January 2019 Boston’s hometown VOL. 30 # 1 journal of Irish culture. $2.00 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2019 bostonirish.com Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. Famine memorial on Deer Island to be unveiled in May By Ed Forry BIR Publisher Plans to establish a monument in Boston Harbor to memorialize some 850 Irish who sought refuge in the mid-19th century only to die in quarantine on Deer Island within sight of the city are nearing completion with a formal unveiling dedication planned for Memo- rial Day weekend. About 25,000 Irish souls arrived in our har- bor on “coffin ships” between 1847 and 1849, and health officials steered the vessels to Deer Island, where the passengers were placed in quarantine. There, within sight of the city, hundreds perished – from typhoid fever, pneumonia, dysentery, and consumption. One four-month-old baby died from whooping cough, another five-month-old from cholera. More than one baby perished from “marasmus,” a severe form of Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel in Recess, Co. Galway. malnutrition that leaves a child emaciated and with almost no energy. Although many Irish did survive, those who didn’t were buried in unmarked paupers’ A PRIVATE graves on the island. A newly formed group, “The Irish Great Hunger Deer GUIDE TO Island Memorial Committee,” was formed three years ago to work with the MWRA, which owns the island, IRELAND and public-spirited business people from Boston and Winthrop to develop a new vision for the memorial. DELIGHTS The group plans a 16-foot classic Irish/Celtic granite cross with a four-foot concrete foundation on a majestic With January mark- Deer Island promontory overlooking the harbor, from ing the dawn of another which visitors will see the shores of Boston, from the year, BIR Travel col- downtown skyscrapers to the city’s southern waterfront, umnist Judy Enright including South Boston, Dorchester, and Quincy. has made a listing of The ceremonies are planned for Saturday morning, her favorite things that May 25, 2019. Details of the program are still being organized. Ireland has to offer for those who may be plan- ning to visit the island this year. Story, more For Karan Casey, it images, Page 15 always is ‘about the Scrambled stone walls in the Burren, Co. Clare. song, and the story’ By Sean Smith Special to the BIR Karan Casey has long been a heart-on-her-sleeve type of person, whether she’s singing or speaking, and this past year has seen her do plenty of both. One of Ireland’s most high-profile female singers of the past two decades, a co-founder of groundbreak- ing Irish-American band Solas, and now a well-es- tablished solo artist, Casey released her new album, “Hieroglyphs That Tell the Tale,” last fall as she pre- pared to tour as lead singer with Boston-based fiddle ensemble Childsplay. She also appears on its new CD. Some months before, Karan Casey Casey had spearheaded a Amelia Stein photo campaign, #FairPlé (“Fair Play”), to promote gender balance in the production, performance, promotion, and development of Irish traditional and folk music. Many performers – male as well as female, in Ireland and elsewhere, including Boston – voiced their support for her endeavor. There’s ample evidence of the #FairPlé spirit in “Hieroglyphs,” notably through the presence of other A pub in West Cork. Judy Enright photos (Continued on page 10 34-Month 46-Month 58-Month

% % % 1.50APY* 1.85APY* 2.20APY* If our rates go up, your’s can too! * Rates expressed as Annual Percentage Yields (APYs), are accurate as of 1/1/18, and are subject to change without notice. The bump-up option can only be exercised once during the term of the certificate. The certificate term is not extended by the bump-up/APY increase. To initiate the one-time bump-up contact a Member Service Representative at any branch office. City of Boston Credit Union will use its best efforts to comply with all APY increase requests by the close of business on the next business day. APY increases are not retroactive, and will apply to the remainder of the certificate term. APY increases can be initiated on the 34-month certificate if the then current APY for City of Boston Credit Union’s 34-month certificate or 36-month certificate is above 1.50%, or on the 46-month certificate if the then current APY for City of Boston Credit Union’s 46-month certificate or 48-month certificate is above 1.85% APY or on the 58-month certificate if the then current APY for City of Boston Credit Union’s 58-month certificate or 60-month certificate is above 2.20%. In no event can the bump-up rate exceed the then current rate for the certificate. Dividends will be credited to your account and compounded every month. Upon maturity, 34-, 46- and 58-month Bump-Up Certificates will automatically rollover into the member’s City of Boston Credit Union share account. All other certificate terms and conditions will apply. Minimum deposit of $500. 617-635-4545 Deposits can not be made during the term of the account. Rates may change after account is opened. Fees could reduce earnings. Subject to penalty for early withdrawal. Not available for IRA Certificates. Must be a member of City of Boston Credit Union to open Cityofbostoncu.com certificate account. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Federally Insured by NCUA. Excess share insurance by MSIC. Page 2 January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Checking Out – 2018 January: The Charitable Irish Society’s Silver Key Awards presentations to Winnie Henry, the IIIC’s Ronnie Millar, and Mayor Martin Walsh helped kick off the year.

February: The Forbes Museum in Milton opened an exhibit that featured the Jamestown, Robert Bennet Forbes’s adapted warship that, with him at the helm, above, delivered provisions from New England to famine-plagued Ireland in the 1840s.

March: The 300-year-old Longueville House in Cork was the subject of a travelogue piece by BIR Pub- lisher Ed Forry.

April: Rev. Brendan Darcy, SMA, and Christine Mc- Carrick of Dorchester, at the Sligo Association’s St. Patrick’s celebration.

May: Grace Cotter Regan was inaugurated as the president of Boston College High School.

June: Boston Mayor Martin Walsh signed in on a overseas visit to Galway City Hall.

July: David Drumm, former head of the Anglo-Irish Bank, was found guilty of fraud charges and sen- January Ed Forry photo tenced to six years in prison after a trial in Dublin.

February Forbes Museum photo April Harry Brett photo

March Longueville House photo

May BC High photo

June Mayor’s Office photo July AP photo bostonirish.com January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3

August O’Shea-Chaplin photo A cleanup and a launch at St. Augustine’s Cemetery On Aug. 18, dozens of people, a couple of them are shown at left, descended on St. Augustine’s Cem- etery in South Boston with all manner of cleaning instruments. The mission: Clean up the grounds and the gravestones for the yearlong bicentennial celebration that was to begin in September. On Sept. 15, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, below, with Bos- ton Police Commissioner William Gross, celebrated a Mass as part of the ceremony that launched the year-long program. August: A team of O’Shea-Chaplin dancers lined up at the North American Irish Dance Championships in Orlando. The senior co-ed unit placed first in the competition.

November: From left, Bob and Mary Scannell, 2018 Boston Irish Honorees, with Helen, Henry, and Brian Danilecki. Other honors went to Rev. Richard ‘Doc’ Conway and Dr. Trevor McGill.

December: Aidan Browne, chairman of the Boston Friends of the Gaelic Players Association, took the mic at the Champions Luncheon before the Third Fenway Classic tournament at Fenway Park on Nov. 18. September Harry Brett photo

