October 2014 Boston’s hometown VOL. 25 #10 journal of Irish culture. $1.50 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2014 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. bostonirish.com BIR will Mayor MARTIN J. WALSH GOES ‘HOME’ TO CARNA honor 7 at ‘You have a story to tell’ By Bill Forry people leaving the west of Ire- luncheon Editor land. You know my parents’ Mayor Martin Walsh re- story and as I look out across turned to Carna, Co. Galway the room, it’s your story, your on Tues., Sept. 23, where family’s story,” Walsh told on Oct. 24 he attended a ceremony to an overflow crowd of several launch a planned Emigrants hundred who packed into a Mayor Martin Walsh, Commemorative Center in tent next to the ruined build- the town of his father’s birth. ing, which dates to the late S.B.’s Burke family, The mayor dedicated a foun- 19th century. “The people dation stone at the site and left the west of Ireland, not pledged to help support the to get away from the land, Katherine Craven centre by working to raise as people thought it was, but funds and awareness in the they actually left the west of The Boston Irish Reporter, the region’s Boston Irish community. Ireland to strengthen their leading chronicler of all things Irish- The mayor was joined at own land here in their native American, will host “Boston Irish Honors the ceremony by former Irish areas,” he said. 2014,” its annual anniversary luncheon, Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Then, to great applause, on Fri., Oct. 24, at 11:45 a.m. in the main Liam Cosgrave, age 94, he pledged: “I’m here today ballroom of Boston’s Seaport Hotel. who in the 1930s attended Boston Mayor Martin Walsh unveiled a stone marker at to tell everyone that I’m here the site of a planned Emigrant Commemorative Centre in The 35-member luncheon committee is primary school on the site to commit to you that we will chaired by Peter Meade, former director Carna, Co. Galway. Máirtín Ó Catháin, the chairperson of build this center and we will of the planned centre. The the group planning the centre, is at left. Bill Forry photo of the Boston Redevelopment Authority. mayor and his traveling open this center.” The 2014 honorees are: The Burke party, including partner Lor- “It’s a great pleasure to Family – Jacquelyn, John, Paul, Dennis The emigrant centre is to the community. In a ceremony rie Higgins and mother Mary be built overlooking the sea that preceded the unveiling meet Mayor Walsh because and Michael; Katherine Craven; and Walsh, visited six schools in I knew the family,” said Cos- Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. on what is now a dilapidated of the foundation stone bear- Rosmuc and Carna, the Irish- parish hall and former school ing Mayor Walsh’s name, he grave. “He deserves the height “We are especially pleased that this speaking villages where his of praise for the success he year’s honorees have agreed to share near St. Mary’s, a Catholic and his family were hailed as parents grew up. He left the church where Walsh’s father prime examples of the gen- made of himself, and his fam- their stories with us,” said BIR publisher Connemara region the next ily contributed as well. Mayor Ed Forry. “In keeping with our heritage, was baptized. The centre, erations of Connemara people day for a fast-moving swing which is scheduled to be built who left this region over the Walsh is typical of people from the newspaper will recognize special to the north, with stops in this area who when they went achievements in business and public over the next two years, will centuries to seek better lives Donegal, Derry, Belfast, and feature a visitor’s facility and abroad. abroad, they left their mark. service, and salute an estimable family after that, Dublin. that shares our common roots in Boston library and meeting rooms for “You know the story of (Continued on page 7) and Ireland. “The Burkes are an exemplary family, and their story is a wonderful example Hailing the Eire Pub, and Dot’s Irish roots of our Boston Irish culture. In a similar vein, Katherine Craven has a legion of admirers for her roles in several public Irish Heritage Fest agencies. A former staffer in the House Ways and Means committee and the set for Oct. 12: Let mother of four, she was chief of the state’s School Building Authority, and oversaw the music, fun begin the University of Massachusetts’s $3.8 Dorchester’s Irish Heritage Festival is billion five-year capital plan. This spring, back for its fourth year, with a full slate she was named chief administrative of- of Irish music and dance performances, ficer at Babson College. family entertainment, and cultural “And I am delighted,” said Forry, “to activities, as well as food and vendor acknowledge the leadership role of my booths. The festival will take place on longtime friend Marty Walsh as he nears Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Florian completion of his first year as Boston’s Hall (55 Hallet Street) and the John chief executive. Mayor Walsh has served McKeon Post AmVets 146 (4 Hilltop on our honors luncheon committee each St.); there will be a suggested donation and every year, and he truly embodies the at the entrance of $5 per person, or $20 spirit of the very best of what it means per family, to support the event. to be Boston Irish. Among the acts appearing this year “It will be an honor and privilege to tell will be acclaimed Maine-based tradi- their stories at our Oct. 24 luncheon,” tional Irish trio The Press Gang; inno- Forry said. vative dancer and choreographer Brian Luncheon tickets are at $150 each; Cunningham; Medford resident George a table of ten is $1,500. More informa- Keith, a mainstay of Boston’s Irish music tion on sponsorship and ticket sales is It was come one, come all as the Eire Pub celebrated 50 years as a mainstay of scene; and TR Dallas, one of Ireland’s available at bostonirish.com, via e-mail the Adams Village neighborhood with a birthday party on Sept. 16. The local best-known country singers. to [email protected], or by phone landmark, named for the Irish word for Ireland, was founded by Irish-born As always, the Irish Heritage Festival at 617-436-1222. Tom Stenson, a native of Co. Sligo. Ed Forry column is on Page 4. (Continued on page 11) Photo courtesy Bill Brett

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Part . ners In Bill Pay Com munity Banking Member FDIC Member DIF Page 2 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events

There was action and good fellowship aplenty at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton over Labor Day weekend as the facility played host to the 2014 finals of the North American Gaelic 1. Games that involved 2,500 competi- tors and some 120 teams playing more than 100 games.

1.) Mike McDonagh, Canton; 2.) Fraser Coleman, Brighton; 3.) Action on the field in Canton 4.) Gary Kelly, Enna Rourke, Chris O’Donoghue all of Quincy; 5.) Martin O’Connor, Jamie Kehoe, both of Brighton; 6.) Cornelius Cunnea, W. Rox- bury; John O’Driscoll, Quincy; 7.) Liam, Alana (5 yrs.); Becky, Liam Jr, (3 yrs.), Worcester; 8.) Pat and Theresa McNulty, Fermanagh, Ireland; 9.) Ryan Nugent (6 yrs.) and dad, Peadar Nugent, Braintree; 10.) Aogan O’Fearghail, Pres. elect of the G.A.A; Bernie O’Rielly, Newton; 11.) Fans; 12.) Margaret Monagle, Canton; Lorna Lindsay, 2. 3. Donegal; Cheryl Ramsey Kelly, Tyrone; 13.) Robert Comerford and Maureen Malloy, both of Quincy; 14.) Rosai Slevin, Aisling Slevin, Ais- ling McHale, Kelley Aylward, all of Vancouver, Canada.

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13. 14. bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Good news from Ireland Tourism Minister Donohoe: Visitors from United States up 18 percent in summer ’14 By Bill Forry ous year— a figure that 4.5 percent, he said. in August, for instance, Editor is approximate to about Stephen McNally, pres- was up by 70 flights per In remarks to a Boston 450,000 new tourists. ident of the Irish Hotels peek over last August. “It audience on Sept. 26, “We’ve had about one- Federation, noted that shows that there are a lot Ireland’s chief tourism fifth more American tour- the numbers released more visitors coming in,” minister hailed newly ists this summer,” said by the Irish government McNally said in noting released figures showing Donohoe, who told his are in line with what the that aside from America, a big jump in summer audience at the Boston industry’s figures show as the biggest tourist sources tourists from the United Harbor Hotel that he well. “From the Irish ho- for Ireland are Britain, States as the latest in- had been awakened to tels point of view it’s been France, and Germany. dicator of a recovering the good news in a text a tremendous year. We’ve Shannon Airport is economic situation in the message. Donohoe was had a record number of also experiencing strong country. visiting the US as part of visitors which is fantas- growth after a period of Paschal Donohoe, TD, a Tourism Ireland tour to tic,” said McNally. “A lot reduced flights. “Now, who serves as Irish Minis- key American cities. of the hotels around the thankfully it’s all coming ter of Transport, Tourism “The reason why it’s all country are experiencing back again,” said McNal- and Sport, told a Boston happening is that we have Minister Paschal Donohoe, TD, hailed latest US- a much better time and as ly. “It’s a great passport lunch gathering of the a private sector who have Ireland tourism stats in remarks to a luncheon a result have been doing to Ireland— you can get Irish American Partner- responded to the chal- sponsored by the Irish American Partnership on a great deal of refurbish- into Shannon, it’s quite ship that he had been lenge of putting together Fri., Sept. 26 in Boston. Harry Brett photo ment and renewal work, easy to get through the given figures that morn- a touring offering that so the product will only airport and you’re close ing showing US tourist is second to none,” said tors of a resurgent Irish 1,000 per week, Donohoe increase.” to the Great Atlantic visits between June and Donohoe, who pointed to economy. Ireland has noted. Latest projections McNally said that the Way, which is fantastic August 2014 up roughly the statistical leap as the added 70,000 jobs over the show the Irish economy number of flights com- for tourists.” 18 percent over the previ- latest in a string of indica- last year, a pace of about growing at a rate of about ing into Dublin Airport

Above: Minister Paschal Donohoe, TD, gets a look at the latest Irish Reporter edition with the BIR’s Sean Grant. Photo by Harry Brett

At left:Karl Walsh, VP, Essex Builders Corp, of Bos- ton, Breandán Ó Caollaí, Ireland’s Consul General of Boston, Tourism Ireland executive vice presi- dent Alison Metcalfe, Minister Paschal Donohoe, TD, Joseph F. Leary, President and CEO, Irish American Partnership, Boston; Niall Gibbons, CEO Tourism Ireland; Mary Sugrue McAleer, executive director of the Irish American Partnership; and Stephen McNally, President of the Irish Hotels Federation. Photo by Harry Brett Irish affairs: month full of activity October is a busy month in the Boston Irish com- Solas Awards on Thurs.,. Oct. 30. at the Boston Park munity, with an array of special events and award Plaza Hotel. The awards gala will recognize Sister ceremonies featured throughout the four weeks. Here’s Lena Deevy, LSA, Richard E. Holbrook, and Susan a brief capsule of events: J. Cohen, Esq. • The Charitable Irish Society of Boston will present Other events: The Irish Echo newspaper brings its its annual Silver Key awards at 6 p.m. on Wed., Oct. sixth Golden Bridges” conference to Boston on October 15, at the Boston College Club. Recipients: Attorney 8 and 9, and the Boston Irish Reporter’s annual “Irish Richard Campbell, Richard Gormley, and Rev. Gerry Honors” luncheon will be held on Fri., Oct. 24. Both Osterman. A “Lifetime Achievement” award will be events are being hosted by the Seaport Hotel. made to the musician Phil Coulter. Coincidentally, The Irish Cultural Centre of New The Massachusetts State Council Knights of Colum- • The Irish Pastoral Centre will benefit from a concert England (ICCNE) has postponed its planned 25th an- bus held its installation last Sunday at St. Ann’s in Neponset. Above, Dorchester’s Russell Steinbach, by Coulter at St. Ignatius Church at Boston College niversary event, originally slated for Oct. 9 at the JFK state deputy presided at the installation of Bishop on Tues., Oct.14. Library. Plans are under way for a gala sometime next Hennessey and Fr. Robert Bruso as state chaplain • The Irish International Immigrant Center (IIIC) spring on its campus in Canton. and associate chaplain. Patrick O’Connor photo will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with its annual New role for IBEW’s Monahan Dorchester resident Michael tradespeople can attain rewarding Monahan will leave his leadership careers.” post at International Brotherhood Monahan’s final day at Local of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 103 will be September 22. The 2nd 103 this month to take on a new District, led by International Vice role based the union’s regional President Frank Carroll, covers headquarters in Connecticut. Mo- 40,000-plus IBEW members and nahan will remain in Boston and over 50 local unions across New is expected to stay on as board England. member of the Boston Redevelop- Dumas, a 37 year veteran of Lo- ment Authority. cal 103, has served as the union’s He will be replaced as the lo- president for the past 18 years. He cal’s business manager by John is a graduate of UMass Boston and a Dumas, who was elected to fill out 1995 graduate of Harvard Uni- Monahan’s term on Tuesday. versity’s Trade Union Program. He Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny visited Provi- “I leave Local 103 with enormous will nor run all of the day to day dence on Sept. 24 in leading a trade mission to pride for what my team has and operations of the union. Rhode Island’s capital city. While there he and will continue to accomplish,” said “As the next Business Manager his delegation visited the city’s Irish Famine Monahan. “As a fourth-generation of Local 103, I want to continue the Memorial. Pictured on the right are Rhode Island IBEW member, I have an unwaver- progress that has been made and Gov. Lincoln Chafee, Irish Taoiseach Kenny, US ing commitment to serve my union sustain the long term vision set Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, when called upon. My new job will forth by Rich Gambino and Mike and, center, at podium, Famine Memorial Presi- enable me to facilitate advance- Monahan before me,” said Dumas dent Don Deignan. ment on a larger scale so future Michael Monahan in a statement. Peter Martin photo Page 4 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary Raise your mugs to the Eire Pub By Ed Forry Dorchester’s Eire Pub celebrated its 50 years in Adams Village with an anniversary party on Sept. 16. The local landmark, named for the Irish word for Ireland (pronounced “eerie” by locals), was founded by Irish-born Tom Stenson, a native of Co. Sligo who came to the US as a young man. With his brother Michael, Tom operated Stenson’s Pub on Hyde Park Avenue in Roslindale before he purchased the high profile corner building immediately adjacent to the Old Dorchester Post at the intersection of Adams Street and Gallivan Boulevard. Partnership Board Members in Belfast, August, 2014: Therese Murphy, Joe McCullough, John P. Mur- “My father bought the building in 1963,” says Sten- ray, Joseph F. Leary, Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon, Charles Donahue, Marie Connellan, John McGrillen, son’s son John, who now owns the pub. “At that time Liam Conellan, Mary Sugrue. Courtesy Irish American Partnership there were two businesses here, Callahan’s Pub and Leonard’s Drygoods Store.” Tom changed the name and extended the premises into the Leonard’s space, Irish American Partnership and the Eire opened in its current two-sided oval con- figuration in 1964. The son recalls growing up in has sent $624,000 to Ireland his father’s business. From the time when he was about six years By Joe Leary schools in West Cork – Derryclough National School old, John says, he helped clean the Special to the BIR in Drinagh ($2,000) and the Inchigeelagh National pub on Sundays, back in the days Accompanied by staff and donor supporters, The Irish School in Inchigeelagh ($2,000) – received funding to when it was open just six days a American Partnership’s board of directors travelled assist their work. week. In those early years, the pub to Ireland this August on a mission to evaluate the Baroness May Blood greeted the Partnership group at offered a modest menu of quickly impact of their funding decisions and to learn more the Drumlins school and said, “You and your board are prepared lunches, including hot about Irish education as the Partnership begins to set great friends to Northern Ireland and your continued dogs and cold cut sandwiches. policies for additional support. During the trip, the involvement makes a huge difference to life here across For years, the menu above the board disbursed grants of $76,000, which brings the all areas of education, business and reconciliation.” bar listed a sandwich made with total amount of gifts sent to Ireland since November One of the highlights of the leadership mission was “sardines (whole can)” for less than a dollar. Today, the 2013 to $624,000. the welcoming dinner at Belfast City Hall where the Eire offers an array of hot food and large, overstuffed From small rural schools to the larger ones in the new lord mayor, Nichola Mallon, hosted the group. sandwiches prepared in a small kitchen that turns out cities, and to the universities and job training centers, Mallon spoke of the Boston/Belfast Sister City agree- dozens of meals every day. the Partnership programs include professional develop- ment signed early this year by former Lord Mayor Tom Stenson died in June 2000 and John’s mother, ment for teachers in science, access to scholarships for Máirtín O’Muilleoir and Boston’s Mayor Marty Walsh. Mary “Molly” Stenson, neé Shannon, lived into her 90s college students, and direct grants to primary schools Mallon will be coming to Boston in October to further before passing away in October 2012. “My mother never that are struggling to make ends meet. strengthen the ties between our two cities. came into the pub during business hours, out of respect Over five days, and at 26 meetings and visits, mem- The President of Dublin City Universit, Professor for my father,” John says, a reference to the description bers of the mission visited schools in West Cork, uni- Brian MacCraith, also honored the Partnership’s of the Eire as a “Gentlemen’s Prestige Bar.” He said his versities, teacher training and high tech employment mission with a dinner in the President’s House on mother always believed she should keep a clear sepa- training programs in Dublin and Ulster University, the University Campus later in the week. MacCraith ration between their home life and the business. “She and several schools in Belfast. There were also informa- announced an ambitious new building program for only came in here once,” he says, “to see that I had put tional meetings at The IDA, Foreign affairs in Dublin St. Patrick’s Teaching College, which is now officially up my father’s photo on the wall.” Today, the men-only and meetings with MLAs in Stormont. Minister of part of Dublin City University. The Irish American culture is a relic of a long-ago time, as both men and Education in the North John O’Dowd talked with the Partnership has worked with St. Patrick’s Teaching women are regulars at the neighborhood landmark. group about the education system there and members College for nearly 15 years, focusing on science teaching After a surprise visit on Jan. 26, 1983, by President of the group had a meeting with the Department of in primary schools in rural western Ireland schools. Ronald Reagan when he was in Boston on a political Education in Dublin. It was a very busy week, but a lot was learned. Perhaps trip, the pub added the catchphrase “Presidential Pub” Three universities – Trinity, University of Ulster, the most important lesson is that the Irish people whom to its nameplate. Nine years later presidential candi- and Dublin City University – were presented grants the Partnership supports are most grateful, not just for date Bill Clinton, escorted by then-Boston Mayor Ray of $10,000 each for their “ACCESS” programs, which the funding but also for the interest that Americans Flynn, stopped at the Eire just days before his election. assist qualified underprivileged students in their have shown in helping to create a better Ireland. Mis- Each holding a pint of beer, Reagan and Clinton went pursuit of their university degrees. Three schools in sion participants received a sincere welcome wherever behind the bar for photo ops. Urban legend says that Belfast received grants – St. Louise’s High School they went. The teachers, administrators, and officials Clinton partook of his pint, but Reagan’s lips never on the Falls Road ($5,000); Avoneil Primary School are fiercely proud of the work they do and the fact that touched his beer. in East Belfast ($5,000); and Drumlins Integrated a group of Irish Americans are taking the time and Since the Reagan visit, Stenson says, the pub has been School in Ballinahinch ($10,000). And two primary raising the money to support them. a regular campaign-trail stop for candidates from both parties. It was even a last-stop destination for Ireland’s outgoing prime minister, Bertie Ahern. “Governor Deval Patrick has tended bar, here, and also Mitt Romney,” Off the Bench he says. Last month, gubernatorial candidate Martha Coakley made a campaign stop at the Eire, and the GOP’s Charlie Baker spent some time with the crowd Reflections on a failed busing plan during the anniversary party. State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry was among the revelers that night, and presented a Senate citation to Stenson to commemorate directly from a front-row seat the occasion. While Stenson says he has made personal donations By James W. Dolan largely segregated, their overall performance did not to candidates, he insists he never allows the pub to be Special to the Reporter improve, and funds that could have been invested in used for a political fundraiser. So that’s the deal: A Forty years ago, shortly before forced busing went underperforming schools were spent on transportation. hearty welcome awaits the politician of any stripe who into effect, I was a new judge appointed to Dorchester Imagine the improvements that could have been made wants to drop by the Eire for a brew and a bite and a District Court. Since much of the anger and violence if the millions invested in busing over the years had hello. But that’s it. Enjoy and move on. associated with that ill-conceived “solution” to segre- gone to education. ••• gated Boston schools spilled into the courts, I had a The well-intentioned planners who fashioned the Correction: A recent column about Portland’s Maine front-row seat from which to view its effects. remedy failed because they did not understand the Irish Heritage Center gave an incorrect title for past I understood that racial housing patterns had resulted human dimensions of the problem. Their solution president Brendan McVeigh; he is a director and past in “de facto” segregated, underperforming schools and was a statistical formula based on the assumption president. The current president is Kathy Reilly, a the federal courts had a mandate to do something that integrated schools would foster better education native of Dorchester’s St. Brendan parish who now about it. The problem was how to devise a solution for all. They failed to anticipate or understand the lives in Portland. that would cause the least disruption while improv- consequences. But what alternatives did they have? ing education at a reasonable cost, in all a formidable They could have fashioned a plan that put greater undertaking. What happened, instead, was a plan that resources into underperforming segregated schools. did not adequately take into consideration its effect on They could have created incentives and developed qual- Boston Irish those who would be impacted. ity magnet schools to encourage parents to voluntarily In every respect, the solution imposed on the city participate. They could have strengthened the Metco failed to meet those objectives. When children become program and even subsidized the movement of minor- REPORTER the instruments to achieve social change, any plan is ity families willing to relocate in the suburbs. School The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: bound to generate fear and apprehension, not only segregation in the city was, after all, more a housing Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., among the children but also among their parents. The problem than a neighborhood school problem. 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 wholesale movement of children, black and white, from By overlooking the historical importance of neigh- [email protected] www.bostonirish.com neighborhood schools to schools miles away from home borhood schools and their connection to families, the Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) caused major disruptions. experts imposed an unworkable solution. Coming on Edward W. Forry, Publisher Many parents left the city, some put their children the heels of another failure, the Vietnam War, it was Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor in private schools, and others protested, often loudly. a further example of how the “best and brightest” can William P. Forry, Editor The burden of forced busing fell on those families that get it wrong. Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor did not have the financial resources to escape. Black Like Vietnam, the policy objectives were not achieved News Room: (617) 436-1222 despite great cost in money, anguish, and pain. Some Ads : (617) 436-1222 children and their parents were terrified and angry Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] at the sight of white protesters hurling insults at and problems do not lend themselves to easy fixes. To act blocking buses full of frightened students. Violence precipitously often makes them worse. Patient, incre- On The Web at www.bostonirish.com mental prodding toward a reasonable objective takes Date of Next Issue: November, 2014 spilled over into the neighborhoods with an upsurge of racial enmity, much of it not directly related to protests more time but it can be more effective. Deadline for Next Issue: Tuesday, October 21 at 2 p.m. but to the underlying animosity it generated. Race Published monthly in the first week of each month. relations in the city were set back decades. James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond judge who now practices law. the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish Busing proved to be enormously disruptive. Did it Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. ultimately solve the problem? No! The schools remained bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Menino’s book: Is it too little, too soon?

