish fers an array of workshops exhibitions, workshops, Phillips Candy House farms open to the public and courses and already to name just a few. See 1925 at the local tourist offices. has 77 member artists. eigsecarlow.ie for more fine chocolates since If you’re traveling in Maureen O’Neill and and visit culturefox.ie for Northern Ireland, there’s Tony Pilbro manage the an online guide to Irish an interesting farm – the Initiative, which Maureen cultural events. Ark Open Farm – in says has taken off. There The Taste of Dublin is on Newtownards, Co.Down are plans for a 15-piece for June 14-17 at Meagh that preserves rare and sculpture trail along the Gardens. See tasteofdub- endangered species of Greenway that will open lin.ie for details and to domestic animals that are in June. A bogwood sculp- buy tickets. no longer seen in Northern ture exhibit opens in the Be sure to visit the Ireland’s fields. Set in 40 Mulranny Park Hotel on Tourism Ireland website acres, the Ark is home to June 10 and there are discoverireland.com) for about 200 cattle, sheep, ideas for other exhibits all the happenings and pigs, poultry, goats, don- in the future. Initiative information about any keys, llamas, alpacas, and locations are in Westport part of Ireland that you’ll ponies, all of which are and Newport, and eventu- be visiting. It’s a great tame and friendly. The ally there will be a site on resource and constantly Ark is open all year. For Achill Island. For more updated. more information, visit information on the office Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic

Is sí an Bhealtaine i arís. /iss shee uh The most ross common verb in almost every Indo-European lan- C guage is “to be”. Some languages have two or even more verbs which can be translated as “to be” in ords English. Irish is one of these. The technical term for W these are “descriptive” and “stative” or “copula”. One of these, Tá, is used to describe something of a more The Irish temporary nature. Is is used to describe conditions crosswords are or things that are more or less permanent – where one equal the other. a service of an There are a number of dialects in Irish – one can almost tell what village a person is from by the way Ireland-based they speak. Some are mutually comprehensible; others are not. website which No where is this more apparent than in the verb forms. provides Irish A native speaker from Donegal once told me he could understand Scottish Gaelic but had to resort Family Coats of to English to talk to his wife, a native speaker of Irish from Kerry. Arms by email. A native speaker from Galway could understand Donegal Irish. She went back Ireland each summer You are invited to refresh her skills but returned one year shaking her head. She had gone to Kerry. The Kerry dialect to visit is the most conservative, retaining the “older” forms of the language. Modern scholars and teachers now www. chose the Galway dialects. However, “Official Irish” sometimes differs from the spoken language. bigwood.com/ Both Tá and Is (often ‘S) are English “be”. How- ever, each has different uses. Tá is straightforward heraldry and is used to describe temporary conditions and physical features. Here are some examples of each – the first shows Tá as a temporary condition; the second use is as a ©-bigwood.com physical description. IRELAND IN CROSSWORDS Tá sé fluich inniu. “It’s wet today.” ACROSS Wye in South Wales. (7,5) Tá. Ach beidh tirim amaíreach. 1. Cake to start with, but no ham following on the “Yes. But it will be dry tomorrow.” 10. Bear they beat rears up in Dublin entertainment way back in Waterford fishing village where whales place burnt down in 1951 and reopened 1966. (5,7) An bhfuil tú tinn? “Are you sick?” have been known to beach. (8) Tá sí an cailín ramhar. “She is the fat girl.” 13. In an informal way chartered accountant leads 4. Elk Ike disposed of in attractive Clare resort Saul astray. (6) sheltered from the Atlantic by the Duggerna Rocks. (6) 16. Disorderly M.C. able to issue instruction not to Is is used to show a more permanent condition. 9. Cut ham in pieces for she who wanted Oisín to Is mé Liam. (I equal Liam.”) “I’m Bill.” panic. (2,4) stay in Tir na nOg. (5) 17. This is made up of unsolicited circulars about Nach mba do hathair dochtur é? 10. Mr. Baba seen in Donegal incident. (3) “Wasn’t your father (a) doctor?” milk, Juan. (4,4) 11. Pins that sound like a scot back in Lusk categori- 18. Play a sneaky trick on a German night in one of There are a number of idioms made with Is. Some cally. (5) you have already had—we will study these again in a the Ireland’s four green fields. (8) 12. Get a rub of this old thing for luck in Tramore 19. Religious doctor outside the untidy room in future column. Why are Tá and Is always capitalized? licensed premises. (5) Because they are always the first word in a sentence. Leitrim site of old ironworks on shores of Lough 14. The two of them are in Drumshanbo, then. (4) Bofin. (6) 15. “The —— things a man is ashamed of, the —— Long ago we studied the various forms of Tá. Recall 20. Fast musical makes rope tangle around the respectable he is.” Shaw. (4) saint. (6) that each tense has a variety of forms depending on 17. A jig can’t run around, but this will take you on the intent of the speaker: 24. Piece of computer information inclusively con- a trip around the lakes of Killarney. (8,3) cealed by Templemore establishment . (4) Tá: Affirmative Negative 21. Garden tool, one of those from Mallow? (4) Present Tá Níl 27. “There’s no such thing as — publicity, except 22. Young creature hidden in Ballinakill ambulance. your own obituary.” Brendan Behan (3) Past Bhí Ní raibh (4) Future Beidh Ní Bheidh 23. Fool will moor up facing north. (5) CROSSWORD SOLUTION ON PAGE 19 Interogative Negative Interogative 25. Dish of powdery boiled potatoes is insincere An? Nach? when mouthed. (5) An raibh? Nach raibh? 26. Sunshine lad! (3) An mbeibh? Nach mbeidh? 27. Arts graduate so Roman as to be fundamental. (5) 28. Old men get confused as to the megalithic monu- Initial is pronounced as a /v/ in some dialects Irish Sayings Bh- ment, with a fine example in Kilternan, Co. Dublin. (6) Even a tin knocker will shine on a dirty door. and as /w/ in others. Therefore, 29. The do far out in small East Galway town near Every patient is a doctor - after his cure. is pronounced /vee/ or /wee/ depending on the Bhí Ross Abbey beside the Black River. (8) “The Windy day is not a day for scallops (thatching).” dialect; is pronounced /roh/. is /bee/, raibh Beidh “People live in each other’s shelter.” therefore is /vee/ or /wee/ and is bheidh mbeidh DOWN “The world would not make a racehorse of a donkey.” /mee/. How to tell the difference between and bhí 1. A burn can meander in sheltered Donegal resort “You are not a fully fledged sailor unless you have never stands alone, it is always bheidh? Bheidh on the shores of Lough Swilly under Slieve Snacht. (8) sailed under full sail,” “and you have not built a wall preceded by . Ní 2. Len comes over with 26 across, almost. (6) unless you have rounded a corner.” 3. Hurl off this tree? (3) “There is no strength without unity.” : and – there is no Is Present Future Habitual 5. I, to a confused Greek character, of little conse- “You must live with a person to know a person. If you “Future” of this verb as the “Present” can be used in quence. (4) want to know me come and live with me.” a “Future” sense. The “Spoken Ques- Interrogative 6. Lose control and do this to the traces, that’s one “Praise the young and they will blossom” tion Mark” is more common in spoken speech in As point! (4,4) “The raggy colt often made a powerful horse.” some areas. 7. Shifty eye, ask inside for small Sligo seaside resort “Age is honorable and youth is noble.” Present Negative near a number of dolmens and ring forts. (6) “Youth does not mind where it sets its foot.”