October Harry Brett photo

November Margaret Brett Hastings photo December Bill Forry photo Page 4 January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Editor’s Notebook The scrambling by Britain for a Brexit pact Key advisor to Irish is diminishing the country’s global standing By Joe Leary Reporter checks in Special to the BIR By Ed Forry Senior politicians in Britain have so mismanaged the Old friend Bill O’Donnell checked in by phone from Brexit process of leaving the European Union that it is hard to see the country retaining its reputation as a his home in Rhode Island just before Christmas. leading force in world affairs. The situation is a mess. For more than two decades, Bill was a stalwart in Those in the government simply cannot agree amongst these pages, and his monthly column, erudite and themselves just how they want to leave Europe. informed, was always a joy. Their elected leader, Prime Minister Theresa May, His insightful observations about life on the island and her team of Cabinet mem- of Ireland, along with his indomitable comments on bers and administrators have local and national Irish American affairs in Boston been negotiating with their and beyond were always a great read. European counterparts for Bill relinquished his role with us a year ago, two years, and the millions of when some nagging health problems forced him to British pounds and euros that have been spent could well put down his pen and deal with his medical needs. have been distributed more We reluctantly accepted his decision, but resolved productively. there always would be room for him in these pages The plan that May presented if and when he could contribute. to Parliament in December So, it was a true holiday delight to hear his voice would have been defeated Theresa May: a rock and a hard place scenario. when he called in late December. I admit in that had a vote gone forward, but moment I hoped his call would bring news of an early European Union leaders now In that scenario, with no border security, EU mi- say that is the only plan they Christmas present- that he had found the muse and Joe Leary grants would have easy access to Britain through would return to his former role with the Reporter. will approve; Britain must Northern Ireland. The Irish government has stated it But even though it wasn’t the hoped-for good news, take it or leave it. The latter is the choice of the hard- does not intend to pay for hard customs or passport line “Leavers,” or Brexiteers, as they are often called, facilities. Such free access to Northern Ireland would it wasn’t bad news either: Although Bill and his wife who want to distance themselves from any connection Jean each faced health issues last year, he told me be completely unacceptable to Brexiteers and the DUP from Europe. Paisleyites in Northern Ireland. they have come through them feeling much better, This entire fiasco will cost Britain significant world The “no deal” alternative is also being used by and looked forward to the holidays with their family business and its 60 million citizens much anguish. Theresa May to threaten her opposition since no one and friends in increasing good health. His longtime With political opinions on the subject hardened on all reasonably wants the chaos that would result. Still, readers will be delighted at that news! sides, and March 29 looming as the date when Britain this option is possible as we have seen from all the As we begin this new year of 2019, I find myself is scheduled to leave the ER, there appears to be much unsuccessful negotiations. reflecting about this newspaper project that began left work to do before any agreement is approved, and (2) Another vote by the British people on whether almost 30 years ago. It was early in 1990 that my not much time to do it. or not Britain should leave Europe. Practically no one wife Mary and I noticed a void: Here in this most These are the three most likely alternatives at this believes that, given the turmoil over the last two years, point: the British public would want to reaffirm the first vote. Irish of American cities, there was no local Irish (1) Britain simply leaves the EU without any agree- newspaper. Even though two Irish ethnic papers There are a small number of members of Parliament ment between the parties. Known as the “no deal” op- who prefer this option, but May has stated,” a second had a modest circulation here, they were produced tion, this is the most predictable outcome, and surely vote would do irreparable damage to the integrity of in New York City, and both targeted the New York the most destructive of any alternative. the UK.” Still, there are many businesses whose lead- audience, with little notice given to the activities The EU has warned its 27 member countries that ers fervently wish for another vote. of their neighbors 200 miles up I-95. It seemed an they should begin to prepare for a “no deal” outcome, (3) Prime Minister May uses her power and influence opportunity to be filled, to tell the stories of Bos- for which EU leaders have already both set the rules to win Parliamentary approval for an acceptable agree- ton’s Irish. and put in place procedures and time limits for trade ment. This would have to include EU concessions that Bill O’Donnell was one of the first people we sought with, and travel to, Britain. are not on anyone’s public agenda as of this writing. out for advice. We learned that Bill was a veteran The British themselves have sent out 140,000 letters No matter what happens, Britain’s reputation across to all the businesses within their borders urging them the world has been badly damaged. Where once, it could newspaper man, and for a short time in the 1980s he to prepare for a “no deal” result on March 29. They had edited a Boston edition of one of the New York be said that the sun never sets on the British Empire, have also urged food and drugstores to build up stocks now they are in a struggle to keep the sun high over Irish papers. But the cost of publishing journals of in the event of a “no deal,” which would leave the 300- Falkland Islands and Gibraltar. news and opinion depends on advertising revenues, mile Irish border with Northern Ireland free and open. and when the New York publishers couldn’t find a local ad base, the Boston experiment was ended. Off the Bench Bill O’Donnell offered to help us. He pointed our way to a myriad of local Irish organizations— Bos- ton Ireland Ventures, the Gaelic sports played on Somerville’s Dilboy Field and the many County Money, recognition, power as values? groups across th city. As the decade was turning to the 90s, some Irish civic leaders and business Surely, we have a much higher calling people formed a non-profit cultural gathering spot with a vision to create an Irish venue that became By James W. Dolan to helping the poor and unfortunate. Not just by rais- the 46-acre Irish Cultural Centre of New England Special to the Reporter ing money, but by personally helping to build homes We need to be tethered to something larger than for Habitats for Humanity and actively participating campus in Canton. in efforts to promote peace. Unlike the Clintons, who In those early days, there were many local taverns ourselves. Without connections to people, places, principles, and purpose, things, and ideas lofty and were sitting next to him, he never sought to parlay the popular with the Irish in neighborhoods like South compelling, we are left adrift in a tumultuous sea strug- presidency into a personal fortune. Boston, Dorchester, Brighton, West Roxbury, Cam- gling just to stay afloat. As much as we may think we The pursuit of money, recognition, and power too bridge and Somerville, but only a handful of “Irish are in control, we are tossed about on currents we can often obscures our need to believe in something larger pubs” featured native Irish music and performers. neither manage nor understand. then ourselves. Acknowledging immutable values that Back then, St. Patrick’s Day came just once a year. Such is the condition we may be manipulated but never changed is a necessary Today, Irish culture is celebrated all across the city find ourselves in this era of component of faith. Otherwise, we define what is true, and the region. Trump. I was struck watch- just, and compassionate based on our own needs and But the landscape for Irish-centered media has ing him at the memorial perspectives. Viewed as human customs, they can be service for President George applied, ignored, or distorted as circumstances warrant. seen dramatic changes: Ireland’s many daily and Rather than reliable beacons to what is right and good, county weekly newspapers can be read online, and H.W. Bush during the recit- ing of the Apostle’s Creed. they become merely suggestions. Ireland’s TV and radio broadcasts are readily avail- While the other dignitaries Donald Trump’s apparent ignorance of transcendent able on computer screens and smart phones. were reading the prayer, he values is evident in his lack of respect for truth. For As 2019 begins, the Boston Irish Reporter enters stood looking straight ahead, him, truth is a whim or impulse. That same attitude its 30th year, and we are grateful for all the support holding the paper down is reflected in his notion of justice or love. Forhim we have received from thousands of loyal readers and without speaking. For him everything is but a matter of convenience; for without subscribers. Our New Year resolution remains the to acknowledge the primacy absolute truth, justice or love, there is no accountabil- same we made three decades ago: We will continue of anything beyond himself ity. There is nothing against which to measure good to tell the stories of Boston’s Irish. was apparently unthinkable. or evil. It’s all the same. James W. Dolan I wonder what he was A belief in transcendent values implies faith. Not thinking as he listened to the any particular faith, for there are many different Boston Irish 41st president being eulogized as a kind, generous, religions and many who follow no religion who accept humble, honorable man who never took himself too absolute values and try to live accordingly. The accep- seriously except when pursuing the common good. Was tance of them is one thing; the application of them is REPORTER he pondering how to better emulate him or thinking an even more challenging task. The memorial service The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: “this is the kind of funeral I would like if and when I for President Bush was a celebration of a life lived in Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., die.” So consumed with self, I suspect he has no time conformity with transcendent, i.e., God given, values 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 to dwell on matters spiritual. and an expression of the prayerful belief that such a [email protected] www.bostonirish.com I frankly cannot fault him for his obvious limitations life would be rewarded. Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) For a few moments at least, those gathered in that Edward W. Forry, Publisher because I doubt he has the capacity to accept or under- Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor stand values beyond those preceded by a dollar sign. church had the opportunity to reflect on what it all William P. Forry, Editor How much personal responsibility he bears for his moral means. Does it matter how we live our lives? Are Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor failings is something only God can determine. What there rewards or consequences? If not, why am I here? News Room: (617) 436-1222 ties most of us to belief in love, mercy, and justice is Some may conclude that absolute values cannot exist Ads : (617) 436-1222 in a vacuum, so that affirms the existence of a higher Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] set forth in the creed, which is a prayerful acknowledg- ment of our dependence. Without that belief in some power. Christians acknowledge that, and while it is On The Web at www.bostonirish.com certainly not the only way to belief, it does assert the Date of Next Issue: February, 2019 form, we are left hanging – unhinged. Sitting in the front row at the service was Jimmy primacy of values and a merciful judgment by which Deadline for Next Issue: Monday, January 21 at 12 noon we are held accountable. Published monthly in the first week of each month. Carter, probably the best former president we have The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond ever had and, in 2002, a winner of the Nobel Peace James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District judge the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish Prize. Coming off a rather unlucky and disappointing who now practices law. Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. one term in office, he has dedicated the last 37 years bostonirish.com January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Point of View OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE OLD It’s a time of comings, goings for Trump’s Irish-American ‘help’

