April 2015 Boston’s hometown VOL. 26 #4 journal of Irish culture. $1.50 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2015 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. bostonirish.com The New Kennedy Compound President Obama, colleagues dedicate EMK Institute in Dorchester

By Lauren Dezenski president. “But he was Reporter Staff my friend. I owe him a lot. The Lion of the Senate’s And as far as I could tell, tribute to the body that it was never ideology that he loved finally became a compelled him, except in- reality on Mon., March 30, sofar as his ideology said, with the dedication and you should help people; opening of the Edward that you should have a M. Kennedy Institute for life of purpose; that you the United States Senate should be empathetic and in Dorchester. be able to put yourself in In a ceremony replete somebody else’s shoes, and with pageantry, its at- see through their eyes.” tendees reflected the co- Jean MacCormack, operation embodied by the president of the institute, late senator, as officials recalled her childhood from all forms of govern- growing up in Dorchester, ment converged on Co- when children would play lumbia Point, the former in the landfill. landfill where Kennedy’s “When I was grow- widow, Victoria Kennedy, ing up, this area was a said her husband hoped forbidden place,” said to create an “institute MacCormack, a Downer with full-scale recreation Avenue native who went of the Senate chamber.” on to become the chancel- The large white build- lor at UMass Dartmouth. ing standing behind her “Who knew that the place “stands exactly where where we played as chil- Teddy dreamed it would.” dren would become home Nearly 1,800 attendees to world class university, were bused out to the tip of a presidential library, Columbia Point, where the President Obama spoke feelingly about the late Sen. Ted Kennedy at the dedication of the Edward M. the state archives, and EMK institute stands next Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate on Columbia Point, Dorchester, on Mon., March 30. Seated the newest jewel in that to the JFK Presidential Li- at left, Edward M. Kennedy Jr., First Lady Michelle Obama, and the senator’s widow, Victoria Kennedy. crown, the glittering in- brary, the Massachusetts Chris Lovett photo stitute behind me.” Archives, and UMass Bos- “That same sort of ton. The elected officials Joe Biden, Sen. John Mc- count, not to mention the Obama was the final late senator, his family transformation is what in attendance, including Cain, Gov. Charlie Baker, former staffers for Ken- speaker of the two-hour and his accomplishments. the institute is about,” she President Barack Obama Mayor Martin Walsh, and nedy in his 47 years in plus program and he “I did not know Ted as said. “We’re going to light and First Lady Michelle Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Senate–and Kennedys delivered a 28-minute long as some of the speak- a fire in each and every Obama, Vice President were nearly too many to relatives. address that saluted the ers here today,” said the (Continued on page 10) New deal for parade, yuks for breakfast

By Lauren Dezenski Reporter Staff St. Patrick’s Day, South Boston Last month’s St. Pat- rick’s Day celebrations in nual holiday breakfast later on – snow, the wintry underneath his jacket, a South Boston unveiled a where politicians tried to woes of the MBTA and the wardrobe mainstay for new deal along the parade one-up each other over commuter rail, Boston Patrick during the time route while tradition kept scrambled eggs, sausages, 2024 and its hiring of for- he spent in the MEMA pace at the Convention and corned-beef hash and mer Gov. Deval Patrick’s bunker. Center where state Sen. before some 500 guests. as a $7,500 per day consul- Among the dignitaries Linda Dorcena Forry, in Dorcena Forry opened tant. Baker, for his part, at the event were United her second year as host, with a video skit that hit played along, holding a States Ambassador to presided over the an- many of the same targets mock press conference and Ireland Kevin O’Malley that the pols took shots at revealing a MEMA vest and Joan Burton, TD, Ireland’s deputy prime minister or Tánaiste. Video skits proved to be the highlight of the three-and-a-half-hour event, with Mayor Martin Walsh’s surrealist video depicting City Hall falling into chaos as the winter storms – and their ac- companying press confer- ences – never let up. House Speaker Robert DeLeo’s Copyright © Bachrach Photography video, which depicted The Eire Society of Boston will hold award its the Winthrop Democrat Gold Medal to Dr. Catherine B. Shannon, Professor taking Irish lessons from Emerita of History at Westfield State University, at comedian Steve Sweeney, its 78th Gold Medal Dinner on Saturday evening, St. Patrick’s Day breakfast host state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, Mayor Martin delivered, via Sweeney, April 25, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. For Walsh, US Rep. Stephen Lynch, and Massachusetts House Speaker Robert De some of the most pointed four decades, Prof. Shannon Ph.D. taught courses in Leo react to a quip at the March 15 event. jabs at the speaker. Irish, British and European History at the Western Copyright © Don West / fOTOGRAflKS (Randy H. Goodman © Don West) (Continued on page 18) Mass. campus. Story, Page 3.

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The Eire Society of Boston cordially invites you to attend the 78th Annual Gold Medal Dinner Honoring Catherine B. Shannon Ph.D. April 25, 2015 Fairmount Copley Plaza Boston, Massachusetts

Cocktail Reception 6:00-7:00 Info: Cornelia Cassidy Koutoujian 781-929-1387 Dinner 7:00 $150 per person Postal mail: Ms. Cathleen A. McGrail Reservations 105 Beech Street #1 Business Attire Belmont, MA 02478

Geraghty ASSOCIATES PROPERTY MANAGERS Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments Available in the desirable Cedar Grove section of Dorchester. Studios reasonably priced; 1-bedroom units; heat and hot water included. Short walk to the Red Line. Serving breakfast, lunch Free off-street Parking. & dinner every day of the week Washing Machines Kitchen open nightly and Dryers in building. until 10:45 p.m. Call Michael at 617-364-4000 GERARD’S ADAMS CORNER Geraghty Associates, Inc. 772 - 776 Adams Street Property Managers Dorchester, MA 02124 P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 617-282-6370 Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3

Tánaiste Joan Burton posed for a photo with members of OutVets, the LGBT veterans organization that marched in the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 15. Burton, a member of the Labour party who serves as the deputy prime minister of Ireland, was in Boston for the holiday and attended the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast in South Boston, the Irish American Partnership breakfast on March 17 and met with Governor Charlie Baker. Photo courtesy Office of the Irish Consul General John Joe Somers, at 63; the ‘Dean of Irish Pubs’ The Boston Irish community is mourn- He said he got ideas by talking with ing the death of John Joe Somers, the the staff and keeping his wide eyes open; “dean of Irish Pubs” who passed away and he was known to visit each of his March 24 after a long illness. He was 63. pubs every day. Mr. Somers was the founder and owner Mr. Somers was born and brought up of the Somers Pubs, a popular group of in Co. Kerry into a family that was in Irish locals that included, among others, the pub business in England and Ireland. Mr. Dooley’s, the Green Dragon, Hen- He opened his first business in Listowel nessey’s, and Durty Nelly’s in downtown at age 19. He later came to the states as Boston and in the suburbs. a musician, playing guitar in a band for He was the recipient of the 2003 “Al- some 25 years. He opened his first pub, ways the Irish Heart” award presented Mr. Dooley’s, on September 30, 1991, his by the Irish Chamber of Commerce 40th birthday. USA, and was highly regarded for his He leaves his wife Ann (McCarthy); philanthropy and job creations. four children, Noelle Somers, Sean That year, Mr. Somers told the BIR Somers, Kristine Higgins, and Jillian that his success could be explained by Somers; three grandchildren, and three his commitment to work. “It’s just atten- siblings, Rita Horan, Brenda Murphy, tion to detail. Anybody can make money and Kevin Somers. in a good economy,” he said. “It’s when A funeral Mass was said for Mr. Somers the economy goes slower is when you on March 29 in St. Theresa Church, separate the wheat from the chaff.” West Roxbury. The BIR edition of November 2003 carried a feature on JJ Somers. Eire Society Gold Medal to Catherine Shannon The Eire Society of Boston will hold its providing food aid to Ireland in 1847 at 78^th Gold Medal Dinner on Saturday the height of the Great Famine. evening, 25 April at 6pm at the Fairmont The Gold Medal Dinner was estab- Copley Plaza in Boston. This year, the lished in 1937 with the founding of the Gold Medal Honoree is Dr. Catherine B. Eire Society of Boston. Each year, a Shannon, Professor Emerita of History person or persons who exemplifies the at Westfield State University. best in Irish culture and ideals is honored For four decades, Catherine B. Shan- with a Gold Medal Citation, written by non Ph.D. taught courses in Irish, a prominent local writer and beautifully British and European History. She is crafted in Irish calligraphy by a profes- the author of /Arthur J. Balfour and sional artist. Ireland, 1874 -1922 /(1988), and /The This year, the elegant full course din- Churchills in Ireland: Connections and ner will be held in the St. James Room at Controversies/ (2012 Irish Academic the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Dick Flavin Press), where she explored the role of will serve as the master of ceremonies Lord Randolph Churchill in Irish affairs with an invocation by Reverend Gerald from 1877- 1893. Osterman, a benediction by Reverend She has published book chapters and Brian Dixon and presentation of the articles on the role of women in the national anthems by singer, Maureen Northern Ireland conflict and peace Keady. process, and was actively involved in Tickets to the Gold Medal Dinner are the 1980’s- 1990’s in the search for a Dr. Catherine B. Shannon, at center, taken on the grounds of Forbes House $150 per person and can be purchased peaceful solution to the conflict. Museum, October 2014, with Curry College interns, Megan Birden and Julian by sending a check payable to the Eire Dr. Shannon was the first woman Weiss. Society of Boston, Ms. Cathleen A. Mc- president of the 278 year old Charitable Grail, 105 Beech Street, #1, Belmont, MA Irish Society of Boston, served as presi- she was among 15 Irish-Americans from Irish International Immigration Center 02478. For more information on the Gold dent of the Eire Society of Boston and Massachusetts to receive a “Dreamer of and the Irish Heritage Award from the Medal Dinner, contact Cornelia Cassidy was a member of the Executive Com- Dreams” award from the New York based Irish American Partnership, both based Koutoujian at 781.929.1387. mittee of the American Conference of Irish Voice newspaper.Dr. Shannon was in Boston.She is currently researching Visit the Eire Society of Boston’s web- Irish Studies for over a decade.In 1999 the recipient of the Solas Award from the the role of Boston and New England in site at eiresociety.org. Page 4 April 2015 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 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Banquet on March 1 at Florian Hall, Dorchester. Honorees this year were Bill McGowan and Matt McCarrick. Sligo’s own Andy Healey Band provided the entertainment, and proceeds will benefits the Irish Pastoral Centre.

Pictured are: 1.) Fr. Dan Finn; awardee Bill McGowan; Bridged McGowan; Seamus Healy; 2.) Marian Quinn, Brighton; Ray McVeigh, Dover; 3.) Dianne Colleary, Wareham; Kevin Johnston W. Roxbury; 4.) Declan Healy, New- ton; Jamie Lightfoot, Waltham; 5.) Seamus Healy, Braintree; pres. of Sligo Associan; Mary Feeney, Canton; 6.) Awardee Matt McCar- rick, and Maureen O’Donovan, Needham; 7.) 1. Brendan Healy and Shayna Arasimowicz, So. Boston; 8.) Gerry and Paula McGrath, Seamus Johnston, Norwood; 9.) Ann Sheehy, Milton, Kathy Sullivan, Dedham; Sheila Cummings, Milton; 10.) Jerry and Mary O’Sullivan, Milton; daughter Karen, Quincy.

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10. bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Thank You! Sponsors Made the 2015 South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast a Huge Success

Senator Linda Dorcena Forry hosted the annual St Patrick’s Day Breakfast on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in South Boston. The two-and-one half hour event, produced with the assistance of the non-profit First Suffolk Partnership Inc., was enjoyed by more than 700 invited guests, and reached a television audience on NECN- New England Cable News throughout New England. Senator Forry and the First Suffolk Partnership extend a warm thank you to the sponsors whose support helped make the breakfast a great success. Eastern Bank Suffolk Construction Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Boston University Boston Beer Company Carroll Advertising, John Carroll Boston Global Investors Boston Irish Reporter The Fallon Companies Fidelity Investments Feeney Brothers Mass Correctional Officers Geraghty Management New England Carpenters Gilbane Management Company Labor Mgmt. Program New Balance Skanska USA Building Inc Tishman Construction Trinity Financial Tishman Speyer Irish American Partnership University of Massachusetts at Boston Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau Louis & Andrea Hadaya, 1100 Development Barbara Lee Foundation LLC of Lower Mills INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS Corcoran Jennison Companies Meetinghouse Bank East Boston Savings Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 12 Aidan Browne Bill Kennedy John Cullinane EMC Corp – Harry Brett, Business Manager Anthony Paciulli Billy Reilly William Smith John Drew Company Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts Barry T. Hynes Brian Doherty Kearney, Donovan and McGee Rasky Baerline Strategic Communications Robert White Associates