By Bill Forry defiantly. Editor Enthusiasts of the “revisionist history” genre will find Thomas Menino’s “Mayor for a New America” hits places to quibble or to just straight-up guffaw. Menino stores and tablets on October 14. It will no doubt find must have had mischief on the mind as he related the a well-deserved place in the libraries of Bostonians prowess of his ground forces in the 2006 gubernato- who have a keen interest in city history and politics. rial contest. The “crushing Boston majorities [that] But it will find that shelf-space too quickly for many helped elect the first black governor in the history of of us. At just 250 pages, the book is an all-too-quick the Commonwealth, Deval Patrick” is recorded with- read that leaves those well versed in the Menino era out mention of the fact that the much-vaunted “Team wanting more. Those thirsty for a serious, deep-dive Menino” was squarely on the side of the vanquished chronicle and analysis of the Menino era will have to Team Tom Reilly in that contest. wait. Perhaps the publishers and the authors should Just as glaring to discerning neighborhood readers have, too. will be his administration’s 2010 push to close four Co-author Jack Beatty, the respected biographer of branch libraries, which was beaten back by a grassroots another great Boston mayor, James Michael Curley, revolt of civic leaders and Beacon Hill lawmakers, does not intrude much or enough here. It’s Menino’s who forced Menino and his Globe editorial backers to voice and style that rings true in the prose—simple change course using the threat of budget cuts to the and to the point. BPL system. The libraries stayed open— although in Menino “spares” us a chronicle of Menino’s account that rather pertinent fact is skipped. his ten-year stint on the city coun- It’s a revealing omission, as many in this quarter of Book cil, which gets truncated to a few the city read Menino’s fifth-term misstep in the library Review anecdotes about the run-up to his fight as his political twilight. 1992 campaign to win the council The mayor devotes a disproportionate amount of presidency. We get little new insight space to his record on public education— a chapter on how Menino, a relative unknown from “the sticks” entitled “The Struggle for the Schools.” Menino lays of Readville, came to forge alliances with the Irish out a strong case for the progress made on his watch power brokers Jim Kelly and Dapper O’Neil, the latter and appropriately qualifies his record as incomplete. of whom Menino lays out as the unreconstructed bigot He is too rosy in his depiction of his eleventh-hour push and homophobe that he was. We also don’t gain much to re-organize the school assignment plan, one that he new traction on what informed Menino’s progressive condemned as “destroying neighborhood cohesion.” streak— the one that made him a more successful city- Menino’s finest moments are intact and more fully wide draw in his breakout 1993 victory over Jim Brett. fleshed out. His rejection of the anti-gay bigotry exhib- His acumen as a City Hall insider is related primarily ited by the organizers of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day through passages from Boston Globe columnists and Parade merits a victory lap and Menino takes it here. editorial board writers, most of which salute Menino’s Tom Menino should be remembered for taking a bold diligence as a budget task-master who keeps a more position in his earliest days as mayor on the outrageous reckless Ray Flynn at bay. It’s a flaw of the book that exclusion of LGBT Bostonians. In laying down a clear Menino and Beatty rely too much on Globe columnists Menino writes. Really? position on the parade— and sticking to it— Menino and scribes to the exclusion of other listening posts. And yet, Menino later concludes, and accurately, that set a standard that all other city pols strive to meet. The book has its strong moments. Menino is candid the failures of the city’s desegregation era had found His response to the 2013 Marathon Bombing gets and revealing in his comments about race and ethnic- their greatest villains in the pre-crisis politicians like a star turn in the book— and it should. The hobbled ity. He writes about the pride he felt in becoming the Louise Day Hicks and John Kerrigan, lawyers who mayor rallying from his hospital bed to give the city a city’s first Italian-American mayor— and in ending knowingly led the city into the abyss. sense of order and calm in the hours and days following the “green tide” that dominated the office for most of “The schools weren’t a priority for the Irish American the attack is a powerful, enduring image. So, too, is the 20th century. pols who dominated the [school] committee,” Menino that of Camp Harbor View, the summertime oasis that “By the 1980s Italian-Americans my age were tired concludes. Menino and advertising mogul-turned-philanthropist of the ‘Pick-a-Mick’ choice of mayors on the ballot and Menino is almost as blunt about his own failings— Jack Connors carved out for under-privileged kids on for once wanted to vote for one of their own,” Menino from his marble-mouthed speech and resultant stage Long Island. writes. “The green tide in Boston politics was receding, fright to his penchant for pettiness. It’s just a trait, he Menino’s name adorns a room in the camp. Some and Italians weren’t the only group standing on the says, of a harried, stressed-out politician. day far in the future, he muses, some might wonder beach happy to see it go.” After a stark description of his one-time mentor about who this Menino guy was. The subject of Boston’s desegregation or “busing” Joe Timilty— the Mattapan pol who gave Menino his Tom Menino writes his own epitaph for them: “He battles of the 1970s are touched on here, too — and entree to the business— Menino admits: “I make the was a guy from Hyde Park who wanted you to have from Menino we get conflicting views. Early on in his candidate sound petty. I’ve been the candidate. I’m fun, learn stuff, and return from camp at the end of re-telling of his Hyde Park days, he denounces the partly talking about myself. You say things you regret.” the day too tired to get into trouble.” busing implementation as a “failed” experiment, one Menino owns up to his famous control-freak ten- A fine legacy, indeed. But Menino was much more that left him with “lasting doubts about ‘sweeping solu- dencies, particularly in riding herd on the minutiae than that, of course. In the end, his book is a noble, tions,’ ‘bold plans,’ and ‘fundamental transformations’ of development projects. Basically, he admits, he just but incomplete, summary of a distinguished life of for the problems of city life.” didn’t trust his hires to do the job better than he could. public service, one that merits a much more detailed re-telling in a longer form. “You can debate whether busing was a justified “I was hands-on because I thought city planning was remedy for Boston’s separate and unequal schools,” too important to be left to the city planners,” he writes

Point of View GLASS CEILINGS, RAISED EYEBROWS, AND FOOT IN MOUTH Musings on a politician, a prelate, and a pro golfing powerhouse

