THE AUSTRALIAN IRISH HERITAGE NETWORK No 4, June 2008 PRINT POST APPROVED PP 336663/00047

Dispelling the Myths Patricia O'Connor Farewelling Greg Dening Peter Steele S.J.     

      
            

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  .            / 0  . 1           / 2   ) 3/ +4,, 554 678 Tinteán No 4, June 2008 Tinteán is a publication of the Contents Australian Irish Heritage Network Regulars 2 Letters: The Lass of Aughrim; Compliments & Corrections PO Box 13095, Law Courts, 3 Editorial: Celts in the British Isles, Patrick Morgan Melbourne, 8010 4 News Tel 61-3-96708865s 6 What’s On Email [email protected] 7 Bolg an tSolatháir/Odds and Ends, Val Noone 8 The Evolution of linguistic groups, Stuart Traill Web http://www.tintean.org.au 10 Future of the Irish Language, Éamon O’Cuív Published four times per annum 12 Financials: Ease Liquidity Pressures, Simon Good. ABN 13643653067 32 Poetry ISSN 1835-1093 44 Tinteán Update, Rob J.F. Butler Features Editor: 14 A parent’s tribute, Michael Costigan Liz McKenzie 16 Emeritus Professor Greg Dening (1931–2008), Peter Steele S.J. Deputy Editor: 19 Dispelling the myths, Patricia O’Connor Felicity Allen 20 Quintessential Australians, Bill Hannan Business Manager: 22 Lost Your Census? Mattie Lennon Rob Butler 23 Hard-bitten fi ghting men, Michael Doyle Advertising: 24 John Walshe and the Irish Land League, Patrick Naughtin 25 The Kellys Again, Terry Monagle Marie Feeley, tel 03 5996 3343 26 Royal Hospital for Incurables, Donnybrook, Stephen McCormick and Kate Press Production: 27 Cancer among the Irish in Britain, Felicity Allen Andrew Macdermid 28 From Co. Down to Downunder, Kathleen Murphy Other workers on this issue: 29 Melbourne-Irish Historical Links, Chris Mooney Peter Kiernan, Frances Devlin- 30 Fenian in the cupboard, Rob J.F. Butler Glass, Bob Glass, John McMahon, 31 James Fintan Lalor, Peter Lalor Philp; Harry Smith, Kate Hennessey Catherine Arthur, Meg McNena, 39 McGettigan’s Field, Mattie Lennon Kate Cliff ord, Rob Butler, Don 40 Wine to gladden the heart, Catherine Arthur McKenzie. 41 The Irish Setter, Michael Doyle Reviews Views expressed in the articles, 34 Ireland’s Ancient Stones, Pam O’Neill letters and advertisements are 36 Christian Brothers, Peter Kiernan, Luck and the Irish, Rob J.F. Butler those of the contributors and not 37 The Flight of the Earls, Felicity Allen 38 Sheela-na-gigs, Frances Devlin-Glass, Catalpa, Kim Warnock necessarily those of the Australian Irish Heritage Network or of the Travellers’ Tales 42 Derry today, Kate Smith editor. The cover painting by Kathleen J. Boyle shows a fl ag inscribed with Celtic motifs, torn apart as a kind of desecration. It is placed over the sea to signify the sea voyage of the artist's grandfather who was placed in a ship to Australia after his parents died of starvation during the famine.

The Australian Irish Heritage Network to build and explore the Irish Australian identity. The maga- Membership is open to all with an identifi cation with Irish her- zine will welcome material which explores the big themes of itage. It was founded in 2007 to continue the spirit and work exile, diaspora and settlement. It will also encourage the tell- of Val Noone and Mary Doyle. ing of the micro-stories that express narratives of individuals One of its activities is to publish the magazine Tinteán and families. There will be a continual study of the political (meaning hearth in Gaelic and pronounced ‘Tintoyne’ – the and economic evolution of Ireland, and of the contribution fada on the fi nal á giving the syllable the dominant stress and which Irish-Australians have made to Australia. The intention the “augh” sound). is to explore and celebrate the playing out of the Irish heritage The AIHN offi ce is in the basement of the Celtic Club, 316 in Australia, past, present and future. Queen St, Melbourne. We express our thanks to the Club for its generosity. People are welcome to drop in. However we are Activities only there parttime so check fi rst. As well as the magazine, we hope to put on social and educa- tional events; disseminate news and information via the inter- Objectives of the AIHN net to disseminate news and information; off er recognition for This Association, as its primary objective, will produce a liter- service to literary and historical endeavours; issue cultural and ary magazine called Tinteán. The focus of the magazine will be political comment, and research and record our heritage.

Tinteán June 2008 1 Letters Revive the parade Donal O’Sullivan’s Songs of the Irish A really good edition: Interesting, eru- Thanks for a new interesting and enlight- contains a similar ballad, ‘An Cuimhin dite, wide-ranging! I especially liked ening magazine. Long may it flourish. Leat an Oiche Ud?’ (‘You Remember that the article on the Mercy order and the The article on page 3 “Beyond Mon- Night, Love?’). overview of the Irish influence in eccle- ocultures” was timely and relevant. Ruth Bauerle in the James Joyce siastical appointments (Cullen). By the One of the great traditions, the St Songbook provides what she thinks is way, what does the front cover depict? Patrick’s Day parade is no longer with us the ‘most nearly authentic printed ver- Crackling on the pork, for the breaking in Melbourne, once the second biggest St sion of it’. Dr. Hamish Henderson from of bread, or nun’s tea cake? Pat’s Day parade in the world. A parade the School of Scottish Studies believes Áine O’Rafferty, Balwyn, VIC that survived two world wars, depres- it was originally collected by Percy sions and Billy Hughes’ opposition with Child from a Cork informant, and that I read the latest copy of Tinteán with his referendum. it has seen a gradual shift in title, in interest. Val Noone’s review and the pho- The loss of the parade, colourful as it the time-honoured manner of the oral tosof St Patrick’s Day 1920 were most was, leaves our children and grandchil- tradition, ‘The Lass of Roch Royal’, interesting. I found it great to see the dren deprived of a great spectacle and a to ‘The Lass of Loch Royan’ to ‘Annie faces and stance of the 12 WW1 Victoria chance to meet people from home and O’Loughran’, to ‘The Lass of Aughrim’. Cross winners – it is all part of Australian abroad each year. Quite a genealogy! Catholic tradition. Our thanks and gratitude go out to past It is memorably sung by Frank Patter- I also found the article by Edmund generations who kept the parade afloat son, playing the role of Bartell D’Arcy, Campion on Cardinal Moran full of inter- through rough and smooth. in John Huston’s The Dead, perhaps the esting Australian history. All very good We now look to the younger genera- most admired Joyce-based film ever. work. Congratulations! tion to revive the parade so that we can Frances Devlin-Glass Máire Connell, Geelong, VIC say again “It’s a great day for the Irish” Good luck to Tinteán. Thanks (The following corrections were drawn Paddy Furey, Strathmore, VIC Thanks so much for the copies of Tinteán. to our attention by Sr. Noela Fox in her They have been beautifully produced article “Singing A New Song” in Issue 3.) Can you help? and are an absolute credit to everyone Saint Kilda was the first Presentation I have been searching for the score or involved. I enclose a donation for what foundation on mainland Australia and some information about a song used by is objectively a great idea, as a gesture was founded in 1873 (not 1883 as stated Joyce in his Dubliner story, The Dead. of support. With my best wishes for the in the article) from Limerick. As they are all leaving the aunts’ party, success of Tinteán, Gardenvale/Elsternwick, Star of the Gretta is seen listening wistfully to Mr. Anne McPhee, Abbotsford, VIC Sea, was founded from Wagga Wagga in D'Arcy singing from a closed room: 1883. A foundation was made in Perth in O, the sun falls on my heavy locks I appreciated the contribution “Spirit and 1905. Many thanks. I am looking forward And the dew wets my skin, Courage” by Max Charlesworth. to your next edition. My babe lies cold... R.Corcoran, Edithvale, VIC Sr. Noela Fox PBVM Mr. D’Arcy named it as The Lass of Aughrim. Can anyone help identify it ? Peace and best wishes with the publica- Thanks for the support Peter Kiernan, Malvern, VIC tion and your aspirations. Well done, yet again, to the producers Editor’s note – Prof. Frances Devlin- Joan Saboisky, San Isadore, N.S.W. of this wonderful magazine which fills Glass has solved Peter's problem and an essential void in our Irish culture and writes: We are subscribing as we like the maga- the acknowledgement of our ancestry. I ‘The Lass of Aughrim’ occupies a piv- zine. The picture of the three sisters in would imagine that there is a lot of unpaid otal moment in Joyce’s most ambitious your No. 3 is a gem and Ed. Campion is effort put into this production by our edi- and accomplished story in Dubliners. always worth reading. Fond regards to torial committee but I am sure that this Gabriel’s wife Greta’s response to a sung Felicity Allen of your team. publication could not continue without version of the song occasions a crisis of Michael and Margaret Costigan, the support of those who place advertise- confidence in the doting husband’s image Lavender Bay, N.S.W. ments in it. My guess is that they do so of himself as a lover and husband, as it out of loyalty to the cause rather than any is associated in her memory with her Tinteán is a really classy magazine commercial decision. thwarted first love, one that ended tragi- and I say that with the utmost ardent Suspecting this, I carefully scan each cally in death. admiration and congratulations on the issue to see how I might return the favour The song ‘in the old Irish tonality’ immense labour involved over so many to our advertisers by using their services is probably a version of Lord Gregory, years now. I raise my hat in particular where appropriate. I trust that other read- and similar but not identical to it. It (tipping my cap) to my great old friends ers like me make a conscious effort to was a song Joyce loved to sing and he Val and Mary. My thanks for what you support the advertisers who are featured had learned it from his wife, Nora, and are doing, in this magazine. she had learned it from her mother. Dan O’Donovan, Beagle Bay, W.A. Robert O Byrne, Shoreham, VIC

2 Tinteán June 2008 A new view of Celts in the British Isles

The new science of DNA testing has revolutionised many ing invasions, but much more like the Roman, Viking and areas, including history. By sampling the genetic history of Norman conquests. populations, researchers can now speculate on past migrations These new historical findings are speculative, and should patterns. This has led to new views of the historical demogra- be considered provisional for the time being. Nonetheless, phy of the British Isles, including its Celtic element. what conclusions can we draw from them? While there may The accepted view until now has been that a Celtic inva- be no hard evidence of a genetic ‘Celtic’ race in the Brit- sion of the British Isles took place about 300BC, spreading ish Isles, we can still celebrate in a sensible way the dis- Celtic language and culture over most of the isles. After the tinguished contribution Celtic culture has played in Europe Roman imperium collapsed in Britain, the Romano-Celt pop- over the past two millennia, which had become a significant ulation was taken over from the fifth century AD onwards by fact in itself, whatever its base. We don’t have to go to the invading hordes of Angles, Saxons and Jutes, who entirely opposite extreme – genetics isn’t everything. subjugated the existing population and its culture, and estab- All races are mixed – they are not ethnically pure, but lished a new entity, Anglo-Saxon Britain, consist of leaders who impose their ‘race’ which continued until subsequent Viking and customs on those they take over. Writ- and Norman incursions. ‘The accepted view ten accounts often use an all encompass- Genetic and other evidence suggests a ing label which hides the ethnic diversity different picture. From very early times the until now has been that underneath. The novelist Anthony Burgess British Isles seems to have had two sepa- shocked us into this realisation when he rate populations. The western and northern a Celtic invasion of described English as a creole language. regions we know today as Ireland, Wales We should also realise that in the longer and Scotland were populated by people the British Isles took perspective it is false to divide races and moving north, mainly by sea, from the place about 300BC, nations into imperial and colonised cul- Iberian peninsula. In contrast the area we tures. All have had their ups and downs, know as England was populated by people spreading Celtic periods of domination and well as ones from continental Europe opposite it, from of being suppressed. Seeking revenge for Saxony, Friesia, other Germanic areas, and language and culture alleged victim status has caused bloodshed from Scandinavia. These people must have as well as imperial domination. spoken an early Germanic language. over most of the isles’ On a personal level, we should move There is no evidence of a massive Celtic beyond the conflict model of nationalism, invasion of Britain about 300BC. Some which sees us a having a monochrome Celtic speaking people must have come, perhaps at a much identity, one primary marker to distinguish us from oth- earlier time, to implant Celtic language and customs. We ers – British versus Irish, Croat versus Serb, and so on. know that Galicia in Spain had a Celtic population, but the It is much more rewarding to view our identity on the ‘Celts’ of the British Isles are not genetically related to those archaeological model of stratigraphy. We all have varied of the Celtic heartland of central Europe. Language and race and diverse backgrounds, many layers and desposits built up do not always go together, as we have previously thought. over past generations. Freud described memory as ‘a mental Those who spoke the Celtic language in the British Isles may entity in which nothing once created has perished, and all the not have been a ‘Celtic’ people. What language was spoken earlier stages of development have survived alongside the in England, as distinct from other parts of the Britsh Isles? latest’. It is our task to try and retrieve these variegated rem- The evidence is mixed and confusing. There is no substratum nants and to reconcile them into an intelligible whole, not to of Celtic words in the English language, which suggests that set them that at odds with each other, as ethnic nationalism, it was not widespread in England. On the other hand England which defines us by our difference from others, does. Thus has many Celtic-derived place names. we each summon from the depths of consciousness our own When the Angles, Saxons and Jutes came to England in personal myth. the fifth century, genetic evidence suggests they were not On a broader level, each country has a public conscious- as numerically dominant as previously believed. Scribes of ness called nationalism, which is an amalgam of all that the conquered people, like Gildas, naturally depicted the has gone before it, and which, with new accretions, is new people as an invading force who decimated the original always subtly changing and developing. As citizens we population and totally destroyed the old way of life, but this naturally give allegiance to the topmost and visible layer, in may not have been the case. Though they ruled, their num- our case the Australian one, while all the time being aware bers were smallish, and mainly male, and they married into that we are assimilating diverse elements into it. Just as we and assimilated with the locals. The existing population may should not overly privilege the visible majority layer, nor have been speaking an early Germanic language, and thus should we privilege any one minority layer at the expense had something in common with the newcomers, though if of the whole. this were the case one would have expected Roman writers Patrick Morgan commenting on Britain from Caesar’s time onwards to have An informative summary of the findings of new DNA mentioned this original German-speaking people in Britain. reserach can be found in Stephen Oppenheimers’s book In summary, the genetic findings suggest that the ‘Celtic’ The Origins of the British: A Genetic Detective Story, and Anglo-Saxon intrusions into England were not obliterat- Constable, 2006.

Tinteán June 2008 3 News Kildara Centre Malvern on 16th May of the voyage of the O’Donnells and 2008. A beautiful video prepared from the O’Neills known as the Flight of the a more lengthy film by Maraid Sullivan Earls. Setting out from Rathmullan, Co. was shown followed by readings from Donegal in 1607 the noble families and some of John O’Donohue’s poems. Then over 90 of their followers left Ireland for various tributes took place, especially France. Although their power had been from Rose Joyce CSB who recently greatly reduced after losing the Battle of made a retreat in Co. Clare under his Kinsale, their reasons for flight remain direction. All who took part felt it was unclear, though their every move was a fitting tribute to someone of such great dogged by spies for Dublin Castle. Even spiritual stature. today, travelling under sail down the C. Arthur west coast of Ireland round Land’s End and across the Channel is no light under- Save Tara! taking. Adverse winds held back the Why is the Irish Government placing a modern crew until the fresh water sup- double-tolled freeway through the val- ply ran low and the bread was rationed. ley between the Hill of Tara and Hill of The original Earls were greatly assisted Skryne, in County Meath, when there is by a relic of the true cross which the a shorter and cheaper route to the west, dangled over the stern in the water to along the old Navan rail line? This ancient moderate the storms, although they were archaeological landscape is more than ultimately forced to lower sail and let 7000 years old, –the pulse of the heart the ship drift. The modern crew greatly of Irish civilization, the seat of the High enjoyed the change in fortunes once they Kings of Ireland and the place where St. rounded Land’s End and got the benefit Patrick is said to have converted the Irish of the easterly winds which had delayed Greg Dening 1931 - 2008 to Christianity. them until then. Just as in 1607, there Emeritus Professor Greg Dening, known Irish Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney were women aboard, but in 2007 they to many Tinteán readers, died in Hobart recently described the routing of the M3 formed part of the crew – bos’un and on 13 March after suffering a stroke through the Hill of Tara environs as a watch captain. When last heard from, while walking in west-central Tasmania "ruthless desecration”. there were only 220 miles to go to the near Lake St. Clair. Originally a Jesuit The Irish government has flatly mouth of the Seine. priest, he was one of the leaders of the refused to take the shorter cheaper route From Seán MacConnell, Irish Times, innovative anthropological approach to to the west allegedly because influential 22.12.07 historiography, which emerged in the speculators and developers paid farm 1970s. This approach informed his first prices for the land along the route of the von Butler book Islands and Beaches, Discourses M3, long before the route was chosen. A quite recent example of a descendent on a Silent Land (1980), based on his What is happening to the region sur- of the ‘Wild Geese’ was the German doctoral dissertation, continued most rounding the Hill of Tara has arguably Army general who was the commander famously in Mr Bligh’s Bad Language worse implications for Irish heritage than of all NATO troops in Afghanistan about (1992), and was manifest in his last anything else in Ireland’s long history of 3 years ago – his name was ‘von But- published work (2006), Church Alive, fighting oppression, which threatened the ler’!!! A County Waterford family that a history of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, survival of Irish culture in the past. left Ireland to serve as army officers in North Sydney. At the time of his death, All Irish people, including members the Catholic Austro-Hungarian Empire, Greg was working with a group of well- of the Irish diaspora! need to participate and gravitated to the army of the Catholic known Melburnians on a study of the in the effort to save Tara by becoming King of Bavaria – to the Kaiser’s army in university apostolate at the University informed, informing others and writing WW1 – to Hitler's army in WW2 – and of Melbourne and at Newman College, letters to the Irish government. Learn finally to the German army in today's where Fr. Gerry Golden, SJ was chaplain about the Hill of Tara, at our website which NATO forces. in the 1950s. Many readers of Tinteán will also carries addresses for those who wish Source: Michael Doyle recall Greg’s contribution to the seminar to write to the Irish government: www. component of last year’s ‘Bloomsday’ in GlobalArtsCollective.org Taoiséach resigns Melbourne, when he reflected on his time Mairéid Sullivan, Melbourne The Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern resigned as a Jesuit student and teacher. For the Anam Cara for Tara Arts Action as leader of the Irish Government on Campaign Tuesday 6 May after leading his coali- Memorial to John O’Donohue tion government to victory three times A fitting memorial to John O’Donohue Flight of the Earls in the polls since 1997. During his term prepared by Maraid Sullivan and The three masted barque Jeanie John- as Taoiseach, Mr Ahern’s presided over Catriona Devlin CSB took place at the ston has successfully followed the route the “Celtic Tiger” economic boom which

4 Tinteán June 2008 transformed Ireland from a largely agri- eign aid. In 1999, Irish troops served as land. On the 11th January John married cultural country to an economically part of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Ellen Geary, also from Co.Clare at St. prosperous nation attracting immigrants the wake of the vote for independence Francis Church in Melbourne. They had from all over the world and reversing the from Indonesia. six children. John worked as a farmer century long trend of emigration. How- Source: The Australian and in time acquired several blocks of ever his most lasting legacy may well land in the Bulla – Digger’s Rest area. be the part he played in the 1997 Good Alternative Anzac Day Com- Just before he died in 1909, John and Friday Peace agreement, brokered by Mr memoration his brother James and nephew Willy in Ahern, Mr Tony Blair and the Rev. Ian An innovative Alternative Anzac Day Ireland reestablished contact, connecting Paisley which eventually brought an end Commemoration was held at the Mel- the Irish and Australian branches of the to decades of violence in Northern Ire- bourne Unitarian Peace Memorial Church family. Ellen lived until 1927, when she land and laid the groundwork for a pow- on 25.04.2008. The theme was simple, died aged 82. er-sharing administration in the North. to emphasise the urgency of peace as A great time was had by all at the Another lasting result could well be the opposed to war. Several speakers, led Reunion Lunch at the Jack McKenzie his role in transforming relations between by Val Noone, addressed the gathering Commnity Centre in Green St Bulla. the Irish and British governments. of over one hundred people on topics Source: Luke Reddan Jan/Feb 2008 Mr Ahern was a popular as well as ranging from the care of returned Anzacs populist Taoiseach. However the last few to the well-being of the relations of Republicanism and the 20/20 years of his tenure has seen him come deceased and injured soldiers from both Summit under increasing pressure because of world wars and other war theatres. The The recent 20/20 Summit in Canberra allegations, now the subject of a tribunal frightening material costs of war, current and the appointment of Quentin Bryce investigation, of planning corruption and civilian deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan as the first female Governor General payments to fellow politicians, charges and the hideous injuries ensuing from but maybe the last one to hold the office which he denies. nuclear bomb testing and the risk of has sparked a renewed interest in the In a twist of fate, his resignation neglecting the dire yearning for peace idea of Australia becoming a Republic. comes less than a year after the resigna- as against the military context of Anzac Mr Rudd could do worse than to enlist tion of the British Prime Minister, his Day were also raised. An excellent and the services of Irish-born Australian, Dr partner in brokering the Northern Ireland most moving audio-visual program with Philip Pettit, a renowned philosopher Peace Agreement and coincides with the music was designed by Michael Noone. and author of a book “Republicanism”, resignation of the Rev. Ian Paisley, the The fight for an alternative to war was which caught the attention of Jose Luis other party to the agreement. His suc- promoted as extremely important for Rodriguez Zapatero, the Prime Minister cessor as leader of the Fianna Fáil Party our planet. It is intended to establish this of Spain. Dr. Pettit delivered a lecture on and Taoiseach is his Finance Minister commemoration as a yearly event. At its his philosophy in Madrid in 2004 before Mr Brian Cowen, a fluent Irish speaker, completion, the Amir Bakery of Bruns- the new Prime Minister of Spain soon who has pledged to “strive to build a wick supplied delicious Iraqi food and after the terrorist bombing there brought country strong and free, with decent liv- the participants lingered and chatted in Zapatero to government. He is also part ing standards for all, where our elderly the attractive courtyard. of a 14-member international committee are secure and respected and where our Peter Kiernan Zapatero has appointed to oversee his young people can look to their future in strategy for re-election. Ireland with confidence.” Reddans of Bulla Pettit spends some part of every year Source: The Australian 03/04/08 On Sunday 24th February The descen- in Australia and has a very high regard for dants of John and Ellen Reddan gathered Australian democracy “one of the most Ireland offers to take 600 at Bulla Cemetary to celebrate the dedi- admirable in the world”. He believes that sacked Timorese soldiers cation of John and Ellen’s Headstone and Australians to “see that it’s a great country The Irish Foreign Minister, Mr Dermot enjoy a Reddan Family Reunion. Special with a fantastic intellectual tradition and Ahern, on a recent visit to East Timor guests Brendan and Geraldine Reddan we need to have more pride about it.” offered to temporarily resettle the 600 from Co. Clare and Anne (nee Reddan) Source: The Australian HES 23/01/08 soldiers who were sacked from the East and Pat Neligan from Co. Kerry joined Timorese army in 2006 because of deser- the family in their celebrations. Free CDs tion and who have triggered the unrest John Reddan, born in Co. Clare in The first twenty new subscribers to leading to the attempted assassination of 1835, arrived in Australia as an unas- Tinteán will receive a free gift of two the President, Mr Horta. He suggested sisted migrant on the “Arabia” in recent CDs featuring internationally well that the ex-soldiers could work and/or 1860. His sister Johanna had arrived known artists such as Moya Brennan, study in Ireland for two or three years as an assisted migrant in 1854 on the Louise Morrissey, Daniel O’Donnell, learning vital skills they could apply for “Matoaka”. Another brother, Michael Mary Duff, Charlie Landsborough and the benefit of their country when they and sister Mary, joined Johanna and John “The Irish Connection”. Take advantage returned. Ireland has close ties with East in the colony in the next few years, while now of this special offer which will run Timor which is a beneficiary of Irish for- two brothers and a sister remained in Ire- until the end of June 2008.