First Suffolk Partnership Inc. 617-959-9601 stpatricksbreakfast.org Page 6 April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary Recalling our Remembering the 1916 Rising: ’62 campaign Irish parties have their differences By Joe Leary of an inclusive, all is forgiven gesture. against ‘Teddy’ Special to the BIR These same divisions were present in 1916 when a It was a short rebellion. Only six days. According to mix of academics, poets, writers, and pseudo military By Ed Forry the “Book of the 1916 Rising,” a 2006 publication by the men decided to challenge the British military in Dublin It was the summer of ’62. I had just finished BC High, Irish Times, 450 people died – 62 Irish rebels, 132 Brit- and around the country. The called themselves the Irish and was hoping to hang out for the summer, prior to ish soldiers and 256 civilians. Beyond that, the British Volunteers. To call them naive would only be partly college. A good friend had keys to his mother’s car, and Army imprisoned approximately 3,400 men and women true; they had few weapons, little military training, but together we cruised down Route 3 to the Cape, driving in England and Wales, but soon released 2,000 of them were imbued with a strong drive for Irish Independence. along Route 132 into Hyannis, while keeping an eye out back to Ireland. This was nothing new. for “summer help wanted” signs. It was already the Within 12 days, after summary Ireland today owes its existence as an independent second week in June, and, of course, all the summer court trials, 15 of the Irish leaders nation to the thousands upon thousands of Irish men jobs were filled. So we returned home, our dreams of were shot dead by military firing and women who consistently over hundreds of years idyllic days on the beach summarily dashed. squads at the famous Kilmainham agitated, took up arms, fought, and died to remove their My Aunt Kate, who spent much Gaol in Dublin. All of them have land from British rule. The rebellion didn’t just happen of her life looking out for her ten become heroes in the years since, in 1916 – it had been going on for centuries. nieces and nephews, asked what I their deaths memorialized across There is no doubt, however, that Easter Monday, April planned to do with those two and a Ireland by the streets, parks, and 24, 1916, was a historic event in the history of Ireland. half months until Labor Day: “Why train stations named after them. On that day several thousand men and women, many don’t you go up to Beacon Street Short as it was, “The Rising,” as armed with German rifles, marched to their assigned positions throughout Dublin. Their headquarters was and offer to help Eddie McCormack Joe Leary it is called in Ireland, was a seminal get elected,” she asked me. So up I event in Irish history. In one sense, it the General Post Office, which is still there on what is went, and by day’s end I had signed was a continuation of Irish rebellions against British rule now known as O’Connell Street. on to work for the summer in a that had been going on for centuries. It actually began The rebels were led by dedicated men, among them statewide political campaign for on Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, but its centennial will those who were executed by a British firing squad on the US Senate - in a Democratic primary campaign, be celebrated next year on Easter Sunday, March 27. the orders of General John Maxwell, who arrived on against Ted Kennedy. You would have to be a real student of Irish history April 28 to take charge of British forces. Patrick Pearce Those were heady days, working with a group of to fully appreciate the different approaches that today’s was the commanding officer of the Irish Volunteers, and other like-minded young students. Somehow, the Young political parties and their politicians are taking to the Tom Clark, James Connelly, Joseph Plunkett, Sean Democrats club at Harvard had signed on to support upcoming commemoration/celebration. Many of the MacDermott, Thomas MacDonagh, and Eamon Ceannt McCormack, and our team consisted of a brash young differences stem from old rivalries from that time and were all active leaders and signers of the famous dec- Harvard junior named Barney Frank, a graduating the tragic 1922-1923 civil war that still resonates with laration of the new Provisional Irish government that senior named Harry Green, who eventually became many parts of the population. was read from the General Post Office on the first day a federal judge, Kevin Moloney, the son of the then- Some of those differences emerge from an abhorrence of the uprising. They and eight others were shot dead chairman of the Boston Public Library, and several of the violence that occurred in the past 40 years in the after surrendering to Maxwell’s forces. young women from Regis and Emmanuel. North and a strong desire to put the various conflicts Though neither took a major role, Eamon de Valera We students had great fun that summer as the behind today’s Irish society. Some involve demograph- and Michael Collins were among the fighters during campaign became our lives, seven days a week. When ics, the relatively wealthy versus the underprivileged. the rising and both are venerated as heroes by much of I walked my first parade route on Bunker Hill Day, I There are those who want things to stay the same and Ireland today. Collins was assassinated during the civil learned to stay 50 paces ahead of our candidate, and those who want change. Some come from a lingering war while de Valera survived to serve a number of terms every 20 feet or so one of us would exclaim, “Look! loyalty to the British Crown and some from political as president and head of state of the Irish Republic. There’s Eddie McCormack!” while encouraging the posturing about the sides that were taken during those But that was all to come. In that spring of 1916, the parade watchers to join in our excitement and applause. seven years a century ago – The Rebellion, The War of “rising” was to no avail. British troops swarmed in from The McCormack campaign headquarters were in Independence, and the Civil War. England and from the North, and the British Army moved a closed-down department store on Tremont Street The result of all that is that today’s Irish political the gunboat Helga up the Liffey River that splits Dublin across from Boston Common, right next to another parties have taken on different levels of enthusiasm and relentlessly shelled and bombed the buildings on property that housed Kennedy’s campaign, chaired by for the celebration. Sinn Fein is the most enthusiastic, O’Connell Street. Many were destroyed and much of the the estimable former Charlestown legislator Gerard promising parades in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and area where the rebels were entrenched was leveled. The Doherty. We were always on the lookout for the young month-long events around the country. Fianna Fail is damage would take years to repair. Ted Kennedy, and years later Gerard told me his chief equally enthusiastic with a full agenda of its own. Fine The 1916 rebellion was part of a series of events that task that summer was to shelter his candidate from the Gael not quite so. created the Ireland of today. It will be interesting to students next door. “He can do more for Massachusetts” Fine Gael, the party now controlling the government, see how the Irish people will welcome the celebrations was the Kennedy campaign slogan. proposes to link the commemoration to the World War next year. The campaign that year became known as “Teddy I battle along the River Somme in France where many As Americans, we have no hesitation regarding our vs. Eddie,” and it drew national attention. I was as- Irish, from both North and South, died. Some have commemorations of Patriots Day, Bunker Hill Day, signed to McCormack’s press office, and would intersect proposed inviting British royalty to the events as part Evacuation Day and, especially, Independence Day, the with members of the Washington press corps when Fourth of July. We celebrate them. they visited Boston. I remember meeting with John Chancellor, then an NBC reporter, and for two days Off the Bench I was assigned to drive the legendary Stewart Alsop around the campaign trail. Pretty heady assignment for this 18 year old! I was in the building at Southie High when McCor- History: A demanding taskmaster mack told his opponent, “If your name were Edward Moore your candidacy would be a joke.” That night, By James W. Dolan I believe the founding fathers would be distressed five of us commandeered the phones to call the Jerry Special to the Reporter to see the extent to which money and power have un- Williams radio talk show, and in the early going, Eddie Nations tend to collapse from within. Internal prob- dermined the republic and the degree to which public was out-polling Teddy 5-0! lems such as corruption, dysfunction, economic collapse, service has become synonymous with serving one’s own As with all campaign workers, the McCormack team concentration of wealth and power, and military adven- personal interest. Few today are willing to risk losing held steadfast to the belief that our candidate was the tures all wrapped in the creed of exceptionalism suggest office for a greater good. For them, there is no greater better choice. Privately, we printed a pair of bumpers that the lessons of history no longer apply. good than their own political survival. stickers: “I Back Jack,” said the one, “But Teddy isn’t The ebb and flow of dominant Despite enormous costs, our efforts to project power Ready” said the other. That was 53 years ago, and I powers in history demonstrate and control outcomes in the Middle East have failed. was a young man. the futility of permanence and the There exists little agreement as to what, if anything, My aunt was always the giver of good advice, and I inevitability of decline. It is only a we can do to address the problems. Having failed in will always cherish her counsel that early summer day. question of when and how fast the Vietnam, in Iraq, and likely in Afghanistan, some of But she also gave me some other words of advice, and seeds of destruction undermine us ignore our mistakes and limitations while calling one of the most telling was, “Eddie, keep your mouth once-great powers. Are the cracks for more of the same. shut until you know what you’re talking about.” now apparent in our own country We cannot fix the world. Of late, we have demonstrated I can admit now, after all these years, that I was likely to widen and render us we cannot even fix our own country. The resulting lack just a tad off, that summer of 1962. Ted Kennedy re- just another “has-been” nation, of confidence in our ability to prudently address external ally did do more for Massachusetts. Even Aunt Kate incapable of sustaining the bal- threats and sensibly deal with internal problems raises of blessed memory would concur that at last I know ance so necessary to maintain questions of competence. Have we become so partisan what I’m talking about. James W. Dolan equilibrium? Will China succeed that as a nation we can no longer agree on coherent and us as the dominant power in this effective policies? century? History teaches us that decline is inevitable. Human Since Vietnam, the signs have been discouraging. and institutional flaws will diminish our status and Boston Irish We have engaged in ill-advised wars that have cost us influence, but the pace can be slowed and even reversed dearly. Yet there are many who are prepared to venture temporarily. However, that would require elements of REPORTER again into conflicts that offer little hope of lasting suc- leadership, respect, cooperation, humility, and restraint The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: cess and are certain to have unforeseen consequences. not now visible. Once the unraveling begins, it is dif- Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., The limits of power are so much harder to accept than ficult to stop. 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 the boundless exhilaration of hubris. Mankind has made great strides in areas of science [email protected] www.bostonirish.com The process of ascendancy and decline seems to and technology that offer great promise for the future. Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) have accelerated. What once took centuries now takes We inhabit one beautiful speck in the vastness of the Edward W. Forry, Publisher decades, probably due in part to the flow of information universe. From space, the earth looks orderly and peace- Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor now available. Transparency itself has its drawbacks as ful. The undercurrents that tear us apart are invisible. William P. Forry, Editor Unless we can master ourselves and control the arro- Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor celebrity politicians compete to distort both the message News Room: (617) 436-1222 and integrity of the opposition. How will this play back gance, pride, greed, and sectarianism that impede our Ads : (617) 436-1222 home becomes far more important than will it serve the progress, the planet will suffer. Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] common good. I saw a beautiful newborn in church recently and thought, “He will be my age in 2090.” What will the On The Web at www.bostonirish.com Power and money have replaced checks and balances Date of Next Issue: May, 2015 as the fulcrum upon which public policy is formulated. world be like then? Having mastered many of the natural forces that promise a vastly improved quality of life, Deadline for Next Issue: Thursday, April 23 at 2 p.m. The well-financed interests of the few outweigh the interests of the many. Ideological partisanship replaces will we also have made strides in loving one another? Published monthly in the first week of each month. Absent that, real progress is an illusion. The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond the pragmatism so necessary to achieve consensus. the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish Politics becomes the end game rather than a means to James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. achieve workable solutions. judge who now practices law. bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 Point of View Reflections on the ‘Smack 47’ letter – Comparing it to the ‘Irish Cable’ of 1920 is flawed reasoning

By Peter F. Stevens out-and-out Obamaphobes. “And now 88 members of Congress have enabled What does the recent furor over the 47 Republican But there is one stark difference. Even though the Lloyd George, criticising [sic] the treatment of political senators’ missive to Iran’s ayatollahs have to do with thorny question of Irish independence complicated the prisoners in Ireland. … Anyone with half an eye can the United States and Ireland? Nothing – at least until League of Nations talks after World War I, the Wilson see beneath the pretense of love for Irish liberty to the defenders of the 47 started talking smack about the administration was not involved in direct negotiations selfish political motives that prompted these actions. time 95 years ago when 88 members of the US House with Britain over issues that could lead to war. Some … America must realize that meddlesome interference of Representatives sent a cable to British Prime Min- have hailed the 47 senators as patriots; others have by a few vote-seeking politicians is not going to settle ister David Lloyd George and the British Parliament blasted them as akin to traitors. Retired Gen. Paul the Irish question; it will only make matters worse.” protesting the brutal treatment by the British of Irish Eaton, in the New York Times, opined that Cotton [Some of the legislators were staunch supporters of Irish prisoners who had been stripped of all rights and held and crew were not treasonous, but “mutinous.” The independence and furious over the treatment of Irish without arraignment or trial. senators waded – stormed, actually – into the middle prisoners; others were, as the writer noted, political Champions of the 47 senators have claimed that of actual negotiations not only between the Obama opportunists. In the Senate, Henry Cabot Lodge, of their letter to Iran was not unprecedented, citing the administration and Iran, but also between Britain, Massachusetts, no fan of the Irish cause, would later congressional move in 1920. They have contended France, and the other nations immersed in the process. acknowledge that he used the issue of Irish indepen- that it was – and is – just fine that Congress undercut The men who sent the “Irish Cable” in 1920 intended to dence as a means to undercut Wilson.] and derailed a president’s and his State Department’s embarrass President Wilson. It would be hard to deny In the most polarized Washington in memory, constitutionally empowered responsibility to negotiate that the Senate’s 47 intended to destroy any chance “meddlesome interference” is an especially apt term. agreements with foreign entities. They have asserted of an agreement with Iran – before they knew what Republicans view the Affordable Care Act as just that. that it was their “duty” to hijack foreign policy from that agreement might be. Do they have every right That, however, unlike the “Irish Cable of 1920” or the a president before that policy had been crafted. We’ll and duty to oppose any deal? Yes, but before anyone “Letter to the Ayatollahs of 2015,” is a domestic issue. see how their stance holds up if Democrat senators even knows what that agreement is? Throughout our nation’s history, presidents and State and reps behave the same way if Jeb Bush wins the The actions of “Smack 47” (with apologies to the Departments have set the initial parameters of foreign White House. No president, regardless of party, should great band “Black 47”) are transparently political. At policy. In ignoring that history, the 47 senators have have foreign policy negotiations made the subject of least human rights played a role on the 1920 cable. endeavored to neuter the nation’s commander-in-chief interference by Congress before legislators even know It is hard to recall such a blatant attempt as Cotton’s and the State Department. They have “enabled” the if there is an agreement and what it entails. prose to undermine a president, whether Democrat ayatollahs to “criticize” the administration and all of On one count, the 47 and their cheerleaders are or Republican. If 47 Democrats had dashed off such a Congress. Their letter weakens the nation and weakens right. In following the controversial footsteps of the sloppy, ill-written missive to a Soviet premier during all future presidents no matter whether they have a 88 who sent the “Irish Cable” to the British govern- the Reagan years or to Iraq in 1990, or even 2003, there D or an R next to their names. Such was not the case ment, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton – the “brains” would have been ferocious pushback – and rightfully in 1920, and it is historically and intellectually spe- behind the letter – and his 46 self-appointed fellow so. Barack Obama is not Neville Chamberlain – just cious to compare the two instances of Congressional “diplomats” acted in bald-faced challenge to, and con- ask Osama Bin Laden. Whether on his watch or that “meddling.” tradiction of, the policies of a duly elected president. of the next president, it is a good bet that Iran will not No matter that many Americans loathed Woodrow In 1920, Congressmen assailed Woodrow Wilson, no possess nuclear weapons. Wilson for his anti-Irish stance, no matter that many supporter of Irish independence and an unquestioned In an unattributed article (“Ireland and American despise George W. Bush for his race to war against Anglophile. In 2015, some of the senators seem to Politics”) that appeared in the Harvard Crimson in Iraq, no matter that many revile Barack Obama for believe that President Obama wants Iran to have a May 1920, a professor or a student penned the fol- reasons base or principled, the letter of Arkansas nuclear arsenal; some genuinely believe that he does lowing words about the 1920 cable from Congress to Senator Tom Cotton and his colleagues ventured far not grasp the danger Oran poses; and a handful are Parliament: beyond the proverbial pale. Enough already, Mr. O’Dowd

