Editor: LINDA EVANS

Saint John named 261 Cape Breton Rd., Irishtown, NB E1H 1W7 international location of email:[email protected]

2015 Famine Commemoration VOLUME NO. 59 Page 22 December 2015 2 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

Inside This Issue:

Letters to the Editor……….....…...4 Joseph O’Leary …………..….…..5 Tribute to Joe Hannon …..……….7 NB Exhibit in Cobh ……………..8 ICCA Chap News.11, 15, 31, 40, 41 Convict’s Letter …………...... 12 George Pidgeon ……..…….….....16 Riordon Family of Pokeshaw …...19 Famine Commemoration …...... 22 Thank you to a landlord .………..26 Advertising Rates for The Shamrock Leaf ($CAN): Easter Rising 1916 …………..….27 Business card size……………………………..$25 Bits & Pieces …………..…...…..29 1/4 page………………………………………..$45 An Irish Stamp Album ………….32 1/2 page………………………………………..$60 Writing workshop ………...….....25 Front Page Banner……………………………..$100 Full page……………………………………….$100 Logic Puzzle ………………….....34 Full Page Back Cover………………………….$200 Belfast Bookseller …….…….….35 Advertising requests should be given to an ICCA member in your area Tenements of New York …….….37 or sent to: [email protected] From the Bookshelf …………….42 Beyond the Pale …………..….....44 Christmas Breakfast ………..…...45 Irish Saints ………..…………….46 Farewell Linda ….…....……..…..47

ISSN 1928-3296

The Shamrock Leaf is a publication of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association of New Brunswick (ICCANB). All materials contained herein are copyrighted to either the ICCANB or the individual contributors/authors and, as such, may not be copied or otherwise used for any other purpose without written permission from the copyright holder.

The Shamrock Leaf is published twice a year—June and December. Designed by ICCANB; Printed by TC Transcon- tinental Printing, P.E.I. Deadlines for submission are April 15th and October 15th respectively. Anyone wishing to submit to an issue should contact the Editor at: [email protected] or by regular mail to: Editor, ICCANB, 7 Hatch Street, Oromocto, NB E2V 2L3 Canada December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 3

erature, is a highly appro- book on my beloved Irish- fresh ideas and stories in priate phrase, as I say town and the districts that future editions. We were farewell as Editor of The surround her, and wish to a great team and I’ll miss Shamrock Leaf. There broaden my scope once that surely. comes a time when one that is completed. Have a very Merry just knows that it is time In all honesty, there Christmas and pray for to move on – and this is are 3 more monuments peace in 2016. one of those times. that need to be placed in I have enjoyed being SENB as well. They are Linda Evans editor immensely – not our Irish Inukshuks – Downtown Irishtown once, but twice over the without them, future gen- years. But the time has erations would forget that Email: come to dedicate myself ‘we were here’. [email protected] to ‘telling our story’. It I leave you in very has always been my pas- capable and committed “All things must sion to get NB’s Irish hands. Marilyn Driscoll come to an end”, attrib- story down in print before has been assistant editor uted to Geoffrey Chaucer, it is lost forever. I am for a few years now and I the father of English lit- presently finishing one know that she will bring

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor: Dear Editor:

You published my article - "A Partial History of the I just wanted to thank you for including my article McGivney Family in New Brunswick" in the June 2014 in The Shamrock Leaf. I really enjoy the articles and issue. Your article in June 2015 issue on "New Bruns- especially the one you wrote on outward migra- wick's out-migration" was interesting and got me think- tion. Keep up the great work. ing. I have been researching the history of the son of my great uncle. He was born in Green Hill NB, moved - Brian Kenny (by e-mail). to British Columbia, married, had children and settled in Northern Minnesota. His children included a daughter who was a missionary in Ecuador, a son who was a mis- sionary to native peoples in Manitoba and another son who settled in Oregon.

-Harry McKone (by e-mail).

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should be sent to:

[email protected] or by regular mail to Editor, ICCANB, 7 Hatch Street, Oromocto, NB E2V 2L3 Canada

Due to space limitations, not all letters are guaranteed to be printed. We reserve the right to edit for length or content. 4 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

President’s Message

Raised on songs and stories, heroes of renown ...(Pete St. John—Irish singer- songwriter best known for composing “Fields of Athenry”) If you’re like me (and were privileged to hear Kent Chapter will have I’m pretty sure you are), Mr. Vickers speak at the heard of his recent visit to you can’t remember a Miramichi Gathering of Ireland, and enjoyed the time when you didn’t the Irish, and were im- enthusiasm of his connec- know you were Irish. I pressed by his great com- tion to the “ould sod.” recall the death of John F. passion and humility. His Like all of us who have Kennedy, when the sor- speech reflected the values had the good fortune to row at our house and that we as Irish Canadians travel with Alma and Fred among our family was so hold dear, and the thun- Hazel or the late Marven great, I was certain he was derous applause it re- McCarthy, or Marilyn and an uncle, or at least a sec- ceived recognized that Bruce Driscoll, he waxes ond cousin. It was years fact. poetic about the beauty of later when I discovered The visit of Irish the island and the warm preparations for St. Pat- our relationship – he was Minister Heather Hum- welcome of its people, our rick’s Week, bearing in Irish, my grandmother phreys in late October, to “way back” relatives. mind the significance of told me, and a good man. commemorate the Famine I also had an interest- 2016 to those of Irish heri- As Christmas and the victims in our province, ing chat with one of our tage. As Fred Hazel re- New Year approach, I re- further underlined the new members who re- minds us in his commen- flect on the year that has qualities we have inherited cently discovered her tary on Minister Hum- almost passed, and con- from our forebears: tenac- Miramichi roots began phreys’ visit, we should clude, it was a great year ity, courage and love of with a young man who all be striving to create a for the Irish. In January country, both our present stowed away on a boat fitting celebration of the 2015, former Parliamen- country and our original from Ireland, at the tender Easter Uprising which led tary Sergeant-at Arms, homeland. Minister Hum- age of 13 years, and went to the birth of Ireland as a Kevin Vickers was ap- phreys spoke not only of on to found a dynasty distinct nation. pointed Canadian Ambas- the past and our roots, but which boasts members in In the meanwhile, I sador to Ireland. This of our current and future every US state, today. Her wish all our members, honour was bestowed on connections. In the weeks pride and delight in this family and friends the Ambassador Vickers in that followed, I was re- ancestor fuelled her desire Merriest of Christmases recognition of his service minded of that connection to join us in the ICCA and and the Happiest of New to our parliament and our on several occasions. connect with the songs Years. country, in dealing swiftly Anyone who knows and stories we all share. and bravely with the at- Mike Magee, newly Since the New Year Marijke Blok tacker who threatened elected president of our is also a time to look for- ICCANB President both. In July, many of us Westmorland, Albert and ward, we begin early [email protected]

May you rise from the ashes!

Our hearts go out to the Bathurst community after the devastating downtown fire last week. One of our loyal advertisers – Romain LeClair – lost one of the most popular places to dine on the North Shore – Au Café Gourmet. I’m told by a reliable family source here in Irish- town that they made the best potato and leek soup in New Brunswick. We are all thinking of you and hope you are back up and running soon. December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 5

The RCAF in Northern Ireland during WWII and the death of FO Joseph O’Leary

Ed. Note: Sometimes a story comes out of nowhere and gladly sometimes it comes from a reader as well. The following story idea came from Mary Dollena Warren Giguère of Quebec. In response to a story we did on the O’Leary family of Richibucto in June, 2014, she sent a clipping of the death of Richibucto-born Joseph O’Leary in Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, the picture of Joseph in the clipping was not of sufficient quality to reproduce here. However, thanks to Mary, we’re pleased to bring you his story.

During World War II, Ireland the time in air and this compromise the marine flotillas which also ac- declared itself neutral so that, offi- proved critical in the Battle of the companied the convoys. From the cially, there was no participation in Atlantic. air, they could see much more and the war effort there, except for those The Royal Canadian Air Force relay the information to the convoys men and women who volunteered to was part of this important allied below. join up as recruits in Northern Ire- effort. They flew out of the waters Although this allied compro- land and Britain. near Castle Archdale, north of En- mise was considered ‘top secret’, it However, Ireland’s neutrality niskillen, and west of Irvinestown, was no secret to the residents of caused a certain conundrum for air Northern Ireland. They flew Sun- Ballyshannon and other areas of force units deployed in Northern derland’s and Catalina’s – known as County Donegal. At least 10 flights Ireland. Wishing to protect the fre- ‘flying boats’ - off of Lough Erne passed overhead each day as the quent and necessary convoys that over Belleek and Ballyshannon to- flying boats went out to search for plied the North Atlantic during the wards the North Atlantic and had a U-boats and other ships that might conflict, air support was critical. flying range of 1000 miles. Their interrupt the vital convoys that plied The North Atlantic Patrol, based participation in the protection of the the Atlantic. It was one of these north of Enniskillen, Northern Ire- numerous convoys which sailed flying boats that spotted the German land, would have had to detour between North America and Britain battleship, Bismarck in May 1940. around County Donegal, part of the were as critical to the war effort as (cont’d…) Republic, in order to reach the North Atlantic. In consequence, Britain applied to the Irish Republic for permission to fly over County Donegal in order to reach the North Atlantic by a more direct route. Dublin, after much deliberation, “granted permis- sion for Allied aircraft to overfly their neutral territory ‘at a good height’ to provide access to and from the Northern Ireland airfields to access the North Atlantic.” This small gesture was of huge significance to the Allied war effort considering that it cut a consider- able distance off the lengths trav- elled by aircraft patrolling the North Atlantic. The ‘Donegal Corridor’, as it became known, increased sub- stantially the flight range as well as Sunderland and Catalina flying boats at Castle Archdale 6 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

The RCAF in Northern Ireland during WWII and the death of FO Joseph O’Leary (cont’d…)

Sent to raid allied shipping in Joseph’s death. the Atlantic, this reported sighting – Flight Lieutenant Joseph after the Bismarck had already de- O’Leary and his colleagues ‘not-so- stroyed the battle cruiser HMS secret’ war effort is remembered by Hood in the Denmark Strait – al- a plaque placed on the Bridge at lowed the Allied powers to take out Belleek which faces the famous the Bismarck as well. Belleek Pottery Company in County Flying Officer Joseph Martin Fermanagh. It states: O’Leary was part of this war effort “Donegal Corridor” – During based in Castle Archdale. The son the Second World War (1939-1945) of George Edward and Ellen Sunderland and Catalina Flying (Lanigan) O’Leary, he was born in Boats from RAF Castle Archdale Richibucto about 1920 and had were given permission by the neu- joined the war effort early in the tral Irish Free State government to war. He first served for two years fly along the River Erne between on the ‘flying boats’ on the Pacific Belleek and Ballyshannon. This patrol off British Columbia. In was known as the Donegal Corri- 1944 he was transferred to the dor. Young men flew out to the North Atlantic Patrol and flew mid-Atlantic to give protection to many sorties over the North Atlan- FO JM O’Leary”s headstone shipping convoys. A number of tic. He would not see the end of the The news of his death was dev- planes crashed in the locality. This war however. He became ill and astating to his family, and especially plaque is in memory of the airmen died of natural causes in Enniskillen so for his only sibling, Rev. Edward and seamen from America, Austra- Hospital on 22 Jan 1945. He was Eugene O’Leary (1918-2003), a lia, New Zealand, Canada, Britain buried in the Sacred Heart RC well-known priest in Saint John, and Ireland who lost their lives in Cemetery in Irvinestown, County who had been ordained in the Ca- the Battle of the Atlantic.” Fermanagh. thedral there just six months before

Provincial President of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association of New Brunswick, Marijke Blok, looks on as 2013 & 2014 Innishowen Fiddle Award recipient, Sidney Murgatroyd, holding the award plaque, pre- pares to pass the fiddle and the award to 2015 recipient, Ben Irving of Fredericton. Ben is 14 years old and started grade 9 at Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton this past September. He started playing fiddle when he was 6 at Royal Road Elementary. He has been working with his current teacher, Katherine Moller for the past 5 years and has been an active member of the Nashwaaksis Middle School’s Strings pro- gram. Ben joined the Leo Hayes strings group in the fall. He has participated in both the Harvey and Fredericton Music festivals. Besides playing the fiddle, he also enjoys drama and playing hockey. December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 7

Mo Anam Cara – my soul mate In memory of Joseph Hannon

by Lorraine Hannon Joseph Hannon was born in The nuns tested his honesty Dublin on the Feast of the As- on many occasions and never sumption of Mary in 1946. When found him lacking. They left he was three years old his father money and valuables everywhere died of a heart attack, leaving his but he never took anything. mother with 6 children to raise. When the nuns became old he His mother put him in school secretly and discreetly made cup- when he was four because the boards and “presses” to hide their poor woman had to work. televisions and computers and Joseph left school at 13 and hooked them up to cable and the became an apprentice chef at a internet. One sister with demen- convent but he didn’t like being tia kept seeing holes with snakes indoors all the time standing in and bugs on her walls, and so Jo- the same hot spot. He then be- seph brought plaster and asked came an apprentice glazier with her to tell him where the holes in Dublin Glass and hoped to be a the walls were. He covered the master glazier someday. By the “holes” and she calmed down. We had his funeral on March 25th age of 17 he was not only work- Joseph’s first wife died from 2015 at Holy Family Church in ing a full time job during the day complications with lupus in Janu- Bathurst and he is buried at Holy but going to technical school at ary 2001, and in 2003, when the Rosary cemetery—my Irishman. night to learn carpentry, electri- convent no longer required his Many people will wonder how a cal, and plumbing. When his em- skills and smart sense, he asked, Dubliner ended up buried at Holy ployer found out, he thought he’d and became redundant. Rosary. Well, now you know. be fired, but instead his boss paid Then he came to marry me in He came from his beloved Ireland for this technical training instead. Canada and we had a wonderful for a Canadian girl that he never Married in 1968, and with 11 years together, and one daugh- forgot. I thank God for that! two children, Joseph travelled all ter, Lindsay. Joseph was kind, around the country when he was thoughtful, considerate, gentle, glazing. When he did one small and filled with good humour. We job at a Muckross Dominican travelled extensively throughout Convent in Donnybrook, he Canada, Europe and Ireland to- found that the nuns had dozens of gether. We had a fairy-tale life. jobs for him to do, and he could He made me feel like a queen. do them because of his wide He made all my dreams come knowledge of fixing things from true. He was my better half and I his technical training – so they miss him like a piece of me is offered him a job in 1976 for gone. He died while I held his more money than he got as a gla- hand in the early hours of 22 Mar zier. He kept a workshop at the 2015. Photo 1: Our wedding day back of the convent and did vari- I waked him in our house, as Photo 2: at home in Bathurst ous odd jobs, keeping the convent per his request, and many in good shape. neighbours and friends came. 8 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

