April 2018 Boston’s hometown VOL. 29 #4 journal of Irish culture. $2.00 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2018 bostonirish.com Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. Still no deal on Irish border amid preps for Brexit moves Associated Press German Chancellor Angela Merkel has reassured Ireland that it can rely on Germany in Brexit talks as the European Union and Britain struggle to find a way to maintain an open Irish border after the UK leaves the continental organization. Merkel met with Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar in Berlin on March 20, a day after EU and British ne- gotiators said there had been no breakthrough on the Irish border issue, despite announcing progress on the outlines of a transition deal after Brexit day in a little more than a year’s time. “A solution must be found for this ... and Germany fully supports the Irish position,” Merkel said. Britain is due to leave the 28-nation EU in a little over a year, and how to keep open the all-but-invisible Fiddle will make music with guitar when the New York City-based fiddle-guitar duo of Dana Lyn and border between EU member state Ireland and Northern Kyle Sanna make their debut at the Burren Backroom series on April 4. See the BIR’s Art Calendar on Ireland, which is part of the UK, is proving one of the Page 12. biggest headaches. Varadkar stressed that a “backstop solution” under St. Patrick’s Day ’18 in Southie (Continued on page 5) New site, hosts; usual fare on the tables, and at the mic By Colin A. Young US Rep. Michael Capuano, who State House said he isn’t a joke-teller, made the News Service importance of driving the British The more things change, the more from Boston Harbor in March 1776 they stay the same. The annual St. the central piece of his remarks. Patrick’s Day breakfast in South “It kind of burned me that Boston, a chance for Massachusetts people took Bunker Hill Day and public officials to try their hand at Evacuation Day as something that stand-up comedy and to get a few was just ‘payroll patriot’ holiday jabs in against others, was in a new nonsense. These are people who location this year with a new set of don’t know anything about history, Capturing the action: Galway vs. Clare at Fenway co-hosts, but the fare was still eggs, nothing at all,” the congressman Park, November 2017. Boston Red Sox photo sausage, a few good one-liners, and said. “People died not just in plenty of duds. battles, they died from starvation, Notably absent from the break- they died from disease, they died April 6 dinner will fast, held this year at the Iron- from freezing ... we are here today workers Local 7 hall and hosted by In Dorchester, the annual holiday because of them.” support Ireland’s U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch and City brunch at St. Teresa’s of Calcutta Councilor Michael Flaherty, were hosted by the Brett family raised Taoiseach gifts Trump amateur athletes the video skits that had become over $100,000 the Mary Ann Brett with bowl of shamrock common at recent breakfasts. Pols Food Pantry. Above Sean Somers In Washington, Ireland Prime By Bill Forry array of current and for- had to rely more on their ability to presents Jim Brett with a check Minister Leo Varadkar kept up the BIR Editor mer GAA players on hand stand and joke from the podium. on behalf of Somers Pubs. strong annual tradition between The Boston Friends of direct from Ireland to pro- Lynch and Flaherty took on the Story, Page 2. the two countries by handing a the Gaelic Players As- mote the games and the task of hosting the breakfast when Daniel Sheehan photo bowl of shamrock to President sociation will host their GPA, which represents Linda Forry resigned her state Sen- President Trump was again a Trump in the lead-up to St. Pat- second annual dinner more than 2,200 current ate seat in January to take a job as popular punching bag. Warren rick’s Day. event on Fri., April 6, at Gaelic footballers and an executive at Suffolk Construc- held up photo-shopped images of Varadkar trumpeted Ireland’s the Intercontinental Hotel hurlers in Ireland. tion. Forry sat near the front of the politicians – Joe Biden, Charlie long-standing relationship with in Boston. The event seeks The dinner will also room Sunday, but was not on the Baker and herself – with Trump’s the US and mentioned the plight to build on the incred- feature remarks from dais with her former colleagues. coiffure in place of their own. Sen. of undocumented Irish in America ibly successful inaugural DeMaurice Smith, the ex- Several speakers praised Forry Ed Markey made reference to and the strong trade between both event last spring that ecutive director of the NFL including Lynch, who said she had Russian President Vladimir Putin countries in his speech at the White drew a packed crowd to Players Association, about taken the breakfast “to a very high being “at the highest levels of the House today. meet and hear from an the importance of support- level, from which it will now fall.” Trump White House.” Trump, for his part, said that he all-star line-up of Ireland’s ing amateur athletes. US Sen. Elizabeth Warren said Gov. Charlie Baker, one of the “loved the Irish” and talked about sports heroes past and The event is chaired by the fact that Lynch and Flaherty few Republicans at the breakfast the strong influence the Irish have present. Aidan Browne, a partner were tapped to replace Forry as in heavily Democratic South Bos- had on the US over the years, add- This year’s gala is ex- at event sponsor Sullivan hosts proves that “it takes two men ton, was also the butt of a number ing that the Irish were people “full pected to require an even & Worcester and chair- to do the job of one woman.” of jokes. of love, warmth, grit and resolve.” bigger room— with an (Continued on page 8) 34-Month 46-Month 58-Month

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Fees could reduce earnings. Subject to penalty for early withdrawal. Not available for IRA Certificates. Must be a member of City of Boston Credit Union to open Cityofbostoncu.com certificate account. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Federally Insured by NCUA. Excess share insurance by MSIC. Page 2 April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Boston College Symposium panels to discuss ‘John Hume: His Vision and Legacy for Ireland’ Day-long forum set for April 28 decades, Hume played a power-sharing Assembly include the American crucial role in upholding at Stormont in 2007. launch of “John Hume: In the constitutional tradi- Panels will address His Own Words,” edited tion of Irish national- Hume’s role in the initial by Sean Farren, Hume’s ism. His persistence in civil rights campaign of long- time colleague in advocating dialogue and the late 1960s, how his the Social Democratic engagement as a means three-strand analysis and Labour Party. This of resolving complicated was applied to healing volume includes excerpts issues and differences the fractured relation- from Hume’s speeches, dividing the Catholic/Na- ships within Northern articles, and essays along tionalist community and Ireland, between North- with contextual com- the Protestant/Unionist ern Ireland and the mentary by Sean Farren. community was central Republic of Ireland, and Irish Ambassador Daniel to shaping and advanc- between Dublin and Mulhall will launch the ing the Irish peace pro- London. One panel will volume during the con- cess, from the landmark explore Hume’s role in ference lunch. Copies of Anglo-Irish Agreement of marshaling Irish Ameri- this book as well as “John The Nobelist John Hume. Irish Independent photo 1985 to the historic Good can political, moral, and Hume: Irish Peacemak- Boston College with ad- in Washington, the Irish In commemoration Friday ,of 1998. Hume’s economic support in pur- er,” a collection of essays ditional support from and British Consulates in of the 50th anniversary intellectual analysis of suit of peace and justice. edited by Sean Farren the Global Leadership Boston and the Depart- of the Northern Ireland relationships at the heart Panelists will include and Dennis Haughey Institute, the Boston ment of Foreign Affairs in Civil Rights Movement of the Northern Irish seven political activists will also be available for College Libraries, the Dublin. The symposium and the 20th anniversary problem provided much and commentators from purchase. Irish American Partner- is being organized by of the Good Friday Agree- of the framework that Northern Ireland as This event, which ship, the Eire Society of Professors Sean Farren ment, the Center for Irish enabled Irish, North- well as Bostonians who will be held in Devlin Boston, the Charitable and Catherine Shannon. Programs at Boston Col- ern Irish, and British played positive, if dis- Hall, Room 101, begin- Irish Society, the Glob- For more info, contact lege will host a day-long and diplomats to reach tant, roles in advancing ning at 9 a.m. is being al Citizens Circle, the [email protected]. symposium on April 28. agreement in 1998 and, the peace process. sponsored by the Center Northern Ireland Bureau For more than three subsequently, form the The proceedings will for Irish Programs at Dot St. Patrick’s Day brunch supported Brett food pantry both as a fundraiser for the Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry and an induc- tion ceremony into the Dorchester Hall of Fame. This year’s celebration raised over $100,000 for the food pantry and named four new inductees: Fire Commissioner Joe Finn, Sister Barbara Gorham of Sisters of Charity Halifax, Bob Marr representing the Marr Family, and Governor Charlie Baker. Several current and former officials spoke at the light-hearted event. Mayor Martin Walsh was comfortable on his home turf, cracking jokes and James Brett, Fire Commissioner Joe Finn, Sister Barbara Gorham SCH, Bob welcoming everyone to “St. Margaret’s church,” Marr, representing the Marr Family, and Father John Currie, pastor, St. as the site was known Teresa Parish at St. Margaret Church. Harry Brett photo until 2004. commissioner “changed ing known as the “Mother Host Jim Brett, who is The mayor also empha- the mindset and brought Teresa of Roxbury.” the president and CEO of sized the lasting impact to light the importance of Gov. Baker gratefully the New England Council of the event on the com- occupational safety in the accepted his surprise and a former state repre- munity. fire department.” induction into the hall of sentative from Dorches- “The money that’s The other inductees fame, lauding Dorches- ter, closed the event by raised here today helps included the Marr family, ter as “a community of invoking a sentiment that Former Irish American Partnership president Joe who founded the Marr dreams.” summed up the memory Leary and Sue Asci, former Reporter editor. the food pantry all year long,” he said. “This break- Club—now called the “I come here because of his mother and the Harry Brett photo fast can help someone in Boys and Girls Clubs of I feel really good when I mission of the food bank. By Daniel Sheehan on Saturday for the 12th need in July.” Dorchester— in 1974, and leave,” he said, speaking “We cannot forget Reporter Staff annual Dorchester St. Walsh went on to intro- Sister Barbara Gorham, of the brunch. “Every year our neighbors,” he said. More than 100 people Patrick’s Day Brunch. The duce the first inductee, who has served the com- it’s a wonderful gathering “That’s what this is all gathered at St. Teresa’s annual event, hosted by Dorchester’s Joe Finn, munity for 59 years as a that breathes hope, faith, about.” of Calcutta church hall the Brett family, doubles explaining how the fire Sister of Charity, becom- and love.” The Irish scene: upcoming events April 6 – The Gaelic Players As- riott Hotel in Quincy. The benefit with a top prize of a round-trip to sociation will host its second Boston will feature set dancing and local Ireland for two. Tickets are $15 and GPA Dinner at the InterContinental music from the Kenny Academy of can be purchased at ipcboston.org. Hotel beginning at 6 p.m. Proceeds Irish Dance, Comhaltas Ceoloiri May 11 – The Eire Society will will support mental health and Eireann, Erin’s Melody, and Noel host a book launch at the Irish career services for GAA county play- Henry’s Irish Showband. This year’s Cultural Centre with Cork author ers in Ireland. Tickets available at honorees include Quincy Mayor William Wall, who recently became irishap.org/gpadinner. After party Thomas P. Koch and Christine A. the first non-US winner of the at Smith and Wollensky. For more Koch, Rev. Daniel J. Finn Paul, and Drue Heinz literature prize for his information contact Natalie Metz at Patricia Mikus. The event will also series of short stories entitled “The 617-723-2707 or – natalie@irishap. feature a silent auction, refresh- Islands.” org, or Karen Thorpe at 353-1- ments and light sandwiches, and a May 11 – The Irish International 6814251 or Karen@gaelicplayers. cash bar. $20 suggested donation. Immigrant Center (IIIC) hosts a com. Register online at at nphusa.org/ Business Leaders Breakfast from April 7 – The Eire Society’s events/irishhearts. 