By Peter F. Stevens the falsehoods and cons that spill from him straight Famine and reached America in 1851 to settle in Wis- BIR Staff to the public. consin. Now, as Ryan relinquishes the House gavel to As we bid adieu to 2018, a pair of Irish-Americans Mulvaney, once a Congressional leader of the Tea Nancy Pelosi, his Irish eyes have gone watery again. were saying their goodbyes to the denizens of the po- Party/Freedom Caucus and a rigid deficit hawk, has Ted Hesson, of Politico, recently wrote, “House litical fever swamp that is Washington D.C. Soon to been named “acting” chief of staff to replace Kelly as Speaker Paul Ryan is leaving Congress with a grateful be a former speaker of the House, Paul Ryan chose to he is being pushed out the door. Mulvaney already nod to his Irish ancestors. A bill pushed by Ryan… slink out of town with his reputation in tatters. And holds another job— director of the Office of Manage- could provide Irish nationals with thousands of ad- Brighton-born-and-bred John Kelly has been shown ment and Budget—and only recently stepped down as ditional US work visas each year….The bill would the door by Donald Trump, leaving the former Marine head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. give the Irish access to unused E-3 visas, which cur- Corps general’s legacy as tarnished as Ryan’s. Like Paul Ryan, Mulvaney once preached the rently are available only to Australians in ‘specialty In addition to those sorry leave-takings, there is the conservative doctrine of always trying to cut the occupations’ that require a bachelor’s degree or the plight of the once-respected General Michael Flynn, federal deficit. That was until he and his cohort saw equivalent. In return, Ireland would offer additional whose only hope of evading any prison time has ap- the light of Trump’s 2018 tax giveaway to America’s work visas to Americans, among other concessions.” parently hinged on his turning informer against his boardrooms and billionaires. No problem for these A proverbial tip o’ the tam might be in order if it former boss, the president. Even if Trump is found two Irish-American budget-slashers. What could go weren’t for the fact that Ryan has stood in mute concert blameless of any coordination with Russia in the 2016 wrong with placing personal ambition and fear of with the Trump Administration against those from election (not a great bet), his administration is likely nasty Trumpian tweets above a trillion-dollar hole all over the world who simply want the same chance to earn ignominy as the most corrupt in America’s in the deficit? In all likelihood, we’ll find out in 2019. afforded a certain James Ryan in 1851. annals. As the stench of the Potomac swamp spreads across As 2019 begins its run, in many ways, to paraphrase At first glance, the onset of the New Year indicates the United States, and as our immoral and amoral Led Zeppelin, “the song remains the same,” politically that the president is doing some house-cleaning among Prevaricator-in-Chief continues his assault on such speaking. An adage more appropriate for the times is his cadre of Irish-American acolytes while in Flynn’s “impediments” as the Constitution, the free press, the one uttered by a legendary 19th-century Irish states- case, he is being used by Special Counsel Robert as courts, the Department of Justice and the FBI, the man and either ignored by, or unknown to, Trump’s a scouring pad at a certain house on Pennsylvania entire intelligence community, and democracy itself, Irish-American minions. Some 170 years ago, Daniel Avenue. Not so fast, though. When it comes to sev- Irish-American pols and advisors such as Mulvaney O’Connell, the Irish leader who devoted his life and eral familiar Irish Americans still standing by their and Conway cravenly carry the President’s rancid career to the battle for Irish Catholic rights in Ireland man in the Oval Office, waist-deep in the waters of water along with virtually every GOP senator and and across the British Empire and to the relief of his corruption and possible crimes by administration representative in the US House. island homeland’s poor, said, “Nothing is politically members, Kellyanne Conway and Mick Mulvaney For 2019, out with the old applies to Paul Ryan and right that is morally wrong.” are still marching in lock-step with the president as John Kelly. In with the old, however, lingers with To this scribe, those words, which appeared several his endless lies pile up higher and higher. Mick Mulvaney and Kellyanne Conway. times in this space over the past year, bear repeating Conway’s near-nonexistent relationship with Ryan, in particular, has long grown misty-eyed with yet again in this new year. Sadly, members of the truth and common sense rivals that of her boss. Her professed pride at how his Irish Catholic heritage two great American political parties have perverted sometimes cozy, and usually ludicrous, interpreta- has shaped his views. To The New York Times and O’Connell’s pronouncement into something like tion of the facts makes her the ideal mouthpiece to numerous other outlets, the speaker waxes nostalgic “everything that is politically right can be morally “explain” Trump’s pathological Twitter thumbs and about how James Ryan of Kilkenny survived the Great wrong.” Stern tests for both versions await in 2019. In war, in words, Patrick and his daughter Louise left deep and overlooked marks in the annals of the Boston Irish By Peter F. Stevens ated from Elmhurst two years She invariably measured BIR Staff after her father’s death and potential suitors against her In the history of the Boston returned to a household empty father—and found them lack- Irish, January marks the birth not only of her beloved father, ing in comparison. She was month of a remarkable father but also bereft of cash. For Lou- also hindered by oncoming and his equally noteworthy ise, the logical course would “deafness, which had begun daughter. While Civil War have been to find a husband in her young womanhood and buffs might know of the heroic to support her and her mother. grew steadily oppressive.” General Patrick Guiney, the Instead, she believed that she In 1887, she published “The name of his only child, Louise could earn a living as a writer White Sail,” one of her most Imogen Guiney, has unjustly and poetess. popular volumes of poetry, slipped into memory’s cracks. Her father having left Louise earning her the sobriquet “the On March 21, 1877, a gaunt, “an imperishable image of a Irish Belle of Boston Letters.” well-dressed man stopped in brave and noble soul” and a She also began to stretch her Colonel Patrick Guiney, 9th Massachusetts Irish Regiment, core of pragmatism, she aug- writing into literary criticism his tracks on a busy Boston Civil War hero. Right, his daughter, Louise Imogen Guiney, street. He removed his top hat, renowned author, essayist, and poetess. Library of Congress mented her mother’s “military and biography. Although she sank to his knees, made the widow’s pension” by churning had never attended college, sign of the cross, and collapsed. commissioned a major. animal-rights advocates with out articles for “ladies maga- she proved herself a first-rate Brevet Brigadier-General With the Ninth, Guiney the Society for the Prevention zines” and newspapers—“hack scholar. In 1894, she wrote Patrick R. Guiney, one of the and his fellow Boston Irish of Cruelty to Animals. writing” in the minds of high- “A Little English Gallery,” in city’s best known and most saw some of the conflict’s His workload and the pain brow literary lights. She also which she scrutinized the work esteemed lawyers, died that most savage action, and his from his grievous war wound became a paid researcher of great British writers. Her day far from the 36 or so Civil performance on the battlefield sapped his health. He was but for other writers and local work was praised by reviewers War battlefields onto which earned him much acclaim. His 42 when he fell to the ground scholars. as “precise in scholarship and he had ridden or marched. His war record at the National that day in March 1877. Louise somehow found time opulent in sympathy.” legacy is a vibrant chapter in Archives is testament to his He left behind his wife and to hone her own voice in In 1894, she was appointed the history of the Boston Irish. service: He was promoted to their only child, Louise Imogen plaintive poems and personal postmistress of Auburndale Patrick Guiney was born in lieutenant colonel on July 28, Guiney, who was born on Jan. essays. In 1884, she submit- to the west of Boston, the first Parkstown, Co. Tipperary, on 1862, for his valor at the Battle 7, 1861 and grew up in awe of ted a slender collection of her Boston-Irish woman to hold Jan. 15, 1835, and immigrated of Gaines’ Mills, Virginia (June her father. His greatest gift verse to a Boston publisher. such a civil service position. to the United States with his 27, 1862); “promoted to colonel to her proved to be his love of Her editor saw Louise’s work She later took a job at the parents in 1842. He received for service in the field, July 26, learning, especially literature. “Songs at the Start” as emo- Boston Public Library, helping the bulk of his education in 1963; commanded the Second Once he discovered that his tional, fluidly composed poetry children to improve their lives the public schools of Portland, Brigade, First Division, Fifth only child shared his innate that would appeal to women. through learning. Maine, and went on to Holy Corps, most of the following passion for books, they read Her style caught the collec- Louise Guiney left Boston Cross College in Worcester, year; he lost his left eye to a and discussed history, phi- tive attention of Boston’s in 1901 for Oxford, England, Massachusetts. Keenly intel- terrible wound in the forehead, losophy, and religion, as well literary community, and she hoping to immerse herself ligent and ambitious, Guiney at the Battle of the Wilderness, as novels and poetry. solidified her growing status in the university’s matchless settled in Boston in 1855, May 5, 1864; mustered out Louise Guiney grew to be- among intellectuals with an libraries. Her breezy letters studied law, and passed the with the regiment; promoted come a teenager whose intel- 1885 collection of essays in the to her Boston friends rarely bar in 1856. to Brevet Brigadier-General, ligence and determination set prestigious literary magazine even hinted that she was now He then fell in love with Jane March 13, 1865.” her apart from many of her “Goose Quill Papers.” almost completely deaf and in Margaret Doyle, an attractive Of Guiney’s wound, friend era’s young Irishwomen whose Bringing in enough money to the “practice of stinting her- young local, and married her and fellow officer Major Dan- fathers had found success and support her mother and her- self of food and coals in order in 1859. He barely had time iel G. McNamara wrote, “The whose chief desire was to make self, Louise pored over classic to buy precious books.” Her to settle into the role of family cruel bullet crushed through a good match with a similarly poetry and shaped poems and health suffered as she strove man before the outbreak of the the eye down into the head. placed young Boston Irish prose with her father’s “poetic to complete an anthology of the Civil War. His first hitch in the Nothing but his splendid man. Determined to provide aspirations flowering in her world’s greatest Catholic po- Union Army was as a “lowly physique and strong vitality her a first-rate education, her lyrics.” As later scholars of ets, a book she never finished. enlistee,” but his intelligence saved his life.” father sent her to Elmhurst, American literature pointed On Nov. 2, 1920, she died and battle-proven leadership Back in Boston, Guiney re- the Order of the Sacred Heart’s out, she viewed her father as at the age of fifty-nine, worn skills resulted in his return sumed his legal career, serving prestigious convent school in a heroic figure and honored out from her literary labors. to Boston to help organize the as assistant district attorney Providence. him through the printed word. The first Boston-Irish woman Ninth Massachusetts Volun- for Suffolk County from 1866 After Patrick’s death, years Despite her burgeoning to make a genuine mark in teers, who were largely drawn to 1870 and as Register of of “privation and disappoint- reputation and her many American literature, she had from the city’s Irish neighbor- Probate and Insolvency from ment loomed” for his widow friends and admirers, Louise’s shown that the Guineys were hoods. On Oct. 24, 1862, he was 1869 until 1877. He also be- and their daughter. Eighteen- personal life never bloomed as remarkable with words as came one of the city’s foremost year-old Louise Guiney gradu- in the same way as her work. they were with war. Page 6 January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Irish International Immigrant Center Immigration Q&A An agency accredited by US Department of Justice Keep address current One State Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] with USCIS authorities Q. I recently filed an application to adjust my im- migration status to legal permanent residence, based Solas Awards gala hails immigrants’ on my marriage to a US citizen. We have not yet heard from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (US- CIS) about an interview with them to decide my case. contributions; evening draws in $500,000 Meanwhile my wife and I are planning to move soon to The Irish International who supported our Solas a new apartment. We will be filing a change of address Immigrant Center (IIIC), Awards Gala. If we all notice with the US Postal Service so our mail will be a nonprofit that supports stand, and work together, forwarded to the new address. Will mail from USCIS immigrant and refugee we can fulfill the promise reach us at our new address? families from more than of America.” 120 countries as they in- The IIIC greatly appreci- A. No. It is very likely that the Postal Service will tegrate to life here in Mas- ates the many supporters not forward mail from USCIS, because of security con- sachusetts, honored Kerry who are combatting the cerns. Unfortunately, at IIIC we hear from immigrants Kennedy of Robert F. current political environ- who moved to a new residence and have been waiting Kennedy Human Rights, ment by donating funds, a long time for some communication from USCIS, only Norman Houston OBE volunteer time, and experi- to learn later on that a piece of important mail was of the Northern Ireland ence to the IIIC. returned to USCIS as undeliverable. For this reason, Bureau, and Shevonne The event, which ac- immigrants often miss USCIS deadlines because they De Pina, IIIC client and IIIC Solas Award honorees Norman Houston OBE counts for approximately fail to respond to an important mailing from USCIS Hertz Mapfre Concierge and Shevonne de Pina share a moment at the gala. 23 percent of the IIIC’s that they in fact never received. They learn later that at its annual Solas Awards year’s gala include: the tor of the IIIC, shared this total annual fundraising, USCIS deemed their application to be abandoned, and Gala on Dec. 6 at Boston’s Ansara Family Fund at the sentiment: “At a time when was chaired by Karen therefore denied. Seaport Hotel. Boston Foundation, Arbel- our government is target- Keating-Ansara and Linda You certainly don’t want that to happen to you. So With more 500 attend- la Insurance Foundation, ing the most vulnerable Dorcena Forry, and the what should you do? First, practically all non-US citi- ees, the Gala, a night of Geraghty Associates, and immigrant members of our center thanks to all of the zens residing in this country for 30 days or more, not music, poetry, celebration, John Donohue and Fran- community, the IIIC is on superb performers and just those with pending applications, are required to fund-raising - and solidar- ces Robinson, Cognizant the front lines providing contributors who made file a notification with USCIS within ten days of an ad- ity with immigrant fami- and the Northern Ireland critical services to reunite the evening memorable dress change. This includes legal permanent residents lies - brought in $500,000, Bureau. and to keep families to- by engaging the audience (green card holders) but not people with A or G visas. meeting its goal. During the event, Ron- gether. We deeply appreci- in a truly meaningful way. There are two ways to do this. First, you can file Key sponsors for this nie Millar, executive direc- ate the partnership of all online by going to uscis.gov/AR-11 and following the instructions. Second, you can choose instead to use the simple, one-page AR-11 form that you can download Irish student now knows the from the government’s website, uscis.gov, and mail to the address shown on the form. There is no fee for filing an address change. welcoming spirit of Boston It is very important to understand that if you have From a young age, the welcoming attitude York and Las Vegas. Of an application pending, there is an additional step that Fraser Rodgers always of Bostonians: “Everyone their Labor Day week- you need to take. You must inform USCIS directly of hoped to have the chance loves to meet Irish people end trip to Philadelphia, your address change so that the officers processing to visit America. It wasn’t and are happy to help.” Fraser shares: “Getting your case will mail future communications to your new until he learned of a part- There is also a great to see the city was amaz- residence. You can do this either by filing online as nership between Ulster network of fellow Irish ing. We went to a baseball indicated above plus following the additional instruc- University and the Irish J-1 exchange visitors game, did the Rocky Steps When he is not develop- tions pertaining to people with pending cases, or by International Immigrant for Fraser to meet and and did the Open Bus ing his professional skills calling the USCIS help line at 1-800-375-5283 and Center that these hopes build connections with. Tour.” Fraser also enjoyed through an internship at providing your address change information. became a reality. Not He already lives with the “once-in-a-lifetime Faithful+Gould in Bos- Remember: If you choose not to use online filing, only does Fraser have the three other students and chance” of seeing Conor ton, Fraser Rogers enjoys just informing the Postal Service and mailing the opportunity to intern and graduates from Ireland, McGregor at UFC 229 in taking trips across the AR-11 form is not enough if you have a case pending gain invaluable profes- and meets many more Las Vegas: “The atmo- US and experiencing all with USCIS. You need to contact the agency about sional experience in the through events hosted and sphere was electric and that the country has to the pending case as soon as you move. United States through a coordinated by the IIIC. the city was bouncing,” offer! For record retention purposes, keep proof that you J-1 Intern visa, but he can When Fraser isn’t in he reported. tor for Faithful + Gould. complied with the address change requirements by: also travel and experience Boston, he is taking ad- Fraser is a student of The professional experi- (1) if you mail the AR-11 form, you should keep a copy all that the country has vantage of the opportunity Quantity Surveying and ence he has gained has and mail the signed original by certified mail, return to offer. to travel around America. Commercial Management been a “massive benefit” receipt requested, or by priority mail and (2) if you Fraser lives in Boston, Since moving to the US at Ulster University. to his career prospects file online you should record the confirmation number a city he loves. He cites three months ago, he has While living in Boston, and set him apart from you receive, and you should print out the page with his passion for the city to visited Philadelphia, New Fraser is an intern estima- other university students. the information you submitted, and sign and date it. He describes his job as Keep all such records in a safe place. giving him “great experi- A further note: In cases where an applicant has a ence working for a world financial sponsor who submitted an affidavit of support leading company” and (Form I-864) in his/her case (such as usually happens he enjoys the variety of where an immigrant has a US citizen or legal perma- tasks his position offers nent resident spouse or other petitioning relative), the him which “keeps it excit- sponsor (not the immigrant) also has an obligation to ing.” The J-1 visa has not file a change of address form when the sponsor’s ad- disappointed, and Fraser dress changes. The form for this purpose is I-865, and has much more in store no fee is required. for his remaining eight For a free, confidential consultation about this or any months in the U.S. other aspect of immigration law, come to one of our We would sincerely legal clinics as advertised each month in the Boston like to thank Faithful + Irish Reporter. Gould for their tremen- Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform dous partnership with our generally, not to advise in individual cases. Immigra- internship program. If you tion law is always subject to change. The US Citizenship would like to host an Irish and Immigration Services and US Department of State intern at your business, be frequently amend regulations and alter processing and in touch with Paul Pelan filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance at [email protected]. of IIIC immigration legal staff.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