New Brunswick Irish exhibits showcased in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland By M. Driscoll

Two travelling exhibits pro- In addition to the permanent duced by the Provincial Archives exhibitions, many visiting exhibits of New Brunswick, having trav- have made their way through the elled to many venues within North Heritage Centre since its opening. America and Ireland, are now on The exhibits highlighting the prominent display at the Cobh Great Famine and mass emigra- Heritage Centre in County Cork, tion take the Irish story only to the Ireland. point of life on board the ships As explained in a Wikipedia carrying the many starving Irish entry: “The port, which has had from their home shores across the Dockside, preparing to board several Irish-language names, was vast ocean to what all hoped ship, with some of the poorer first called "Cove" ("The Cove of would be a better life in North “steerage” classes trudging along Cork") in 1750. It was renamed America. For the poorer classes, in the background "Queenstown" in 1850 to com- Canada was their first choice of memorate a visit by Queen Victo- fated Titanic which sank on destination because the fare was ria. This remained the town's name her maiden voyage – Cobh considerably less expensive than until the late 1920s, when it was was her last port of call that for travel to the United States. renamed Cobh by the new authori-  Witness the tragic story of Many planned on arriving in Can- ties of the Irish Free State. Cobh is the Lusitania, which sank off ada then making their way to the a Gaelicisation of the English Cork Harbour U.S. as their eventual destination name Cove. While it shares the  Learn about Annie Moore and, indeed, many did so. How- same pronunciation, it has no and her 2 brothers who left ever, significant numbers re- meaning in the Irish language.” Cobh for a new life in Amer- mained in Canada and their influ- The Cobh Heritage Centre is ica – Annie was the 1st im- ence and impact made a profound situated in the old Railway building migrant ever to be processed difference in the development of in Cobh. It focuses on a particular in Ellis Island, and last but our country over the century and a period in Irelands history. It tells not least, half that followed. the story of Queenstown (now  Find out about your Irish History has revealed large Cobh) and the mass emigration ancestry with the Genealogy numbers of Irish emigrants would from this town over a 150-year pe- Recordfinder Service pro- never live to achieve the life they riod. It also focuses on the famine vided for a fee sought, either dying at sea or in of the 1800s and the mass starva- the quarantine stations set up on tion that the people faced during islands off the Canadian coast this difficult period in Irelands his- while awaiting for their health to tory. As stated on their website, improve so that they might be within the Centre one can: cleared to set foot on the  Explore the conditions on mainland. Those who did make it board the early emigrant ves- to a new home in North America sels, including the dreaded found they still had many strug- “coffin ships” gles to overcome in order to create  Experience life on board a the life they dreamed of for their convict ship leaving Cove children and grandchildren. for Australia in 1801 Life-sized depiction on board a  Discover Queenstown’s spe- “coffin ship” on display at the cial connections with the ill- Heritage Centre (cont’d) December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 9

New Brunswick Irish exhibits showcased in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland (cont’d)

The two exhibits from New rian congregation up until the 1960s Brunswick: In Wake of Dark Pas- when it closed its doors to the pub- sage, and An Honourable Inde- lic. The building was handed over pendence, are perfect complements to Cork County Council. Cobh Mu- to the Cobh exhibits as, taken to- seum was established and opened gether, they highlight the passage its doors to the public in 1973. from Ireland to New Brunswick as Cobh Museum focuses on vari- well as providing insight into the ous periods in Irelands history. This Irish experience in their new home year the main exhibition was on the in relation to religion, education, 100 anniversary of the sinking of industry, transportation and other the Lusitania by a German Subma- aspects of their integration into rine. Additional exhibits included their adopted society. one on Elbert Hubbard, founder of Understanding the comple- the Roycroft Campus in Aurora, mentary nature of the Cobh and New York, who was a passenger on New Brunswick exhibits, Jack board the ill-fated Lusitania, and Part of the Irish lace making ex- Walsh, the General Manager of the also an exhibit on horse power—the hibit of the Cobh Museum Heritage Centre was excited by the role horses played in World War I. opportunity to install the New Previous exhibits within recent Brunswick panels along the hall- years included a wide range of sub- Next year, the focus will be on way leading to the entrance of the jects including the story of Queens- the 1916 rising and the history of Cobh exhibits, thereby providing town during World War I; stories of Irish dancing. visitors with the full story from the emigration from Ireland to countries For more information on cur- events leading up to the mass emi- around the world; the sinking of the rent exhibits at either the Cobh gration to how the Irish struggled Titanic and reactions within Cobh Heritage Centre or the Cobh Mu- then thrived after settlement in (Queenstown), its last port of call; seum, visit their websites at: what would become, in 1867, the Irish lace making; domestic and Dominion of Canada. commercial life in Cobh; and many Cobh Heritage Centre: more interesting and varied exhib- www.cobhheritage.com its. Cobh Museum: www.cobhmuseum.com

The New Brunswick exhibits line both sides of the entrance hall to “The Queenstown Story” exhibit at the Cobh Heritage Centre

Not far from the Cobh Heritage Centre, visitors to the area can find the Cobh Museum. Located in Scots Church, no.1 The High Road, Cobh, this building was used as a place of worship by the Presbyte- Part of the “Living and Leaving” exhibit at the Cobh Museum 10 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

www.relaxseaside.com

www.facebook.com/CshoreWonders

[Paid Advertisements] December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 11

Bathurst Chapter News By Pat Murphy

Last June, the $600.00, local On October 15th the W.B. Yeats cal Provincial Directors, Pat Mur- Chapter High School bursary was exhibit was brought to Bathurst from phy, Marie Grant, and Greg Riordon awarded to Jessie St. Pierre, a gradu- the Miramichi and was put on dis- traveled to St. John for the Provin- ate of Bathurst High school and the play at the Heritage Museum on cial meeting. grand-son of members Gilles and Thursday afternoon and evening, On Saturday, November 14th, Sharon Olscamp. Friday afternoon and evening, and we had our Fall Chapter meeting Three volunteers from our Saturday afternoon. Thanks to the which was mainly concerned with Chapter were at the Irish Festival to Museum staff for hosting the display preparations for the Christmas egg- lend a hand with the Provincial in the afternoons and to members nog party which was held on Sun- booth in July. Jerry Thibodeau, Ron Jessulat, Isa- day, November 29th. There is al- September was time for our an- bele Fitzkpatrick, and Pat Edwards ways a good turnout at this event. nual corn boil which was hosted at for taking care of the evenings. Also Member Mike Moore is again the Belledune Recreation Centre. thanks to members Lester Sullivan preparing a Christmas wreath with We had a great turn out to consume and Brian Murphy for assisting in an Irish theme which is donated to the tasty corn and enjoy some fine setting-up and dismantling the dis- the Terry Fox elementary school for entertainment provided by member play. On Sunday the display was their silent auction. Thanks Mike. Grace Lawlor and her friend on the delivered to Marilyn Driscoll in On a sad note we have lost guitar, as well as Marie Grant on her Blackville and went on to St. John many members in the last year in- accordion. Thank you to all the from there. cluding George Culligan, Paul Deli- members who came out, the guys The following Saturday the caet, David Doyle, Dr. Robert and who helped me with the corn, the President of the Chapter was in the Mrs.Theresa Hennessy, Joseph Han- entertainers, and especially to the Miramichi to greet the Irish Minister non, Charlie McAleenan, and Mau- ladies who took care of the kitchen. of Culture and Tourism at the invita- rice Roy, Lorne and Paryse Whalen. Member Helen Knowles sold tickets tion of the Miramichi Chapter. for the Servants Heart Ministry and Thanks Maureen, it was a very shared part of the dividends with our pleasant experience. bursary fund. Thanks Helen. On Saturday, November 7th, lo-

The Bathurst business community is a strong supporter of The Shamrock Leaf and Irish activities in their area. If your business would like to support local Irish in your re- gion, please consider placing an ad in The Shamrock Leaf or donating directly to the ICCANB Chapter closest to you.

God Bless and Happy Holidays to all. 12 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

A transported convict’s letter to his wife in County Down Fm: National Library of Ireland (CSO/RP/1826/522/2)

NOTE: Born in 1770 in Ireland, David Gordon was sent to Australia with a life sentence in 1823 for ‘passing forged documents County Down. He arrived there on 09 Sep 1923. A shepherd, he had married Mary Deans in 1796 in a Presbyterian ceremony in Boardmills, County Down. In 1828 he was listed as a hotel keeper and land holder, and still working for James Hassall of Bathurst, NSW. His family must have joined him as his son, James, was born in 1801 in Ballyhinch, County Down, and died in 1874 in Sutton Forest, NSW. His sentence was commuted and he was given a ‘ticket to leave’ on 2 Jan 1832 and was al- lowed to stay in Parramatta, NSW.

The following is a direct transcription of David Gordon’s letter to his wife — spelling and grammatical errors included.

June the 22 1825 Dear Wife and Children. I take this appertunity of writing to you to Let you know that iam in good health at present thanks to God for all his mercis hoping these few Lins will find you and Children in the same. I wrote four times to you and Recevid no ancer Which makes me very uneasy to think that we are So fare from Each other But I hope that providence will bring us nearer to go each other. Gather and if not in this world in the world to Com where their will Be non to make us afraid nor keep us Asunder I have nothing to writ of any importance. But this is a fine Country for a mann to make a fourtin in that Comes not a prisnor for a prisnor has to serve his Deu time Before he can get his Liberty A lifer has to serve Eight years Before he Can get A ticket of Liberty and Behave with good conduct Except his wife or Chil- dren comes to this Countrey and then he is free in the Countrey A man for fourteen years serves six years and A man for seven years serves four years with good Behaver I am still with the same man and has teen pounds a year and my rashen Which is eight quartes of wheet and seven pound of muten or Beef in the week or four pound of pork my busness is to watch sheep By night and shoot By Day and I Labured a pice of ground and so’ed wheat Last season and had nine pounds nine shillings worth of wheat on it I bought a Cow from my master for my wages and another for the price of my wheet which has two famel Caves all in hopes of you Coming to this place as it would Bee a good place for the Children to make A living in you would geet fifty Ackers of Land Every Child teen without aney Rent for ever there is no want of firin here at no expenses

[Below]this is the secretarys leter to those men who applied for to geet you here so if it plases god to send an order for you and Children Embrace the appertunity Let the Loos Bee what itmay to you Let not thefer of the sea prevent you of Coming foor god is as Abel to save you on sea as on Land and you willBe abel to Live without your frends assistance So no more At present But Remeans your Loving hus- band until Death

David Gordon

Remenber me to All inquring frends and Aquantince

(cont’d) December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 13

A transported convict’s letter to his wife in County Down (cont’d)

(cont’d) 14 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

A transported convict’s letter to his wife in County Down (cont’d)

Colonial Secretary’s Office 25th September 1824 Gentlemen, Your letter of the 15th Instant having been submitted to the Governor, I have been honored with this Instruc- tion, that the application which it prefers, that the wife and Children of David Gordon by the Earl St Vincent may be sent for, will be attended to – I am, Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, J Goulburn Messrs Thos & Sam Hassal, Parramatta and when you write, write to the Care of James Hassal of Parramatta for David Gordon or if sent By post it must Be paied to the transport ofice in england or it will not Com to me

Dromara May 7 1826 Sir, I have been requested by Mary Gordon the wife of David Gordon who was transported to New South Wales about 1823 to make an application to His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant on her behalf praying that she might be allowed a free passage with her family to that colony to join her husband by the first vessel that sails with convicts for New South Wales, as they are in great distress here, and been a very good character I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient humble servant, H Boyd J.P. Co. Down W Gregory Esq [Sender is Rev Hanyngton Elgee Boyd, Justice of the Peace, Dromaragh, County Down. Recipient is William Gregory, Under Secretary

Interested in the Irish language? Try out these self-guided tools. Every year, throughout Ireland, Seachtain na Gaeilge is celebrated ("Irish Week", though in reality, it is two weeks long). This starts in the beginning of March and ends on St. Patrick's Day. People around Ireland make an effort to use their few words of Irish during Seachtain na Gaeilge.

On the tuairisc.ie website there are a series of listening activities for learners- you have a video clip with pictures and the listening and a number of activities to complete while listening and following the story, they also include the script, so you can read along and check your pronunciation. The link is here: http://tuairisc.ie/category/foghlaimeoiri/

Another excellent source for free Irish language lessons, as well as French, German, Italian, Spanish, and several other languages, is: https://www.duolingo.com This site even includes an area where teachers can register their whole class and track their progress as a group and as individuals. December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 15

Capital Area Chapter news By Bruce Driscoll

The Capital Area Chapter had September provided a bit of a Our “Christmas in Killarney” a very busy summer and fall. Fol- break while October was high- will take place in early December. lowing the election of Officers at lighted by the opening of the W.B. In other noteworthy happen- our Annual meeting on May 31st, Yeats exhibit at the Provincial Ar- ings, Marilyn Driscoll is working Bruce Driscoll succeeded Mary chives, and of course the visit by with a group of Park Street Elemen- Beth Gorey as President. The offi- Irish Minister Heather Humphreys tary School children in Fredericton, cers are: to parts of the province. on a weekly basis, to teach tradi- tional Irish dance. We will continue Past President: Mary Beth Gorey to work in the schools whenever President: Bruce Driscoll possible to try and promote our First Vice President: Elizabeth goals and culture to the younger McDermott minds. Second Vice President: Lorraine Our Irish Room continues to Nolan operate twice a week, and we con- Secretary: Louise McSheffrey tinue to gather resources from inter- Treasurer: Mary Beth Gorey ested parties. If anyone has a docu- Membership: Susan McCloskey Part of ICCANB’s W.B. Yeats Ex- mented history of their Irish ances- hibit at the Provincial Archives tors they would like to deposit a We had our spring/summer copy of at the Irish room for the BBQ at the home of Phil Williams We had our Chapter meeting at benefit of other researchers, it in June, and held our annual month’s end, and made the decision would be much appreciated. Also, Bloomsday event at Dolan’s Pub, to meet monthly just for a chapter we are recruiting volunteers who June 16th. We took part in the Cul- get-together and lunch. We also would like to organize activities for tural Expressions Festival the last looked ahead to Heritage week in the Irish Room such as a lecture weekend of June, which provides a February and St. Patrick’s week in series, regular music sessions, gene- great opportunity for us to showcase March. In November, we celebrated alogy sessions, Irish language our Irish roots alongside many other our 10th Tellabration!, organized by classes – the list of possibilities is ethnic groups. Beth McDermott, at the Provincial too long to mention. All it needs is In July we participated, as part Archives. Forty people attended. someone to take the lead in planning of ICCANB, in the booth at the Irish and executing an activity. You Festival. The event is now outdoors could be just the person we’re look- and was very well-attended. We ing for! If interested, please contact had a lot of traffic and interest, in- me to discuss your idea. My num- cluding a visit from the Canadian ber’s in the book! Ambassador to Ireland, his Excel- lency, Kevin Vickers. Our Chapter Our Chapter volunteers are very booth at the Highland Games in Fre- dedicated, and I can’t speak highly dericton, the next weekend, was enough of them. very busy as well. Both events gave us ample opportunity to sell tickets Tellabration! organizer Beth Happy holidays to everyone! on our Irish Basket, which was won, McDermott surrounded by the eve- as it happened, by the Provincial ning’s storytellers: Bill Gulliver, President, saving us a trip to Minne- Marilyn Driscoll, Bill & Shelley sota. The NB Day weekend, we Petley, Helene Caplice-Nason and took a booth to the Johnville Picnic, Steve Goudey and again received much interest. 16 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