By Peter F. Stevens Sometimes the jibes are snickers that a woman ries in recent weeks, “Calvary,” which many reviewers BIR Staff doesn’t know enough about Curt Shilling, and some- have slammed for skewering both the Catholic Church It should surprise no one in and around Boston that times they are “gut-busting” slams at a woman’s weight and rural Ireland, and which others have praised for advertising titan Jack Connors and Quincy Mayor by a large number of men who should pay more atten- its allegorical and reality-infused daring, earned raves Thomas Koch have endorsed the Republican, Charlie tion to their beer guts. What is attributed as toughness from an unlikely source – the Catholic archbishop of Baker. rather than the Democrat, Martha Coakley. in a male candidate is flipped over as “bitchiness” in a Philadelphia, Charles Chaput, who lauded McDonagh’s Despite the professed Democratic stripes of the two woman contender, and when it comes time to vote, that provocative, intentionally disturbing work as one of “un- men, they will not be the last prominent local Dems bromide seems often to capture not only a majority of derstated power…an unblinking, unforgettable film.” to shun Coakley. men, but also a sizable number of women. In politics It is a safe bet that among men of the cloth, Arch- Whether out of friendship or any other reason, per- as in all else, perception – “likeability” – matters. bishop Chaput will stand virtually alone in his take sonal or professional, Connors and Koch have every Coakley is not especially charismatic, or, perhaps, on “Calvary.” right to embrace Baker. Still, one can’t help but feel even comfortable on the campaign trail, maybe still ••• that we’ve seen this story play out before anytime a scarred by her poorly executed campaign against Scott Rory McIlroy is another public figure who has a woman – whether Democrat or Republican – has sought Brown for Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat. All of that knack for stirring a bit of controversy these days. The the governor’s chair. notwithstanding, she does have an estimable record world’s top golfer’s lack of guile in answering media Yes, I’m fully aware that Elizabeth Warren crashed that should be the sole basis for voting for or against questions was addressed in this space last month, in through the higher-office gender barrier in these parts her. The same applies to Baker. Coakley can win, particular his comment that it was his break-up with when she dispatched Scott Brown in the US Senate race but given the same old story unfolding from both the tennis star Caroline Wozniacki after their wedding of 2012. Still, when it comes to governor, the voters media and her foes, she will need women voters to pull invitations had been addressed that propelled him to have turned away from Democratic candidates Evelyn her across the finish line. the top of the PGA rankings and success in the major Murphy and Shannon O’Brien and Republican hopefuls Elizabeth Warren reaped the benefits of running in tournaments this year. Jane Swift (who was acting governor from 2001-03 and Blue Massachusetts in a presidential election year, Recently, McIlroy reflected on the recent woes of Tiger ran for the Republican nomination, but was muscled when turnout is always much higher. Women heavily Woods and Phil Mickelson and uttered the truth when out of the race by her own miscues, and Mitt Romney) went Warren’s way. In a mid-term election, lower voter he noted that both greats are on “the back nine of their and Kerry Murphy Healey to elect their male rivals. turnout makes Coakley’s hopes of breaking through the careers.” Legions of fans and scribes jumped all over The adage insists that “where there’s smoke, there’s gubernatorial glass ceiling all the harder, especially those words – while overlooking or ignoring the full fire,” and that is smoke descending upon Coakley and when the local media will trumpet each and every big- context in which he pointed out that great moments still her campaign, as it did earlier upon those erstwhile name Democrat who crosses over to the Baker camp. likely lie ahead for both Woods and Mickelson. With no women politicians who ran for the top slot in state It is a safe bet that most of them will be men. bile or malice whatsoever, McIlroy simply pointed out government. ••• that no golfer is the same in his or her late 30s, early Whether it is about the chauvinistic vitriol of the It would have been a sucker’s bet to take odds that any 40s, as they were in their 20s. The full context of the Herald’s Howie Carr or the more mannered but stiletto- highly placed Catholic cleric would give an enthusiastic Northern Irish golfer’s commentary also includes his like slices of Scott Lehigh and Joan Vennochi and thumbs-up to the dark, controversial film “Calvary.” observation that he has leagues to go before anyone Tom Keane in the Globe, Swift, Healey, O’Brien, and Written and directed by Martin McDonagh and star- can compare him to Tiger Woods. Murphy can certainly commiserate with Coakley while ring Brendan Gleeson as a priest facing crucifixion by McIlroy’s bluntness can be disarming. Right now, considering the fact that a large number of the state’s a clerically abused parishioner in the West of Ireland, however, he is playing the game on a level that no else women voters have turned to the male candidates in the movie has generated a high measure of both praise has since, well, Tiger. each of those previous gubernatorial frays. and revulsion. In one of the more eyebrow-raising sto- Page 6 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Walsh returns ‘home’ to Connemara By Bill Forry Editor GALWAY, Ireland – For a few hours last Saturday, Marty Walsh was just another Yank on holiday, enjoying the sights and sounds of Clifden, one of Co. Galway’s loveliest and liveliest towns. Your mayor had just enjoyed a sailboat ride and a quiet lunch with his partner Lorrie Higgins and two other traveling companions. Now, as he strolled through the scenic village with other tourists, he was incognito in blue jeans, sneakers, and an old-school Red Sox ball cap; mercifully, he was off the grid, stopping to buy scones and desserts for his mother at a local bakery called Walsh’s. The respite would not last long. Later that evening, he began a series of public events with a Mass celebrated in his mother’s home village of Ros- muc, followed by a reception that went late into the night. The first five days of Walsh’s first trip abroad as mayor were a blur of bonfires, parties, church services, and endless photo op- portunities— with the mayor getting rock star treatment at every stop. In a few places, the frenzy to get photos with Amanda Burke of Lowry’s Pub snaps a photo of Henry Kenneally, 75, with Mayor Marty Walsh, at right, during the Boston him was such that he had to be mayor’s surprise visit to Clifden on Sat., Sept. 18. hustled into a waiting car, often by his cousin, Winnie Curran, a Boston Police sergeant who is accompanying the mayor on the trip. Martin J. Walsh may not be a household name throughout Ireland, at least not yet. But here in the west of Ireland, and especially in the southern parts of Connemara where John Walsh and Mary O’Malley were born and raised, he is a celeb- rity of historic importance, a modern-day chieftain with a deeply personal connection to thousands of people, most of whom still speak Irish as their primary language. The Gael- tacht, as that Irish-speaking region is called here, is most certainly Marty Walsh country. It may have tested the pa- tience of his security team at times, but the mayor himself has cheerfully accommodated every request. “It’s such a big thing for everyone in both vil- lages. They’re just super excited, especially the kids who have seen the news in the papers and on the radio. I think they view it as a chance to meet somebody famous. I don’t think of myself as someone famous, but they do. And even some of the adults, they know the family and my uncles all these years. They’re Marty Walsh joins Joan and Cathal Walsh (no relation) outside the shop in the centre of Clifden in Connemara, Co. Galway. overwhelmed.” Photos by Bill Forry Said Walsh: “I was born in St. decline in the midst of a national Galway to England and then happened by, stopped, and two cals and American tourists alike Margaret’s Hospital. My home recession. Flights have been Boston in 1956. His mother flew women— Kathy O’Leary and and where, the mayor recalled, is Dorchester, Massachusetts. scaled back as a result, but are from Shannon in 1959 to begin Mary Goode— jumped out to “There was a little kid walking But I am also from Rosmuc and now trending back up thanks a life in Boston. greet the mayor and take photos. by and he said to his mate, ‘Hey, Carna in Connemara. It was the in large part to renewed daily Later, after a breakfast with Goode, a schoolteacher, had met that’s the mayor of Boston.’ The theme he carried throughout his flights from Boston and New business and political leaders Walsh before when he visited other little kid says, “What’s up, public remarks in the region: York. The mayor deliberately from the west, Walsh greeted her former school, Dorchester Marty?” like I’m in Dorchester. The people here claim Marty as chose to fly in and out of Shan- a large group of well-wishers in Youth Academy in Fields Cor- It was pretty funny.” their own, and vice-versa. non — and not Dublin— on the outer terminal of Shannon ner. “He was one of our biggest Later, Walsh, in speaking to The mayor began his 10-day this trip. and gave interviews to Irish supporters,” recalled Goode, the Reporter, said, “It’s amaz- visit by boarding a fully loaded “It sends a huge message radio alongside his uncle, Peter who lives in Scituate. “He would ing the interest in the mayor of Aer Lingus Airbus, that de- about the strength of Shan- O’Malley, a native of Connema- give out his phone number to all Boston and the fact that there’s parted Boston around 7:30 p.m non and the region,” said Rose ra who also lives in Dorchester. the kids and tell them to ‘call a tie to Ireland, it’s even more Boston time last Thursday and Hynes, president of Shannon He listened as the national Irish me if you ever need anything.’ “ so. Today was one of the days arrived at Shannon at 5:25 a.m. Airport. “And he lives that mes- radio station, RTE, played a On Monday, the mayor made we started talking business and Irish time, about 40 minutes sage himself.” song about Walsh recorded by a official visits to government the similarities between Boston ahead of schedule. Walsh, who At a press conference in the group of schoolchildren from his offices, including the County and Galway are clear. Galway’s flew in coach alongside Lorrie, airport terminal, Walsh fielded father’s town, Carna. The school Council and the Galway City agenda is life sciences, biotech, was greeted in the terminal questions from the Irish press kids won a contest sponsored by Council, where Mayor Donal incubator start-ups and that’s by his mother Mary, who had corps— and from three of the the station, which had asked Lyons, a Galway councillor, our as well. The construction flown to Ireland the week before Boston area reporters covering Irish-language schools to create presented Walsh with a paint- industry here is similar to home, to make preparations for her the trip. Two reporters posed a song in the mayor’s honor. ing followed by the mayor pre- although we’re doing a lot better son’s trip. questions to Walsh in the On Sunday, Walsh attended senting his counterpart with a in Boston with construction, but A bus load of Connemara Irish language, which he then a morning Mass at St. Mary’s Paul Revere Bowl. The mayor really the cities are very similar. neighbors — who woke up at 3 translated for the benefit of the Church in Carna, the village took photos with the council There’s real opportunity here for a.m. to make the trip to Shan- non-Irish speakers in the room. where his father was born and members, including Council- us to cultivate business here and non— were on hand to greet The mayor described Shan- raised. Following the Mass, lor Terry O’Flaherty, who has when they do look to expand, Walsh as he made his way non Airport as a special place the mayor and his mother took served as mayor of Galway for Boston should be a natural through the terminal. At the in his personal history. “This photos with scores of relatives two terms. first step.” airport, officials hailed Walsh’s is the very spot where my fam- and friends outside of the church In between meetings, Walsh On Tuesday, Walsh criss- visit as the latest boost for the ily’s American journey began,” and in front of Geraghty’s made a quick visit to Shop Street crossed Connemara, visiting six west coast of Ireland— and for he said, recalling that his late store on the Carna road. A car in Galway’s city center, where primary and secondary schools the airport itself, which had father John emigrated from loaded with American tourists he was quickly recognized by lo- in the region before returning suffered a five-year period of bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7

Michael Ó Cathasaigh, age 5, of Dubhithir, Carna, County Galway awaits the arrival of Mayor Walsh in Carna on Tuesday, Sept. 23. ‘You have a story to tell’ (Continued from page 1) effort. Like many people in gether a great coalition for Ireland in the United bility whether its Carna, it. In Ireland we have a the audience, Ó Catháin in the campaign. There States, it’s Mary Walsh,” or Boston or Dorchester story to tell as well about And he’s left his mark. traveled to Boston last were people from Central said Ó Catháin. to help keep that history democracy and standing What’s important is that fall to assist in the final America, people from “In the end, the people and tradition alive— and up for it. You have a story it’s the right mark.” push for Walsh’s mayoral Asia, people from the in this area are humble that we tell that story, to tell about an area hit- Máirtín Ó Catháin, campaign. In his remarks, black community. Martin people. And on this day because what makes our ting a hard time during the chairperson of the Ó Catháin told the crowd had them all together be- and with you, Mayor city so great isn’t what’s the famine.” committee planning the that he was impressed hind him.” Speakers — in- Walsh of Boston beside happening today, it’s what He added: “You can centre, said that Walsh’s with the multicultural cluding Ó Catháin— also us, we are proud,” said Ó happened yesterday,” said never forget where you engagement in the project coalition that Walsh built. heaped praised on Walsh’s Catháin. Walsh. “In Boston we talk came from. That’s why I’m goes back to 2008, when “He’s a man who is mother Mary, who was in In his remarks, the about the history of free- here today.” he was asked to assist above parochialism,” said attendance. “If ever there mayor said, “As an elected dom and democracy and efforts at fundraising for Ó Catháin. “He put to- was a great ambassador official — it’s our responsi- how we stood up and did the estimated $1.5 million A return ‘home’ to Connemara to the Carna to help lay and Belfast, where he on Monday, Sept. 27. In an a foundation stone for a will cement a sister-city interview with local media planned Emigrant Com- agreement and address at Shannon Airport prior memoration Centre to be the Belfast City Council to his departure for Bos- built with his help. Later, and tour the headquarters ton, Walsh said that the he spoke to a cheering of the Boston-based com- trip had been productive. crowd of nearly 500 people pany Liberty Mutual. He “As Mayor of Boston at the Connemara Boxing went on to Dublin, where my job is to go out there Club near Casla. he appeared in a live in- and market the city as Walsh left Galway on terview on “The Saturday best as we can,” said Sept. 22 to visit Knock and Night Show,” a nationally Walsh. “When I was here Donegal before crossing televised program with a on this trip I tried to the border into Northern large viewership. talk about tourism and Ireland for stops in Derry He returned to Boston inviting people to Boston and also around business development and making sure they know Boston is open (for business). “As much as I enjoyed the family, this trip was really focused on the busi- ness connections and the government connections, making connections with other mayors from other cities here in Ireland and that’s important because in America a lot is built on the relationships with other mayors. “I’ve learned a lot more about the (Irish) economy and more particularly about the business com- munity here in this coun- try. “I definitely see Ireland as an economy that is moving again and Mary Goode of Scituate spotted the mayor as she I think there’s a lot of drove through Carna on Sunday afternoon. Goode opportunity, not just for and Walsh had met before: She taught at Dorchester Ireland from Boston, but The Mayor of Derry, Councillor Brenda Stevenson presented a gift fto Mayor Youth Academy in Fields Corner. “He was one of there’s a lot of opportunity Marty Walsh, at a reception in the Guildhall on Sept. 24. our biggest supporters,” recalled Goode. for Boston from Ireland.” Page 8 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell John Hume, Nobelist and longtime leader of the at the slow process in filling the Irish post. O’Malley US Inversion Action Impacts Irish-Based Firms SDLP, said, “History will record his political career was confirmed in short order by a Senate voice vote – President Obama had been strongly hinting that — one which took him from the politics of division to on September 18. the US government would react to the growing threat a place where he accepted agreement as a solution, Bad News, Good News in the Bay Area – Every of inversion by multinationals seeking to cut their US the need for power-sharing, and respect for diversity. year thousands of Irish students with J1 visas come to corporate tax bills, and that came true late last month. But history will also ask if he should have reached America for work study programs. It’s part work and In an inversion, companies avoid or reduce US taxes this point sooner.” school and part a summer under the sun in America. by setting up a foreign company in a country, then The accumulated assessment of Paisley was gentler Most of the visiting students behave themselves, enjoy moving its tax domicile to that country. by the Irish nationalist community than I thought it their time here, and learn some things they didn’t The US Treasury an- might be, and unsurprisingly reverent by his Unionist know before they came. nounced new guidelines to colleagues and followers. The tacit cliche about speak- This year San Francisco, one of America’s elegant curtail so-called corporate ing no evil of those who have left us was generally in cities, hosted hundreds of youngsters in rented homes, inversions, making them good operational form at his departure. often just vacated by other students going home for more difficult to do and less My feelings, always from a distance, were unwav- the summer. But something went terribly wrong and rewarding. The immediate ering in the belief that he cruelly delayed a peaceful a large apartment rented by seven J1 Irish visitors impact of the US action solution, or at least a pathway to one, for years, and was trashed beyond recognition (the photos looked as pushed a number of corpo- while he was at it, his bigoted, narrow vision helped if a tornado struck inside the house). rate shares down, resulting fan the flames of division and hatred between the two The Irish Consul General Philip Grant was noti- in $10 billion being wiped traditions in the North. fied and he, in turn and after confirming the scope of off the value of more than a I also recall over the years his unrelenting, arrogant the damage, notified the J1 agencies and members of dozen companies in Ireland call to sectarian warfare, as his hate-filled dismissal the San Francisco Irish community. The outpouring and the United States. These of nationalist injustices became the IRA’s most potent of outrage and embarrassment by the city’s Irish was new Treasury rulings follow recruiting voice. And lastly, I believe that his final instant and generous. Irish construction companies heated discussions in the US conversion to power-sharing and the assumption of quickly offered to repair the extensive damage, and Bill O’Donnell on companies considering a leadership role in the new government (as a price other J1 Irish students, hurt and embarrassed by the moving tax domiciles to firms of entry) and his comfortable place in history was his harm to their collective reputation, offered help. in places like Ireland. last, best strategy to achieve the honors and recogni- Other young people volunteered for repair and Some of the impacted companies suffered almost tion to a point where many of us might forgive, if not cleanup and still others offered to share in the expense instant losses to their share price. These included forget, Paisley’s racist rants and the thinly disguised of repairing the damage, which will run into the tens AstraZeneca, operating in Ireland, and Big Pharma pandering to give substance and a missing integrity of thousands. And other students offered to track firms Shire, Abbvie, and Pfizer, also operating in Ire- to a regime that was more Argentinian than Irish or down those responsible foe the destruction. Consul land. Share price losses were also incurred by other British. He was a man who relished keeping the boot General Grant called the response in San Francisco firms in the US and Ireland. on the necks of the Taigs. That anti-Catholic obsession “amazing. And it was! The Irish finance ministry staunchly defends its was muted but not gone at his twilight. I was involved for a number of years in bringing tax policies and the presence of hundreds of US firms Yes, we should honor the dead, but honor also the over students for summer programs and all in all, the in Ireland, saying that Ireland has “never sought reality of history and a man’s decades of behavior. young people from Dublin, Belfast, Derry, Donegal, firms on that basis [of taxes] but rather is interested Chuck Feeney Spending Down – The American etc. behaved themselves, completed the Boston area in seeking companies that bring real jobs and real business genius, and later one of the this era’s most programs, and returned home better for the experience. benefit to the country.” We have not heard the last of ardent philanthropists, Chuck Feeney, 83, is nearing RANDOM CLIPPINGS this, that’s for sure. the end of his personal drive to divest himself of all The North’s First Minister, Peter Robinson, is Casino Plans For Belfast Heating Up – The UK’s of his Duty-Free Shops millions. Late last month his deep into political trouble these days so he shuffled Rank Group is seriously looking into the possibility of Atlantic Philanthropies gave Northern Ireland $32.8 his cabinet. It’s a bit like baseball managers. Can’t opening the first gambling casino in Belfast, which at million to be used for the promotion of shared educa- fire the team but in this instance he fired some team present has not granted any licenses for such devel- tion for Catholic and Protestant children, parenting members and kept his managerial post. Not for long, opment, which would entail changes in legislation to programs, and improvement of dementia care. The I think. … Shoot-to-kill by the army and the-then allow a gaming operation in the North’s capital city. Feeney money will be matched by over $50 million RUC is now, 32 years later, getting some attention The Rank Company has met with city councillors and from the Stormont government in the North. from the British. …A Belfast Telegraph editorial asks some members of the Local Assembly in an effort to Over the years Feeney’s philanthropy, targeted spe- where the mainland British are while Stormont and gauge political and community sentiment. cifically for education, has enriched the Irish coffers the NI government is into a meltdown. … Bad news Company representatives spoke of the financial and by almost a billion dollars. Martin McGuinness, the for friend Rhode Island Rep. Peter Martin, defeated employment benefits to the city. The average annual deputy first minister at Stormont, called the Feeney for another term in the RI Assembly. He was the good revenue per Rank casino (they own and operate 55 of gift a “colossal contribution. These projects will have a guy who was instrumental in getting a full pardon them in Britain) is $6.5 million, and the annual profit significant impact on the quality of people’s lives, now signed into law for an innocent Irishman hanged in for Rank per casino is over $800,000. The company and for years to come. The legacy will be a brighter 1845. … Give a cheer for an infrequent All-Ireland went to considerable length in its meetings to assure future for the most vulnerable in our community.” “double. Football wins for junior and senior sides from conservative Protestants and anti-gambling elements Early on, Chuck Feeney answered a question about the Kingdom. … Emigrants from other EU countries in Belfast that they run responsible programs and his ambitions, saying at the time “I want the last check in Ireland get dissed all the time. A Romanian worker would operate that way in Belfast. I write to bounce.” Good man. found $4,000 when he was cleaning and turned it into In an interesting sidebar, the North’s Minister of Did You Know … that contrary to the rhetoric of his manager. Good Man! Social Development, Nelson McCauseland, said those who have been enemies of immigration reform Congrats to the New England Council’s Jim Brett on the law would not be changed to allow Rank’s pro- and fair play, being in the US without permission is a his well deserved induction into the Special Olympics posal. However, he said that before he was recently civil violation, not a criminal offense. The act of being Hall of Fame. … Short memories at Fox when criticiz- eliminated from the Cabinet by First Minister Peter present in the United States in violation of the im- ing Obama for his measly vacation time off. George Robinson, in what was likely an unrelated political migration laws is not, standing alone, a crime. While W. (remember him?) had three and a half times more move. federal immigration law does criminalize some actions vacation than President Obama’s time off and even A Warm, Triumphant Return for Boston’s that may be related to an undocumented presence in more uncounted at Kennebunkport and elsewhere. Mayor – It has been an uninterrupted cavalcade the United States, undocumented presence alone is Get the numbers right for a change. … Belfast’s Lord of kisses, hugs, and smiling faces for Boston Mayor not a violation of federal criminal law. Mayor has a city-paid deluxe BMW worth $90,000 (for Marty Walsh in his poignant return to Connemara, Irish UN Force Stands Tall – The 130-strong official use, of course), … Taoiseach Enda Kenny, the land at the Atlantic’s edge where he spent so many Irish United Nation’s contingent has been in harm’s who’s been on a honeymoon here, rejected three very youthful holidays. I recall former JFK aide Dave way in the Golan Heights observation mission where qualified females in favor of a hack male friend for a Powers saying how touching and memorable John the living is anything but easy. But there have been vacant Seanad seat, where Irish pols go to wait for Kennedy’s visit in 1963 to Wexford was and how the some structural changes that have moved the Irish the next Dail election. … The British are spending president spoke of it often and in glowing terms during temporarily from their mission base in Syria to a camp $1.6 million to make South Armagh, the old “Bandit the months before his death. on the Israeli-controlled side in mid-September. Country,” appealing to tourists. Are the watch tow- It certainly seems probable that Walsh’s friendly The Irish, along with contingents from four other ers gone yet? … A really good Samaritan in Galway invasion of Connemara will provide the mayor a similar UN peacekeeping missions, were shifted because of anonymously donated $13,000 so that children in an set of warming memories. But there has also been the threat posed by factions in Syria’s civil war. The African refugee family living in a hostel for 6 years a business dimension to His Honor’s return that has Irish Defense Minister has said that the Irish would could get started on an education. Great Man. featured fresh conversations about increased commer- not be dragged into a civil war where UN posts were The cost of a night out in Dublin is $105 and much cial ties between Galway and Boston. The presence in being attacked. of that for booze. … Maureen O’Hara will officially Boston of so many successful Galway natives, many However, the Irish are confident that the next contin- be honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts at heavily invested in Boston area business, should augur gent of peacekeepers will again be based at the critical the Governors Awards on Nov. 8. Maureen is unique, well for Mayor Walsh’s latest campaign. Golan Heights observation post and will continue to one of a kind. … The Gaelic Roots 2014 Dance & Ceili One of the stops the mayor made on his trip was to St. serve the UN mission on the Golan Heights as long kicks off at BC’s Gasson Hall on the evening of Oct. 7 Patrick’s school in Galway to keep a promise to Sean as they are needed. with more to come in November & December (email: Faherty, almost eleven, and a pupil at the primary A Few Words Help Push Irish Posting – President [email protected]). … Guinness is “going school. Last summer while campaigning for the office Obama’s nominee as our ambassador to Ireland had blonde” for folks in its US market folks who are not he now holds, he promised Sean, who was in Boston run up against the partisan gridlock that has made entranced by the dark stuff. Should be available in late visiting relatives, that he would come to Ireland this the White House appointment process a veritable September. … A former Irish minister from Kilkenny, year and would see Sean at St. Patrick’s school. The battleground. Sometimes, though, it’s stunning how Phil Hogan, hit the jackpot. He is the European mayor indeed kept his promise in his only school visit a few well-placed words from the right spot can move Union’s new Secretary of Agriculture at $400,000 a and following a question period he was saluted by St. things along, even in the glacial style of the US Senate. year, controlling the $80 billion EU Ag budget. Wow! Patrick’s Boys Brass Band. After Kevin O’Malley, a Missouri attorney and … Well done to Democrat Maura Healey, a veteran Ian Paisley’s Passing Brings Pause To North friend of the president, finally had his Senate confirma- prosecutor who will follow Martha Coakley as state – After studying the actions and lengthy political ma- tion hearing, it appeared that there would be a further attorney general. … Irish couples are waiting longer neuvering of the most dominant figure in the Northern delay before the Senate vote that would send him off to say I do. The about-to-be-married in Ireland these Unionist ranks, I have my own deeply personal opinions to Ireland. The 21-month delay re the Irish post had days are, on average, men 34.7 years old; women 32.6. of the man. Ian Paisley began as a founding minister already become the longest in history. … The sheets are irrevocably torn between Martin with an unquenchable, virulent dislike for Catholics. Enter the well-connected American Ireland Fund McGuinness and Peter Robinson. Guess the second He later became Democratic Unionist Party leader and its chairman, New York hotelier John Fitzpat- edition of the Chuckle Twins is heading for a divorce. and First Minister of the devolved Northern Ireland rick. Concerned with the uncertainty of when final … The world’s largest airline (according to reports) Stormont government. Senate approval would be voted, Fitzpatrick wrote is Emirate Airlines, and they are looking to fill 5,000 He was a man you could not ignore. As a politician to two old friends who could move things along: positions. Winning candidates will be based in Dubai. and Free Presbyterian pastor he worked both sides of Democrat Harry Reid, Senate majority leader, and … If you wonder why your eyes glaze over watching the street. People who knew him, or had spent time his Republican counterpart, minority leader Mitch Patriot games, consider this: During a typical telecast with him, characterized Big Ian as a charmer and McConnell. Fitzpatrick, in his letter to the Senate lasting under three hours you will get to see a com- someone you could work with on economic issues. leaders, stressed the long delay, the unseemliness of mercial message (AKA as “an ad”) every two minutes. any further delay, and the bewilderment in Ireland Absurd, and very greedy by the troubled NFL honchos. bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Local roots, union ties boost SullyMac success