Tinteán June 2008 5 What’s on Lalor Clan Meeting who will be singing songs in Irish and a distrait tour-guide, Francesca Waters. The O Leathlobhair Clan meeting will be English, and sharing his personal recol- Experienced thespians, Kirk Alexander held over the weekend of July 11, 12 13 lections of the places and stories associ- and Bill Johnston (Fr Arnall and the at the Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix, County ated with these songs. preacher in Jejune Jesuit, and The Chris- Laois, Ireland. Greg Hunt is a superb musician who tian Brother more recently) will play a The weekend brings together all fami- will both accompany Mossie and per- variety of roles. lies bearing the name Lalor/Lawler/ Law- form solo pieces. This year’s seminar will be in the Age lor. Since the Eureka Stockade 150 year Mary Kenneally has had a success- Theatre at the Museum (Lower Level) and celebration in 2004, stronger links have ful career in many facets of stage, radio features Wolfgang Eubel on the Revolu- been built between the Lalors/Lawlors/ and television, and will link the music of tion of 1923 (you didn’t know there WAS Lawlers of Australia and Ireland. There Greg and Mossie with readings from the a revolution in 1923?) and Joyce’s role is a renewed Irish interest in the events best of Ireland’s poets and storytellers. in it. Another paper by Barry Cleland of Eureka. and Philip Harvey will explore how the People wishing to find out more about Kilmore Celtic Festival heavens have changed since 1904. the Clan meeting can contact this writer The eleventh annual Kilmore Celtic A second show will take place in the on (03) 56 832375. Bookings can be made Festival will be held from Friday 27th evening. It takes the form of a dinner/ora- through the honorary secretary Mary June to Sunday 29th June, inclusive. It torio and will reveal how Joyce invented Lalor-O’Mahony: +353 57 8739754. is one of the many great Celtic Festivals the Human Genome project. Dubble-in-It: Peter Lalor Philp, Clan Committee in Australia. Enquiries: 03 5781 1711 or A Roaratorio in Praise of the Progenitors Member kilmorecelticfestival@ yahoo.com of the Humane Genome, takes a passage of Finnegans Wake and performs musi- The IACC Weary Dunlop Rugby Annual General Meeting cal mayhem on it. It is a delightful and Test Match Lunch The Annual General Meeting of the Aus- funny musical pastiche, which follows Join in the celebrations in the lead up tralian Irish Heritage Network will be Joyce’s lead in deploying different kinds to the might of Ireland taking on the held in the Tinteán office in the basement of music for its own pleasure. Monties, Wallabies at a luncheon to be held at of the Celtic Club on Sunday 24 August an elegant new bar/restaurant at 347-51 the Palladium Ballroom, Crown Casino 2008 at 4pm. Smith St, Fitzroy, will serve a 3 course Complex, Melbourne on the 12 June meal in the course of the show. 2008 at 12 for 12.15 pm. Cost is $135 Joyce + Double-Helix Seats at both venues are strictly lim- per person (members), $150 per person Bloomsday in Melbourne Inc. on 16 ited so patrons are advised to book early, (non-members) and $1350 for a table of June 2008 will mount Brave New as we have booked out for many years. ten. Post Lunch at The River Room At World? in the Melbourne Museum the Crown for drinks. The ‘Official After where the Dublin-born Bloom of 1904 Celtic Soiree Party’ will be held at PJ O’Brien’s Irish will meet the newfangledness of 21st A Celtic Soiree will be held to celebrate Pub, Southbank, 6pm till late. century Melbourne. He will be shown the Winter Solstice at St. Carthages’ 123 For bookings and enquiries please around the Museum by Bloomsday’s Royal Parade, Parkville on Sunday 6th contact: The VRU on 03 9529 1377 or fictional creation, his great, great, July 2008 at 7.30 pm. [email protected] great grand-daughter from Acland Street. Featured artists will be Lynne Muir What will he make of ipods, comput- on the dulcimar and Robyn Payne on the Farewell Marcia & Damian ers, cctv, film, Myspace, avatars, climate guitar as well as the Willowmavin Quar- Howard and the Ploughboys change? What will his Australian progeny tet led by composer, Robert Soutar & the A farewell for Marcia and Damien How- make of his pin-up, the Photobits girl, Hughes – Norwood Family Ensemble ard and the Ploughboys will be held at the who doubles as the Poulaphouca nymph, performing ‘Songs of the Diaspora’ in an Brian Boru Function Room, Level 1 Celtic the sea-creature whose home is at the exciting program of Australian, Irish & Club, on Sunday 22 June from 4pm. headwaters of the Liffey? Will Bloom Scottish compositions. Entry is $15 per Entry Fee is$20, children are free. It find the statues in the Life Gallery to his person ($10 concession) at the venue. will be a feast of Music, Song and Dance taste? 95% of Bloom’s language is Joyce, not to be missed! For further information so encyclopaedic and modern is this 86 Carty’s Party contact Marion on 0407 317 539 year old work. Tommy Carty will be inducted as a The Museum makes a superb back- Legend of the Lake at Micky Bourke’s Songs and stories from the drop for doing Joyce, and for exploring Koroit Hotel on Saturday July 5 2008 West of Ireland technology and change over a century. from 6.30pm. An evening of songs and stories with The arcade-style show will be directed ‘Rant’ will perform, followed by a Mossie Scanlon, Greg Hunt and Mary by Brenda Addie (who directed in 2006), mighty session led by Tommy and Pady Kenneally at The Celtic Club on Sunday a specialist in Museum Theatre. David Fitzgerald 13 July at 2 pm. Admission is $15. Adamson (Simon Dedalus in 2007 Cost is $20 including a meal and entry. Mossie Scanlon is an internationally Bloomsday) is grandpapachi to Stevie Contact Felix on 0413 801294 or felix@ acclaimed sean nos (‘old style’) singer (Jane McCarthy). The tour will be led by bushwazhee.com

6 Tinteán June 2008 Bolg an tSoláthair/Odds & Ends

Brennans and Goldens and all The Melbourne autumn morning was, as usual, cold but sunny. We came out of the studio at the community radio station and stood around talking. Elanor, tall with curly black hair, was happy with how our breakfast show discussion of Anzac Day had gone. She had asked me about an alternative Anzac commemoration which I was involved in at the Unitarian Church. The idea of At Good Shepherd Hostel, Abbotsford: Ambassador Máirtín grieving for the lost soldiers while also calling for the withdrawal Ó Fainín, Elsie Byrnes from Donegal and Mick McEwan from of Australian soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan seemed com- Collingwood mon sense to her. On air, I had mentioned the Australian peace movement of community events?” “That’s him.” 1914-18, the Women’s Peace Army whose march in Smith Street, Mick is 83 and his father, under his Irish name, Prionnsias Collingwood, where we were, had been broken up by special Mac Eoghain, was active from the 1920s through to the 1940s. constables. I had, of course, spoken about the successful cam- Indeed, Ambassador Máirtín Ó Fainín had mentioned Frank paign against conscription for World War I. McEwan in his speech to the Irish Language Summer School at Rachel, who had been at the microphone before me to analyse Rowsley in January. the morning’s front page stories, was listening to us. “Some of Ambassador Máirtín had quoted a circular letter signed by my family were involved in the 1916 and 1917 protests,” she Prionnsias and dated St Patrick’s Day 1922. Prionnsias (Frank) of said quietly. Budd Street, Collingwood, along with Fr J O’Dwyer of Coburg I asked her who and she explained that her great-grandfather, and Arthur Calwell of Moonee Ponds, was inviting people to the Frank Brennan, had been an active opponent of conscription. annual festival of the Gaelic League, MacSwiney branch, to be He was later attorney-general in the Scullin government, she held in June 1922. added with pride. She is a great-great granddaughter of Nicholas Frank McEwan had signed the circular: “Do chara sa chuis”, O’Donnell who founded the Gaelic League in Melbourne in 1901, “Your friend in the cause”, and this had made a big impression on and a granddaughter of Niall Brennan, writer, ALP candidate and Máirtín, and on me, a serious phrase to use in March 1922 during public debater. the war of independence. Elanor followed all this and then surprised us with “My fam- When Ambassador Máirtín spoke of the Collingwood address ily are McInerneys and we are related to the Goldens.” Over the I was miffed at not knowing much about Frank McEwan. Budd past year or so, my wife Mary and I have been part of a group Street is a stone’s throw from our home. project about the history of Catholics at Melbourne University in I rang Liz Coyle, secretary at the Irish embassy in Canberra, the 1950s and 1960s. A key fi gure in that story is a Galway-born to let them know. With typical generosity, and within a week, Jesuit priest, Jerry Golden, who is rightly remembered as an out- Ambassador Fainín visited Mick at Abbotsford, went to Mass standing counsellor and a thinker way ahead of his time. Elanor with the Good Shepherd Community, and had an morning tea is Jerry Golden’s great niece. there Though the visit was an informal one, Fr Ernie Smith My meeting with Rachel and Elanor reminds me of a saying I welcomed him publicly at Mass and in his few words Máirtín learned from Seán Mac Réammoin, a veteran Irish radio journal- praised 27-year-old Mother Mary of St Joseph (Bridget Doyle) ist, “There is no such thing as coincidence.” from Roscrea, Tipperary, and the three other Irish sisters who started the Abbotsford convent in 1863. Frank McEwan’s son, Mick Ambassador Máirtín thanked Mick for what his father had I met Mick McEwan back in March, a few days after St Patrick’s done for Ireland, all those decades ago. It was a moving and also Day. We were down at the Good Shepherd Hostel in Abbotsford. a humorous occasion. He was born and bred in Collingwood, in Budd Street, he said. I Mick farewelled the Ambassador with a phrase he remem- tried a long shot, “Any relation to Frank McEwan?” “My father,” bered from his father, “Slán go hEireann agus go h-ifreann an rí, Mick replied. “Was he the one who was active in all the Irish God bless Ireland and to hell with the king.” Val Noone

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Tinteán June 2008 7 The evolution of linguistic groups

On a well known day in March the SBS furthering knowledge of languages and Much of what we “know” about TV news reporter breathlessly informed have produced a wide variety of books, linguistic groups and the evolution of us that “10% of the population is Irish CDs and videos to promote the subject. individual languages is of course specu- Australian” against a backdrop of The SBS Atlas of Languages (ISBN lative and even now new theories are people drinking Guinness and wearing 0-7333-1211-X) is a good case in point. emerging to fill in some of the holes. The green hats. I would argue this figure. If The book itself has an interesting gene- authors have wisely steered a middle you counted just those born in Ireland alogy. Designed and produced by Quarto course through all this and use the most it would actually be lower, in common publishing in London, printed by Star in widely accepted definitions. In the case with all the other groups of overseas- Singapore, first published here by ABC of Indo-European for example, ten sub- born living here. On the other hand if books and then reissued and re-badged groups are listed, most of which quickly you counted all those with identifiable with the SBS logo. expand further into the names we would Irish ancestry it would be a huge figure The authors are Bernard Comrie, recognize today. There is mention (but indeed. Previous estimates of this have Stephen Matthews and Maria Polinsky. no discussion) of Brythonic vs. Goidelic shifted between 30 and 35% And it’s A quick google will confirm that these in the Celtic branches of the tree. Indo- set to get higher after the success of the three are all respected international European descendants now comprise 12 genealogy based TV show Who Do You authors in the field with a healthy list of the top 20 world languages, counted Think You Are?. Actor Jack Thompson of credentials. Editions like this used to in terms of native speakers. To even get and a few others discovered Irish roots be known as coffee-table books, being into the top 20 a language would need at and lots of viewers are now doing their much too large to slip into the handbag least 50 million native speakers and the own research, inspired by the program. for reading on the bus or whatever, but case of the top 10 that number goes up But according to SBS, 10% it is. big and beautiful enough to grace your to 100 million. Healthy enough you might think, and coffee table when the photographer The maps do a very good job (using based on this, you could be forgiven for from Modern Interiors just happens to colours) of showing how linguistic wondering why we no longer qualify for drop by. And the ability to lie flat when borders do not necessarily line up with our own SBS radio program. In short open helps things along nicely. One does political ones. The large scale as used on we are apparently “not ethnic enough”. need both hands for clasping that skinny the maps does preclude some fine detail One rather mischievous rumour doing double half decaf latte. so you wouldn’t use it for planning a the rounds is that if they gave us back At 224 pages including index, bibli- tour of the Gaeltachts in Ireland but at our program they would have to give ography and glossary of terms, the book least you would be in the right area. one to the English and that would be is quite capable of being devoured in a Where the maps really shine though is in unacceptable to the other groups cur- weekend should you choose. Chapter 1 showing the variety of languages to be rently on air. deals with the development and spread found and how they relate to each other So for now we paddle along with the of languages, chapters 2-7 cover dif- via family groupings. This idea of fam- help of the local community radio sec- ferent regions of the globe, chapter 8 is ily groupings is central to the structure tor and abandon any hopes of a national about pidgins and creoles while chapter of the book. presence. The recent listening to the 9 is on writing systems. An epilogue The chapter on the Americas deals listeners tour by Paula Masselos, head deals with the looming issue of language separately with the North, Central and of SBS radio, was not widely publicised loss and revival. Although it doesn’t say South. For North America the subject and quickly acquired its own subtitle anywhere I suspect the epilogue has of language grouping is introduced by “no Irish need apply”. been added for the current edition. The the double disclaimer that (a) familial Lest this all start to sound like an anti overall layout of the text is very well relationship takes precedence over geo- SBS rant, I should point out that over done with plenty of high quality pictures graphical or political and (b) the result- the years they have done a great job in and graphics to illustrate and explain. ing scheme is based on the pioneering R & C Conveyancing Property transfer specialists Rose Brady – Associate member AIC (Vic Div) Mobile: 0419 001 318 Phone: 03 5996 2759 Facsimile: 03 5996 3131 Email: [email protected]

8 Tinteán June 2008 work of Edward Sapir, some of which example there are at least 20 “minor- is still hotly debated by specialists. That ity” as opposed to national, languages said, we are given seven super families in Europe and the current status of and an acknowledgement that a few each is generally shaped by two collid- isolates still defy classification even ing forces. today. This makes for a very interesting First the degree of self-identity as chapter. Any idea what was spoken in seen by the speakers themselves and the movie Dances with Wolves? For the secondly the view of this group as seen record it was Lakhota Sioux. by the larger state(s) in which they Moving down to present day reside. Look around the edges of Britain Mexico, a tantalisingly short outline of and Ireland to see a string of very well Mayan hieroglyphs shows how words known examples of this. But then look language spoken, just in case anyone are made using the rebus principle, in a around the edges of France and see the outside needs reassuring. Macedonia way not dissimilar to ancient Egyptian. same thing with Breton, Gascon and came into existence because its language Again, full details are still to be worked Occitan. Or try looking at Spain and see is different from that spoken in areas to out but it does certainly appeal to the Galacian, Basque and Catalan. In each the west (Albanian) north (Serbian) and part of the brain that deals with puzzles case the minority language lives on in an east (Bulgarian). and riddles. uneasy but not yet fatal relationship with Unfortunately the southern demarca- For those who like their puzzles a that of the majority. tion is more problematic because Mace- degree or three harder you could read Part of this may be due to the fact that donian is spoken across the top part of elsewhere in the book about the unde- these peripheral groups, while separate Greece as well and the new arrangement ciphered Rongorongo script from Easter from each other, do have a slight advan- is causing great concern to the govern- Island or the Phaistos disc from Crete. tage in that they are not completely sur- ment in Athens. They are pushing the Both of these are well documented on rounded by the corresponding “national” line that while the language itself can the Internet and have been the subject language. The maps really make this be called Macedonian; the state cannot of much scholarly thought for decades. clear. Elsewhere in Europe the other because that could give encouragement Crack the code if you can and add your minority languages (eg Romantsch, to those who may be seeking a land grab bit to our knowledge store. Ladin, Friulan, Istro-rumanian, Aru- at some future date. Whether this ever The chapter on writing systems is manian, Upper Sorbian, Frisian, Letze- happens may not concern you much probably on safer historical ground buergisch) generally form pockets deep unless you are Greek, although it can’t than some of the preceding sections. inside the larger territories and as such be said to be a new problem. Back in Writing systems are well attested and can only be viewed as having a finite 1878 the Irredentists had similar ideas generally tie in with historical records. life expectancy. The fact that few people and wanted to unify Italy with some out- It is recorded that Sequoya, a Cherokee have even heard of them can be said to lying areas based on linguistic grounds. from North Carolina created a phonetic confirm this bleak assessment. Neighbouring countries did get uneasy writing system for his Iroquoian tribe in An unusual but very topical case is for a while. 1821 and within a very short time most Macedonian. The former Yugoslavia had Overall, highly recommended read- Cherokees had a high degree of literacy. no national language of its own (that I ing no matter how deep your interest Prior to that there was of course no writ- can recall anyway) but since it imploded in languages goes. If you can’t wait for ten version; everything was passed on in the early nineties the fragments have your birthday to come around and drop by word of mouth. tended to coalesce along linguistic and/ a few hints, then your local library may Reading about language loss and or religious lines. The names of the well have this book on the shelves. revival stirs mixed feelings. Taking one new states are generally those of the Stuart Traill LONERGAN FAMILY FUNERALS INCORPORATING W.G. RAVEN EST 1849 DIGNITY • GENTLENESS • UNDERSTANDING

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Tinteán June 2008 9 The future of the Irish language

The Minister for Community, Rural and was written by an anonymous source. time its national and historical signifi- Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, TD, “As to the Irish language, toleration cance. The Irish State recognises the recently visited New York University and patronage have come too late. It importance of the Irish language as a where he gave a talk on what the future cannot be saved alive by any human vibrant expression of national identity, holds for the Irish language. He opened power. It is at present confined to and of Irish culture, along with our his talk by asking if Éamon deValera about 1/3 of the peasantry and those games, dance, music etc. He said he could have foreseen the success of 21st the most ignorant and uncivilised. As a would try to set out very simply where century Ireland? spoken language, it can hardly survive the Irish language stands today. The Minister informed his audience the present generation. The fathers and Irish is the first official language that the Celtic Tiger years saw Ireland mothers will retain it until their death, of the Irish State, and is recognised as increase its economic influence in the but by the children it will be neglected such in the Irish constitution. In June world. In addition, there has been an and forgotten. The time for educating 2005, Irish was once again restored to international renaissance where Irish them in the native language has gone its rightful position in Europe and from culture is concerned. Part of this results by forever. It is not the language of 1 January 2007, Irish became the 20th from the development of links between business, of modern civilisation, and official and working language of the Ireland and the 50 universities and third will not enable a man to get on in the European Union. In 2003, a Languages level institutions worldwide that teach world. However, we may regret that Act was passed for the first time, giv- the Irish language and Celtic Studies, any language, especially one so primi- ing legislative effect to the provision and the provision of funding for this tive, so expressive, so powerful as the in the Irish constitution, and providing work. He welcomed the ongoing collab- Gaelic should cease to live, its doom for the establishment of the Office of oration with the Fulbright Commission, is inevitable.” the Language Commissioner, or Coi- which cements the traditionally strong The forecaster’s lot is not a happy misinéir Teanga, to enforce and ensure ties between Ireland and America and one, as Irish remains alive more than compliance with the provisions of the builds on the initiative of Presidents 150 years later, and in spite of all the Act. Other laws have been passed in John F. Kennedy and the Minister’s changes we have seen in modern Ire- recent years with significant provisions own grandfather, Éamon de Valera, who land, the death of the language is no in them in relation to the Irish language. founded the American Irish Foundation longer forecast. This is a good thing, These included the Education Act 1998, during Kennedy’s Presidential visit to as world linguistic diversity is of great the Planning Act 2000, which has spe- Ireland in 1963. importance, because each language cial provisions in relation to planning When we look at the situation in involves a unique thought process that in Irish speaking, or Gaeltacht areas, relation to the Irish language today, adds to human knowledge and experi- and the British-Irish Agreement Act one must first look at the situation of ence. The importance of linguistic 1999, under which the Language Body the language in the 19th century. Irish diversity to the cultural heritage and was set up. This last Act made special declined rapidly in the 19th century, present-day richness of all humanity provision for the setting up of an all- and by the end of that century, only is something that societies have only Ireland Irish language body, Foras na 1% of the speakers were monolingual begun to understand and appreciate in Gaeilge. This arose out of the provi- Irish. This is of particular significance, recent years. sions of the Good Friday Agreement. as at that time, once people became Although he was speaking in a There are also significant provisions in bilingual, there was a rapid transition University, the Minister declared that the Broadcasting Act 2003 in relation in the following generation to monolin- his interest in the Irish language is the to the Irish language. gual English. use of Irish as a modern vernacular in Another big challenge has been the At that time the following statement every-day life, recognising at the same transformation of the Irish-speaking