By Trina Vargo journalist Seán Flynn in 2010, “Irishness per se does was simply a statement of fact. Personally, I’m all for The week of March 16 was so seven years ago. not deliver a huge political dividend.” Aside from how immigration reform but a special deal was never go- Irish America publisher Niall O’Dowd may be loud, one feels about the influence of money in politics, the ing to happen and saying otherwise to those living in but that doesn’t make him right, or representative American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s revenues the shadows is to mislead them. American politicians of most Irish Americans. In his never-ending need in 2013 were nearly $72 million. There is no equivalent are not going to irritate millions of Latinos by bump- to ingratiate himself with the Clintons, he inducted Irish/Irish American organization and thus no serious ing a couple of thousand Irish to the front of the line Hillary Clinton into his Irish America Hall of Fame clout in elections or policy. When the journalist Niall (incidentally, there is no evidence to support that the during that week. All that did was to remind everyone Stanage looked at the Federal Election Commission number of Irish illegally in the US is 50,000, O’Dowd that when Clinton ran against Obama in 2008, she and records from the 2007-2008 election cycle, he found that created that figure). her camp falsely claimed she played an instrumental the Irish American Democrats’ PAC raised $35,840 and O’Dowd is certainly entitled to lobby for Hillary role in the Northern Ireland peace process leading up most of that minuscule amount was from just a few Clinton and the Irish who are illegally in the US – but to the 1998 Belfast Agreement. people. One reason there is no such Irish war chest is he’s helping neither. As Senator Ted Kennedy’s foreign policy adviser, I because there are no galvanizing issues around which was directly involved in that process, as was O’Dowd, most Irish Americans feel a need to lobby. This essay was posted by Trina Vargho on the US- and he would know full well that the First Lady’s role I wrote in the Irish Times in 2007 that there would Ireland Alliance website. was far from instrumental. He keeps trying to suggest be no special deal for the Irish illegally in the US. It more than was there with vague but grandiose-sounding comments like, “Hillary Clinton played a leading role in creating the links between the White House and leaders on the ground that would become so important during crunch time when negotiations came.” That’s as specific as he can get, and as non-specific as he has to be, because there’s no there there. In 1997, Irish Times journalist Conor O’Clery wrote the first detailed book on the US role in Northern Ireland as it related to obtaining that first visa for Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams to visit the US and that period leading up to the Belfast Agreement. As O’Dowd was one of O’Clery’s primary sources, one would think that if the First Lady had played any significant role, he (Formerly Dorchester House Multi-Service Center) would have credited her, as would anyone else O’Clery interviewed. But in O’Clery’s, “Daring Diplomacy: Clinton’s Secret Search for Peace in Ireland,” Hillary We wish you, your family and friends a happy & healthy New Year! Clinton is mentioned five times but there are no refer- ences to her playing any role; she is referred to merely as accompanying her husband. Most tellingly, if her contributions to the Northern Ireland peace process were so significant, why didn’t she mention that herself in her 2003 book “Living History”? In the 500-page autobiography she mentions Northern Ireland on several occasions but never suggests she played an instrumental role in ending the conflict. As Maureen Dowd wrote in the New York Times in 2008, “Having a first lady tea in Belfast is not equivalent to bringing peace to Northern Ireland.” And O’Dowd was also at it again with his futile de- mands to separate the Irish from everyone else who is illegally in the US. The Irish Times reported that O’Dowd told the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny) that he might want to take a page from the Israeli government, which “did well in the US because they were prepared to ‘kick down doors’.” The Taoiseach responded by correctly recognizing that he is “not in a position to dictate to the American administration on the issue of immigration reform.” Underlying all this are O’Dowd’s delusions about an Irish American vote and political power that simply don’t exist. He would like the Clintons, and everyone else, to believe that there’s an Irish vote and he’s the man to get it for them. But as the former Maryland 1353 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02122 www.dothousehealth.org @dothousehealth Governor Martin O’Malley told the late Irish Times Page 8 April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Immigration Q&A Irish International Immigrant Center Be on lookout for An agency accredited by US Department of Justice 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 immigration scams Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Q. I hear that there are a number of frauds being Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] practiced on immigrants in the US. How can they protect themselves? Computer workshops empower participants A. There are indeed many immigration scams, with new ones appearing all the time. One that This spring, the Irish came to our attention involves a telephone call to International Immigrant Center (IIIC) is offering an immigrant from someone claiming to be from US free drop-in computer Citizenship and Immigration Services. The caller skills workshops every claims that there is some discrepancy in the agency’s Thursday evening. Stu- information on the immigrant, and that there is a dents attending these penalty that must be paid to clear it up. Next – you workshops can get in- guessed it – the caller instructs the immigrant to wire dividualized help on money to an address provided. Real US immigration everything from basic officers will never ask for money over the telephone, computer and internet nor will they seek personal financial information such skills to questions about as bank account or Social Security numbers, which Word, Excel, and resume- can be used in identity theft. writing. Brian O’Keeffe, who The general principle to remember with regard leads the workshop, has to telephone scams is that one never should give this to say: “We’re hoping out sensitive information or send money to anyone. to help people improve This applies, by the way, to all unsolicited telephone their skills and their calls, emails, and other communications, whether confidence in using tech- they relate to immigration, sales offers, investment nology. Some people come opportunities, claims that relatives need money in in with skills, but lack the an emergency, and so on. exposure and confidence to use it effectively. Oth- It also is important for those seeking immigration ers come in with very benefits to be very careful in dealing with anyone specific needs, such as offering application support online. Aside from out- working on a resume or right fraud, there also is a large risk that websites learning how to use a will contain outdated or incorrect advice. In addition, spreadsheet.” beware in particular those sites that are dressed up Why does he like lead- to look like official government sites, using symbols ing these workshops? “I such as the seal of the United States, the US flag, like being able to em- photos of President Obama, etc. However, it is easy power people to improve to recognize authentic official web sites: they always their lives. Just a little end in the suffix .gov, never .com, .net, etc. empowerment goes a long Note also that all government application forms are way,” says Brian. “We free. USCIS forms can be downloaded from uscis. welcome all skill levels; this is not limited to just Brian O’Keefe helps out a visitor to the IIIC’s free drop-in computer skills gov. Never pay anyone for copies of blank forms. workshops that are being held every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Furthermore, never pay application fees to third beginners. Come to learn the center’s downtown office. parties; these fees are always paid directly to the the basics or improve government in accordance with instructions on the your computer skills.” downtown office. To learn Ext. 36. Pre-registration application forms. These weekly drop-in more about our computer is suggested, but not Upcoming The safest course for prospective applicants is to sessions meet on Thurs- skills workshops, contact required. Events visit one of our weekly legal clinics for a free, con- day evenings from 6 p.m. Sarah at 617-542-7654, to 8 p.m. at the IIIC’s Thurs., April 2 – IIIC’s fidential consultation with an immigration lawyer Sixth Annual Business concerning any applications that you are planning Leaders Breakfast – It will to file. be held at the Boston Har- Legal Clinics bor Hotel and feature as Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform guest speaker US Rep. Jo- generally, not to advise in individual cases. US Tues., April 7, Tues., April 21, 4 be able to spread the word about seph P. Kennedy III. The Citizenship and Immigration Services and the US p.m. – IIIC, 100 Franklin St. Lower their valuable work through this breakfast is held to sup- Department of State frequently amend regulations Level, Downtown Boston. Entrance process. Seven-day newspaper port the IIIC’s immigrant and alter processing and filing procedures. For legal is at 201 Devonshire St. subscribers’ vouchers are valued at services. Please join us for advice seek the assistance IIIC immigration legal staff. Mon., April 13, 6:30 p.m. – The $100; all other subscribers (includ- an engaging discussion on Green Briar Pub, 304 Washington ing website-only readers) receive immigration, the economy St., Brighton Center. vouchers valued at $50. You may and other issues facing Tues., April 28, 6 p.m. – South have already received the voucher Massachusetts and the Boston Laboure Center, 275 West in the mail. This will cost you noth- United States. The event Are you affected by the President’s Broadway, South Boston. ing. Simply write our name and will begin at 7:30 a.m., and recent immigration announcement? Boston Globe Readers Can Help address on the voucher, and place end at 9. Tickets are $250, the IIIC! The Boston Globe GRANT it in the return envelope. Alterna- and there are opportuni- Have your questions answered by local immigration lawyers. Program enables readers to show tively, you may go online and enter ties to sponsor the break- their support for non-profits by your selection at http://tinyurl.com/ fast. Please contact Mary choosing which ones are given mjdqf9c The Irish International Kerr for more information free advertising space in the Globe Immigrant Center, 100 Franklin at [email protected] | newspaper. The organizations Street, Boston, MA 02110 617-695-1554. Call Foley Law Offices (617) 973-6448 with the highest donations will or visit www.FoleyLawOffices.com Foley Law Offices – 8 Faneuil Hall Marketplace – Boston, MA 02109 Matters Of Substance Family-Healing Workshops Please join us Tues- will cover questions like family and home. When day evening April 7 and where to start, what to you love the person but Tuesday evening April 14 do if the person refuses, hate their behavior, how for another of our Family and support for families. can you take care of your- Healing Workshop Series. A panel of speakers will self? There are many ways Refreshments and re- help answers these and you can bring recovery source sharing will begin other questions families into your life and home, from 5:30 and the work- may have about how to allowing healing to start shop starts promptly at 6 bring peace and healing to even if the person you love p.m. at the Laboure Cen- their home at last. Please is not ready for recovery ter (275 West Broadway, join us that evening for yet. Please join us at the South Boston, MA 02127). the third of our four week Laboure Center for the Childcare is available but Family Healing Workshop final of our four week you must RSBVP to con- Series with refreshments Family Healing Workshop firm. Please call Danielle and resource sharing from Series. Danielle Bowles at the IIIC (617-542-7654, 5.30 p.m. and the work- ••• Ext.14, or at dowen@ shop beginning promptly Change is possible – We if you are in another 12- iicenter.org) if you have at 6 p.m. at the Laboure can help! (Partnership step program of recovery. any questions about this Center. with Catholic Charities Check out this link for series or about recovery Tues., April 14, 5:30 Recovering Connections, more information: ma-al- in families. p.m. – This workshop ad- RFK Corps, and COASA.) anon-alateen.org or call Tues., April 7, 5:30 p.m. dresses how to deal with a If you are affected by 508-366-0556. Or call – This workshop will focus loved ones’ behavior when the drinking of someone IIIC Wellness Director on “How do I get a loved drinking/using drugs and close to you, Al-Anon Danielle at 617-542-7654, one into treatment?” It the problems it may cause may be able to help, even Ext. 14. bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell to a tiny sampling of Catholics, those who had dem- Anyway, when Eamonn learned that his prized son Good News On Irish Economy – A number of onstrated consistent support for church policies and Michael is gay he was initially devastated, but he loves factors have come into play that lend a rosy scenario agreement with orthodox viewpoints. What was being his son unconditionally and he made sure Michael to Ireland and its rebounding economy. The most sought, then, was something akin to a political sur- knew that. Eamonn talks about the bullying in school important indicators by any standard are the recent vey that doesn’t want any dissidents spoiling a good and the street assaults. And about Michael and the numbers from 2014. They show robust economic story, nor moderate or liberal Catholics, but rather a stress he lived with as he struggled with his gayness. growth of 4.8 percent, exceeding government forecasts. reliable conservative element that finds little if any The elder Coghlan, a member of the Irish Senate Ireland’s GDP last year far exceeded the previous disagreement with current church rules. In other in his post- athletic life, spoke about his son being year’s number, and follows a solid increase in domestic words, what were once known as “good Catholics.” gay and how he handles it. “It’s not about politics demand as consumers resumed spending. Thus you had “deaneries” (look it up), well known, or voting for a particular party. It is about equality, An additional factor creating buoyancy in the Irish small, relatively conservative safe groupings of par- removing rejection, removing exclusion, removing the economy is the drop in the value of the euro – it could ishes that would not rock the boat as many Catholics guilt, shame, and fear that gay people experience. reach parity with the dollar in Europe and Latin America have done to the Catholic We have to think of the person, their dignity, their for the first time in 13 years – Church’s consternation. Elite deaneries were just the validation...to love and live life to the full. I was lucky which serves to boost exports first piece of the “faithful” mosaic that also sought out enough to marry the woman of my dreams. Who are and the tourism sector. It clerics or religious, Catholics with advanced religious we to deny our sons and daughters the basic right of means that tourists to Ireland education, Catholic university professors, and other marrying the person they love?” and other euro zone countries well-scouted survey participants. Lay Catholic pew- Seamus Heaney, an Irish Treasure – To the will get a bigger bang for their sitters were not invited to participate. If there is any surprise of few, and the satisfaction of many, the late dollar. Also, the euro’s weak- doubt that the church was looking for rubber-stamp Seamus Heaney’s elegiac paean to his mother, “When ness provides a clear advantage approval of Catholics in their survey, why not let the All The Others Were Away at Mass,” has been named to Irish food exporters as well bishops publish the methodology and scope of this Ireland’s favorite poem of the last 100 years. The poem as additional strength to big latest suspect pulse of the faithful. Transparency! has the-then young author recalling a morning shared Irish Pharma companies to sell “Easter Rising” Centenary a North-South with his mother in the kitchen where she was peeling into the US. Affair – The centennial marketing the 1916 Easter potatoes, moving seamlessly to the final hours of her Bill O’Donnell A final encouraging sign in Rising is scheduled to be observed in Belfast and life, sharing, and sharing again. a new report rates Ireland as the No. 1 destination Dublin and other cities in the Republic on Easter Irish Miscellany – A new hardcover book hand- for US foreign direct investment. The highly favor- Sunday 1916. That, for the moment, is all that is sure somely bound, full of good stuff for young and old, able report was published as Microsoft announced it about the ceremonies that have been described by the for first timer to Ireland, for oldsters returning, for is investing $150 million on a new campus building North’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness curious tourists or root-seeking grandkids is a book in south Dublin. as commemorating a time “recognized as a turning for all. It’s “Irish Miscellany,” subtitled “Everything ‘Where The Bodies Are Buried’ – The newest point in the quest for Irish independence.” You Always Wanted to Know about Ireland.” The entry in the ever-expanding investigatory archives Meanwhile, northern unionists have been critical, writing is excellent, with a cheeky style and full of of Irish republican leader Gerry Adams is a 15,000- saying the multiple marches would glorify the deaths vital information and on-target details about Ireland word treatise in the New Yorker magazine (March 16 of soldiers and innocent civilians killed in the rising. and its truths and fables told with mild irreverence issue) by Dorchester native Patrick Radden Keefe The Democratic Unionist Party, the party with the and a keen eye for the realities of the Green Isle, that adds some highly credible details by former IRA highest vote and the most ministers at Stormont, is without any grizzly leprechauns stalking you. A fine colleagues to the life and legend of the Sinn Fein unhappy with plans that call for the Irish government read at only $14.95. party leader and County Louth TD in the south’s to organize Rising events and Sinn Fein seeking to To get your copy check amazon.com or BN.com and Irish Parliament. ensure an alternative agenda that recognizes the wherever else books are sold. The author is Dermot Keefe is a staff writer with the magazine, a senior Rebels of 1916 in strong, specific terms. McEvoy and it’s a delightful read, a great buy from fellow at the Century Foundation, and the winner of At this point, two things are ensured: There will be a Skyhorse Publishing. And if it matters, a personal the 2014 National Magazine Award for feature writing. centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, and the scramble recommendation from this columnist. He has several critical advantages that he displays for primacy will likely still be going on next year. PERSONAL CLIPPINGS to good effect in his treatment of Adams. The first is Saying Goodbye to a Legend – Father Ted Hes- Martin McGuinness, junior partner in the North’s that he had the help of Michael McConville, who burgh, who led the University of Notre Dame for 35 ruling junta, says that a British Conservative elec- as a young boy 43 years ago witnessed his mother’s years, died at 97 in late February. The good priest’s tion victory would have “disastrous consequences” abduction by IRA members. The second advantage is passing was too late for my deadline in the last issue for Stormont. … Thousands of Dubliners and others that Keefe is an experienced investigative reporter; but he really never left my long-distance thoughts. I from across Ireland continue their street protests he knows the McConville family, their Belfast turf, had the pleasure of Father Hesburgh’s company on against the new water charges. … First-rate journal- and is trusted by the Belfast nationalist community. the Notre Dame campus, along with former Wisconsin ist Anne Cadwallader, now of the Finucane Centre, “Where The Bodies Are Buried” is a gory, hard- Gov. Patrick Lucey, in the early springtime in 1980 charges the RUC with working with the Ulster Defence hitting look at Gerry Adams’s alleged central role at the Morris Inn where we had gone for breakfast Regiment in the deaths of 120 people in the North. … in the deaths of Jean McConville, a mother of ten, and a meeting with the Notre Dame leader. Pat and Slugger O’Toole, a hip blog covering the North and the and others in the Provo war against the British in Father Hesburgh were old pals who took to chatting Republic suggests that a Stormont collapse could mean Northern Ireland. Much of Keefe’s narrative has been about mutual friends but for me it was a special mo- a United Ireland with the ball in the DUP court. … rumored and/or leaked in earlier media reports, but ment with someone I had always admired. Let’s give Marty Walsh a round of applause on telling this is a chilling, up-close account in a highly respect- I don’t recall anything profound that was said that Deval Patrick and others to skip the big paydays able magazine that puts Adams in an IRA leadership morning but the grace and quiet confidence of this and go volunteer for the Olympics. …The European role directly ordering murder for a cause that he has living icon was more than enough. The greetings Union has drafted legislation to end sweetheart tax consistently denied having any involvement with. that smiling students and parents accorded Father deals. Is there a bit of envy at Ireland’s gritty turn- Coming less than two months before the Irish elections, Hesburgh as they entered the restaurant and saw around after the brutal recession? these and other recent accounts of Adams’s alleged the face from Time magazine covers and hundreds of Well, take a good look at the 3/22 Boston Globe’s past paramilitary behavior will give his constituents newspaper front pages said it all. A full life of service. multi-columned Valentine to first-term US Senator much to chew on as they enter the polls. A good man. from Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren. A early, Typhoid Mary, The Back Story – We first take Bill O’Reilly Blows His Cover – Is the genie out gutsy call at the Globe for a Warren presidential can- historical note of Tyrone native Mary Mallon, who of the bottle ? Has Billo, as he is irreverently called, didacy. … The only thing holding up the Aer Lingus in the early years of the last century became a con- finally told his last lie, his last made-up little insecure sale is a longer term guarantee for Heathrow take off finement target after health officials traced her to an me-ism that proves to him perhaps, if not to others, and landing slots. … Bertie Ahern (and I promised Oyster Bay house on Long Island, New York. Mary, that he is an overpaid, overripe narcissist with an out- myself to start the 12-step withdrawal program) can’t then in her early 20s, worked around in homes as a cook of-control ego and his mating with Fox is the luckiest get arrested at home but the former taoiseach picked and too often outbreaks of Typhoid Fever followed in moment in his entire fiction-filled, exaggerated life. up an honorary at Washington College in the good homes where she had worked. It was later discovered As one of the Brownings, in speaking of the love old USA. … Amazing: 7 out of 10 of Irish users say that she was a healthy carrier of the disease. they shared, reportedly said, “Let me count the ways,” they go to Facebook on a daily basis. … The broker Thus began Mary’s long and demeaning struggle I am trying to count the ways that O’Reilly’s latest whose $1.4 billion gamble broke the venerable Barings with health agencies and her subsequent forced swath of falsehoods and made-up tales of derring-do Bank in 1995 is giving advice to AIBank former CEO movement, or quarantine, to North Brother island have befouled the airwaves, relegating NBC’s Brian David Drumm, who is hiding out somewhere near in the East River just off the Bronx. Several years Williams all the way back to amateur status, a distant Boston. Memo to myself: Check if there is an active afterwards, she was released after agreeing not to also-ran to Bogus Billy. reward posted for Drumm. … Don’t cry for Bank of cook professionally. Later, after years of pursuit, Where to begin ? Maybe his book claims where he Ireland; it made a pre-tax profit of over a billion dol- freedom, and quarantine she was again found to be has “seen soldiers gun down unarmed civilians” in lars last year. Now when is it the Irish ratepayers’ cooking and the source of typhoid and consigned for Latin America, or as Billo remembers, I’ve seen Irish turn to get theirs? the last 23 years of her life to quarantine in New York. terrorists kill and maim fellow citizens in Belfast US business figures, including Sinn Fein donors, are While it seems that Mary Mallon’s tale concerns a with bombs, or on another occasion Billo saying, “I’ve raising concerns about Sinn Fein’s skitzo approach to single woman, a healthy carrier of typhus strain, and covered four wars. I’ve seen the best and the worst.” Ireland’s divided economics and anti-business policies. her much publicized jousts with the authorities, there Of course, Billy needed long-range opera glasses to Sinn Feiners, not being wooed by Fine Gael or Fianna are questions 100 years later about how she became see the savagery in the Falklands from his distant Fail, announce they will not join them in government. the controversial face of contagion. secure patch off-island in Buenos Aries. And what Wow, Stop the presses. … If you’re in Dublin, don’t Some historians point to the fact that by the time faithful Fox News viewer can fail to remember Billo try to get a coffee at the Grafton Street Bewleys. It is of Mary’s second forced quarantine, there were thou- saying, “I saw nuns get shot in the back of the head” being redone and will reopen at the end of this year. … sands across the country who were carriers of typhoid in El Salvador. Try to forget that Billy, the intrepid, Only 22 more years until the Charitable Irish Society but Mary was the only one who was imprisoned for spirited eyewitness du jour, didn’t arrive in El Salva- can celebrate its 300th anniversary. … But on May 29, life. Some social scientists strongly suggest that she dor until months after the brutal killings. Ah, what’s the Charitable Irish and the Eire Society co-host Irish became a target because she was female, Irish, un- a few months when you’re a star! Night at the Pops (contact: charitableIrishSociety.org cooperative, and without a family. If Billo is a truthful guy for a probationary period, for tix/info). … If the 2024 Boston Olympics were on Mary’s tragic life and trials would not pass the bio- and if his co-written books go out of print and his TV the Suffolk tote board they would be about 6 to 1, it ethical sniff test in this more enlightened era. tapes are shredded, then maybe he can try to set the says here. … Linda Dorcena Forry (back up on the Not Quite the “Pulse Of The Faithful” – That record straight and blame all the rest of us for calling board after Southie Breakfast) had the best line on that description is a far cry from what was advertised by him out on his fictional non-fiction. Billy, please look pre-parade function: “Look at all the elected officials the Catholic Church in promoting a worldwide Vatican at something beyond a six-month leave. here today, all of them. They must have thought this survey that has been sent on to the US Conference of A Sad, Hopeful Story Out of Ireland – The Irish is a Boston 2024 job fair.” As my father used to say, Catholic Bishops and ultimately to the Vatican. When Examiner had a story about Eamonn Coghlan and more truth than poetry. … Give a four-tour Marine first announced many months ago, the survey was said his son Michael that left me sad but hopeful for this veteran of Iraq, new Congressman Sean Moulton, a to be a means of reaching out to ordinary Catholics in retired world class champion runner, one of Ireland’s hand for this: “Gay rights are the civil rights fight of the pews to get a sense of what they are thinking and best ever. Coghlan, who spent much time in Boston, our generation” — yes, but alongside the other one we doing. Sorry. If you want to see something like that has good friends here and to those whose lives, even have been working on. … Bring your St. Patrick’s Day in the survey results, you will have a very long wait. for a moment, interacted with his, he was the gentle- empties to a redemption center and give the money Instead of engaging with ordinary parishioners in man athlete, a lot like one of Boston’s best via Parry to the homeless. the individual dioceses, the questions instead went Sound, Bobby Orr. Two class acts. Page 10 April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com The New Kennedy Compound (Continued from page 1) nedy as the lion of the government. federal resources home,” person who walks through Senate and the person “Senator Kennedy was said Mayor Walsh, refer- these doors and I for one most committed to coop- one of the most effective ring to the Geiger-Gibson can’t wait to get started.” eration and encouraging leaders in American histo- Health Center on Colum- Speakers lauded Ken- greater participation in ry. Not because he brought bia Point for which Ken- nedy won federal funding in the 1960s. “But because he brought our homes, our neighborhoods, and our voices to Washington.” As the institute and luminaries glittered, at- tendees to the ceremonies shivered as they were seated under the large, heated but open tents erected in front of the institute’s front entrance. Following the ceremonies, elected officials, including a litany of senators, joined students from every state to christen the replica Senate chamber with Vice President Joe Biden. P r e s i d e n t B a r a c k Obama also made a sur- prise appearance to the Senate chamber before Biden arrived, commend- ing the young people for A take from above as Vice President Joe Biden ad- their involvement and the dresses the gathering. Below, UMass Boston Chan- chamber itself. cellor J. Keith Motley makes a point. “I have to say, this is Photos by Lauren Dezenski and Chris Lovett remarkable,” he told the young people and elected officials who both surged up to greet him at the front of the chamber. “This is the colossus of the constitution and I hope you got the same feeling that I got when you walked in here,” Biden told those gathered on the chamber floor and the gallery. “Its intimacy is real.” The EMK Institute opened to the public on Tuesday, March 31. Ad- mission to the museum will cost $14 for Massachu- setts residents between 25 and 61, and $12 for the state’s seniors, students, and veterans. Admission will be free to Massachu- setts children between 6 and 17. Regular admission for out-of-state residents will be $16. For more information, visit emkinstitute.org