The Irish International Immigrant Center’s immigration attorneys and social work- ers are available for all immigrants during this time of uncertainty and concern in our community. We are closely following the changes in immigration policies, and are available for confidential, legal consultations, and case representation. At weekly legal clinics, you can receive a free and confidential consultation with staff and volunteer attorneys. For information, or if you or anyone you know would like to speak to an immigration attorney, please call us at (617) 542-7654. Upcoming Clinic Schedule (Clinics are in the evening – please do not arrive more than 30 minutes before they begin.)

Downtown Boston: IIIC offices, One State Street, 8th Floor: Tues., Jan.15, 4 p.m. Brighton: The Green Briar Pub, 304 Washington St: Mon., Jan. 7, 6:30 p.m. Dorchester: St. Mark’s Parish, 1725 Dorchester Avenue: Wed., Jan. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Citizenship Clinics IIIC offices, One State Street, 8th Floor, Boston: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-ins welcome! Our Downtown Boston location is fully accessible by public transportation. Phone: 617-542-7654 | Fax: 617-542-7655 | iiicenter.org bostonirish.com January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 Maybe it’s not yet time for last call at the Dot Tavern By Bill Forry proved upon: the Lower Editor Mills Pub, Donovan’s, One of Dorchester’s Ashmont Grill, Blarney throwback barrooms— Stone, the Banshee (nee the Dot Tavern— sud- Vaughn’s), Blend (nee denly went dark at the Peggy O’Neil’s), and Dbar, beginning of November. (nee Ned Kelly’s, then But fans of the vintage Adelphia Lounge). watering hole should not There’s something hit the panic button. At about the progress inher- least, not just yet. ent in these transforma- Doug George, the tions that manages to be Dorchester resident and both satisfying and a little real estate developer, sad. There’s a tinge of that bought the three-story in the Dot Tavern hiatus. building at 840 Dot Ave. Some might cavalierly last month. The building relegate the Dot Tavern includes the first-floor tav- to “dive bar” status— ern that has been there for and that’s fine. But it’s most of the 20th century, unlikely that those people by some accounts. ever mounted a stool there Down the line— per- or buried an 8-ball in the haps a year or more corner pocket or pumped away— will come a mas- quarters into the Playboy- sive renovation project themed pinball machine. that George expects will You heard right: Play- yield a new look and a boy pinball. Let the re- more food-oriented bar grets spill out onto the and restaurant. He’d like floor alongside your pitch- The Dot Tavern on to keep the same name, er of Bud. Dorchester Avenue No frills? Fair enough. but says that’ll be a deci- north of Columbia Road, sion made with whoever But the joint is clean, well- above, and inside on the maintained, and the beer the new operator will be. last night of operation. In the meantime, comes in pitchers if that’s Photos by Christopher your speed. The food? George is actively look- Blair/Blair Images ing for an experienced, Okay, there was no food, local operator to re-open up shop or been trans- unless you carried it in the tavern as soon as pos- formed into more up- with you from the Avenue sible. In an interview with scale eateries. Longtime Grille or New Store on the the Reporter, he said he residents can recall a time Block. The sprightly glass has been fielding calls of when a full-on Dot Ave of rose you’ve been craving interest from existing res- “pub crawl” would have since the summer? Yeah, taurateurs in and around included perhaps two that’s in ample supply two Dorchester who are keen dozen stops— and, if fully blocks over at 224 Boston to explore a new business consummated, a likely Street. in the space. Whatever it hospitalization. Since the The Dot Tavern’s days will become, George says, 1990s, many of the old are numbered. Such is life. it will be a food-bar model. haunts have given way to But, let’s savor it while we The tavern— in its cur- different enterprises. can. Here’s to re-opening Layden’s, the Emerald Tom English’s, which will building, will soon belong father home to sleep the Dot Tavern in the new rent state— belongs to a be bulldozed sometime to the ages. on the couch have long category of Dorchester Isle, the Tara, Mickey’s, year, if only for a few last Cuchullen’s, the Leeds- in the new year to make Many of the old-school since been “re-imagined” calls. destinations that have way for a new mixed-use bars that sent your grand- and— truth be told—im- — one by one— closed ville Cafe— all long gone.

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Doubletree Hotel, Boston Bayside, Dorchester, MA Keystone Apartments, Dorchester, MA Page 8 January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Multi-talented Patsy Whelan remembered at memorial Mass Mass for Patrick “Patsy” some four decades, most dress up in a suit and tie His audiences were not was described by Barrie Whelan, a popular figure recently in Brewster, Mr. every morning and sit in limited to Boston or Mas- Maguire, a Philadelphia in the Greater Boston Whelan – singer, guitar- rush hour traffic for two sachusetts: He became a artist who once painted Irish music scene for many ist, mandolinist, and fid- hours,” wrote Connor in a veteran of festivals and a portrait of Mr. Whelan. years who died on Oct. 7. dler – often turned up at testimonial that appeared events in many locales, “Laughing, sentimental, Mr. Whelan had been in area sessions and ceilis. on Mr. Whelan’s website. including the Washington bawdy, full speed ahead, ill health for some time, He had numerous formal “His office is a bar room, Irish Folk Festival. He and one of the finest Irish and earlier in the year or informal musical col- and in his briefcase he also played with a range fiddlers in the world.” had endured a double lung laborations, including carries a guitar and fiddle. of well-known performers Patsy Whelan leaves transplant. the band Harvest Home, To me that seems like the and acts, such as Paddy survived by his wife, Pa- Following the Mass which released the album life.” Reilly, Brendan Mulvil- tricia; son, Connor; grand- was “A Celebration of “From Galway to Boston.” Mr. Whelan summed up hill, The Waterboys, The sons Ronan Patrick and Life Concert” at Florian His discography also in- the enthusiasm he held for Furey Brothers, Shea Finbar Joseph; a brother, Hall, with performances cluded “Irish Folk Music” his career in a 2010 inter- Duffin, Mance Grady, Michael; and a sister, by Devri, Pauline Wells, with Ted Furey and John view: “The music can take John Quilter, and Eamon Philomena Anderson. He Patsy Whelan perform- Kiernan Dalton, Brian Wright, “Live at Nanny you anywhere. Everyone Coyne. was pre-deceased by his ing in 2013. Gaffney, and others who O’Brien’s” with Gaffney, can get into it. I play in Mr. Whelan’s other parents, Patrick Joseph (YouTube screen grab) had known Whelan and and a solo album, “Gui- Boston every Sunday, and great passion was the and Frances McHugh Family members and enjoyed his company and tar, Fiddle and Songs,” there are kids six years old sea, and he served as a Whelan, and by his sisters, friends gathered on Dec. music. on which his son Connor to college kids to parents part-time assistant har- Margaret Palmer, Fran- 2 in St. Brendan’s Church A Dublin native who appeared. to grandparents coming bormaster in Dennis. ces Plant, Delores Francis, in Dorchester for a funeral lived in Massachusetts for “He doesn’t have to in. I’m amazed by my “The ultimate Irish pub and Rosaleen Moloney. audience.” entertainer” was how he

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The First Dáil 1919 (An Chéad Dáil) First Centenary Celebration at the ICC Presentation by Sean Murphy

On the 21st January 1919 elected members of Dail Eireann met for the first time.

In December 1918, 69 Sinn Fein candidates, 26 Unionists and 6 Irish Par- 34 were listed as being “imprisoned by the foreigners,” 3 as being “deported liamentary Party (IPP) candidates were elected to represent the people of by the foreigners” and 5 were listed as “absent.” The 26 Unionists and 6 Ireland. members of the IPP were marked “absent.”

Sinn Fein campaigned on abstaining from the British Parliament in Lon- Two Sinn Fein members, Michael Collins and Harry Boland, were marked don and instead to set up an assembly in Dublin - Dail Eireann. Only 27 of present but were in fact in England organizing the escape from prison of the Sinn Fein elected members were listed as present at the first meeting. Eamon DeValera. Friday, January 25th 7:00pm to 8:30pm Presentation includes video and recorded music. Call 781-821-8291 to reserve a place $15/$10 for members. bostonirish.com January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9

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CD/DVD AVAILABLE AT CELTICWOMAN.com SEMESTER TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CELTICWOMAN.COM OR BY PHONE AT 877.571.7469 Learn more | quincycollege.edu/dorchester | 800.698.1700 Page 10 January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Navigating the business of The Arts