Cumann Gaeilge na hAstrail

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10 Tinteán June 2008 community from a poor, rural com- in December 2006 and the Minister’s munity to an effectively middle-class Department is currently working on a community, and the maintenance of the 20 year Strategy for the language. This language in the transition. No stability will be finished by the end of the year. can be reached in relation to the future It will be a Strategy which will set out of the language unless there is an Irish what needs to be done at a policy and speaking middle-class, not only in the practical level, rather than a detailed Gaeltacht, but throughout the country. operational plan. To set the task in con- There has also in recent years been a text he quoted from a piece written by significant interest in growth in all-Irish his own father, Professor Brian Ó Cuív, Located within the medium education. For example, in in 1951: 1972, there were only 16 all-Irish pri- “Probably no more than 35,000 per- Celtic Club building mary schools in the country, outside the sons use Irish as their ordinary medium Gaeltacht, and this has since increased of speech, and no more than 3,000 are to 184 schools. ignorant of English. Moreover, the dis- The Minister also made reference to tricts where Irish is still normally used the position of the Irish language in the are among the most ‘uneconomic’ in the For the best deals world. He described how, the Canadian country, and they are separated from and service when Language Commissioner on a visit to one another by large English-speaking Ireland, compared the situation of Irish areas where most of the people cannot travelling to Ireland in Ireland with French in Canada. She speak Irish. If we expect this language and beyond also pointed out that if the French lan- spoken by thirty or forty thousand per- guage were to die in Canada, it would sons to fight for its existence against still survive as a major world language, English, which is spoken by over 200 but if the Irish language were to die as million persons, while we withhold our a vernacular in Ireland, then it would full support in the struggle, then we cease to exist as a vernacular language deserve to see it die.” anywhere in the world. Due to the tremendous work that She further pointed out that the Irish has been done in the interim, the language is part of a world heritage that Government now knows that there are is of not only national importance, but some 80,000 daily speakers of Irish in of world importance. This is particu- the country at present. Irish is being larly so because the Irish language is taught in more than 50 universities the oldest written vernacular language around the world outside the island of in Europe, with a very rich literature Ireland. It is an official and working stretching back to the 5th century. Its language of the European Union and At Emerald Travel, Seamus poems and literature are the reposi- is alive on the internet, TV and radio. and Christina Moloughney tory of a major part of the history and The Minister said that he personally culture of the island of Ireland and are believed that if, in 20 years time, continue a family tradition part of the common cultural heritage of we have 250,000 daily speakers of of professional travel service all humanity. Irish, the tide will have definitively The Minister said it was important turned and that we can reasonably Level 3, 316 Queen St, for him to outline the political vision expect to have an Irish-speaking Melbourne VIC 3000 of the Government and the State in community of sufficient strength to 03 9670 9696 0419 401 584 relation to the Irish language. The Irish ensue that the future will be one of Fax: 03 9670 7007 State is committed to increasing the further growth for the language. If use of Irish nationally but that it is not the initial revivalists in Conradh na [email protected] part of the Government’s object to get Gaeilge had sufficient courage to rid of, or in any other way decrease the keep with it in conditions that offered knowledge of English amongst its citi- less hope, he can see no reason other zens. What the Government is striving than lack of courage and leadership to achieve is functional bilingualism, now why Irish will not remain alive where people will use both languages as a spoken, community language with ease. It is also an objective of the in the new globalised world that has Government to increase the comfort of been created. the community at large with the Irish Deirdre Gillespie language. The Government set out its Éamon Ó Cuív TD is Minister for vision in a Policy Statement published Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Licence 32507

Tinteán June 2008 11 Ease liquidity pressures

Plenty of drama in the first three There was precious little in the way quarter, even as economic growth slowed, months of 2008 as the mortgage crisis of new rationale for what lay behind this generated significant comment and con- worsened with write-downs in the equity demise, but there was an accelera- cern. Food prices have climbed as more financial sector passing the US$200bn tion in the trends seen in the second half of agricultural land is set aside for biofuel mark. A rogue trader incident that 2007. Principally, the sub-prime mortgage/ and commercial development, causing shaved 4.9bn euro off a company’s leveraged debt crisis worsened with writ- unrest in a number of countries, including annual profit helped sustain volatility. edowns in the financial sector passing the Vietnam and the Philippines. The price of Time will determine whether imple- US$200 billion mark and claiming one of a barrel of oil broke through the US$100 mentation of a range of measures by its most prestigious victims as Bear Stearns barrier in February and stayed above that the central banks to help ease liquidity was rescued from collapse by JPMorgan level for the remainder of the quarter, pressures will prove effective. Chase. The US economic slowdown began peaking at US$110. Iron ore prices soared to carry the look of an economy slipping as Brazil’s Vale achieved a 71% increase in 3 Month Review to 31 March into recession, hastened by the still-dete- prices from Asian steelmakers for the year The first three months of 2008 provided riorating housing market and a noticeable beginning in April 2008. plenty of drama and delivered the worst weakening in the labour market. On currency markets, US dollar quarter of returns seen on many equity The last thing the financial markets weakness accelerated as the US Federal markets for more than five years. Unlike probably needed in January was the rogue Reserve’s rate cuts opened up a notable the previous few quarters, there was no trader incident that shaved €4.9 billion differential with Australian and Eurozone sense that a decoupling was in place as off Societé Generale’s annual profit. This interest rates. In the middle of March, the markets around the globe tumbled. China’s incident helped sustain volatility notwith- US dollar fell to a 12-year low against the high-flying Shanghai Composite Index fell standing an emergency rate cut of 75 basis Japanese yen. While this has ramifications to earth with a 34% decline in the three points by the US Federal Reserve (Fed). In for imported inflation, US exporters have months after nearly doubling in 2007, while total, the Fed cut interest rates from 4.25% been able to offset weak domestic demand Germany’s DAX Index declined 19% after to 2.25% in the quarter. The Bank of Eng- with increased overseas sales. significantly outpacing the performance land rowed in behind with a more modest of its European neighbours last year. The easing of monetary policy, taking a quarter Outlook best performing market in the period was percentage point off their own interest rate The near-term economic backdrop will be Mexico, which achieved a gain of 4.7%, to 5.25%. The European Central Bank very challenging for markets as recent evi- while US equities tended to outperform maintained its mantra about inflationary dence suggests that the sub-prime problems with the S&P 500 Index declining a rela- risks, but suggestions that it might increase and resultant liquidity crunch are filtering tively modest 9.9%. Elsewhere, double- rates evaporated. All major central banks more broadly through economies. We do, digit losses were the order of the day and made funds available during the quarter however, believe that the actions of the the French Cac-40 (-16.2%) and UK FTSE in an attempt to thaw credit markets, as monetary authorities, most notably those 100 (-11.7%) captured the breadth of the spreads continued to widen. of the Fed, together with US Government demise. The pick-up in commodity prices this initiatives will ultimately prove effective

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12 Tinteán June 2008 in stabilising the situation. We have been fashioned one: how deep and how long will encouraged by the speed with which the the downturn be? In Financials there is a lot Fed have reacted to the deterioration of uncertainty over the final bill for capital in the economic backdrop as well as its market losses. There are worries that banks implementation of a range of measures to are about to see a cyclical rise in bad debts help ease liquidity pressures facing banks in their consumer finance businesses. The and other financial institutions. At the considerable de-rating of financial stocks same time we don’t foresee a rapid eco- over the past year leaves many stocks nomic recovery, a slow-paced improve- looking cheap. Bank re-capitalisation was ment commencing in the second half of a feature of quarter one and we expect this Simon Good the year. We therefore expect that markets to be a feature going forward, with the Client Services Manager will continue to experience heightened growth in Sovereign Wealth Fund invest- BIAM Australia Pty Limited levels of volatility. That same volatility ment showing few signs of easing. The is however throwing up some attractive hope is that further bank losses linked to a tough line in relation to inflation, but stock picking opportunities. sub-prime-related assets will be uncovered we believe that the combination of slow- We expect the earnings cycle to reach and reported speedily. ing growth and the strength of the euro a trough towards the end of this year. There are very tentative signs of an end will result in some easing, most likely in Forward Price/Earnings multiples are cur- to the liquidity crisis. Despite inter bank the “latter half of 2008. We see the need rently close to 20-year lows for the broad interest rates remaining elevated, a small for further UK rate cuts as the economy European market and are also at depressed degree of stability has emerged in corpo- appears to be facing substantial headwinds levels for the US market. Even if earnings rate credit markets. In addition, central in the form of a straining property market are subject to further sharp reductions, banks, particularly the Fed, have shown a and substantial liquidity pressures. We valuations remain attractive; stock markets willingness to engage in both conventional anticipate further action is needed by the have effectively priced in a recession. and unconventional measures to restore Fed albeit at a less aggressive pace than When liquidity and the money markets do stability and confidence to markets. The has been witnessed to date. normalise, the question becomes an old- European Central Bank has maintained Simon Good

Tinteán June 2008 13 A parent’s tribute In her too short life, which ended tragically on the night of 13 September 2007, Mairead Fionnuala Costigan never set foot in Ireland, but there was much of Ireland in her blood, in her name and in her ways. Mairead could claim Irish ancestry on both her parents’ sides. There were also Welsh ancestors (the Gwydirs) on her mother’s side and Scottish (the Martins, of the Cameron clan) on her father’s. In truth, an all-round child of the Celts. When she was born, in the Sydney suburb of Surry Hills on 17 November 1976, my wife Margaret and I indulged to the full our predilection for Irish names, calling her Mairead Fionnuala. We had been inspired that year by the deeds and heroic spirit of forgiveness of the Belfast peace activist Mairead Corrigan, who was soon to be declared the recipient of the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize. Mairead Corrigan and Mairead Costigan – only two letters of the alphabet separated the names. Is it any wonder that Mairead turned out to be herself such a compassionate and forgiving lover of peace and justice? As for Fionnuala, that lovely name combined rhythmically and poetically, we thought, with Mairead – even if both names were to give spelling and pronunciation problems to some who knew her in infancy, and later. (I once suggested to her that school friends having trouble with her name should be told it rhymes with “lemonade”. Not a good move – for a time, of course, “Lemonade” became her schoolyard nick-name.) News of Mairead’s sudden death, a short time after she had qualifi ed brilliantly for a PhD in Ancient Philosophy at Sydney University, inspired a wistful poem by the Irish poet Patrick Chapman, an old friend of our daughter Siobhan and her partner Dave Bardwell from their Dublin years. At Siobhan’s suggestion, Patrick had visited Mairead while in California in late 2000, when she was on a postgraduate scholarship at Stanford University. Writing to us recently and sending a slightly revised version of his sonnet, Patrick remarked that, although he and Mairead had met only once, for those four days in Stanford, they kept in touch via email during the following years. He wrote: “I found her to be one of the most brilliant and quirky and warm people I knew. I was ever more impressed by her and her achievements.” With Patrick Chapman’s kind permission, I reproduce his poem here:

The Philosopher Dances For Mairead

“I would not know what the spirit of a philosopher might wish more to be than a good dancer.” Friedrich Nietzsche

There is a moment when we stand Before a mockup of the Shuttle At the NASA base in Moff ett Field. You speak of the Platonic – That all we know is only a refl ection Of some higher truth; our fi nest achievement Only a clue to some greater endeavour. Our senses imperfect, we live in the world. To dance between a man and the essence of Man, Between a woman and the essence of Woman, Between a fl ower and the essence of Flower, You bring back a note from the garden of Time – But you love earthly music, equating it with higher math, The beauty of the universe, the spirit of philosophy.

14 Tinteán June 2008 The original version of Patrick’s poem was read by Siob- of her sister: “She was passionate about that which she believed. han and included in the booklet prepared by her for Mairead’s Her whole life represented social justice. Her thesis was about private Requiem Mass, celebrated on 22 September 2007 in a justice. She was the first on the phones at Caritas during the Macquarie Park Crematorium chapel by our relative Father Des tsunami. She wrote songs based on justice and she lived and Purcell SJ. breathed it every moment of the day. She was incredibly gener- In the same funeral booklet we made use of a reflection by ous – a giver. She never wanted anything in return. She was that other fine Irish poet and mystic John O’Donohue, whose gentle and very sensitive… Words cannot encompass all and own premature death a few months later was to catch his multi- everything she was. Above all, she was my sister.” tude of admirers by surprise. During the last year or more of her life, Mairead had trouble Here is one paragraph from the reflection, from John sleeping while completing work on her thesis. The controver- O’Donohue’s Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World: “We do sial medication Stilnox (zolpidem) had been prescribed for her not need to grieve for the dead. Why should we grieve for them? a number of times during much of this period. About a week They are now in a place where there is no more shadow, dark- before she died its closely related “cousin” Imovane (zopiclone) ness, loneliness, isolation or pain. They are home. They are with was prescribed. Our subsequent research on their side-effects God from whom they came. They have returned to the nest of has confirmed our conviction that these medications played the their identity within the great circle of God.” crucial role in Mairead’s fatal fall while sleepwalking on that Later, after his death in Avignon in January, I came across terrible night and in much that occurred in her life during the O’Donohue’s beautiful poem On the Death of the Beloved, preceding period. which has this evocative conclusion: All of this led to a good deal of publicity in the media in and May you continue to inspire us: after February this year – something that would have embar- To enter each day with a generous heart. rassed such a limelight-avoider as our beloved Mairead. To serve the call of courage and love We believe, however, that the memory of our daughter and Until we see your beautiful face again sister can best be honoured and her death can be given some In that land where there is no more separation, meaning through the campaign launched to warn others about Where all tears will be wiped from our mind, the dangers of these so-called “zed” medications. And where we will never lose you again. At the time of writing (late March 2008) our online petition All of Mairead’s adult life, from the time when she left school calling for them to be banned had attracted over 3800 signa- for university at the age of eighteen until her death at nearly tures. Many very alarming allegations about and descriptions of thirty-one, was devoted to the study of her beloved philosophy the dangerous and sometimes fatal side-effects of the medica- and in particular, in her postgraduate period after winning the tions came to our notice through the petition. I urge readers University Medal in Philosophy, to reflection on Plato’s ideas on of this tribute to Mairead Costigan to consider adding their justice. The title of her doctoral thesis is The Figure of Justice in signatures to the petition and, if they wish, including accounts Plato’s Republic: Kindling a Noetic View. of any adverse reactions to the drugs that they or others known Her supervisor and principal mentor at Sydney University, to them have experienced. The petition can be accessed online Associate Professor Eugenio “Rick” Benitez, told us that the at: www.ipetitions.com/petition/stilnox/ groundbreaking thesis had within it the ingredients for a life-time Michael Costigan career devoted to continuing academic research and publication. The doctoral degree was awarded posthumously to Mairead at a Graduation ceremony and presented to her two sisters, Siob- han and Sascha, on 14 December 2007 by the NSW Governor and Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Marie Bashir. It was a proud and sad day for Mairead’s family and for her friends and colleagues in the Philosophy Department, who held a special commemorative function for Mairead after the ceremony. Mairead, however, is not remembered by those who knew her as just a studious young woman absorbed by elevated thoughts about philosophy. She was a friendly if shy, humorous, warm, generous (but self-critical) person who loved, among other things, music, films, theatre, good food, walking, good litera- ture, the natural environment, animals, anything Greek and, in a special way, Australian Rules football. She and I never forgot the experience we shared watching our beloved Collingwood win the 1990 AFL Premiership. On that occasion we were the guests of Mairead’s Melbourne-based godparents, our dear friends and (at least on that day, ecumenically minded) Essendon supporters, Val Noone and Mary Doyle. The event is but one of a thousand joyful memories of such a dear and very special girl. We have received hundreds of wonderful tributes to Mairead from her relatives and friends. No words were more moving than those spoken by her sister Sascha at a reflection organised by Caritas Australia, the Catholic aid agency where Sascha works and where Mairead worked sometimes as a temporary helper or volunteer. Among many other lovely reminiscences, Sascha said

Tinteán June 2008 15 Emeritus Professor Greg Dening (1931–2008) This is the week, of all weeks in the year, in the person of Jesus. Greg remarked textile of which Greg was an acute ana- when millions of christians throughout once of the process of understanding that lyst, and to which he made a strikingly the world celebrate their belief that love ‘our clarity is in many ways the product distinctive contribution. is stronger than death. For any thought- of somebody else’s creativity’, and the The meal, like the ritual meal towards ful adult, this will not be a conviction ‘somebody else’ who is being creative on which our present ceremony is moving, arrived at without challenge. It may our behalf is, in the christian view, a very is part of the theatre which was crucial to sound strange to say of Jesus Christ that diligent God. There is an old tradition that Greg’s understanding of human practice, he was ‘a thoughtful adult,’ but he was the elderly John would simply repeat to and is also part of those signalled affec- certainly that, and his conviction that love what we might call his graduate students, tions without which our lives become is indeed stronger than death was tested ‘Little children, love one another’. This is virtually intolerable. The eagerness of the in the grossest of ways, as every cross or not senility: this is acuity: and it is founded reanimated disciples to pass on their good crucifix attests. But we should not be fold- in just such a spirit of gratitude as many news is something which many of us will ing our loving memories of Greg Dening of us witnessed in Greg himself, the more recognise as something which we knew into this particular ceremony unless the abundantly as the years went by. There is in Greg, that man who did indeed have christian community believed that, after an unattractive character of Shakespeare his part in Christ’s elan, his fervour for the suffering and the death, love was to who says, at one point, ‘I am not in the the truth, his instinctive affection, and his triumph, by God’s power, indestructibly. giving vein.’ Greg was in the giving vein, fidelity to those whom he encountered. This present ceremony is called ‘a and John would have applauded. There is much more that might be eucharist’, which means, ‘a thanksgiv- If we turn to today’s gospel, we may said, but it will be said elsewhere. Let ing’. There are thanks to be given for remember that the word itself means me close by alluding to that passage many small treasurable things – for jokes, ‘good news’: but this time round, as is from John’s gospel which is printed in for gestures, for savoured moments: but often the case, the story does not begin the booklet which you have to hand. In also, in the christian perspective, for the with good news – quite the contrary. The it, there is an account of the healing of promised vindication of the whole human couple of travellers who are walking from a man who had been born blind. It is project, a vindication in which, we hope, Jerusalem to a village seven miles away, there by Donna’s wish: she and Greg no least thing will be found expendable, called Emmaus, have been thunderstruck had, during Lent, been reading together and in which the grandeurs of our species by the arrest, the rigged trial, the torture various passages from the gospel, and and our cosmos will be transposed into a and execution of their prized teacher. They the night before he had his stroke, they new and altogether blessed key. are talking these events over, no doubt in read this passage. You will draw your In the first of the readings from scrip- anguish of spirit, and are joined by a risen own significance from the passage, but ture this morning, the writer, John, says Jesus whom they do not recognise, but none of us need look far to find a poi- as though it were a matter of course, ‘This with whom they speak. When the three gnancy. Those who profess christianity has taught us love – that [Jesus] gave up pause for an evening meal, the two are must acknowledge that Christ is the one his life for us: and we, too, ought to give disconcerted once more, but this time by by whom, uniquely, they are enabled up our lives for our brothers and sisters.’ an abrupt joy, since now they recognise to see as they should: but on that very Such phrases have what we might call a their master at the most companionable account they may be the more grateful moral elegance, and a moral eloquence, of moments, namely when the bread is to the many women, and the many men, about them, but that does not matter very blessed and shared. He vanishes, at which at whose hands they have been helped to much unless people render them actual as point they agree that talk with him was a see well, and Greg Dening will be high they tramp their way along on life’s paths. kindling experience for their hearts, as he in that roll for many of us here. Greg, over many of his earlier years, was ‘explained the scriptures to us.’ The final thing to say is a word and exposed to just such recommendations, You will not expect me to match a prayer of thanks for all of those who whether as a boy or as a Jesuit, which is Greg’s practice with Christ’s to the point stood by Greg, with skill and dedication, well and good: and your presence here of identification, a gambit which he not only in the exacting circumstances and mine today attests the fact that he would have regarded as at once profane since his stroke, but in earlier times of found highly distinctive ways in which and absurd. But it is surely quite in order mortal need, and in fact all through his he could turn his life into a gift for other for us to remember several elements life, whether they were his relatives, people. At the end of this ceremony from that narrative which bear on Greg, his students, his intellectual colleagues, Douglas Kennedy will be reminding us as they bear on us. Those two travellers his Jesuit confreres, friends old and of some of the ways in which this was so. might be emblematic both of the many new, or Donna, the love of his life. This For a few moments now I should like to voyagers whose practice he detailed and present eucharist celebrates Greg’s life reflect briefly on our readings from scrip- upon which he reflected in one narrative and achievements, and prays for his ture with Greg in mind, and indeed in his after another: and they might also stand eternal wellbeing, and it also gathers in presence, which I believe to be the case. for what has been called ‘homo viator’, gratitude and hope all of us here, and John’s letter enjoins generosity upon humanity on its way, in all weathers and many others besides. May he, and they, his readers, a sometimes taxing generos- in all conditions. The shared discourse of thrive eternally. ity, but the declared motive for this is not those who were walking wounded from Peter Steele SJ a free-standing ethical nobility, but sheer life’s incursions is in effect part of the Requiem Mass and homily on 19/3/08 gratitude, gratitude for God’s solidarity vast textile of talk in which we weave Palm Sunday, for Wednesday of Holy with us, from the cradle to the grave, together the things that come our way – a Week, 2008: Newman College.