Rev. George Pidgeon

By E.C. (Gene) Campbell

Over the past, we have looked Rector of this Parish, who in cross- at the contributions made in the field ing the River St. John to his resi- of religion, by many of Irish back- dence after attending to the duties of ground in the Fredericton area – his office in Fredericton, was unfor- New Brunswick’s first Bishop, Wil- tunately drowned on the 23rd day of liam Dollard; Monsignor Charles T May 1795, in the 72nd year of his Boyd, and Rev. Michael age.” His son, Michael Cooke, 32 McSweeney, to name but a few. also drowned at the same time, and However, there are several more, his grave-stone is located next to his and in this issue of The Shamrock father, and the third stone in that Leaf, we will take a look at yet an- particular lot, remembers Rev. other Irish-born clergyman of note. St. Anne’s Parish 1788-1854 Cooke’s daughter, Lydia, who died Rev. George Pidgeon, Rector in 1840. of Fredericton from 1795 to 1814, Pigeons’ father-in-law. During Pidgeon’s tenure in Fre- was born in Kilkenny, Ireland in In his book “Annals of the dericton, Hawkins goes on to say, 1762 and died in Saint John in 1818. Diocese of Fredericton (1847), “… the Church appears to have His background is impressive. Per- Ernest Hawkins wrote, “Mr. Pid- made steady progress; though it was haps a fact that many may find of an geon had been formerly an officer in assailed by the wild fanatics who, even greater interest than his contri- the 65th Regiment, but his first incli- under the name of ‘New Lights’, butions in the world of religion, is nation, s well as his more mature taught the extremist antinomianism, the fact that his blood-line is tied reflection, led him to the service and and was constantly distracted by the into that of legendary actor, Saint ministry of the Church. He was a excitement upon the war in Canada.” John-born Walter Pidgeon (1897- man of liberal education, and sound Hawkins goes on, in recording 1984). principles.” Just as a note of inter- Pigeons’ time in Fredericton. ‘On Rev. Pidgeon was associated est, Hawkins made an ongoing error the lamented death of Mr. Cooke, with Trinity Church in Saint John, in this work, referring to the city of the Bishop was at a loss, for some as well as St. Anne’s in Fredericton. Saint John, as St John’s throughout! time, how to fill the important posi- Before coming to Canada, he at- After his ordination, Rev. tion which had thus been vacant. tended, and was a graduate of Trin- George Pidgeon was first engaged But the inhabitants of Fredericton, ity College in Dublin. He would as the Missionary of Belleisle, and having conceived a great regard for then go on to join the 65th Regiment would also officiate at Oak Point the Rev. George Pidgeon, during the (Rifles) as an Ensign, and would and other adjacent places. Then on time that he officiated as missionary consequently come to America dur- August 19, 1795, upon the death of of Belleisle, were anxious that he ing the Revolutionary War. At the Rev. Samuel Cooke, DD, first rector should succeed their late beloved end of the American Revolution, he of the Fredericton parish, Pidgeon pastor; and accordingly, on General moved to Halifax, where he would would become the Capital’s second Carleton’s presentation, he was for- be ordained by Rt. Rev. Charles In- rector. merly installed to the care of the par- gles, the Bishop of Nova Scotia, and And yet another note of inter- ish…!” it would be Inglis that would recom- est! Cooke’s tombstone, located in Pidgeon would move to Saint mend Pidgeon to the Society for the Fredericton’s Old Burial Ground, John, to become Rector of Trinity Propagation of the Gospel in For- records an interesting bit of local Church. Upon the death of Dr. eign Parts. Inglis, as a matter of history – “Sacred to the Memory of Mosher Byles on May 12, 1814, interest, would eventually become Rev.d Samuel Cooke, DD, the first (cont’d) December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 17

Rev. George Pidgeon (cont’d)

and a sermon was preached on colonial Bishop being conse- the occasion of his funeral, by crated in 1787. He died in 1816. the Rev. Robert Willis, a chap- In Fredericton, Rev. Pid- lain in the Navy.” geon built and lived in the house Following Pidgeon’s trans- located at 750 Brunswick Street, fer to Saint John, the Frederic- which today is referred to as the ton vacancy was filled by Rev. ‘Bliss-Beckwith’ house. A G.J. Mountain, the Bishop of plaque on the front of the old Montreal, who had held the po- structure, which was constructed sition for less than three years, circa 1800 reads: ‘Built by the and, it is written that he “so en- second rector of Fredericton, deared himself to the people, Rev. George Pidgeon, this resi- both by his preaching and liv- dent has also served as the home ing, that his memory is still of men prominent in public ser- fondly cherished there.” vice’. St. Anne’s Parish today Interred in the ‘Old Burial Ground’ in Saint John, Pid- at the age of 80, Rev. geon’s tombstone reads: George was directed by the “Under this stone are placed the Bishop to take possession of the earthly remains of the Rev. ‘still more important’ mission of George Pidgeon, formerly of St. John, but his ministry there Trinity College, Dublin, late would only last four years, due Rector in this Parish, and Eccle- to failing health, and he would siastical Commissionary of this die unexpectedly on May 16, Province 23 years. He died May 1818. He had been the second 6th, 1818, aged 57 years.” It is rector of Fredericton, and the interesting to note here, that al- third for Saint John. though all sources give the same Bliss-Beckwith House Rev. George Pidgeon’s month for his death – May – the Brunswick Street, Fredericton death drew caring comments actual day varies, depending on from all levels. In referring to what source we read – the 1st, his passing, the press of the day 16th and 6th – the latter probably said: “his pious and benevolent being the accurate one, as it is character, and amiable manners, the date inscribed on the grave- will long endear his memory to marker. his numerous friends.” Rev. Pidgeon married in Leading up to his death, July of 1797, to Anne Inglis (b. Pidgeon had suffered frequently 1776), a daughter of Bishop from attacks of a painful disor- Charles Inglis, of the Diocese of der, and Ernest Hawkins wrote, Nova Scotia, which had at that “…and he died May 1, 1818, to time, included not only the the universal regret of his pa- province of Nova Scotia, but rishioners. Every mark of re- also Newfoundland and New spect was paid to his memory, Brunswick. Inglis was the first 18 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

2015 sees the passing of two well- known Irish celebrities

Known to the world as legendary actress Maureen O’Hara, Maureen FitzSi- mons was born on August 17, 1920, in the Dublin suburb of Ranaleigh, Ireland. The second oldest of six children, Maureen was raised in a close-knit Irish Catholic family. Her father, Charles, was a businessman, and her mother, Mar- guerite, was an accomplished stage actress and opera singer. Maureen displayed a penchant for dramatics at an early age when she staged presentations for her family; in school she was active in singing and dancing. While still in her early teens, Maureen enrolled at Dublin's prestigious Abbey Theatre School, where she studied drama and music. Upon her graduation in 1937, she was offered a lead role with the Abbey Players, but instead she de- cided to try her hand at film acting. She then moved to London, where she screen tested for an English feature. Although the film was never produced, her impres- sive audition caught the attention of Oscar-winning movie star and producer MAUREEN O’HARA Charles Laughton. After convincing Maureen to change her surname to O'Hara, 1920—2015 Laughton helped launch Maureen's career and the rest – as they say – is history. On October 24, 2015, O'Hara died in her sleep in her Boise, Idaho home at the age of 95. "Her characters were feisty and fearless, just as she was in real life," her family said in a statement. "She was also proudly Irish and spent her entire lifetime sharing her heritage and the wonderful culture of the Emerald Isle with the world."

Brian Patrick Friel, well-known playwright, short story writer and co-founder (with actor Stephen Rea) of the Field Day Theatre Company passed away Friday, October 2, 2015 in Green- castle, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. Born January 9, 1929 in Killyclogher, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Friel moved, with his family, to Derry at the age of 10. He was edu- cated at St. Columb’s College in Derry, which was also the institution chosen by poet Seamus Heaney and Nobel Peace Prize winner, John Hume. After pursuing a career in teaching for a short while, Friel gave it up and settled in Greencastle in the 1960s in order to realize his dream of a life in literature. While born in County Tyrone and raised in Derry, Friel spent many summers in Glenties, West Donegal, the birthplace and childhood home of his mother, Mary McLoone. His best known works: Dancing at Lughnasa; Phila- delphia, Here I Come; and Translations, all took place in a fictional town called Ballybeg. However, what Friel wrote, in 1981, about his mother’s west Donegal village and how it "occupies a large portion of my affections and permanently shaped my imagination", seems to confirm the long-held belief that Glenties was actually the model for the village portrayed in his works. Friel also served as a senator in the Irish parliament and his portrait was displayed in Ireland's National Gallery. Friel was carried to his rest in a coffin made of wicker, as was his desire, surrounded by hundreds of family, friends, actors and other theatre professionals who gathered in the graveyard overlooking Glenties near the Blue Stack Mountains in Co Donegal to bid farewell to the writer. December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 19

The Riordon family and the mills of Pokeshaw

Part I by Greg Riordon

John Sr.’s brother, aptly describes performed Militia duty and Statue the plight of Pokeshaw’s initial in- labour and paid their proportion of habitants. all rates and assessments for county and parish charges, participating Your Excellency’s petitioners (until lately) in the provincial ap- have been neighbours in the land of propriations only to the extent of a their birth were naturally desirous few small sums to offset in cutting of continuing so in this country hav- passages down the cliffs. ing heard of this desolate and lonely tract from which the face of In 1839, John Riordon Sr., mankind appeared to be averted, who had been living next to his they, in a body attempted a settle- brother Patrick and who had been ment upon it, trusting that by recip- working in co-operation of Patrick, rocal acts of support and assistance applied for 100 acres next to him. they might in time surmount these Fortunately, with his petition, he obstacles which have too long de- was assisted by William End, a Jus- John J. Riordon 1837-1909 terred individual enterprises. Igno- tice of the Peace in Bathurst, whom, rant of the rigours of the climate it is reported, had been a champion Thomas W Riordon was born and nearly destitute of the means of of Irish and Acadian efforts. Mr. in Pokeshaw, NB (a portion of procuring those common necessities End added the following remark to which was called Riordon for some of live which they had then scarcely John Riordon’s petition: time) on March 12th, 1867 to John learned to want, their sufferings in Joseph and Ellen (Walsh) Riordon a trackless wilderness far distant I cannot refrain from laying Jr. JJ Riordon was born in the same from any habitation of man may be the case of this unfortunate peti- place in 1837, being the son of Irish easily conceived, they cannot trou- tioner before his Excellency. He immigrants, John Riordon Sr. and ble your Excellency with a recital of has a sickly wife and seven children Johanna Leahy. John Riordon Sr. what they endured, suffice to say all dependent on his labour. About was one of four boys: Patrick, that several of the old people and four years ago he was caught in a John, James and Matthew, all of some of the children perished dur- snowstorm and had both his feet so whom crossed the Atlantic from ing the first winters. frozen that all of his toes dropped Ireland to North America sometime Your petitioners by dint of off. In this condition, he continued between 1820 and 1825… hard labour and industry have at to cultivate his clearance for the At the outset, life in New length in some measure subdued the support of his family. He got a little Brunswick was not easy. John wilderness, their clearances now better and at length was able to go Riordon Sr. settled next to his sufficient for the support of their into the woods for firewood. While brother Patrick in Pokeshaw where families, and they have lately en- there employed, a tree fell upon him they began establishing clearings in tered into arrangements for the sup- and broke his left arm. Far re- the hope of obtaining land grants. port of a school master, nor have moved from proper assistance, he The following quote from an 1833 they been negligent of those duties lingered a long time under this in- land grant petition submitted on which they owe to their King and jury and his feet again became very behalf of 36 of Pokeshaw’s original Country. Your petitioners during troublesome. settlers, including Patrick Riordon, the last nine years have cheerfully (cont’d) 20 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

The Riordon family and the mills of Pokeshaw—Part I (cont’d)

He is a hard-working and so- ber man and determined to die rather than apply for aid to the par- ish. When his arm began to mend, his feet still continued so painful that he was for several months, un- able to stand. Notwithstanding this accumulation of misery, he has per- sisted in supporting his family and, as I am credibility informed, he has frequently been seen at the earliest dawn of day assisted by his eldest child, a girl of ten, on his knees, his left arm bound up, hoeing his pota- toes with the right, unable either to stand or use his left arm.