By R. J. Donovan can go through them at their own pace . . . You can do Special to the BIR them all at once, or you can go back and redo them . . Most artists spend a lifetime perfecting their craft. . If I change things or I add things, you’ll have access But whether someone is an actor, singer, dancer, to that, too. It’s a self-paced class. writer, designer, or painter, he or she may not be Q. In terms of your own writing, how did you get completely comfortable in maneuvering the business started in mysteries? side of the arts. A. I was writing short stories and things, and they Longtime arts administrator Julie Hennrikus were boring! (Laughing) I was talking to somebody decided to do something about that. She recently and she said, “Every time you tell me about what launched YourLadders.com, a broad-reaching online you’re reading, you’re reading a mystery. Why aren’t arts administration school built especially for artists. you writing a mystery?” So I dropped a body in the After working for 30 years in arts administration, beginning of my boring short story and all of a sudden and 10 years teaching at Emerson, BC and BU, Hen- it became less boring. And I found my mystery writing nrikus had seen that a lack of business acumen was community . . . It took me a long time, about 15 years impeding artists from developing a smooth pathway to get published. But in 2015 I was published, and by to career success. the end of 2019 I will have had 7 published books in Your Ladders study sessions focus on finance, mar- three different series. keting, developing business plans, budgeting, setting Q. Your pen name for The Clock Shop series is Hol- realistic goals, and maintaining a clear vision. mes. Was that a tip of the hat to Sherlock? Born in Duxbury, she moved to Maryland in her A. Everyone thinks that. I wish I had been that clever, teens and returned to Massachusetts to study at but no, it’s a family name. My father’s mother. Her Boston University. After graduating, she worked for father was from Scotland and her mother was from several of Boston’s smaller commercial theaters in box Ireland. She’s a Holmes. So it’s a tip to her. office and house management positions before turn- Q. As a working writer, you know first hand both ing to assisting with exhibition shows at the Museum the challenges and joys of being creative. of Fine Arts as well as the renowned Mapplethorpe A. This is part of why I decided to do what I’m do- show at the ICA. ing now. Being a writer is curious and creative and Next, she was hired by Harvard University to cre- wonderful and hard - and almost impossible to make ate and manage the box office for the iconic Sanders a living at. The difference between being a writer Theatre where her expertise led to her promotion as and being a performing artist is that, as a writer, if programming manager. A position as general man- someone keeps buying “Clock Shop” books, I’m going ager and director of marketing for Emerson Stage to make money. It exists beyond me . . . When you’re came next. a performing artist, not only do you have all the other Most recently, Hennrikus served as executive direc- challenges of being a creative person in our culture . . tor of StageSource, a nonprofit providing leadership Arts Administrator Julie Hennrikus, creator of Your . but you’ve also got one shot. If you’re running a show and services to empower the Greater Boston arts Ladders. Meg Manion photo for three weeks, you’ve got 15 performances to build community to realize its greatest potential. them.” So I thought about that, and I thought about up an audience and get people to come.Otherwise the In addition to her arts work, she’s also a successful how many people are graduating from arts programs opportunity is gone. mystery writer under the pen names Julianne Holmes without any business classes. They don’t understand Q. You’ve said that the arts and artists are just what (“The Clock Shop Mystery” series), J. A. Hennrikus how the business works. we need right now to make the world a better place. (“The Theater Cop” series) and Julia Henry, whose Q. How do you see your role? A. Our culture isn’t supporting the arts at all. There’s new “Garden Squad” series launches shortly with A. In the performing arts, my role has been of ser- a belief that because artists have joy in their work and “Pruning The Dead.” vice to the artist. This is a continuation of that role. I in their lives that they don’t deserve to get paid for it. We spoke recently about Your Ladders and her want to help artists do their work. And I really want Q. Yet the work of artists lasts for generations and writing career. Here’s an edited look at our chat. to help the grass roots, the solo practitioners, and the serves to define our culture. Q. What sparked you to create Your Ladders? small and fringe companies who are really trying to A. And makes people better citizens and better human A. I was teaching - and still am teaching - arts figure this out. beings . . . That’s why I’m excited about Your Ladders. administration. And when I talked to my former stu- Q. What can a Your Ladders student expect online? A year ago this wasn’t even a pipe dream . . . but I had dents, they all said, “Julie, the best class you taught A. Each class has four modules, and there are video a spark of inspiration last spring and here I am! me was Excel, not because I loved doing spreadsheets lessons in each module with worksheets. They’re short R. J. Donovan is editor and publisher of onstageboston. because I was afraid of them. And it wasn’t until af- lessons. I don’t know about other people, but me sitting com. ter I took the class that I understood how I could use through a half hour video is not where I live . . . People For more information, visit YourLadders.com.

BOOK REVIEW When a king, with regrets, allowed history to move on By Tom Mulvoy farm on property owned by a stubbornesses during the period mediately to further reform in Managing Editor “rich English family” and “went Fraser examines as the ruling Parliament. As a teenager interested in to a secret room in a castle out- Protestant ascendancy was fac- Storied names from the Prot- history overall, and Irish history side of town during the night to ing what many of their company estant aristocracy – George III in particular, I used to pester hear Mass.” called the “Abominable Irish and George IV, William Pitt, my father, born a subject of an In her new book, “The King Question” – that is, should the Charles Fox, Wellington, Robert English king on the island of and the Catholics: England, Ire- Irish be emancipated from the Peel, et al. – jump from the pages Ireland in the first decade of the land, and the Fight for Religious restrictions placed on their re- as Fraser tracks their words and 20th century, about what life Freedom, 1780-1829,” the his- ligious practices and civil rights deeds as each maneuvers in his was like for him in Oughterard, torian Antonia Fraser enlarges by English law extending back own way for and against history a village in Co. Galway hard by greatly my father’s reminiscence to the days of Queen Elizabeth as the crisis moves unsteadily to Loch Corrib, before he crossed to tell the broader story of how I and the Glorious Revolution of a firm resolution. the Atlantic with his mother people like my great-great-great 1688, which put to an end any As to Irish names, one eclipses and two of his sisters as a 12 grandparents, who married at Roman Catholic involvement in all the worthy others who strove suade the likes of Wellington and year old in 1921. the turn of the 19th century, royal and governmental affairs. with him to make emancipation Peel, and a conscience-stricken He always answered that he came, in their lifetime, to move The author deftly, and deeply, a reality: Daniel O’Connell, the George IV – to that point his didn’t remember much about out of the shadows and worship describes the overt and behind- man the Irish and their parti- coronation oath constituted a those years, that his clearest at Mass in broad daylight in the-scenes machinations of the sans called The Liberator, the firm barrier to his assent –­to bow memories only went back to their village church and, among key players as the push for orator/politician/ whose “moral to the pulsing push of history Cedar Street in Roxbury, Mas- other privileges, take up civic emancipation lurches from the force” and rhetoric,” Fraser and establish religious and civic sachusetts, where his widowed positions, including seats in the anti-Catholic riots of 1880, set writes, came from a different liberty where Roman Catholics mother first set up a home in Parliament in London. off by some mild relief measures, place than the practices of had lived, worked, fought, and America. He did recall, though, It is a story replete with politi- to the act of 1829 that bowed to elementary civic discourse. By cal and ecclesiastical twists and the virtue of liberty, unsettled 1829, O’Connell had, without prayed ­for centuries – England his mother telling him that her and Ireland. grandparents had worked on a turns and royal hesitancies and the empire, and led almost im- resort to violence, helped per- Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper Order today, and we will send a gift card in your name. Boston Irish Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. Name______REPORTER Address______A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. City______State______Zip______Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? Gift from______

We accept phone orders with your Visa or Mastercard. Charge to Visa______Call 617-436-1222 Mastercard______Or Fax this order form to 617-825-5516 Card # ______Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter Exp ______150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 bostonirish.com January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 The Lankum approach: ‘You let the song go where it wants, and you just let that happen’