By Bill Forry country’s first teaching Editor hospital, a state-of-the-art One of Dorchester’s 300-bed facility that is largest private employers now open in Mirebalais. is a Port Norfolk-based SullyMac also oversaw company that was found- the design of the solar ed in 1969 by two men panel array that is on the who gave it their names: roof and powers the entire Sullivan & McLaughlin, building. Volunteers from better know by their cur- the company flew down to rent handle “SullyMac.” Haiti and installed every- The electrical construc- thing from light fixtures tion and maintenance firm and ceiling fans. is now under the owner- Closer to home, Sully- ship and management Mac is plugging into the of a second generation of civic fabric of Dorchester McLaughlins, led by presi- as well. The firm’s bucket dent John McLaughlin trucks are frequently and his brother-in-law, called upon to assist executive vice-president in seasonal decorations John Rudicus. Together, along Dorchester Avenue, with company CEO Den- for example. nis Miller, the two have Whether SullyMac’s managed to build Sul- ownership will extend to a lyMac into one of the re- third generation remains gion’s premier contracting to be seen. Rudicus and firms with a staff of more McLaughlin have six than 500 union men and children between them— women, most of them none of them old enough affiliated with another yet to be employed there. Dorchester institution, For now, the focus is on re- cruiting and keeping top- IBEW Local 103. John McLaughlin (right), president of the Dorchester-based Sullivan & McLaughlin Companies and “We’re both very proud company executive vice president John Rudicus. Bill Forry photo notch talent among the that it’s a Dorchester- union electricians. “We developed that skill set based, family-run busi- whose grandfather, Hugh came to work with their the union president be- cess and the success of this and we do a fair amount ness that has a great McLaughlin, was an Irish dad in 1991, there were came enamored of John’s company really parallel of aptitude testing,” said feel to it,” said Rudicus, immigrant who worked in only 12 full-time employ- father in particular— the one another. He’s been a Rudicus. who is married to John maintaining St. Peter’s ees and half of them would relationship softened. progressive and dynamic McLaughlin, who is a McLaughlin’s sister Ka- Church and lived on Meet- often be idle, depending These days, McLaughlin leader.” salesman, not an elec- tie. “This neighborhood inghouse Hill where he on seasonal work in the directly links the growth SullyMac has plugged trician, said the com- has been great to us.” raised his family, includ- field. They added a ser- of SullyMac to the con- into major clients like Fen- pany still employs the SullyMac has been a ing John’s dad. “Everyone vice division— providing temporaneous expansion way Park — and became same philosophy that good neighbor as well. you knew and did business specialized repairs and in- of the union’s reputation a more well-known entity his father used to good Originally situated on with were here and we had stallations for bank ATM and membership. in the public’s mind by effect. “He had 12 phe- Dorchester Avenue, first so many of our employees machines, for example— “Mike Monahan was a sponsoring Friday Nights nomenal employees and in an old horse stable near from here.” which allowed them to add fan of my dad and we built at Fenway and a generous they all worked for John Peabody Square and then The company has re- more staff and keep them a better relationship,” donor to the Jimmy Fund. McLaughlin. It was a phi- in space closer to Free- stored the old ship-build- employed more often. said John. “The shift in They also joined an effort losophy that stuck with port Street, the company ing factory into primarily “There was an ebb and our attitudes started that coordinated by Local 103 us— that we’re going to needed to relocate as busi- office space, with some flow to the work and we trend. I would say that to send electrical workers trust you to do this.” ness picked up in the late storage room set aside for noticed that half of the Michael Monahan’s suc- to Haiti to help build that 1990s. They moved for a equipment. The company guys would be out of short time to Quincy and has added new space in work,” said Rubicus. “We considered moving even recent years on nearby said, ‘It doesn’t have to be farther afield to a subur- Tenean Street, buying a that way.’” ban locale with less expen- factory once used to make McLaughlin and Ru- sive options. But in 1999, Sunbeam bread products. dicus also forged better when the SullyMac team Tag team members relations with local labor discovered a building on McLaughlin and Rudicus leaders, a primary one Lawley Street that was say that the firm’s growth being Michael Monahan, once used as a warehouse and success – it expects to longtime business agent The Jesuit, Catholic College Preparatory School for boys grades 7 - 12 for the maritime manufac- bill in excess of $150 mil- at IBEW Local 103. In the turer of the same name, it lion this fiscal year – has early days of SullyMac, seized the opportunity to been a result of smart McLaughlin says, the move back to Dorchester. hires and astute sales employees had resisted “It just made sense to strategies. When John joining the local. But as us,” said McLaughlin, and his brother Hugh first years progressed— and Synergy’s Greaney introduces ‘Blackline’ A new member-based ments,” Greaney said in ensure a comfortable, safe livery venture was an introductory email to and reliable experience. launched in Boston last friends. He said the new To enjoy the full benefits month by Limerick native venture “provides pre- of our free Blackline mem- Dave Greaney, presi- mier personal transport bership, Greaney added, dent of Synergy Invest- services in the Greater please contact our director ments. “I am excited to Boston area. Our fleet of of sales, Jon Mahoney, introduce you to Black- 2014 Cadillac Escalades at 617 517-4108 or jma- 150 years of educating young men from the City of Boston line, a new business ven- and our professional & honey@blacklineboston. ture from Synergy Invest- experienced drivers will com.” Open House Irish Social Club of Boston, Inc. 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 617-327-7306 or 617-549-9812 Sunday, October 26, 2014 Incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, June 27, 1945 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