In time, with perseverance and hard work, progress was made and self-sufficient farms were estab- The Riordon Mill lished. The business of clearing lands, raising crops and livestock, building houses and barns was all Irish immigrants…In 1888 the mill oral tradition holds that a civil war consuming during those years. Sur- site returned to the ownership of the veteran, Patrick McKernin, was the vival dictated their industry. Unfor- Riordon family along with the dam, principal carpenter. It is said that tunately, their initially weak socio- the mill buildings and machinery. all of the frame pieces were cut out, economic status, their reluctance to They were purchased in the name of squared and mortised in the forest promote and infringe on others and Thomas W Riordon; however, there with assembly taking place later on the overbearing influence of were resources required for such an the site. neighbouring cultures, dictated the acquisition and such were provided One building was finished on gradual demise of their language for by his father, John J Riordon Jr. the exterior as finely as a home; this and many of their cultural niceties, as Thomas would have been 21 one housed a three storey gristmill just as was the Irish experience in years of age at the time. and a large carding machine. Each the remainder of the colony and Young Thomas W. Riordon storey of the grist mill was packed province. began learning the business and op- with machinery used in the different In 1852, John Riordon Sr. con- erating the mill soon after the pur- phases of flour production and con- veyed one acre of his land where chase. Unfortunately, within a year sisted of over twenty tons of shafts, the Pokeshaw River crossed his or so disaster struck. The mills, the turbines and rollers. Being inside Grant, to a William Boltenhouse [to adjacent road bridge and the dam the mill was like being at the centre compliment] three acres from Pat- burned to the ground. of a sprawling tangle of shafts, con- rick Riordon’s lot he had purchased Thomas W. Riordon was veyor belts, chutes and collector in 1853… Boltenhouse apparently somewhat discouraged; however, at bins. Before the wheat was ground had the capital to construct a saw the urging of his father, his into flour, it travelled from the bot- and grist mill on the property… neighbours and the local parish tom floor to the top three times. which he operated for the better part priest, he decided to rebuild. With Advanced for its time, the grist mill of a decade. Following [his] death the help of his father and used metal rollers rather than mill in 1860, Boltenhouse’s descendants neighbours who were aware of the stones to grind the wheat and water transferred the mills and property to advantage of a local mill, construc- driven turbines rather than water Thomas and Richard Dempsey… tion began. Two ‘post and beam’ wheels to supply the water power. both Dempseys were descendants of buildings were constructed. Family (cont’d) December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 21

The Riordon family and the mills of Pokeshaw—Part I (cont’d)

assumed operation of the whole Rior- don farm which he expanded as time passed. In those days, horses pro- vided the power utilized in the opera- tion of the farm and logging business. A substantial portion of the land had been cleared and was continually be- ing cleared and coming under culti- vation. Much of this land was used to provide hay and grain for the horses. As with any other farm, the Riordon farm also raised cattle, sheep, hogs, poultry and mink. As part of a program established by the Department of Agriculture in the early 1900’s, the Riordon farm was designated as an ‘Experimental Farm’ where numerous yearly experi- ments in relation to crop varieties, fertilizers, crop rotation, cattle and horse breeding were sponsored and carried out. Annual field days at- tracting hundreds of farmers through- Thomas W. Riordon with eight of his sons out the county provided the opportu- nity for all to examine and discuss The second building housed the water side consisted of 2 layers of 3 various farming practices and proce- sawmill, which included a long lum- inch deal. Two pin stocks carried the dures. As for the mils, they attracted ber left-handed carriage, cut-off water, one from the dam gate to the customers from across the county saws, a lathe machine and a shingle grist and carding mill building, the from as far away as Tetagouche and mill. The equipment was initially second to the sawmill building. Petit-Rocher in the West to Miscou in powered by a twin set of water wheel In 1891, Thomas W Riordon the East. Customers arrived, and turbines, 22 feet in diameter and 14 married Mary Ann Berry of Poke- their horses were allowed to rest in a feet in width. These were replaced mouche when he was 24 years old. horse barn specifically provided for 36 years later by a much smaller and With his wife, he proceeded to raise a that purpose and in the event that the more efficient steel turbine. family and to operate the mills which mill process could actually be carried The new dam was constructed of had become a going concern in the out in short order, many customers cedar cribbage underneath a smooth area. His father, John J Riordon Sr. from a distance were accommodated surface on the top water side. The passed away in 1909 and Thomas at the Riordon home overnight.

Robinson Settlement

In 1825, 568 Irish immigrants left Montreal to take up lands between Rice Lake and Peterborough, ON. The Hon. Peter Robinson, MPP headed up the immigration plan which was funded by the government of Upper Canada. Another 1,500 settlers were to follow them. For the most part the new immigrants were chosen from impoverished families from the south of Ireland. Some stayed. But as was the custom of the day, many more left almost immediately for the US, where some of them had family already established. 22 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

Saint John, New Brunswick named site of 2015 International Famine Commemoration

Edited by M. Driscoll from contributions from Saint John, Miramichi and Moncton ICCANB members

In April of 2015 the govern- which took almost another seventy- anniversary. This program lasted ment of Ireland announced the cho- five years before coming to frui- until 2000. sen location for the 2015 com- tion. In 2004 the Committee for the memoration of the Great Famine – One of the most tragic stories Commemoration of the Irish Fam- Saint John, New Brunswick, Can- from this period took place in ine Victims (CCIFV) was estab- ada! Thus began the planning for March of 1849. Events that re- lished. They organized an annual the impending visit of Heather sulted in “The Doolough Tragedy” commemoration each May in Dub- Humphreys TD, Minister of Arts, began on Friday 30 March 1849 lin, in which members dressed as Heritage and the Gaeltach of Ire- when two officials of the Westport starving peasants to walk from the land. Before describing the events Poor Law Union arrived in Louis- Garden of Remembrance to the surrounding the Minister’s visit, burgh to inspect those people re- famine memorial sculptures in front perhaps a bit of history of the an- ceiving outdoor relief to determine of the Custom House. The CCIFV nual commemoration is in order. if they should continue to receive lobbied for several years for official Anyone with the least famili- it. However, instead of staying in recognition and, the Friday before arity of Irish history is probably Louisburgh to perform the inspec- the 2008 CCIFV walk, the govern- aware of the terrible tragedy that tion the officials decided to go to a ment issued a press release an- decimated the population in the hunting lodge located 19 kilometers nouncing that the state would, in mid-19th century and instigated south of Louisburgh for the week- future, organize an annual com- mass emigration, particularly to end. If the people wanted to con- memoration event. The first event North America. From 1845 to tinue to receive relief, they had to was an official reception held in about 1850, with “Black ‘47” being make their way to the lodge for 7 May 2008 in Dublin. the worst year, the repeated de- a.m. the next morning. Already in Subsequently named the struction of the potato crops due to a starving and destitute state, they “National Famine Commemoration blight caused mass starvation and struggled along the road, in very Day”, the commemoration features disease amongst the most vulner- bad weather, throughout the night a week-long programme of events able people: the approximately two and into the next day. Several peo- leading up to the day, usually a Sun- -fifths of the Irish population that ple, including women and children, day in May. The main event is held was solely reliant on potatoes as were confirmed dead or missing in a different place each year, rotat- their primary food source. An esti- over the next few days. Locally it ing among the four provinces of mated one million people died and is believed the actual death toll was Ireland. Recognizing the millions a million more left in hope of find- much higher than officially re- of Irish descendants around the ing survival and a better life. ported. Since 1987, in commemo- globe, the commemoration includes Adding to the already strained ration of this tragic event, an an- an international event, held in a relationship between the majority nual “Famine Walk” has taken place of significance for the Irish of Irish people and the British place from Louisburgh to Dool- diaspora. Crown, the effects of the famine ough in southwest County Mayo. The first major programme permanently changed Ireland’s In 1994 the Irish government of events took place in May 2008 demographic, political, and cultural established a committee to fund in Skibbereen, West County landscape and became a catalyst for events and works in Ireland com- Cork, a locality particularly a further push for Irish Home Rule memorating the Famine's 150th (cont’d) December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 23

Saint John, New Brunswick named site of 2015 International Famine Commemoration (cont’d)

hard hit by the Famine. The interna- resentatives of Saint John businesses Heather Humphreys, who brought a tional portion took place in Toronto such as travel agent Bob Kane, commemorative plaque to be in- and Grosse Isle. UNBSJ President, Robert McKinnon, stalled on the square’s Celtic cross. It is important to note that Sep- and our newly elected MP Wayne It was also an occasion to honour tember of 2015 saw the first time the Long. She stressed the importance of one of the most dedicated founding Commemoration was held in North- creating business ties between Ire- fathers of the city‘s Irish Canadian ern Ireland, a very significant accom- land and New Brunswick, to enable Cultural Association, Dr. Danny plishment given the history of the both to thrive both socially and eco- Britt.” Famine years. nomically, based on our shared his- Here, in Saint John, we honour tory and culture. the memory of those who were lost to Midmorning, Minister Hum- the Great Hunger, the heritage of phreys headed to the Saint John Free those who left for new lives, and the Public Library where she was able to struggles and successes of those who admire the Yeats exhibit, on loan carried on in their new homes to from the Irish Embassy, and steal a work, raise families, and help to cre- closer look at Partridge Island, prior ate a new and better society. to her meeting with the Partridge Is- Today, we see their dreams re- land Committee. She was enthusias- flected in the present by their descen- dants, many of whom still live in this tic in her support of the Saint John city, this province and this country. dream of making the Island a travel Irish Minister of Culture, Arts destination for both Irish and North and Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys, Americans tracing their roots. flew into Saint John on the evening At noon the crowd moved out- of October 22nd, accompanied by her side for a special ceremony. As Fred entourage from Ireland. She was met Hazel reported in the Telegraph at the airport by Liz Keough, as sec- Journal: “The sun was golden, but a ond secretary to Irish Ambassador to biting wind was blowing off Saint Canada, Ray Bassett. In Saint John John Harbour when we gathered at The Minster spoke briefly but less than a day, she packed her St. Patrick’s Square, at the foot of feelingly of the Irish buried on Par- schedule with meetings, visits, and Prince William Street. It’s always tridge Island and in local cemeteries, most importantly for us, a ceremony cold when we hold an Irish cere- who formed the backbone of Saint mony there, but we draw on an inner commemorating our ancestors who John society in the mid-1800’s: warmth, looking out at Partridge came over in what is referred to as “The day after the ceremony in the first “Irish Diaspora,” brought Island, where so many of our ances- Newry [Northern Ireland] we gath- about by the Irish Potato Famine. tors landed.”... ered in Warrenpoint and On Friday Minister Humphreys ...“This marked the visit of Ire- chaired a breakfast meeting with rep- land’s Minister of Heritage and Arts, (cont’d) Ireland International 2009 Skibbereen, County Cork Toronto & Grosse Isle, Canada 2010 Murrisk, County Mayo New York City, USA 2011 Clones, County Monaghan Liverpool, England 2012 Drogheda, County Louth Boston, USA 2013 Kilrush, County Clare Sydney, Australia 2014 Strokestown, County Roscommon New Orleans, USA 2015 Newry, County Armagh Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada 24 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

Saint John, New Brunswick named site of 2015 International Famine Commemoration (cont’d)

unveiled a monument to nations. She praised Saint commemorate those who Johners who welcomed left that port during the the new immigrants, and Famine to find sanctuary reminded us of the ties Minister Humphreys presenting certificate to Dr. Danny Britt here in New Brunswick. that continue to bind us to So I am delighted to be “the Old Country.” his contributions as one of CANB members, includ- unveiling a plaque here Speaking of the Fam- the founding members of ing Fred Hazel, who pre- today which will also act ine, she went on to say: the ICCANB in Saint sented her with a copy of as a lasting testament to John. his book Get Yerself a the link established be- “The event was of Despite the tightness of Shin of Heat, which tells tween this province and such magnitude that it not her schedule, she lingered of the joys of being Irish Warrenpoint, Co. Down only changed Ireland for- to enjoy a few treats and in Saint John. over five generations ever, but had a profound listen to wonderful music Just before 3:00 PM, ago.” effect on many nations provided by our local Minister Humphreys and across the globe, such Comhaltas members. She her entourage were Saint John MLA Ed were the multitudes who had an opportunity to whisked off to Miramichi Doherty and Mayor Mel were forced to leave our speak to individual IC- Norton added their com- shores. (cont’d) ments to hers, praising the As we gather here role of the Irish in build- today, it is very important ing Saint John, both liter- that we not only reflect on ally and figuratively. the losses we suffered as a From there the Min- people and as a nation, ister and most of the 150 but also that we honour spectators repaired to the the triumph over adversity Bishop’s Palace for a re- of those who survived emi- ception held by the ICCA. gration and thrived in In this warmer location, their new, adopted lands.” the Minister spoke at greater length about the In addition, she pre- Chairperson of Monaghan County Council, Noel Keelan, harshness of the voyages sented Dr. Danny Britt Monaghan Councillor David Maxwell, Minister Hum- of the Irish to Saint John with a Certificate of Irish phryes, Maureen English, and Paddy Quinn, president of and other diaspora desti- Heritage and recognized the Irish Festival in Miramichi December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 25

Saint John, New Brunswick named site of 2015 International Famine Commemoration (cont’d) to meet with ICCA members there. by the people of Canada to the deso- Arriving in Miramichi, Minister late masses that arrived on their Humphreys placed a wreath at the shores." Celtic Cross monument on Middle Island in a ceremony that was at- ICCANB Chapter President, Mau- tended by various dignitaries, in- reen English added: cluding Noel Keelan, Mayor of County Monaghan in Ireland, Davis “The year the famine arrived Maxwell, councillor of Monaghan, changed the [Irish] culture forever. Mayor Gerry Cormier and city coun- Those who left for Canada in search cillors of Miramichi, Minister Bill of new lives and those who survived Fraser. M.L.A. (Minister of Arts, the journey contributed to establish Heritage and Culture for New our large Irish culture here on the Brunswick), Patrick Finnigan, M.P. River". elect for the Miramichi-Grand Lake riding, members of the ICCA, in- Miramichi’s own Farrell cluding Miramichi ICCA Chapter McCarthy played a role in the first president, Maureen English, and a Commemoration, 2009, held in good number of the general public. Skibbereen, County Cork, as an ad- Minister Humphreys speaks at the visor from the Canadian perspec- Moncton Celtic Cross tive, and is highly regarded by peo- ple we know in the area who were Patrick Pearce Easter Rising morn- involved in the event. ing of 1916. During her speech she Following a short reception, the later raised the topic of the Easter Minister and her entourage headed Rising of 1916. Her speech was to Moncton where, in the company very informative as she announced of members of the Moncton Chapter that celebrations were planned next of the ICCA, including Chapter year marking the 100th anniversary President Mike Magee, the mayor of of the Easter Rising. For more in- Moncton, George LeBlanc, and formation on this historic event Laying a wreath at the Celtic Cross members of the general public, she check out the article on page 27 in on Middle Island visited the Celtic cross erected there this issue. to represent Irish families of the re- In her public address, Minister gion who arrived during several eras Humphreys stated: of Irish migration. Mike Magee took the opportunity to indicate his "Tens of thousands of Irish own family's inscription on the people arrived on the eastern shores monument: Irish Famine 1847 fam- of Canada during the famine. ily of Mike Jos. P. Magee. They were shown incredible com- Later that day the Minister ad- passion by the people of Canada, dressed the group in the cordoned many of whom risked death and dis- off snug area of the Old ease to help the Irish after their gru- Triangle, a fitting place where eling transatlantic crossing. This some of Ireland’s historic and cul- was no small part thanks to the tural reminders are housed. Mike Magee showing the inscrip- compassion shown by the Canadian One such item of interest to the tion of his family’s name on the people. The Irish people will never Minister was a framed copy of the Celtic Cross in Moncton forget the generous welcome given Irish Proclamation as declared by 26 Shamrock Leaf December 2015 From the Provincial Archives… A thank you to a landlord for safe crossing in 1847

