February 2015 Boston’s hometown VOL. 26 #2 journal of Irish culture. $1.50 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2015 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. bostonirish.com Hopeful local immigrants weigh impact of Obama move By Eliza Dewey Special to the Reporter Almost a month into the new year, a cautious optimism seems to be growing among those in the local undocu- mented immigrant population as they consider what President Barack Obama’s recent changes to federal deportation practices might mean for them. In November, Obama signed an executive action that will halt deportations for an estimated four mil- lion undocumented immi- grants. The change, which the president made in the absence of any comprehen- sive immigration reform effort by Congress, is not guaranteed to remain in place beyond Obama’s time in office and will not Aer Lingus planes are shown at Dublin airport, Ireland, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. Aer Lingus said it change anyone’s actual supports a takeover bid by British Airways parent IAG, putting the Irish national airline with its trade- immigration status. It will, Jimmy Deenihan, Irish mark shamrock tailfins on course for foreign acquisition nine years after its privatization. however, have a signifi- Minister for the Diaspora, AP Photo/Peter Morrison cant effect on the lives of discussed immigration on those who qualify and set a visit to Washington and the pace for what is sure Boston last month. Page 3. Aer Lingus backs takeover bid to be a heated debate on immigration during the 2016 presidential campaign. Reaction to the president’s move among local im- by IAG, parent of British Airways migrants who might qualify and those who work with the undocumented population has been hopeful. In By Shawn Pogatchnik course for foreign acquisi- required backing from the The government, which an interview, Jeannie Kain, an attorney with the Irish Associated Press tion nine years after its two biggest shareholders: retained a 25.1 percent International Immigrant Center (IIIC), noted that the DUBLIN — Aer Lingus privatization. rival Irish carrier Ryanair share when it privatized executive action will allow people to “finally come out said late last month that The 11-member Aer and the Irish government. Aer Lingus in 2006, op- (Continued on page 9) it supports a takeover bid Lingus board said it could Ryanair, which ac- posed Ryanair’s ambi- by British recommend IAG’s latest quired a 29.8 percent tions and has emphasized Airways parent IAG, bid of 2.55 euros ($2.85) shareholding as part its concern that a private Irish first to get putting the Irish national per share, valuing the air- of three failed hostile owner could weaken trav- airline with its trade- line at 1.36 billion euros takeover bids, declined el connections for Ireland. mark shamrock tailfins on ($1.52 billion). It empha- to comment on the news Aer Lingus is the fourth- sized that the proposal from Aer Lingus. (Continued on page 10) beef to US market

By Peter F. Stevens Great travel deals for Americans BIR Staff The news has been a long By Scott Mayerowitz fashions out of Italy aren’t going thanks to the euro’s decline will in- time coming – nearly six- and Anne D’Innocenzio on sale anytime soon. The reason? stead be pocketed by manufacturers teen years. Since the Mad Associated Press There’s simply too much demand in and distributors. Cow outbreak in the late Americans hoping to save on Eu- the US for any markdowns. It’s been a dramatic fall for the 1990s, the US had banned ropean goods thanks to a falling euro “The US economy is the one euro. Back in April, the European the import of European shouldn’t rush that’s doing well in the world right currency was trading at 1.38 dollars beef. Now, Ireland has Analysis to uncork that now,” notes IHS senior principal to the euro. That means that one dol- become the first country in bottle of French economist George Magliano. “We’ve lar bought you about 72 euro cents. Europe to meet the stric- Bordeaux. There’s very little to cel- got a lot of growth in upper-income Now the exchange rate is hovering tures ensuring that the ebrate. Unless you like travel deals. families and households.” around 1.13 dollars to the euro, so meat is safe for American Not since September 2003 has Since Americans are willing — one dollar buys you 88 euro cents. consumers. Simon Coveney the euro traded this low against and able — to spend heavily on The euro extended its slide against The US government “A huge prize” the dollar. Still, German sports imported goods, there’s no need for the dollar late last month, dropping lifted the ban last March, cars, Belgian beers and the latest companies to cut prices. Any savings (Continued on page 10) but Ireland has beaten its neighbors in preparing to sell (Continued on page 18)