All held on SUNDAYS at 8 pm with $10 admission except where Socials every otherwise noted. Doors open at 6:30 pm for PUB NIGHTS: live music from 8-11 pm. Admission free Information Nights Sunday Evening at 8:00 pm SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Arrupe (Grade 7) OCTOBER Carol O’Connor from TableCritic at November 20, 2014, 6:00 p.m. 3 Friday – MARIAN CURRY DIRECT FROM 617-323-0670 or [email protected] IRELAND. Doors open at 7 pm. Admission for more information. 7-11 pm and January 7, 2015, 6:00 p.m. $20. Call 617-327-7306 or 617-549-9812 for $25 admission. tickets or table reservations. 26 sunday – Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton 5 sunday – Wild Rovers 10 Friday – PUB NIGHT with Irish Whispa. NOVEMBER High School (Grade 9) FREE ADMISSION 1 saturday – DECLAN NERNEY DIRECT 11 saturday – TR DALLAS DIRECT FROM FROM IRELAND: Doors open at 7 pm. $25. November 5, 2014, 6:00 p.m. IRELAND: Doors open at 7 pm. Admission Call Pat McDonough at 781-534-3919 or visit is $20. Call 617-327-7306 or 617-549-9812 www.IrishMusicNation.com for tickets or info. December 9, 2014, 6:00 p.m. for tickets or table reservations. 2 sunday – Fintan Stanley 12 sunday – Traditions 7 Friday – Holy Ghost Fathers Annual Dance. 19 sunday – John Connors and the Irish Express Call Father Peter Nolan for more information To reserve a spot for your family at any of our events 24 Friday – Election of Officers from 5-8 pm. at 617-325-1300. please visit www.bchigh.edu/admissions You must have a YELLOW membership card 8 saturday – COMEDIAN CAHAL DUNNE to vote. DIRECT FROM IRELAND: Doors open at 25 saturday – OKTOBER FALL FESTIVAL: 7 pm. $20. Call 617-327-7306 or Come and enjoy a German-themed evening of 617-549-9812 for tickets or table reservations. music, food, raffles, and contests Call 9 sunday – Noel Henry’s Irish Show Band 150 Morrissey Boulevard ~ Boston, MA ~ 02125 Follow us on Twitter @irishsocialbos Follow us on Facebook: Irish Social Club of Boston 617-474-5010 bchigh.edu/admissions Page 10 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com 2016 Visa Lottery Irish International Immigrant Center is open for An agency accredited by US Department of Justice 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 applications Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 An annual Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, com- Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] monly known as the “Visa Lottery,” makes a number of immigrant visas available each year by random 2014 Solas Award Profile: Sister Lena Deevy, LSA selection to people from countries with low rates of Since 1993, the Irish Sister Lena was a commu- immigration issues. She other countries. It is a joy immigration to the US. For fiscal year 2016, 50,000 International Immigrant nity organizer in Wales has worked alongside oth- for us to recognize some- visas will be available, and people born in Northern Center has recognized and Ireland. She then ers to promote the welfare one who has inspired so Ireland or the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply. some truly inspiring lead- led the IIIC’s day-to-day of all immigrants, and to many to take action over Application for the program is online between October ers by presenting them work for 24 years before highlight how much im- the years, and who has 1, 2014 and November 3, 2014, and is free of charge. with our Solas Award. stepping down from the migrants contribute to touched countless lives. The Department of State, Office of Visa Services, Year after year, we’ve role last year. Under her our communities and to The IIIC’s Solas Awards advises the public of a notable increase in fraudulent taken time to reflect on guidance, the Center grew society. presentations will take emails and letters sent to Diversity Immigrant Visa the difference an indi- from a volunteer hotline to Beyond her role at the place on Oct. 30 at the (DV) program (Visa Lottery) applicants. The scam- vidual can make – locally, the multi-service welcome IIIC, Sister Lena has been Boston Park Plaza Hotel. mers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are nationally, and globally. center it is today. Tens of a voice for peace, justice, Tickets and information posing as the US government in an attempt to extract This year we are delighted thousands of immigrants and inclusion on a global are available at iiicenter. payment from DV applicants. that one of our Solas have directly benefitted scale. In addition to her org. Applicants who are applying for this program should Award recipients will be from the IIIC’s assistance work for Ireland she has be aware that only websites with the “.gov” indicator our own Executive Direc- since its founding in 1989, supported similar efforts in their website address are official government sites. tor Emerita, Sister Lena and many more have ben- in Haiti, El Salvador, Ni- Many other websites provide legitimate and accurate Deevy, LSA. efitted from Sister Lena’s caragua, the Philippines, Sister Lena Deevy information but applicants should only submit their Before coming to Boston, outspoken advocacy on South Africa, and many Led IIIC for 24 years personal information on the official DV Lottery website. Sharing your personal information on an illegitimate website also increases the risk of identity theft. If you remember how the Diversity Visa Lottery works, it will be hard for scammers to get your money: Matters Of Substance It is free to enter the Diversity Visa lottery at dvlot- tery.state.gov. Help us spread the message of Hope The program is never identified as “The Green Card Lottery”. By Danielle Owen to the health screening The drawing is random. There is no way to increase IIIC Staff to get her flu shot as she your chance of winning. A few months ago, we thought it would help her You can find out your status only at dvlottery.state. here in Wellness received find another job working gov. an email message and a with the elderly. You do not pay until you find out your entry was picture from someone who “I was as low as any hu- chosen, and you go to the U.S. embassy or consulate had attended one of our man being could have been in person for your appointment. health screenings a few but then you guys offered years ago. She wanted us me a cup of tea while I was For a complete list of countries/areas by region whose to know how important waiting for my flu shot and natives are eligible to apply, for information about other that day turned out to asked me how I was … and eligibility requirements, and for a link to the official be for her. She says she then it all came out. I had application website, refer to travel.state.gov/content/ was seriously considering a counseling appointment visas/english/immigrate/diversity-visa/entry.html. suicide. She had struggled the next day, information with depression for years, on health care access, and had just lost her job of 10 suddenly I knew I wasn’t years, and felt that she alone. Thank you. If you WELLNESS SERVICES had no one and nothing weren’t here, I might not in her life, especially as all be. I just wanted you to her family were at home in know that you made a FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS Ireland and she was living difference.” and emailed it with her IIIC or post it onto our IIIC here without status. She She took the picture message, and we thought Wellness Services Page. If accompanying this article WHAT: reminded us that she came it would be a wonderful you are walking with us FREE FLU SHOT AND HEALTH way for people to share on Oct. 4, share it on our SCREENING with us how something as event page on Facebook. simple as offering a cup of Let’s show just how easy it WHERE: tea or asking the simple is to spread hope and save IRISH INTERNATIONAL question “How are you?” a life. Help us ensure simi- IMMIGRANT CENTER or other small steps can lar stories have happier 100 FRANKLIN STREET, LL-1 change someone’s world, endings by joining us for BOSTON, MA (ENTER AT 201 DEVONSHIRE ST) FOLEY LAW OFFICES, P.C. for a minute, for a lifetime. our fundraising “Together Do you have a similar For Hope” suicide preven- The Irish International Immigrant Center and Attorney John Philip Foley WHEN “I’m Here...” story? Did tion and awareness walk Cathedral Cares of The Cathedral of The Holy : Cross are offering a Free Health Screening, WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15TH Permanent Residency & Citizenship • Family & Business someone say something that day in Dorchester. including flu shots, blood pressure and wellness 10:30AM - 1PM Immigration • Labor Certification & Temporary Visas or do something to remind Check out this link on our screenings. Learn about your health insurance AND ALL Nationalities & AILA Members you that you weren’t website – iiicenter.org/ and access options and stay healthy this winter. MONDAY, OCT. 20TH alone! Then write it down together-for-hope/ – for 3PM - 6PM Drop-ins welcome, though appointments are and take a picture of it and more information. You too recommended. Contact Iarla at 617-542-7654 send it into us here at the can walk to honor those ext. 32, [email protected]. CONTACT: we love and to save lives! IARLA Ó hALLMHURÁIN 617-542-7654 EXT 32 [email protected] O’Brien WELLNESS SERVICES talk on Alzheimer’s IRISH INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANT CENTER Need a reason to switch to us? Here are 3: IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANCE at Lesley A top-rated $0 premium* HMO plan option with The Irish International Immigrant Center provides free legal 1 support and representation to the Irish immigrant community. Weekly medical, vision and prescription benefits Oct. 21 legal clinics where you can receive a free and confidential consultation with staff and volunteer attorneys are held throughout the Greater Boston area. Lesley University of For information, call us at (617) 542-7654. 2 $150 annual fitness reimbursement Cambridge will host a special evening with Greg Upcoming Clinic Schedule O’Brien, a longtime Cape Tuesday, October 7th IIIC, 100 Franklin St. Lower Level, Downtown Boston Entrance Over 4,500 local doctors you know and trust Cod resident and BIR is at 201 Devonshire Street 3 in Suffolk County special contributor who was diagnosed with early- Tuesday, October 21st IIIC, 100 Franklin St. Lower Level, Downtown Boston Entrance onset Alzheimer’s in 2009. is at 201 Devonshire Street Call 1-800-259-6202 (TTY: 1-888-899-8977)** O’Brien has been using his Tuesday, October 28th gift for communicating to The South Boston Laboure Center or visit: thpmp.org/hmo 275 West Broadway, South Boston illuminate the patient perspective of living with

Phone: 617.542.7654 | Fax: 617.542.7655 | www.iiicenter.org * You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. the disease. ** Representatives available 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Oct. 1 – Feb. 14. He will speak in Lesley’s Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Washburn Auditorium on Tues., Oct. 21, at 7 Enrollment in Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred depends on contract renewal. p.m. The evening will The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description begin with a screening of Subscribe Today! of benefits. For more information, contact Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred. a short film about him, to the Boston Irish Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or “A Place Called Pluto,” Reporter. directed by Steve James, copayments may change on January 1 of each year. the producer-director of Call 617-436-1222. H2256_2015_36 Accepted 4225(10/14)REAS “Hoop Dreams.”

4225 ROP_5x5_Suffolk.indd 1 9/22/14 9:56 AM bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 Irish Heritage Festival set for Oct. 12: Let the music, fun begin (Continued from page 1) Other attractions at will be featuring a diverse the festival will include line-up of performers John Henry’s World of from Greater Boston and Magic; TIARA (The Irish elsewhere in New Eng- Ancestral Research As- land. Acts confirmed at sociation), a non-profit press time include: Erin’s organization established Melody; Silver Spears; to develop and promote Devri; Pauline Wells; the growth, study, and Ireland the Band; John exchange of idea among Dlaton; Mairin Ui Cheide; people and organizations The Gobshites; The Fe- interested in Irish genea- nian Sons; Comhaltas logical and historical re- Ceoltóirí Éireann; Tin Can search and education; and Hooley; Erin’s Guild; Tom a visit by the Irish Setters Lanigan; Noggin; Michael Club of New England. O’Leary; the Boston Fire Says Ui Cheide, a co- Department Pipe Band; organizer of the event: Patrick Kennedy; Joe “Many people have worked Walsh; Paudi Walsh; and hard to make this jewel Colleen White and Sean of a festival a reality. It’s Smith. dependent solely on the Boston-area Irish dance generosity of Dorchester schools will be well rep- businesses, and the overall resented at the festival, support of the community, with the Keane O’Brien not to mention the efforts Academy of Irish Dance, of a committed neighbor- Clifden Academy of Irish hood committee that in- Dance, O’Shea-Chap- cludes its president, Sean lin Academy of Irish Weir, and my fellow co- Dance; Smith-Houlihan chair, Patrick McDonagh. Dance Academy; Greene- “The festival is guided O’Leary School of Irish by a belief that our Irish Dance, and Brady-Kenny- heritage needs to be ex- O’Brien Academy of Irish hibited in its many forms, Dance. through language, music, The Press Gang has At last year’s Irish Heritage Festival “Dorchester Strong” — A parade of local Irish dance schools pre- song and dance – and with emerged as one of the more ceded performances at last year’s Irish Heritage Festival at Florian Hall and the McKeon Post. that extraordinary friend- exciting traditional Irish Photo by Sean Smith liness and openness that music groups in New Eng- welcomes all to partici- land, or elsewhere, with family of dancers that has Keith started out as Greater Boston; he also Jaclyn O’Riley, and singer pate. We are truly blessed a fresh, energetic sound performed with The Chief- a classical violinist, but has performed with Rob- Mairin Ui Cheide. to live in a land that allows built on the accordion tains, Sharon Shannon began playing Irish fiddle bie O’Connell and Aoife Westmeath native TR us to be free to practice and and concertina playing and Altan, among others, while living in Chicago Clancy, and as part of Dallas, a crowd-pleaser showcase our cultures. We of Chris “Junior” Stevens is equally celebrated for and – to the delight of “A Christmas Celtic So- at least year’s festival, are rooted in who we are, and fiddling ofAlden Rob- his talents as a choreog- many – has continued journ.” has made numerous ra- and this makes us happier, inson, with the backing of rapher, instructor, and to do so since arriving in Cunningham and Keith dio and TV appearances stronger Americans.” Owen Marshall on guitar producer. Most recent- Boston more than 20 years will be part of a special during a career spanning For updates and infor- and bouzouki. The band ly, he has performed in ago. He is a regular at local sean-nos dance exhibi- more than three decades. mation on the festival – released its first CD in and co-directed “Atlantic sessions, including those tion that will also feature He has toured with such including a list of vendors 2010 and is finishing up Steps,” a stage production at pubs such as The Druid accordion players Paudi luminaries as Johnny who will be on site – see a new album. that chronicles the story and The Burren, and has Walsh, Joe Walsh, and Cash, Boxcar Willie, Don dorchesteririshheritagef- Cunningham, a Conne- of sean-nos (“old-style”) been a teacher and mentor Sean Gannon, as well as Williams, and Foster and est.com. mara native and part of a dance. to musicians throughout piper Joey Abarta, dancer Allen. – SEAN SMITH

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 Page 12 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com AOH Notebook the Division marched and sponsored a float in Chaplain Waters Newburyport’s Annual Homecoming Parade. • The Rev. Joseph Nally heading to Philly has been appointed the new Chaplain of Division Upon returning to the Bridges Award, which will 8 in Clinton. Bay State after enjoying be presented at the Golden • Division 8’s Hiber- the fine hospitality of the Bridges Luncheon on Oct. nian Family & Friends St. Louis, Missouri, Hi- 9 at the Seaport Outing was held at the bernians and the sights of Plaza Hotel and World Greater Lawrence Com- St. Louis while attending Trade Center in Bos- munity Boating Grounds the National Convention, ton. The luncheon and in South Lawrence. The Massachusetts Hiberni- awards are sponsored by Rev. Patrick Armano, a ans were given the news the Irish Echo. member of Division 8, that their chaplain, the Past recipients of this celebrated a Mass on the Rev. William F. Waters, award include former grounds of the Boating OSA, was being trans- US Ambassador to the program. The event was ferred to Philadelphia. Vatican and Boston Mayor attended by members and Father Waters, who also Ray Flynn and former friends from Florida, New served as chaplain to the Boston Police Commis- Hampshire, Michigan, Essex County Boards and sioner Kathleen O’Toole. and Massachusetts. Division 8 in Lawrence, ••• • Division 11 held its is a Philadelphia native Division 18 in Salem annual golf tournament who has been reassigned hosted the fall meeting of to benefit its scholarship as pastor of St. Augustine the State Board at its Divi- fund at the Meadow in Parish in that city. sion home. A commemora- Peabody. The following A reception for Father tive ceremony in memory day, members and friends Waters was hosted by of the Commodore John were treated to a steak Division 8 at the Clad- Barry followed the State and lobster dinner at the dagh Pub & Restaurant Board Meeting. Division Home. in Lawrence. ••• Division 19 will com- ••• In other events of note: memorate the tragic event A Committee of AOH • President Jack Lahey of the Brig St. John on and LAOH members has and Essex County LAOH Sun., Oct. 5, 2014, with a been busy making plans President Joyce Buckley memorial Mass at Saint for the State Boards Ban- are pleased to announce Anthony’s Church in Co- quet, which will be held the appointment of the hassat at 1 pm. A recep- in Peabody on Nov. 9. Rev. James Wenzel, OSA, tion will follow in the Boston’s Consul General as the new AOH & LAOH church hall and a wreath of Ireland, Breandán Ó Essex County Chaplain. laying ceremony will take Caollaí, will be the fea- … The AOH and LAOH place at the AOH Celtic tured speaker at the din- Essex County Memorial Memorial Cross at the ner. A Mass at St. John Mass for AOH & LAOH gravesite of the victims the Evangelist Church in deceased members will be in Cohasset Memorial Peabody will precede the held on Sun., Oct. 26, at Cemetery. banquet. 11 a.m. in Austin Hall on • Division 36 hosted a ••• the campus of Merrimack concert featuring Niamh Bill Sullivan, President College, North Andover, Dunnet and Sean Og of Division 8 in Lawrence MA. The Mass will be cel- Graham at its Hibernian and a member of the AOH ebrated by Father Wenzel Cultural Center. National Board, has been • Division 1 held its an- Compiled by William J. named the recipient of the nual Yankee Homecoming Sullivan. David R. Burke Golden Irish Sunset Cruise and

PAINTINGS OF IRELAND BY MARY MC SWEENEY

- Live Music - Great Food - Vendors - Culture -    
   - Fun For All

“Ballybunnion Golf Course” STUDIO & GALLERY RT. 6A, CUMMAQUID (BARNSTABLE) CAPE COD To support the cost of the Festival, there will be a suggested donation at the entrance 508 362 6187 www.marymcsweeney.com of $5 per person or $20 per family DorchesterIrishHeritageFest.com bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13