By Sean Smith Special to the BUR There’s something about the phrase “be- tween the earth and sky” that really works for the Dublin quartet Lankum – which will make its Boston-area debut Jan. 11 at Club Passim in Harvard Square – and not just because that’s the name of their most recent album. Poetic as the words may sound, there’s a dark context to them: They appear in the last line of the album’s last song, “Willow Garden,” a murder ballad found in the Irish and American folk traditions, and serve as the farewell from the narrator, who’s about to meet his fate on the gal- lows for brutally killing his sweetheart. (The full couplet is, “They’re going to stretch me up/between the earth and sky.”) If one wants to get all full-blown analyti- cal about it, the phrase might also suggest a state of limbo, of inhabiting both places yet not fully existing in either, of be- ing and nothingness and all that. It’s the kind of conundrum that seems to suit Lankum, which Dublin “folk miscreants” Lankum (L-R, Ian Lynch, Cormac Mac Diarmada, Radie Peat, Daragh Lynch) will make their first-ever started out more than 15 area appearance this month at Club Passim. Brian Flanagan photo years ago as Lynched, an experimental psychedelic originate in some sub- istics come out – pathos, and explored their own as a singer, her com- people (“For it’s not too folk-punk duo of brothers terranean chamber – all anger, joy, sadness. So idiosyncratic music – re- manding voice fitting that late to fight back and Ian and Daragh Lynch, lending a mesmerizing, our feeling is, you let the leasing the album “Where rough-beauty dynamic of these tyrants eject/Take and is now one of Ireland’s almost primal intensity to song go where it wants, Did We Go Wrong?” in Lankum. On the latter back what’s ours from most popular folk/trad the music. (For one effect and just let that happen.” 2004 – the brothers be- album, she is the lead vo- these primates erect/Our bands – garnering three on “Between the Earth Lynch says he and his came more intrigued by calist on three tracks (and purpose, our lives, and nominations in the 2016 and Sky,” they played band mates are aware of the Irish tradition: Ian shares a duet on another), our own self-respect”). BBC Folk Music Awards recordings of pipe drones the perception of Lankum decided he wanted to take most memorably on the And if there were any for their first album, “Old inside a church, where as an antithesis of more up the uilleann pipes, aforementioned “Willow doubt of the band’s socio- Cold Fire.” they recaptured and sub- technically proficient and Daragh refined his Garden.” political consciousness, Except that Lankum sequently enhanced the interpretations of Irish guitar-playing and began “Between the Earth it’s swept away by their is not your typical Irish sound.) music, but they don’t learning the DADGAD and Sky” also affirmed powerful, respectful a folk/trad band. Yes, they Although often com- think an awful lot about style that is often used the strain of iconoclas- cappella rendition of draw on the Irish ballad pared with The Pogues or it. “This isn’t something for accompaniment in ticism, and tongue-in- “Peat Bog Soldiers,” writ- tradition, as well as Irish other similar Irish/Celtic we consciously put out traditional music. The cheek, acerbic, occasion- ten by Esser and Langhoff street or Irish Traveller groups, Lankum is more there. We’re not being two “went down the rabbit ally dark humor in the while prisoners in a 1930s songs, and the Irish music deliberative, measured critics of performers or hole,” says Lynch, brows- Lankum persona (they Nazi concentration camp. hall. But the repertoire and unhurried, often bands who strive for that ing through archival re- refer to themselves as This year will find Lan- for Ian (uilleann pipes, content to let songs or kind of sound. We’re just cordings and materials to “Dublin Folk Miscre- kum back in the studio concertina, whistle), tunes unfold and reach ourselves, and the kind build up their knowledge ants”). Having decided again, ready to add to a Daragh (guitar, piano), a climax on their own of music we like – like of the music. They also that “Lynched” invariably body of work that is pos- Radie Peat (concertina, terms; some tracks can the music of the Travel- began making the round carried connotations of sible to examine from its accordions, harmonium) clock in anywhere from lers – tends to be on the of sessions, which is how racial violence, the band very early years: A link and Cormac Mac Diar- seven minutes to almost rough, unpolished side, they encountered Peat took on the name of the on the Lankum website mada (fiddle, viola) also 12. and to our minds, more and Mac Diarmada. titular character – a takes you to all the tracks includes American folk So, listening to Lankum emotionally intense. No, While Irish music particularly nasty fellow, of “Where Did We Go tradition, plus songs like can be, in its own way, we’re not trying to make might’ve been at the core too – from an old murder Wrong?” (including “Sign “Cold Days of February,” transcendental: You feel some kind of point in the of the group’s formation, ballad. Their repertoire On,” the brothers’ wicked by 1960s folk legend Robin as if you’re simultane- way we play; the sounds Lynch says the four all felt includes pointedly politi- parody of “Ride On,” the Williamson; Johann Es- ously in a folk music we make are what make empowered to integrate cal satire like “Sargeant Jimmy McCarthy song ser and Wolfgang Lang- realm and someplace else. sense to us.” their other tastes into William Bailey” and “Sa- popularized by Christy hoff’s anti-fascist anthem And that’s as it should be, Above all, Lynch says the mix. “For me, it’s very lonika,” music hall whim- Moore). “Peat Bog Soldiers”; and says Ian Lynch, who notes the band looks to treat important to stay true to sy (“Daffodil Mulligan,” “Those songs are a “Drinking Song from the that the band’s influences the songs from tradition our own interests and fa- “Father Had a Knife”) snapshot of where we Tomb,” the lyrics by hor- extend well beyond folk with respect while not vorite genres. There’s no and their own “Bad Luck were at a particular time ror fiction writer H.P. and trad to, among other being “overly reverent” point for us to be playing to the Rolling Water,” a in our lives,” says Lynch. Lovecraft. The band’s things, ambient music about them. “You need straight-up trad, because parody of sentimental, “It’s not something I’m growing stockpile of origi- and minimalist compos- to enjoy them and make we have so many influ- loved-and-lost Irish songs ashamed of, just all part nal material, meanwhile, ers like Brian Eno. them enjoyable for others. ences to work with. We peppered with hilarious of our evolution as musi- includes some tough- “What I like about us- These are not museum try to be creative, and use literary and classical cians and singers.” minded commentary on ing drones and that kind pieces that you’re han- all these disparate ideas references (“She was not Maintaining that con- a contemporary Ireland of ambient sound, espe- dling with white gloves. If and styles.” Euternatia, nor was she nection to the past can struggling with social cially with older ballads, you go in with that mind- As with most bands, Venus bright/But she make for some interesting and economic issues, to is they help bring about set, people will think it’s Lynched/Lankum took a could drink much more revelations, adds Lynch: say nothing of its very a different psychic state, a recital; you’ve got to while to gel, which Lynch than you and beat you in “I got an e-mail a while identity. one where you’re attuned engage them, draw them feels is a major difference a fight”). back from an 18-year-old Complementing this to the song and what’s into the story.” between the first and The clever turns of who had heard our older gritty, populist milieu is happening in it. There Unlike Peat and Mac second albums. “For ‘Old phrase have a sharper stuff and enjoyed it, and a sound frequently de- are so many distractions Diarmada, the Lynch Cold Fire,’ we were draw- edge in Lankum origi- asked, ‘Where did you scribed as raw and unpol- in our lives these days, so brothers did not come ing mainly on a collection nals like “Granite Gaze,” go wrong?’ I guess we’ve ished: instruments and sometimes it’s not easy to from a traditional mu- of songs Daragh and I had which attacks the reli- grown up and gotten soft. voices (with unapologetic just focus on one thing, sic background. “There been doing over the years. gious-based oppression of I can imagine being that Dublin accents) that don’t but that’s what we go was a lot of singing in But when we were ready Irish women and children age, though, when the always align or resonate for at our gigs – create a our family,” says Lynch, to make another album, (“The future’s just a thing world just seems so black smoothly but are mellif- sonic world in which you “but it wasn’t really tra- we had material that all we say to keep the sordid and white. Well, there are luous nonetheless. And can lose yourself. ditional Irish – songs four of us had been work- past at bay/Still we cling so many different grays Lankum likes to utilize “It seems there’s an from the 1950s and ’60s, ing on, so it was really on to the mother who eats now.” drones and sustained idea, an expectation that popular stuff. Growing more of a group effort.” her own”), and “Déanta in Tickets and other in- notes from pipes, fiddle, Irish songs are all upbeat up, I might’ve heard The One outcome of the Éireann,”a modern-day formation for Lankum’s concertina, harmonium, and you play them fast,” Dubliners, The Pogues, band’s maturation be- emigration song in the January 11 concert at and its not-so-secret he adds. “But if you slow and other acts, so I got tween “Old Cold Fire” tradition of street ballads Club Passim are available weapon, the bayan, a them down, you get a that kind of exposure to and “Between the Earth that bitterly assesses at passim.org. For more, Russian accordion with different feeling; more Irish music.” and Sky” was a more Ireland’s economic and go to lankumdublin.com. bass notes that seem to of their inner character- Even as they developed prominent role for Peat political betrayals of its Page 12 January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Some Say the Devil Is The best performers are those who can enlighten CD Reviews Dead”) and Tommy as well as entertain, and Burke clearly accomplishes Potts (“Galway Bay/ that, with both his words and music. [kevinburke.com] By Sean Smith Drunken Sailor”). Eamon O’Leary, “All Souls” • Dublin-born guitar- Kevin Burke, “An Evening with Kevin Burke” Burke isn’t name- ist/vocalist O’Leary has a solid presence in the trad • Burke surely needs no introduction, but his intro- dropping when he world, as one-half of the duo (with Jefferson Hamer) ductions might. Fortunately, for those who have never talks about having The Murphy Beds, one-third of The Alt, with John experienced him in a live setting, this album spotlights learned from them; Doyle and Nuala Kennedy, and in collaboration with both his musical and public speaking talents. he’s making the point fiddler Martin Hayes, among others. But he’s also led Of course, it’s that these are the a not-so-secret life as a songwriter: “All Souls” is his the former that is people who upheld second album of original material, coming some five of most interest, the tradition he, and years after “Old Clump.” as should be the so many others in O’Leary presents a very laid-back, soft-toned form case, and “An Eve- recent decades, chose of Americana, musically and stylistically closer to Ap- ning” offers plenty: to embrace. palachian foothills, dusty plains, or sleepy gulf towns a dozen tracks of Yet Burke’s musical career is multi-faceted as it is than Erin’s green fields and groves. His songs, and Burke, unaccom- lengthy – remember, this is a guy who first came to his singing, have a contemplative, unhurried quality, panied, recorded at the US in the early ’70s to back Arlo Guthrie – and so with little variance in tempo or pace. Underneath the concerts in Phila- there’s pleasure in hearing him touch on his past work, apparent calm, however, are rich, eloquent, sometimes delphia, Portland, such as with Open House (“Glen Cottage Polka” and intriguing lyrics that bespeak literal and metaphysi- Ore., and Co. Mayo “The Tolka Polka” by another Bothy Band alumnus, cal journeys, desperation, hard-won acquiescence, the (the latter at Matt Donal Lunny), or singer/songwriter/composer Cal Scott, sweetness and sorrow of memory, and humor born of Molloy’s Pub, the from Portland, Ore., where Burke has lived for nearly resilience. establishment owned by his former Bothy Band com- four decades (Scott’s French-accented “Paris Nights”); Over the mountain to the western side rade-in-craic). If you ever wondered what these Irish he also gives an affectionate, humorous back-story to The cemetery and the silvery sky fiddle styles – Sligo, Sliabh Luachra, Clare and so on – “Across the Black River,” a jig he penned as a salute I left my crutches on the oratory steps for you are all about, you get an excellent grounding. But more to his ancestral Sligo. My marina blue to the point, you get to luxuriate in the unadulterated It’s moving to hear Burke mention musical friends (“Marina Blue”) glory of a master sharing his craft, with every triplet, of his generation who passed away far too soon, like When first I washed on that northern shore roll and elegantly bowed phrase in clear, sharp relief. Mícheál Ó Domhnaill and especially Celtic Fiddle My muddy shoes on her cabin floor If you’re tempted to skip through Burke’s stage pat- Festival co-founder Johnny Cunningham – Scottish- Her driftwood past, her antique name ter, here’s a word of caution: Don’t. Sure, there are born but a Massachusetts resident during his last I came to know in her timber frame. the throwaway lines you’re likely to hear at many a years – the latter reference leading into a classic CFF (“Our Old Dominion”) live show (“Nice to see you all, though I can’t actually Quebecois medley, “The Dionne Reel/Mouth of the see you”), but these are vastly outnumbered by the Tobique,” that closes out the album (noting that Celtic Drunk and disheveled, the morning found me reminiscences and insights Burke offers. There are, for Fiddle Festival’s original line-up represented the Irish, A blue-eyed bridegroom yet barely a man example, what might be called tribute sets to storied fid- Scottish and French traditions, Burke recalls, Cun- Billy said sorrow would never surround me dlers of past generations: Bobby Casey (“Tuttle’s Reel/ ningham once remarked that the group demonstrated If we trusted in our youth and the lay of the land. The Bunch of Green Rushes/Maids of Mitchelstown”), how “three cultures could be destroyed by one common (“The Painted Road”) Lucy Farr (“Lucy’s Fling/S’iomadh Rud A Chunnaic Mi/ instrument”). The wading birds they speak of you In the rice fields and the marshes, too The highway signs have all turned blue From Lafayette to Baton Rouge COME VISIT ANY (“Bywater”) O’Leary’s small group of accompanists (including Hamer, who plays electric guitar on two tracks) is another virtue of “All Souls,” especially Emily Miller, whose enchanting harmony vocals serve as a kind SOMERS PUBS of distant echo, or a homing beacon, that connects O’Leary’s musings simultaneously to past and present. Bridget Kearney’s bass, Thomas Bryan Eaton’s pedal LOCATION FOR QUALITY FOOD, steel, and Benjamin Lazar Davis’ pump organ add appealingly understated hues, as does Davis’s light touch on drums. HOSPITALITY & LIVE MUSIC The album’s title, of course, might seem to be a refer- ence to All Souls’ Day – the commemoration of all the faithful departed. If so, O’Leary is perhaps suggesting 7 NIGHTS A WEEK! that souls depart all the time, in ways we might not immediately recognize or comprehend – and while sooner or later they arrive somewhere, the destination may not be as important as the path they took to get there. [eamonoleary.net] Hannah Read, “Way Out I’ll Wander” • Raised in Edinburgh and on the Hebridean Isle of Eigg, now residing in Brooklyn, Read was part of Boston’s folk/ acoustic scene while a student at Berklee College of Music, during which time she helped co-found the Folk Arts Quartet, an early proponent of the “chamber- grass” genre; other 77 Broad St. 11 Marshall St. ventures have in- Boston, MA 02109 Boston, MA 02108 cluded a stint with 25 Union St. 617.338.5656 617.367.0055 UK/Scandinavian Boston, MA 02108 mrdooleys.com greendragonboston.com roots band Fribo 617.742.2121 and more recent- hennessysboston.com ly, the wonderful Songs of Separa- tion project with notable English- Scottish female folk singers/musi- cians like Karine Polwart, Eliza Carthy, and Mary MacMaster (their album was recorded on Eigg). She’s also had some time for herself, having released her first CD in 2012, “Wrapped in Lace,” which reflected her interest in jazz and pop music styles. Whatever other genres she’s explored, though, Read’s 33 Union St. 108 Blackstone St. 9 Depot Ct. voice on “Way Out I’ll Wander” has the clarity and Boston, MA 02108 Boston, MA 02109 Cohasset, MA 02025 presentation of someone well versed in traditional/ 617.263.7771 617.742.2090 781.383.3366 