The following entry was found ing them onto coffin ships for emi- in Saint John’s New Brunswick gration. Others state that he actually Courier on 5 Jun 1847 and is taken mortgaged his English estate and from Daniel Johnson’s vast collec- helped his tenants by giving them tion of New Brunswick Vital Statis- food, refusing to collect rents during tics from Newspapers. the famine and assisting with their emigration to the New World. His “We the committee of passen- ship, the Aeolus, also brought Lord gers of [the] ship “Aeolus” of Palmerston’s tenants from Sligo in Greenock, Capt. Michael DRIS- 1847 but their experience was not as COLL, Commander, do send our favorable. The ship “arrived at St. thanks in the name of all passengers John, New Brunswick, on Novem- to our ever-to-be-remembered late ber 2. The St. Lawrence was then landlord, Sir Robert Gore BOOTH, closed by ice, the Canadian winter Sligo (Ireland); he was always kind had begun, and caleches, or horse- to his tenants; it was not tyranny drawn sleighs, had replaced car- which forced us to emigrate – it was riages in the snow-filled streets of the loss of our crops for two years Quebec. The captain of the Aeolus Henry Gore Booth past and we hope to gain a living in paid £250 in bonds to be allowed to Owner of the ship Aeolus America by strict industry and so- land 240 emigrants at St. John. They briety. We are thankful to Henry were 'almost in a state of nudity', Gore BOOTH, the owner of the and the surgeon at Partridge Island, were widows with helpless young “Aeolus” for the ample stores put the quarantine station, asserted that families, decrepit old women, and on board for the voyage and the “ninety-nine per cent must become a men 'riddled with disease.” good quality thereof. Written by public charge immediately: they Mathias FERGUSON, Head Man- “The citizens of St. John declared ager. Sanctioned by the Committee: that they could not feed or shelter Edward JOHNSTON, Patrick GIL- the unfortunate emigrants; notices LOON, Patrick HART, John MAL- were posted in the streets offering to LOWAY, Thomas GILLAN, Patrick all who would go back to Ireland a McLOUGHLIN, Adam JOHNSTON, free passage and food; and message Bryan FEENY, Patrick BOYLE, was sent to Lord Palmerston that the Thomas KEELTY, William JOHNS- 'Common Council of the City of St. TON, Patrick HEGARTY, Robert John deeply regret that one of Her GREGG, Hugh CRISTAL, Dennis Majesty's ministers, the Rt. Hon. GILLOON, Charles JONES, Mi- Lord Palmerston, either by himself chael McDERMOTT, Andrew GIL- or his authorized agent should have LOON, James MUNNS, Patrick exposed such a numerous and dis- HEGARTY, Michael SMITH, Wil- tressed portion of his tenantry to the liam FERGUSON, Owen TOHER, severity and privations of a New John GILLIAN. St. John, May 31st, Brunswick winter... unprovided 1845.” with the common means of support, with broken-down constitutions and NOTE: Sir Robert Gore almost in a state of nudity'." (Cecil Booth, 4th Baronet, was born in Woodham-Smith, The Great Hun- 1805 in Bath, Somerset, England. ger; Ireland 1845-1849) An Anglo-Irish politician and land- owner he was accused by some of Newspaper report of passengers the systematic eviction of his starv- of the Aeolus ing tenant farmers and also of pack- December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 27

Easter Rising of 1916 –100th anniversary - By M.Driscoll

Spring of 2016 will see “carrot” – the passing of world-wide commemora- the Government of Ireland tive events marking the Act of 1914 which would 100-year anniversary of provide Home Rule for what is arguably one of the Ireland. However, this most significant events in Act was linked with a Irish history. “dual policy” enactment of In 1916, after centuries the Military Service Bill of conflict and oppression, that would require Irish the quest for Irish inde- conscription to begin if pendence appeared to be there was any hope of Ire- going nowhere. What lit- land seeing the implemen- Shelled remains of the Dublin Bread Company 1916 tle headway had been tation of the Government made since the Crown of of Ireland Act. Many Irish- Ireland Act of 1542 and men had volunteered for and made it their head- In an effort to prevent the Constitution of 1782 Irish regiments and divi- quarters. From the steps further bloodshed, Padraig appeared to be almost sions of the British Army of the GPO they read the Pearse declared an uncon- completely reversed with at the outbreak of the war Proclamation which set ditional surrender and or- the passing of the Acts of but the growing likelihood out their goals of an Ire- dered the insurgents to lay Union of 1800. These Acts of enforced conscription land with Home Rule and down arms. Many Volun- united the Kingdom of created a backlash. The one in which its citizens teer units marched in for- Great Britain and the linking of Home Rule to could achieve their aspira- mation to lay down their Kingdom of Ireland as the conscription outraged the tions regardless of wealth, weapons. United Kingdom of Great Irish secessionist parties at class or religion. The Although public opin- Britain and Ireland, abol- Westminster who walked Proclamation was signed ion was not initially on the ished the Irish Parliament out in protest and returned by Thomas J. Clarke; Sean side of the insurgents, this and gave Ireland, instead to Ireland to organize op- Mac Diermada; Thomas was to quickly change. of their own parliament, position. Macdonagh; P.H.Pearse; The suppression of the representation at Westmin- In September of 1914, Eamonn Ceannt; James Rising was immediate and ster. From early on, many just over a month after the Connolly; and Joseph vigorous. The city centre Irish nationalists opposed United Kingdom declared Plunkett. was shelled. Despite the the union as they saw it as war on Germany, the Su- The insurgents also concentration of activity in an exploitation and impov- preme Council of the Irish occupied several other Dublin, martial law was erishment of their country. Republican Brotherhood strategic buildings in Dub- proclaimed and extended Over the next century the met to begin the planning lin and, while most of the across the country. Over Irish who were fighting to of an uprising. Other Irish action took place in that 3,500 people were arrested regain some measure of revolutionary groups were city, substantial numbers – over twice the number independence and self-rule persuaded to join the effort of Volunteers turned out in who took part in the Ris- tried in vain to effect as well, and the stage was Louth, Wexford, Galway ing. By May 1,600 had change through constitu- set for what would forever and Ashbourne. been interned in Wales, tional opposition, social be known as the Easter Fighting lasted a week and without trial. Fifteen opposition, and even revo- Rising of 1916. resulted in the deaths of prominent insurgents were lution. On Easter Monday, 24 over 250 civilians, 130 executed between 3rd May At the outbreak of April, 1916, the insurgents members of the crown and 12th May. World War I, the British occupied the General Post forces and over 60 insur- government offered a Office (GPO) in Dublin gents. (cont’d) 28 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

Easter Rising of 1916 –100th anniversary -(cont’d)

(Roger Casement was subsequently to introduce conscription into Ire- ment, as well as in other institutions hanged in Pentonville Prison in Au- land was loud and strident, and a of the new, independent Ireland. gust 1916). Also executed were a nationwide movement of resistance The 1916 Rising was a seminal gravely ill Joseph Plunkett, and a ensued. A one-day general strike event led by men and women who badly wounded James Connolly. was called and an anti-conscription held aspirations of a different type of These events, in addition to the mur- pledge endorsed by Sinn Féin, the Ireland, one which would guarantee der during the Rising of Francis Irish Parliamentary Party, Labour religious and civil liberty and would Sheehy Skeffington, the well-known and independent politicians. In the pursue the happiness and prosperity pacifist and writer, as he sought to general election of 1918 Sinn Féin of the whole nation, and all of its moderate the violence and prevent would secure an overwhelming vic- parts. It occurred at a time of great looting, rapidly turned public opin- tory, their declared aim being the conflict on the international stage, a ion. establishment of Ireland as a recog- war that resulted in Irishmen losing The political ramifications of the nised sovereign independent repub- their lives on land and at sea. The Rising and its suppression were lic. Nationalist opinion had shifted. Rising resulted in the loss of many soon revealed in subsequent elec- The Representation of the People lives, be they combatants or innocent tions as Ireland began electing inde- Act 1918 expanded the electorate to civilians. pendent thinkers to represent them, include all men over the age of 21 In the spring of 2016, Irish de- although it was not uncommon for and all women over the age of 30. scendants around the world will these representatives, as a means of Later that year, the Parliamentary commemorate these events on the protest, to abstain from attending Qualification of Women Act 1918 hundredth anniversary, mourn the Westminster. In addition, deported gave women over 30 the right to loss of all those who died, and cele- prisoners would provide the basis stand for election as an MP. A brate the subsequent hard-won victo- for a growing separatist party, Sinn whole new generation of voters had ries achieved because of the seeds Féin who would consolidate their emerged, influenced by the Easter that were sown in April of 1916. As link with the Irish Volunteers when Rising of 1916 and its aftermath, the a means of managing the fact that a former prisoner, Eamon de Valera, conscription crisis, and the war it- Easter in 2016 is March 25-28, while assumed the presidency of both or- self. Pursuing a policy of abstention in 1916 it was April 21-24, with ganizations. from Westminister by Sinn Fein, the April 24th having been Easter Mon- The Irish Parliamentary Party election led to the formation of the day, activities and commemorations had continued in its efforts to secure Dáil (Irish parliament). will be planned for both weekends. Home Rule without success. Mean- Dáil Eireann continues today as Check out the Irish government while, a new crisis was in its early Ireland’s democratic parliament. websites for a listing of planned stages which would solidify support Many of the surviving insurgents events and perhaps plan something for the new Sinn Féin. went on to serve with distinction as for Irish ex-pats and descendants in Public indignation over the plan members of the Dáil and Govern- your own area.

Padraig Pearse Thomas Clarke Joseph Plunkett Edward Daly MichaelO’Hanrahan William Pearse John MacBride James Commolly

Thomas MacDonagh Con Colbert Éamonn Ceannt Michael Mallin Sean Heustin Thomas Kent Seán MacDermott Roger Casement December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 29

Bits and Pieces By Linda Evans

While you read the news and surf the net, did you know that you can now play Irish music in the background as you do so? Midwest Irish Radio is an internet station that broadcasts 24 hours a day and has various mixed programming throughout the day – from the traditional to the more modern. Based in County Mayo, the station can be accessed at http://www.midwestirishradio.com. Push the “Listen Live” button and enjoy! ♣♣♣

Imagine a world of books and theatre without the words of Swift, Sheridan, Oscar Wilde, Shaw, Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Sean O’Casey, Brendan Behan, Flann O’Brien, Roddy Doyle, Frank McCourt, William Trevor, Joseph O’Connor, Patrick McCabe, or Seamus Heaney. And so on…It is a much better world because of them. ♣♣♣

In 1941, members of the No 15 Company of the 1st Canadian Forestry Corps were camped out in Boblainey, near Kilarlity, Invernessshire, Scotland on the estate of Lord Lovat. Mustered in Chatham and many of them woodsmen from NB, they were invited to attend a private mass on Christmas in the Lord’s private chapel in Beaufort Castle. Among those who attended was Patrick Hennessy of Bathurst. ♣♣♣

David Letterman once described the uilleann pipes as "a sofa cushion hooked up to a stick." ♣♣♣

Talk about low rentals! The original Guinness Brewery in Dublin has a 9,000 year lease on its property, at a perpetual rate of 45 Irish pounds per year. ♣♣♣

The Irish Academy of Engineers has recommended that a tunnel be built under the sea linking Ireland and Wales. The IAE has offered a futuristic vision of trains running at speeds of 150 mph between Rosslare and Fishguard, Wales. Currently, there is no financial backer for such a project. ♣♣♣

The Irish government has purchased 14-17 Moore Street in Dublin for €4 million earlier this year. Recog- nized as the Irish Rising headquarters, Number 16 is accepted as the place where the Irish Rising leaders agreed to surrender in 1916. Restoration work is underway and it should be ready to serve as a commemora- tive centre in time for the centenary celebrations of the Easter Rising next year. ♣♣♣

In pre-Christian times, couples were united in a ‘marriage’ ceremony known as a ceremony of unity. During the ritual, the couple holds hands, right hand in right hand, and left hand in left with their wrists crossed. Ribbon or cord is then wrapped around the wrists in a figure eight to represent infinity. This is most probably where the saying “‘tying the knot” originated. ♣♣♣

The first resident Irish Representative in Ottawa was the distinguished Irish diplomat John Hearn. Often credited with drafting the Irish Constitution, under the political guidance of President De Valera, he was High Commissioner from 1939-1949. The library in today’s Irish Embassy in Ottawa is named after him. ♣♣♣

(cont’d) 30 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

Bits and Pieces (cont’d)

Edmund Burke once said, “People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their an- cestors.” ♣♣♣

In the “Bits and Pieces in the last issue of the SL, we spoke of the Empress of Ireland disaster which hap- pened in the St. Lawrence River in 1914. Over 1000 people perished. As of November 25th, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax has opened a temporary exhibit on this oft forgotten tragedy. The exhibit tells the fated ship’s story and there are a number of artifacts on display as well. If you are in Halifax drop in for a visit! The exhibit will be in-house for one year. ♣♣♣

It has been suggested that the slogan “No Irish need apply” may not have been so commonplace in New York and Boston in the 19th century. A professor from the University of Illinois went through every issue of The New York Times from 1851 to 1923, and found precisely two instances of the phrase – so he con- cluded that it was an urban myth. But was it? If the Irish were as illiterate as was suggested at the time, they would not have been reading The New York Times! It was common knowledge that most of these signs were put up in shop windows and storefronts – so it may indeed have been true. ♣♣♣

When President Reagan and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney performed their duet of “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” – it was not the first international rendition. In 1963, on the legendary Ed Sullivan Show, Ed Sul- livan, who never sang (with reason), did the same duet with actor Peter O’Toole. ♣♣♣

The banks of the Rideau Canal in Ontario are strewn with the unmarked graves of workers – most of them Irish – who died building the 200 kilometre waterway between Ottawa and Kingston. Over 500 died and a Celtic cross stands at the foot of the canal in Kingston in memory of them. ♣♣♣

Knocknarea Mountain dominates the skyline of western County Mayo. Atop it sits a large mound of lime- stone – a cairn known as Queen Maeve’s Tomb or Bed. With a diameter of 55m and 10m high – it appears as a cap on top of the mountain. It has never been excavated, but results of archaeology digs in the vicinity suggest that it may indeed be a Neolithic passage tomb similar to Newgrange in County Meath. ♣♣♣

The Dominican Order in Ireland held its last mass in Athy in November of this year. Mass celebrant, Fr. John Harris stated in the Irish Independent that it was due to a lack of vocations and that “we can’t blame Henry VIII or Cromwell this time”. The Order, in Ireland since 1267, made the decision to close with heavy hearts but they accepted that they had to face the “realities of the day”. The Order will also soon be leaving Dublin, Drogheda, Waterford and Limerick. ♣♣♣

An ankle injury playing football with friends almost disqualified Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy from playing in the European Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in the United Arab Emerites, in what has become known as the ‘Race to Dubai’. With not enough wins to qualify, he was given an exemption. He not only played, but slowly took over the field and won the championship. Although from Northern Ire- land, McIlroy will be representing the Republic of Ireland as golf is re-introduced as a sport in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero. ♣♣♣ December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 31