Celebrating 24 years “Telling the Stories of Boston’s Irish” Boston Irish Honors You are cordially invited 2014 Committee to the 24th Anniversary Luncheon Peter Meade Event Chair Sponsored by the Boston Irish Reporter Ed Forry Publisher Friday, October 24, 2014 Breandán O Caollaí, Seaport Hotel, Main Ballroom Consul General of Ireland One Seaport Lane, Boston MA James T. Brett Aidan Browne Boston Irish Honors 2014 William M. Bulger James Carmody John T. Carroll Della O’Flaherty Costello Steve Costello Jay Curley Sean Curran Brendan Feeney Dick Flavin John Philip Foley Bill Forry 2014 Honorees Hon. Linda Dorcena Forry Maureen Forry-Sorrell The Burke Family Anne Geraghty David Greaney Jacquelyn, John, Paul, Jim Keefe Dennis and Michael Edris Kelley William F. Kennedy Rev. Thomas B. Kennedy Katherine Craven Paul LaCamera Mimi LaCamera Mayor Martin J. Walsh Joe Leary Rosanne Bacon Meade Sean Moynihan Registration begins 11:15 a.m. James J. O’Brien Michael O’Neill Luncheon 11:45 a.m. Gil Sullivan $150 per guest, Table of 10, $1500 Michael Vaughn Bobby White [email protected]. W. Paul White Sponsorship opportunities available - please call 617-436-1222 Page 14 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Reporter Travel & More For the O’Briens, it’s about more than dancing By Sean Smith ent, it’s crucial to help your kids Special to the BIR set high goals and deal with The O’Brien family has plenty achieving them – or with not to show for its involvement with achieving them.” Irish dancing. Their Newton “The most important thing home’s basement, renovated Mom and Dad did for us,” says some years ago to accommo- Alana, “was that they were good date a small practice studio, is at being parents, rather than full of photos and trophies that trying to be coaches.” chronicle the success of Conor, Make no mistake: The 21, Claire, 23, and Alana, 25, O’Briens are proud of the tro- over nearly two decades of phies, ribbons, certificates and competitions in the US and other marks of accomplish- elsewhere. ments, but these many years And that collection of hard- of involvement in Irish dance ware has a couple of new entries have been a means of personal from the World Irish Dance growth, for child and adult alike, Championship this past April say the O’Briens – something in London, as a result of Conor’s to savor for its own sake. As winning the Men 20-21 title, another season of preparation and another first-place finish for various competitions un- by Conor and Claire as part of folds among Irish dance schools the O’Shea-Chaplin Academy of throughout Boston, New Eng- Irish Dance team in the Senior land and beyond, the O’Briens Mixed Ceili competition. perhaps represent that ideal But talk to the O’Brien all-family experience in Irish siblings, and their parents, dance, where true fulfillment Stephanie and Andrew, and isn’t merely something quanti- (L-R) Alana, Conor and Claire O’Brien of Newton with some mementos from their years of you get an expansive view of fied by judge’s scores. Irish dance competitions. Sean Smith photo life with Irish dancing, one that “The families are key to mak- goes far beyond the accumula- ing it all work,” says Lisa Chap- and end-all of dancing – and school but among the other Adds Conor: “It’s a competi- tion of prizes. They speak of lin, a teacher at O’Shea-Chap- that’s a message the families dancers in competitions, and tion, but also a performance. meeting individual challenges lin, where the three O’Brien can help reinforce.” those relationships can last You’re there to dance not just while simultaneously enjoying children have been students It’s certainly a message that years,” says Claire. “You also for the seven judges, but for the familial bonds that have since early childhood. “They en- the younger O’Briens have have the opportunity to travel the hundreds, even thousands, been tested, and ultimately courage the dancers, cheer them taken to heart, as they muse when you’re young, sometimes of people behind them in the strengthened, by the commit- on, and support one another. on an activity in which they’ve to faraway places. Then, when audience. And when you feel ment to dance. But while we do encourage the been engaged most of their lives. you add the reward of qualify- that connection to them, there’s “The three of them knew it kids to compete and be the best “Dancing is rewarding in the ing in a competition, and seeing nothing like it.” was up to them to do the work,” dancers they can be, we make it relationships you cultivate, the big stages, that’s when you Of course, no two families are says Stephanie. “But, as a par- clear that this is not the be-all not only within your dance really feel that it all pays off.” (Continued on page 15) For McCaela Donovan, life is all about theatre By R. J. Donovan the box. And Joe is really won- Special to BIR derful with set design and set The actress and educator building and construction . . . My McCaela Donovan (no rela- area of strength has always been tion) could definitely use a few that I really love to network, more hours in her day. For her and not in the slimy kind way full-time job, she’s Assistant (laughs).I love people and I love Director of the School of Theatre to be social. I’ve unknowingly at Boston University. Beyond networked for eight years. It that, she also finds time to serve wasn’t even intentional. I just as Associate Artistic Director went and started seeing a lot of of Bridge Repertory Theatre, theatre and having coffee with currently beginning its second people and getting to know the season. Finally, as a much in- artists in Boston. That has demand talent, she’s appearing built, unbeknownst to me, this in Stephen Sondheim’s Tony enormous network that I have Award-winning “Assassins” to pull from and go to. at New Repertory Theatre in Q. Clearly, everyone on Watertown. the team has to know their Donovan estimates that be- strengths. tween now and January, her A. I’m a good Number Two. combined obligations will find I’m a good supporter. I’m a good her working 88 hours a week. second man. I’m a good person to “But I love it,” she said. bounce ideas off of. I think I get Originally from up-state New too passionate to be the leader, York, McCaela attended Boston but I am more than happy to College, earned her master’s in support that person and then Theater Education at Emerson have my ideas respected within and then got her master’s of Fine that. This has been an ideal situation for me because I also Arts in Acting from Brandeis. Casey Tucker is Emma Goldman, Paula Langton is Sarah Jane Moore, and McCaela Donovan Despite an already crammed have a full time job and I act is Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, in Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins,” playing Oct 4 - 26 at New in different theaters in town, schedule, she helped found Repertory Theatre in Watertown. Rob Lorino photo Bridge Rep last year. The so there’s no way that I could company just opened its second actually singlehandedly run a Q. Bridge Repertory Theatre training and we were all on the over lunch. company by myself right now. season with the world premiere had a really successful first same page. Olivia D’Ambrosio Q. Tell me about your role of “The Forgetting Curve.” Q. Anything surprise you in season. How did that all come (Producing Artistic Director), as Bridge’s Associate Artistic the process of putting a company Productions of “Fufu & Oreos,” about? who formulated the idea to start Director. “Sixty Miles To Silver Lake,” together? A. There were four of us the company, had lunch with A. I kind of think of myself A. How freakin’ expensive and “Julius Caesar” are still involved in a production of myself and our colleague Joe as the connector. Olivia has to come. Prior to a rehearsal it is! It’s shocking. Equity “All’s Well That Ends Well” at Short in Providence. She sat really good skills in terms of actors and stage managers for “Assassins” at New Rep, we Commonwealth Shakespeare. us down and said “I really want organizational, administrative spoke about her work. Follow- make what most people would The majority of us had gone to start doing our own work.” skills, and pooling resources and consider a measly salary at a ing is a condensed look at our through a lot of graduate school And that’s how it all started, thinking “producorially” outside conversation: (Continued on page 15) bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 Phil Coulter will perform at IPC benefit event Oct. 14 Legendary Grammy-nomi- Coulter has performed three present Coulter with a Lifetime nated musician, songwriter, times at the White House, pre- Achievement Award at the BC singer and producer Phil sented four sell-out concerts at Club the following night after Coulter will perform a concert Carnegie Hall, hosted his own the October 14 concert. on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in St. TV series on RTE, and was Created in 1987 in response Ignatius Church in Chestnut featured on a BBC TV special to the growing number of Irish Hill to benefit the Irish Pas- marking his 60th birthday. immigrants in Greater Boston, toral Centre-Boston (IPC), a He also was active in Irish the Irish Pastoral Centre- non-profit organization that folk music, producing albums Boston offers programs and helps Irish immigrants make for popular bands Planxty, services for immigration and the transition to life in America. The Dubliners and The Furey citizenship, counseling, drug A native of Derry, Northern Brothers. More recently, he and alcohol issues, domestic Ireland, Coulter has written collaborated on and contributed abuse, spiritual and pastoral or co-written hit songs such as songs to the “Celtic Thunder” care, and family needs. “The Town I Loved So Well,” stage production and TV spe- St. Ignatius Church is located “Puppet on a String,” “Saturday cial. at 28 Commonwealth Avenue Night” (a hit for the Bay City While a visiting professor in Chestnut Hill adjacent to the Rollers) and “My Boy,” which at Boston College in the late Boston College Main Campus. was performed by Elvis Presley. 1990s, Coulter performed To find out more about the Since launching his career as several concerts with Sullivan Irish Pastoral Centre-Boston, a pianist-vocalist 30 years ago, Artist in Residence Seamus see ipcboston.org. he has amassed 23 platinum re- Connolly, director of the Uni- ••• cords and 39 gold and 52 silver versity’s Irish Music Programs, The IPC’s annual fund-rais- albums. In 2001, he was nomi- including at the Gaelic Roots ing dinner will be held on Nov. nated for a Grammy Award in summer school and festival 15 at 6:30 p.m at Florian Hall. Phil Coulter will play at a benefit concert on October 14 at the New Age category for his held on the BC campus. The Special guest: Mickey Harte. St. Ignatius Church in Chestnut Hill in support of the Irish album “Highland Cathedral.” Charitable Irish Society will Pastoral Centre-Boston. For the O’Briens it’s about more than dancing (Continued from page 14) Irish dance becomes ever more exactly alike, individually or difficult to cobble together. Get- collectively; there’s no predict- ting teacher certification is one ing how the mix of personalities possibility for continuing in the and temperaments will play out Irish dance world. Performance over time from one household to is another option, although as the next. The O’Briens seem the Conor says, “it’s a whole differ- epitome of the close-knit clan ent beast than competing,” and that by and large has been able Claire notes that finding those to bring hearts and minds to- kinds of gigs on a regular basis gether and be clear about goals, can take an awful lot of time in expectations and roles – some- and of itself. thing that is equally helpful for Stephanie sounds a nostalgic any activity, whether athletic, note as she considers the ways artistic or anything else. in which Irish dance made a dif- As far as Stephanie is con- ference in her family’s life – not cerned, however, Irish danc- just for the kids, but for her and ing is not like “anything else.” Andrew. “I’m not necessarily the Having participated in Irish most visually adept person, but dance as a child, albeit on a non- All eyes are on Conor O’Brien as he performs during a recent event organized by O’Shea- Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance to celebrate the school’s two first-place finishes in this year’s I did pretty well at making those competitive basis, she thought dance costumes look good. And it would be something fun for World Irish Dance Championships. Conor won the Men 20-21 title, and he and sister Claire also were part of the O’Shea-Chaplin team that won the Senior Mixed Ceili competition. Andrew? He learned how to be her own kids. “Irish dance Sean Smith photo an Irish dance Santa Claus,” is extraordinarily connected she adds with a laugh. to the music, and is that rare three younger O’Briens attest, difficult – ‘stretch’ yourself. And my role models, and the ones “But really, I think what An- combination of physicality and even with excellent teaching, then there’s your ‘dream,’ the who’ve told me ‘It will get better’ drew and I liked the most was interpretative movement. As it not everything fell into place goal you really want to achieve, after a bad day.” being around not only our kids, turned out, our children were at once; each of the children like winning the Worlds. You As important as their sib- but their friends. It gave us an both musical and athletic – they made progress, though not at have to be organized and break lings’ presence has been to each insight into teenagers and who all ran track while in high school a particularly fast pace. But things down so you can figure O’Brien child over the years, they are, and how they put their – so this was a perfect activity they liked dancing, and they out what it will take to get you another enjoyable aspect of Irish heart and soul into what they for them.” liked being together, enough there. They were very good with dancing has been “that you tend love, and that was wonderful. To Claire and Alana started at to continue. this system.” to compete with the same people see a kid you know get up there O’Shea-Chaplin at the same “We didn’t try to push them, Although Conor quips that over a number of years, and they and do well gave you a great time, at ages 5 and 7, respec- and we didn’t have to, really,” there are “some wonderful home become your friends,” Alana feeling – and when they fell tively, Conor shortly after that. says Stephanie. “Andrew was videos of us screaming at each explains. “You know that you’ll short, your heart would break “We gave him a choice,” laughs the one who set the tone. He told other,” he and his sisters agree always have these connections, for them. Our lives have been Stephanie. “He could dance, or them, ‘You guys have a secret about their mutual “secret and it’s very reassuring as you enriched by this experience.” he come grocery shopping with weapon – each other.’ They’ve weapon” relationship. In fact, at go on in life.” Fortunately, when you have me until it was time to pick up always helped one another out.” a party last month organized by Alana’s reference to transi- enough younger family mem- the girls. He said, ‘Anything but The family also used the O’Shea-Chaplin to celebrate the tion is a relevant one, since bers, friends and acquaintances, the grocery store!’” “target/stretch/dream” meme to Worlds’ titles, Conor publicly she and her siblings are at the you can still continue to hold The O’Briens have high praise identify and work toward goals, thanked his sisters for the part point where other concerns and onto that bond with Irish dance. for O’Shea-Chaplin for its insis- says Stephanie: “It’s a way to they’ve played in his success – interests are beckoning – Alana “We have a nine-year-old cousin tence that students keep things move yourself along. Start by fo- whether on the dance floor or is studying medicine at Dart- just coming up, so we’ll be ex- in perspective: Work at your cusing on a certain level within elsewhere. mouth; Claire, a Tufts gradu- periencing it all over again,” dancing, but above all have fun, reach, like making sure you “Claire’s my life coach, and ate, is working in London; and says Alana. “Sure, it’s not the and don’t let it get in the way have this step down or getting Alana’s always such a big help,” Conor is set to graduate from same, but you do get a good of important things like family points from a judge, and practice he said, his voice choked with Tufts next spring – while the feeling when you see everything and education. to that. Go on to something more emotion. “You guys have been time, energy and opportunity for through her eyes and remember Still, as Stephanie and the how it was for you.” For McCaela Donovan, life is all about theatre