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Boston Har- Ireland Minister Michael Ring (center) represented Gold Medal Dinner at 6 p.m. at April 16 – 2018: Three partici- bor Hotel featuring keynote speaker the Irish government in a Boston visit during last the Seaport Boston Hotel. This pants, Mary Varden, Sinead McG- Congresswoman Katherine Clark, months St. Patrick’s festivities. He was welcomed year’s Gold Medal Award recipi- lynn, and Patricia Deasy will run Des Mac Intyre of BNY Mellon, and by the staff of the Irish International Immigrant ent is Dorchester native James T. the Boston Marathon on behalf of Raj Sharma of The Sharma Group Center. His itinerary included the Irish American Brett, president and CEO of the the Irish Pastoral Centre. To sup- at Merrill Lynch in a discussion on Partnership breakfast, Ireland Funds’ Young Lead- New England Council. Tickets are port their fundraising efforts, make the social and economic benefits ers reception, Irish Pastoral Centre, Irish Cultural $150 per person. More information donation online at ipcboston.org. that immigration brings to our re- Centre of New England, IN/Boston reception at Fenway Park, the Charitable Irish Society dinner, available at eiresociety.org/events/ April 29 – The Irish Pastoral gion. All proceeds benefit the IIIC. and the South Boston St Patrick’s Breakfast. Ring, gold-medal/ or call 781-801-6316. Centre will host its annual Spring For further details, contact Megan who represents County Mayo, also visited with April 15 – Irish Hearts for Or- Fling Dance at the Boston Union Miller at 617-695-1554 or mmiller@ members of Boston’s County Mayo Association, phans will host its annual benefit Teachers Hall from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. iiicenter.org. and marched in South Boston’s Evacuation Day/ dance from 3-7 p.m. at the Mar- A raffle will be held during the event, St Patrick’s parade. bostonirish.com April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Warren town hall set for Dorchester next week The Reporter will host Thurs. April 5, event at BTU hall By Jennifer Smith she is a frequent presence Warren said in a statement. begin at 6:30 p.m. at the News Editor at local union rallies, politi- “Having a chance to con- BTU hall — 180 Mt. Vernon The Dorchester Reporter cal marches, and visits with nect with residents is one of St., Dorchester — with doors will host a town hall event health centers and other my favorite parts of being a opening at 6 p.m. Parking is with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, institutions vulnerable to senator. People are energized. available at the site, which is a candidate for reelection this federal budget alterations. They see how what happens also accessible from the MBTA year, next Thursday evening, Her campaign headquarters in Washington is fundamen- via the JFK/UMass station. April 5, at the Boston Teachers are in the Mt. Vernon Street tally changing our country and Registration will take place Union (BTU) hall on Columbia building that also houses the neighborhoods, and I want to at the hall and audience ques- Point in Dorchester. Reporter offices. hear their voices.” tions will be chosen through This will be the senator’s “I’m thrilled to be in Dorches- The forum, which will be a randomized lottery. Mas- first town hall in Boston ter for our next town hall, and moderated by Reporter news sachusetts’s state primary is since summer 2016, although with the Dorchester Reporter,” editor Jennifer Smith, will Tuesday, Sept. 4. GO ACROSS THE POND NOT JUST ACROSS THE RIVER. Daily service from Boston to Dublin begins again May 24, 2018. Page 4 April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Editor’s Notebook Commentary Time is up A unique organization for Yawkey Way The Irish American Partnership By Joe Leary The Boston Red Sox, who have initiated a public Special to the BIR process to change the name of Yawkey Way, are get- Among the thousands of Irish organizations in the ting plenty of pushback from prominent apologists for United States, the Irish American Partnership contin- the late Red Sox owner who claim that he has been ues to distinguish itself as a unique organization by unfairly portrayed as a racist. dedicating its resources toward education in Ireland His defenders note that the Yawkey Foundation, a and the long-term health of the Irish nation. charity that he and his wife created, has been a force A successful education system is critical in prepar- for good since their deaths. Some, like former Sox ing future Irish leadership to manage the country in hurler Jim Lonborg, say that Yawkey “changed” over the years ahead. the course of his life. Since its inception in 1987 the Yawkey’s most passionate defenders include leading Irish American Partnership has Bostonians who have a connection to the foundation. worked with Ireland’s Depart- Dr. Maeve Liston, of Mary Immaculate College, at Some are trustees, like Rev. Ray Hammond, who has ment of Education, nearly 500 become the most outspoken opponent of the name left, and Mary Sugrue, of the Irish American Part- schools and colleges, the two nership, enjoyed the Irish American Partnership’s change. He and others, like Cardinal Sean O’Malley, main teacher colleges, and many whose various Catholic missions are aided by the fund’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast last month at independent learning centers to the Boston Harbor Hotel. largesse, signed a letter to the Boston Public Improve- advance their common cause. ment Commission opposing the street name change that In the North the Partnership Her remarks spoke to the kind of work that Partner- said, in part: “We believe it is not overstating things has funded more than 50 schools ship donors enable her to do. “Every year the Partner- to say that removing his name from Fenway Park will and colleges and various civic ship funding allows us to offer professional development forever taint his legacy, both as the historic owner of programs to teachers developing their confidence and Joe Leary organizations to assist them in the Red Sox and throughout the city of Boston.” doing their work without regard ability to teach STEM skills,” Dr. Liston said, adding With respect, that is overstating things. for their political differences. that “the Irish American Partnership Funding has also The current Red Sox ownership under John Henry has It all began back in the 1990s with a research program allowed us to develop many initiatives with 6housands acknowledged the good works of the Yawkey charities, funded jointly by the Irish Department of Education and of children every year through activities in and out of but it isn’t happy that the Partnership to determine the most effective way the classroom as part of our National Science Week, Yawkey’s decidedly poor to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Maths Week, Engineers Week, Tech Week, Code Week record on racial integra- known today worldwide as the STEM subjects. Using and so forth.” tion — both on and off the the good offices of Saint Patrick’s Teaching College in The Partnership also allowed her and her team playing fields during his Dublin, 30 schools were selected for a year-long study, to work with DELLEMC on a very exciting robotics ownership years— ham- with the rural counties of Kerry, Sligo, Galway and initiative in 21 schools in Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, per their present-day Mayo the program’s targets. The results were revealing. and Cork last year, she said. Those were places “where efforts to make Fenway The principals and teachers of the 30 schools were we provided training and mentorship for teachers in welcoming to everyone, key to the study’s success. Everyone was encouraged delivering a robotics project with their class,” she said.” especially people of color. to be explicit in their comments and advice on where Her remarks were just a few of the complimentary The Red Sox — and a new emphasis might be placed to help students comments received concerning the Partnership’s work. their abutters— have learn better. The teachers, saying they had less than Another Partnership program that has received much every right to seek to adequate training to fully approach the newly empha- acclaim is the support it provides for the RDS Primary present their property, sized subjects, were anxious to learn more. School Science Fairs held annually in several Irish cit- their team, and their Working with the two main teaching colleges in Ire- ies, including Belfast. It is at these events that young brands to the public in land, St. Patrick’s teaching college in Dublin and Mary students present their own school science projects from a new way. Immaculate teaching college in Limerick, the Partner- to be viewed by the public and their peers. Dublin’s Yawkey’s boosters ship set out to fund new programs to make it easier RDS Science Fairs program received its initial funding also grossly understate the impacts of the former re- to help students with STEM subjects. Close contacts commitment from the Partnership in 2014. gime’s well-documented and deeply disturbing practice between the colleges and the Partnersip have resulted The funding goes on. Mary Sugrue, a former Irish of discrimination over many years. This history is not in valuable teaching programs over many years. school teacher who is now the president and CEO of the just about being the last to call up an African-American These efforts were the main focus of the Irish Ameri- Irish American Partnership, and her forward-thinking player (12 years after Jackie Robinson joined the can Partnership’s Saint Patrick’s Day Breakfasts in board of directors regularly sponsor events that ensure Dodgers.) It’s about an insidious, institutionalized Boston and Chicago last month. Dr. Maeve Liston, that Partnership supporters are well informed. brand of racism that polluted the team for years and director of enterprise and engagement at Mary Im- To gain a complete picture of the work and activities helped further cement Boston’s national reputation as maculate College in Limerick came over to Boston of the Partnership, go to its informative website, iris- a hostile environment for black Americans. and Chicago and Boston to talk about her programs hap.org, where you can use a unique feature allowing Last Thursday’s hearing of the BPIC included tes- with some 600 Partnership supporters in attendance you to select the program and location in Ireland that timony from Walter Carrington, 88, a former member at both venues. you want to support. of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimi- nation (MCAD). An Army veteran who also served in the Peace Corps and as US ambassador to Senegal, Off the Bench Carrington felt compelled to share his story about his own investigations into Yawkey’s business practices in the 1940s and ’50s. Carrington was called in to probe Yawkey and his He hears the footsteps, yet he blusters on front office and not only because they wouldn’t field By James W. Dolan literature and movies. It’s the good guy against the black players, but, he said, because they didn’t have Special to the Reporter bad guy; the corrupt mayor of a western cattle town any black employees at any level. It was a disgraceful In rare moments of reflection he hears footsteps; being confronted by the noble federal marshal who record that was well known to black Bostonians and they are steady, measured, and unrelenting, and they was sent to clean up the mess and restore order and people across the nation. send a chill through his body because he knows that stability. The good guy usually wins. That story now Carrington’s testimony was that the Red Sox and the many business deals he has made are unlikely to is being played out on a much larger scale. The forces Yawkey only begrudgingly agreed to bring up their withstand intense scrutiny. For someone unwilling are much bigger and more complex, but it’s essentially first black player, Elijah “Pumpsie” Green, in 1959 to release his tax returns, the the same conflict. after his MCAD investigation found chronic wrong- thought of someone examining Mueller even looks like the image of the federal doing and forced the issue. his finances explains his vigor- marshal – tall, lanky, taciturn, and fearless. Trump For Carrington, there was an immediate price to ous opposition to the Office of is central casting’s idea of the corrupt mayor – flashy, be paid for doing his job. As an MCAD commissioner, Special Counsel. loud, and boisterous. The mayor tries to rally his sup- he served at the discretion of the governor and the For two people, both Repub- porters while the marshal quietly goes about his job. Governor’s Council, which at the time (1950s and ’60s) licans, with privileged back- In the end, the disgraced mayor is forced to leave town. was chaired