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By Ed Forry tial candidate who now Publisher chairs the House Ways Irish Fine Gael poli- and Means committee, tician James “Jimmy” and with Bay State mem- Deenihan T.D., the Min- bers of Congress Richard ister of State for the Di- Neal and Joe Kennedy to aspora, visited Boston last discuss immigration re- month during a four-day, form, Ireland’s economic two-city American visit recovery and the contin- that featured immigration ued progress in Northern talks in Washington with Ireland. members of Congress, Speaking ahead of the Irish American business visit Deenihan said, “This leaders, and organiza- visit is a great opportunity tions thaty support Irish to discuss progress on citizens. President Obama’s an- When he was in Boston, nouncement on immigra- the five-time All Ireland tion reform in November. GAA football champion, While we warmly wel- Ireland’s Minister of State for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan T.D., had a busy two days in Boston last who is 63 and a member comed the measures an- month meeting with Irish organizations, academic and business leaders. He is pictured (above) with of the Irish parliament, nounced, we will continue members at the Irish Cultural Center, at the Irish International Immigrant Center (below left) and with visited the Irish Pastoral to press for substantive the Irish Pastoral Center in Dorchester (below right). Centre in Dorchester, the action by Congress to America to reflect the Irish International Immi- ensure a long-term sus- concerns and needs of the grant Center downtown, tainable solution for the Irish community. We will and the Irish Cultural undocumented Irish in ensure that immigration Centre in Canton. He also the United States. reform remains firmly at visited the soon-to-open “The Irish community in the top of the agenda.” EM Kennedy Institute the US have waited a long The Irish Times has at Columbia Point and time for progress on this noted that ‘it’s estimated the Boston College Irish issue. The government that thousands among the Institute in Chestnut Hill. is committed to working government’s estimate of In Washington, he met hard to secure improved 50,000 illegal Irish in the with Paul Ryan, the 2012 channels for legal migra- US will benefit. Mr. Deeni- Republican vice presiden- tion between Ireland and han said so-called undocu- mented Irish should start preparing the paperwork required to avail of the temporary relief from deportation afforded by Mr Obama. “ ‘People should em- brace the opportunity that the Obama initiative will give them, and that they will not miss the oppor- tunity,’ he said. He said the State Department on yet,” he said. Irish links from all over it would be premature to the circumstances under In a Jan. 23 meeting in the world to a special say that qualifying illegal which eligible immigrants Boston, Deenihan said he session later this year. He Irish would be able to could travel. looked forward to welcom- said currently the plans return freely to Ireland be- The Times added, “That ing Congressman Ryan to are to host the global fore the Irish Ambassador is what we want of course a visit to Ireland in the elected officials in the Dáil to the US, Anne Anderson, to result from the actions, spring. He added he has in late August. receives clarification from but I don’t want to be plans to host a gathering building up people’s hopes of elected officials with Peter Koutoujian Matthew Donovan is dead at 77; dies; proprietor of active in Irish, Village Tavern for Armenian affairs many years Former Waltham City in local Irish activities Matthew J. Donovan, of Father-in-law of Marie P. Clerk Peter Koutoujian, with memberships in Milton, formerly of County Donovan of Dorchester. a prominent personality the Knights and Ladies Cork, died on Jan. 22. Mr. Papa of Kayla Dono- in the local Armenian- of Saint Finbarr and the Peter Koutoujian Donovan was the longtime van. Brother of Hughie Matthew J. Donovan American community Eire Society of Boston. proprietor of Donovan’s O’Donovan of Ireland, where his ancestral his- Born in Boston in Janu- Koutoujian served for two Village Tavern and Res- Ellen Kelleher of Dorches- William Kelleher. tory helped to shape his ary 1937, the son of terms on the Waltham taurant in Dorchester ter, John O’Donovan and Matt is also survived view of community and Armenian immigrants City Council before he Lower Mills. His funeral Neil O’Donovan, both of by