Sláinte! 15.433SK Tune in Sundays from 4–7pm for Celtic Twilight with Gail Gilmore. Boston’s foremost source of traditional and contemporary Celtic music from Ireland and the British Isles. bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ A take on the mythology of what it is to be Irish By R. J. Donovan to do that!’ (although I) Special to the BIR didn’t realize exactly what The plays and films of that meant at the time.” Martin McDonagh could A further turning point hardly be called light en- came when he was audi- tertainment. From “Lone- tioning for a place in an some West” and “The MFA Acting program. Lieutenant of Inishmore” “They had me do addi- to “The Beauty Queen of tional monologues, and Leenane,” “The Pillow- at the interview part of man,” “In Bruges” and it they asked me what I “Seven Psychopaths,” the wanted to do. I said ‘I want Irish writer often punctu- to be a part of the philo- ates his dark comedies sophical implications of a with brutality, gore, and play.’ I realized later that they heard, ‘I don’t want the occasional murder. Thomas Martin directs Martin McDonagh’s dark That said, “The Cripple to act any more,’” he said laughing. “I became more Irish comedy “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” playing of Inishmaan,” written by at Boston University from April 29 - May 3. McDonagh in 1996, stands and more interested in the on its own. Although still directing side of things “Billy’s ostracized be- to power with a funny brimming with cruelty, Boston University College of Fine Arts, School of and helping shape the cause of a physical ailment little mustache. And the this tale of a cripple who Theatre, presents Martin McDonagh’s dark Irish narrative of the play and rather than anything commentary is like, ‘Oh longs for a chance to shine comedy “The Cripple of Inishmaan” from April helping that interpretive inherent like his person- I hope he’s successful. I is often described as hav- 29 - May 3. process.” ality or character,” he hope he has a good go of it’ ing a simple poignancy Here in Boston Martin said. “But what I found . . . When you start to pro- underscored by heart. It’s J. Flaherty traveled to the is impressive about the has worked with Theater very interesting is the cess what’s being said, you also laugh-out-loud funny. Aran Islands in an effort play as a whole is that it Cooperative, Footlight way he uses his inherent say, ‘Oh my God, they’re An exercise in great to capture a true slice manages to be so cruel but Club, and Arts After Hours outsider-ness and ma- talking about Hitler. And story telling, “The Cripple of Irish life in “Man Of also has this heart. When in Lynn where he has been nipulates people to get they’re pleased! of Inishmaan” is being Aran.” More fantasy than you think about the play Associate Artistic Director what he wants.” “In some ways, they’re presented by the Boston fact, his “documentary” at first, you think about it since 2013. Once he gradu- As his cast begins the at the end of the world,” University College of Fine proved to be a contrived as this dark comedy, but I ates in May, he’ll become rehearsal process, Martin said Martin. “You head Arts, School of Theatre, effort filled with forced actually don’t think people the company’s Artistic said, “What I’m loving west from the Aran Is- from April 29 to May 3 events and inaccurate re- expected it to have this Director. Most recently about the play is Mc- lands and there is noth- at the Boston University lationships that had little really heartbreaking, very he served as director Donagh’s take on mythol- ing until you hit North Theatre. to do with life off the coast beautiful, very tender side Campbell Scott’s assistant ogy – the mythology of America . . . It’s a very The title character is of Ireland. to it as well, and I think for the Huntington The- what it is to be Irish, both isolated place.” young Billy, an outcast In the play, the prospect that’s what makes it work. atre production of Ronan in terms of how the Irish R. J. Donovan is Editor both for his physical af- of having a Hollywood di- I feel like the last scene Noone’s “The Second Girl.” view themselves and how and Publisher of onstage fliction and the fact that rector in their midst sets from this play leaves the When considering plays the outside world views boston.com. his remote village on the the villagers into a frenzy. theater with people when for his thesis production, Irish-ness. ••• western coast of Ireland Everyone wants a shot at they go.” he ultimately chose “The “I love the way Mc- The Cripple of Inish- sees him as being not too being involved in the film, At BU, the production Cripple of Inishmaan” Donagh drops small signi- maan,” Boston University bright. The truth is that including Billy, who sees is being directed by grad because “I am fascinated fiers as to time and place,” Theatre, Lane-Comley Billy is far sharper than the documentary as his student Thomas Martin as by stories of outsiders, he said. When [the char- Studio 210, 264 Hunting- most people give him cred- once-in-a-lifetime chance part of his MFA Directing people who are outsiders acter] Johnny is sitting ton Avenue. Information: it for, which turns out to to break the tedium, gos- thesis. A Montana native, because of some perceived with his mother reading 617-933-8600 or boston- be a trait that serves him sip, and mocking he expe- Martin lived and worked difference, whether physi- the newspaper, he’s talk- theatrescene.com. well. An orphan, he has riences. If all goes well, in London before arriving cal or just the way they see ing about a man in Ger- been raised by two daft old America could be within in Boston. Although he the world. many who has just come adoptive “aunties.” his grasp. first set his sights on an Most of McDonagh’s Capturing both the in- acting career, he shifted work is set in the present herent humor and sadness his focus to directing after day. Again in contrast, of the islanders, “Cripple being impressed by the “The Cripple of Inish- of Inishmaan” was most highly creative staging maan” takes place in 1934. recently produced in Lon- of a production of Piran- And the hook of the plot is don and New York star- dello’s “Six Characters in grounded in fact. Word ar- ring Daniel Radcliffe of Search of an Author” in rives on Inishmaan that a “Harry Potter” fame. London. Hollywood director is com- Prior to the Broadway “It just blew my mind,” ing to nearby Inishmore to opening of the production he said, “and at the end of shoot a film. (which was nominated for the whole thing I stood up, This is the part of the six Tony Awards), Rad- pointed at the stage and Ireland’s story that’s true. Robert cliffe said: “What I think said to my friend ‘I want Visit Ireland! Quinnipiac Connection Escorted Tours

Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum, Músaem An Ghorta Mhóir The world’s largest collection of art devoted to the Great Hunger 1845–1852

Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute, a scholarly resource for scholars and researchers

Exchange programs for students and faculty with National University of Ireland Maynooth

Study abroad at University College Cork (undergraduate)

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www.dungooleyirishtours.com www.quinnipiac.edu | Hamden and North Haven CT Page 12 April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com CD celebrates awesome sound of The Burren’s Backroom Series By Sean Smith what we had to one disc, and that’s a Special to the BIR testament to the quality of the per- Bill Clinton was president, Thomas formers – and the quality of the room.” Menino was in only his second year “I’m absolutely delighted with how as mayor of Boston, and Bill Belichick the series has turned out,” says Mc- was soon to begin the last season of an Carthy. “But then, I envisioned it unremarkable tenure as head coach of would be a success once Brian became the Cleveland Browns on the day in a part of it.” 1995 when Boston-area musician and While The Burren has been a fre- West Clare native Tommy McCarthy quent setting for concerts of tradi- took his friend, accordionist Sharon tional music and other genres during Shannon, to see the unassuming its nearly two decades, the Backroom commercial property in Davis Square Series was conceived with a particular The post-folk revival concert band show, he had some travel difficulties: he and his wife Louise Costello had mission and format, says O’Donovan. model is well represented with Der- He ended up arriving in Newark the recently bought, and planned to turn “The idea was to offer a place where a vish (the song “The Creggan White day of the concert, he had to fight traffic into a pub. touring band or individual could come Hare”), Lúnasa (“The Minor Bee going through New York, and he got “We kind of stood there looking at it, to present traditional music in an ideal Set”) and a tune set from Scotland’s to The Burren with hardly any time and Sharon stepped up, put her two way, up close and intimate. Now, of Battlefield Band. The Backroom CD to spare. But you’d have never known hands to the glass front and looked in,” course, The Burren has tradition built also celebrates collaborations like it, because he went up and just did an recalls McCarthy. “‘Well, Tommy,’ she into it; it’s part of its DNA. But we also the aforementioned Sharon Shannon/ outstanding show, as that track on the said, ‘it’s awful big, isn’t it?’” wanted to make the series a homey, Tommy McCarthy/Louise Costello/Jim CD indicates. And keep in mind that McCarthy described to Shannon the relaxing experience for both performer Murray mash-up, otherworldly fiddler Andy’s no spring chicken, either – he’s plans for how the pub would be laid out: and audience, and create a respectful Liz Carroll with guitarist Jake Char- 72; but then, he’s been doing this sort the bar there, the kitchen over there, atmosphere in which the music was ron, and the powerful trio The Teeto- of thing for a while now, so perhaps a cluster of tables there, there and front and center.” talers – fiddler Martin Hayes, Lúnasa it’s no surprise.” there. And, he added, there would be To reinforce the casual, comfortable flutist Kevin Crawford and guitarist O’Donovan and McCarthy look an area for concerts and other special atmosphere, O’Donovan makes a point John Doyle. On the more exotic side forward to more such memorable mo- events – a back room. of engaging the featured performers in is the Celtic-world music dynamic of ments as the Backroom Series rolls Nineteen years later, McCarthy and conversation at the beginning of each Galician piper Carlos Nunez and his along, and as it continues to explore Costello would join Shannon, along show, getting them to talk a little about band, playing a gloriously regal “Aires the full spectrum of traditional mu- with guitarist Jim Murray, on the stage some aspect of their involvement and de Pontevedra.” sic, from the “pure drop” to the more of that back room for a couple of reels, interest in traditional music. Back- The Backroom also has been fortu- contemporary, multiple-influenced and the result has been captured on a room audiences come away knowing nate witness to talented singers such as styles. In addition to next month’s recently released CD that celebrates that much more about the performers Téada’s Seamus Begley (a performance line-up, with singer-songwriter Sean the music series named for the Burren’s and the music they play. of the Gaelic song “Cill Mhuire”), Andy Tyrell (April 1), the Máirtín O’Connor renowned performance space. The Obviously, the phrase “traditional Irvine (“Farewell to Fellswater”), Trio (April 15) and April Verch Band 14 tracks recorded between October music” has always been open to inter- Robbie O’Connell (“Farewell Until (April 23) – see the separate story in of 2011 and August of 2014 offer a pretation, and as the CD makes clear, Tomorrow,” with the chorus getting this edition on April events in Greater sampler of the now three-and-a-half- the Backroom Series is built on that a generous and loving assist from the Boston – the Backroom schedule in- year-old Burren Backroom Series, foundation of open-mindedness. Its audience) and Sean Keane, covering cludes legendary uilleann piper Paddy featuring some of the biggest names shows reflect a wide range of styles O’Connell’s “Man from Connemara.” Keenan and the Canadian roots-based in the Irish/Celtic music realm of the within, and approaches to, traditional Naturally, an audio archive only band The Duhks. past few decades, including Dervish, music. conveys so much of a performance. You If the music and ambiance isn’t at- Sliabh Notes, Andy Irvine, Liz Car- For instance, Sliabh Notes (Matt can’t see, for example, the interplay traction enough, McCarthy points to a roll, Jacqueline McCarthy & Tommy Cranitch, Donal Murphy, and Tommy between Hayes, Crawford, and Doyle perhaps underappreciated character- Keane, Robbie O’Connell, and Lúnasa. O’Sullivan) showcases the distinc- as they roar through the set of reels, or istic of Backroom events: Because all Oh, and the Backroom Series or- tive Sliabh Luachra tradition with Nunez’s unabashed exuberance as he the seating is arranged around tables, ganizers are quick to point out that a medley of polkas, while the harp- wrings seemingly every possible iota chances are very good you may wind the title of the CD includes the tag accordion-fiddle trio of Dermot Byrne, of expressiveness from his bagpipes. up sitting next to someone you don’t “Volume 1.” Florianne Blancke, and Brid Harper You might, however, be able to visual- know. “So,” he explains, “not only do “There was a phenomenal amount of brings forth the Donegal sound on a ize O’Connell’s smile as he gazes out you get to hear some great music, you material to go through, and we easily jig-reel set. Tommy McCarthy’s sister upon the singing audience. might make a new friend or two in the could’ve made it a three-CD set,” says Jacqueline and her husband Tommy Likewise, there are sometimes Back- bargain.” Brian O’Donovan, who conceived the Keane present a taste of the music of room back stories not even the audience To purchase the Backroom Series series with McCarthy and is its host. County Clare that has been so dear to is privy to, as O’Donovan explains: CD, and to see the Backroom Series “It was very challenging to pare down the McCarthy family. “When Andy Irvine came to do his schedule, go to burren.com. MUSIC CALENDAR A look at some Boston-area events featuring Irish and other Celtic music this month: • The Máirtín O’Connor Trio, featur- 6th Annual ing three highly distinguished figures in Irish music, will perform as part of Irish Hearts The Burren Backroom Series on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. for Orphans The trio is led by accordionist Máirtín O’Connor, whose career has included Benefit Dance stints with distinguished bands such as De Dannan, The Boys of the Lough and Skylark, a featured role in the ground- From the hearts of the Irish, to our brothers and sisters in need. breaking “Riverdance” production, and a string of acclaimed solo recordings. Joining O’Connor is fiddler and banjo Sunday, April 19, 2015 player Cathal Hayden, a key member of 4:00-8:00 p.m. the seminal bands Arcady and Four Men Marriott Boston Quincy and a Dog. He also has played at various 1000 Marriott Drive | Quincy, MA 02169 times with Arty McGlynn, Alan Kelly, Paddy Keenan and the O’Domhnaill Emcee Danielle Vollmar (WCVB -5) family (Triona, Mairead and the late Silent Auction | Andy Cooney Caribbean Cruise Raffle | Refreshments | Vendors Micheal). Rounding out the trio is guitar- Suggested Donation: $20 ist Seamie O’Dowd, a one-time member of Dervish who has performed with The Honorees Unwanted (along with Rick Epping and Retired Chief Bob Faherty Sr. Marguerite Kelly  Dan McAuliffe Cops for Kids with Cancer Irish Pastoral Center Saint Elizabeth Parish, Milton Dervish’s Cathy Jordan), Liam O’Flynn and Christy Moore. Entertainment • The Backroom Series will hold a Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Erin’s Melody Noel Henry’s Irish Show Band Haley School of Irish Dance CD release concert for the April Verch Band on April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Verch is a Irish Club Sponsors fiddler, singer and stepdancer from the Canadian American Club Irish Cultural Center of New England North Shore Irish Association County Donegal Association of Irish Music Club of Greater Boston Norwood Irish Music Club Ottawa Valley and its rich Franco-Celtic Greater Boston Irish Social Club of Boston County Roscommon Association music traditions who over the years has Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Knights and Ladies of Saint Finbarr of Boston Irish American Club of Cape Cod County Lietrim Society of Boston Sligo Association extended her interest to bluegrass, old- The Mayo Association timey and other folk music. Accompany- Event Sponsors ing Verch is Cody Walters on string bass The Boston Irish Emigrant Marriott Boston Quincy Sean Folan Show and banjo, and New England Conserva- The Boston Irish Reporter WROL 950am Tom Clifford – Ireland on the Move tory alumnus Hayes Griffin on guitar. Courier Digital Solutions WUNR/T.C. Cummings For ticket information and other de- More information and tickets: tails, see burren.com/Backroom-Series. Winnie Henry Gerry McGrath Doc Walsh Boston native Mari Black will per- (617) 696-8585 (617) 908-2588 (617) 298-8220 html. [See separate story about the form with guitarist Joseph Carmi- recently released CD featuring high- chael on April 16 in Newton. www.irishheartsfororphans.com (Continued next page) bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 The Trad Youth Exchange A Promise fulfilled in Boston and Tulla, Co. Clare