folk music, as demonstrated on what is arguably the paddyos.com durtynellysboston.com mrdooleyscohasset.com album’s highlight, the breathless-with-anticipation “She Took a Gamble,” as well as the Americana-rooted “Campsea Ashe” and the pensive, wintry title track. “Way Out I’ll Wander” is the very essence of a matur- ing singer-songwriter (all but one of the nine tracks are hers – the exception a setting of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Moorland Bare”). Her songs, candid but neither self-pitying or melodramatic, are a literal and emotional travelogue of sorts from the first decade of young adulthood – and a busy one at that, full of discoveries and questions: the wise, resilient coming- to-terms with a failed relationship (“I’ll Still Sing Your SOMERSPUBS.COM Praises”), set alongside the joyful disbelief that accom- panies a new one (“Boots”); the surprising potency of empathy (“Alexander”); and what and where you can call “home” (“Way Out I’ll Wander,” “Campsea Ashe,” “She Took a Gamble”). Read plays fiddle and guitars, with some fine vocal contributions in particular from Sarah Jarosz and Jefferson Hamer (also on guitars), and light keyboards, woodwinds and sax scattered gracefully. [hannahread.com] bostonirish.com January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 THE BIR’S CALENDAR Is Disability Income OF IRISH/CELTIC EVENTS Highlighting this month’s area Irish/Celtic events US, and recently won Insurance Worth It? is the 16th annual Boston Celtic Music Fest (BC- the prestigious Fiddler MFest), which takes place Jan. 17-20 in Harvard of Dooney competition Presented by Brian W. O’Sullivan, CFP, ChFC, CLU Square. In addition to spotlighting many performers in Sligo. Abarta (uille- with ties to Greater Boston, the festival will welcome ann pipes, whistle) has special guests Irish-American fiddler Liz Carroll and performed locally and You insure your most valuable assets like your Kevin Henderson, a Scottish fiddler who will be ap- elsewhere frequently, home, your car and your life. Most people would pearing with pianist Neil Pearlman. including with Mick agree that they’re worth protection; however, The BCMFest 2019 line-up also includes: Laurel Moloney and the group disability income (DI) insurance is something Martin with Jim Prendergast; Katie McNally and Yann The Green Fields of people tend to be less certain about. They’re Falquet; Joey Abarta; The Bywater Band; Scottish Fish; America and as part of not sure if they really need it, or if it’s worth Rakish; Pumpkin Bread; Kieran Jordan; Ship in the Copley Street, his duo the cost. There’s no cut-and-dried answer, but Clouds; Yann Falquet and Friends; Adam Agee and with fiddler/guitarist Jon Souza; Fade Blue; Boys on the Hilltop; Michael Nathan Gourley. there are some strong arguments to be made in O’Leary with Steve Levy and Bob and Jen Strom; An intriguing depar- favor of DI. Elizabeth and Ben Anderson; Wooden Nickels; Cape ture from the Back- Breton Showcase; Yaniv Yacoby and Eric Boodman; room’s Irish/Celtic for- What Are the Chances You’ll Need It? Colleen White and Sean Smith; Molly Pinto Madigan; mat will be the Jan. 6 Fiddler Laurel Martin will When you think about the kind of disability Celtic Roots; Leland Martin; Hornpipalooza; and Live show with Norwegian be among the performers that could keep you from working, usually the at The Druid. hardanger fiddler Olav at this year’s BCMFest, Jan. 17-20. first thing that comes to mind is a car accident BCMFest 2019 will be centered around Club Passim Mjelva and American or other catastrophic injury (47 Palmer St.), with evening concerts on Jan. 17 and guitarist-vocalist Eli 18 — each followed by a late-night “Festival Club” — West. Mjelva has explored the Scandinavian folk tradi- — in other words, something and a marathon “Dayfest” on Jan. 19; performances tions as a founding member of the Nordic Fiddlers Bloc that could happen, but most also will take place on Jan. 19 at The Sinclair (52 and the Norwegian-Swedish ensemble SVER, and in likely won’t. Church St.) including BCMFest Nightcap, the festi- collaboration with Swedish nyckelharpa player Erik val’s traditional closing event, with Carroll and the Rydvall; in 2010, he received the Spelemannprisen, In reality, the most Henderson-Pearlman duo as the featured acts. Also on the Norwegian equivalent of a Grammy award for his common cause of disability the schedule is The Boston Urban Ceilidh, on Friday debut solo album and in 2013 was selected as Norway’s is illness, not accidents or night (Jan. 18), and participatory sessions in Harvard folk musician of the year. Seattle-based West (who injuries1. Arthritis, back Square locations late Saturday afternoon (Jan. 19). also plays banjo and bouzouki) has melded innovative The final day, Jan. 20, will be devoted to workshops phrasing and improvisatory techniques with traditional pain, neurological problems with Carroll and Henderson, as well as other BCMFest bluegrass and old-timey styles, while also earning and cardiovascular illnesses performers, at the Passim School of Music. plaudits for his singing and songwriting, particularly are all more common than injuries when it For ticket information and other details, go to pas- on his debut album “The Both” – a musical portrait of comes to disability claims2. And, disabilities are sim.org/bcmfest. his grandfathers. more common than you might think. In fact, one • The Burren Backroom series will start the new Fiddle-cello duo Elizabeth and Ben Anderson re- in four 20-year-olds will become disabled before year on Jan. 2 with the trio of Keith Murphy, Haley turn to the Backroom on Jan. 9. The Anderson siblings they reach retirement age3. Richardson and Joey Abarta, who first played bring forth both the intensity and grace in Scottish and together as part of the 2017 “St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Cape Breton music, mixing traditional styles and mod- Sojourn” show. Murphy (guitar, piano, vocals) has been ern ideas. Having built a solid foundation of admirers What is DI? a mainstay in the New England traditional music scene locally, through appearances at The Burren, BCMFest, DI is insurance for a portion of your income. for decades, as a soloist and a member of Nightingale and Club Passim, they also have performed in Scotland And your income is your most valuable asset. and fiddle ensemble Childsplay, and in many collabora- and France. The Andersons recently completed work It’s what pays for your essential expenses like tions, more recently with harpist Maeve Gilchrist. The on their first full-length album. housing, food, utilities, clothing, transportation, 16-year-old Richardson is already widely acclaimed All Backroom shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets as well as your not-so-essential ones. Your as one of the finest young Irish-style fiddlers in the and other details, see burren.com. - SEAN SMITH income may also help support members of your family. For Karan Casey, it always is If you had to stop working due to a disability, the income you’re earning now simply wouldn’t be there anymore. You’d have to find another ‘about the song, and the story’ way to cover your living expenses and to support the people who depend on you. That’s where DI (Continued from page 1) “Ships,” Casey’s vision by and large extends outwards, comes into play. prominent female singers like Maura O’Connell, with songs that express concern, empathy, and some- Niamh Dunne, Pauline Scanlon, Karen Matheson, and times disdain, for that which ails humanity: “The Ballad Boston-area native Aoife O’Donovan, and musicians like of Hollis Brown,” Bob Dylan’s telling of grim poverty What about Other Options? Catriona McKay and cellist Kate Ellis, not to mention in the bleakness of South Dakota; Gilkyson’s “Man of Of course, there are a few other sources of the work of songwriters Janis Ian, Eliza Gilkyson, and God,” which lacerates the exploitation of religious belief income you might be able to draw on if you Patti Griffin. for political and personal gain; Griffin’s “Mary,” with become disabled. Many people have what’s Several weeks ago, prior to a performance with local Jesus’ mother as personification of war’s devastation; called group long-term disability insurance guitarist Matt Heaton at Boston College, Casey reflected and “In the Gutter,” Mick Flannery’s portrait of intri- through their employer. on the making of “Hieroglyphs” – which includes two of cately linked self-destructiveness and co-dependence. her own songs and another she co-wrote with guitarist But “Hieroglyphs” also contains songs about resilience If you leave for another job, you may not be Sean Og Graham – and the impetus behind #FairPlé. (Ian’s “I’m Still Standing Here” and Casey’s own “Hold Having spent a quarter-century as a musical performer, On”) and simple, joyous whimsy, in the form of “The able to take your disability coverage with you and including stints in jazz as well as folk and traditional Doll in Cash’s Window,” a Cork street song revived by your new employer may or may not provide the music, Casey has developed a clear perspective on the Pat Daly and Jimmy Crowley. “Sixteen Come Next same benefit. Additionally, if your employer pays influences and inclinations that guide her as a singer. Sunday” is Casey’s nod at the Irish tradition, and while for the policy, the benefits you would receive if The premise, she feels, is a pretty basic one. this version of the song will be familiar to Bothy Band you became disabled would be taxable. “I don’t get into the whole ‘traditional’ and ‘contem- listeners, Casey’s rendition is infused with what can porary’ question,” said the Waterford native who now aptly be called attitude: It starts out in a funky groove Most important, the kind of disability insurance resides in Cork. She lived in the US for most of the that transitions into a swaggering 6/8, all underlined you get from work typically only covers about 1990s and still tours extensively here. “I just don’t clas- by Vallely, harpist McKay, mandolinist Innes White, sify songs that way. For me, the criteria is, ‘Is it a good percussionist James MacKintosh, plus a gorgeous key- 60 percent of your income, not including any song?’ We’re always looking for stories that are sung board backing by producer Donald Shaw. bonuses or commissions you may normally well and delivered with meaning, and that’s what’s most Casey said that songs can be meaningful to her not receive. The other 40 percent is up to you. While important. I used to torture myself trying to make the (Continued next page) disability insurance won’t cover 100% of your trad thing sound new and trendy and different, but if income, an individual DI policy can help provide you try to box things in, they generally rear up. additional protection. “It really has always been about the song, and the story. Your creative center has to be genuine. You have Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset to really want to sing that song. If I’m in the kitchen Burials in listening to a song, and I start crying, well, that’s a With any luck, you’ll never have to deal with pretty good sign. If there’s a conversation going on, Massachusetts a disability that keeps you from being able to where you’re giving to the song and the song is giving to or Ireland work. But it’s a good idea to have a plan in you, and you share that connection with the audience, place, so that if you ever did become disabled then you know it was a great idea to learn it.” you could still cover your expenses and provide When Casey prepares to make an album, therefore, for the people who count on you. she decides what stories she most wants to tell at that time. For her 2008 “Ships in the Forest,” for example, 1 Council for Disability Awareness 2014 Long-Term her choices – traditional songs such as “I Once Loved Disability Claims Review; Disability Claims by Diagnosis. a Lass,” “Black Is the Colour” and “Johnny I Hardly Gormley 2 Council for Disability Awareness 2014 Long-Term Knew Ye,” along with Joni Mitchell’s “The Fiddle and Disability Claims Review. the Drum” – spoke to what she saw as an unresolved Funeral Home 3 US Social Security Administration, Fact Sheet, 2018. grief about aspects of Ireland’s past. Six years later, it was Casey’s own songwriting that became the vehicle 617-323-8600 Brian W. O’Sullivan is a registered represen- for “Two More Hours,” her first album of all-original tative of and offers securities, investment ad- material, much of it written during a period of intro- visory and financial planning services through spection following the death of her mother; the album MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC also saw Casey branch out into R&B, blues, jazz and (www.sipc.org). Supervisory Address: 101 Fed- rock-ballad styles. 2055 Centre Street “Hieroglyphs” carries forth elements from both those eral Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02110. He releases. It’s musically adventurous like “Two More West Roxbury, MA may be reached at 617-479-0075 x331 or bo- Hours,” with flavorings of alt-country, rock, gospel and [email protected]. blues, and utilizing brass and a string section as well [email protected] as folk/acoustic instrumentation (including concertina, www.Gormleyfuneral.com www.commonwealthfinancialgroup.com played by her husband, Niall Vallely). And as with Page 14 January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com It always has been ‘about the song, and the story’ (Continued from page 13) Ireland such a good canon colonialism, anti-war, with 1916, she opted to tell nately, this is something profile for women, and only for what they say, but of songs.” anti-poverty, and strong the story of Julia Grenan that’s happened all too not just in Irish history. also for how she comes by After having felt some songs for women. These and Elizabeth O’Farrell: often in Ireland: The role Against the backdrop of them; sometimes, they self-generated pressure are the same themes Grenan was the nurse who of women, whether in the the #MeToo movement, may be in the form of a in putting together “Two I’ve been harping on for stayed in the Dublin GPO Rising or elsewhere, has she explained, she ac- keepsake, or a gift. “I did a More Hours,” “Hiero- a while, and I thought to care for Easter Rising often been forgotten or knowledged to herself a workshop with Eliza, and glyphs” was “just going maybe people would be hero James Connolly, and ignored. longstanding concern over she was so kind about my back to singing great more into hearing them.” her lover O’Farrell accom- “So for ‘Down in the what she saw as a gender songs, I felt like I wanted songs,” summed up Casey, One of the album’s panied Padraig Pearse to Glen,’ I imagined what gap in Irish music, despite to have one of hers – ‘Man who credits Shaw with unquestioned high points surrender the Irish Re- Julia would’ve thought as the emergence of many fe- of God’ really spoke to nudging her back into the – and an illustration of public flag to the British. she saw Elizabeth going male artists over the past something I’d been feeling studio and Og Graham for her way of uniting the per- “Just before the photo out the door that day. It’s few decades. One glaring for a long time. As for ‘I’m his engineering work. “It sonal with the historical was taken of the surren- worth remembering that example was the paucity of Still Standing Here,’ I was was all about confidence – is the unabashedly emo- der, Elizabeth stepped both women survived the female performers at Irish on tour with Maura, and and enjoyment.” tional and moving “Down out of the way; in the rebellion, and went on festivals: She noted that of that was one of the songs As for the social and in the Glen,” her take on original, you can just see to fight for the poor and 16 acts booked for a major she did. Then she said to political content of the the centenary of the Easter her feet next to Pearse,” downtrodden of Dublin. fundraiser in Dublin in me, ‘You should sing this. album, she said, “it all just Rising. Rather than focus- said Casey. “But in the re- They’re buried together early 2018, she was the Take it, it’s yours.’ Maura came to me. I felt I wanted ing on the storied figures productions, she was air- in Dublin’s Glasnevin lone woman. Given that is like that: She has given to say a lot of things: anti- and episodes associated brushed out completely – cemetery, in fact.” more than 40 pop, jazz, and as many have said, she “Down in the Glen” and classical festivals was basically airbrushed underscores Casey’s inter- worldwide had pledged from history. Unfortu- est in promoting a higher to achieve a 50/50 gender balance by 2022, it seemed to Casey that Irish music AUTO BODY REPAIRS (617) 825-1760 was behind the wave – and (617) 825-2594 she let the audience at the FAX (617) 825-7937 Dublin event know it. Discussions revealed there were many others who shared this feeling throughout the arts pro- fession, not just in music Free Pick-Up & Delivery Service circles. 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Harry Brett • Margaret Brett Hastings The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter bostonirish.com January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 Traveling People New Year’s special: Some of my favorite things about Ireland