(Continued from page 14) ley. You play Squeaky Fromme. can be characterized as a group Q. As John Wilkes Booth says music and where it’s going and middle level theater. It’s like They all seek immortality of misfits who just want to be in the show, take a stand and your impulse to follow certain grocery money. But the theater through violence. When this heard. Kind of sounds like ev- they’ll listen to you. phrases . . . I find it fairly to easy has to pay double that for each show opened in 1990, it proved eryone on social media. A. It speaks to what happens to connect to and very easy to actor because you’re paying the fairly controversial. How will A. That’s the interesting when someone feels they don’t learn. I guess that’s very lucky health insurance weeks on top audiences see it today? thing. Everyone has an opinion have a community – and that because it is challenging for (of salary). So it adds up very A. That’s the thing. I don’t now and feels free to share it on they will cling to whatever com- some people. For some weird quickly . . . It’s very easy to get know if it’s going to be as con- social media. . . . (they) feel safe munity will bring them in. That reason I’ve always felt at home swept up in creating the art, but troversial as it was. Because doing that. But they’re not as can be very wonderful, but it can with his work. we can’t create the art until we unfortunately, we’ve seen so (strong) when they have to get also be very dangerous. R. J. Donovan is editor and figure out how to sustain fis- much more horrific things come behind it in a human (way) and Q. So you’re a Sondheim fan? publisher of onstageboston.com. cally. It’s been a good learning about. I did this show and I say it out loud. . . One thing that A. Oh God, l love him. I think ••• curve for all of us. did this role seven years ago at it’s really going pertain to more it’s a shame he hasn’t written “Assassins,” Oct. 4 - 26 at New Q. Let’s talk about “Assas- Company One. It was actually now is what we’ve seen in the more . . . He has incredibly Repertory Theatre, Arsenal sins.” This is a complex musical my first real professional gig in media in terms of bullying and high standards in the way that Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal side show detailing notorious Boston. So it will be interesting ostracizing people and people he writes. You have to be an St., Watertown. Tickets: 617- assassins throughout history, to revisit it, especially now that feeling disconnected . . . [“Assas- actor, you have to be a great 923-8487 or newrep.org. For from John Wilkes Booth to Lee I’m older and with a different sins” is] brilliantly written, that singer. . . . you have to be a information on Bridge Rep, visit Harvey Oswald and John Hinck- group of people, obviously. goes without saying. Obviously, great musician in terms of your bridgerep.wordpress.com/. Q. The assassins in the show its Sondheim. phrasing and understanding the Page 16 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Three Young Men” shows the Squad has lost none of its We Banjo 3’s “Gather the CD Reviews spark, spirit, and power, individually or in combination: Good” • The band name is a McPhail’s tenor is as sweet and graceful as ever, and misnomer, as is pointed out in By Sean Smith tends to get your attention, but there’s no ignoring the the CD’s liner notes: “a 4-piece The Voice Squad’s “Concerning of Three Young fine quality of Callery’s tenor and Cullen’s baritone, band called ‘We Banjo 3’ of whom Men” • Granted, we’re only about 15 years into it, and the dignity and care with which they all invest the only 2 currently play the banjo.” but fair to say the 21st century thus far gets mixed songs while avoiding mawkishness and melodrama. But that’s really the only thing reviews at best, what with terrorism, global economic Some of the material on the CD has been a familiar wrong here, unless you have catastrophe, political gridlock, and a surfeit of reality part of their repertoire for some time, such as “The something against the concept of TV. Here, however, is at least some redemption – a new Bonny Light Horseman,” “The Rambling Irishman” and seeking common ground between Celtic and American recording by the Voice Squad after a 20-year interval. “As I Roved Out,” and it’s wonderful to now have these traditional/roots music – embodied here by that oft- The trio of Phil Callery, Fran preserved. Other entries of note include “Courting Is a maligned but indefatigable instrument, the banjo. This McPhail, and Gerry Cullen was Pleasure” – popularized by Northern Irish traditional album, their second, formally marks their expansion a revelation when it first came singer Paddy Tunney and British singer-guitarist Nic to a quartet, or a pair of a pair of brothers: Enda and on the scene in the 1980s, fitting Jones – and “Lough Erne Shore,” which Paul Brady Fergal Scahill and David and Martin Howley. an Irish accent to the close-har- and Andy Irvine fans will surely recognize; the a cap- Actually, a clarification is in order: The banjo in ques- mony, unaccompanied singing pella approach emphasizes these songs’ particularly tion is of the four-string, or tenor, or if you prefer, Irish style found in the English folk intriguing melodies, which serve to refute the idea that variety. But as played mainly by Enda and Martin, at revival, a la the Copper Family, traditional folk is a “simple” music. times it’s almost indistinguishable from the rhythmic the Young Tradition, the Wa- The Voice Squad has made occasional forays into flow of the American five-string, whether the band is tersons, and Coope, Boyes and contemporary songs, and here they do a superb rendi- playing old-timey tunes like “Shove the Pig’s Foot A Little Simpson. Their performances and two albums, “Many’s tion of “Reconciliation,” one of Fermoy singer-songwriter Further into the Fire,” “Fine Times at Our House” and the Foolish Youth” and “Good People All” (the latter Ron Kavana’s signature compositions. The gents also “Puncheon Floor,” or traditional Irish material such as a re-release of their second recording, “Holly Wood”) have a go at the American spiritual “Wondrous Love”; “The Bunch of Rushes Green” or even the late Scottish – along with guest appearances on recordings by The a Gaelic song in praise of St. Brigid, “Gabham Molta piper Gordon Duncan’s marvelous “Pressed for Time.” Chieftains, Dolores Keane, Liam O’Flynn and even Elvis Bríde”; “The Rich Man and the Poor Man,” a comical Further blurring the lines are Fergal’s cross-genre fiddle Costello, among others – put staples of the Irish song retelling of Lazarus featuring absurd wordplay; and, style, and the bluegrassy boom-chuck backbeat David’s tradition like “When a Man’s in Love,” “Willie Taylor,” proving they are literally a trio for all seasons, “The guitar helps drive. “The Banks of the Bann,” “The Parting Glass” and “A Boar’s Head Carol.” The technical ability on display here is of the high- Stor Moi Chroi” in a new, majestic light. In the years since the last Voice Squad CD, what est quality – such as when they speed up the tempo on But their appearances had become increasingly rare passes for close-harmony Irish singing has too often “Pressed for Time,” with Fergal’s bodhran pushing things until two years ago, when they did a St. Patrick’s Day been the province of opera/pop star crossovers on PBS along – but the arrangements and configurations of tunes concert in Dublin’s National Concert Hall, and since specials. Don’t be fooled: This is the real deal, and we are also quite clever, even simply from a conceptual then have toured more frequently. “Concerning of should rejoice. point of view. Arguably the best example is the medley combining an Ozark(!) version of “The Rocky Road to Dublin” with the riotous “American Polka,” straight out of Roaring 20s Irish Americana (embodied by the Flanagan Brothers, with whom this tune is associated). On another track, the band takes inspiration from John Carty’s “Seanamhac Tube Station” and reimagines it as an old-timey tune, “Old Time Son,” which then goes into a jig from the repertoire of Sliabh Luachra accordionist Johnny O’Leary. We Banjo 3 also adds five songs to great effect. Two are traditional, “Prettiest Little Girl in the County” and the infectious “Down the River Uncle Joe”; one is David Howley’s own “Tell Me Why (Gather the Good)”; and the remaining are covers – the rollicking blues-spiritual “Get Onboard” by Eric Bibb, and Danny Dill and Marijohn Wilkin’s venerable, Appalachian-gothic ballad “The Long Black Veil,” recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash, Mick Jagger and The Band. David Howley’s honeyed, pop-inflected lead vocals are gloriously supplemented by harmonies from the other band members. Irish? American? Irish-American? You can’t put this sort of stuff into a neatly labeled box, but don’t get hung up on it: a little musical ambiguity can be wonderful. Certainly it is in this case. Crag Road • This quartet from County Clare strikes a very enjoyable balance that can be difficult to achieve in presenting Irish traditional music: evoking the spontaneity and ease of a friendly pub session while appealing to listeners who like some variation in ar- rangement and content. The centerpiece of Crag Road is the nimble concertina playing of Aoibheann (Yvonne) Queally, with Quentin Cooper also supplying melody primarily through banjo and mandolin; the rhythm comes from the very capable bouzouki of Eoin O’Neill and bodhran of Noirin Lynch (Cooper also plays some guitar). There is some fiddle from the versatile Cooper, and from Queally’s sister Pamela on one track – a cracker of a medley of reels (“The Broken Pledge/The Steeplechase/ Duke of Leinster”) – and a guest appearance by Brid O’Gorman on flute for another reel set (“The Pullet/John Brennan’s/St. Patrick’s Night”), but the band’s main instrumentation and composition makes for a relaxed, almost delicate sound, instead of high-powered, mad- for-speed pyrotechnics. “McHugh’s Jig/The Mist-Covered Mountain,” for example, opens with some excellent flat-picking by Coo- per, to which O’Neill adds some dulcet harmonies until Queally fortifies the melody; Lynch’s soft, steady beat ushers in the segue to the A-minor (or A-dorian, perhaps) second tune. Other highlights include the concertina/ banjo-driven “Larry’s Favorite/Ravelled Hank of Yarn” reel set; the bouncy, charming pairing of “Joe Banne’s Scottishe” and the hornpipe “The Good-Natured Man”; the jigs “I Buried My Wife and Danced On Top of Her/ The Haunted House” (a Halloween medley if ever there was one), which is Queally with Cooper’s mandolin; and, to cap things off, two versions of the jig “The Gold Ring,” the first of which showcases Queally’s deft touch. Interspersed among the tune sets are four songs, all of them contemporary works, and three sung by Lynch, whose soulful voice ranges toward contralto and utilizes a considerable, but not excessive, amount of vibrato. She brings out the bittersweet and regret in Colum Sands’s “The Note That Lingers On” and the dignified morality in Si Khan’s “What You Do With What You’ve Got,” and sounds the clarion call of Ron Kavana’s anti-injustice screed “A Song Alone” (set to the melody of “Ye Jacobites By Name”) – the effect is often earnest, but not offputtingly so. Rather less successful is Cooper’s cover of “Sometimes She Forgets,” a fine bit of honkytonk empathy by Steve (“Galway Girl”) Earle; it just feels a little too much in the ironic, we-do-this- because-we-can mode. Still, on this CD, the band projects a winning, ac- cessible persona. Here’s hoping Crag Road has a lot of miles to it. bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17

12th BCMfest gathering BCMFest’s “Dayfest” will feature Boston-area performers such as Cat and impressive lineup for the Moon. Jan. 9-11 production Boasting a line-up of familiar favor- Highland Dance Boston; Audrey Bud- ites, new faces and sounds, and creative ington & Clayton Clemetson; Liz & Dan collaborations, BCMFest (Boston’s Faiella; Will Woodson & Eric McDonald; Celtic Music Fest), presented by Passim, Jigs & Saws (comprised of students from will once again warm up the winter in the Passim School of Music’s Celtic En- celebration of the Boston area’s abun- semble); the O’Shea-Chaplin Academy dance of Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, of Irish Dance; Colleen White & Sean and other Celtic-related music and Smith; the Rushy Mountain Oysters; dance traditions. Hayley Hewitt; Boston Scottish Fiddle The 12th annual BCMFest, which Club; and the Royal Scottish Country takes place this coming January (9-11) Dance Society of Boston. in the heart of Harvard Square, will be a In addition, the all-female Celtic gathering place for local musicians, sing- band Long Time Courting (Shannon ers and dancers of all ages. This family- Heaton, Liz Simmons, Val Thompson, friendly, grassroots festival features and Katie McNally) will present a dy- performances as well as participatory namic and engaging BCMFest Nightcap music and dance events, starting with finale concert, “Women in Trad.” This Long Time Courting will organize and perform in the BCMFest 2015 Nightcap the Friday night “Roots and Branches” show features Long Time Courting as finale concert. concert at Club Passim and the Boston house band with an assortment of spe- Urban Ceilidh – BCMFest’s popular cial guest musicians, dancers and story- performers often unite around a particu- musicians playing half-size instruments; Celtic dance party – just around the tellers performing selections that speak lar theme or focus. Among the show- “No Bow Zone,” capturing the felicity of corner at The Atrium, 50 Church Street. to the experiences of women through cases planned for BCMFest 2015 are: the fretted string (guitars, mandolins, The BCMFest 2015 party continues the ages. With songs and tales of love “After the Morning,” newly composed banjos, bouzoukis, and maybe even on Saturday with “Dayfest” – more than and heartbreak, heroines and villains, and traditional songs for each month of ukuleles); and a bit of Celtic soul with seven hours of events at Club Passim daughters and mothers, supernatural the year for voice and traditional string “Ain’t No Whistle High Enough.” and nearby First Parish Church, Cam- beings and poets, and much more, quartet, presented by Shannon Heaton Ticket information, performer updates bridge, including children’s and family “Women in Trad” will captivate long- with Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards; and other details about the festival – entertainment in the morning – before time Celtic music lovers and general “Songs of Staying and Straying,” tales including offerings at the BCMFest concluding with Saturday evening’s music enthusiasts alike. of love – both true and false; “Hold Me Academy – will be available at passim. “BCMFest Nightcap” finale concert at A look at some highlights of BCMFest Closer, Tiny Instrument,” with full-size org/bcmfest. First Parish Church. 2015: As a bonus, this year also will see • Friday night’s “Roots and Branch- the debut on Sunday of the BCMFest es” concert at Club Passim offers Academy at the Passim School of Music, a sample of the innovative, dynamic an afternoon of one-day classes taught sounds to be heard in Boston’s Celtic by BCMFest performers on a number music community today. This year’s Handmade since 1925 of traditional Celtic instruments and performers are the trio of Laurel Martin, styles. Mark Roberts and Kieran Jordan, Flynn BCMFest is a program of Passim, a Cohen & The Deadstring Ensemble, and Cambridge-based non-profit seeking fiddler Jenna Moynihan. to build a vibrant music community • The Boston Urban Ceilidh fea- through its legendary listening venue, tures participatory and social dances music school, artist grants and outreach from the Irish, Scottish and Cape initiatives. Breton traditions, all with live music. At press time, performers confirmed No experience is necessary – all dances to appear at the festival include: Flynn will be taught. This event sold out early Cohen & The Deadstring Ensemble; last year, so advance ticket purchase is Jenna Moynihan; Laurel Martin, Mark suggested. Roberts & Kieran Jordan; Joey Abarta • BCMFest’s Saturday “Dayfest” & Jackie O’Riley; Cat and the Moon; begins in the morning at Club Pas- Patrick Hutchinson; Soulsha; Fódhla; sim with songs, storytelling and other Alba’s Edge; Molly Pinto Madigan; The entertainment geared toward children Coyne Family; Fresh Haggis; Bridget and families. Fitzgerald; Ceol Corvus; the Vox Hunt- • “Dayfest” also includes participa- ers; Oran Mor; Lindsay Straw; Nancy tory events in The Attic of First Parish Bell; Scottish Fish; Elizabeth & Ben Church, such as Irish and Scottish music Anderson; Adrianna Ciccone; Laura sessions and instruction in Scottish Cortese & the Boston Urban Ceilidh country dance. County Donegal Association Band; Mad for Trad Ensemble; the • BCMFest is noted for its special Jackie O’Riley School of Irish Dance; collaborations and workshops, in which of Greater Boston ANNUAL REUNION BANQUET Saturday, November 1, 2014 EIRE Join the Donegal Association for an evening of fun, food and entertainment pub with a sit down dinner at Florian Hall, Hallet Street, Dorchester, MA 795 Adams St. • Dorchester Special Honors to “President’s Choice” The Harney Academy of Irish Dance Serving Lunch & Dinner Tickets: President Colm McDaid, Every day, 617-698-7112, Michael McCarron 617-696-1702 or any board member. 7 days a week Tickets: $50 Page 18 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

iFest 2014 is a wrap! iFest, a one-of-a kind Irish Festival, The event was underwritten in part by took place on a warm and sunny fall week- several sponsors, among them Tourism end (Sept 26- Ireland, Fineos, Guinness and Jameson, 28) transform- Shannon Airport, Aer Lingus and Bord ing the World Bia, the Irish food board. Featured were Trade Center dancers and musicians from Riverdance, into a warm, Paddy Moloney, Jack L and The Riptide green glow on Movement, and Irish celebrity chefs the South Bos- Kevin Dundon and Darina Allen were ton waterfront. joined by Boston’s Barbara Lynch and Organized by Lydia Shire in cooking demonstrations. Rachel Kelly, a Kelly said the festival was designed Dublin woman as a prototype for future festivals. “Basi- who has success- cally, I want to roll it out in cities where fully managed there’s a strong Irish diaspora,” she Rachel Kelly “Taste of Ire- told the Irish Times in a September 15 land” events in interview. “We’re looking at New York Ireland, the two-and-a-half day event in 2015, possibly Brooklyn,” she told the was produced with a budget reported to newspaper. be in the $3 million range.

Tourism Ireland officials Nialla Gibbins, CEO, at left, and EVP for North America Alison Metcalfe at right, flank Paschal Donohoe, Ireland ‘s Minister for Transport, and Tourism.

The Donegal Diaspora Project is working to promote and engage Donegal’s global community – it’s “Pobal Domhanda”. This community is made up of people with a connection to or interest in Donegal, no matter where they may be living.

Are you a member of the Donegal Diaspora who has left our beautiful shores to venture further afield? Are you someone who has visited this majestic county and it has left its spell on you? Whatever your connection to our captivating county, the Donegal Diaspora website should be your first stop, a dynamic hub of Donegal information, news, events and stories - all with a Diaspora focus.

So if you have an interesting story you want to share with Donegal’s Diaspora, or are doing wonderful work at home or abroad that we have not yet heard of - get in touch, and make the connection! www.donegaldiaspora.ie E: [email protected] T: +353 74 9373718 Chef Darina Allen prepared and baked her own Please also visit www.govisitdonegal.com scones, brown bread, and raspberry jam before enthusiastic overflow audiences on Saturday and Sunday.

www

Double Kellys – Boston’s own Jimmy Kelly, who founded Crystal Travel in West Roxbury, with long- time friend (but no relation) Jim Kelly, formerly of CIE now US sales director of Railtours Ireland. bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19

Wild Atlantic Way

T he road isn’t going to rise up to meet you all the way over there in America, you know.

If you’re looking for one good reason to come home to Ireland this year, we’ll give you a million. That’s the record number of visitors who came from the U.S. during the year of The Gathering. And the wonderful festivals, music and sporting events are still going strong in 2014. So make plans today to visit the friends and family you’ve missed and we’re fairly certain the road will rise up to meet you along the way.