By Sean Smith thing for the kids there. They just bring Special to the BIR out the instruments and start playing. To hear the participants tell it, Part 2 We were also impressed with how in- of the Trad Youth Exchange was every bit volved the kids’ families are. Obviously, as enjoyable, and successful, as Part 1. Tulla is a lot smaller than Boston, but The exchange is an effort to build it’s bursting with the music.” fellowship and understanding between In fact, adds Murphy, the Tulla-to- Irish and American children through Boston leg of the exchange last fall traditional Irish music; a group of young- supplied the Boston musicians with no sters – mostly pre- and early teens – from small amount of motivation to bring their County Clare were matched up with an playing up a notch in time for the Boston- equal number of their peers, most from to-Tulla trip. “After hearing the kids from Greater Boston and also the New York Clare, Liam and the others knew they City and Philadelphia areas. Last fall, had to practice more. They worked hard the Clare contingent came to Boston for from November to February.” a week of musical and social activities The TYE also affirmed how travel can that culminated in a performance at The be a means to experience the new and Burren in Somerville. unfamiliar, and unleash hitherto hidden In February, it was the young Ameri- qualities, especially among youths. Dur- can musicians’ turn to travel. They spent ing their Boston visit, one Tulla parent a week in and around the town of Tulla had remarked on the ease and confidence in Clare to complete the second leg of the The Trad Youth Exchange in concert at the Tulla Courthouse in County her child exhibited in journeying around exchange, taking in the sights (including Clare. a big urban landscape like Boston. By the real Burren), enjoying a “Trad Disco the same token, in Clare the Boston Night” of set dancing, and giving a few musicians put their best feet forward in performances. But most importantly, an activity not many of them had tried the TYE members, about 30 in all, again before: set and ceili dancing. had ample opportunity to hang out and “When he saw this on the itinerary, simply play music – which, after all, is Liam said, ‘Dance workshop? No way, kind of the point. I’m not dancing,’” laughs Murphy. “But “It was a whirlwind,” says 13-year-old when it came time, there he was out on Maeve O’Brien of Brighton. “We did a lot the floor. This is not something he’d nor- of things, had a lot of fun, and the best mally do at home. I think being around part of all was seeing the kids again and all the other kids just helped open things being able to play tunes with them.” up a lot.” Medford sisters Elizabeth (13) and With this first installment of the TYE Mary (11) Kozachek – both fiddlers like complete, the question of “What happens Maeve – liked the exposure to different now?” inevitably arises. The kids, par- playing styles and techniques afforded ents, and other TYE adults all put in a them by the trip. “But,” adds Mary, “I great amount of work to raise funds and really can’t point to just one thing. I hammer out logistics for both legs of the loved all of it.” exchange, and were helped immeasur- The exchange’s social and educational ably by support from both American dimensions are equally important, says and Irish music communities, note the Melrose resident Lisa Coyne, who co- exchange organizers. founded the TYE with Clare musician “Basically, it took four years to put this Mary MacNamara. She and a core all together, with 18 months of fundrais- group of other adults – including Sean ing,” says Coyne. “These families did so Clohessy, Kathleen Conneely, Patrick much, and people like Sean Clohessy, Hutchinson, Chris Stevens, and Jimmy Kathleen Conneely, Pat Hutchinson, Noonan – have encouraged young people [Burren co-owners] Tommy McCarthy to view their music of choice not as and Louise Costello, were simply in- simply another task in their daily or Members of the Trad Youth Exchange rehearsed for one of their performanc- valuable.” weekly calendar, but also as a vehicle es during the Boston musicians’ trip to Clare in February. Instead of trying to harness that de- for building friendships and community. gree of effort on an annual basis, TYE In a 21st-century world of social media organizers are looking at holding another and related technology, that community exchange in two or three years, and with can cover a lot of ground – clear across some new faces among the participants. the ocean, in fact. “There are younger musicians now “Even before the Tulla kids came over who, in another few years, will be old last fall, they were in touch with the enough to really benefit from the expe- Boston kids, through e-mail, Facebook, rience,” says Coyne. “But it’s certainly Skype and so on,” says Coyne, who is possible that some of the kids who took executive director of the Boston Com- part this time may return: They can serve haltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Music School, as mentors and role models, which is a where many of the TYE musicians are very important dynamic – both for them enrolled. “After that visit, and leading and for the younger kids.” up to the one in February, the contact No matter what shape it may take in only increased.” the future, Coyne and others involved The big lesson gleaned by the young feel the exchange has definitely fulfilled Bostonians through the exchange is the its promise. “These guys have really prominent role music plays in the lives bonded, within their own group as well of their Clare counterparts, and the as the one overseas, which is definitely benefits they reap as a result. a positive development,” she explains. “Listening to them play together, you “Certainly, the relationships that have just hear how tight they are,” observes been formed are something the kids can Cormac Gaj, 14, a flute and whistle enjoy outside of TYE: We heard so many player, and budding uilleann piper, “It was a whirlwind,” says one Boston-area musician of the Trad Youth Ex- ‘See you at the [All-Ireland] Fleadh!’ from Cambridgeport. “One of the things change tour in Ireland during February. remarks at the end of the visit. At the we found on the visit is that there is so very least, if a kid from our group goes much music there, even more so than over to Ireland, or one of the kids from into how music can be a part of your life.” but in solos, duos, and trios.” Clare comes over here, he or she knows in Boston. Kids are required to learn Adds Maeve, “The kids in Tulla have Deb Murphy of Burlington, who accom- instruments in their schools, and they there’s a friend waiting.” been playing together for so long, they panied her 13-year-old son Liam on the For more on the Trad Youth Exchange, go out to play sessions and ceilis almost just sound amazing – not only as a group TYE trip, agrees. “Music is an everyday every week. So we really got an insight see tradyouthexchange.weebly.com. lights from the Backroom Fiddle Champion and first makes its official debut Series.] prize at the American Pro- at the Harvard Square • On April 16, notloB tégé International String venue. The Boston-area Music will present Boston Competition. Carmichael quintet, whose members native multi-style violin- is a member of contempo- range from elementary ist Mari Black and guitar- rary Irish trio Flashpoint to high school age, play ist Joseph Carmichael for and regularly plays with traditional and contem- a concert that will span singer-songwriter Ashley porary Scottish and Cape the musical globe. Black’s Davis. Breton music, and have repertoire includes not The concert will take worked with Hanneke only Irish and Scottish place at 8 p.m. at Car- Cassel and Katie McNally. traditions but also Ameri- riage House Violins, 1039 Scottish Fish performed can folk music, Argentine Chestnut Street in New- at this year’s BCMFest tangos and even classic ton Upper Falls. For and has become a familiar swing tunes, to name a ticket information, and presence at many local few; among her honors for details on other notloB Celtic sessions and events, are Glenfiddich Scottish events, see sites.google. including the Boston Har- Fiddle Champion, Ca- com/site/notlobmusic. bor Scottish Fiddle Camp. The Teetotallers (L-R, Kevin Crawford, Martin Hayes and John Doyle), nadian Maritime Fiddle • Young talent and en- For tickets to the 2 p.m. shown during their performance at The Burren Backroom Series, are among Champion, US. National thusiasm will be on stage concert, go to passim.org/ those appearing on a recently released CD of highlights from the series’ first Scottish Fiddle Cham- at Club Passim on April club/scottish-fish. three years. Screen capture from WGBH video on YouTube pion, Canadian Novelty 26 when Scottish Fish – SEAN SMITH Page 14 April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com traditions, with a pair of slides – the first led by bouzouki by longstanding outfits like Dervish and Altan that CD Reviews and whistle, with McCarthy and McAuley undergirding indicate just how full and deep the reservoir of talent the rhythm and then taking on the melody in the sec- and creativity remains in Irish music. Danú is another By Sean Smith ond – followed by a pair of reels launched by McAuley reason for continued optimism. Special to the BIR and gradually drawing in the rest of the assemblage. A Anna Falkenau, “Féileacán na Saoirse” • A na- Danú, “Buan” • The album’s title translates to “last- hornpipe, “Tuamgraney Castle,” features fiddle, pipes, tive of Germany, Falkenau has spent a good chunk of ing” or, more appropriately in this case, “enduring.” This and whistle set against a steady, pulsing guitar/bou- her adult life in Ireland, at University College Cork year marks the 20th anniversary for Danú, which has zouki backbeat that gradually becomes more rounded, (during that time she was a member of Liz Doherty’s weathered several line-up changes throughout its history after which comes two reels, a less familiar “Broken Fiddlesticks ensemble) and, for the past decade, in Gal- but continued its forward progress as one of Ireland’s Pledge” and “The Braes of Busby,” with all cylinders way; in between, she pursued a graduate degree right leading traditional-minded bands, with a particular firing (Clancy’s guitar is tremendously supportive here). down the road at Wesleyan University. So perhaps it’s inclination toward Waterford, Kerry, and Donegal. Arguably the album highlight is an unusual pairing not a surprise that she’s equally at home with Irish and One reason for its durability is of a waltz with a march – composed, respectably, by American fiddle styles, and “styles” is indeed the key that while Danú members may check McAuley and Clancy – where the former rests on an word here, because Falkenau shows herself capable of out, they never entirely leave: It has elegant fiddle-flute union, and the latter starts out with playing in a variety of settings, whether Sliabh Luachra become standard practice for them a Clancy-McCarthy duet that simultaneously rebuilds and other Irish regional traditions, to make appearances on subsequent and transforms the track’s intensity. American old-time, and modern – recordings. Thus, the current core On the vocal tracks, Nic Amlaoibh serves notice that including her own compositions as of original members Donal Clancy she belongs in any discussion of outstanding female Irish well as a couple by Liz Carroll. (guitar, vocals) and Benny McCarthy singers, what with her goose-bumps-raising delivery of Falkenau’s modus operandi on (accordion), along with Oisin McAu- the chilling, tragic abandoned-but-determined-heroine “Féileacán na Saoirse” – which is ley (fiddle), Eamon Doorley (bouzouki) and Muireann ballad “Lord Gregory” (the accompaniment, which moves Gaelic for “Butterfly of Freedom” Nic Amlaoibh (vocals, flute, whistle) is joined on various between several different instrument combinations, is – is astute and appealing. Except tracks by former Danúians Donnchadh Gough (pipes, inspired), and Pádrigín Ní Uallacháin’s starkly beautiful for one track in which she’s joined bodhran), another charter member, and Tom Doorley “Willow Tree”; she is equally proficient in Gaelic, giving by guitarist Kevin Hough and Mary Shannon on tenor (flute, whistle). And “Buan” has a bonus attraction in a lovely rendition of “Beir Mo Dhúthracht,” a paean to banjo, a solo on a pair of hornpipes, and another in the form of Irish folk revival pioneer Donal Lunny, who West Kerry by Pádraig Ó Siochfradha and displaying a which she accompanies herself on viola – a gorgeous, serves as producer and contributes bouzouki, bodhran more light-hearted touch on “Muirisín Deas,” a medley intense rendition of the air “The Wounded Hussar,” as and harmonium. of two West Kerry songs. Clancy, meanwhile, evokes popularized by Sliabh Luachra legend Padriag O’Keeffe The result is an album that strikes the often elusive, the classic ballad-group sound (which is, of course, part – the CD is a series of duets between Falkenau and highly desirable balance in which the arrangements, of his lineage) in his treatment of “Willie Crotty,” a different instrumentalists. Guitarist Ged Foley, late of while sophisticated and sometimes intricate, do not over- based-in-fact outlaw tale composed by his cousin Robbie the Battlefield Band and Patrick Street, plays on four shadow or obstruct the full-on ability of the musicians, O’Connell that sports a typically infectious O’Connell of the tracks, and the rest are one-offs: Lena Ullman on nor the character of the music itself. For instance, the chorus and a relevant social message to boot. five-string banjo, Holly Geraghty on harp, Steve Swee- first track is a brilliant meshing of Kerry and Donegal It’s been reassuring these last few years to see releases ney on accordion and the indubitable Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh on bodhran. The effect of this is to focus attention on her fiddling while at the same time providing a variety of moods and contexts. Her collaboration with Sweeney on a trio of classic session reels (“The Sporting Pitchfork/High Part of the Road/Connachtman’s Rambles”) is fun, loose and easy-going; Geraghty underscores the gentleness of “Ivan’s Waltz,” a Falkenau original; the American tune “Richmond,” with its crooked phrasing and style of bowing that is markedly distinct from Irish fiddling, gets a fine lift from Ullman’s five-string; and McDonagh provides his characteristically spot-on rhythm for a medley that is arguably the album’s highlight – it begins with Falkenau playing the Irish reel “The Jolly Tinker” at a slow pace, then changes key and tempo and finally segueing into the Scottish pipe tune “The Little Cas- cade,” full of accents and tricky transitions. Her stints with Foley include “Sally Coming Through the Rye,” an otherworldly West Virginia tune Falkenau plays in open A tuning, and her own “Vodka & Chocolate,” a moody, moderately-paced reel, and a pairing of “Caoineadh Ui Néill (Lament for O’Neill)”—from the repertoire of another Sliabh Luachra swami, Denis Murphy—she plays solo before Foley escorts her into Carroll’s glori- ously sublime “That’s Right, Too!” The butterfly, as science teaches us, is not only lovely in its appearance, but also quite hardy, what with the long distances it migrates – rather like the music Falkenau champions. Mélisande [électrotrad], “Les Métamorphoses” • Sometimes, you can take an album at face – OK, ear – value; and sometimes, a little context and maybe a few subtitles are helpful. Quebec native and electric guitarist Mélisande started out as a pop/rock singer-songwriter, but through her relationship with her now-husband Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand, bassist and flutist with the popular Quebecois trio Gen- ticorum, she developed a fascination with traditional songs – especially those that involve the life and times of women in French-Canadian and old French society. In addition to integrating traditional material into her repertoire, Mélisande also began to tinker with some of it, incorporating her own ideas and extrapolations from the narratives and themes in particular songs. Nor did she stop there. For this album, she and Grosbois-Garand teamed up with Robin Boulianne (fiddle, mandolin, banjo) and Mark Busic (keyboards) to create a backdrop that pulls together folk/acoustic sounds and urban/electronica vibes: snatches of Que- becois reels set against techno beats, for example, or trad French-Canadian vocals – la turlette (lilting) and les chansons á répondre (call-and-response) – alongside synthesizer sequencer rhythms. It’s an approach that recalls the Mouth Music/Martin Swan-Talitha McKenzie take on waulking songs, puirt à beul and other Gaelic vocal music in the late 1980s/early 1990s, or the 1980 “Hidden Ground” album with fiddler Paddy Glackin and multi-instrumentalist Jolyon Jackson. The most important element here, however, is Mé- lisande, whose voice clearly retains her earlier contem- porary pop/rock influences, lending a certain dramatic and artistic panache to the proceedings – no small consideration for non-Francophone speakers like this writer. But a visit to her website [melisandemusic.com] is quite helpful to get an insight into her approach to songwriting and song-rewriting. For instance, on “Sort de vieille fille (The Role of an Old Maid)” – sounding like a what-if-The-Eurythmics-were-French venture – in which the titular character complains about not having a husband, Mélisande has added verses which reveal that it is largely the woman’s choice. In “Ja fais la dif- ficile,” driven by a synth bass and Mélisande’s wah-wah guitar – and pausing for a fiddle-flute duet – a girl ticks off the pros and cons of potential suitors; in Mélisande’s version, a musician (“handy with his hands”) and a poli- tician (“can’t trust him and his hands aren’t clean”) are added to the list. Plus ça change, n’est-ce pas? bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 ‘Family Reunion’ at the White House Remarks by President Obama and Prime Minister Kenny of Ireland at St. Patrick’s Day Reception P r e s i d e n t B a r a c k sure you’ve found plenty of in recent days, imple- Obama hosted Prime green in the red, white and mentation can always be Minister Enda Kenny in blue because we’ve got 30 the hardest part of any White House on March or 40 million family mem- agreement, and I urge 17. The two leaders offered bers here in the United the Northern Ireland the following remarks States and millions more parties — as you have in the East Room that who wish they were. done, Mr. President — to afternoon following their Now, Shaw said that do all that they can to meeting. an Irishman’s heart is ensure that the current PRESIDENT OBAMA: nothing but his imagina- roadblock is overcome, Hello, everybody! This is tion. And if there’s any as I’m sure it will be, and a good-looking crowd…. place that can set the that the agreement can be Happy St. Patrick’s Day, imagination on fire, it is implemented in full. We everybody. Ireland. I remember my therefore appreciate your There are too many own visit to Dublin, and ongoing engagement and distinguished Irish and Moneygall, and Belfast. your support, and that Irish-Americans here to- The unrushed landscape. of all our friends in the night to mention, so I’ll The unrushed pint of United States as we con- just offer “a hundred black. Waiting for that tinue to build permanent thousand welcomes” to the perfect pint is 90 seconds peace and reconciliation White House. But I want well-spent. in Ireland. to offer a warm welcome to A people noted for bouts Mr. President, as you our special guests: Taoise- of great joy and the belt of said on the conclusion ach Kenny and his lovely a late-night song; a people of the Stormont House wife, Fionnuala. Ireland’s known for the good things Agreement, where there Ambassador to the United — slow days, hard lessons, is courage and a will, States, Anne Anderson; high notes. But Irish- these changes can happen. and her counterpart, our Americans are also rightly In your brilliant Selma man in Dublin, Kevin proud of what we’ve done speech a few weeks ago, Speaker of the House John Boehner, President Barack Obama, and Taoiseach O’Malley. I also want to here in America. you said that the march is Enda Kenny walked together down the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building in not yet over. I agree with take a moment to recog- The cities our ancestors Washington, D.C. on March 17, 2015. Photo courtesy White House nize those who do the hard helped build, the canals that sentiment, nor can work of waging peace. they dug. The tracks they it be until democratically Theresa Villiers, the UK’s laid, the shipyards and believed the best of every people. The United States We also want to see elected politicians decide Secretary of State for factories they labored in, man. And find that to be- remains our most impor- a legal pathway for the to make decisions that are Northern Ireland, is here. enduring all manner of lieve it is enough to make tant economic partner and future for Irish people to of benefit to all. Please give Theresa a big intolerance and insult to a bad man show him at the support of the U.S. has make their full contribu- In Ireland, we’re now in round of applause. As is carve out a place for them- his best -– or even a good been critical to the prog- tion here if they so choose. a decade of commemora- America’s Consul General selves and their children man swing his lantern ress that we are making. I can assure you this eve- tions marking the hun- in Belfast, Greg Burton. in this new world. They higher.” And with that, The improvement that the ning, Mr. President, that dredth anniversary of the And Richard Haass, two put their full hearts into I will turn it over to our U.S. economy is making we will continue to add our tumultuous events that men who helped bring the their work, even as their guest -- a man who al- under your leadership, voice to the many voices resulted in our country Stormont House Agree- hearts were far from ways swings his lantern President, is essential not calling on this Congress to achieving its indepen- ment to fruition, and we home. higher -– the Taoiseach of only to jobs and growth in pass immigration reform dence. Next year, we are very grateful to them. In 1897, at an Irish Fair Ireland. Prime Minister the United States, but also legislation as soon as pos- commemorate the anni- Two people who were held in New York, dirt Kenny. (Applause.) to Ireland’s recovery and sible. Mr. versary of the 1916 Rising going to be here -– First was shipped over from growth throughout the President, I also want in Ireland and around the Minister Peter Robinson each of Ireland’s counties PRIME MINISTER global economy. to acknowledge and to globe, including a major and Deputy First Minis- and laid out on a map. At KENNY: Mr. President, Let me thank you, in thank you for your on- festival here in Wash- ter Martin McGuinness least one immigrant knelt ladies and gentlemen, particular, Mr. President, going support and your ington in the Kennedy -– are home hammering in prayer, grateful to be Fionnuala and I appreci- for the work that you commitment and your Center. out the details to imple- back in Fermanagh again, ate the honor that you are doing to achieve im- engagement in the peace This year, as you know, ment the agreement. So even if only for an instant. bestow on the Irish people migration reform and, in process. Northern Ireland is also the 150th anniver- we wish them good luck Meanwhile, thousands of today and we’re very particular, for the execu- has been transformed sary of the birth of the and Godspeed, so the young Irish women moved honored to be here in the tive actions, which you an- through the implementa- great poet W.B. Yeats, to people of Northern Ireland to America to find work as White House on this St. nounced last November. tion of the Good Friday whom you have referred, can finally enjoy the full domestic servants. “Not Patrick’s Day. Let me The undocumented Irish Agreement. Huge steps Mr. President. We will fruits of a lasting peace… a day goes by,” one said, extend and thank you for represent a small pro- have been taken with the mark that event with There’s always a brood “that I don’t look at the your hospitality to the portion of the 11 million work of building a shared many occasions in Ire- of Irish-American mem- moon and say it’s the same Irish people and those people affected by this future, bringing an end to land, here in the U.S., and bers of Congress running in Ireland.” of Irish descent here in issue across the United sectarian division, and to around the world. And to around here. (Laughter.) So they persevered. the United States who States, but I can also tell ensure that future genera- mark that particular an- Or folks who wish they For the story of the are represented here this you that almost every fam- tions will grow in mutual niversary, Mr. President, were Irish. (Laughter.) Irish in America is a story evening. ily in our country is related respect and tolerance is this year the Shamrock But let me just mention of overcoming hardship I want to thank you, to or knows somebody who still a work in progress. Bowl is engraved with one. When Brendan Boyle through strength, and President Obama and is caught up in this deeply The Stormont House one of his most famous ran for Congress last year, sacrifice, and faith, and Vice President Biden, for distressing situation. Any Agreement reached last and beautiful poems: “He his campaign was followed family. It’s an idea central your friendship and for progress that would al- December is a welcome Wishes For the Cloths of closely by folks back in to Saint Patrick himself your support for Ireland, low our undocumented to step -- a welcome further Heaven.” The last line Ireland –- not so much — faith in the unseen; a North and South. When come out of the shadows step forward, and let me reads in that, Mr. Presi- because of him, although belief in something better we met in the Oval Office and be free to travel home publicly acknowledge dent, if I recall it correctly, he’s an impressive young around the bend. That’s this morning, we had the for family events would be the role of Senator Gary to paraphrase it, tread man, but because of his why the Irish did more opportunity to discuss very welcome and your Hart, appointed by you softly, for you tread upon dad. Frank Boyle grew than help build America; the progress that we are very welcome ambas- and Vice President Biden, our dreams. Happy St. up in Donegal. He moved they helped to sharpen making in our economic sador, Kevin O’Malley, as your representative in Patrick’s Day to you all. to America as a young the idea of America: The recovery through the understands this deeply reaching some bipartisan Have a wonderful occasion man, married an Irish notion that no matter who perseverance and the on his own personal fam- agreement. here, Mr. President. lass, had two sons. He you are, where you come determination of the Irish ily side. As you would have seen supported his family by from, what your last name working as a janitor for is, in this country, you can the Philadelphia public make it. And today, transit authority. Today, we revel in that idea. We one son, Kevin, serves in remember the great Irish- Photography by the Pennsylvania House Americans of the past of Representatives. Bren- -– those who struggled dan serves in the U.S. in obscurity, those who Congress. The Boyle boys rose to the highest levels are all here today, they’ve of politics, and business, Image Photo Service made people across two and the arts. We celebrate nations very proud. . the ideals at the heart of So when Irish and the Irish-American story, • Weddings • Anniversaries • Banquets Americans get together, ones that people every- there’s more than a dip- where can embrace –- • Portraits • Reunions • Groups lomatic exchange. It is friendship and family, and a family reunion. Liter- hard work and humility, • Families • Special Occasions ally. My eighth cousin, fairness and dignity, and Henry, who has become the persistent belief that a regular at this party, I tomorrow will be better mean— where is “Henry than today. Yeats is one (617) 291-6609 the Eighth” -- there he is, of my favorite poets and he’s back there. Good to the Taoiseach honored me see you, Henry So is his by giving me a slim volume good buddy, Ollie Hayes, of his favorite works. So Harry Brett • Margaret Brett Hastings who owns my favorite in this 150th anniversary pub in Moneygall. And year of his birth, I’ll just while many of you are close with words from The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter far from home today, I’m one of his plays. “I have Page 16 April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com April in Ireland: When colors reign over the landscape