Saint John Chapter news

by Marijke Blok

The Saint John Chap- Leading up to our ter of the ICCA has been Christmas dinner, we are fairly quiet since the pro- selling tickets on two vincial AGM in May. items generously donated Minister Heather Hum- by our members, John phreys visit to Saint John Quinlan has donated a (see article, page 22) prize-winning afghan, sparked some interest in which he is raffling off to ICCA doings and we re- support our projects. ceived a few new mem- Catherine Coughlan has bers at our local AGM in prepared another of her October. lovely baskets of ceramics,

ICCA-Saint John Chapter President, Marijke Blok, was pleased to accept a plaque presented by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltach of Ireland in honour of Saint John being ICCA-Bathurst Chapter President, Pat Murphy, named the site of the drove to Saint John to participate in the visit of 2015 International Famine Commemoration Heather Humphreys TD, Minister of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltach of Ireland. play a mixture of tradi- 30 passenger boat to ferry We were also fortu- including her trademark tional Irish and traditional us around the Island. We nate to have the Yeats ex- Irish pattern. Both of Christmas music to help us would also welcome mem- hibit during her visit. Li- these will be drawn at the gear up for the Festive bers of other ICCA brarian Mark Goodfellow, dinner on November 27th. Season. of the Saint John Free The dinner, turkey and Plans will soon be branches. Cost will be Public Library, com- trimmings, will be held underway for Irish Week. approximately $30 per mented that the exhibit this year again at the As- We are also looking for- person. was widely viewed and sumption Centre. Featur- ward to a boat tour of Par- garnered positive feed- ing draws, door prizes and back. We look forward to a visit from St. Nick him- tridge Island, to take place the Samuel Beckett ex- self, the dinner is always in May or June. New hibit, slated for the fall of well attended. We are for- Saint John president Owen 2016. tunate to have Comhaltas Boyle has arranged for a 32 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

An Post’s senses and a farewell to the Shamrock Leaf tion is touched, it changes colour. How's that for the art of creativ- ity and innovation?

sign Consultants, created strong, By Michael O. Nowlan bold images to illustrate each sense with stamps that are both striking As well, all of the stamps con- In my Spring column, I cited the and original. tain image recognition technology to promised new issues from An Post allow Smartphone's to link to spe- that would focus on the Five Senses. cially compiled online material re- Well, the wait is over! The Irish Post lated to the five senses. It can be ac- Office came through on September cessed by down loading the free Cee 10 with five stamps accenting these App to your Smartphone or Tablet. significant aspects of human anat- This move matches the aug- omy. I was very curious how the mented reality technology found in stamps would look and what special the March 20 issue of four stamps features would be exhibited. I was issued to mark the success of Anima- not disappointed. The innovative tion Ireland. It places An Post front gurus were at work with this set of and centre in adapting advanced stamps. modern technology in the production The five traditional recognized of postage stamps. human senses are nicely celebrated in separate denominations. The press The stamps depict enhanced pro- release states the designer, Zinc De- duction techniques for each sense: Sight - printed on transparent paper, when you pick up the stamp you can see through it; Hearing - thermogra- phy so that when the stamp is rubbed it creates a sound; Taste - strawberry flavoured gum has been applied to the back of the stamp; Smell - a mint fragrance has been added to the sur- face of the stamp; and Touch - where thermochromic ink has been used, so that when the hand illustra- (cont’d…) December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 33

(cont’d) Another new issue since the last the rules he composed for his monks, at http://www.anpost.ie or write An column emphasizes Ireland as The they influenced European life well Post, General Post Office, O’Connell Food Island, a set of four stamps into the Middle Ages. Street, Dublin 1, Ireland. issued on July 16. The two 70-cent stamps feature a beef farmer and a cheese maker with their products while the 1 Euro.5 stamps depict a fisherman and a tillage farmer with their produce. These are colourful stamps that truly accent Ireland's reputation around the world for the quality of its food production. Another set of stamps that is worthy of note was the August 13th release of four to celebrate Ireland's Christmas, of course, got special preeminent furniture designer and attention at An Post with three new architect Kathleen Eileen Moray stamps for the festive season, which Gray (1878-1976). Eileen Gray chal- were issued on November 5. One, As I close, there is an in depth lenged conventional ways of ap- which is in the Christmas Promo- article in The American Philatelist proaching design. The stamps show tional Booklet, is a .70 Euro value (July 2015) on all the Irish stamps her most celebrated furniture pieces: which depicts a detail of the relating to science and Ireland. Toiletry cabinet/screen, Transat Madonna and Child by artist Marco "Science and Technology on Irish chair, Adjustable table and Cabinet Palmezzano and is used with the per- Stamps" by John B. Sharkey is most with pivoting drawers all of which mission of the National Gallery of informative and nicely illustrated. date to the 1926-1929 period. Ireland. The American Philatelic Society may A single issue on July 30 com- be contacted through < aparti- memorates the 100th anniversary of [email protected] >. the graveside speech by Padraig Finally, it is difficult to write a Pearse for O'Donovan Rossa whose farewell for something I have en- efforts some Irish academics believe joyed for several years. I do not re- marked the beginning of the count- member when my first column on down to the 1916 Rising. Rossa was Irish stamps appeared in The Daily a writer, politico, and pioneer of the Gleaner, but I know it was sometime Irish Republican Brotherhood in the mid-1990s. Soon after, I (commonly known as the Fenians). started an Irish Stamp Album for The He died in the United States at age Shamrock Leaf. Unfortunately, time 83 and was buried in Dublin's Glas- takes its toll, and it is time to hang up nevin Cemetery on August 1, 1915. my keyboard. This, therefore, is my As 2015 wound down, on Octo- final submission of An Post new ber 22, An Post marked the 1400th stamp issues for The Shamrock Leaf. anniversary of the death of St. The other two values - .70 Euro I want to thank all those who encour- Columban, an Irish missionary who and a 1.05 Euro - are available on the aged me, especially editor Farrell founded several monasteries on the "Stamps on a Roll" format, and they McCarthy who got me started on this European continent from around AD feature symbols associated with regular contribution which was con- 590 in the Frankish and Lombard Christmas: snowflakes and Christ- tinued under the direction of Linda kingdoms. Since many of St. Colum- mas trees. Evans. They were easy to work with ban's letters and sermons were pre- To learn more about Irish for which I am thankful. served, together with his poems and stamps visit the user friendly website 34 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

Logic puzzle—Irish style!

History Project—okay—this one’s a little harder but still very do-able! Have fun! by Marilyn Driscoll

With the 100th anniversary of the infamous Easter Rebellion of 1916 looming ever closer, several of Mr. O’Dono- van’s history students each gave an oral presentation on a different personality connected to the uprising. In no par- ticular order, the students took 6, 8, 10, 12 or 14 minutes to present. They received grades of either A-, B+, B-, C+ or D. Match each student to their historical personality, grade received, and the length of each presentation. 1. The student who spoke for 6 minutes was not a boy. 2. The student who gave the presentation on Padraig Pearse gave a shorter presentation than the student who profiled James Connolly. 3. The student who presented his project on Padraig Pearse was either Declan or the student who spoke for 8 minutes. 4. The student who presented the project on James Larkin was either the one who spoke for 8 minutes or the student who spoke for 6 minutes. 5. Neither the student who got the D, nor Sean, did their presentation on Constance Markiewicz. 6. Kathleen’s presentation took a shorter time than the student who got the C+. 7. The student who presented for 12 minutes, who was not Ryan, got the B-. 8. The student whose presentation took 8 minutes was either the one who got the C+ or the one who spoke about James Connolly. 9. The presenter who spoke for 2 minutes more than Ellen received a B+. 10. The student who gave a presentation on Constance Markiewicz spoke 2 minutes less than Ellen. 11. The presentation about Michael Collins took 10 minutes. 12. Ryan didn’t talk about Michael Collins.

Think you’ve got this one? Well, if you’re really patient, you can check your answers in our June 2016 issue of The Shamrock Leaf, or visit our website at http://www.newirelandnb.ca to find out now.

Answers to last issue’s logic puzzle: Happy Father’s Day Father’s Day is rapidly approaching and each year Dad’s family picks a theme and then tries to outdo each other in picking out a gift that Dad will especially appreciate. This year, unbeknownst to him, the family, Eoghan, Niall, Mi- chael, Maura and Noreen, has chosen to honour Dad’s heritage choosing gifts with an Irish theme. In total, Dad got five wonderful gifts, all of them somehow connected to Ireland or an Irish theme. From the clues given last issue were you able to determine the full name of each person who gave Dad a gift, what gift they gave, and the relation- ship of each person to Dad?

First Name Last Name Gift Person’s Relationship

Eoghan Donovan Irish Pubs tie Grandson Niall Cadogan Silver crest ring Son Michael Murphy Trip to Ireland Uncle Maura Walsh Framed family crest Daughter Noreen Byrne Irish coffee glasses Sister December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 35

John McMillan, Belfast bookseller, flourishes in Saint John, NB

by Eldon Hay

John McMillan, born in Bally- Covenanters were loath to accept three sons, David, James, and Alex- mena in 1761, later established a presbyteries, and an attempt was ander. While Alexander and an ailing bookselling business in Belfast. made to revive the District and Gen- David laboured in Saint John, James An ardent Reformed Presbyte- eral Meetings by a group which des- left to work as a journeyman printer rian (Covenanter), he was involved in ignated themselves as the 'Friends of in the USA and later operated a a serious dispute with that denomina- General Correspondence'. bookstore in Indiana, where his son tion; was suspended for a time by the There was an internal struggle John was born, in 1833; John, Jr. re- Covenanters; and censured. Then in between the old school Friends of ceived his early education there. In 1816, he was fully restored. His diffi- General Correspondence on one the mid 1840s James returned to culties with his church may have hand, and the new, ‘proper’ Coven- Saint John to assist his ailing father, been one of the factors which led to anter presbytery on the other. The his younger brother Alexander, and the emigration of John McMillan, his presbytery - first formed in 1743 - his invalid brother, David, in the wife, and his several children to Saint persisted in trying to weaken the family business, which had then John, New Brunswick. Another fac- power of the Friends. Some members added a bindery and a printing-office. tor may have been the cessation of rejected the authority of the presby- James and Alexander renamed the the Napoleonic wars. What is known tery, however. One of them was John firm J. and A. McMillan in 1845. is that John McMillan set up a book- McMillan, Clerk of the Friends of David died in 1846: the patriarch selling business in Saint John in General Correspondence, and a John, Sr., died in 1847, 86 years of 1822. leader of the faction. The faction age. The subsequent unexpected My interest in John McMillan published a pamphlet, written by death of 32-year old brother Alexan- and family is two-fold. First, how John McMillan: An Address to the der in 1849 left James in control. and in what way did his native Cov- People of Ireland under the inspec- James and his son John, Jr. were to enanter faith carry over to New tion of the Reformed Presbytery, be the driving forces in the J. and A. Brunswick? Second, how did his published in Belfast in 1909. McMillan business. native book-binding and -selling Bel- The McMillan faction was ulti- The firm flourished for over fast business transfer to America? mately to lose out. A copy of John fifty years.By the 1850s, J. and A. In the late 1700s and early McMillan’s book is housed in the McMillan had become one of the 1800s, in Ulster, the situation for Linenhall Library in Belfast. The most important publishers in the Covenanters changed. From being flyleaf has a handwritten paragraph: Maritimes, and author George L. small, marginalized and difficult, “John McMillan of Ballymena, after- Parker claimed that in the period Covenanter membership steadily in- wards Belfast bookseller, with oth- from about 1860 to 1885 “the creased. The local meeting, called a ers, declined the authority of Presby- McMillan list of publications was the society, still held sway. What was tery, 7 March 1810 ... and applied for largest and the most distinguished of new? Covenanter presbyteries were restoration 1815. He was censured any nineteenth-century Maritimes beginning to be established. Yet suc- and restored in 1816, but afterwards firm” (The Beginnings of the Book cess was not without its difficulties. immigrated to Nova Scotia. His Trade in Canada, Toronto 1985, The presbyteries replaced regional daughter was married to Mr. A. 119). The McMillans’ premises gatherings termed District or Corre- Clarke, Minister.” burned in the great fire of 1877, and spondence meetings. The District As noted, McMillan opened a the business suffered a set-back. meetings were further united into a bookselling business in Saint John in (cont’d) National or General meeting. Some 1822. Associated with him were his 36 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

John McMillan, Belfast bookseller, flourishes in Saint John, NB (cont’d)

As to Covenanter continuation: in Ireland, to the British Colonies in As noted, John’s daughter, Cath- North America, 22nd. of July, erine, had married in Ulster to Cov- 1832." (Gussie Embree, Letters to enanter minister Rev. Alexander J.C. Webster, 1938, Mount Allison Clarke. In Saint John, there is no archives. Gussie Embree was a evidence that John McMillan was granddaughter of Rev. Alexander active in the fledgling Covenanter Clarke). community there. Then, in 1827, Son David was actively associ- Clarke and Catherine came as Cov- ated with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian enanter missionaries to Saint John; Church in the late 1830s. James was Clarke writing that he and his wife to be a stalwart in St. David’s Pres- “walked down Prince William St., byterian Church. so far as Mr. McMillans’, my father- Of James McMillan (1810- in-law, carrying a babe in my arms, 1886), the most prominent of Cath- no uncommon thing for an Irish im- erine Clarke’s brothers, it was John McMillan House migrant to do” (Clarke, stated, "he is connected with nearly Germain Street, Saint John, NB “Autobiographical Sketch,” Webster every benevolent institution in the Papers, Mount Allison archives). city of St. John; and his benefac- The Clarkes stayed briefly in Saint tions, though bestowed in an unob- had to content itself with developing John, before moving to Amherst, trusive manner, are never stinted. its printing business and its trade in and were more successful there in His Christian connection is with St. general office supplies. At his death forming Covenanter groups in the David's Presbyterian church, and he in 1905, John McMillan was suc- Chignecto area, including Shemo- has held different offices in different ceeded as head by his son, Alexan- gue, NB. churches of that denomination ... He der, the last family member to man- There can be little doubt about is a strong advocate of temperance age the firm. Alexander died in the piety of the McMillan family; principles; one of the oldest and 1929: when his widow passed away but, with one possible exception, most active members of the St. John in the 1930s, the senior employees that piety was not practiced in the auxiliary of the British and Foreign of the firm assumed control of the Reformed Presbyterian or Coven- Bible Society; vice-president of the company (E.W. McGahan anter community, but in the more Evangelical Alliance, and of the “McMillan, John,” DCB, Toronto, mainline Presbyterian denomina- young men's Christian association ... 1994. 13). tions. and is always ready and willing to John McMillan was a Belfast book- The one exception? John promote every Christian seller and a pious Reformed Presby- McMillan, through his son-in-law work" ("James McMillan," Cana- terian. In Saint John, his family built Alexander Clarke, donated a Bible dian Biographical Dictionary, 1880. a publishing firm, which had a sig- to the Shemogue Covenanter 2: 600). nificant history. John’s Reformed Church in 1832. The Bible had this As noted, the McMillans’ pub- Presbyterianism was channeled not inscription: “As a mark of respect lishing premises burned in the great into the Covenanter cause, but found and esteem for the congregation fire of 1877, and the business suf- fertile fields of faith in mainline who worship at Shemogue, this Bi- fered. By the mid 1880s their pub- Presbyterian congregations. ble is forwarded to you by the Rev- lishing profile began to diminish. erend Alexander Clarke, First mis- James McMillan died in 1886. In sionary from the Reformed church the 20th century J. and A. McMillan December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 37