Find out more at Ireland.com

TOURISM IRELAND DIMENSIONS Publication: Boston Irish Reporter Page Trim: 10" x 16" Supplied by: Tengo Two, S.L. Barcelona, Spain Publish Date: Feb , 2014 Bleed: 10.25" x 16.25" Tel: 011 [34] 652 081 624 Materials Date: Feb 24, 2014 Live Area: 9" x 15" eMail: [email protected] Page 20 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

With Good Will Doing Service

1737 2013

The President and Board of Directors of The Charitable Irish Society of Boston Cordially invite you to attend the 16th Silver Key Awards Reception Wednesday, October 15, 2014 Honoring

Richard Campbell Robert Gormley Rev. Gerald Osterman in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Irish Community Lifetime Achievemnt Award Presented to Phil Coulter The Boston College Club 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts

For tickets and information 617-330-1737 Cocktail Reception 6:00 to 8:30 in the evening. $125 per person Advance reservations required. Reservations will be held at the door. The favor of a reply is requested on or before October 4, 2014 www.charitableirishsociety.com bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 21 Traveling People Fall fairs enliven the countryside across Ireland

By Judy Enright literary workshops for Special to the BIR teens and adults, Stoker- October is such a lovely themed theatre, lively month in New England; discussions on all things it’s also a lovely month in vampire, and an evening Ireland. of spooky spectacles in the There’s not much bril- grounds of Dublin Castle. liant foliage on the Em- See bramstokerfestival. erald Isle, and it can be com for more. a bit stormy, but that And, while you’re in weather often means lots Dublin, be sure to stop by of gorgeous rainbows and the Ambassador Theatre, great photos. And, there’s on O’Connell Street, to still a lot to do in Ireland see the display of some even though it’s slightly 150 life-size terra cotta “off season.” You can visit warriors that guarded the museums, churches and tomb of Chinese Emperor other attractions (be sure Qin Shihuangdi, who died to check to make sure in 210 B.C. The tomb they’re open) or take in any was uncovered in 1974 of the many Halloween by farmers digging for a happenings all over the fountain. The exhibit is country. open daily from 10 a.m. You can also get out into to 7 p.m. until the end of the countryside and, for November. instance, join the Oct. 3-5 KILKENNY Carlow Walking Festival Congratulations to (carlowtourism.com) or Kilkenny for winning the savor the activities at a 2014 Tidy Towns com- country fair where you petition. Kilkenny also find “real” Ireland at its Getting ready for a class at the Achill Sheep Show in Co. Mayo. won the Irish Top Tour- very best. ism Town award in 2013 Fall fairs are serious and was named as Condé outings for local farmers Nast’s 9th friendliest city who exhibit the best of in the world! the best from their annual You can enjoy Kilkenny labors. But for tourists and from Oct. 24-27 when other onlookers, the fairs the town celebrates the and their various classes 8th year of its Savour are just great fun to watch Kilkenny Food Festival. and enjoy. They’re inter- See savourkilkenny.com esting and reminiscent of for more. fairs in the Northeast and Other food events this other parts of this country. month include: BUZZ AND • Dingle Food Festival, EXCITEMENT Oct. 2-5, in more than 60 Over the years, we’ve outlets, where festivalgo- attended a number of Irish ers can purchase tickets Horses for sale at the Maam Cross Fair in Conne- At the Maam Cross fall fair in Connemara. and sample local cuisine fairs, including the Bal- mara. linasloe Fair, the Maam in various locations from Cross Fair in Connemara pubs and galleries to shops (both in Co. Galway) and restaurants (dingle- and the Achill (Island) food.com); Sheep Show in Co. Mayo. • 5th annual Monaghan Each was different and Festival of Food, Oct. 3-5, all were most enjoyable. celebrates the best in local We enjoyed being part of produce in Monaghan and the buzz and excitement surrounding areas with of the crowd, witnessing more than 60 exhibitors the anticipation in the (tasteofmonaghan.com); ring – especially for the • Kinsale’s 38th annual young farmers – and the Gourmet Festival from opportunity to interact Oct. 10-12 (kinsalerestau- Ewe being judged at the Achill Sheep Show in Co. rants.com); with other spectators. If Co. Galway – was among both in Co. Galway, Keem Mayo. Judy Enright photos you enjoy watching people, • Burren Food Fayre in the five finalists. The on Achill Island, and Man- Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare you’ll be in heaven. Times wrote, “Beautifully nin Bay and Old Head at home and abroad.” could be scarier than Bram Each fall, Ballinasloe A series of “Blueway Stoker, the Irish novelist on Sun., Oct. 26. (burrene- appointed and located (Louisburgh), all in Co. cotourism.com) hosts one of Europe’s fishing lodge and hotel Days” took place last sum- and short story writer Mayo. TRAVELS oldest and largest horse overlooking Lough Inagh, More than 84,000 over- mer at the five locations who penned “Dracula” in fairs, dating back to the where local activity opera- 1897? Over the October No matter where your Connemara, Co Galway. seas visitors participate Irish travels take you, 1700s. The October event Close to the truly wild 12 in water sports each year tors provided equipment bank holiday weekend annually attracts nearly and safety advice to those (Oct. 24-27), Dublin City you’re sure to find enter- Bens mountain range, “the while in Ireland with most tainment and activities 100,000 visitors from all Blueway” and adventure of them kayaking and interested in snorkeling or will celebrate the life, over the world. The fair kayaking. work, and legacy of Stoker along the way. Be sure to centres at Killary and snorkeling, according to watch for reduced airfares is from Oct. 4-12 this year Delphi. loughinaghlodge- Ring. The Blueway sup- CONFUSION and his famous novel. The and more information With every new project, three-day festival will re- and package deals in the hotel.ie” ports the development of fall and enjoy Ireland may be obtained from bal- THE BLUEWAY kayaking and snorkeling there’s bound to be some veal the Dublin of Stoker’s linasloeoctoberfair.com. confusion and there was day with walking tours, wherever and whenever If you have a Wild Atlan- water trails in the five you visit. You’ll find the annual tic Way for landlubbers to locations to create more this spring with the clev- Achill Sheep Show on the drive, you should have a experiences for visitors erly designed logo for the grounds around Patten’s corresponding waterway traveling the Wild Atlantic Wild Atlantic Way, which Bar in Dereens on Achill NATICK AFFORDABLE RENTALS along that same coast, Way. looks like two connected Eight 1 and 2 Bedroom Units Island, Co. Mayo. It’s a right? (For the uniniti- Fiona Monaghan, who W’s. fun event – especially for ated, the Wild Atlantic heads up the Wild Atlantic Environmental colum- Rent: $1,293 and $1,443 people watching – and Way is a 1,600-mile desig- Way program for Failte nist Michael Viney, a Co. (Heat and Hot Water Included) also, of course, for the nated driving route along Ireland (Tourism Ireland’s Mayo resident, wrote in sheep. The tourist office in the west coast from the Irish arm), was quoted in the July 19 Irish Times: Walnut Place Residences Achill Sound can provide Inishowen Peninsula in The Times as saying at the “The new logo on our road 57 & 58 North Street more information if you’re Co. Donegal to Kinsale, launch, “We are delighted signs had me puzzled out that way. Co. Cork.) to support this initiative, for days. Wavy white The Maam Cross fair We read in The Irish which sees the timely lines on blue – what was Public Information Meeting MAX INCOME is another fall fair that Times that last summer, development of an excel- that about? Narrow, wig- 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 14th usually happens on a Michael Ring, minister of lent Wild Atlantic Way gly, bumpy roads? Fair Natick Town Offices—13 E. Central St 1—$47,450 3—$61,000 Tuesday in October. Check State for Tourism & Sport, water sports experience, enough. Good surfing? Application Deadline 2—$54,200 4—$67,350 Connemara.ie for more launched “The Blueway,” and provides the visitor Not that way, into the November 6, 2014 information and the exact a project designed to the opportunity to engage mountains. Eventually it date of the fair. complement the Wild At- with the sea. dawned – we’re now part CONNEMARA lantic Way and “encourage “We have seen first-hand of the Wild Atlantic Way. Units distributed by lottery. Speaking of Conne- tourists to discover the sea the success of the (Great “That must be why mara, The Irish Times along the West coast.” Western) Greenway in they’ve mended all the For Info and Application: newspaper sponsored a As part of the program, Mayo (from Westport potholes and why the competition for its read- Pick Up: Natick Town Offices, Planning Office, organizers developed wa- to Achill Island) which grassy spined boreen down Morse Institute Library or Leasing Office ers to choose the five best ter activities - such as boosted local tourism with to the strand, clearly just places in the country “to Phone: (978) 456-8388 snorkeling and kayaking more than 200,000 visitors wide enough for one care- Email: [email protected] calm down after going - and highlighted local pro- last year. As a maritime ful driver, has a big, new wild.” viders and events at five variant of that initiative, speed limit of 50km.” Our favorite small, Blueway locations - Boffin we hope the Blueway can HALLOWEEN country hotel – Lough Application available online at: Harbour on Inishbofin and enjoy the same level of Of course, Halloween is www.mcohousingservices.com Inagh Lodge in Recess, Killary Fjord in Leenane, interest from visitors both spooky and scary and who Page 22 October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann

Last spring you learned a little about the “Diminu- tive” of Irish words, words that have in English the equivalent of –y as in “Thomas” becomes “Tommy” and “James” becomes “Jimmy”. The same rule ap- plies to female names as “Susan” becomes “Suzy”. English females tend to drop the first syllable and “Elizabeth” becomes “Betty” and “Virginia” con- tracts to “’Ginny” while female diminutives tend to be spelled –ie.

In Irish there are no such reversals, the universal Diminutive Suffix, both male and female, is –ín, pronounced /een/. You have already met Seánaín, “Johnny”. In Irish the rule of spelling applies – re- call, “Slender to slender and broad to broad”. This is illustrated by the following examples:

bád “boat” báidín “little boat” where a “silent –i-“ is inserted. hata “hat” haitín “little hat”, a “silent –i-“ again. teach “house” teachaín “little house” where “silent –a-” is inserted.

Notice that the unstressed Irish final (word ending) vowel, -a or –e, both pronounced /uh/, disappeared in hata/haitín /HAH-tuh/HAH-teen/ . This is in Seamus Neely, Chief Executive Donegal County Council with Senate President Senator Therese Murray accord with the Irish rule that when unstressed recipient of this years Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award with President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins vowels end a word, you may drop it. English will and Cllr John Campbell, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council. Photo courtesy Donegal County Council do this same thing before a word that begins with a stressed vowel – “The apple” is really pronounced as “Th’ apple.” Senate President Murray launches new This rule is also universal in spoken Irish as in geata “gate” which sounds much like English but Letterkenny-UMass Medical partnership “little gate” is geaitín, dropping the final –a but inserting the “silent –i-“. This “silent I” does have S e n a t e P r e s i d e n t formally on Monday in nology and medical de- the foundations using a a function. It changes the pronunciation of the fol- Therese Murray, who Northern Ireland. vices,” President Murray proven formula for medi- lowing consonant, /GAY-tuh/ becomes /GAY-cheen/. visited Ireland last month Founded in 2008, M2D2 said in a statement. “This cal companies to thrive for a trade mission with is a joint UMass Lowell exciting collaboration will and develop,” said Letter- Another example is the word for “shop”, siopa, Sen. Stanley Rosenberg, and UMass Worcester offer assistance to Massa- kenny Institute of Tech- pronounced either /SHAW-puh/ or /shawp/. Here visited County Donegal initiative designed to ac- chusetts-based companies nology President Paul the “silent –o- tells you that the word ends with a to announce the expan- celerate the development looking to break into the Hannigan. “Of course, it “broad vowel” and this “silent vowel symbol” is now sion of the Massachusetts and launch of new medi- European market while offers a corridor for medi- redundant and therefore dropped. The diminutive Medical Device Develop- cal device companies. The also attracting European cal device companies to of siopa is sipín /SHIP-een/. Irish words which end ment Center (M2D2) to opening of incubator space companies that want connect to the US and for in a stressed vowel, marked with an accent mark, Letterkenny Institute of in Ireland and the North is to launch clinical trials US companies to enter simply add –ín. Cró /kro/ “shed” becomes cróín / Technology. The UMass the direct result of previ- in Massachusetts. Our the European market. KRO-een/. incubator initiative will ous trade missions led by shared goal is to create This partnership presents also partner with the Murray. an environment where exciting possibilities for However, a word of warning. When I first learned Derry-based Clinical “Massachusetts holds research, innovation and the commercialization of Japanese, the word for toilet” was /BEN-joh/. In 1988 Transitional Research international recognition commercialization can all new ideas which will drive I was in a “posh” restaurant in Japan with business and Innovation Centre as a premiere research take place and this is a big economic growth, knowl- men. I asked, “Benjo-wa doko des’ka?” – “Where is (C-TRIC) in a partnership and development center step forward for innova- edge exchange, research the restroom?” I was politely told that the word now that will be announced for life sciences, biotech- tors and entrepreneurs and student experience. was the Japanese pronunciation of “toilet. /tor-rey/. in Massachusetts and We can now say categori- “Benjo” had become “outhouse”. The same is true of beyond.” cally that the North West Irish, don’t name your “Wee Cottage” cóin, it now In addition to following is a hub for medical device means “outhouse.” The same is true of the older M2D2’s business develop- innovation.” tighe beag, “Little home”. ment model, M2D2 North- The partnership be- west is intended to provide tween UMass, Northern How are “Diminutives” used? The most common “soft landing” services for Ireland and Ireland will start-up companies and also include a monthly use of “Diminutives” is with Proper Forenames. As I said, you have already met “Johnny’, Seánaín. entrepreneurs based in programming exchange Ireland and Northern between the universi- Ireland seeking to do ties and opportunities You are safe to use them where you would use a business in Massachu- for research by faculty –y in English. They make something either “smaller” setts, and Massachusetts and graduate students or “dearer.” In a few cases the word might mean companies seeking to do researchers and shared something “bad”, pejorative, in linguistic jargon. An business abroad. grants. English example would be “sister” becoming “sissy” “This collaboration lays when applied to a male person. However, these are few and far between.

In some cases “Diminutives” can be applied to ad- jectives. Beag is “little”; beagan is a small amount Celtic Angels Inc. of something as in Tá beagán Gaeilge agam, “I Personalized Home Health Care speak a little bit of Irish”.

See if you can make “Diminutives” of these Irish Proper Forenames”: 1.) Tomás – “Thomas”. 2.) Bríd – “Briget” 3,) Cáit UMass Boston – “Kate” 4.) Eilís – “Helen” 5.) Séamas – “James” Attention HHA’s & CNA’s!!! 6.) Róis – “Rose” . Open House 2014 We have immediate positions!! Good! Now try to translate these sentences into Saturday, October 18 Irish: 7.) “They speak a little Irish.” 8. “He told me a story in Irish.” 9.) “I and my wife went to Donegal.” Check-in at 8:30 a.m. 10.) “We went to Cork.” Starting at 9:00 a.m. 781-331-0062 Answers: 1.) Tomáisín – “Tommy” 2.) Brídín Learn about our 100+ majors and minors – No good English equivalent. 3.) Cáitín - “Katie” from faculty, staff, and students www.celticangelsinc.com or “Kathy” 4.) Eilisín - “Ellie” 5.) Séamaisín Discover more about our new Honors – “Jimmy” 6.) Róisín – “Rosie” 7.) Tá beagan College and Integrated Sciences Complex Gaeilge acu. 8.) Deir sé mise scael i Gaeilge. Tour our beautiful seaside campus 9.) Chuamar mé agus mo bhean go Dún na Find out about housing options, nGall 10.) Chuamar go Corcaigh. including those adjacent to the campus Meet leaders from 100+ student Did you know that in the early twentieth century clubs and 18 NCAA athletics teams there were so many Irish policemen in Eastern cities that the name “Shamus”, “James”, was synonymous RESERVE YOUR PLACE! with “cop”? www.umb.edu/openhouse 617.287.6000 Next month we will start on “parts of the body” beginning with the face. bostonirish.com October 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 23

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As the Irish International Immigrant Center brings its 25th year of service to immigrants from Ireland and around the world to a close, come celebrate the newcomers who bring so much to our workplaces and communities. Join us in honoring three inspiring leaders who are dedicated to building a welcoming, inclusive society:

Sister Lena Deevy, LSA Founder of the Irish International Immigrant Center

Susan J. Cohen, Esq. Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky and Popeo PC Richard E. Holbrook Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Bank Massachusetts State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry as event emcee.

Thursday, October 30, 2014 | 5:30 PM Boston Park Plaza Hotel 50 Park Plaza · Boston, Massachusetts 02116 Reserve your seat today, call 617-695-1554 or visit iiicenter.org. Boston City Singers • Irish Music • Auction

Where in the World Can You Find News about Ourselves & Our Town www.BostonIrish.Com