by Dorchester’s Sonny McDonough. In his grounds, President Donald That’s the way it’s supposed to end. testimony, Carrington said that after his hearings on Trump and Special Counsel But in the meantime, Trump will continue to hear the Red Sox, McDonough called him into his office and Robert Mueller could not be footsteps, knowing Mueller is quietly examining aspects “reamed me out. “He told me that Mr. Yawkey and more different. One is im- of his background not previously disclosed that he others were unhappy and he was going to see that I mature, erratic, and undisci- would prefer remain secret. How close they will come was not re-appointed.” plined; a narcissist who values remains to be seen. Regardless of the outcome, efforts Rev. Hammond, who also testified on Thursday and James W. Dolan loyalty to him as the supreme to discredit Mueller will fail. He has earned the valued called the Red Sox behavior at that time “sad, painful, virtue. The other is a Vietnam reputation as a man of integrity. and a reality that Red Sox and Boston have to own”— War veteran, a career public servant noted for his dismisses the idea that this outrageous pattern by discipline, honesty, discretion, and fairness. Trump Yawkey’s company should “unfairly tarnish the legacy has every reason to fear what Mueller’s investigation Boston Irish of [the] man.” may reveal. What’s unfair is the revisionism of the Yawkey Winston Churchill purportedly said: “With integrity, apologists who would hold powerful men blameless nothing else matters, and without integrity nothing REPORTER for installing a systematic and sustained period of Jim else matters.” In other words, honesty, truthfulness, The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: Crowism in one of our town’s most important institu- persistence, and character will eventually overcome Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., tions. It is offensive for Cardinal O’Malley and his 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 obstacles. Without those values, discord, conflict, and [email protected] www.bostonirish.com co-signers to suggest to modern-day Bostonians that dissension will triumph. We see in the adversarial Yawkey’s discriminatory ways were “the norm” back Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) relationship between Trump and Mueller a testing of Edward W. Forry, Publisher then, and so should thus be ignored. that hypothesis. Mueller will not succumb to pressure Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor Perhaps they will choose to ignore it — and that’s or intimidation and Trump cannot understand how William P. Forry, Editor surely their right. But the Red Sox have every right anyone could be motivated by something other than Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor News Room: (617) 436-1222 to acknowledge it — to “own it”—and to then choose money and adulation. to move away from it. Ads : (617) 436-1222 The footsteps are getting louder as plea deals are Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] We hope the Red Sox will take steps to put the Yawkey made to obtain incriminating testimony. Where Muel- era in the proper context— as a big part of the team’s On The Web at www.bostonirish.com ler’s methodical investigation is taking him is anyone’s Date of Next Issue: May, 2018 history, but not one to be so elevated in a current-day guess. Presumably aware of his problems, Trump depiction of what the Red Sox are all about. And we chose to assume the risk of exposure sure to follow if Deadline for Next Issue: Friday, April 20 at 12 noon hope that the city Commission will accept the request elected. His need for power and attention prompted Published monthly in the first week of each month. to change Yawkey Way back to Jersey Street. The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond him to throw the dice. the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish – Bill Forry The integrity theme has long been a mainstay in Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. bostonirish.com April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Point of View Two Stories for April Saving The Boston Pilot and a marathon mystery runner

By Peter F. Stevens country was nearing its climax. O’Reilly, along with as an Irish American and BIR Staff future “father of the IRA” John Devoy, had played a did possess Celtic blood- For the Boston Pilot, April resonates with history. key role in procuring the Catalpa and in introducing lines. Still, he remains For the Boston Marathon, held each Patriots Day, this his fellow plotters to the New Bedford men who helped something of an enigma. April brings a mystery that remains unresolved. Irish to launch the mission – literally. Nova Scotia claims him as Americans loom at the center of both milestones. The whaler would rescue the six Irish prisoners two a native who might have days later, on April 17, and the Pilot would be one of been either Irish or Scot- Rescuing the Pilot from Ruin the first newspapers in the world to break the stunning tish, and a Cape Breton In 1876, John Boyle O’Reilly was a man on the rise news of the plot’s success, an event that was always to newspaper recently stated in Boston’s and the nation’s literary and newspaper fill O’Reilly with pride for the blow it struck against that “John McDermott (or circles. A Fenian rebel who had first been sentenced his former captors. perhaps also known as to death by the Crown but transported instead to hard Although the Pilot would one day become the arch- John J. MacDermid) was labor in Western Australia, O’Reilly had escaped from diocese’s official paper, with O’Reilly at the helm, and born either in Ireland or the hellish confines of Fremantle Gaol aboard a New Williams taking a silent role, the publication was con- Scotland or Cape Breton, Bedford whaler. Now happily married and living in sidered an “Irish newspaper.” Still, as historian A.G. Canada, between 1868 a stylish Charlestown brownstone, he had become Evans notes, “it was also the diocesan paper serving all and 1871.” both the star writer Catholics of whatever nationality, and Williams trusted Despite this little “Mar- and editorial voice of O’Reilly’s editorial judgment completely because there athon Mystery,” it is in- the Boston Pilot. The is no hint of disagreement in any of the routine corre- disputable that the first newspaper had become spondence between them, nor a record of obstruction to winner of the grand Boston the focal point of his the editor from on high. O’Reilly seemed to have had race was a runner named professional and civic a free hand, not only in editorial matters, but also in McDermott. He also life. day-to-day management and the hiring of staff. provided one of the all- When the Pilot’s O’Reilly wrote on a wide array of topics that included time great post-Marathon publisher, Patrick Do- his advocacy of equal rights for blacks, his diatribes quotes. After dropping nahoe, O’Reilly’s boss against anti-Semitism, and his espousal of better nine pounds during his and earlier benefactor, treatment of all immigrants. He also made the Pilot victory, he told a Boston lost most of his fortune an outlet where some of the era’s finest female writers Globe reporter, “This will in the Great Fire of and poets could have their work regularly published. probably be my last long 1872, the newspaper His liberal views on many social and cultural issues race...look at my feet.” faced extinction. Do- notwithstanding, O’Reilly proved a conservative Catho- McDermott came back nahoe was forced to lic with traditional views of men’s and women’s roles to run in 1898, finished John Boyle O’Reilly held declare bankruptcy. in the church and in the household. fourth, never competed traditional views of men’s He was more than in the contest again, and and women’s roles in the $300,000 in debt and A Lingering dropped off of history’s church and in the house- owed $73,000 of that Marathon Mystery stage. Fleet of foot, his hold. sum to struggling Irish In 1897, the first Boston Marathon had a decidedly turn on the Marathon immigrants who had “green” hue – the winner of the race was a man named stage proved equally fleet- John J. McDermott, of deposited funds in his failed Boston bank. John J. McDermott, of the Pastime Athletic Club of ing. the Pastime Athletic Well aware of Donahoe’s predicament, O’Reilly was New York City. He has been hailed in most quarters Club of New York City. determined to find a way to save the paper. In Janu- ary 1876, he wrote to a friend that “there had been trouble around the office.” He related: “Donahoe is bankrupt – in the worst way. Poor old man, my heart grieves for him, and I have given all my wits to help him out. I think I have done so – in a way – the only The Éire Society of Boston way to save his honour.” O’Reilly waited until the Pilot’s fate was assigned to Charles Kendall, Charles Shepard, and Patrick Col- 2018 Gold Medal Dinner & Award Ceremony lins. O’Reilly then presented a plan to purchase the newspaper that bought him time from the trio. Shortly after meeting with them, O’Reilly visited Boston’s Saturday, April 7, 2018 Archbishop John J. Williams with a proposal that he and the prelate buy the Pilot for $25,000 in cash 6pm and assume the newspaper plant’s $65,000 mortgage. Williams would own three shares – or 75 percent – of the paper and O’Reilly would hold one, for 25 percent. Seaport Boston Hotel On April 15, 1876, the archbishop and O’Reilly of- ficially became the newspaper’s owners, but O’Reilly’s elation over rescuing the Pilot was tempered by his worry about a secret that only a handful of men knew: The New Bedford whaler Catalpa had anchored off Western Australia, and a plan to free six of O’Reilly’s fellow prisoners from the horrors of Fremantel Gaol and forced labor in Australia quarries and the bush Still no deal on Irish border amid preps for Brexit moves (Continued from page 1) “Ireland can rely on us,” which Northern Ireland Merkel said. would remain part of the In Brussels, European EU’s tariff-free customs Council President Don- union while the rest of the ald Tusk said that May UK leaves must “apply has accepted the idea of unless and until a work- “full regulatory align- able alternative agreed ment between Ireland and solution is found.” Northern Ireland if there He called for “more is no other possibility to detailed written propos- avoid a hard border. This als’’ from British Prime bodes well for the rest of Honoring 2018 Gold Medal Award Recipient Minister Theresa May’s the negotiations.” government that can be Britain leaves the EU — James T. Brett, CEO, The New England Council made legally binding. the first country ever to do If London proposes so — on March 29, 2019, “something that is very but any Brexit deal must close to a customs union, be sealed by October or then I think that would November to leave suffi- Join us for a lively and elegant evening in honor of James T. Brett! solve a lot of the problems cient time for parliaments related to the Irish border, to ratify it. but if it’s something much A draft text of guide- For more information, contact Gold Medal Dinner Committee Members: less and much weaker lines for negotiating fu- than that, then it would ture ties between the two email William J. Smith at [email protected] not,” he added. — seen Tuesday by The Varadkar said that Associated Press — warns or call Cornelia Cassidy Koutoujian at (781) 899 - 3140 “nothing is agreed until starkly of the impact that everything is agreed” May’s decision to leave Tickets are $150.00 per person and that he’s reassured Europe’s single market by the depth of support and customs union will from Germany, the EU’s have on any future trade eiresociety.org most populous country. agreement. Page 6 April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events

The Sligo Association of Boston hosted its 10th annual St. Patrick’s Celebration on March 4 at Florian Hall in Dorchester. The event saluted 2018 Guests of Honor Will and Dianne Colliery, both founding members of the County Sligo Association. A full gourmet corned beef and cabbage dinner was served, and music was provided by Sligo man Andy Healy and his ban. The group has set Fri., June 1, for its annual golf tournament at Brookmeadow CC in Canton. To register and more info, call Ray McVeigh at 617-293-4069.

1.) Kathy Sullivan, Dedham; Kevin Johnston, 1. W. Roxbury; Raymond and Ann Marie McVeigh, Dover; 2.) Martin and Raymond McVeigh, Dover; 3.) Fr. Brendan Darcy, SMA Fathers, Dedham; Christine McCarrick, Dorchester; 4.) John and Eileen Sullivan, Braintree; 5.) Diane Colleary; Mairead MacKenzie (2 1/2 yrs.), Quincy; 6.) Noelle, Emma and Sheila Quinn, Brighton; 7.) Courtney and Kevin Healy, Newton; 8.) Ann Marie McVeigh, Dover; Ann Joyce and Kathy Sul- livan, Dedham; 9.) Lucille Brett, Braintree; Peg Brett McCobb, Weymouth; Bill Brett, Hingham; 10.) John Davenport and Kevin Johnston, W. Roxbury; Richard Archer, Dedham; 11.) Diane and William Collery; Jim Brett, MC.