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18 Tinteán June 2008 Dispelling the myths Much has been written on the Irish who tralia, we are the blow-ins. This is a way left Ireland in Famine times. Libraries bigger experience than moving within Ire- worldwide have shelves devoted to the land. It impacts people in different ways. tales and plight of these 18th century emi- If you met me today, you’d see that I am grants. The closer we get to modern times, proudly wearing my ‘history of Ireland’ though, the fewer texts we find. As for the and ‘I’m of Ireland’ rings. I felt no need post-1980 contingent, little is available. to wear such rings in Ireland. So this begs My mission was to uncover the reasons the question of what it means to be from why these recent immigrants left Ireland Ireland and to be Irish today. bound for Australia and to tell the tale The third myth was the belief that Dr. Patricia O’Connor of their lives since coming here. Why? Australia is so Irish that the Irish have no Because, having come here in 1993, I am bother settling in. That certainly wasn’t one of these more recent statistics. As an the case for me or the Irish people I palled The stories of these 203 did much to immigrant and more recently as an aca- round with. Don’t get me wrong – the challenge and dispel the myths that had demic, I was enthralled (substitute ‘horri- Australians we’ve met are lovely. It’s just bothered me both as an immigrant and an fied’ at times) by the myths about us. An that we missed Ireland. Family, friends academic. Firstly, these 203 were most important part of my research work was and the life we knew were there, not here. certainly not economic refugees. All bar therefore to challenge these myths. In this It just wasn’t the same. one had been employed in Ireland before article, I have selected three particular Even to this day I get confused when leaving. The one exception was a student myths to discuss. someone tells me that they are Irish, who came out to a job here after he gradu- The first myth was that post-1980 especially if there is no hint of an Irish ated. Indeed, many had never intended arrivals were economic refugees. At face accent. In the early days I used to think their trip here to be ‘emigrating.’ They value, this myth seems to have some that my hearing was defective or that were on an adventure with every intention credence. After all, Ireland in the 1980s somehow I had lost the capacity to tell an of returning to Ireland. Love, children, underwent a major economic recession Irish and Australian accent apart. I soon careers and life generally meant that stays and people emigrated in droves. At the came to realise that they were talking of got extended indefinitely. Secondly, being same time, Australia was busily seek- ancestry, not place of birth. Many were in Australia was where many discovered ing overseas workers. The recruitment referring back to convict times, when what being Irish meant, personally and campaigns of Qantas and various nursing their great-great grandparent arrived. collectively. Most interesting of all was boards resulted in many skilled engineers Even though they were born here, they that many of those from Northern Ireland and nurses taking up appointments in still called themselves Irish. Then there became Irish for the first time here, as Australia. But could the explanation be were my friends from Northern Ireland. much through being free to express their so simple? Some Protestants I knew confused me by Irishness as through having little choice, The second myth had to do with Ire- happily calling themselves Irish one day being labelled Irish whether they liked it land and being Irish. In my first job here and being adamantly British the next. I or not. Thirdly, for all the talk of Australia my boss pestered me every morning to wondered how people who weren’t Irish having Irish roots, many felt homesick say “Top of the morning”. Why? Because all the time coped with being considered and were in constant touch with family he thought that that’s what we said in Irish in Australia. Surely this suggested and friends in Ireland. As one person put Ireland! He still had the Maureen O’Hara that settling into Australia wasn’t as easy it: “Australia is similar on the big things and John Wayne imagery of thatched as the myths suggested? but very different on the little things”. cottages in his mind when he thought of So spurred on by these and other myths The end result was people travelling back Ireland. It didn’t help that people I had I encountered, I undertook a study of the and forth to Ireland on a regular basis and grown up with suddenly metamorpho- contemporary Irish. The end result was a a frequency of phone calls that helps to sised into these individuals who routinely PhD thesis. I interviewed 203 Melbourne- keep the Australian telecommunications used the terms “me darlin’” and “me based people from Northern Ireland and industry afloat. dear” when talking in Australia especially the Irish Republic who had arrived in Aus- These brief insights into the life and when their audience was Australian-born. tralia between 1980 and 2001. To simplify times of the contemporary Irish in Austra- These same people wouldn’t have been the analysis, I interviewed only those who lia clearly show that all is not as it initially caught dead using this terminology back were over the age of 18 when they arrived seems. These three myths relating to their in Ireland! Other friends told me of being and who had not previously lived outside coming and staying were ill-founded. asked if we had fridges and electricity in Ireland. This certainly didn’t make recruit- While their numbers are far less than the Ireland yet. ment easy. I spoke with at least 500 people 18th century predecessors, their stories The Ireland I left in 1993 was noth- before getting these 203; the remainder nonetheless tell of experiences that were ing like these popular myths. Nor was it disqualified for having first spent time in richer and more complicated than popu- as multicultural as it is now. Once it was the UK, America, New Zealand or else- lar myths suggest. They too have a story exotic to date or marry someone from where. This, in itself, is testimony to the worth hearing. My task is to ensure that the next village; someone from the next diversity of places that today’s Irish live in through the further publication of my county was an absolute foreigner – a and the mobility that is part of the modern work that this story is more fully heard. ‘blow-in’ for generations. Here in Aus- Diaspora experience. Dr. Patricia O’Connor

Tinteán June 2008 19 Quintessential Australians A memoir of the Irish diaspora

Uncle Pat rode into our lives in the winter of East Clare for any Hannans. Nor does and the landlords that had destroyed of 1942. Until then we had scarcely heard he mention Ballyhannan among Quin’s their lives. Even so the dire condition of him. My father knew him from child- townlands. There is, however, such a of Ireland must have made emigration hood, but Uncle Pat was seven years older townland and even a Castlehannan; traces seem inevitable. The story is that a priest than my father, who was at home with his of the Gaelic world that invaders and in Quin organised an emigration party younger brothers and sisters until both land grabbers – many themselves of Irish to establish a scent farm in Victoria. It their parents died in 1883 and the remain- lineage – have not obliterated. Accord- would have been easy to take up land at ing family was dispersed. My father, then ing to modern sources, the O’hAnains Dunolly before its golden days. aged seven, passed his schooldays in St There is no evidence of this scent Vincent de Paul’s orphanage in South farm – though it would have been a nice Melbourne, leaving with a Merit Certifi- “Inevitably, in touch to make a living from supplying cate and an ear cocked for the call of the ephemera to the quality – but James Han- bush. Despite, or perhaps because of, his Dunolly, he must have nan took to bridge work and other rural early separation, he kept in touch with looked for gold, if only tasks as a ‘contractor’. Inevitably, in brothers, sisters and cousins. So he corre- Dunolly, he must have looked for gold, sponded with Pat and he was the ‘family’ after Sunday Mass.” if only after Sunday Mass. Only one of named when a hospital asked Pat if he his sons, another James, followed the lure had any relatives. of gold, to Walhalla where he is buried Of the fourteen children born in were a Gaelic sept. Descendants have in the cemetery so steep they say that the Dunolly to James Hannan and Mary used both Hannan and Hannon as Eng- dead were sometimes buried upright. Mangan Uncle Pat is the second Patrick. lish spellings, but my father recognised Since my father married late and was The first was born in 1861 but lived one only the ‘an’ Hannans as part of his mob. 58 when I was born, I met few of my day in this world before he joined the Family legend had it that all –‘an’ Han- aunts or uncles. I visited two aunts who angels. Three others also died in infancy. nans are related, but I have met some lived in Sydney, but of the uncles I knew The second Patrick was born in 1867 and with whom I can find no connections, for only Pat. I have photographs only of one in 1874, his brother, Cornelius William, example, Joseph Francis Hannan, 1875- aunt, and of course of my father. Then my father, was born. He preferred to be 1943 a prominent Trades Union official there are photos of cousin Paddy and the called Bill. and a parliamentarian. famous drinking-fountain sculpture in There is not much trace in the records Hannans do not figure in the pub- Hannan Street Kalgoorlie. These images, of my ancestors. Australia’s best-known lished history of Dunolly either. The along with my memory of Uncle Pat, Hannan is Paddy Hannan of Kalgoorlie. Welcome Stranger, the world’s largest leave no doubt as to family resemblance. Like his cousin, my grandfather James, nugget, does and is a reminder of my When I first saw Paddy’s statue I thought he came to Victoria, but soon wandered. father’s two stories of gold. My father’s it a dead-ringer for my father, but photo- James arrived in 1848, went to Dunolly approach to stories was that they should graphs show a straighter nose, more like and stayed there. Three years later he be brief, few and often told. The hammer, my aunt’s and Uncle Pat’s. My father’s married Mary Mangan. He died at 61, he would say of the small one he used nose was in the Roman mould. she 45. His official cause of death is for shoe mending, ‘struck the Welcome Paddy Hannan of Kalgoorlie arrived inflammation of the lungs and liver and Stranger’. If the name of Paddy Hannan in Victoria in 1862, in his early twenties. exhaustion. Mary died in the same year. arose, he would declare that the ‘streets He died in Brunswick in 1925, before I Although it was common then to attri- of Kalgoorlie are paved with gold’. This was born. There are a few accounts of his bute proximate deaths to broken hearts, turned out to be true when metallurgists manner and style: reserved, self-effacing, it is more likely a common disease killed found that they could extract some gold rather abstemious and with little sense of them both. from the black stuff used to pave the humour – the very opposite of the wild Paddy and James were both from streets of Kalgoorlie. Irishman of fiction. Such descriptions, Quin in East Clare. Mary Mangan was In 1848 when the 27-year-old bach- supposing they are accurate, could well from Clare and possibly also from Quin. elor, James Hannan left Quin, there apply to my father or Uncle Pat. There is a plaque in Quin to mark where were no sudden fortunes to be made in Uncle Pat was in his early seventies Paddy lived. Tourists come to Quin today Dunolly – it was a tiny farming settle- when he stayed with us in the dwelling we to visit that and the great ruins of Quin ment. However, this was the time of the had above a pastry cook’s in Windsor. He Abbey. Lewis’s Topographical Diction- Great Hunger. The fact that he came to looked older, like a man who had walked ary of Ireland (1837) says that in 1831 the Australia rather than North America sug- in from the desert, which in a way he had. village housed 173 people in 34 houses. gests that he was not among those des- He had been droving around the Riverina. The area, said Lewis, had good bog land perate, starving creatures forced to wan- One night on the way to Balranald, with a but poor soil for agriculture. der the roads and fill the holds of ships bicycle, a packhorse but no sheep as yet, Lewis finds no room in his account going anywhere away from the blight he fell ill. Unable to rise, he saw that his

20 Tinteán June 2008 horse had wandered away with whatever because he stayed alive, but in our view name to Russell to get work and took up he might try as medicine. Bushmen usu- as kids it all coursed down his chin and lone jobs like droving and prospecting. ally carried patent cures. Not that they on to a napkin tied round his neck or He sounds more like one of Lawson’s would have done him any good, since sometimes into his lap on the way to the characters down on his luck than Pat- he was too weak to get around. Someone floor. He was a mess. terson’s carefree horseman riding into found the straying packhorse, and early One reason he paid so little attention the vision splendid, but he was clearly in the afternoon Uncle Pat was found and to his food was that he was talking to my no tramp or drunkard. taken to the hospital in Lake Cargellico. father. They talked about the old days, the My father was also a bushman, of a Once he recovered, he was told he 1890s when squatters ruled, the unions more settled type. As a youth he left the needed to rest for a good while. Did he took them on, the Bulletin backed the city to become a boundary rider in the have any relatives? He did, a sister in workers and Henry Lawson and Banjo Riverina. Working mainly for the Falki- Sydney who was a nun and a brother in Patterson created the Australian legend. ner family he rose through overseer to Melbourne, whose address was obtained At that stage I developed a lasting taste the rank of manager. Before his rise in from the sister. The hospital wrote to my for memorising poetry. The Victorian the ranks he worked for a while in New father asking us to meet him. Readers nourished this taste with plenty Zealand. Falkiner flocks were renowned He came on the train, from Tocumwal of Patterson, Lawson and other songsters for their merinos, and as manager at I suppose, and we met him at Spencer of the bush. Somewhere in my mind, I Wanganella Estate he had a key role in Street station. I still remember him saw Uncle Pat, teeth intact, as Clancy of breeding the horns out of merinos. So descending from the carriage, quite tall, devoted was he to merinos that on seeing thin, and dressed in a black suit with the opening scene of The Overlanders waistcoat and a fob watch on a gold chain. “So devoted (one of only two or three films he ever He carried a Gladstone bag. More of his saw) he snorted, ‘Crossbreds’ and went gear was following on a goods train and was he to merinos to sleep. would be delivered to us at home. The Uncle Pat did most of the talking delivery included the biggest bicycle I that on seeing the about Labor history whilst my father had ever seen. Its handlebars were turned made brief exclamations when a particu- up. In those days, only sporting bikes opening scene of The lar name was mentioned. Father’s favou- had flat or down turned handlebars. The Overlanders he snorted, rite story was of the time he appeared front and back forks both had swags tied before Justice Higgins during the 1907 to them. Most wondrous were the tyres. ‘Crossbreds’ and case that led to the Harvester judgement In order to foil the fearsome burrs of and the Basic Wage. My father appeared western New South Wales, he had filled went to sleep” for the squatters about conditions on his tyres with dry grass. Too big for us sheep stations. The barrister assisting Mr kids, the great bike stayed in our shed Justice Higgins asked what the men had until Uncle Pat left. the Overflow. The analogy was a bit out, for breakfast. ‘Mutton’, said my father. My fondest memory of Uncle Pat – in that Clancy was a drover and a horse- ‘And for lunch?’ ‘Mutton’. ‘And what remember I was only nine – is of meeting man whereas Uncle Pat in his prime was are they served for dinner?’ ‘Mutton’. him in the street on the way home from a shearer and a unionist. But I had never At this point Higgins intervened. ‘How school. There he was in his black suit, been out of the city, so it was all romance many acres did you say Wanganella black hat and watch chain. He would to me. had?’ ‘A hundred thousand’, said my stop, we would greet him and he would My father cryptically summed up father. ‘Is it your evidence,’ said Hig- say he had a lot of coppers that were too Uncle Pat’s career with the words: ‘He gins, ‘that on a hundred thousand acres heavy for his pockets. He’d hand these was an intimate of W.G. Spence’ (founder you cannot raise a few pigs to give the to us and we’d rush into the nearby milk of the AWU). Uncle Pat was an organiser men bacon for breakfast?’ My father bar to buy sweets. At the time I thought of the Shearers’ Union in Bourke in the was enchanted. The story lived on as it was just chance that he always seemed Great Strikes of 1890 – 92 when the min- his longest. His and our favourite short to meet us coming home from school and ers, the maritime unions and the shear- ones were: on Collingwood, ‘When Billy near the shops in Punt Road. ers went out. He called the men out in Mohr kicked ten goals on Jack Regan, My worst memory is of Uncle Pat Bourke, according to my father. Collingwood mounted the ball and pre- at table. He was toothless. My mother The workers lost but subsequently sented it to him’; on the Murdoch press prepared pap for dinner: mashed potatoes gained from the strengthening of the when he interjected at a Labor rally, and pumpkin, rice, mince, stewed fruit labour movement and the growth of ‘Sausage wrappers’; and on the quality and the like. Uncle Pat, however, had not the Australian Labor Party, but the of bread, ‘They fed a lot of canaries on learned to eat with gums alone. Some of squatters were vindictive. Uncle Pat was white bread and they all died.’ the sustenance must have gone into him blacklisted from the sheds, changed his Bill Hannan

Tinteán June 2008 21 Have you lost your census?

Ancestors are like potatoes; the best are in his honour when the platform upon reen believes that research, like charity under the ground, but have you ever which he was standing collapsed. begins at home and organised the highly wondered if your great-grandmother was But there is no need to go to all that successful ‘Phibbsfest’ reuniting Phibbs related to Royalty or our grandfather trouble. Irish Roots magazine has been family relatives from all over the World. was in the Black-and-Tans, but did not purchased by Historian Maureen Phibbs The emotional celebration unearthed the know how to find out? In the last four and her daughter Julie, a broadcast jour- Phibbs family tree and culminated in hundred years, millions of Irish people nalist and film director. You know you an enriching experience and a powerful emigrated; some through wander lust or are a genealogy addict when your dining tribute to the many Phibbs ancestors a spirit of adventure but mostly because room table has been transformed into who had scattered across the globe. of economic necessity. People of Irish an office and the table has been pushed Maureen joins the Irish Roots’ team descent are now found in all parts of the into a corner to make more room for as editor and brings with her over twenty world. It is a slight exaggeration to say three years experience of research in the that everybody has an Irish grandmother; field. Her enthusiasm, zeal and passion but perhaps you have. for genealogy and family history will Perhaps your forebears sailed from I can trace my be reflected in her involvement in the Queenstown after a night of merriment magazine. Julie Phibbs is Maureen’s turned into a tearful farewell, taking ancestry back eldest daughter ( or should that be their last fond look at Irish soil. Eamon to protoplasmal descendent?). Julie’s background is in Kelly once said, “The best American TV Production with a career in Broad- Wakes were in Ireland and the best Irish primordial atomic cast Journalism with East Coast Media Wakes were in America.”. If you think globule. Consequently, in North East Lincolnshire in 2001. you have Irish ancestry what is the next She proudly collected two NTL televi- step? With some information and a cre- my family pride sion awards in 2002; ‘Best College TV ative mind you could do a bit of designer Item’ and ‘Best Community or Business genealogy yourself. is something Item’. Julie was introduced to genealogy Let’s say that your great-great uncle in-conceivable. by Maureen. They combined their skills Patrick Murphy, a fellow lacking in to document Gerard Wakelam’s moving character, was hanged for horse stealing I can’t help it. story ‘When Evening Falls – The Search and train robbery in Montana in 1868. I was born sneering. for Barbara O’Connell’. The docu- A cousin has supplied the only known mentary describes Gerard’s search for photograph of Patrick, showing him The Mikado information about his Irish mother who standing on the gallows. On the back are died when he was four. Gerard, from the words: Patrick Murphy: Horse thief, Herefordshire in England, was forbid- sent to Montana Territorial Prison, 1865. den by his grief stricken father to speak Escaped 1867, robbed the Montana Flyer your files. You introduce your daugh- of his mother after her death and so she six times. Caught by Pinkerton Detec- ter as your descendent, you have more remained a mystery to him. The docu- tives, convicted and hanged, 1868. photos of dead people than live ones mentary follows Gerard on his last trip A pretty grim situation but if you were and you would rather go to a cemetery to Ireland and his final chance to answer slightly dishonest (which of course you’re than a shopping-centre. Maureen Phibbs questions that had haunted him all his not) you could revise it a bit. Simply crop had all the symptoms. She is from Cul- life. The documentary has been shown the picture, scan in an enlargement and len a village in Co. Cork. She is married at film festivals around the Country. edit it with image processing software so to Pat and they live in Co. Wicklow Julie has directed videos and DVDs that all that is seen is a head shot. and have six children. Maureen’s pas- including ‘A Journey through West Next, rewrite the text: sion for genealogy was ignited in 1984 Wicklow’ and more recently ‘Sunrise Patrick Murphy from County Donegal when a relative contacted the family from on the Wicklow Hills’, a DVD com- emigrated during the great famine and Australia. The family had been unaware memorating four hundred years since became a famous cowboy in the Montana of these relations and so an exciting the inauguration of Co. Wicklow. The Territory. His business empire included discovery of relatives was uncovered, County is depicted through ballads, sto- valuable equestrian assets and intimate as was a deep interest in genealogy and ries and breathtaking scenery. See also dealings with the Montana railroad. family history. www.westwicklowfilms.com. Julie is Beginning in 1865, he devoted several Maureen undertook courses in looking forward to working with the years of his life to service at a government genealogy and local history. In 1998 Irish Roots team and to extending her facility, finally taking leave to resume his Maureen founded the Blessington interest in genealogy. dealings with the railroad. In 1867, he Family History Society which inspired The next issue has informative articles was a key player in a vital investigation many members and continues to be a on many aspects of genealogical research run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective thriving and invaluable part of the West as well as Links to archival material in Agency. In 1868, Patrick passed away Wicklow community. She has compiled Ireland. Back-numbers of the magazine during an important civic function held and contributed to many books. Mau- contain articles on subjects as diverse