many nieces, nephews of government and how Abraham and Sarah (Der- became Waltham’s as- Mass was celebrated at Ireland and the late Nora and friends. In lieu of flow- to make both better for Bedrosian) Koutoujian, sistant city clerk, then St. Gregory’s Church on O’Donovan, Humphrey ers, donations in Matt’s those around him, died he moved with his family clerk, a position he held Jan. 26 and he was buried O’Donovan, Maurice memory may be made to suddenly at his Waltham to Waltham as a child. for 30 years. in Milton Cemetery. Donovan and Jeremiah Saint Gregory Church. home on Jan. 16. He was He was a graduate of A funeral Mass for A US Army veteran O’Donovan. Brother-in- 77. Waltham High School and Mr. Koutoujian was said of the Korean War, Mr. law of Maureen Dono- With his wife of fifty- Newton Junior College on Fri., Jan., 23, in Our Donovan leaves behind van, Joan O’Donovan, four years, Newton native and served with the US Lady Help of Christians his wife Veronica (Burke) Mary O’Donovan, Anne Cornelia “Connie” (Cas- Air Force. Church, 573 Washington Donovan. Loving father of O ’ D o n o v a n , E i l e e n sidy), Mr. Koutoujian also After early work in Street, Newton. the late John P. Donovan O’Donovan, Theresa involved himself heartily sales and real estate, Mr. and Kathleen Donovan. O’Donovan and the late St. Patrick’s Day Irish officer shot during visit to New Orleans By CAIN BURDEAU officers he was robbed af- controller. In addition, stanching the flow of parades schedule Associated Press ter withdrawing money a 29-year-old man was weapons onto the streets NEW ORLEANS —An from an ATM, accompa- killed Monday and a to beefing up the size of Boston’s 2015 St Patrick’s Day/ Evacuation Day Irish police officer on nied by a man who told 25-year-old woman was the police department. parade has been scheduled for Sun., March 15. The vacation in New Orleans him where he could get killed Tuesday in other Judge James F. McKay annual event, organized by the Allied Veterans in was shot by an armed a drink at that hour. parts of the city. III, an Irish honorary South Boston, steps off at 1 pm at Broadway station, robber, one of the latest Police say the shooting The shootings come consul in the city, said marching across the South Boston neighborhood. victims in a string of happened at 5:40 a.m. as police struggle with Hanrahan worked as a In all there are nine parades, large and small planned shootings that have put Officers said they a shrunken force and an police officer — known this year across Massachusetts, one in New Hamp- haven’t found a suspect increase in violent crime. as garda in Ireland — shire, and one in Rhode Island. Here’s the schedule, the city on edge as it gets as reported on the Boston Irish Tourism Association ready to kick off Carnival or Hanrahan’s wallet. “The city is not safe,” in the Limerick area website irishmassachusetts.com: festivities. The officer’s shoot- said Tamara Jackson, and is a father. He said Cape Cod: Sat.,March 7,11 a.m. Lawrence: Sun., Brian Hanrahan was ing came a day after a the executive director Hanrahan had arrived March 8,1 p.m. Worcester: Sun., March 8, noon. New- in serious but stable 17-year-old high school of Silence Is Violence, a in New Orleans with port, RI: Sat., March 14,11 a.m. Boston: Sun., March condition on Jan. 28, a student was killed on his community group that his father, who lives in 15, 1 p.m. Scituate: Sun., March 15, 1 p.m. Abington: day after he was shot in a way to school. Detectives works with the families Missouri. His wife and Sun., March 22, 1 p.m. Holyoke: Sun., March 22, noon. residential area about 15 believe the teenager was of shooting victims. mother were expected to Manchester, NH: Sun., March 29, noon. blocks from the French shot over an argument She said many actions arrive in New Orleans on Quarter. Hanrahan told about a video game need to be taken — from Thursday, he said. Page 4 February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary ‘Riverdance’ just Begorrah, you better believe it: keeps on coming Bostonians care about Ireland