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10. 11. bostonirish.com April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 IIIC announces details of Business Leaders Breakfast Irish International Immigrant Center Join us for the 8th Annual Business Leaders Break- An agency accredited by US Department of Justice fast, where our keynote speaker will be Massachusetts Congresswoman Katherine Clark. The event will also One State Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 feature an engaging conversation on immigration and the economy, with Des Mac Intyre, chairman and CEO Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] of BNY Mellon Asset Management North America, and Raj Sharma, managing director of the Sharma Group at Merrill Lynch. About passports for US citizen children Q. I’m an Irish citizen who recently gave birth to a child here in the US. I want to get a US passport for my child before we take a trip to Ireland this summer. Does the child’s father need to come with me or sign something to get the passport? A. A child born in the US automatically has US citizen- ship, irrespective of the parents’ citizenship (exception: children of foreign diplomats). But because of child cus- Members of the Irish language class gather at the IIIC. tody and support issues, the US Passport Office in the State Department has set out strict requirements for As Irish classes conclude: Comghairdeas lenár mic léinn! the issuance of US passports to enable children under Our beginner, advanced gach rath orthu leis an everyone else who’s learn- beginner class will be the age of 16 to travel abroad: beginner, and interme- turas foghlama Gaeilge ing Irish.” held on Wednesdays from • Both parents must appear together and sign the ap- diate Irish classes are s’acu amach anseo! (The We are thrilled to be a 6:15-8:30. The advanced plication for the child; or one parent appears, signs the now wrapping up for the Irish class shared lots of part of this year’s world- beginner and intermedi- application, and submits the second parent’s notarized semester, and we are learning, stories, food, wide celebration of the ate classes will occur on “Statement of Consent: Issue of a Passport to a Minor thankful to both our stu- and craic over the past 8 125th resurgence of the Thursdays from 6:15-8:30. Under age 16,” Form DS-3053, authorizing passport is- dents and our Cumann weeks. We’ve reached the Irish language! Class- If you are interested in suance for the child; or one parent appears, signs, and na Gaeilge instructors end of the course! Thank es will recommence in taking Irish, or learning submits required evidence of sole authority to apply for collaborating with you to all our students the spring, and are be- more about the course, (such as one of the following): us. Congratulations to and we wish them good ing held from April 5 to please contact Siobhan The child’s certified birth record listing only the ap- all of the students who luck as they continue May 24, $128 or $112 Kelly (skelly@iiicenter. plying parent; or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad have begun their Irish their journey into the Irish for CnG members. The org/617-542-7654, Ext 15). (Form FS-240) or Certification of Birth Abroad (Form language adventure. We language!)” DS-1350) listing only the applying parent; or a court are particularly thankful Dax Bayard-Murray, a order granting sole custody to the applying parent (un- for our class instructors student in the intermedi- less the child’s travel is restricted by that order); or Karen, Pat, and Matthew ate learner class says, “Is an adoption decree (if the applying parent is the sole for their dedication over aoibhinn liom a bheith adopting parent); or a court order specifically permitting the past eight weeks. ag foghlaim Gaeilge. Tá an applying parent’s or legal guardian’s travel with the Beginner course in- na daoine eile sa rang go child; or a judicial declaration of legal incompetence of s t r u c t o r M a t t h e w deas agus tá an múinteoir the non-applying parent; or a death certificate for the Caughey summarizes go hiontach - I’ve loved non-applying parent. his course in saying, “Bhí learning Irish the last Note that these requirements apply to all US citizen idir fhoghlaim, roinnt year or so. Even knowing children under 16, irrespective of their place of birth or scéaltaí is bia, agus craic a little really does enrich the citizenship of their parents. More detailed informa- insa bhunrang Gaeilge, the experience of visiting tion about applying for passports, as well as any neces- le 8 seachtaine anuas. Ireland. The place names sary forms, can be found at the US State department’s Deireadh an chúrsa and the way the people website, travel.state.gov/passport/. buailte linn! Go raibh use English, it all makes • For a free, confidential consultation about any issue maith ag na mic léinn a lot more sense now. It’s of immigration law, visit one of our weekly legal clinics ar fad agus guíonn muid also been great to meet as advertised in the Boston Irish Reporter. NUI Galway graduate embraces life in Boston Children’s Hospital in the for a few weeks after the Cardiac Surgery depart- conclusion of his visa. As ment that offers numerous he summed up his experi- benefits, “I’m also getting ence thus far, “It’s been a lot of experience that I the best decision I’ve made wouldn’t get in Ireland at and don’t regret coming at this stage of my career. I’m all…. you’re only young building a medical device once!” that has huge potential… [which] means that I will be able to include my name on the first patent. I’m able to participate in research studies and exciting proj- ects [and] get my name on published papers.” Duignan enjoys work- ing with his international team. “There are eight people, all of whom are from a different country, creating a diverse nature in the workplace,” he says. When he’s off the clock, so to speak, Thomas enjoys Boston’s lively sports and music scene, frequent- ing Patriots and Celtics games and attending “a lot Thomas Duignan and friend enjoy some time on the Charles. of concerts because Boston attracts bigger artists for For biomedical en- he said. “Luckily, one of tours than Dublin.” gineers, Boston is the the recipients passed on Beyond continuing to “mecca of medtech,” and my resume to a collabora- explore Boston, where, Roscommon native Thom- tor of his, who then offered he said, he “found a lot of as Duignan wanted to live me a position in his lab!” similarities with Galway, and work in such a hub of He was delighted to ac- but on a bigger scale,” medical research. Follow- cept a position with Boston Duignan hopes to travel ing his graduation from the National University of Ireland at Galway, he secured the J-1 Irish Work and Travel visa, and embarked on his quest to “gain first-class experi- ence in medical device design.” In conjunction with IIIC Director of Intern Placements, Paul Pelan, Thomas committed to the intense, and highly com- petitive internship hunt. “I sent a huge amount of emails to all the labs in all the hospitals in Boston,” Page 8 April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com April 6 dinner will support Ireland’s amateur athletes (Continued from page 1) in 2016 to support the fans to Fenway to watch man of Boston Friends athletes and to increase a 2015 match between of the GPA. The Irish the profile of the Gaelic Galway and Dublin. Last American Partnership Games in the United year, the crowd size grew is the key local organi- States, a cause that has even more to watch a zation in support of the been mightily advanced tournament play featur- dinner. Details on tickets after two very successful ing a Dublin-Galway and sponsorship oppor- exhibition events held rematch and Tipperary tunities may be found on at Fenway Park in 2015 facing Clare, which ended its website, irishap.org/ and 2017. up flying home with the gpadinner. The AIG Fenway Hurl- championship trophy. The Boston Friends of ing Classic and Irish Fes- the GPA was established tival drew nearly 30,000

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Clowning around in It’s basically clowning, but more on the vaudevillian story-telling side. Q. How did you come to join The Big Apple? The Big Apple Circus A. Two years ago, when Joel wrote “The Grand Tour” for Big Apple Circus, he invited me to be a part By R. J. Donovan of that. That was the first time I had ever officially Special to the BIR done a circus. I had been in circus atmospheres, dinner Spring is in the air and that means The Big Apple theaters, variety art shows, but never under a tent, Circus is coming back to Boston. After a brief hiatus sawdust ring, live animals. So I absolutely loved it and last season, the world renowned, one-ring wonder re- I’m thrilled to be back this year. turns for its 40th Anniversary Tour, playing under the Q. In a lot of your other physical comedy work, you Big Top at Assembly Row in Somerville. Performances and Joel play opposites. He’s the boss and you’re the run from April to May 6. one who messes things up. The line-up of international, award-winning artists A. That’s usually been our dynamic. I’m the bouncy, includes high wire legend Nik Wallenda and his fam- springy, playful character. He’s usually the frustrat- ily, trapeze artists The Flying Tunizianis, master jug- ed, flustered taskmaster. The 40th anniversary tour gler Gamal Garcia, acclaimed acrobats The Anastasia is very different for the both of us. Our characters are Brothers, contortionist Elayne Kramer, equestrian not really in a battle for superiority . . . We’re both just trainer Jenny Vidbel, and more. kind of there to make merry and have fun. Supplying the comedy is the clown duo Brent McBeth Q. Tell me about creating a clown character. and Joel Jeske. McBeth is an accomplished musical A. With any clown character, I think 90 per cent theater performer, dance teacher, and choreographer of it of it comes from your own personality, your own who met Jeske in 2006 at the Parallel Exit physical energy. In theater, when you’re playing a character, theatre company in New York. He has also appeared you’re really stuck to what the playwright has written. in “No, No Nanette” and “Face The Music” at New Obviously a little bit of you comes out in that character, York’s City Center, as well as on tour and regionally in but you’re really trying to honor the playwright’s ver- “Fosse,” “Cabaret,” “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” sion of the character . . . But in clowning, you’re trying and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” to give the audience an endearing and heartwarming McBeth is also well aware of his roots, thanks to character they can identify with . . . taking your personal his Mom, who’s a retired librarian. Using her expert attributes and quirks and just amplifying everything . research skills, she has compiled an extensive family . . There are certain things I would never do in public history tracing their Northern Ireland ancestors back as a human being, but as a clown, you have free rein to a 1733 arrival in America. Many of McBeth’s folks to do it. That’s the fun part of it. landed in the Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee areas, Q. You and your Mom visited Ireland. What are with most eventually ending up as Texas ranchers your memories? and farmers. Brent McBeth keeps the comedy coming at The Big A. One of the first things that stood out for me was Following a childhood of gymnastics, singing and Apple Circus. the personality of the Irish culture. Witty, humor-filled, tap dancing in Texas, he earned his Musical Theatre Juliana Crawford, Big Apple Circus photo joyous, musical . . . The use of English language was degree at Sam Houston State University. He so sophisticated. Not sophisticated in an Edinburgh- Brent performed with the Big Apple in Boston two working on that cartwheel. Make that cartwheel into educated way, but sophisticated in choosing the right years ago and says he loves the city’s energy. He’s word to make the sentence witty. To make it a little particularly looking forward to roaming the nooks and two. Learn to do a back flip out of that cartwheel and you’ve got yourself an act.” sharper . . . It was the people, I think, that I enjoyed crannies of the North End to seek out its culinary treats. the most . . . We rented a car, so we were able to re- We spoke by phone when The Big Apple was play- Q. Who were your favorite performers when you were growing up? ally enjoy the lifestyle there. And living in bed and ing in Washington, D.C. Here’s an edited look at our breakfasts as opposed to hotels, you’re actually living conversation: A. I was inspired by the MGM dancer-comedians Ray Bolger and Donald O’Connor. Also Buster Ke- with people . . . When I told my Mom I was doing this Q. So many kids dream of running away and joining interview today, she said, “Oh, it makes me want to the circus. You’re living that dream. aton, Charlie Chaplin. My training was pretty much in musical theater comedy. I moved to New York go back to Ireland!” (I said) “Don’t worry, we’ll go.” A. Yeah . . . Before the show starts, I go out into the R. J. Donovan is editor and publisher of onstagebos- audience and we meet and greet and talk and kind shortly after college and I came across Joel Jeske, the other clown in Big Apple Circus . . . Through Parallel ton.com of warm up the crowd. I’ll run into kids all the time ••• (who) say, “I’m gonna go with the circus, I’m gonna Exit, he and I and a group of other performers have traveled the world doing non-verbal, physical comedy Big Apple Circus, April 7 – May 6, at Assembly Row, go with the circus.” And I say, “Well, what can you Somerville. Info: 800-745-3000 or BigAppleCircus.com. do?” They say, “I can do a cartwheel!” “All right, keep theater, which is kind of an odd thing to describe.