22 Tinteán June 2008 The Land of Saints and Scholars… and hard-bitten fighting men! as Irish National Dress, Hitler’s Irish The term ‘wild geese’ in Irish history tries’ (Holland) in 1585 requested Irish Relatives, and The Black Irish. If you may refer to one of three events. First Gallowglas (heavy infantry) and Irish have any interest in Ireland (or wish to the 1607 ‘flight of the earls’, which Kerne (light infantry); these warriors develop one), Irish Roots is for you. Just included many leading members of duly arrived in Flanders in 1586. remember it’s not all plain sailing as this the Ulster aristocracy escaping from The Irish served in the English army poem (written by a frustrated researcher) English oppression in northern Ireland, of the Netherlands as Stanley's Irish will testify; following their defeat by the English Regiment from 1587 till 1596, allied I went looking for an ancestor I cannot at Kinsale in 1601, to join forces with with the Protestant Dutch fighting against find him still. their Catholic allies in Spain. Second the Catholic Spanish. However their He moved around from place to place the 1653 flight of Irish Confederates to colonel, Sir Edward Stanley, a devout and did not leave a will. serve in several European armies after Catholic, then changed sides and took He married where a courthouse military defeat and genocide at the the Irish to fight for Spain. England's burned. He mended all his fences. hands of Oliver Cromwell. Third the frustration would turn to fury when it He avoided any man who came to take 1691 exile of the Irish army of Patrick was discovered that Guy Fawkes of the US census. Sarsfield following their transportation Gunpowder Plot fame had been one of He always kept his luggage packed, from besieged Limerick and Cork to Stanley's soldiers. From 1597 till 1604 this man who had no fame. King Louis’ France. the regiment was known in the Spanish And every 20 years, this rascal However the incredible story of Army as ‘El Tercio Irlanda’. In 1628 the changed his name. Ireland’s warrior elite fighting outside regiment was disbanded into indepen- His parents came from Wicklow, they of Ireland goes back much further in dent companies. In 1698, Captain John could be on some list time – and is of much wider scope on Jordan commanded a ‘Tyrone company’ Of passengers to the USA, but some- the world stage. Before the Normans of the Spanish forces in Florida. how he got missed. invaded England, Irish fleets routinely In 1605, The Spanish raised their And no one else anywhere is search- raided the coasts of England and Wales own Irish Regiment under Prince Henry ing for this man. for plunder and slaves; one of whom O'Neill, son of Hugh O'Neill (‘The So I’m perusing Irish Roots to find was later to escape from Ireland, and O'Neill’ – Chief of the O’Neill clan). him if I can. then return as a missionary to convert This was known as ‘Regiment Tyrone’ I'm told he's buried in a plot, with Ireland to Christianity, now known as (named in honour of the O’Neill ter- tombstone he was blessed. Saint Patrick! ritorial title, ‘Earl of Tyrone’), and later But the weather took the engraving England’s Norman King Edward I it achieved fame as ‘Regiment Ultonia’ and some vandal took the rest. (‘the hammer of the Scots’) recruited as part of the famous Irish Brigade of He died before the county clerks Irish light cavalry (hobblers) to serve the Spanish Army. decided to keep records. in France during the ‘100 Years War’ On November 1, 1709, Felipe No family Bible has emerged in spite and also used them to patrol the Eng- (Philip) V of Spain collected all the of all my efforts. lish border with Scotland. In 1243, Irish units into one brigade. The Ultonia To top it off this ancestor, who has the Irish again fought for the Normans Regiment came under the command of caused me many groans, but against their fellow Celts, the Diarmuid Mac Amhlaoibh (Dermot Just to give me one more pain, Welsh – perhaps in memory of the MacAuliffe) who had distinguished betrothed a girl named JONES! Welsh mercenaries who had fought at himself in defending Cork City from Strongbow's side when he brought his the invading Protestant forces of Wil- If you discover a parsimonious fore- Norman English invaders to Ireland in liam of Orange in 1690. As well as father remember... misers make great 1169. In 1485, Irish warriors fought in producing victories in campaigns in ancestors. England with the Yorkists against the Europe, the Irish Brigade of Spain Mattie Lennon Lancastrians during England’s bloody spearheaded the Spanish expansion in Wars of the Roses. the New World bringing Cuba, Loui- Irish Roots magazine is now published When the wars of religion swept siana, Texas, California and Mexico by Irish Roots Media, Blackrock, Bless- through Europe setting Catholic under the flag of their adopted country. ington, County Wicklow. against Protestant, the Irish were to be The ‘Wild Geese’ of popular myth Subscriptions for 2008 can be taken by found fighting for both sides. As early and legend dreamt of returning to Ire- post immediately, but not online until as the 1520's, Irish troops were to be land, where military skills perfected further notice. Prices of 2008 subscrip- found in the Netherlands. The German on foreign fields, in the service of tions (four issues including postage) Ire- artist Dürer sketched ‘Gallowglas and Spain (the ‘world super power’ of that land: 21 euro; Australia A$36 / 23 euro. Kerne’ on the continent in 1521. time), would then be employed against Please make subscription, in draft or The Tudor crown acknowledged the English occupiers. cheque, payable to Irish Roots. Irish as the hardiest and fiercest troops Michael Doyle Contact the Editor at editor@irishroots- in the known world. For this reason the More on the history of the ‘Wild magazine.com English commander in the ‘low coun- Geese’ to follow in future issues... www.irishrootsmagazine.com

Tinteán June 2008 23 John Walshe and the Irish Land League in

John W. Walshe Advocate 26 February 1881 Australia 1881-82

Unlike the well-known Redmond mis- the Gympie miners established the first who led the Ladies Land League in Ire- sion to Australia in 1883, the mission of Australian branch). land, to promote the movement in the another Irish nationalist, John Walshe, After the collapse of the prosecu- colonies. He was successful in this and who paved the way for the Redmond tion case against Parnell and the other by the end of 1881, fifteen branches of the brothers, has been neglected by histo- Leaguers in January 1881, Walshe, Ladies League had been established, all rians of Irish Australia. There has been in poor health, made the long voy- in Victoria except for branches in Temora little acknowledgement of Walshe’s role age to Australia to aid his recovery. At and Albury. The largest branches were in the rapid spread of the Land League that time he was selected by Parnell in Ballarat, Bendigo and Geelong but movement in Australia, particularly in and others to act as a delegate for the even in Moyhu, a crowd of one hundred Victoria where he spent several months Land League movement in the Austra- women, mainly young, greeted Walshe in 1881-82. lian colonies. On 4 June 1881, Walshe and formed a branch of the ‘Victorian John Walshe was a cousin of Michael arrived in Melbourne and was met by Native Ladies Land League’. Ostensibly Davitt and a dedicated supporter of Joseph Winter, the proprietor of the a charity to assist evicted families, the the Irish patriot throughout his life. Irish Catholic newspaper, the Advocate. Ladies Land League, linked to both the During the winter of 1879-80, Davitt Winter was known in Ireland as a key men’s organisation and the militant par- spent time at the Walshe family home organiser for Irish nationalist causes and ent Ladies League in Ireland, provided a in Balla, County Mayo, as plans were was treasurer of the Melbourne Parnell political experience for many hundreds developed for the Land League. John of women incomparable with any previ- Walshe later claimed with pride that the “Land League had ous non-religious women’s organisation Land League had its birth by the fam- in the colonies. ily hearth in Balla. The Walshe family its birth by the family Despite the hostility of the press and had experienced evictions and other the Orange movement, by October 1881 grievances of tenant farmers that the hearth in Balla” the Melbourne central committee of the Land League aimed to redress. John was Land League reported that twenty-nine not the only activist in his family. Two Defence Fund (which became the cen- branches of the men’s organisation sisters, Beatrice and Margaret, were tral committee of the Victorian Land existed. While support was lacking prominent in the Ladies Land League, League). With Winter and the Advocate from the Catholic hierarchy and local with the ‘patriotic, high-spirited’ Bea promoting his mission, Walshe spoke to Irish political leaders, there was solid (possibly engaged to Michael Davitt) large Melbourne meetings in the Irish grassroots support from the working a founding member. John Walshe, an strongholds of Hotham, Collingwood classes and local priests, many of whom accomplished orator, was one of the and Richmond, with branches of the originated from the same worst-affected organisers of the meeting at Irishtown League formed after each meeting. areas of Ireland. in Mayo that laid the foundations of the In July, Walshe and Winter travelled With the arrest of Parnell in 1881, Land League. In November 1880, he to Temora in New South Wales in followed by the declaration that the was one of the League leaders who were response to a request to form a League Land League was an illegal organisation prosecuted by the Gladstone Govern- branch there. There were about ten in Ireland, the organisation’s existence ment for criminal conspiracy. thousand miners at Temora following in colonial Australia was in question. This prosecution spurred Irish the gold rush of the previous year and The sombre, yet defiant mood in the nationalists in the Australian colonies many were Irishmen. The name Temora, local Land League movement was to provide more than just moral support meaning ‘Irish royal seat’ was probably typified by a meeting at Bungaree near for the cause of Parnell and the League. bestowed by these miners. A branch of Ballarat on the evening of 31 October. Branches of the Parnell Defence Fund the Land League formed at Temora, the The Ballarat Star described the ‘pictur- raised funds to fight the prosecution. first in New South Wales, with £500 sub- esque aspect’ of this evening meeting The first Australian branch of the Land scribed by the crowd of one thousand, with many in the crowd carrying lighted League was formed in Brisbane in 1881, but Temora also had the distinction of torches. Though the meeting heard rous- and a branch at Kilmore in Victoria two forming the first branch of the Ladies ing speeches and closed with cheers for weeks later. (Michael Davitt, writing Land League in Australia. Walshe and the League, there was little many years later, mistakenly stated that Walshe undertook with Anna Parnell, cause for optimism.

24 Tinteán June 2008 The Kellys Again “A veteran whose activities in the National Ned hero and healer cause placed him in the dock in Ireland Jerilderie is the small town in Southern NSW which Ned Kelly and made him a great pioneer of the Irish and his gang held up, and where he produced the literary and very movement at the Antipodes” impressive Jerilderie Letter. At the beginning of February the town conducted a festival celebrating the raid. Alan Wedesweiler, the principal of St Joseph’s, the Catholic primary school, in his school news- The challenges facing the League in documented is the key role that Walshe letter, praised Ned in glowing terms Victoria were compounded by Walshe’s played during the Redmond mission. In as leader and healer. poor health. By December, however, he November 1883, John Redmond singled “Such is Life” is what he said in the travelled to Tasmania where he success- out two individuals who were respon- end and had he been around for the fully established Land League branches sible for the mission’s success – John last week here in Jerilderie, I reckon at Hobart and Launceston. In February, Walshe and Joseph Winter, the League Ned would’ve said the same. Such Walshe left for Sydney, completing the treasurer and proprietor of the Mel- is life that he would be proud that Victorian mission. bourne Advocate. his raid is being re-enacted, proud New South Wales, the second largest Little is known about Walshe’s that his politics of standing up colony after Victoria, had been slow to later life. He settled in Sydney where for the repressed and anti-author- support the Land League movement. he was joined 1884 by his sisters, itarianism is still discussed and By 1882, the only branches in existence Bea and Margaret, who were feted by played out, proud that his imagery were those that Walshe had established local Irish nationalists for their role in stands atop everywhere from the at Temora and Albury. This lack of sup- the Ladies Land League. The Walshes hardware to the bakery, such is life port in New South Wales contrasted not helped establish the Sydney Celtic that he, despite his crimes, is pulling only to Victoria, but Queensland which Club. Despite continued involvement together a small rural community so had supported the Land League through- in Sydney Irish nationalist activities, many years after his amazing visit.’ out 1881. However, there was no lack of John Walshe did not attain his former support in southern New South Wales prominence. He married and owned a Infiltrating the English Royal throughout the diocese of Goulburn hotel. According to Patrick O’Farrell, House where Walshe received an enthusiastic Walshe ‘fell sad victim to alcohol and Autumn Kelly, a 31 year old Cana- welcome, no doubt primarily because returned to Ireland to die in obscu- dian lass, of Catholic Irish back- of Bishop Lanigan’s endorsement of the rity’. O’Farrell’s brief summation of ground, is living with, and has Land League. Walshe’s last years may not be entirely become engaged to Peter Philips, In 1882, Walshe’s mission was aided fair or accurate. He certainly returned a son of Princess Anne, the tenth by the arrival of Hugh Mahon, a young to Ireland sometime in the early 1900s in line to the English crown. Infil- Irish journalist, released from Kilmain- where he died in a Dublin hotel in 1915. tration presents itself as a new ham Gaol in January 1882 where he had The Dublin Freeman’s Journal paid and attractive strategy in the cen- been imprisoned with Parnell and for tribute to ‘a veteran whose activities turies long Irish war against the whom he had acted as a private secretary. in the National cause placed him in the English royals. Walshe and Mahon met with success in dock in Ireland and made him a great However Autumn’s religion of New South Wales and raised £7800 by pioneer of the Irish movement at the origin became a public issue in October 1882 for the Land League since Antipodes’. It described Walshe in his England in August 2007, when the the commencement of Walshe’s Austra- last days as someone with ‘numerous British press reported that Autumn lian mission. nationalist friends’ who still tried to be Kelly was a Roman Catholic. The By late October 1882, however, it active and ‘though very feeble, he was Tablet had found evidence of her had been decided that the Land League to be seen in O’Connell Street, moving baptism. Apparently unless Kelly in the Australian colonies needed to be slowly but in absolute possession of renounces her Catholicism, Peter reorganised along lines similar to the faculties which had always been alert Phillips will lose his place in the Irish National League; a new organi- and keen’. line of the succession to the Throne sation in Ireland closely linked to the A great deal remains unknown about upon marriage in accordance with Irish Parliamentary Party. Parnell was John Walshe. However, his significance the Act of Settlement 1701. requested by the Australian Committee in the Irish nationalist movement of the How does one, these days, go to send an Irish Party member to pro- early 1880s is beyond dispute and this about renouncing Catholicism? mote the new organisation. neglected figure is deserving of a full Terry Monagle The Australian mission in early 1883 biographical study by both Irish and (Ask Autumn – she has since done of the Redmond brothers, John and Wil- Australian historians. just that. Ed) liam, is well known. What is less well Patrick Naughtin

Tinteán June 2008 25 Royal Hospital for Incurables

The archives public view was important for, as the poet tions, bequests, various types of fund Founded in 1743, the hospital is still very says, the Incurables are “shocking to the raising, including Charity Sermons and much in operation. Its long history means human Eye.” in particular, on voluntary service. that it has an extensive archive. While In 1844 the governors made a public some of the archival material deals with External records appeal for funds. Part of their appeal was dry but necessary matters, other material The Records of Dublin Corporation for that the Hospital was too well hidden deals with the more human side. Records 1743 refer to supplying the Hospital for from public view. It was “hid, as it were, of genealogical interest include the Min- Incurables on Lazers-hill with piped in a corner & in a peculiarly healthful & ute Books of Governors’ meetings (list- water. The entry reads as follows: secluded situation, it has never effectually ing 1,373 Governors, 296 patients and “The directors of the Hospital for met the public eye as to elicit Public sym- hundreds of suppliers and visitors to the Incurables setting forth that they have pathy.” They pointed out that the Hospital Hospital), the Patient Registry (with 3,165 a house on Lazers–hill to receive and was for those who are “permanently ill, names), the Candidates’ Books (the wait- maintain poor persons who are incur- from every variety of incurable Malady ing lists, with 2,643 applicants), Applica- able, to be allowed a pipe for the use of …(they) are received within its walls, are tion Forms (with 269 names and other the said house Gratis, to be laid at their nursed & tended with unremitting care details) and a list of 814 Hospital employ- own expense: Granted that the Petition- & tenderness, it receives those who are ees. There are other sources such as Visi- ers have a branch laid in of three quar- rejected from every other sanatary (sic) tors’ Books, showing visitors’ names and ters of an inch diameter gratis: during Institution & is the last refuge on this addresses and the date of their visits. the City’s pleasure the same to be laid at side of the grave for suffering Mortality the expense of the Hospital.” combined with poverty.” So who were The background So if they paid for the laying of the these patients? When Henry VIII dissolved the monas- pipe they could have free water. When the 2nd Minute Book began teries in 1536, the plain folk of Ireland The building in Donnybrook began in 1797 and recorded the name of every lost their centres of healing and their in 1784 under the direction of Richard in-patient and when the Patient Registry shelters against life’s vicissitudes. After Woodward, Church of Ireland Bishop opened in 1817, we begin to get a reliable the dissolution, Ireland was, for most of of Cloyne. Completed in 1785, “though record of patients. In 1797 there were the 16th century and all of the 17th cen- partly furnished it was as yet unapplied.” 19 male and 15 female in-patients. The tury, without any nationwide centres of In 1786, it was bought for the Hospital number reached 100 in 1864 and passed healing and help. for Incurables by John La Touche and 200 in 1894. The Victorians held cleanliness next to became the new premises in late 1792. godliness, but in Georgian Dublin, it was Those who were admitted next to impossible, as was staying healthy. The Charter. By the end of 1900, of the 2653 patients With the Georgian Enlightenment, some King George III granted a Charter “for whose religion was known, 59.9% were attempts were made to help the poor and the purpose of Incorporating the Gov- Catholics, 40.0% were Protestants and the infirm, for example, the foundation ernors of this Charity” in 1799. The 0.1% (2 people) were Jews. Between of the Royal Hospital Donnybrook. That Charter outlines the work of the Hospi- 1771 to 1900 there were 1,565 (49.4%) it is still flourishing is a testament to the tal. It “has for many years past been of male and 1,603 (50.6%) female patients. commitment of its founders and to all great and manifest benefit to the Poor, in Admissions from 1743 to 1771 were those associated with it over 263 years. and near our said City, who are afflicted lost with the first Minute Book in 1805. What was the background to its foun- with disorders declared to be Incurable, The main diseases recorded are cancer, dation? A poem celebrates the occasion: by dieting, lodging, clothing and main- paralysis, consumption and heart disease. “Verses occasioned by seeing proposals taining such poor persons…without Fee There were scores of other diseases; for Founding an Hospital for Incurables or Reward.” there was even one called “exotic” and in Dublin.” printed by and for George another, “Tic Dolorease” [Now known as Faulkner. The poem clarifies the mean- The Governors trigeminal neuralgia. Ed]. ing of “Incurable” as a description of a From 1771 to 1799 fifty governors were person and explains why the Hospital elected with another 1,323 governors Faraway Places was founded. It opens with God venting (316 women) from 1800 – 1900. The Some patients came from the other side his anger on Ireland. Death “stalks in Tri- first female governor was the Hon. Miss of the Earth. In November 1829 James umph o’er the Land” thinning it “with an Southwell in 1865. They governed a vol- Francis, an East Indian servant, with Iron Hand”. The poem portrays the earlier untary Hospital which admitted patients neither hands nor feet, entered the Board- patients of the Hospital as “sad Objects” for life, rather than for a short time to be room for his examination hoping to gain and as “Incurables”. In one consequence cured. The Hospital was costly because admission. He was told that he need not of having them “infest our Streets”, its diet was generous. It also clothed the appear again at the Board (the Governors Mothers recall how, on seeing these sad patients and provided “stimulants” (beer, would waive that rule) and “that his case objects, the unborn child either died or wine, brandy and whiskey). Many gov- would be considered at the next vacancy”. they find: “Their wretched Offspring ernors used their own money to finance He was admitted in1830, by reason of his maimed or blind.” Removing them from it. The Hospital relied on charitable dona- double disability, and lived until 1841.

26 Tinteán June 2008 Cancer among the Irish in Britain

Mortality among first and second genera- Irish men adopted an unhealthy pub tion Irish people living in Britain is 20% lifestyle to cope with the emotional George Hippi was a fourteen year old above the national average; mainly due trauma of not belonging or not being Australian Aborigine. A Protestant and to cancer deaths. The reasons are not wanted in Britain. servant, he suffered from Consumption understood, though behavioural factors Lack of knowledge about the disease and was admitted on October 19th 1869, (smoking, alcohol consumption and diet) meant a general confusion about causation. Unfortunately, George died on December play a role because of the high proportion Stressing hereditary factors was common 12th 1869. of lung and liver cancers. Late detection in Irish narratives, perhaps because many of tumours is common. A high proportion of them came from large families. They Candidates of Irish registrations are ‘death certifica- often gave detailed accounts of cancer Candidates for admission completed an tion only’ cases. Very little is known about among relatives, leading some to believe application form and Catherine Lawler’s health behaviour among Irish people and that cancer was a ‘curse’ in their families. admitted on August 16 1859, is the oldest Scanlon and her colleagues conducted Apart from smoking in lung cancer and the surviving one. It shows the genealogical the first qualitative study of cancer beliefs sun in skin cancer, there was a widespread importance of hospital records. among 100 Irish resident in Britain, com- scepticism towards lifestyle risk factors. A The application form shows that Cath- paring them with 100 indigenous White number of participants still believed that erine was a 21 year old servant under British participants. cancer could be caused by a knock or fall. the care of J. Gordon at the Whitworth Neither group knew much about can- Irish participants thought that the high Medical Hospital for chronic rheumatism. cer, with many believing that it was a cancer incidence among the older first Three former employers signed for her. single disease that could develop in any generation Irish population was due to They were: William S. Burton, 17, North part of the body, but first generation older lifelong socio-economic disadvantage. A Richmond Street, J. Alexander Scott, Bay- Irish had the poorest cancer knowledge. first generation Irish woman said: mount, Clontarf and Nicholas Walsh, 42, Some attributed this to poor education and I think my father’s family.. they all Ushers Quay. The Roman Catholic Chap- literacy. Lower levels of education among worked manually on the docks years ago lain (J. Faulkner) at the House of Industry Irish people resident in Britain meant that and four of them died with cancer and I’m stated that Catherine had attended divine learning from family and social networks sure it was something to do with the kind service there. Catherine signed her own was very important to them, but unfortu- of work they did. (p.334) name and her witnesses were Eliza Balf nately there was great reluctance to talk Amongst older participants in both and Anna Toussaint. Francis Bessonnett, about illness, especially cancer. groups, but particularly the Irish, there Governor of the Hospital for Incurables, All participants feared cancer, but espe- was a greater sense of stoicism about also signed. Dr Croker examined her and cially older people and the Irish group. seeking health care. Many older Irish confirmed her complaint. Catherine died Their fear and pessimism were linked to would rather not know whether they had on October 9th 1916 after 57 years in their many experiences of death among cancer. Some suggested that many of the the Hospital. There are 269 Application friends and family members. Fear led to older people were influenced by childhood Forms available up to the end of 1900. secrecy because of a general view that experiences of help-seeking behaviours in illness was a sign of weakness and would Ireland where people delayed going to the Conclusion shame the family. Cancer was the word doctor because of cost. They also believed James Adams, “Licensed Appraiser and left unsaid when parents talked about it that older first generation Irish people had Auctioneer, 17, Merrion Row, Dublin”, in whispers. The culture of secrecy meant a very deferential attitude to doctors and undertook an Inventory of the Hospital many learned about cancer at home but a reluctance to bother them or take up in August, 1898. It is an entirely fitting knew little about signs and symptoms. their time. way to end this article. Combined with The general fear of cancer meant that Scanlon concluded that disadvantaged, the plans of the Hospital at that time, the people did not consider themselves at first generation, older Irish people retained Inventory allows us to recreate the Hos- risk unless someone close to them had some of the traditional health practices of pital as it was then. It runs to 271 pages been affected. Men were more likely to the past. Among younger second genera- with about twelve entries per page. In the ignore their problems and Irish men were tion people, traditional beliefs learned at linen store there was a “Roll of American reluctant to talk about cancer or any other home coexisted with medical knowledge. Oil baize” and among other things “576 health problem, because of their ‘hard A particular strength of the study was the Blankets”. man’ culture. A first generation Irish man extensive involvement of the civic leaders The bleakest entry for “The Dead linked this attitude to surviving in the UK and organisations of the Irish community. House” reads: as a migrant: That suggested potential to engage users “5 elm coffins “I think Irish men … a lot of them in dissemination of relevant cancer infor- 1 Bier (ashe) become so hardened by their experiences mation material. 2 Rail top tables with loose marble of being here, they ..wouldn’t express Felicity Allen tops for holding coffins their emotions [..] when they came here, From: Scanlon, K. et al. (2004). Potential Gas Bracket” to survive in industries, to deal with the Barriers to Prevention of Cancers and stuff they had to deal with, whether that’s to Early Cancer Detection Among Irish Stephen McCormic and Kate Press racism or anything that is thrown at them. People living in Britain: A Qualitative A CD-ROM containing the complete (p.333). Study. Ethnicity & Health, 11 (3), pp. entire database is due shortly. Some Irish narratives suggested that 325 – 341.