The tenements of Lower East Side Manhattan by Linda Evans

them to house the influx of immigrants coming into Although it is gener- the City. They became an ally believed that the tene- unsightly reality. In the ments that plagued Ameri- decade of the 1840's, the can cities during the 19th population of the City in- century had nothing to do creased by more than 60 with the New Brunswick percent, from 312,710 to Irish, think again. Many 515,547, and in the 1850’s of the first generation- the population was up to born Irish in NB did not 813,669, an additional 58 stay here. They went off percent. The single- to New England – to Bos- family homes were sub- ton or New York – to find divided and the tenements factory work or jobs as were born. labourers. They joined the The newcomers were new immigrants in the largely Irish, forced to Life inside a tenement tenements that sprung up emigrate because of the quickly in these cities. Great Famine, and Ger- took on the long battle to ing and unclean- What were they like? man, many of whom left reform the conditions of ness...Such concentration following the Revolution the tenements of London, and packing of a popula- Adapted from a write- of 1848. it was discovered that tion has probably never up by Ruth Limmer and By 1843, the Associa- 495,592 people - possibly been equaled in any city Andrew S Dolkart tion for Improving the more than half of the en- as may be found in par- Conditions of the Poor tire population of New ticular localities in New The Lower East Side described these multiple York City lived in tene- York." of Manhattan was farm- dwellings - these early ments. On the Lower East A tenement at 97 Orchard land until the late 18th cen- tenements - as "generally Side, the numbers worked St on the Lower East Side - tury when single-family defective in size, arrange- out to 240,000 people per five short stories with base- row houses, typically 25 ment, supplies of water, square mile. The local ment, and designed to house feet wide by 100 feet deep warmth, and ventilation; council reported: 20 families - was one of were built for middle and also the yards, sinks, and "It is only because three adjoining tenements upper class New Yorkers. sewage are in bad condi- this rate of packing is erected on the site of the By the mid-nineteenth tions." somewhat diminished by former Orchard Street century, these well-to-do And so they remained. intervening warehouses, Church. Lucas Glockner families had moved on to In 1864, the same factories, private dwell- was its builder and owner. more fashionable lands in year in which Sherman ings, and other classes of An immigrant tailor who northern Manhattan, join- marched through Georgia, buildings that the entire lived on St. Mark's Place ing other affluent New Tolstoy began "War and tenement-house popula- before moving into his Yorkers. Peace," Pasteur invented tion is not devastated by completed Orchard Street Developers began what came to be called the domestic pestilences building - a structure valued dividing up the homes pasteurization, and a hero- and infectious epidemics at $8000 - Glockner went they abandoned, adapting ine named Octavia Hill that arise from overcrowd- on to erect or (cont’d) 38 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

The tenements of Lower East Side Manhattan (cont’d)

purchase other tenements. The entire flat, which often contained their own, would have burned coal more families they could pack into households of seven or more people, in any case and may have been the them, the better the profits. totaled about 325 square feet. source of heat. Although the architect of #97 Only one room per apartment Garbage was disposed of in and its twin at #99 is unknown, - the "front room" - received direct boxes set in front of the house. many of the men who designed light and ventilation, limited by the A number of years ago, a tenements either had been trained as tenements that would soon hem it group of social historians were look- builders or had studied architecture in. The standard bedroom, 8'6" ing for a place to house a tenement in Europe prior to emigrating to square, would have been completely museum and they discovered # 97 America. Here they either chose to shut off from both fresh air and Orchard Road. It had been aban- work for fellow immigrants or were natural light, but at #97, the bed- doned and sealed from change in forced to enter the American market room had casement windows, open- 1935 so very little had to be done to at a low end of the design scale. ing onto the hall, that appear to be it. Today it houses the Tenement The unknown architect de- part of the original construction. Museum. Still very much as it had signed a facade that was a simplified There was, of course, no toilet, been in the past, it was the perfect version of the Halianate style. As shower, or bath; nor is there any building in which to reveal the his- commonly applied to tenements in indication that water was available tory of tenement life on the Lower the 1860's, the facade was a trickled within the apartments, although wa- East Side. It stands as a monument -down version, in brick, of the ter from the Croton aqueduct had to America's urban poor, to the ar- brownstone Italianate facades of the begun to flow into the City by the chitects and owners who designed row houses and mansions popular early 1840's. The building's privies, and built their housing, and to the with the City's wealthier families. located in the rear yard, might or reformers who fought to improve it. Within #97, its 20 three-room might not have been connected to Today, save for the basement and apartments, typical of their kind, the sewer pipes running beneath first floor, renovated to greater and were arranged four to a floor, two in Orchard Street. lesser degrees for museum purposes, front and two in the rear. They were Heat, on the other hand, was 97 Orchard Street is as authentic as reached by an unlit, ventilated available. Each kitchen had a fire- a tenement can get, right down to an wooden staircase that ran through place, which could have burned ei- impossibly cramped but still useable the center of the building. The larg- ther coal or wood; gas, which was water closet in the hall next to the est room (11' x 12'6") was referred available in the Tenth Ward by the exhibition space. to in the plans as the living room or time #97 was built, was not piped in You can search their website - parlor, but residents called it the until sometime after construction www.tenement.org – for more infor- "front room." Behind it came the was completed. Cooking stoves, mation about the museum and tours kitchen and one tiny bedroom. The which tenants had to purchase on available.

Day-to-day living in the tenements

Housekeeping in a tenement the household help which middle of street cleaning until 1881. Effec- was no easy task for the women and and upper class New Yorkers could tive street-cleaning, however, did not children who generally did it. There afford. arrive until the appointment of were no automatic machines to wash One of the most basic house- George Waring to direct the depart- and dry clothes and dishes or to get hold chores was taking out the trash ment in 1895. Trash also tended to the dirt off the floors and carpets. to the garbage boxes on the street. accumulate in the rear yards and air- And for much of the nineteenth cen- Although there had been some street shafts of tenements. Another basic tury, few tenements even had run- cleaning since the days of the Dutch, chore was keeping dust and dirt off ning water. Perhaps most impor- primarily done by "cartmen," the the floors, rugs, and upholstery. tantly, tenement dwellers didn't have City did not organize a department (cont’d) December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 39

Day-to-day living in the tenements (cont’d)

During most of the nineteenth 1870s, but electric vacuum cleaners century, wood and coal burning weren't common until the 1930s, stoves made the task difficult since and then still mostly among the they produced soot, which tended middle class. to get into just about everything. Since most tenements didn't Gas burning stoves, standard by the have indoor plumbing until the turn 1930s, significantly alleviated this of the century, water had to be problem. brought in for baths, washing Women used the same tool to clothes and dishes, or cleaning the battle dirt and dust that had been apartment itself. If hot water was used for centuries throughout the needed it had to be heated on the Inside the tenement museum world - the broom. Until the twenti- stove. During the 19th century, eth century, brooms were made laundry was usually washed outside central work-place of a tenement from twigs or tufts from a corn by the water pumps - weather per- apartment, especially if it had run- plant. Since brooms did little to mitting - in order to save the labor ning water, which most did after remove dust from rugs and uphol- of hauling it up or down dark tene- the tenement act of 1901. Families stery, these items had to be periodi- ment stairways. Of course if the hooked up their stoves (which they cally taken outside and beaten. This tenement had indoor plumbing, as usually brought with them in the was an important part of the annual most did by the 1910, washing was 1870s) to the kitchen chimney, and spring cleaning. Mechanical carpet done in the kitchen and the clothes it was here that food preparation, sweepers were invented in the late were usually boiled in the water. cooking, and eating took place. Be- Under the best of conditions, cause tenements had no reliable the wet laundry was hung to dry on food storage facilities (the refrig- the roof or on clothes lines strung erator was common in middle class between buildings. But poor households in the 1930s, but not in weather, water dripping from working class tenements), children clothes on higher lines, pollution, were sent to purchase food as many falling refuse, and thieves fre- as three times a day. During the quently made it necessary to dry 1870s, children also helped their laundry in the kitchen. Ironing was mothers by scavenging for wood done by heating several irons on and coal to use as fuel in their the stove and then using them alter- stoves. Since few tenements had nately as they cooled. Needless to central steam heat as late as the say, it was hot and exhausting 1930s, stoves were usually used for work. After the turn of the century, heating as well as cooking. even the working poor began send- Women could earn money for ing some of their clothes out to their housekeeping labor if they commercial laundries, frequently took in boarders. Part of the owned and run by Chinese immi- boarder's rent was often meant to grants. While many middle class pay for the woman (or women) of Americans had their own automatic the tenement apartment to do the washing machines by the 1930s, boarder's laundry, cooking, clean- tenement dwellers didn't often have ing, etc. However, this was the the money or the space and contin- only time a monetary value was Tenement Museum, NYC ued to use commercial laundries. placed on this exhausting work. The kitchen was generally the From: Donna R. Gabaccia, From Sicily to Elizabeth Street: Housing and Social Change Among Italian Immigrants, 1880-1930 (Albany, NY, 1984); Susan Strasser, Never Done: A History of American Housework (New York, 1982). 40 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

Miramichi Chapter News

By Maureen English

As spring turned into sum- here on the Miramichi. mer we held our annual “Spring into Our chapter scholarship win- Summer” social at the Friendly ner this year is Laura Dunn of Neighbors Seniors Clubhouse on Miramichi Sunday, June 7th and it was well She is attending UNB in Fre- attended. dericton. We changed our format for On October 13 & 14th we the afternoon and had many mem- hosted the W.B. YEATS exhibit at bers share with us stories of their the Miramichi History Museum with ancestor’s arrival and survival. a fairly good turn-out to see the dis- play. Then the Chapter participated in the visit of Heather Humphreys T.D., Minister of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ireland who was here on the occasion of the International Commemoration of the Great Fam- ine in New Brunswick, Canada. She Kevin Vickers declares the Irish visited Middle Island and laid a Festival open wreath at the Celtic cross in memory of all those buried here – especially OPEN. the victims from the famine ships Maureen, on behalf of the during the 1800's. Miramichi Chapter, ICCA, pre- sented the special ICCA of NB Me- dallion to Ellen Doyle MacDonald for her continuous commitment to the Nelson Doyle Dancers, and pro- moting the Irish heritage and culture Elaine Jimmo sharing her family history This was followed by a very brief business meeting as our President Frances Connell resigned the of- fice as she will be travelling a lot in the next year. Maureen English Irish Minister Heather Hum- accepted the position. We had a phreys, presents Maureen Eng- 'cupa' and sweets to end the after- lish a copy of the book “Atlas of noon. the Great Irish Famine” Next on our agenda was the annual Irish Festival, which saw our new Canadian Ambassador to Ire- land, Kevin Vickers, as guest Ellen receives award from speaker, and he declared the Festival Maureen English December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 41

Westmorland-Albert-Kent Chapter news By Mike Jos. P. Magee Moncton’s Irish Monument and other things

It was the brainchild of Linda Ev- tlements spread throughout the ans, and became a reality when its province. construction was completed 15 Recently an Irish delegation, years ago. Hindsight remarks how led by Ireland’s Minister of Arts then Mayor Brian Murphy ensured a Heritage and Gaeltacht, visited the rightful location that would serve as monument as so many delegations a great visual landmark. Today it have before. As a proud Moncto- attracts tourists and daily users of nian of Irish descent, I was able to the waterfront trail which is now show Minister Humphreys my fam- The Irish Families Memorial also home during summer months to ily's inscription on the monu- proudly sits on Moncton's water- several festivals and other civic fes- ment….. - Irish Famine 1847 family front and has become a well-known tivities. It is hard to miss! of Mike Jos. P. Magee. cultural centre point of gather- The monument’s centerpiece ing. Its location, on prime civic is the 13-foot-high Celtic cross, sur- property waterfront lies alongside rounded by four smaller monuments and parallel to Main Street and As- each representing a province of Ire- sumption Boulevard. If you’re vis- land: Munster, Leinster, Ulster and iting, its entry is via Assumption, Connaught. All four have Irish just park across from the law family names inscribed on both Courts, next to the Press Club. sides. In addition to the inner row Soon, another visible landmark me- there is an outer row of dolmen-like morial will be erected in very close markers, curved like the waves on proximity, and currently is in its the sea, each with family names on construction phase - Moncton’s trib- both sides. These names depict ute RCMP Memorial for three fallen Irish families who settled in the re- members killed in the line of duty in gion over the last 200 years or so, Moncton in June 2014. and represent several eras of Irish Although not visible when migration. driving along the boulevard, our Westmorland, Albert and precious memorial lies at the epi- Kent counties were a migratory arri- centre of the city’s downtown not val point for loved ones and family far and in full view of the river area back in Ireland and is an area coined as the Bend, by early settlers. blessed with both Irish Catholic and Minister Humphreys speaking at When you face the monument you Protestant settlers. A little known the Celtic Cross in Moncton are looking in a southerly direction, fact today is that at one point New facing the Petitcodiac River. This Brunswick (Nova Scotia until 1783) river twice daily serves up its mar- had more Irish settlers per capita vel in downtown Moncton- than anyplace outside of Ireland. Riverview- Petitcoadiac. When fac- The official map of Irish settlements ing the monument, one cannot avoid in New Brunswick, produced in noticing its deep accentuation of 1983-4 by Rev. Leo Hynes and Pe- distinct and iconic Irish architecture. ter Rafferty, shows hundreds of set- 42 Shamrock Leaf December 2015 From the Book Shelf

To understand the heart and soul of a country you must know its history, language, folklore and culture. Now is the time to begin a small Irish library in your home. In doing so, you will pass on to your children the richness of the culture of their ancestors. Here we provide a selection of books that have been brought to our attention . Hopefully you can find one that speaks to your own interests.