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Geraghty Associates, Inc. Card # ______Property Managers P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 Exp ______Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 bostonirish.com April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 With ‘Sparkjoy,’ Rachel Reeds steps up her nurturing of the Cape Breton fiddler tradition By Sean Smith piano accompaniment, posure to traditional music midst, like fellow fiddler Special to the BIR with syncopated rhythms, growing up, she did have Gordon Aucoin or pianist When she first came walking bass lines, and a musical upbringing, and Lloyd Carr (“‘Hey, Ra- to the Boston area 16 complex harmonies, all came to Wellesley College chel! Let’s do a set!’” says years ago, Michigan native of which simultaneously in 2002 intending to major Reeds, mimicking an oft- Rachel Reeds probably propel and center Reed’s in music and study piano. delivered invitation). couldn’t have found Cape agile fiddling – indeed, the But one of her friends was In 2009, Reeds made her Breton Island on a map, distinctions between lead involved in Fiddleheads, first trip to Cape Breton, and she certainly didn’t and accompaniment fre- Wellesley’s Celtic music going along its famous know anything about its quently seem blurred. The ensemble, and when Reeds Ceilidh Trail and stopping “I’ve had so many people who’ve supported me in distinctive Celtic music interplay, and intensity, attended its end-of-the- in, among other places, the between Reeds and Beaton year concert, it was the Celtic Music Interpretive learning Cape Breton music,” says Rachel Reeds. tradition. Louise Bichan photo But that was then. that builds during these fiddles that caught her Center and taking part medleys is compelling to attention. in the social dances. She sic and dance. Most of what appears Nowadays, Reeds is for on “Sparkjoy” essentially all intents and purposes say the least. “This was around the also had the opportunity to Then, a couple of years Even as it revels in time the Dixie Chicks got meet the legendary Cape ago, Reeds had what she came together in the stu- an honorary member of dio, rather than through Boston’s illustrious Cape the classic rugged Cape big, and I liked them – they Breton fiddler Jerry Hol- calls “a moment of con- Breton sound, “Sparkjoy” also had a fiddle player,” land, shortly before he fluence”: “I had learned prior rehearsal, but with- Breton community, a out too much difficul- fixture at Watertown’s has its quieter, sublime she recalls. “But I didn’t died. The experience so- lots of tunes from CDs moments, and also takes really have a sense of fiddle lidified her interest in the and friends, and while ty. “We had everything Canadian American Club planned out, so we knew of New England – a hub of note of the influences styles. I didn’t know what music, and also provided some were very familiar that have found their way the Fiddleheads played. some important context. to many musicians, they what we were going to do Cape Breton cultural and and when – ‘OK, this day, social activity – and a well- into the Cape Breton and Celtic? What was that?” “Going to the Canadian weren’t all necessarily Scottish traditions over Reeds was intrigued American Club, I’d met ‘session’ tunes. I had also I’m going to have Katie established performer and for the morning, Yann in teacher of Cape Breton the past few decades. The enough to take lessons plenty of people originally started composing my own title track, for instance – a from the Fiddleheads from, or with ties to, Cape tunes. I felt like I wanted the afternoon.’ When you fiddle. ask experienced people During the past year, Reeds original – pairs her director, Laura Cortese, Breton,” she says. “So to share all this music in with Cassel on fiddle, and and then from Emerald through them, I learned some way, so I started to like these to come up Reeds reached another with ideas, you have a lot milestone, releasing her the harmonies between Rae, both with extensive about Cape Breton his- think about what kind of the two, with Falquet’s backgrounds in Scottish tory, landmarks, and so project I might do. of confidence in what the debut album “Sparkjoy,” result is going to be.” which includes a guest gentle backing, give the and Cape Breton tradi- on. Being able to travel “I love it when people tune an American-style tions. Reeds took part in to those places and see come out with CDs – it’s In a different world appearance on piano and where Reeds is a full-time fiddle by Andrea Beaton, flavor. Fiddleheads before gradu- them for myself made me not just the music but Cassel switches to piano ating from Wellesley, and feel more connected to the the design, the graphics, musician, she would have one of Cape Breton’s most gone on a “Sparkjoy” tour accomplished musicians. for “Da Greenhouse Wed- after attending graduate music.” the liner notes, the whole ding Set,” which also school in Minnesota re- The next step in her package. So I thought, across the US, and prob- [On May 1, Reeds ably Canada, too. But in will mark the release of features Haas’s melliflu- turned to the Boston area, development, says Reeds, ‘Maybe I can try doing ous accompaniment, and where she began studying was to start putting to- that,’” said Reeds, who this world, she’s already “Sparkjoy” with a concert got a job to occupy her at Club Passim in Harvard another appearance by under Cassel through the gether medleys of tunes to launched a successful Falquet; the first two Passim music program. As perform at the Canadian Kickstarter campaign to days, and she’s fine with it. Square. For details and “I can’t say I don’t have tickets, go to passim.org] tunes in the set belong she continued, she found American Club’s Sunday help fund the recording. to Reeds, followed by two herself gravitating more afternoon “Gaelic Club” Lining up the musicians daydreams about what it from the Shetland fiddle to the Cape Breton style, gathering, and – the great- – all of whom are full- would be like to do this for For Reeds, her develop- a living,” she says. “I’ve ment as a Cape Breton tradition – the first of which has similarities to est challenge of them all time touring professionals these, “Up Da Stroods Da that of Scotland but is – to play for dances. – she wanted to help her lived and spent lots of time fiddler has been more with full-time musicians, than just acquiring musi- Sailor Goes,” evinces the nonetheless distinct. “It can be nerve-wrack- make the album required tradition’s Scandinavian “I didn’t feel like I had ing at first,” she laughs. some coordination, says and I envy their ability to cal skills, but discovering travel to exciting places and nurturing hitherto strain, and Haas and the classical chops to “You just can’t stop, you Reeds. “Hanneke blocks Reeds capture it majesti- play Scottish music,” says keep playing as long as the out a year in advance, but and make friends all over unknown aspects of her- the world, or that they’ll self. As she has studied cally. Haas, along with Reeds, who did not alto- dancers go. You wonder that was fine, because it Cassel back on fiddle, gether abandon Scottish ‘Do I have enough tunes?’ gave me a lot of time to say, ‘Hey, I got a tune that the Cape Breton music popped into my head this tradition, she has learned also are on hand for the fiddle – in 2013, she It takes probably about think about what I wanted sorrowful yet resilient won the New England seven to eight of them to to record and how to do it. I afternoon, so I worked something of its people, on it for a few hours and culture and history – and Scottish lament “Return Regional Scottish Fiddle play for one set. But it’s was thrilled when Andrea, to Kintail.” Championship. “Cape really a lot of fun – you get Katie, Natalie, and Yaan this is it.’ made quite a few friends “But I’ve had plenty of along the way. Appropriately, the al- Breton music felt rougher caught up in the spirit of also agreed.” bum ends with Reeds, Mc- in a good sort of way, and the whole thing.” Cassel’s role as producer opportunities to perform “I’ve had so many people and play, and I’m very who’ve supported me in Nally, and Beaton playing I liked the percussive, Reeds also ventured was, if anything, even an epic, seven-minutes- syncopated nature of the beyond the Can-Am Club more important than as happy about that. And learning Cape Breton guest musician. “It’s not I can’t say enough how music,” says Reeds, who plus march/strathspey/ tunes. It feels happy and to perform or accompany reel medley called “Party upbeat – even the minor- dances at other gather- always easy to get honest generous people have been works full-time in an in- feedback about your mu- to me in all my musical vestment consulting firm. Set” that conveys the key tunes make you want ings, events or venues, robust, sinewy expres- to get up and dance.” such as BCMFest and the sic, but Hanneke is really activities. So however I “Whether it was friends good at it,” says Reeds. can help pass the music who taught me, gave me siveness of Cape Breton Before long, Reeds dis- Boston Harbor Scottish music that has resounded covered the Canadian Fiddle School, and began “She’s a perfectionist, along – even if it’s just on advice, encouraged me to and she’ll tell you what evenings and weekends – play, or simply listened to in the Boston area for de- American Club, with its teaching – she was among cades – and has a legacy frequent sessions and the faculty for the inaugu- to work on, what things I’m grateful for the chance me, they all helped me in to think about – yet she’s to do it.” some way or another. And as strongly held as that of dances, plus a friendly ral Cape Breton Weekend the Irish population. crowd of regulars who at Pinewoods Camp, a also positive, so you feel For more, go to rachel- now I want to do the same. inspired and motivated.” reeds.com. If I’m at a session and a kid While Reeds had no ex- welcomed her into their mecca for traditional mu- starts playing his favorite tune, I want to play it with him, because that’s what th people did for me when I NPH USA’s 9 Annual was starting out. “I certainly don’t con- Irish Hearts for Orphans sider myself an authority Benefit Dance on Cape Breton music, but I want to help keep Sunday, April 15, 2018 it alive.” Reeds is doing her part 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. on that score with “Spark- Set Dancing 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. Suggested joy,” which is full of tra- ditional and contempo- Donation: rary Cape Breton tunes, Boston Marriott Quincy $20 including some penned 1000 Marriott Drive | Quincy, MA 02169 by Reeds. In addition to Beaton, Reeds is joined by Boston-area musicians Featuring a grand prize raffle for Kate McNally (fiddle), two round-trip airline tickets to Ireland and $1,000 cash. Yann Falquet (guitar), Donated by Crystal Travel & Tours and Doc Walsh. Natalie Haas (cello), and Hanneke Cassel (fiddle, Silent Auction | Refreshments & Light Sandwiches | Cash Bar piano), who also produced the album. Those new to Cape Honorees Breton music – like Reeds Mayor Thomas P. Koch and Christine A. Koch was all those years ago Rev. Daniel J. Finn | Paul and Patricia Mikus – will get an especially From the hearts of the Irish thorough grounding on to our brothers and sisters in need. the duets between Reeds Entertainment and Beaton: “Stepdancers’ Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann | Erin’s Melody Set,” “Allie and the Alices,” Noel Henry’s Irish Showband “F Jigs,” “Lord Seaforth” and “For the Can-Am” Kenny Academy of Irish Dance (a collection of jigs dedi- cated to the Canadian More information and tickets: American Club). Beaton’s playing displays all the 617.206.4940 | irishheartsfororphans.com hallmarks of Cape Breton Page 12 April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com The BIR’s Calendar of music, dance events The first full month of spring brings and elsewhere in New England. Along a characteristically bountiful offering the way, she has developed an original of Irish/Celtic music to the Boston area sound that also incorporates jazz and and vicinity: funk as well as folk. At this concert, she • Making its debut at the Burren will present trio and ensemble works, Backroom series on April 4 will be the with guest artists that include guitarist New York City-based fiddle-guitar duo Ben Knorr, cellist McKinley James, bass- of Dana Lyn and Kyle Sanna, who ist Josh Bean, drummer Noah James, feature what they describe as a “look- guitarist Cole Layman, and vocalist ing-glass” approach to Irish tradition, Alex Cornland. See berklee.edu/events/ marked by imaginative arrangements audrey-budington. and improvisations that take the music • Cindy Kallet and Grey Larsen, into other territories of imagination. Lyn who perform April 6 at 8 p.m. at the and Sanna, who have worked with such Tremedal Concert series in Watertown, luminaries as Martin Hayes and Dennis combine textures of Irish, Celtic and Cahill, Cillian Vallely, Kevin Burke, and Scandinavian music with strikingly Mick McAuley, are finishing up their original, well-crafted songs. Kallet first third album, which evokes the life cycles came to prominence in the New England and natural processes that occur in a folk scene during the early 1980s on the coral reef’s ecosystem. Also on the bill strength of her two solo albums of her for this evening is Be Off, a band led by compositions, influenced by the land- Dublin fiddler Aidan Connelly, whose scapes and lives of Cape Cod. Larsen influences stem from Kerry and Mayo; Cantrip performs at the notloB Music series in Acton on April 24. is a much-acclaimed performer on Irish he’s joined by fiddler Deirdre Winrow, flute and whistle, as well as fiddle, con- a Boston native now living in Ireland, artists as Hanneke Cassel and Alasdair a solid background in Irish traditional certina, and keyboards, who was part of flutist Pauric Bannon, and accordionist Frasier and Natalie Haas. Guitarist- fiddle that includes study at University the groundbreaking trio Metamora and Liam McGonigle. mandolinist-vocalist Eric McDonald College Cork; and pianist-mandolinist whose collaborators have included local Newfound- became involved at a young age in the Neil Pearlman, who injects jazz, world multi-instrumentalist Paddy League. land singer- Greater Boston folk music and dance and other flavorings into his traditional Information at tremedal.org. guitarist Mat- scene, and has gone on to many fruitful Cape Breton accompaniment. • One of Scotland’s enduringly popular thew Byrne collaborations, among them with local In addition, Low Lily, the “roots- folk groups, North Sea Gas, will make will perform at fiddler Katie McNally, the trio Cantrip and-branches” trio of Flynn Cohen, Liz several appearances in Massachusetts the Backroom [also performing in the area this month; Simmons, and Lissa Schneckenburger, this month, including the Amazing on April 18. see further down] and more recently as will have a CD release concert on April Things Art Center in Framingham Renowned for part of the trio Daymark. 12. See story elsewhere in this issue. (amazingthings.org), April 12; West his resonant Quebecois trio De Temps Antan – For tickets and information on these Dennis Community Church (westden- tenor voice and David Boulanger (fiddle), Éric Beaudry events, go to passim.org. [email protected]), April 13; Morrill sensitive and (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki), and Pierre- • The Irish Cultural Centre of New Memorial Library in Norwood (norwood- Dana Lyn and Kyle e m p a t h e t i c Luc Dupuis (accordion) – will come England in Canton will host a concert on library.org), April 15; Dedee Shattuck Sanna come to The treatment of to Passim on April 11. All three have April 12 at 7:30 p.m. featuring the duo Gallery in Westport (dedeeshattuckgal- Burren Backroom on songs from the extensive experience and immersion in of Manus McGuire and Dave Cur- lery.com), April 26; OCC Coffeehouse April 4. song tradition the infectious Quebecois instrumental ley. McGuire is a fiddler in the storied in Wrentham (musicatocc.org), April of his home- and song tradition – they are former Sligo tradition who has performed as 27. The trio of Dave Gilfillan, Ronnie land – and his own family – Byrne has members of legendary Quebecois “big part of the noteworthy bands Buttons MacDonald and Grant Simpson musters built a following in New England to a band” La Bottine Souriante, for example. and Bows and Moving Cloud, and has guitar, banjo, mandola, fiddle, bouzouki, great extent through his critically ac- Last fall, the band released its fourth 12 recordings to his credit. Curley is a harmonica, whistle and percussion in claimed recordings, including last year’s album, “Consolez-Vous.” multi-instrumentalist, singer and dancer their arrangements of traditional, con- “Horizon Lines.” On April 24, two of the modern folk from Galway who has been a member of temporary and original music, presented Two mainstays of the New Eng- revival’s most influential and accom- the bands Slide and RUNA, and more with good cheer and a raconteur’s spirit. land Celtic music scene will be at the plished guitarists will share the Passim recently the Brock McGuire Band; he’s North Sea Gas has released 19 albums, Backroom on April 25. Fellswater is a stage. Martin Carthy and John Doyle also played with Grammy winner Moya won several awards and toured many Massachusetts ensemble known for its have helped to redefine the guitar’s role Brennan (Clannad). parts of the world. meticulously arranged sets of Scottish, in traditional music – greatly raising On April 28, the ICC, along with Pat •The annual NEFFA (New England Irish, Breton and other Celtic-related its profile in the process – while also and Nora Walsh, will host a benefit dance Folk Festival Association), which takes music for instruments such as fiddle, upholding the storied song traditions of for the Arc of South Norfolk on April 28 place April 20-22 at Mansfield Middle Scottish small pipes and border pipes, Ireland and the British Isles, through from 7 to 11 p.m. with Erin’s Melody and High School, will feature a number flute, whistle, guitar and bouzouki. The both their solo work and their many col- and the Harney Academy of Irish Dance. of performers in the Irish/Celtic tradi- band also has added a vocal compo- laborations: Carthy in his legendary duo See www.irishculture.org for infor- tion, including Lindsay Straw; Neal nent, with husband-wife duo Chris and with fiddler Dave Swarbrick and with the mation. MacMillan and Joanie Bronfman; Diane Meyers, and percussionist Kyle pioneering folk-rockers Steeleye Span, • Transatlantic Scottish trio Cantrip The Strathspey and Reel Society Forsthoff, joining Elizabeth Ketudat, and also as part of Brass Monkey and performs as part of the notloB Music of New Hampshire; Nancy Mulrey; Sarah MacConduibh, Jim MacCondiubh, Waterson Carthy; Doyle as a co-founder series April 24 at 7:30 p.m., at 25 Half Celtic Roots; Jordan Cannady; The and Andrew McIntosh; this new incarna- of the Irish-American supergroup Solas Moon Hill, Acton. Formed in Edinburgh Vox Hunters; and Rebecca McGowan tion appears on Fellswater’s most recent and more recently The Alt and Usher’s almost two decades ago, the band now and The Sunny Banks. For the full album “Skipping Stones.” Also on the bill Island (whose members include Andy consists of Boston native Eric McDonald line-up and other details, see neffa.org. is The Vox Hunters, Armand Aromin, Irvine, Donal Lunny, Paddy Glackin (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, vocals); •The Gaelic Roots Series at Boston Col- and Benedict Gagliardi. Although active and Mike McGoldrick), as well as his Dan Houghton (bagpipes, flute, whistle, lege will host the duo of Kevin Crawford for some years in both the Rhode Island partnerships with fiddler Liz Carroll guitar, bouzouki, vocals), a former Scot- and Cillian Vallely on April 19 at 6:30 and Boston-area Irish music circles, the and vocalist Karan Casey. tish resident now living in Vermont; and p.m. in the Cadigan Alumni Center (2121 two – who between them muster fiddle, Boston-area fiddlerJenna Moynihan Edinburgh’s Jon Bews (fiddle, vocals). Commonwealth Ave.) on BC’s Brighton concertina, banjo, whistle, and a few will be the lead performer in an April 29 Their 2016 album “The Crossing” showed Campus. Two of Ireland’s most influen- other instruments besides – extend their event at Passim. The New York state na- not only their solid grounding in Scottish tial and active traditional musicians, repertoire to other traditions, with fine tive has a solid background in Scottish tradition but also ventured into Irish and Crawford (flute, whistles) and Vallely harmony singing, and a good sense of fiddle to which she adds Appalachian even Swedish music, while their song (uilleann pipes, flute, whistles) are mem- humor to boot. stylings and other variations; she plays repertoire included classic Scots material bers of the pioneering band Lúnasa, and More information at burren.com/ as part of a duo with Scottish-born harp- like “Sae Will We Yet” as well as covers of have many other successful pursuits: Backroom-Series.html. ist Mairi Chaimbeul, and in the band Jez Lowe and folk parodists The Kipper Crawford has released four solo albums • This month’s offerings at Club Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards. Family. Another album is slated for a fall and in recent years has teamed up with Passim in Harvard Square include a Here, she’ll be accompanied by Owen release. See notlobmusic.com. fiddler Martin Hayes and guitarist John concert on April 4 with McKasson and Marshall, a guitar and bouzouki player • Multi-genre fiddler Audrey Bud- Doyle as the trio The Teatotallers; Val- McDonald. Ryan McKasson has become whose resume includes stints with Liz ington will appear at the Berklee lely toured with the show “Riverdance” one of the West Coast’s leading fiddlers Carroll, Aoife Clancy and Andrea Beaton, College of Music’s Berk Recital Hall and has accompanied Bruce Springsteen, in the modern Scottish style, which and membership in the bands The Press (1140 Boylston St.) on April 9 at 4 Natalie Merchant, Tim O’Brien and incorporates contemporary and impro- Gang and, more recently, the Seamus p.m. Originally a classical violinist but Mary Chapin-Carpenter. Crawford and visatory elements into the tradition; he Egan Project; Marshall’s fellow Press influenced by Irish, Scottish and Cape Vallely also released the album “On Com- has performed and recorded with such Gang colleague, Alden Robinson, with Breton styles, Budington has performed mon Ground.” They will be accompanied at BCMFest, Arts at the Armory Café in by guitarist Patrick Doocey, who also Somerville and NEFFA (New England performs as part of Lúnasa. Go to bc.edu/ Folk Festival Association), and played irishstudies. EIRE for contra dances in the Boston area – SEAN SMITH pub Handmade since 1925 795 Adams St. • Dorchester “President’s Choice” Serving Lunch & Dinner Every day, 7 days a week bostonirish.com April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Cara co-founders Walther (fiddle, accordion, vocals) and resurfaced back in 2007, as CD Reviews Treyz (guitar, dobro, vocals) celebrate their long-running well as songs based on works partnership with a double CD. Although not concurrent by German poets Eduard By Sean Smith releases – they’re about a year apart – these recordings Mörike, Theodor Storm, and The High Kings, “Decade” • This retrospective are in near enough proximity to one another that they Gottfried August Bürger; disc on The High Kings’ first 10 years certainly does them can be considered as associated bodies of work. two showcases their Celtic justice, but offers only a small hint of the quartet’s On “Live,” Cara – performing mostly material from and American tastes, includ- incremental movement away from its ballad-group previous releases – affirms its well-deserved reputation ing traditional Irish tunes beginnings. as an outstanding concert band (as those who saw them like the barn dances “High To be sure, however much locally at the 2007 ICONS Festival will attest), and the Caul Cap” and “McDermott’s,” the quartet of Finbarr Clancy, collective energy is prodigious: Walther and Hendrik “O’Keefe’s Polka” and “Born for Sport,” compositions Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey, Morgenbrodt (uilleann pipes, flutes, whistles) are mas- by Liz Carroll, Paddy O’Brien, Liz Kane and Walther and Darren Holden channeled terful in leading the instrumental sets, among them herself, traditional songs (“Maid on the Shore,” “She’s the legacy of the Clancy Brothers “The Arm in the Cow” (which includes Charlie Lennon’s Like the Swallow”) and covers of Bill Staines’ “Roseville (a legacy personified by Finbarr, “Handsome Young Maidens”), “Hull’s” and “Heroes” (a Fair” and “Sticks That Made Thunder,” by American whose father Bobby was one of twisty-turny reel/strathspey/polka combination) while bluegrass band The Steeldrivers. the Brothers) and The Dubliners Kim Edgar’s piano supplements the powerful rhythm Listening to both volumes, you appreciate the versa- – and other early practitioners supplied by Treyz and bodhran player Rolf Wagel. tility of Walter and Treyz in essaying these different of the genre – it was clear from The craft Cara puts into their arrangements is equally styles and genres, and the musicianship of both (Treyz’s the get-go that they weren’t simply going to stay stuck apparent in their songs, especially the epic traditional accompaniment is consistently imaginative). Perhaps in the past. ballads such as “Little Musgrave” and “Lord Gregory,” more importantly, while there are little or no obvious Yes, they had the ballad-group trappings: full- both of which contain extensive instrumental interludes, connections between German and Irish traditions – not throated, full-throttle vocals with emphatic dramatis as if the band were scoring a film. Morgenbrodt’s pipes in the same way there is between Irish and France personae; briskly strummed guitars and picked banjos; provide an electrifying riff to bolster Edgar’s English- (Breton) or Spain (Galician) – you nonetheless detect a and a repertoire full of old reliables like “Whiskey in Gaelic benediction “Moran Taing,” and a lovely solo on the certain universality: This is, after all, music for social the Jar,” “Leaving of Liverpool,” “Star of the County tenderly delivered “Ardkeen Boat Song,” with Walther or community dancing, with a format and integrity Down” and “The Rising of the Moon.” But there was and Edgar sharing vocals on the chorus. “Twa Magicians” that enables repetition of steps and figures. As for the an unmistakable 21st-century feel to it all, with high – a battle of the sexes fueled by sorcery – chugs along in songs, well, folklorists can tell you how widely themes production values and a pop-rock sensibility and style. 5/4, highlighted by a stately piano-pipes-fiddle break. and stories can travel, across nations, cultures, and Just as importantly, The High Kings’ work reflected a Some tracks don’t quite live up to the standard of societies. Sure enough, as the sleeve notes explains, lot of the evolution in Irish music that took place after the others: “Isn’t It Time to Be Worried?” – a bit of so- Bürger’s “Lenore” – the inspiration for Poe’s “The Ra- the ballad-group era. cial commentary written by Walther and Treyz – has ven” – has its roots in the dark and mystic side of the You get a sense of this on “Decade,” which includes some luscious bluesy licks from Treyz, but the song’s folk ballad tradition. material from “The High Kings” (2008), “Memory Lane” lyric structure is oddly repetitive. Walther’s “Time for There’s more to Cara than Walter and Treyz, obvi- (2010), “Four Friends Live” (2014) and their most recent a Song,” which closes out the album, is similarly well- ously, but taken together, “Live” and “Duo” demonstrate studio album, 2016’s “Grace and Glory”; other tracks intentioned yet falls a little flat. Nonetheless, a superior how this vision of finding, emphasizing, and express- were previously unavailable and/or recorded specifically effort overall. ing similarities in Western European music forms has for this release. “Rising of the Moon” and “Rocky Road “Duo” is a clever presentation: Disc one offers their proliferated, and thrived, in one band. [cara-music.com; to Dublin,” for example, have breaks and riffs that will “German side,” featuring a number of instrumental www.walthertreyz.com] be familiar to anyone who’s heard, say, Planxty, Altan pieces from an 18th century dance music collection that or Solas. Other entries (“Four Green Fields,” “Rare Auld Times,” “The Town I Loved So Well”) tend to adhere more to the classic ballad-group approach. Three tracks from “Grace and Glory,” which showed The High Kings in their newest incarnation, are in- cluded here: the country/gospel Phil Coulter composi- COME VISIT ANY tion “Hand Me Down My Bible”; an up-tempo version of “Spancil Hill”; and a dramatically reworked “Green Fields of France”– with a vastly different, modal, neo- Appalachian melody and a faster pace, Eric Bogle’s much-covered anti-war song sounds more urgent, even a little angry. SOMERS PUBS In focusing more on the ballad-group repertoire in The High Kings’ catalogue, “Decade” doesn’t give you LOCATION FOR QUALITY FOOD, much of a sense of the group’s trajectory: their turn to self-penned material, for example, or their adoption of a more general pop/rock sound – such as a rendition of HOSPITALITY & LIVE MUSIC Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town” on “Grace and Glory.” But the guys know how to please an audience, as 7 NIGHTS A WEEK! their live performances of “Friends for Life” and Brian Flynn’s “Irish Pub Song” on this album show. And that’s probably the ultimate measure of this band, however much they may change over the next decade. [thehighkings.com] Noctambule, “A Sweetish Tune” • Noctambule (French for “night owl”), the West Coast wife-husband duo of Marla Fibish and Bruce Victor, has been a quiet but steady presence in Irish traditional music the past several years, not least for championing fretted-string instruments: mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, cittern, guitar and tenor guitar; Fibish in particular has drawn accolades for her mandolin playing. This album is somewhat of 77 Broad St. 11 Marshall St. a departure in that it focuses Boston, MA 02109 Boston, MA 02108 25 Union St. more on the Irish part of their 617.338.5656 617.367.0055 Boston, MA 02108 repertoire, which typically en- mrdooleys.com greendragonboston.com compasses settings of poetry and 617.742.2121 original instrumental pieces: hennessysboston.com Seven of the nine tracks feature renditions of tunes from or in the tradition, including com- positions by Fibish. It’s a veritable showcase for her mandolin style, which rather than emphasizing speed involves a more holistic approach that gives attention to fine details such as the mandolin’s tone and sustain (and the importance of what pick you use). So what you hear when you listen to her play reels (“The Tempest,” “The Broken Pledge,” “The Abbey,” jigs (“Bold Doherty,” “Bill Harte’s”), O’Carolan pieces (“Blind Mary,” “Mister O’Connor”), or other kinds of tunes, are crystal-clear ornaments and triplets, and a 33 Union St. 108 Blackstone St. 9 Depot Ct. solid rhythmic feel. Victor’s subtle and restrained ac- Boston, MA 02108 Boston, MA 02109 Cohasset, MA 02025 companiment, meanwhile, meshes so well with Fisbish 617.263.7771 617.742.2090 781.383.3366 that at times it sounds like a single instrument. paddyos.com durtynellysboston.com mrdooleyscohasset.com Something of an outlier is the title track, which closes out the album, a charming Fibish-Victor waltz that – as its name implies – does indeed have a Scandinavian tint to it, and Aryeh Frankfurter’s nyckelharpa adds a hauntingly winsome touch. There are three songs: Fibish’s take on “The Creel,” a night-visiting song whose modal key belies its slap- stick nature, and Victor’s rendition of “Cold Missouri Waters,” James Keelaghan’s vivid elegy for firefighters killed in a 1949 forest fire; the pair also offer a setting of Khalil Gibran’s “Song of the Wave.” “A Sweetish Tune” has an unhurried, low-key quality SOMERSPUBS.COM to it, but also an understated intensity and purposeful- ness – a different sort of listening experience for many Irish music aficionados, perhaps, but a worthwhile one. [noctambulemusic.com] Cara, “Live”; Gudrun Walther & Jürgen Treyz, “Duo” • Cara, from Germany, marks its 15th year as one of Europe’s most popular and successful traditional/ contemporary Celtic bands with a new live album, while Page 14 April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Traveling People As favorite Irish places go, mine is beautiful Achill Island By Judy Enright local community. Special to the BIR ACCOMMODATIONS It is especially difficult Many options are avail- to pinpoint a favorite place able on Achill for those in Ireland because there wishing to stay over, in- are so many wonderful cluding the 26-room, fam- spots everywhere. But, ily-run Ostan Oilean Acla after 20-plus years of hotel in Achill Sound (we traveling to and renting a often have lunch there), house in the West, I have and at the other end of the to say that Achill Island in island, the Stella Maris Co. Mayo is my favorite, B&B and Joyce’s Marian with Connemara a very Villa guesthouse. close second. There are many other There are many reasons hotels, B&Bs, and guest- why I love and visit Achill houses and the tourist so much. This island board office (achilltour- has breathtaking views; ism.com) in Achill Sound amazing archaeological is an excellent source for sites and monuments; visitors seeking accom- crystal-clear water, and modations and advice on clean, sandy beaches; activities, festivals, camp- excellent restaurants; a ing, hostels, self-catering lengthy, intriguing histo- cottages, water sports, ry, part of which includes and more. the pirate queen Grace Many visitors stay in O’Malley (Granuaille); nearby areas like Mul- great shops; a variety ranny and drive out to of adventure sports; a visit the island. Among ac- vibrant, active tourist commodation there is the lovely, four-star GN Mul- organization, and much Keem Bay at the end of Achill Island. more. ranny Park Hotel, which It has long been a mag- was formerly a Great net for artists, photog- Southern Railway hotel. raphers, and writers. The Park is completely In other words, there’s updated and boasts out- something for everyone standing management but not enough space and staff as well as a in a newspaper column creative, award-winning to mention everything. chef, Chamila Manan- You’ll have to go and see watta. Sunday brunches, for yourself. lunches and dinners are Achill is Ireland’s larg- memorable. est island at 12-plus miles Speaking of food, we east to west and 11-plus can’t forget to mention miles north to south. It Keem Bay Fish Products boasts the highest sea and their great smoked cliffs in Europe, nearly salmon atop McCam- 75 miles of spectacular bridge’s whole wheat coastline, and five beaches bread, which we enjoy that have won Blue Flag nearly every day for lunch international designa- or an appetizer. In 1985, tions for their exceptional Gerry Hassett and his quality. wife, Julie, began smok- It’s interesting to note ing salmon and other local that Achill is Ireland’s fish in their smokehouse nearest point to the East as the business grew. The Coast of the US. We Hassett family also runs laughed when Gielty’s, a the excellent Chalet Res- third-generation family- taurant in Keel on Achill. run pub near Dooagh Also in Keel is Michael village, advertised that and Patricia Joyce’s cof- it is the nearest pub to fee shop, craft shop and New York City. It also Bridge to Achill Island in Co. Mayo that many think looks like a whale carcass. Judy Enright photos restaurant - The Beehive claims the honor of being in Keel - where we go the most westerly pub in for lunch several times Europe. a week and have taken Achill’s name might every guest who has ever be linked to the colony of visited. The food at The white-tailed sea eagles Beehive is delicious and (Aquila albicilla) that fresh. Michael is a gifted once inhabited the island baker and creates too but disappeared in the many great desserts to mid-19th