Tinteán June 2008 27 From Co. Down to Downunder

Henry Fitzpatrick (born c1836) left 1883), Patrick (b 1885), Hugh (b 1886) made fi rstly to Pauline Turner of Ben- his native homeland in Kilkeel, Co and Gerald (b 1892). digo, a great granddaughter of Henry, Down, North of Ireland to create a new Over the long-weekend of 8–11 March for her work in organising the re-union Fitzpatrick legacy “Down under.” He 2008, more than 300 of Henry’s descen- with Angela Rodoni of Adelaide, another immigrated to Australia on the ship dants met at Maldon to celebrate 150 great granddaughter. Then followed gifts “Royal Charter” and spent his fi rst few years since he arrived in Australia. On to Brother Majella, 60 years a Marist years mining in central Victoria as most Saturday 8 March, a plaque was placed Brother, Sister Genevieve (Marie) and pioneers did. After some success with at Bradford, near Maldon, commemorat- Sister Paulina (Joan), and Father Mick mining he directed his attention to farm- ing where the White Flag Hotel had been for each celebrating 50 years or more in ing during the late 1860’s where he took their religious vocation, Father Gavan up land at Bradford via Maldon, Victoria, was unable to attend because of ill health and established the White Flag Hotel. His (all grandchildren of Henry) – a remark- fi rst beer licence was granted in 1864 able tribute to their parents, Pat and and he held that licence until his Kit Fitzpatrick as well. death in 1910, by which time he After Mass the clan mingled in had also acquired property com- the hall, viewing photos, docu- prising 2,000 acres. (His married ments and other memorabilia, sons also had substantial farm- which were displayed around the ing properties.) While engaged hall, together with the family tree, in farming, he also did a good which occupied some twenty-two deal of contract work for the Shire metres of typed charts. Others Council and other bodies especially in sought refuge from the burning sun building bridges. in the shade provided by the trees in the Henry was keenly involved in public churchyard or by the marquee. Here they matters and anything pertaining to the Henry and second wife Mary Clancy were able to enjoy a BBQ supplied by the welfare of the district had his warm sup- Maldon Netlball/Football club. Others port. In politics candidates sought after built some one hundred and sixty years enjoyed lunch, which had been prepared his support. He represented the country before. Henry held the licence from 1864 at home. district as a member of the Maldon – 1910, when the hotel was de-licensed At 1.30pm the total group assembled Hospital Committee for many years, and after his death. Mr Alec Taylor, the cur- in front of the church to have its photo played a key role in the fi nancial success rent owner of the hotel property, kindly taken by a professional photographer. of the Easter Fair, a celebration that is consented to have the plaque placed After this, each branch of the family was still held today in Maldon on each Easter on his property near the gate. About 20 photographed in the hall. Souvenir stubby Monday. He was made a Life Governor relatives were present as the plaque was holders and bottles of white and red wine of the local hospital. As a member of positioned and many photos were taken bearing the Fitzpatrick logo were on sale St Brigid's Roman Catholic Church, he to record the occasion. Another plaque to cover the costs involved. identifi ed himself closely in its welfare, had been placed on Henry’s grave in It would be remiss of the whole family, and was one of its chief supporters. the Maldon cemetery. That evening, 80 if special thanks were not openly given He was a good businessman, and, in relatives gathered at the Maldon Hotel to Pauline and Bob Turner (Bendigo), anything he took up, his object was to to share a meal, renew acquaintances Angela Rodoni (Adelaide), Frank and do it thoroughly. and trade memories. Amid much talk Brett Fitzpatrick (Bendigo) and Frank He was married in 1865 at St Mary’s and laughter, a poem written about life Fitzpatrick (Maldon) for the amount of Castlemaine to a young widow Mary and times of the family in the district, by work undertaken to make this reunion Anne Walker (née Fenton) who died 18 one of Henry’s grandsons, Frank Fitzpat- such an outstanding success.Little did months later leaving him with a young rick of Maldon, was recited and greeted Henry realise when he stepped aboard baby named Ellen (Mrs. Patrick O’Byrne with applause. the Royal Charter in 1858 from Newry, of Maldon b 1866). In 1868 Henry then On Sunday, family members of the North of Ireland, what a legacy he would married another Irish lass named Mary clan assembled at St Brigid’s to celebrate leave behind in Australia.As at 9 March Clancy (born Pallas Green, Co Limerick) the occasion. Father Mick Fitzpatrick, a 2008 there were 1,535 names on Henry’s and they subsequently raised a family of grandson of Henry celebrated 11am Mass. family tree. seven sons and six daughters: Elizabeth Family members had travelled from all I am Kathleen Murphy (b 1947) – (1869-1930, never married), Henry (b over Australia to be present. An Irish lass Emily Eileen Murphy (née Fitzpatrick 1871), Hannah (Mrs James Kavanagh b from Kilkeel, Co Down, Ireland, who was b 1883) is Henry Fitzpatrick’s daughter, 1872), John (b 1874,) Cornelius (b 1875), distantly related, attended. Music was my father James Murphy's’ mother and Theresa (Mrs John Collins b 1877), Cath- supplied by Adrian Fitzpatrick (organ) my grandmother. erine (1878-1905, never married), James and Kristian Rodoni (fl ute) grandson and How wonderful it was to be there on (b 1879), Annie (Mrs William Collins great grandson of Henry. that day! b 1881), Emily (Mrs James Murphy b After the Mass, presentations were Kathleen Murphy

28 Tinteán June 2008 Melbourne – Irish historical links In 1886 John MacSwiney, a businessman, left his wife and family in Cork and emigrated to ‘Marvellous Melbourne’, then the unofficial capital of the southern hemisphere in the middle of its great ‘Land Boom’. Why he left his family behind is uncertain, it may have been for health reasons. What is known is that John MacSwiney became a real estate agent in Melbourne and died here just nine years later in 1895. Two brothers, Edward and Thomas Burgess of Dublin also arrived in Melbourne in 1886. Their father Thomas Burgess Snr, a Dublin dealer in fine furniture and art works, had sent them to open a Melbourne branch in the boom city. The Bur- gess brothers were the eldest in a family of four boys and ten girls. Their business acumen may have been lacking or perhaps it was due to a rapidly escalating economic disaster in Melbourne, but in 1887 Thomas Burgess Snr rushed out to try to rescue his toppling enterprise. He failed and, worse, he fell out with his two sons, who left him. Reportedly, neither returned to Ireland. Thomas Burgess Snr returned to Dublin a broken man and never recovered his business confidence. Only Edward mar- ried and had a daughter of whom nothing is known. She pre- sumably lived her life in Australia, and may have left descen- dants who would be related to the third Burgess son Charles. He stayed in Dublin and had sacrificed his ambitions to be a doctor to rescue the family fortunes. This Charles Burgess is better known as Cathal Brugha, hero of 1916 and later TD for Waterford and a major figure in the Irish War of Independence and in the First Dáil . Cathal’s son Rory Brugha, later mar- ried the grand daughter of John MacSwiney. Her fascinating biography, “History’s Daughter”, was published only a year or so ago. John MacSwiney never returned to Ireland. He was buried in Melbourne aged 59. His youngest son Terence MacSwiney became an ardent Sinn Féiner. When Lord Mayor of Cork City, he was arrested by the British authorities and jailed in England, where he died on hunger strike in 1920. The cam- The MacSwiney Memorial in the Melbourne General paign to release MacSwiney was waged across the entire Cemetery, on McPherson Street, Carlton Irish diaspora. Dr Daniel Mannix, the Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, was a leading supporter. Dr Mannix sailed General Cemetery . ‘Sceilg’ was ‘detained’ for three days by to Europe hoping to speak with Irish leaders as the War of the authorities while in Melbourne. Independence escalated. His outspoken support for the Irish The MacSwiney Memorial, a well-proportioned Celtic cause meant Dr Mannix was taken off his ship into the cus- cross with inscriptions in Irish, is easily accessed from tody of the Royal Navy, ‘their greatest victory since Jutland,’ the North Gate of Melbourne General Cemetery, on as he said. Mannix visited MacSwiney in Brixton and said a McPherson Street, Carlton. It is not far from the North Gate requiem mass for him, but was not allowed to travel to Ire- beside the verge of the old Twelfth Avenue to the left of North land to see either his own mother or the MacSwiney family, Avenue as one proceeds from the north gate. Twelfth Ave no although Archbishop Clune of Perth was given unfettered longer has access for a vehicle off North Ave and has to be access. Seán Ua Ceallaigh [‘Sceilg’] of Kerry a leading First approached on foot. Dáil figure, says that Clune was politically naive and Lloyd Two other graves of historical interest for Irish people lie George believed he could use him, but considered Mannix further along North Ave at the intersection with Tenth Ave. was a different ‘kettle of fish’ entirely . There, just behind the splendid Italian graves of the Bongiorno In 1922, when the Irish Free State had been declared and and Cini families, is the much older grave of Irishman Hugh the Irish Civil War had begun, that ‘Sceilg’ a great friend of Francis Brophy, a Fenian and political prisoner of Fremantle Brugha, began a ‘winning of support’ mission for the Repub- Jail. Immediately behind the Brophy grave lies that of another lican cause. He toured the Irish diaspora to raise funds and political prisoner Cornelius O’Mahony. Both men were refute the propaganda emanating from the British and the IFS transported to Fremantle for their involvement in the Fenian governments. When he reached Melbourne in 1923 ‘Sceilg’ Uprising of 1867 and on release stayed in Melbourne. The as president of The Gaelic League, dedicated the memorial to descendants of Hugh Brophy still live in Melbourne. Terence MacSwiney on his father’s gravesite in the Melbourne Chris Mooney

Tinteán June 2008 29 There’s a Fenian in the cupboard Family history research uncovers many with rebellious movements prior to his surprises. One line of investigation I arrival in Australia. have followed has revealed a passion The Kenealy letter refers to Fearon for Irish republican causes in one of my having written to the Fenians in Western wife’s great-great-grandfathers, a man Australia offering his assistance. As a named James Fearon. result, when Kenealy came to Melbourne Fearon was born in Newry, Co in 1869 to raise funds for the pardoned Down, in 1826 and married Rose Ann Catenians, he called on Fearon at the lat- McAteer in (1851). Rose came from ter’s home. Kenealy described how Killevy district, just over the border in “ ...the door was opened by a bright, South Armagh. This area continues to interesting young fellow about 17 years be a republican stronghold and, in 1975, of age, with long brown curls and was described as “bandit country” by attractive manners… This was Patrick Merlyn Rees, then British Secretary Sarsfield Fearon, the eldest of quite a for Northern Ireland. It was alleged to large family, to be well known to me be the most dangerous posting in the during my stay in Melbourne. Presently world for British troops at the time. a sight never to be forgotten appeared. A Of course, with troop withdrawal, it is middle-aged man trying to divest himself once more a beautiful and peaceful part of night clothes and get into some others of the world. as quickly as possible, coming down An early indication of the political stairs, pale and trembling with nervous views of James Fearon is evident in the excitement, rushed to me, pulled me names given to two of his young sons. into a dark drawing-room or parlour, His first born, who died in infancy, was got everybody, from wife and baby, out named after the publisher of the United of bed to come and take a look at me. I Irishman, John Mitchel, and his eldest need scarcely add that generous refresh- surviving son, Patrick Sarsfield, after the ments of all kinds were forthcoming leader of the Irish armies against William immediately. Some friends were notified, of Orange. It is more than possible that and Mr. Fearon stated that we have to James Fearon and John Mitchel were go to Edward Dillon’s, a brother of my Australian well acquainted with each other. friend, Brian, at once.” James and Rose Fearon, with their sur- In the same letter, Kenealy also viving son, Patrick, came to Melbourne recounted how Irish in 1856. A daughter was born at sea, just “Charles Gavan Duffy asked my before their arrival, and they had a fur- friend Fearon to bring me to the former’s Welfare ther eight children, three of whom died home out at Hawthorn on a certain early. James Fearon was an accountant day. Fearon and I went according to and senior civil servant in the Victorian appointment.” Bureau .inc Pensioner Treasury. The family built a It is interesting to reflect on the net- home in Swan Street, Richmond, which working for Irish republican causes that they called “Newry Villa”. It no longer must have existed in Melbourne in the The Australian-Irish Welfare stands and the site is now occupied by nineteenth century, hidden for the most Bureau is a non-profit a bank. Fearon was a comfortably-off, part in a climate of suspicion of those voluntary organisation respectable pillar of Melbourne society of Irish background. Fearon’s occupa- whose aims are to assist, but he had an ongoing interest in Irish tion and outward ‘respectability’ was political affairs. no doubt responsible for much of his where possible, any person There is information about Fearon in pro-Fenian activities being unrecorded. or persons in the Irish a letter written by a pardoned Fenian, Given the sectarian, anti-Irish sentiments community of Victoria John Kenealy, who had been released of the Melbourne establishment and his or any person who may from Fremantle jail. Kenealy’s letter to need to preserve his career, it is unlikely be associated with the John Devoy, dated 6 December 1904, that Fearon would have demonstrated was published in full in the Gaelic any public Fenian sympathies. Patrick Irish community who American, a New York journal devoted Sarsfield Fearon also became a civil ser- is in distress. to Irish republican causes and culture. vant but there is no indication whether Much of it is also reproduced in Thomas he shared his father’s passion. 440a High Street, Keneally’s The Great Shame and Liam James Fearon maintained his alle- Barry’s Voices from the Tomb. The latter giance to the end and was buried in Northcote 3070 publication refers to James Fearon as 1912 in the Fenian graves at Melbourne a survivor of the 1848 rebellion which General Cemetery. 03 9482 3865 supports the thesis that he was involved Robert J F Butler

30 Tinteán June 2008 Irish rebel honour linked Harry Smith: a reverse to Australian rebel tale of immigration The fi gure of Irish rebel, writer and Harry Smith was born in Adelaide patriot, James Finton Lalor (1807-1849) in 1885 and his sister Myra the fol- stands proudly in the centre of Portlaoise, lowing year. His father was George County Laois, following the unveiling of Smith, a jeweller and diamond cut- his commemorative sculpture. ter from the UK , and his mother The James Finton sculpture links was Myra Collopy from Listowel, Co. the political struggles of the rebel to Kerry, where her family had an inn. I those of his two brothers, Peter Lalor at don’t know how they met and mar- Eureka and Richard, who as a member of ried. Myra died young and George parliament took his fi ght to the fl oor of put the children in an orphanage. the House of Commons. When Harry was 16 he and his sis- The nine feet high bronze monument ter made the long voyage to relatives stands outside the offi ces of the Laois in Ireland, and he never saw Austra- County Council. Tanaiste and Minister lia again. In Listowel he went to St. for Finance, Brian Cowan, offi cially Michael’s College, and he opened a unveiled the statue before a large crowd Initially, James Finton, like his father, Medical Hall in Ballybunion Co. Kerry last December 15th . was a member of O’Connell’s Repeal where he was a druggist. James Fintan was the eldest son of Association. However, because of the Meanwhile, his sister Myra emi- Patt Lalor of Tenakill House, Raheen, critical situation in Ireland at the time, he grated to the US, and when I met County Laois. Patt was a Member of demanded land reform as a priority. He her she was over 90. In 1915 Harry the House of Commons, a key fi gure believed that starvation, and lasting jus- married my grandmother, Kathleen, of the Tithe Wars of the 1830s, and a tice and peace, could be delivered only if who was a national schoolteacher strong supporter of Daniel O’Connnell’s peasants owned their land and grew their in Croagh, Co. Limerick. Repeal movement. own crops. He called for resistance, sug- They raised a family of 7 daugh- One of many people who contributed gesting that tenant farmers withhold rent ters there, of whom my mother Joan to the erection of the James Finton Lalor from their landlords. is one. We don’t know if George ever monument was David Lawlor from Kil- Writing in the Irish Felon in June remarried or if we have cousins now leigh, Tullamore. While he was the Lalor 1848 he said: “The principle I state and living over there. Clan Chieftain (2003-2004), one of his mean to stand upon, is this, that the As time went on, Harry and Kath- priorities was to build a monument to entire ownership of Ireland, moral and leen split up and he died in Barns- honour James Finton and a commemora- material, up to the sun and down to the ley, UK in 1958. My aunt tells me that tive committee was set up with David centre, is vested of right in the people when they were young they used to as chairman. Speaking on the day of of Ireland; that they, and none but they call Saturdays “Animal Day” because the unveiling, David Lawlor said: “We are the land-owners and law-makers of on that day he used to regale the 7 worked hand in hand with the (Laois this island; that all laws are null and void daughters with tall tales about life County) Council. This is a great day for not made by them; and all titles to land in Australia, kangaroos, snake bites the Lalor Clan and we fi nd ourselves at invalid not conferred and confi rmed by and all. this stage in a celebratory mood, honour- them; and that this full right of owner- His kids clearly loved him, and ing our great national hero.” ship may and ought to be asserted and I have only one lovely memory of Beside the statue is a solid limestone enforced by all means which God has put Harry. He came to visit us us when plinth, capped in bronze. Engraved into in the power of man.” I was quite small and he brought a the side of the plinth is: ‘James Finton In 1848 the Young Irelanders enacted huge bag of sweets! Kate Hennessy Lalor’s brother, Peter, led the gold miners their threatened rebellion. James Finton uprising in Australia in 1854 and was a was arrested and jailed only to be released prominent Irish Australian politician.’ soon after, due to ill health. Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council, However, following his release, the O’BOYLES John Moran, said that the unveiling of rebel himself led unsuccessful armed the monument marked an historic day attacks on a number of military barracks. which commemorated the bicentenary He was re-arrested and died in prison ROOF PLUMBING of James Finton Lalor’s birth and its in December 1849. More than 25,000 location too was fi tting, on James Finton people attended his funeral. Free quotes Lalor Avenue. Prominent Irish historian, Canon “We believe that this monument is O’Hanlon, called him: ‘The most far- t
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Tinteán June 2008 31 Poetry Sandra Bunting Living in Galway now, Sandra Bunting was brought up in Canada. These poems – In the New World – are based on her great grandfather and grandfather. She thinks Australians might share similar experiences, though the landscape differs greatly. The Wild River Peonies

He did well on the river. He didn't seem a man for flowers. Ships sailed up to the door Travelling slowly of his general store to struggling farms down-river carrying fashions from Paris, in his black suit, dark hat linen shirts from Belfast, pulled down over his eyes, oily wool from Scotland, driven by memory of a father, fine muslin from India. fragrances of home produced He married well, by poor sandy maritime soil, bought out Sutherland, my grandfather took me by the hand bought up land, led me to the best manure piles invested wisely. in the county, only horses’ would do. He had a soft accent, never mentioned home Deals struck to enrich the earth, to his nine children; encourage purple, red and pink blossoms, only sharing a cúpla focail scent of Ireland on the way from China, with his friend from Clare too luscious for a rough new land. over a sentimental whiskey Preferring simpler native flowers; in his locked after-hours office. brown-eyed susans, Indian paintbrush He was remembered but stuck with bouquets of peony roses in his homeland, the soft bog that arched out of crystal vases, of East Galway. my granny sneezed in the parlour, eyes red, whispered curses Yes, said his cousin Martin, about ants trailing out the perfumed centre, he was the only one gone 'way petals bleeding into polished mahogany. that never sent a penny back. He recalled it differently. They never stopped fighting. I went home once, never went back.

The Photograph

The family photograph shows us Dim in the hollow of a sitting-room: A settling pattern that chose us Has me the tallest, overweight, unsmiling.

From this Kodacolor rune a magic Arranges itself out of squared space: We’ve let go the hilarious and tragic And stuffed the frame with flash pretending

Three generations caught in the act Of posing for an imagined posterity- In every home a similar photo’s tacked Up for visitors to look at as they’re leaving.

Fred Johnston Belfast-born ex-journalist, editor, writing teacher and founder of Galway’s Literature Festival, he is widely published internationally and awarded.