By Judy Enright a perfect family destina- Special to the BIR tion that offers an out- It’s April at last, after standing craft and design a seemingly endless win- shop, a Gothic church, a ter, and Ireland is explod- children’s play trail, a cof- ing with spring color. fee shop, a teahouse, and Daffodils have popped an excellent restaurant up everywhere, fields on site. There’s also a are turning the delicious restored six-acre walled 40 shades of green, and garden that is well worth gardens and hedgerows the price of admission. are springing back to life. The gardens were built This is the loveliest at the end of the 1860s time of year in Ireland and are reputed to be for so many reasons. Ireland’s only gardens Weather is usually pleas- built on bogland. ant even if it rains and, The Glasnevin Botani- of course, there are few cal Gardens and Kyle- things cheerier or more more are just two of many uplifting than the effer- properties open to the vescence of newborn ani- public. Others showcase mals frolicking through world-famous flowers, the pastures. It’s just a landscaped parklands, happy, bright, wonderful formal, kitchen, walled, time of year. and cottage gardens, Cities, too, experience mazes, forestry and river the renewed vitality walks, and arboreta. when visitor attractions Be sure to visit hcgi. reopen and activities ie for details on others start up again to welcome that include: Castlecoote spring –and tourists. House and Gardens, GARDENS Co. Roscommon; Japa- AND MORE nese Gardens and St. If you enjoy flowers Fiachra’s Garden, Co. and gardens, you will be Kildare; Birr Castle De- in your glory in Ireland. mesne, Co. Offaly; Castle There are numerous or- Durrow Hotel Gardens, ganized garden trails and Co.Laois; Hunter’s Hotel tours in most counties gardens and Powerscourt in the North and in the House and Gardens, Republic that offer entry Co. Wicklow; gardens to the most spectacular at Gregan’s Castle Ho- gardens, many of which tel and the Vandeleur are private and not open Walled Garden, both in to the public except at Co. Clare; Fota House this special time of year. Arboretum and Gardens, Visitors should always Co. Cork. Another great check opening times for attraction in the Cork whatever gardens they area, even though it’s wish to see. Local tourist not a garden, is the Fota information offices (on- Wildlife Park. line at discoverireland.ie There are magnifi- in the Republic) and the cent gardens and stately Northern Ireland Tourist homes open to the public Board (online at discov- in the North, too. Don’t ernorthernireland.com) miss Rowallane Garden have all that information. or the Mt. Stewart House What could be more Irish than the brilliant red, purple and pink fuchsia that grows wild in hedges all Many of the participating and Gardens, Co. Down, across the country? gardens and homes also and Springhill House have websites that list and Costume Collection, hours and admission fees Co. Londonderry. Many if any. of the gardens are also One group - “Houses, opened for events such as Castles and Gardens of concerts, craft and plant Ireland” – includes more fairs, and more. than 70 member proper- LISMORE CASTLE ties in the North and Another lovely garden Republic that are open is at Lismore Castle in to the public. It’s fun to Co. Waterford, which is visit the gardens and also open daily mid-April to fascinating to get inside October from 10:30 a.m. the historic homes. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors One attraction garden- may wander through ers should not miss when the seven-acre historic they’re in Dublin is the gardens surrounded by National Botanic Gar- 17th-century walls. In dens, in Glasnevin, with addition to the variety Gorse, a mildly-scented yellow bush, grows wild Blue Gentian flowers in the spring in the Burren’s its amazing glasshouses of camellias, plants and all over Ireland and is especially prominent in the trees, and a famed yew limestone landscape in Co. Clare. and the Great Palm spring. Gorse is also known as Furze or Whin. Judy Enright photos House with its exotic walk, visitors may view a YOLA FARMSTEAD, a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday plants from around the permanent sculpture col- FOLK PARK to Friday, in April and 10 tral home of President Westport in Co. Mayo. world. lection. Lismore itself is Yola Farmstead and to 6 daily from May to John F. Kennedy’s great- The way has been de- Entry is free and the a private residence with Folk Park in Tagoat, October. For more infor- grandparents, Patrick signed as a self-guided Botanic Gardens are open no public access, but the Rosslare, Co. Wexford, mation see: familyfun.ie/ and Bridget (Murphy) walking trail and de- Monday to Friday from castle can be rented as a is a fun and interesting yola-farmstead Kennedy, who emigrated signers hope it will at- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on luxury accommodation. family activity. The five- And, while you’re in to the United States dur- tract thousands, rival Saturday, Sunday and If you have the opportu- acre park now includes that area, be sure to stop ing the famine years. The the Camino de Santiago, public holidays from 10 nity to visit Co. Donegal, the Wexford Genealogy by the 622-acre John F. Dunbrody Famine ship, and increase tourism in a.m. to 6 p.m. There are Glenveagh National Park Center, which offers a Kennedy Memorial Park moored in New Ross, is an area of scenic beauty free guided tours every is a great place to spend fulltime, professional ge- and Arboretum in New also worth a visit. too often overlooked by Sunday at noon and 2:30 the day. The gardens are nealogy service for those Ross – included as part ST. PATRICK’S tourists. p.m. See botanicgardens. beautiful and there’s an wishing to trace their of the Wexford Garden CAMINO TRAVEL ie for more. excellent guided tour of Wexford ancestry. The Trail - where you’ll see an Not to be outdone by the Off-road walking/cy- Another property listed the 19th-century castle, center has collected a con- amazing variety of trees Camino de Santiago de cling routes have become in “Houses, Castles and last owned by American siderable amount of this and shrubs as well as Compostela – a pilgrim- immensely popular in Gardens of Ireland,” Henry McIlhenny, an art material and provides magnolia, rhododendron, age route in northwest- Ireland and other coun- is Kylemore Abbey in connoisseur and plant a fulltime professional azalea, and heather. ern Spain that attracts tries across Europe along Connemara, which was collector. He designed genealogy service. More than 4,500 indi- some 250,000 annually with varied sport and built as a residence by and oversaw the gardens At Yola, you can see a vidual species and variet- - two businessmen from adventure pursuits for a wealthy Englishman from 1937-1983, sold the one-bedroom thatched ies, some rare, have been either side of the border the active traveler. in the 1860s. In 1920, acreage for the park to cottage, a working wind- planted and there will have launched an Irish Be sure to check the Kylemore became home the Irish state in 1974- mill, a forge, four-pew ultimately be more than version. Irish Tourist Board’s to a community of Bene- 75, and gave Glenveagh St. Helen’s Church, and 6,000. There’s a shop and The St. Patrick’s Cami- excellent website – ire- dictine nuns who ran a Castle and gardens to stop to have a bite to eat café, a visitor center, a no will eventually stretch land.com – for updated girls’ school there from Ireland in 1979. in Granny’s Kitchen. miniature railway, a from Downpatrick, Co. information on activities, 1923 until 2010. There are many mag- The farmstead is home pony-and-trap, and more. Down, (where St. Pat- accommodations, and Kylemore is the most nificent gardens around to many breeds and spe- Nearby – in Dungan- rick, St. Columba, and more. And enjoy Ireland popular tourist attraction Ireland, so do get out and cies of animals, fowl, and stown – is the Kennedy St. Brigid are buried) to whenever you visit and in the West of Ireland and enjoy them. plant life. Yola is open 10 Homestead, the ances- Croagh Patrick, outside wherever you go. bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 Olympics boosters make sharp turn towards a ballot question