century? (It’s even begin to mention! interesting that there Patricia’s excellent taste is currently a project by shines through in her The Golden Eagle Trust stock of Irish gifts, clothes, to reintroduce the Irish and cards. Most members white-tailed eagle to the of the Beehive staff have country. Breeding is re- worked there for many ported to have been suc- years and some of their cessful there with chicks Couple of young residents on Achill Island in Co. Granuaille’s (the pirate queen) castle on Achill children have now joined born annually – not on Mayo. Island. the staff. It’s a wonderful, Achill, but in other parts bridge’s namesake, was an families that left during the Land League to reduce a magnet for artists and family-friendly place to of the Republic. A similar agrarian campaigner who the famine and other try- rents after an especially writers stunned by the stop and enjoy. project in Donegal had not founded the Irish National ing times. bad harvest. He refused, island’s beauty and stayed HOTELS been so successful but we Land League and his work The Achill Archaeo- and his tenants retaliated or returned over and over. It’s probably no surprise haven’t checked lately.) and life are remembered logical Field School, es- by refusing to harvest Among the many were to anyone who has visited THE ISLAND’S in a museum in Straide, tablished in 1991, offers the crops. He then hired artists Paul Henry, Ca- Ireland that the tourism HISTORY Co. Mayo.) courses for all levels at workers from Co. Cavan. mille Souter, Alexander industry is the country’s Visitors are introduced The bridge is just the the Deserted Village and The American journalist Williams, Sean Keating, largest indigenous em- to the story of Achill beginning of the his- other Achill sites every James Redpath, who cov- and Robert Henri. I espe- ployer and supports some Island when they drive, tory you’ll find on Achill. summer. See achill-field- ered the story for the New cially like work by current 230,000 jobs - around 11 walk, or cycle across the Among my favorite sites school.com for more. You York Tribune, was the first resident artist Padraig percent of all employ- Michael Davitt bridge are Pirate Queen Grace can also attend an Irish to use the term “boycott” McCaul (padraigmccaul. ment - with about 60,000 that connects it to the O’Malley’s 40-foot tall, language summer school to refer to this kind of so- com). of those jobs in the hotel Curraun Peninsula and three-story Tower House while on Achill. cial and economic refusal. Heinrich Boll was among sector. swings open for boats to (“castle”) at Kildavnet BOYCOTT Redpath credited a local many noted writers - in- Whether you stay in a pass underneath. (strategically positioned There’s much more parish priest with the cluding Graham Greene hotel, B&B, guesthouse, The first bridge over at the mouth of Achill history here, such as the idea of using the captain’s and Ernie O’Malley - who or other accommodation, that narrow sound was Sound to protect the coining of the word “boy- name. were drawn to Achill over you’ll find Ireland is the built in 1887 for horse passage that connects cott,” which can be traced Be sure to visit the the centuries. Today there perfect place to visit in and buggy traffic. It was Clew Bay with Blacksod back to Captain Charles C. Achill Experience in Keel is a chance for artists April when flowers are replaced in 1949 and Bay), and also the haunt- Boycott, a land agent on to learn more about the and writers to apply for blooming, lambs gambol again in 2008. Some say ing Deserted Village on a nearby Co. Mayo estate island’s history, Edward a residency at Boll’s cot- across the green fields, the newest bridge re- the slopes of Slievemore who lived on Achill for Nangle and the Achill tage in Dugort that was and the island comes to life minds them of a whale Mountain, where rem- about 20 years. Mission, as well as the purchased in 2003 by the again after a cold winter. carcass with its white nants of more than 70 When he worked for island’s only aquarium. Achill Heinrich Boll As- Enjoy Ireland whenever ribs meeting high over abandoned homesteads Lord Erne in Ballinrobe ARTS sociation to ensure future and wherever you go! the roadway. (Davitt, the remind visitors of the in 1880, he was asked by Achill has always been benefit for the arts and bostonirish.com April 2018 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 Folk/acoustic and pop a welcome presence when Low Lily pursues its goals By Sean Smith arrangement skills. And stints as accompanist for Special to the BIR we were able to work on legendary Irish accordi- The New England folk a wider variety of songs onist John Whelan and trio Low Lily takes its and tunes.” vocalist Aoife Clancy; or name from a flower com- “Variety” is putting who remember Simmons – monly found in the region, it mildly. The album who worked with ex-Solas but its musical vision starts off with Simmons vocalist Karan Casey – as evokes the arboreal: roots leading a revamp of the co-founder of the Irish/ Low Lily (L-R Lissa Schneckenburger, Liz Simmons, Flynn Cohen) will be in and branches. traditional British Isles Celtic/trad quartet Long town this month for a CD release concert at Club Passim. Flynn Cohen (guitar, ballad “Sovay,” with a Time Courting; or whose mandolin, vocals), Liz decidedly modern sheen to impression of Schneck- So you’re talking about fering, reaching a state she says. “We’ll have a Simmons (guitar, piano, it – breezy backing vocals enburger was formed by not only about Irish, of heaven.” blast of tunes together vocals), and Lissa Sch- by Cohen and Schnecken- her performances with English, and Scottish, Schneckenburger’s and go off on our various neckenburger (fiddle, vo- burger and cruise-control bands like the Scottish/ but also African music. “Hope Lingers On” was paths – maybe it’s a set of cals) – all of whom once rhythm courtesy of string Cape Breton–influenced And the branches keep crafted along similar reels with John and Katie, lived in Greater Boston/ bassist Corey Dimario Halali (of which Cohen is going: They incorporate lines, says Simmons. and then Low Lily will do Eastern Massachusetts, (Schneckenburger’s hus- a member) and her pres- the urban sensibility, the “There’s definitely a so- something a cappella, and and now reside in Brattle- band and the band’s some- ence in the New England multiple genres of music ciopolitical dimension to it so on. It’s educational for boro – have solid back- time fourth member) and contra dance circuit; or, that have come about – about yearning for hope those audiences who don’t grounds and extensive drummer Stefan Amidon. for that matter, those through the generations, and peace in this troubled necessarily know about experience in Irish and Other hints of tradi- who recall the early, Irish/ from blues to rock to pop. era – but the gospel/spiri- the connections in Ameri- other Celtic music. Yet tional roots are found Cape Breton incarnation We’ve grown up with all tual style gives the song can and British Isles and Low Lily’s tastes and in- in two instrumentals, of Low Lily’s predecessor, these influences.” an ‘old’ sound that makes Irish music. terests have long ranged Cohen’s “The Good Part” Annalivia, which Sim- Being in Low Lily also the sentiments expressed “But because the three beyond those traditions, and “Single Girl,” a Sch- mons and Cohen formed has encouraged its mem- timeless and enduring, of us, and John and Katie and their American de- neckenburger original she back around 2007. bers’ experimentation, rather than specifically represent different gen- scendants in New Eng- plays solo; the sweep of But their diverse musi- as Simmons notes. “I’ve tied to the here and now.” erations, we show how the land and Appalachia, to Schneckenburger’s bow, cal interests were there all always liked ‘Sovay,’ be- Amidst these creative joy in sharing music tran- encompass contemporary Cohen’s nifty mandolin along. Cohen has always cause it’s cheeky and explorations, Low Lily scends age – we may come folk and even pop. picking, Simmons’ fine been equally at home clever, and the woman continues to stay con- at it in different ways, but Since Cohen and Sim- guitar backing – there’s playing bluegrass runs gets the last word. But nected to its roots. Over there’s something in it all mons (whose musical a clear line to Appalachia on guitar and mandolin there’s no naturalized the past year or so, for that binds us, too. I was partnership predates and New England, and as backing an Irish reel or American version of the example, they’ve teamed deeply obsessed with Irish their marriage) formally Ireland and Scotland, in Cape Breton strathspey, song – the only ones you up with Whelan and music for a good 10 years, joined up about four years it all. for example, and he and find are from the British Boston-area fiddler Katie and that’s a part of who I ago with longtime ac- But listen elsewhere, Simmons might just as Isles. So I decided to write McNally (Simmons’ for- am as a musician and a quaintance and collabo- and you’ll hear covers of easily belt out Natalie it as an American ballad, mer Long Time Courting person. So even while I’m rator Schneckenburger, Dire Straits’s anti-war an- Imbruglia’s hit “Torn” as with a bluesy American bandmate) for several writing my own stuff or do- they’ve continued to move them “Brothers in Arms,” a trad song. Three years feel and a ‘crooked’ chorus, concerts, which Simmons ing covers of other people’s among the far branches of singer-songwriter Gillian after she released an that would musically com- says is an opportunity for songs, I’m always glad to the metaphorical musical Welch’s neo-gospel “Rock album of New England municate the sassy nature the trio to enjoy the vari- share that side of me.” tree while keeping the of Ages,” and “The Grum- contra dance tunes, Sch- of the song.” ous facets of its musical For tickets and other roots within sight. blinoby One,” a helter- neckenburger recorded With the title track, character. information about Low On April 12, Low Lily skelter dash through the covers of songs like “The Simmons tried her hand at “It allows us to express Lily’s concert at Club Pas- will return to its former surrealistic landscape Only Living Boy in New songwriting – along with that mix of American sim, go to passim.org. Find Boston-area stomping conceived by Rushad York,” “You Don’t Mess friend Sarah Yanni, whose and British Isles music out more about Low Lily grounds with a concert Eggleston, former cellist Around with Jim” and the “Dark Skies Again” also ingrained in ourselves,” at lowlily.com. at Harvard Square’s Club for Crooked Still. Magnetic Fields’ “I Think appears on the album – in Passim to celebrate the re- In addition to “Single I Need a New Heart.” the domain of another folk lease of its first full-length Girl,” Schneckenburger With Low Lily, Cohen, music tradition, shape album, “10,000 Days Like penned two of the songs Simmons and Schnecken- note singing. “We had These” (the trio recorded a on the album, including burger reside in a musi- the idea to write a sort Burials in six-track CD/EP in 2015). “Hope Lingers On,” an a cal territory where folk/ of non-denominational “We felt like we had a cappella number in the acoustic and pop don’t gospel song, so we went Massachusetts bigger canvas to work with style of spirituals sung to eye one another warily through books about the this time,” says Simmons promote civil rights and from a distance, explains shape note tradition. We or Ireland of the new recording. “So social change – the trio’s Simmons. found certain phrases that as the album took shape, gorgeous vocal harmonies “We’re lucky to be part occur a lot in these kinds we thought of how to are on full display here. of a scene – like the one of songs, and so we used feature each vocalist in This might be head- in Boston – that explores them to create a kind of the band, utilize more scratching to those who American roots on into the modern-day spiritual – of our compositional and associate Cohen with his contemporary landscape. about being free of suf- Gormley

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