32 Tinteán June 2008 Rita O’Donoghue In 1993 her poetry won an Eastern Arts Award in England. In 1995 she relocated to Ireland. At Galway Arts Centre she attends workshops and reads locally. She has translated her poem into English below. Peata Raighneach (Tuilí) Child of the Rushes. (Love Child)

A luaithe is a chonaiceas thú As soon as ever I saw you le do chromóg bheag bhídeach with your tiny hooked nose ‘s do shúile comh ghlé gorm and your eyes the blue lightness le huan.farraige an gheimhridh of an ocean wave in winter D’aithníos aitheantas cianaoiseach From the depths of my bones ó smior na gcnámh céanna A primeval knowledge arose gurab asam a thánaís. that from me you came

An nóiméad a leagas súil ort The minute I laid my eyes on you ‘s tú gan ainm gan sloinne And you without name or family bhí a fhios agam go daingean I knew beyond ever a doubt Nach mbéinnse thú a fhágáint that I could not leave you in the care Le héadain choimhthíocha of unfamiliar faces in a foreign place go rabhas ceangailte le grá dhuit That I was tied by the bonds of love Ní féidir tú a thréigean chóiche sure I could not ever leave you.

Eulogy (for John O’Donohue – an Irish Poet)

Your outstretched hand held the smile of a thousand words, a wisdom of a thousand years, You come from an Island rooted deep in your soul, Always a returning journey the sea thrusts heavily against this Island - In travels with your soul you walked the Burren, Days with wild dreams held you close to the land, Your body and soul fused with its granules of light with its horizons of broken symmetry - Time has passed into its beauty with a steadfastness to always be a reflection of infinity, You dwell with us still, as we search for the ‘other side’ of what can be –

Judith Morrison From Victoria, O’Donohue’s obituary in Tintéan ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ her.

Tinteán June 2008 33 Heritage crisis

Ireland’s Ancient Stones: A Megalithic island of Ireland. In this, it shines. The their ascent of the monument. This, too, Heritage photographs are exquisite. Some are in would be “disapproved of” today! Kenneth McNally colour, allowing us to enjoy the vibrant In what looks very like a token gesture, Appletree Press, 2006 colours of the Irish countryside in which McNally includes one small photograph the monuments are set. Others are black of the legendary Lia Fail atop the Hill of In 2003, Ireland’s government heritage and white, highlighting the intricate detail Tara, accompanied by a scant paragraph service, Dúchas, was abolished, in the and texture of the stones. To enhance the of rather scathing text: “There is little of face of opposition from senior Dúchas selection of photographs, the pages are megalithic significance here, either; how- staff, unions and heritage organisations, of different colours, although all from a ever, one relic [the Lia Fail] has acquired and against the principles of the European neutral palette – ranging from crisp white a celebrity far greater than its size and Landscape Convention, signed by Ireland through beiges and greys to dramatic appearance would suggest.” McNally in 2002. Dúchas (usually translated in this black, heightened by white text. The pho- apparently suffers from that old ailment context as literally meaning ‘heritage’) tographs are supplemented by occasional of rejecting incredibly rich and informa- had been responsible for the protection plans of some of the monuments, and a tive landscapes in favour of spectacular and conservation of Ireland’s natural and selection of eighteenth-century drawings. “finds”. Adopting a strict definition of built heritage. Part of the Department These latter are an excellent contribution, “megalithic”, he is technically correct: of Arts, Heritage, Gaelteacht and the as they often serve to highlight how much there are few very large stones visible Islands (a culture-oriented portfolio), its or little the monuments have changed in at and around Tara. McNally doesn’t primary concern was the protection and the recent past. adopt a strict definition: he includes in maintenance of Ireland’s heritage for McNally’s book weighs into the this book some objects which even he future generations. Since the abolition of heritage question simply by existing: it is concedes are not megalithic. It is this Dúchas (popularly reported as ‘briseann about heritage sites. But McNally is not selective approach to definitions that has an Dúchas, ‘breaking the heritage’), shy to express his opinion on the matter placed Tara and its surrounding area in responsibility for environmental issues of heritage conservation. Of the cairn- their current state of crisis. Readers must and heritage policy has passed to the enclosed tomb at Audleystown (Co Down, by now be aware of the Irish govern- Department of Environment, Heritage p48), he says “As with many similar ment’s shortsighted intention to route and Local Government (an administra- monuments in state care its presentation the M3 motorway ridiculously close to tion-oriented portfolio), while the Office is not enhanced by the ugly protective Tara. Their main argument in defence of Public Works has responsibility for wire fence surrounding it”. Of the stone of the route seems to be that the motor- management and maintenance of built circle at Gowlane North (Co Cork, p103), way will not pass directly through the heritage (historic sites). “This monument is under constant threat Hill of Tara, putative seat of the High In 2004, the Irish government intro- from cattle roaming between the stones Kings of Ancient Ireland. The problem duced the National Monuments (Amend- and eroding the ground around their bases is that the motorway will pass between ment) Act, which rewrote heritage … its neglect is particularly deplorable Scrín and Tara, through a landscape protection legislation so that the Minister and appropriate protective measures are of obvious significance. An enormous for the Environment, Heritage and Local urgently needed. Much of the damage is number of significant archaeological Government now has sole discretion in evidently recent …”. He includes drawings sites have been identified on the actual deciding whether any archaeological site of two monuments (Cloghlea, Co Meath route of the road – these will be com- is a national monument and what to do and Annacloghmullin, Co Armagh) which pletely and irreparably annihilated. More with it – including authorising its demoli- have disappeared since the eighteenth importantly, the landscape will also be tion. That legislation came soon after a century, to highlight the loss of important irreversibly destroyed. The relationships disagreement over Carrickmines Castle elements of Ireland’s heritage. between the various sites will be lost. in Co Dublin, when archaeologists and In a lighter tone, referring to an old Curiously, in other entries in McNally’s conservationists were blamed for delay- photograph of Countess Annesley and book, he does wax lyrical about the loca- ing completion of the M50. two chums in full Victorian dress seated tion of various monuments within signifi- In 2006, Apppletree Press, in Northern atop the well-known “tripod dolmen” at cant prehistoric landscapes. Ireland, published Kenneth McNally’s Legananny (Co Down, p124), McNally Much of the text of the book is inter- Ireland’s Ancient Stones: A Megalithic wryly observes that ”the ladies’ evident esting and informative. A pleasant and Heritage – a timely publication. It is a agility in those long dresses calls for conversational preface quotes from an pretty little book, perhaps too small for comment, but such frolics at an historic entertaining account of Gabriel Berang- a coffee-table tome, although that seems monument would be disapproved of er’s 1779 expedition to inspect some to be its genre. McNally, now retired, today.” He fails, though, to draw atten- of the monuments which culminated in made his living as a photographer, and tion to the evident graffiti on one of the four hours’ wandering lost in a peat bog: the book is primarily a showcase for his portal stones in the photograph, perhaps a salutary reminder that even Ireland’s superb photographs of various prehis- the remnant of a quick game of noughts charming landscape can be dangerous. toric stone monuments throughout the and crosses amongst the ladies before Each monument pictured in the book

34 Tinteán June 2008 Poulnabrone Dolmen in Co. Clare is introduced by a short descriptive text, Christian provenance for it: in fact I may be simply reporting what he has read most of which give serviceable descrip- would be inclined to suggest that the so- or been told, but a cursory check would tions of location and matter-of-fact called arms may perhaps be interpreted as indicate that “an scail”, which must here physical descriptions. Thus far, the text ecclesiastical vestments, as on the similar be in the genitive, is quite likely to mean is reliable. However, when McNally ven- (but single-faced) statue on Colonsay in “of the giant”, and since the tradition tures into speculation, he founders like Western Scotland. that these monuments were constructed Beranger in his bog. Describing a dry- McNally’s introduction is likewise by giants (unsurprising given their size) stone wall which was incorporated into to be treated with caution. He has obvi- is prevalent, that would seem the best the monument at Millin Bay (Co Down, ously read the now outmoded accounts of translation. On the other hand, “scail” p75), he avers that “it was evidently held Ireland’s prehistory, based on the largely meaning shadow could not take this form in sufficient reverence to be incorporated discredited “migration theory”. He seems in the genitive. in the burial monument”. Surely the more not to have read more recent works If you enjoy beautiful pictures of Ire- sensible explanation is that the site was advancing alternative models for gradual land’s prehistoric monuments, or if you considered so important that the wall change in cultural indicators, which point are planning a tour of some of them, you was no deterrent to the construction of out that it is unlikely that every change would find this book a valuable addition the monument – more plausible than in fashion for material objects heralded a to your shelf, as indeed I will. If you want prehistoric fence-worship! Similarly, new wave of migration. to learn more about Ireland’s archaeology he claims that the non-megalithic, non- The traditional names of many of and heritage, you would be better served prehistoric (but admittedly famous) two- the monuments derive, unsurprisingly, by one of the many available publications faced statue, or as McNally would have from the Irish language. Here again, by reputable archaeologists and histori- it “idol”, on Boa Island in Lower Lough McNally’s research may not have been as ans. Nonetheless, by its mere existence, Erne (Co Fermanagh, p104) suggests “a thorough as might be strictly desirable. this book is an important contribution persistence of pagan customs well into For instance, he cites Leac an Scail (Co to a cause dear to my heart: the ongoing the early Christian period in some of the Kilkenny, p40), giving the alternative preservation of Ireland’s heritage for more remote areas”. There is absolutely translations “the stone of the champion” future generations. nothing on this stone that discounts a and “the stone that casts a shadow”. He Pamela O’Neill

Tinteán June 2008 35 A day with the Luck and the Irish Christian Brothers Luck & the Irish: A Brief History of Change from 1970, at Carlsruhe R.F.Foster Oxford University Press, 2008 The Christian Brothers, Ron Blair ParamoorWinery, Carlsruhe, The last three decades of the twentieth 9th March, 2008 century have seen rapid and signifi cant changes in Ireland. This book provides Four of us set off for this winery to sup- a comprehensive analysis of the steps port Bloomsday Melbourne in a fund- which have led to these changes and raising effort. The bait was this classic the confl icts which have had to be Australian play by Ron Blair, premiered overcome. Unlike the typical research in Sydney in 1975 when it was directed scenario facing historians, the review by John Bell and starred Peter Carroll. of this contemporaneous period in Irish We had all seen it in its early days and history is both assisted and encum- our memories were a little vague but bered by a plethora of information. The approving and we expected a treat. We author had to tread a veritable tightrope were certainly far from disappointed, the between history and political com- whole performance was top class. We mentary although it would seem that had enjoyed a gourmet snack at Wood- he attains this goal, at times, by largely “roller-skate backwards into a nunnery, end enroute and the task of the theatrical ignoring the distinction. naked from the waist down, singing world we then submitted ourselves to The changes in the Irish economy ‘Kevin Barry’ in Swahili.” The corrup- was to snap us out of our relaxed and over the last thirty years are often tion within Irish governments and the jolly state, straight into a classroom of a simply attributed to the country’s mem- favours bestowed on developers and desperate and depressed teacher of boys bership of the EEC. Foster postulates other favoured sons receives due and in the 1950s. The Brother, played by Bill a more transatlantic derivation for this important emphasis. Johnston, did this with professional and new wealth with an infl ux of US money. Changes in the South were infl uenced ruthless ease. He also notes that the profi ts from many by the events in the North and, in turn, Blair's play demands that the solo of these ventures fl ow out of the country affected the attitudes of those dwelling performer displays a broad range of and that encouraging trade fi gures are on the other side of the border. The book emotions, of deep insecurities and fears, distorted by the use of Ireland as a tax deals with the history of these northern of constant resort to power, to physi- haven by US-based multinationals. The confl icts in the latter part of the century cal violence and moral dominance, of effect on the indigenous population as a and the evolution of new policies and hypocritical appeal for sympathy and ter- result of this apparent economic pros- the development of peaceful initiatives. rifying frustration. Johnston's exhibition perity is also questioned. It traces the erosion of hard-line unifi ca- was almost faultless. It was horrifying The infl uence of the Catholic Church tion agenda and the development of tol- and humiliating and left his audience on the government and legislation erance for partition, culminating in the weakened, ashamed and struggling to has undergone much change and the 1998 plebiscite and the constitutional find sympathy and understanding for the diminution of episcopal infl uence is an changes which followed. tragic teacher. It deserved the prolonged important factor in the developments Foster points out that these politi- applause it drew. The play is so strong that have taken place. These do not just cal, social and economic changes were and so thought-provoking, that one can- include the obvious areas of contracep- also accompanied by cultural achieve- not comprehend that it all happened to tion and abortion law reform but also ments. Growth in popular music was many of us in this very adult audience changes in educational practice and the soon followed by the “globalisation” ( to say the least), in our own lifetimes. freedom of Irish women to participate at of this element of the Irish culture. Can we take any credit for subsequent all levels of society. The achievements of Irish literature generations being spared all this? It is in dealing with the political in the period became notable and the The performance was held in Par- aspects and, in particular, the struggles number of lauded Irish novelists grew amoor's barn, a very generous space but within Fianna Fáil, that Foster gives steadily. Drama and fi lm followed a cool and attractively embellished with vent to his talent for witty commentary. similar path in a wave of international antique farm implements and intrigu- Charles Haughey is frequently the target creativity. The marketing of “Irishness” ing bits and pieces. Paramoor must and is often referred to in the narrative became a magnet for attracting tourism be complimented but the main energy by soubriquets such as ‘Squire Haughey’ while, at home, the growth of the Irish behind this excellent production was the or ‘the Squire of Abbeville” language was promoted with extended Bloomsday in Melbourne Inc. Committee There is much humour in this chap- Gaeltacht infl uence and the creation of led by Frances Devlin-Glass. Stand by ter of political analysis – an example Irish language schools. now for 16th. June next and Leopold and being the description of the populist The publication is a most readable, Molly who will appear at the Melbourne Haughey with a quote from the play- witty and comprehensive analysis of Museum then. Not to be missed. wright, Hugh Leonard, alleging that, to what is a remarkable period of change. Geraldine O'Reilly and Peter Kiernan catch a vote, he would unhesitatingly Robert J F Butler

36 Tinteán June 2008 Fly Earls – but why?

The Flight of the Earls Liam Sword The Columba Press, Dublin 2007

Like many readers, the fl ight of the earls from Ulster in 1607 has always and decided that a military career on fascinated me. What on earth could have the continent was preferable to staying prompted such tough characters as Hugh in Ulster and that their desperate haste O’Neill, Rory O’Donnell and Cuchon- to leave, abandoning loved ones as they nacht Maguire to gather up as many of went, was inspired simply by the arrival their families as they could and fl ee the of a ship, is unconvincing. It seems most country that they had sacrifi ced so much unlikely that 63 year old Hugh O’Neill for? Naturally when this book appeared, I was hankering after the adventurous life The best Celtic music on its way pounced on it, hoping to fi nd the answer. of a mercenary when he fl ed his earl- The Battlefield Band (Scot), Gaelic Storm Unfortunately, despite a great ramble dom precipitately, yet Swords seriously (US), Brazen (NZ), Trouble in the Kitchen, over swathes of history – even Pio Nono advances this as an explanation. The Bushwackers plus much more. makes an appearance – this book gives The preamble to the fl ight includes a no clear explanation. The fi rst chapter description of the battle of Yellow Ford begins promisingly by describing the (1598) near Armagh, believed by some June 6–9 2008 diffi culties that O’Neill had in assem- to have been the greatest defeat ever suf- Tickets @ GPAC bling his children at short notice, at least fered by British arms. Hugh O’Neill was Ph: (03) 5225 1200 two of whom were in fosterage, as was riding high and had total mastery over common at the time. He took John back most of Connacht while English author- from fosterage, collected three year old ity had collapsed throughout large parts www.nationalcelticfestival.com Brian and the rest of his household and of the country. Swords comments that the set out on an all night horse ride over the Irish kernes were the masters of guerrilla Sperrin mountains in order to take ship at warfare, but the Earl of Essex seems to Rathmullan. Unfortunately, fi ve year old have been the master of dissimulation. Conn could not be found in time to go Sent by Elizabeth I to deal with the situ- because he was with a family who were ation, he spent fi ve months giving a very O’SHEA- “..almost nomadic, following their herds good imitation of doing just that, until she in search of pasturage ‘after the man- lost patience and ordered him to go north ner of the Tartars’.” (p.18). Subsequent and actually confront the rebels in Ulster. RYAN efforts to retrieve Conn were unsuccess- When Essex fi nally did come face-to- ful. What a fascinating contrast, the son face with O’Neill, he sensibly organised of the aristocratic, cosmopolitan O’Neill a truce, which infuriated the Queen, who Academy of living with a family whose Gaelic herding briskly replaced him with Mountjoy. way of life had not changed for millen- Nevertheless, as I read steadily on nia! What a vivid vision of the desperate through the involvement of Phillip II Irish Dance haste induced in O’Neill by something, of Spain with O’Neill, the tragic fate of but what? the Spanish Armada on Ireland’s hostile Others of the earls and their followers Western shores, and O’Neill’s connec- Albury-Wodonga, left close family behind as well – Rory tions with the Franciscans (I did say this O’Donnell lost his 17 year old wife, then book rambled on!), I kept thinking “but Echuca, pregnant with their second child. The what was it? What made them suddenly urgent letters sent before the departure up and go, just like that?” Unfortunately, Bendigo, Hamilton, asking loved ones to make all speed, and despite a very detailed account of the the persistent efforts, many thwarted by earls’ wanderings through Europe until Port Fairy, the English government, to reunite the they reached Rome, and frequent allu- Warrnambool, families, testify that these abandonments sions to the reports of spies or to the were the very opposite of voluntary. Yet employment of various members of the Mildura, Warragul, something made all these people believe entourage as spies, no answer is forth- fervently that they simply had to leave coming. The fact that so much is known Kilmore Ireland immediately. It’s clear that, fol- and still in existence makes reading this lowing their defeat at Kinsale (1601), book all the more frustrating. You are left the position of many of the Irish lead- with a sense that someone knows very Geraldine Ryan ADCRG ers was grim, but O’Neill had retained well why the earls fl ed, but they are still Tel: (03) 9802 3920 most of his earldom. The suggestion not going to tell you. [email protected] that they might have thought it over Felicity Allen

Tinteán June 2008 37 Wild, wild women! Sheela-Na-Gigs: Originals and Functions, Eamonn P. Kelly phenomena, but prurience means Country House, Dublin: Dublin House in association with that before they were revalued, the National Museum of Ireland, 1996 (reprinted 2000) many were defaced, removed and disappeared one imagines as If you’re at the National Museum, it will presumably be easy to building rubble. fi nd this publication, and a publisher’s rep recently asked us to Kelly makes much of the review it for Tinteán, so presumably it is still available. continental and English mani- It’s a short pamphlet written by one of Ireland’s foremost festations of similar phenomena, archaeologists and a Keep of Antiquities at the Museum, on and reminds us that in the middle the intriguing subject of Sheela-na-Gigs, little sculptures often ages and in Gothic art (one thinks appearing (from the second half of the c11) on the outside of of the tradition of gargoyles) and both ecclesiastical buildings and secular buildings, e.g., castles thinks that pilgrimages and the infl ow of new ideas as a result and occasionally in cemeteries in which women display their of that were signifi cant factors in their sudden appearance in genitalia, sometimes with great acrobatic virtuosity (I’ve seen Ireland. He also reminds us that lust and avarice were among the one outside the Romanesque Nuns’ Chapel at Clonmacnoise the favourite medieval sins, and that men were thought to have which features a woman whose face is embraced by her legs. a special affi nity for avarice and women for lust. What kind of Full frontalism as it’s rarely been seen since). projection does this portend? He does not return to the feminist The fi rst thing this scholarly work does it to tell you how readings of these stones, and because of the ways he describes they were read when they were fi rst described by scholars in their ugliness, so I take it he is not enamoured of the modern the mid-nineteenth century – as aggressively sexual and nega- reading, but he fairly records it nonetheless, and briefl y notes in tive. The etymology of the Irish is uncertain – ‘the old hag of passing the pre-Christian earth goddess, Anu, and the proactive the breasts/hunkers’, the Evil Eye Stone, Whore, Witch, Hag of sexuality of the women of Táin bó Cuailnge and even includes an the Castle, among many possibilities. However, Kelly goes on example of modern art-work which uses the reference. immediately to say that these days they are more likely to be This is a well-illustrated catalogue of the phenomenon, with read as symbols of female power. The shift in valuation has a its 36 black and white photos, and 25 colour photos. For the curi- lot to do with feminist rereadings of ancient mythology and the ous, it is a great addition to the archaeology section of the Irish rise of women archaeologists which began in the 1970s. Perhaps library, and a fi ne stimulus to debates about Irish sexuality. sexual liberation also played a part in the revaluation of such Frances Devlin Glass Catalpa – a great Irish victory Catalpa, Donal O’Kelly female forms. What makes them so interesting is that Itch Productions, Brunswick, His first character, the insomniac they are very different characters yet Melbourne screenwriter, opens the play as the audi- alike in one sense: they are driven by the Itch Productions’ fact-based play was ence witnesses him act out an imagined same goal. performed at the Mechanics’ Institute un-filmed masterpiece entirely inside his According to Fleming, one of his Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick. The own head, the story of the ‘Catalpa’. It is favourite things about performing this production was based on the ‘Catalpa’, a story within a story but relatively easy play was the constant role-hopping the now famous ship which rescued six to follow and the two-act production is between the three men. The Captain, Irish political prisoners who had escaped so experimental it is impossible to suffer who chooses a life at sea for the sake from Fremantle gaol in 1876, conveying from boredom! of others, must deal with the separation them to safety in the USA. The set is small and sparse displaying from his wife. Breslin is a self-confessed Des Fleming, the sole actor, acts out only a bed, some blankets and a desk but womanizer and Devoy ultimately allows over thirty different characters using requires nothing more. Fleming’s story- the mission to consume him. what can only be described as wild telling ability captivates and mesmerises ‘Catalpa’ relies heavily on the piano articulations, extravagant gestures and the audience. He uses what props he has accompaniment to set the tone of the unusual body movements. He utilizes to accentuate each scene. At one point play and the musician Wally Gunn these elements to engage and ultimately he magically transforms a red blanket skilfully creates suspense, sadness and connect with the audience. Admittedly, into a dress and a white sheet becomes exhilaration throughout the play. before attending the preview I was scep- a ship’s sail. In the love scenes, Fleming Fleming’s comedic sense is surgically tical – how would Fleming succeed in utilises the set to depict the intensity of precise. The accents are convincing and conveying such a complex and tangled the passion and love between the Cap- the direction is, for the most part, deft. story on his own? However, he managed tain and his wife – the bed becoming a The production ran from Thursday to draw the audience in immediately. vessel and vice versa. 8 May to the Sunday 18 May at the His ability to transform himself into Although about thirty characters are Mechanics Institute Performing Arts different characters was uncanny and featured in the play, there are only three Centre, Brunswick, Melbourne. Hope- magical. At one point he was a bird main characters: the Captain, Breslin fully it will return for another run. If it cawing and flapping, then passionately and Devoy. Fleming spends most of does, go to see it! writhing on a bed, assuming male and the time moving between these three. Kim Warnock