By Lauren Dezenski ously said he wants to see hearings around the city porters and camera crews, natures, according to the support for the Games in Reporter Staff at least 70 percent public for residents to vet the assembled at Florian Hall Boston Globe, and then public opinion polls and The backers behind support for the Games in proposal while 2024 is on a Tuesday evening gain the approval of the pushback from elected Boston’s bid for the 2024 Boston in order for the bid hosting public meetings to learn more about the Legislature and Secretary officials, but at Tuesday Summer Olympics Games to move forward. in Boston and around proposal. of State William Galvin to night’s meeting, Rull said could be looking for April’s Mayor Walsh also went the commonwealth. On “Tonight here, we’re place it on the ballot. that no matter the public showers to cleanse a public, stating on the September 15, Boston running a political cam- On March 23, legisla- optics, Boston 2024 is winter and early spring Herald Radio he did not 2024 and the US Olympic paign,” said City Council- tive leaders partnered listening. “Just because of tumult. In March, Bos- believe Former Gov. De- Committee will submit a lor Frank Baker told the with Gov. Charlie Baker we haven’t acted on your ton 2024 CEO John Fish val Patrick should make bid to the International assembled crowd. “Nor- to announce pursuit of concerns yet doesn’t mean made a major reversal $7,500 a day consulting for Olympic Committee. In mally at an organizational an independent study we’re not listening. We’re and publicly supported a Boston 2024, the private 2016, the IOC will create campaign you meet the into the possible im- going to change our plan statewide referendum on nonprofit organization a shortlist of candidate cit- candidate, ask them ques- pact of the Games on and make sure we’re lis- the Games. behind the bid for the ies. The final decision on tions. That’s what we’re the state’s taxpayers. tening to the folks that In a speech to the summer games. Shortly the 2024 Summer Games’ doing tonight,” Baker Baker, House Speaker live here.” Greater Boston Chamber thereafter, Patrick an- host city will be made in reiterated that while he Robert DeLeo, and Senate But during that process, of Commerce, Fish an- nounced he would work August 2017. does in fact support the President Stan Rosenberg Rull said, patience will be nounced that the private, for 2024 for free. In a clear sign that bid, he will keep asking teamed up to commission important. “We’re in the nonprofit organization Gov. Charlie Baker also Mayor Walsh’s camp in- questions. “I do think they a $250,000 report that early stages of this. We will seek a statewide bal- announced a $250,000 tends to ramp up its ma- will happen,” Baker said will be due in July. The still have another, geeze, lot referendum in Novem- independent study into chinery to build support of the Games. “I think it commonwealth will accept two years until we find ber 2016 – and, he added, the bid’s effect on Massa- for the bid, his key political will be a heavy lift, but I bids to conduct the report out whether or not we’re if the question cannot chusetts taxpayers, set to lieutenants assembled in think it will happen.” from firms outside of Mas- chosen,” he said. capture the majority of the be complete in July. Dorchester on March 24 to In order to sponsor a sachusetts, according to a “We ask for patience city and state’s support, Meanwhile, support plan a campaign strategy. statewide ballot referen- Baker aide. and to allow for our story the bid will be dead. for the Games has plum- Some 75 members of dum, Boston 2024 would Against all this activity to be told.” “The people of Mas- meted in the polls over Team Walsh, joined by re- need to gather 64,750 sig- came evidence of sinking sachusetts can make the the last two months. In a final decision on whether March 19 poll conducted we have achieved those within Route 128, 36 goals,” Fish said in his percent of those polled statement. supported the Games, T h e p o t e n t i a l down 15 points since first 2024-drafted ballot ques- the first round of polling tion is still by no means set in January. Opposition in stone and could face a to the bid is now where hurdle in the Legislature support was in January: before appearing on the On March 19, 52 percent November 2016 ballot. of those polled said they Mayor Martin Walsh oppose the games. signaled support for the The city of Boston con- referendum. He previ- tinues to host monthly Honoring the pioneering Easter is on its way! women of the City Council We have the largest selection of Easter baskets, By Lauren Dezenski jelly beans, turtles, chocolate bunnies, filled eggs Reporter Staff When school children come through City Hall on a and chocolate peeps in Boston! tour of the fifth floor, many of them stop in the lobby of the entrance to the City Council offices to gaze at the So ‘hop’ on down and get yours today! photos of Council presidents along the wall. Often, says Councillor Ayanna Pressley, they ask: “Where are the women?” In its 106-year history, only ten women have served on the City Council, and just two of them have their Phillips Candy House pictures on the lobby’s wall of presidents. 818 Morrissey Boulevard On March 25, as Women’s History Month wound to a close, Pressley and fellow At-Large Councillor Michelle Dorchester, MA 02122 Wu honored the eight women who preceded them in office. “Myself and Councillor Wu wanted to take the op- 617-282-2090 portunity to celebrate local sheroes and heroines and to do that for those that have served on this body,” said Pressley said. www.phillipschocolate.com City Clerk Maureen Feeney, the first woman to rep- resent Dorchester as its district city councilor and the body’s second woman president, was also recognized at the meeting as was the first woman to head the council, Louise Day Hicks of South Boston. “I was first person of color to top the ticket and the only woman before me to top the ticket was Louise Day Hicks,” said Pressley. When Feeney was sworn in in 1994, she was in a class with three other women: Diane Modica, Peggy Davis- Mullen, and Maura Hennigan. “It was history-making,” A Sister of Mercy College Feeney said in an interview with the Reporter last month. Hicks, who served on the council from 1969 to 1971 Sister Catherine McAuley and again from 1974 to 1977, was a leading opponent of the court-ordered desegregation of the Boston Public Founded in Dublin in 1831 Schools and its busing component. “I think it shows the evolution of the city in the last 30 years,” said Pressley. “She was a woman of firsts as well. Her own life was an example of progress even if I personally feel many of her ideologies were not progressive.” Spring For Feeney, the presence of females on the council proved to be progressive: “I think we brought a different dimension and different perspective. The fact that there were four of us made us a force to be reckoned with. I’d like to think we had an impact on the council.” Scholarship One of those impacts was a push for televised meetings for those who couldn’t make it to City Hall for council sessions. “It was just a fabulous adventure,” Feeney said. She left the council in 2011 to become city clerk, a position that is filled by the council. “I do think even socially, we GaMlaya 1, 2015 spent a lot of time together. It was a great bond.” The event also paid honor to Mildred Harris, the first woman elected to the council (1939) to replace her late brother. She served only one term. Some 30 years later, Honoring First Lady Lauren Baker Katherine Craven became the second woman to join the council and the first-ever female at-large councillor. Celebrity Auctioneer Jim Braude Rosemarie Sansone served from 1979 to 1981 and later joined Mayor Ray Flynn’s administration. She is now president of the Downtown Boston Business Improve- ment District. www.mariancourt.edu Feeney said that two of this year’s group of female candidates for the council, Annissa Essaibi-George, 781-309-5200 tickets an at-large candidate, and Andrea Campbell, who is running for the District Four seat, have reached out to her for advice. Page 18 April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

Dinner host State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry takes a call from Vice President Joe Biden. All images © copyright Don West / fOTOGRAfIKS (​Randy H. Goodman © Don West) New deal for parade, yuks for breakfast (Continued from page 1) Stephen Lynch, whose bit was inter- As the breakfast concluded, parade joked. He marched later, the first mayor In addition to the videos, there was a rupted by the call, to say, “I hope that marchers were moving to the starting to join the parade in 22 years. surprise appearance by Patriots owner call wasn’t collect,” as he stepped back line. In his time at the head table, Walsh While the effect of winter’s snow lim- Robert Kraft, whose jokes were over- up to the microphone. had thanked the South Boston Allied ited the route of the parade – it started whelmed by some of the loudest cheers City Council President Bill Linehan, War Veterans Council, which voted to at Broadway Station and moved straight of the morning as he raised his own who skipped last year’s breakfast, was allow OUTVETS and Boston Pride, two up Broadway to Farragut Park – organiz- space-saver: The Super Bowl trophy. a surprise guest on Sunday, walking openly LGBT groups, to march in the ers expected more than a half million to Vice President Joe Biden phoned onstage as Dorcena Forry, Lynch, and parade for the first time ever. “The key attend along the way. in, but his talk proved rambling and state Rep. Nick Collins of South Boston agreement was this: anyone can march awkward, which moved Congressman began to sing “Southie Is My Hometown.” but the route has to be straight,” Walsh

City Council President Bill Linehan, State Rep. Nick Collins of South Boston and Sen. Forry belt out a tune during a break.

A hand of welcome to Gov. Charlie Baker. Patriots owner Bob Kraft thanks the team’s fans for their support. bostonirish.com April 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann

Tá sé an-fhuar anns i Bhostain sa ghemhreadh – “It’s very cold in Bos- ton in the winter.” Let’s review some of the very earliest things that we had in EIRE this course concerning the weather and “intensifiers”. First, we will have to review the forms of bí in its three tenses, the present, the definite past, and the future. There are other tenses but they are less pub frequently used than these three. These three are complimented by the Continuous Tenses – Past, Present and Future. These are formed by using the verb bí/tá, the subject, followed by ag and the Verbal Noun such as ith “eat” and ithe “eating” – Tá mé ag 795 Adams St. • Dorchester ithe, Bhí mé ag ithe or Táim ag ithe, and Beidh mé ag ithe - English equivalents of “I was eating”, “I am eating” and “I will be eating”. Although the verbal noun from ith is ithe, don’t think that all verbal “President’s Choice” nouns are made by simply adding –e. Not so, many are the same as their verb (meas, meas – “think” and ól, ól “drink”) while others are formed very differ- ently (oibriú, oibrigh), You must learn each as you go and I will tell you each as we go. Serving Lunch & Dinner

Recall that the verb bí/tá has four forms in each of the three tenses: a posi- tive, a negative, a question and a negative question. Every day, Tense Positive Negative Question Negative Question Present: Tá Níl An bhfuil? Nach bhfuil? Past: Bhí Ní raibh An raibh? Nach raibh? 7 days a week Future: Beidh Ní bheidh An mbeidh? Nach mbeidh? Here are words that some of you learned early on but we have a few new read- Irish Social Club of Boston, Inc. ers now. These are in reference to the weather, an aimsir. 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 617-327-7306 or 617-549-9812 fuar “cold” te “warm” Incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, June 27, 1945 fluich “wet” tirim “dry” Socials every All held on SUNDAYS at 8 pm with $10 admission except where geal “bright” dorcha “dark” otherwise noted. Doors open at 6:30 pm for PUB NIGHTS: Sunday Evening live music from 8-11 pm. Free admission These can be made “stronger” or “more intense” by prefixing the particlean - at 8:00 pm as in fuar “cold” but an-fhuar “very cold”. Note that the hyphen is required SCHEDULE OF EVENTS and that words beginning with f- are lenited (“aspirated”). APRIL 2015 West Roxbury. For more information, The n in an is typically not pronounced in spoken Irish but it is required to 4 Saturday​ Parkway in Motion Easter Egg Hunt please call Board Member Chris write it. on Park Street and Irish Social Club Dellamaggio at 781-844-7087. beginning at 10 am. Call 617-340- 18 Saturday ​ Fundraiser for autistic brothers Cian This rule, prefixingan - also is used to make the following words “stronger”: 9175or visit http://parkwayinmotion. & Conal Jones. For more info, call org/ for more information. ​ Denise Feeley at 508-660-1977. 5 Sunday ​ Fintan Stanley 19 Sunday ​1916 Easter Rising Annual Memorial mor “big” /mohr/ an-mhor /uh vohr/ “very big” 10 Friday ​ Lucy’s Love Bus Fundraiser: Making from 12-2 pm, Old Dorchester Post, beag “small” /beyk/ an-bheag /uh veyk/ “very small” life a little better for children with 500 Gallivan Boulevard, Dorchester. sean “old” an-sean /uh shan/ “very old” cancer. Music provided by Colm Admission: $12, which includes óg “young” /ohk/ an-óg /uh ohk/ “very young” O’Brien, Erin’s Melody with Margaret continental breakfast by Greenhills maith “well,good” /mah/ an-mhaith /uh vah/ “very well” Dalton, and Devri. Call Johnny Costello Bakery. More info? Call Sean Folan tinn “sick” an-tinn /uh cheen/ “very sick” at 617-678-7949 for more information. at 857-719-6979. Notice that prefixing an- to these words lenites those that begin with the 12 Sunday noel Henry Irish Showband 19 Sunday​ 6th Annual Irish Hearts for Orphans 17 Friday​ Fisher House Boston Fundraiser to Benefit Dance: Marriott Boston lips – m, b and f. help raise money for those who are Quincy, 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy. running the Boston Marathon on 4 -8 p.m. For more info, call Winnie Now, here are some more words that you should know by now – but begin- behalf of this fantastic organization Henry at 617-842-5506. ners may not. giving a place to stay for families with 19 Sunday ​ Mossie Coughlin and the Boston Irish maith “well” tinn “sick” family members treating at the VA 26 Sunday John Connors and the Irish Express breá “fine” dona “bad” Follow us on Twitter @irishsocialbos Follow us on Facebook: Irish Social Club of Boston deas “nice” bocht “poor” (quality) álainn “beautiful” iontach “wonderful” Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper These words are made “stronger” or more “intense” by prefixing the particle go (no hyphen required). Again, the best translation in English is “very”. Tá mé go maith, buíochas le Dia. /TAH mey goh MAH, BEE-uhk-uhs ley JEE- uh/ “I am very well, thanks (to God)”. Boston Irish REPORTER go maith “very well/good” go brea “very fine” A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. go deas “very nice” go dona “very bad” Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? go tinn “very sick” go bocht “very poor” (quality) go hálainn “very beautiful” go hiontach “very wonderful” Order today, and we will send a gift card in your name. Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. Notice that words beginning with a vowel insert an h to keep go from running Name______on to the word just as we say “a pen” but “an apple”. See if you can put these sentences and phrases into Irish. 1.) “The day is Address______very fine.” 2.) “That man is young but my father is very old.” 3.) “Isn’t she City______State______Zip______beautiful?” 4.) I am well, thank you.” 5.) “Wasn’t your daughter very sick?” Gift from______6.) “Won’t you-all be eating at a quarter to nine?” 7.) “Who is there?” 8.) “The afternoon was very fine.” 9.) “Yes. It was very beautiful.” 10.) “The policeman Charge to Visa______Mastercard______is very big.” Card #______Exp______Answers: 1.) Tá an lá go brea. 2.) Tá an duine seo óg ach tá m’athair an-sean. 3.) Nach bhfuil sí álainn? 4.) Tá mé go mhaith, buíochas le Dia. This year, give a gift that comes in the mail each month! 5.) Nach raibh d’iníon an-tinn? 6.) Nach mbeidh sibh ag ithe ceathrú chun a naoi? 7.) Cé atá ann? 8.) Bhí an tranóna go deas. 9.) Bhí. Bhí sé Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter, 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 go hálainn. 10.) Tá an garda an-mhor. We accept phone orders with your Visa or Mastercard. Call 617-436-1222 Or Fax this order form to 617-825-5516

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