Is Ní 8. Brain bent, yet wanders to Co. Wexford Cistercian “Both your friend and your enemy think you will Interrogative Neg. Interrogative church near Clonmines, having a ruined twin on the never die.” An?/As? Nach? ADVERTISEMENT There are differences in the Past of Is depending on various dialects. The “official Irish” is as follows. You may hear variants in dialects as the language tends to be simplified in every day speech. These are listed below “Official Irish” in italics: Photography by Past: Ba Nior Ar? Nair? Ní ba An mba? Nach mba? All form of Is in the Past Habitual do lenite Image Photo Service (“aspirate”) the following noun: Ba Shorcha banaltra í. “Sarah was (a) nurse” • Weddings • Anniversaries Ba becomes B’ when followed by a vowel sound: B’ Árannach é. “He was (a) man from Arann.” • Banquets • Portraits All other forms add –bh when followed by a vowel: NiorbhÁrannach é • Reunions “He was not an Arann man” Arbh Árannach é? • Groups • Families “Was he an Arann man?” Nárbh Árannach é? • Special Occasions “Wasn’t he an Arann man?” Note that Nair is shortened to Nár when adding the –bh – and don’t forget to add the “unwritten” sound. Niorbh is pronounced /NEER-uhv/; Arbh is (617) 291-6609 /AR-uhv, and Nárbh /NAR-uhv/. We will continue to work with Tá and Is in the next column so save this one! The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Page 18 June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com June 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 The Burren Rocks Festival continues through this month The Burren & Cliffs of nounced details of “The which continues through a guided walk through the Mike Williams, a Sedi- Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geol- Moher Geopark has an- Burren Rocks’ festival, the month of June. Burren’s world famous mentologist who was the ogist at the The Burren & The celebration of the karst landscape. first person to study the Cliffs of Moher Geopark, AUTO BODY REPAIRS (617) 825-1760 geology and landscape The festival, which impact of large storms said “The underlying ge- (617) 825-2594 of the Burren will fea- forms part of European on the west of Ireland’s ology of the Burren holds FAX (617) 825-7937 ture a unique musical Geoparks Network Week coastline geology, and many fascinating clues performance by some of 2012, will commence this palaeontologist Dr. John to conditions on Earth Clare’s best known tra- Sunday with ‘The Antique Murray, who is currently more than 300 million ditional music artists in Rockshow’ at Burren Na- participating in a site years ago. More recently, the grounds of the Iron tional Park Information study of one of the world’s the last Ice Age, which Age Caherconnell Stone Centre in Corofin. earliest known human ended only around 12,000 Free Pick-Up & Delivery Service Fort, a landscapeart exhi- Experts in attendance settlements in Azerbai- years ago, has sculpted bition and workshop, and will include Professor jan. those rocks and largely 150 Centre Street given the Burren its current shape. Research Dorchester, MA 02124 is active and scientists and students come from PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 17 all over the world to see what we have here. Our activities are designed to give people a taste EIRE of the geology and how it affects the landscape and also the culture of pub the Burren.” Other events scheduled to take place this month include ‘A Climb 795 Adams St. • Dorchester Through Time’, a guided walk/climb from Fanore Beach to and from Slieve Elva on June10; The “President’s Choice” Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark and the Burren College of Art will host Serving Lunch & Dinner ‘The Cliffs of Moher Art Experience’ on June 15, with the public is invited Every day, to meet and engage with working and student 7 days a week artists.

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