38 Tinteán June 2008 From McGettigan’s Field to Gaelic Park

“one lovely Sunday morning he was taking a stroll outside Ireland medal winner with Meath, is Vice-Captain. And he San Francisco on the edge of the Pacific, when he saw, didn’t forget Donegal; a key-player is Kevin O’Donnell from hurrying with little bundles under their oxters, men of Ballybofey while Ciaran McStay, Ref of the Year, 2007, will rural Irish complex. Sometime later he came on a Gaelic keep a sharp eye from the sideline. football match in progress. Everything was as at home... A committee formed. Chairman, Martin Kenny, helped to not a man of them had ever left home and the mysterious organise this historic trip. Brendan Malone, who has given forty Pacific was just a bog-hole gurgling with eels and frogs. years to Gaelic games, and Keith Graham, prominent player Yet there was something queer and wonderful about the and Meath man, are joint secretaries. Physio, Mick Feterston, sight... or the thought” (Patrick Kavanagh) from Roscommon, was a Clontarf hurler and footballer. Tom Kitt, member of a well-known political dynasty, referee and Kavanagh was no great shakes as a goalie for Enniskeen Grattens supporter of Galway football and Damian Donovan, a loyal and he even argued that since Joyce only mentioned sport once Dublin supporter, are joint treasurers. in Ulysses it couldn’t be very important. Yet he acknowledged Tony Doran, (retired) and Chris Conway (Inspector) orga- that it was wonderful when Irish men brought their Gaelic nized a trip to Ireland for members of the New York Police and games across the world. They are doing it still. Fire Departments after 9/11 and were instrumental in erecting a In his memoir John Cassidy tells us, “Like most young people memorial to 9/11 victims in Donadee. This forged strong links. growing up in Donegal in the early nineteen sixties, I dreamt of John Leonard, Chief Steward from Croke Park, is GAA one day playing for my county in an All Ireland Football Final Liaison Officer. Kevin Fitzpatrick, CIE Sports and Social in Croke Park. Officer, added fundraising experience. Public Relations Officer, Many neighbours’ children would gather in our kitchen and John Cassidy, can be contacted at: [email protected] listen to the late, great, Michael O‘Heir give a blow by blow A planeload of players and supporters will touch down at of the games one hundred and fifty miles away…we would “Kennedy” on 15th October. The following weekend they will assemble in McGettigan’s field and replay the game…every play teams from the NYPD and FDNY. one present was included which meant we often played twenty Billy Nolan, of The Emerald Society FDNY, told me; a side…With the goalposts (four jackets) in place the game “We here are very happy to have the CIE Football team here would begin. It would end for one of the following reasons: in October. Over the past 7 years we have had the Dublin Fire Hunger, darkness or a pitch invasion by McGettigan’s cattle.” Brigade visit NYC and we in turn travel to Dublin to play them John Cassidy knew from an early age that Gaelic football for The Lord Mayor’s Trophy. was the preserve of Irish Catholics. Didn’t his fellow Ulster- We hope to show everyone a great time here in New York, man, author/journalist, Cormac MacConnell confess to altering win or lose”. the “Mc” on his birth certificate in order to show that he was The “multi-culture” match in Coldcut in 2004 was a definite born into the kind of “starving Papish family that plays Gaelic first and on Saturday 2nd February last John Cassidy brought football rather than the wealthy Presbyterians of that era who his team to Omagh to meet a team from Ulster bus at Tattireagh/ played rugby”. Saint Patrick’s ground. It was the first time a CIE team had Four decades later, while working as a supervisor with Dub- played north of the border. And when they grace the turf of lin Bus, John recalled the words of that great American reformer Gaelic Park it will the first time a CIE team play in America. W.E.B. Du Bois, who said: “The problem of the twentieth Gaelic Park was purchased by the GAA in 1926. After century is the problem of the colour line – the relation of the ten years it was forced into bankruptcy and the city took over darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa, in America the land. and the islands of the sea”. Dublin Bus employs workers from Enter John “Kerry” O’Donnell a native of Camp in West over 50 countries. Thanks to overwhelming support and John’s Kerry. His daughter Kerry told the following story to Weeshie foresight, drive and Ulster cunning, thirty Gaelic players lined Fogarty of Radio Kerry, “ my father and another man arranged out on the Dublin Bus pitch at Coldcut in west Dublin at three to meet the solicitor to sign the agreement and save the grounds o ‘clock, on Thursday 6th November 2004. Referee, Tom Kitt, from falling into the hands of other sports or developers. My was the only Irishman on that field! father was the only one to turn up on the day of the meeting. John did get to Croke Park as a voluntary senior steward. And Dad decided to go on his own, it was a massive gamble. while engaged in this capacity at the 2005 All-Ireland football He sold some of his properties…and with the help of family final, his mobile phone rang. A man with an American accent and friends he then ran the grounds.” The O’Donnell family is representing the New York Police Department Gaelic Football still involved in Gaelic Park. Manhattan College took it over in Club asked if he could field a team to play them in Gaelic Park, 1991 and in 2007 artificial turf was laid. New York. John was busy. Micheal Muircheartaigh was telling Dublin Bus Chief Executive Joe Meaghar said: the world that Tyrone was beating Kerry while also giving the “As a Kilkenny man, I was very proud to play for Donny- pedigree of a centre half-back from Dingle; there was unrest on brook and Dublin Bus in the 80s. I am delighted that for the first Hill-Sixteen. John said “OK” and hung up. Experience told him time a football team will represent us in the newly refurbished the call was a wind-up. As the final whistle blew John’s phone Gaelic Park in New York this October 2008.” rang again. The same voice re-iterated the request. When jerseys and post-mortems are being exchanged in From the Gaelic Football teams of Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann Gaelic Park on 19th October,win lose or draw, John Cassidy and Irish Rail, John Cassidy picked his players. Peter Kearns, will not have to fear a pitch-invasion by Mc Gettigan’s cattle. former Dublin hurler is Captain and Paul Curran, 1991 All- Mattie Lennon

Tinteán June 2008 39 “Wine to Gladden the Heart”

Some years ago three Melbourne based Irish businessmen, who shared an inter- est in good wines, decided to make a hobby of it and produce their own. Their aim was excellence in producing the best. They have been so successful that they have been awarded medals and trophies both here and interstate for their fine vintages. From the outset they stated that this unusual passionate interest would be a hobby shared only with family and close friends. It would never become a commer- cial venture, sadly our loss, because their wines are of absolute premium quality. Aidan Earley, Tony Griffey and Gareth Mulvey do not come from wine-making families. Aidan’s father was involved in the beer brewing industry in Cork and Gareth is employed at senior manage- ment level in the hotel catering industry. Tony’s wife, Sally, who is French, is the Since only a half to two tons of grapes magnum size bottles and called “Danny official “taster” and critic. She decides if are used each year, the emphasis is on Boy”. Another year it was “Joy”, for a each wine is acceptable. It is very much quality not quantity. granddaughter’s christening. a family affair. The elegant, black, maroon and white While these three Irish friends take Their wines go under the prestigious labels are designed by Berna Murphy, their wine making very seriously, much name of “Yarra Valley Chateau Thorn- a graphic designer from Cork who has enthusiasm and good Irish fun go into bury”. No one, not even the three direc- the privilege of sampling each year’s the process. A “director’s dinner” is tors’ wives know where the winery is! batch! Environmentally friendly non- held each year after the vintage to dis- This is “secret men’s business”, never to cork stoppers are used. The result is a cuss its quality. An agenda is set for the be revealed to anyone! unique, professional and upmarket prod- following year’s product such as Aidan, Tony and Gareth are involved uct. Ethna Macklin, also from Ireland, whether it will be a white or a red and in every step of the process of each year’s has been a constant advisor and moral what varietal grapes will be used. In the vintage, from organising the collecting supporter. meantime, their collection of awards and of the best quality grapes from the Yarra About 600 litres of wine are produced medals is increasing. Valley vineyards, to the crushing and annually involving much hands-on work It was a pleasure to meet these three fermenting of the grapes and bottling of and professional research. Each year, a entrepreneurs with such enthusiasm and the finished product. Fermentation takes different name is given to the vintage passions for their unusual hobby. We place in French oak barrels, which con- usually after the name of a family mem- wish then every success in their ongoing tribute to the quality, sometimes taking ber or a particular event. One year it was pursuit of excellence in amateur wine up to two years to complete. Then the named after their race horse! For Tony’s production in the future. wine is stored in stainless steel barrels. son’s wedding, it was presented in Catherine Arthur Ask Electrics Serving all suburbs, 7 days a week • Alternators • Wiring & rewiring Delplant Pty Ltd • Starter motors • Electric windows Specialists in Pipelines, Plant Hire & Heavy Haulage • Batteries 20 Vesper Drive, Narre Warren Vic 3805 • Distributors Ph: (03) 9796 0700 Fax: (03) 9796 0800 Tel: 03 9562 0655 Mob: 0418 338 650 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.delplant.com.au 2/13 Aristoc Rd, Glen Waverley 3150

40 Tinteán June 2008 Evolution of the Irish Red Setter Irish Red Setters have recently been and exercising their dogs and found the beautiful Irish colleen, these free spirits lumbered with a ‘bad’ public image, breed ‘too hard to handle’ ... therefore will love you unconditionally and will with a popular misconception the dogs ‘stupid’. The Irish Setter requires regu- charm all who meet them. In return are ‘stupid’. In the 1960’s and 1970’s lar and vigorous exercise. It is the ‘Fer- they demand constant attention and the Irish Setter was seen much more fre- rari’ of the dog world and is not a dog affection from you and need to be a quently in Australia than today. It was for lazy or mediocre owners who blame large part of your lives. Once you have (and still is!) a very handsome dog, and the dog for their own shortcomings. loved an ‘Irish’ no other breed quite in those days often featured in glamor- As with all pedigree dogs, the Irish takes its place. ous T.V. and print media advertising. Setter was bred for a special purpose; The Irish Setter is an independent, to range and hunt over the moors in sweet natured dog with a rollicking per- search of game birds. Of all the ‘setting’ sonality and makes a wonderful, loving and ‘pointing’ breeds the Irish Setter is companion. Shyness, hostility or timid- renowned for keeping going when the ness are uncharacteristic of this beauti- rest have stopped. It is the oldest Setter ful breed, best known for its outgoing, breed, established as early as 1800, and stable temperament and strong hunting this is well catalogued in Irish history. instinct. Irish Setters are great adven- Referred to as the ‘red setter’, the turers and naturally inclined to wander. Irish Setter did not start off as this rich You will need strong fencing and gates red coloured dog. Its origin is unknown, to keep them securely confined. although it may have evolved from a Do you want to get yourself a puppy combination of land spaniels. These bred from traditional Irish Red Setter were imported to Ireland from Spain working gundog bloodlines? Please during the 1500’s and 1600’s when the remember, we are not talking about Spanish aided the Irish against the Eng- the ‘American type’ show dogs. These lish. The original colour of the breed puppies make intelligent family pets for was a combination of red and white. active outdoor people – and they are Through selective breeding, the rich easy to train using positive methods. chestnut and mahogany red colours we Small numbers of puppies are know today were derived. available, from time to time, for those Irish Setters were used to ‘set’ game, enthusiasts discerning enough to want hence the name ‘setters’. They found a magnificent ‘red’ dog that’s not only Unfortunately the breed then became upland birds and crouched down close beautiful to look at and full of vital- ‘fashionable’. The demand grew and to their find so that the hunter could ity, but smart too. Litters of traditional grew. Some breeders ‘mass produced’ come and throw a net over dogs and Irish Red Setter working dogs are them with the show ring in mind, rather birds. When firearms were introduced, occasionally bred from imported Euro- than maintaining the working ability of this was discontinued, as the hunter pean champions by a small network the breed. Many new and inexperienced wanted a dog that pointed, flushed game of specialist breeders, in Australia and owners did not invest time in training and hunted with an upright stance. New Zealand. Setters are meant to work in pairs to Michael Doyle locate game on the ground and ‘point’ To join a ‘waiting list’, feel free to the game to the ‘guns’. On command contact Michael Doyle, P.O. Box 173, they would then flush the birds into Dromana Victoria 3936; 041 99 88 260 the air. This is the key to understand- or (03) 59 810 201. ing the dogs’ character. They are to run free and to have companionship – either yours or that of another setter! Irish Setters, with their keen noses and inde- pendent spirits, are still the choice of many sportsmen who enjoy going afield with a good bird dog. Their usual quarry in Australia is quail and snipe. In Ire- land, England and North America the quarry is often Pheasant or Woodcock while in Scotland they often seek the famous Grouse. If you take an ‘Irish’ into your heart and home, life will never be the same again! When an Irish Setter shares your life, be it a handsome Irishman or a

Tinteán June 2008 41 Derry today

Of all the walls breached in Europe last Post conflict Derry has a modern and unusual in that it is complete. century, Derry’s in Northern Ireland was vibrant feel with boutique hotels, trendy The cultural mementoes of the Trou- the last. As you stand on the Cityside restaurants and, of course, the craic. But bles are the most fascinating. They tell walls looking across the River Foyle, something startling is happening here. stories of a bloody history of difference you can visualise what the Protestants Its museums and myriad guide books and of a terrible beauty of the search and the British soldiers saw – an enemy delve into its recent past. This is a city for justice and peace on a backdrop of horizon – you can nearly smell the gun- desperate to move on but it is the les- colonialism and empire. powder. Only then do you understand sons from its past which makes Derry an Walking on top of the very wide the Rubicon that has been crossed in the inspiring site for cultural tourism. walls around the city and the huge arch- peace process. The award-winning Tower Museum ing gateway which the apprentice boys Derry is a city in transition. My trip doesn’t shy away from telling it how it slammed shut shouting ‘no surrender’ takes in Good Friday, on the tenth anni- was but it is also respectful and inclu- you can see what effort went into build- versary of the peace agreement when sive with interactive sections for chil- ing walls to shut people out. But the very Tony Blair made his ‘hand of history’ dren and great selection of idiosyncratic same walls which imprisoned starving speech and almost the 40th anniversary artefacts which all good local museums Protestants loyal to William and Mary of the civil rights march inspired by should have, such as suits of armour and inside during the siege from 1688 to Martin Luther King Jr and the civil rights early flint tools. Here is where part of 1689 also kept the warring Jacobites movement in the US. The Troubles began the Spanish Armada landed on the Irish of Irish Catholics and Frenchmen loyal when police and protestors clashed at a coast in 1588 and also some of the most to James VII (James II of England) banned civil rights march in Derry on 5 spectacular natural history in Europe. out. In this, the longest siege in the October 1968. Riots continued through Derry is a short distance from Coleraine history of the British Isles, half the 1969 culminating in the “Battle of the and the Giant’s Causeway and a short population of Derry died of starvation Bogside” as the Apprentice Boys tried to distance from the spectacular Donegal and disease. Building walls so high march on 12 August. The situation dete- coast in the Republic. meant security at the cost of freedom. riorated and the British Army eventually There is a great walking tour and bus The next 300 years of Derry’s history took to the streets. As violence took tours. Derry is one of the best examples stems from this episode. It is only in the hold, much of the Troubles centred on of a walled city in Europe. There are last 10 years that the inevitability of the the town including Bloody Sunday on other great walled cities such as Avila in violence born of division, from living 30 January 1972. Spain and Lucca in Italy, but Derry’s is within walls, has been averted. Derry

42 Tinteán June 2008 is an invaluable history lesson which, most recent is the dove of peace. from Rose of Tralee beauty pageants to like the cannons on the Cityside and the The Troubles hot spots such as the the 1968 civil rights march and on, he bombs from the Waterside, reports with Nelson Drive estate or Bond Street are became a photojournalist of interna- a loud bang that if there is no justice, still predominantly entirely Catholic tional standing. Carson captured many there can be no peace. In their exclu- or Protestant but there is also a drive of the iconic images of the Troubles, in sion and shutting out, walls and barri- on the future, to make (London)Derry particular those of Bloody Sunday. He ers like hatred and sectarianism defeat work in the face of the traditional also captured images of carnage and only humanity. shirt-making industry closing down destruction, putting down a record for It is also the history of the men and and the other industries set to follow. the future. women of Ireland who fought on both Like other textile towns, Derry has a Despite this new found confidence sides and gave everything for their cul- history of strong breadwinner women and identity, the story of Bloody Sunday tural rights and the faces of the people comparable to perhaps the Levi factory seems to be the hardest tale for Derry to who either devoted or lost their lives women in Dundee. tell. It is told sparsely and quickly and to the Troubles. Huge paintings on the As you stay, you also come to under- only the facts. How the event unfolded, gable ends of houses depict Bernadette stand the important role of the media in who was present and the names of the Devlin in the same prominence as the relaying and influencing the conflict. The 13 dead. The meaning, emotion and sig- Queen, or the images of the Apprentice news media recorded the lives of Derry nificance is communicated only by the Boys or a young petrol bomber wear- men and women where violence had media images and in the mid conversa- ing a gas mask. Like gang graffiti, they become an everyday norm, to a watch- tion silence of locals. Unlike the rest of mark territory. In some streets the huge ing world and it changed their lives. Derry’s history, Bloody Sunday is not up murals confront each other in some sort A contemporary comparison would for discussion, not yet at least. How will of bizarre static face off. Or a Catholic be the reportage of everyday life in Derry tell the story of Bloody Sunday mural is on the gable end of a house Gaza. The short films which play in the when it passes out of living memory in facing into a Protestant street. They are museum become all the more vivid with 40 years or so? at once an expression of defiance, pride news footage. The news clips show both Kate Smith and despair. The saddest mural is ‘the the effects of the British army and the Kate Smith is an academic and free- death of innocence’ in memory of the aeffect on the British army. When local lance journalist of Edinburgh. 100th victim of the Troubles, 14-year- press photographer the late Willie Car- old schoolgirl Annette McGavigan. The son moved the focus of his pre-1968 lens Photos by Ben Kiernan

Tinteán June 2008 43 Update

In our first issue, we included an item necessary withdrawal from most AIHN under a similar banner and outlined the activity for our President and Convenor, genesis of our magazine. They were Terry Monagle, whose health and other early days and the lack of experience commitments required him to take a for almost all of us was to be hopefully back seat, albeit he is still a source of compensated by enthusiasm and com- wise counsel. Rob Butler has agreed mitment to the cause of our heritage and to act in the position of Convenor pro all that goes to preserve it. At that stage, tem. A separate administrative group has we were unsure as to our future. Where been created to cope with the increasing are we now? office administration and to support Liz Well, the lack of experience is McKenzie’s editorial committee. It is a diminishing rapidly and the enthusiasm lot of hard work but proof reading meet- remains unabated. From a financial ings and mail-out working bees readily point of view we remain viable, albeit become enjoyable social occasions dependent on subscription growth and (not to mention the furious exchange of other fund-raising measures for the lon- emails! Ed.) ger term viability of the magazine. Our Our immediate agenda items include tions. We need your support in help- circulation continues to grow and we are several promotional and funding initia- ing us to promote the network and the very optimistic for the future. tives and we hope soon to bring good magazine and we value your comments The only downside has been the news about tax deductability for dona- and suggestions.

Tinteán has sent its Business Manager on a fact-finding tour of the world. It will cover Antigua, Havana, Barbados, Boston (for Harvard) and New Haven (for Yale). We can expert some in-depth reporting. This photo of the Editor and Mr McNamara was taken at his farewell when Mrs McKenzie was laughing uproariously at her own jokes whereas he was more concerned about the extent of his expense account.

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.   &         / 0  . 1           / 2   ) 3/ +4,, 554 678 ENTERTAINMENT FOR MAY, JUNE & JULY Don’t forget our traditional Session every Friday from 5pm-8pm with the Fitzgerald family. Live bands from 8pm May June July Friday 2nd: Pat McKernan Friday 6th: Pat McKernan Friday 4th: Sporting Paddy Friday 9th: Shane Pullen Friday 13th: Shane Pullen Friday 11th: Shane Pullen Friday 16th: Seamus Ryan Friday 20th: Cyril Moran Friday 18th: Cyril Moran Friday 23rd: Sporting Paddy Friday 27th: Sporting Paddy Friday 25th: Pat McKernan Friday 30th: Pat McKernan UPCOMING EVENTS Local Musicians and Community Farewell for Marcia & Damian Howard and the Ploughboys Brian Boru Function Room, Level 1, Sunday 22nd June 4pm A feast of Music, Song and Dance not to be missed! Admission $20, Children Free Shamrock Restaurant Open from 5pm Contact Marion O’Hagan 0407 317 539 Songs and stories from the west of Ireland With Mossie Scanlon, Greg Hunt and Mary Kenneally The Celtic Club, Level 1, Sunday, July 13th 2pm Admission $15, full bar TRADING HOURS Tara & Cuchulainn Bars Monday - Thursday: 10am-11pm, Friday: 10am-1am, Saturday-Sunday: 11.30am - 11pm* *depending on sporting fi xtures Shamrock Restaurant Lunch: Monday – Friday 12-2.30pm, Dinner: Friday – Saturday 5.30-9pm Don’t forget our $10 Bar Meals in the Tara Bar Monday – Friday: 12-2.30pm, Thursday – Saturday: 5.30-9pm

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