Irish Civil War and Celtic Lightening: Society How the Scots and the By Gavin M. Foster Irish Created a Cana- 336 Pages dian Nation ISBN: 978-1770411678 By Ken McGoogan 400 Pages Gavin Foster re- ISBN: 978-1550814370 conceptualizes class debates around the Irish Civil War McGoogan highlights five (1922-3), exploring the so- of the values they imported cial dimensions of the bitter as foundational: independ- conflict from fresh angles ence, audacity, democracy, that highlight the rival so- pluralism and persever- cial outlooks, interests, and ance. He shows that these conflicts that ruptured na- values are thriving in con- tionalist solidarity at the end temporary Canada, and of the Irish Revolution. Chapters on the understudied traces their evolution through the lives of thirty promi- aftermath of the civil war illuminate the political and so- nent individuals—heroes, rebels, poets, inventors, pirate cial pressures that forced many IRA veterans to emigrate, queens—who played formative roles in the histories of an important revolutionary outcome that helped cement Scotland and Ireland. Two charged traditions came to- the conservative post-revolutionary settlement. gether and gave rise to a Canadian nation. That is when Celtic lightning struck.

Míle Míle i gCéin The Irish Language in Canada By Danny Doyle 319 Pages ISBN: 9780888876317

Míle Míle i gCéin comprises a historical overview of the Irish language in Canada, including the pre- and post-famine periods, the decline of the lan- guage by 1900, and its limited modern revival. Historical notes on the state of the language in Ireland accompany the Canadian timeline to show the causes of the language's spread and decline. While much more widely spoken in Ca- nadian society than has been previously acknowledged, following the Famine, the use of the language was deliberately hidden by its speakers from their chil- dren, with most of its history being obscured from the folk record within two generations. Included in original Irish, as well as through translation, are the scarce remaining accounts written in Irish Gaelic in and about Canada, includ- ing songs, poetry, and stories. A history of the spread, decline, and demise of the Irish language in Canada serves as a reminder of the tragedy of language loss, while also allowing for a richer understanding of Irish-Canadian culture, as well as of global Gaelic culture. December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 43 From the Book Shelf (cont’d)

Death or Canada Now and in the Hour of The Irish Famine Mi- Our Death: a novel of the gration of 1847 to Irish troubles Toronto, Canada By Patrick Taylor By Mark McGowan 384 Pages 180 Pages ISBN: 978– 0765335197 ISBN: 978-2896461295 Nine years ago, the bloody

conflict in Northern Ireland This important book about the Irish famine of 1847 and tore apart two young lovers, its impact on the city of To- changing their lives forever. ronto tells a story that is still Now, in 1983, they find relatively unknown to most of themselves worlds apart. Toronto’s citizens. Davy is serving a twenty-five Historian Mark McGowan -year sentence in a British delves beneath the surface of statistics and brings to light the prison. Fiona has forged a new life for herself in Vancou- stories of men and women who had to face a desperate choice: ver, British Columbia, far away from the war-torn streets almost certain death from starvation in Ireland, or a perilous sea of Belfast. She remains haunted by painful memories of voyage to a faraway place called Canada. her troubled homeland―and the love she left behind.

“While this volume focuses on just one year, in one city, its in- Patrick Taylor's Now and in the Hour of Our Death is a tent is to encourage further social study of the Irish experience in moving and compelling portrait of ordinary men and Canada, while putting faces and voices to the bare statistics that women caught up in a conflict not of their making, and of have come to distinguish ‘Black ’47’ from the other phases of the way the past holds onto us even as we try to move on Irish migration.”. into an uncertain future.

Bitter Freedom– Ireland in a Revolutionary World By Maurice Walsh 224 Pages ISBN: 978-1848892460

For too long, the story of Irish independence and its aftermath has been told within an Anglo-Irish context. Now, in a vividly written and compelling narrative, Maurice Walsh shows that Ireland was part of a civilisation in turmoil. A national revolution which captured worldwide attention from India to Argentina was itself profoundly shaped by international events, political, economic and cultural. In the era of Bolshe- vism and jazz, developments in Europe and America had a profound effect on Ire- land, influencing the attitudes and expectations of combatants and civilians. The hopes, dreams and bitter disappointments of the revolutionary years af- fected everyone in Ireland whether they fought or not. Walsh also brings to life the experiences of Irish people removed from the fighting - the plays they went to, the exciting films they watched in the new cinemas and the books they read. But the price of freedom was partition, a devastating civil war and the daunting challenge of establishing a new nation in an uncertain world. 44 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

‘Beyond the pale’

The definition of ‘beyond the pale’ today simply were allowed to live and trade. It defined an area where means ‘outside the bounds of propriety or good taste’. Jewish traders could conduct business and where they So what is a ‘pale’? It was an old word for a could not. wooden stake of the kind used to build a fence and With time, the ‘pale’ in Ireland came down of comes from the Latin ‘palum’, meaning stake, which course and the term simply described an area of Ireland also provides the derivation for the words ‘impale’ and which was considered enclosed or safe. To be ‘beyond ‘pallisade’ – a term used to describe stakes built around the pale’ was considered to be outside the area accepted forts in North America in the first years of colonization. as ‘home’. In the 14th century, the English in Ireland, al- though laying claim to vast tracts of the country, only had complete control over an area of land around Dublin. They marked the boundaries with stakes or fences and the land enclosed was known as the English Pale. To be ‘beyond the pale’ was to roam free in the vast acres of Ireland that were not under English rule or to be, in the insular view of the English of the day, outside all rules and institutions of civilization. The Irish, it is probably safe to assume, felt differently and most were well con- tent to be considered ‘beyond the pale’. Nor was the Dublin Pale the only pale. There was also the Pale of Calais in France which was established by the British in 1360. It defined the small area about Calais which remained a stronghold of the British mon- archs for almost 200 years. There was even a pale in An example of a ‘pale’ Russia which delineated an area where Russian Jews

Presentation of 2015 Irish Canadian Cultural Association Bursary

The $1,000 ICCANB Bursary was recently presented to Amy Knox, a student at St. Thomas University (STU) in Fredericton.

Amy is majoring in English with a minor in Irish Studies— currently taking Irish Language and Culture with Óisín Montanari, Visiting Irish Language Scholar (Irish Canada Univer- sity Foundation) at STU. Amy’s roots are in Saint John where her grandmother, Donna Blanchard, is a very active and long-time sup- porter of Irish history and culture in New Brunswick.

Pictured above: Lorraine Nolan, Lecturer, Irish Studies, STU; Óisín; Amy ; and Bruce Driscoll, Past-President, ICCANB December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 45

Quick Irish Christmas breakfasts by Linda Evans

With Christmas just around the corner, we all need some ‘no fuss’ ideas to survive what has become a season of chaos. In my house, we dispensed with gift giving years ago, except for the grandchildren. Christmas Day has be- come essentially a day for family, good food, and memories. But grandchildren are still anxious to open gifts and no one opens anything here until breakfast has been served. So breakfast generally has to be quick and at the ready or there will be a call to revolution. The two Irish recipe choices below fill that void. They are quick, easy and should keep their tummies full until the big family meal later in the day.

The first can be made by just throwing all of the ingredients in a slow cooker and cooking it on low overnight so that it will be at the ready in the morning.

Fruited Irish Oatmeal 2 cups steel-cut Irish oatmeal (do not use regular or quick oats) 5 cups water 1 cup apple juice ¼ cup dried cranberries ¼ cup raisins Easy-peasy! Just serve with a bit of milk and brown sugar, and if you’d like, top with a few pecans for protein. If there are leftovers, they can be warmed up in a bowl in the microwave.

However, if you have children or grandchildren who will NOT eat oatmeal, how about some pancakes? I grew up on good old-fashioned buckwheat pancakes - the ones that my father said ‘put hair on our chest’ which scared the dickens out of me! We rarely had bacon or sausages on the side, but sometimes these heavy, but deli- cious offerings would be covered in canned beans! I kid you not! Today lighter buttermilk pancakes are the norm. This recipe, called Irish buttermilk pancakes, doesn’t seem very Irish, except for the addition of buttermilk, but they are good – you’ll never want to use that pancake mix again!

Irish Buttermilk Pancakes 2 cups flour 2 Tbsp sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt 2 cups buttermilk 4 Tbsp oil 2 beaten eggs Mix all together. If it’s a bit thick, you can add more buttermilk. This recipe should feed at least 6 but can also by halved. – And guess what! – These too can be made ahead of time, frozen, thawed, and reheated in the microwave on Christmas morning. 46 Shamrock Leaf December 2015 Saint Nicholas and Saint Valentine are Irish

Ok…. maybe not really Irish 1540. relics with them. When Normans but in the true Irish tradition of Located to the west of the ab- lost power in France, the Nicholas claiming association to just about bey, the church has an unusual de Frainets packed up once again, anything that is good, we Irish are grave slab with an image of a moving to Ireland. This story has claiming the Saints as our own. cleric, thought to be a bishop, and the relics being buried in Jerpoint After all, Ireland is known as the two other heads. The cleric is said in 1200. land of Saints! to be St Nicholas and the heads, the two crusaders who, so the story And what of St. Valentine? We do have some grounds for goes, brought Nicholas' remains Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin this assertion – bear with me. back to Ireland. Though the church is the unlikely resting place for the

St. Nicholas is among the dates from 1170, the grave slab relics of this saint. That’s right! most important saints in all of appears to be from the 1300s. While desperate men the world Christendom. In a land where over rush to their nearest corner saints can sometimes appear to be store to buy half-battered bunches as numerous as grains of sand on of red roses in the hope that it will the beach, dedications to St Nicho- get them out of the dog house, the las are found attached to holy wells knowledge that there is an Irish and medieval parish churches connection to Saint Valentine still across the entire island of Ire- escapes the masses. land. Churches and chap- Pope Gregory XVI presented els dedicated to the saint are also the remains of Saint Valentine to found in the port towns of Drog- an Irish Carmelite named John heda and Waterford. Additional Spratt in the year 1835. He had dedications are found at Dunsany The tale tells of a band of Irish been visiting Rome and preaching Co Meath, Clonmel, Co Tipperary -Norman knights from Jerpoint, at the famous Jesuit Church there and Newtown Jerpoint Co Kil- traveling to the Holy Land to take to much acclaim. In 1836 the re- kenny. Holy wells dedicated to the part in the Crusades. On retreat, as mains were received by saint are found in the counties of they headed home to Ireland, they Archbishop Murray of Dublin and Kerry, Limerick, Meath and Water- seized St Nicholas' remains, bring- have remained in Whitefriar Street ford. ing them back to Kilkenny, where Church ever since. An Altar and However, according to local the bones were buried. Shrine were installed in the 1950's Irish legend, the dedication at New- Evidence lends some possible depicting the Saint as a martyr. An town Jerpoint, County Kilkenny credence to this tale as the inscription on the Altar reads: may be the most important as Saint Normans in Kilkenny were keen Nicholas is said to be buried there. collectors of religious relics— This shrine contains the sacred The grave is purported to be in the possibly even more so than the Ital- body of Saint Valentinus the Martyr, ruined Church of St Nicholas, Jer- ians. And it is known that Norman together with a small vessel tinged point. The church is all that re- knights from Kilkenny participated with his blood. mains of the medieval village, in the Holy Land Crusades. Newtown Jerpoint, that fell to ruin Another version of the story The annual mass on February by the 17th century. The village tells of a French family, the de 14th includes a ceremony to bless was surrounded the Cistercian Jer- Frainets, who removed Nicholas' wedding rings of those betrothed, in point Abbey, founded in 1183. Lo- remains from Myra to Bari, Italy, the hope that such a blessing will cated on 1,880 acres, the abbey had in 1169 when Bari was under the help secure a successful union. its own gardens, watermills, ceme- Normans. The de Frainets were There may have even been two tery, granary, and kitchens. It crusaders to the Holy Land and Saints named Valentine. Valentine served as a launching point for also owned land in Thomastown, of Rome died about the year 269 Irish-Norman Crusaders from Kil- Ireland. After the Normans were during the persecution of Claudius kenny. The abbey was dissolved in forced out of Bari, the de Frainets the Goth. moved to Nice, France, taking the (cont’d) December 2015 Shamrock Leaf 47 Saint Nicholas and Saint Valentine are Irish (cont’d)

Julia, again contrary to Roman law. Knowing he was about to die he wrote a final note to the young girl and signed it ‘From Your Valentine’. The note contained a crocus flower and upon opening it for the first time the young girl’s sight was restored. In the year 496 Pope Gelasius I named Feb- The other Valentine was alleg- ruary 14th as Saint Valentine’s Day edly Bishop of Terni. It is possible and ever since that day has been asso- that the two memories are in fact of ciated with flowers, note-giving and the same person. all things romantic. There are several legends regard- So there you have it – Saint ing his martyrdom. The first suggests Nicholas and Saint Valentine were that he was beheaded for illegally Irish. Ok, it is not an open and shut marrying young Christians in opposi- case but the Irish do possess their rel- tion to Roman rules. Another suggests ics and that is good enough for us! that Valentine was imprisoned for helping a young blind girl named

Farewell but not goodbye! by M. Driscoll on the Irish in New Brunswick, which she has generously shared As we prepare to say a sad fare- through public lectures and school well to Linda, our wonderful editor, talks, serves on the Celtic Affairs the words of Winnie the Pooh come Committee formed of members of to my mind: the Irish and Scottish Associations, and has written numerous articles “How lucky I am to have something and publications on Irish history and that makes saying goodbye so hard.” genealogy. My understanding is that ...And how hard it is to say goodbye she is currently working on a book to Linda! While this is her last issue about the Irish in Westmorland, Al- as Editor, her influence on this news- bert, Kent counties. The woman magazine, and on our Irish commu- never stops! nity in general, will stay on forever. But don’t worry—I have it on What some of our readers may good authority (from the horse’s not be aware of, in addition to hav- mouth), that, in between spending ing been Editor of the Shamrock more time with her family and con- Leaf, for more than one term, Linda tinuing her research and writing, she of those who have gone before me— has also operated Moncton’s Irish will continue to fit time in to provide Farrell McCarthy, Patricia O’Leary- Room, located in Thomas Williams the occasional article for the Sham- Coughlan and you, my mentor. I House on Park Street, for many rock Leaf. pray that I won’t disappoint you. So years now, was the driving force Linda—you’ve been a wonder- it is with a heavy heart that we say behind the Irish Association’s Celtic ful editor and I have so enjoyed my farewell for now and we look for- crosses and memorials located in time working with you. Yours are ward to reading more of your work southeastern New Brunswick, per- very big shoes to fill but I will do in the future. Thank you and God formed countless hours of research my best to continue the great work Bless! 48 Shamrock Leaf December 2015

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