By Judy Enright Special to the BIR With January marking the dawn of another year, this seems a great time to share some of Ireland’s many special attributes and attractions. That’s easy enough to say, but it’s very difficult to compress all that Ireland offers into one column. Instead we’ll share some of our favorites and hope they give you some ideas to check out when you visit. ACCOMMODATIONS Ireland has all kinds of possibilities from afford- able to luxury. You can rent self-catering apart- ments and houses, stay in a B&B, a farmhouse B&B, an Airbnb, or rent a room in manor houses and castles. Your choice no doubt depends on where you’re going, whether you are with others or travel- ing alone, and what kind of accommodation suits your travel plans and budget. You can find just about anything you want on the Emerald Isle. I have several favorites where I stay every time I’m lucky enough to visit Ireland. I enjoy Riverfield House B&B in Doolin, Co. Clare, and the wit and wis- dom of owner and propri- Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, Co. Galway. etor Caitriona Garrahy. tour the grounds and the If Riverfield is booked, former girls’ school but Caitriona’s son Don and also to stop by one of the his wife, Martina, have best gift shops anywhere. a B&B next door that’s And, stop in Clifden, too, lovely, too. Both B&Bs are for lunch at Mitchell’s Sea- well located and an easy food and a little shopping walk to pubs near the har- fun at The Whistlestop bor or in the other direc- and Clifden Bookshop. tion. Very good meals are This autumn we stayed available at McDermott’s at Lough Rynn Castle in and O’Connors as well Co. Leitrim for a wedding. as in Fitzpatrick’s Bar in What a beautiful estate. It the Doolin Hotel across offers a total of 44 rooms the road from Riverfield in the main building and House. Ballinalacken outbuildings on several Castle in Doolin also of- hundred acres! Every- fers accommodation and thing was perfect from the fine dining. rooms and food to the staff. When I land and then See loughrynn.ie for more. before I leave Ireland, I If you’re in that area, it’s enjoy staying at Caher- a lovely place to stay but gal Farm, which is just midweek is recommended minutes from Shannon since weekends tend to be (my favorite, no-stress air- booked out. port.) Noreen and Michael We didn’t specifically McInerney make you feel mention luxury accom- welcome in their lovely modation, but there is B&B, a working farm plenty in Ireland from surrounded by manicured Adare Manor, Dromoland, fields where cows and and Ashford Castles to sheep happily graze. You the Clare Island Light- would never know you house. If budget is not a were so close to a major in- problem, there are many Titanic museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Judy Enight photos ternational airport when outstanding options avail- you’re there. Be sure to able across the country. the west coast as the Wild on Achill Island. There’s of us dress in such bright taste in jewelry and other ask Noreen for one of her THE WEST Atlantic Way has drawn a well worn-out myth that colors. Well, those days fine items they sell. It’s special breakfast omelets There are many very many people to the area food in Ireland is not good. are long gone because a lovely store with great – they are superb as are beautiful places to visit and breathed new life into But believe me, it’s excel- the Irish now wear colors staff. her scones. in Ireland; my particular the economy there. From lent and whether you’re in just as bright as any we Down the street is Further upcountry, I am favorite place is the West- Donegal down to Cork, a hotel, pub or restaurant, ever wore. Westport Design, a new- a devoted fan of Conne- ern coast. For anyone the scenery is breathtak- you can find good meals. SHOPPING comer to Bridge Street mara and all it offers. My with an interest in pho- ing and there are many COLOR ON THE And, what about shop- that offers interesting and favorite hotel in Ireland is tography, the West, with thriving attractions along ISLAND ping? Is there any shop- different items, including Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel its rugged landscape and the way. Something that always ping to be had in Ireland? original art and prints. in the beautiful, unspoiled constantly changing light, I’ve rented a house in strikes me is the color of Well, if you’ve been there, And, don’t miss Seamus Inagh Valley. The hotel is is sheer bliss. It’s nearly Mulranny, Co. Mayo, Ireland. There’s green, of you know the answer to Duffy’s Bookshop for the a definite destination for impossible to take a bad every spring for nearly course, but there’s also that. latest great reading as fishing folks but it also photograph there and 25 years and, while it’s the brilliant yellow of Nearly every attraction well as calendars, cards, treats non-fishermen/ it’s definitely impossible an area that not too many gorse bushes, daffodils, has a gift shop and most and other items. women like members of to run short of amazing Americans visit, its at- and fields of rape seed, feature the work of lo- Drive down to The Quay the family. Owner Maire landscapes and other im- traction speaks volumes multicolored houses on cal artists and artisans. in Westport (near West- O’Conner has assembled ages to shoot. about the fact that no the Beara Peninsula, Beautifully knitted wool port House) and you’ll find the most gracious staff Don’t get me wrong. matter where you go in the stunning pink of sweaters are available a variety of original art at and they make staying Among other beautiful Ireland, you can find rhododendrons, azalea nearly everywhere you The Quay Gallery, a col- at Lough Inagh like going parts of Ireland are the interesting places, great and apple blossoms every- travel. Stores abound laboration of local artists, home. I’ve stayed there Ring of Kerry, Dingle restaurants, and fun where, the bright orange in the cities but also in including Suzie Sullivan, for more than 15 years Peninsula, Beara Penin- things to do. of Montbretia in the fall. smaller towns. a well-known, award- and have met some of the sula, Burren in Co. Clare, Local favorite dining And, of course, there are Because Westport is the winning fiber artist. nicest fellow visitors there to name just a few. But I places in the area where the colors local farmers nearest “big city” where FAVORITES who have become friends find the West very special. I rent are Nevins New- use to mark their sheep. I go for serious grocery It won’t take visitors that I see every year. Landscapes or cityscapes, field Inn in Tiernaur, the We’ve seen combinations shopping, I am familiar long to compile a list of Lough Inagh is highly Ireland has it all and Mulranny Park Hotel, of orange, purple, blue, with many of the very nice their favorites - food or recommended for the food, when you travel around, Grainne Uaile Pub in and red. There’s color all shops in that Co. Mayo drink or shopping or ac- staff, and accommodation. you’ll find your favorite Newport (all on the Great around if you look. town. I have shopped commodation. There’s Nearby is the beautiful spots. Western Greenway, an ex- I was once told that the at O’Reilly & Turpin on much to see and to enjoy Kylemore Abbey, which The Irish Tourist tremely popular off-road Irish could tell if you were Bridge Street for many on this very small island. is well worth a visit to Board’s designation of trail), and the Beehive American because many years and applaud their Page 16 January 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

IRISH AMERICAN P A R T N E R S H I P

in conversation with

Mary McAleese Anne Anderson 8TH PRESIDENT FORMER AMBASSADOR OF IRELAND OF IRELAND TO THE U.S.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019 | 8AM THE BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL ROWES WHARF, BOSTON

Tickets: www.irishap.org/events Questions? [email protected] or 617.723.2707

For the last 30 years, The Irish American Partnership has empowered the next generation of Irish leaders by supporting educational initiatives and community development programs in Ireland, North and South. Join us: www.irishap.org.