By Ed Forry By Joe Leary Last fall, when Rachel Kelly brought the inaugural Special to the BIR iFest to Boston, she featured a group of about thirty Most Irish Americans, and certainly all those dancers, and another eight musicians from the River- Americans who were born in Ireland and are now The Partnership has its focus dance troupe. That “Riverdance” performance here living in the Boston area, deeply care about their Irish last September was a huge audience favorite, and a Heritage. There are dozens upon dozens of serious on education under the belief that real showstopper. Irish organizations in the Boston metropolitan a strong, highly educated Irish On the elaborate outdoor stage at the Seaport World area whose members are devoted to Ireland and Trade Center, their 25-minute condensed version of the our heritage. Most of them not only celebrate their population will serve Ireland well show featured live dancing and music, synchronized heritage, but they also try to instill Irish values in in the years ahead. The American with video moments from the various performances their children through dance, from around the world. sport, and cultural events. Ireland Fund makes grants to many The original “Riverdance” was actually a short The local American Ireland different organizations in Ireland and “interval act” designed for the television broadcast Fund is probably the largest of the 1994 Eurovision song competition, which was in terms of dollars raised has made a significant difference staged in Dublin. To everyone’s for Ireland, with $10,000 to where its has been active. surprise, the Bill Whelan music, $25,000 tables at its annual when blended with the dancing black tie dinner in Boston. of Americans Michael Flatley and Basic admission is $1,000 per Jean Butler, electrified the huge ticket. They have been doing There are also the Boston Ireland Business television audience and won the this for over 35 years. It is the Association (BIBA) and the relatively new “In grandest Irish event in Boston Boston” organization that has an active social hearts of many. Joe Leary The following year, Whelan but unfortunately far beyond calendar. “In Boston” is part of a national network. teamed with producer Moya most people’s means. I could go on and list the Irish American clubs like Doherty to mount a full length, The Irish American Partnership, now 28 years old, the ones in Duxbury, West Roxbury, and Billerica. Or critically acclaimed theatrical pro- has its national headquarters in downtown Boston attempt to name all the Irish pubs and restaurants duction that premiered in Dublin with nearly 3,000 members located in 35 states in the area that benefit from their association with and London and eventually crossed the Atlantic for throughout the country. The Partnership has just Ireland. While I’m at it I could pass on the unproven shows in New York, Boston, and other American cities. finished a most successful year, having sent support rumor that the Milton cemetery has the highest That year, the show began a 16-year, non-stop tour to nearly one hundred schools and universities in number of Irish names on its gravestones than any by Riverdance companies, later expanded to South Ireland, North and South. cemetery in the United States, which simply shows America, Oceania, South Africa, Europe and Asia, Says Mary McAleer, the executive director of the just how Irish our neighborhood is. We even have playing before 25 million people at some 465 venues Partnership: “The more they know about us, the own newspaper, The Boston Irish Reporter. in 46 countries across 6 continents. more they want to assist our work in Ireland.” Perhaps the best known of all Boston Irish heritage Most recently, the show played Cuina, where a re- The Partnership has its focus on education under events is the famous South Boston Saint Patrick’s view in the Guangzou Daily heaped praise: “Excellence the belief that a strong, highly educated Irish Day Breakfast and the following parade. beyond compare … majestic unshackled emotion … the population will serve Ireland well in the years ahead. Down on Cape Cod is one of the most active and audience was teeming with passion, so much that some The American Ireland Fund makes grants to many fun Irish organizations I know, The “Sons of Erin” audience members were even dancing in the aisles.” different organizations in Ireland and has made a in West Yarmouth, with over 1,500 dues-paying It has been several years since the full stage show significant difference where its has been active. members. They have many social activities and are has been seen in North America. Now this year, Two smaller elite Boston organizations, the Erie open every night on Route 28. Doherty and her company have announced plans to Society and The Charitable Irish, have celebrated The point of all of this is to suggest that readers mount a 20th anniversary World Tour, making stops their Irish heritage for hundreds of years. The become involved in one or more of these Irish in some 60 cities in United States and Canada during revered Boston Clover Club has been in existence activities. They are all worthwhile organizations, the 2015/2016 season, since 1883 and meets three times a year. run by wonderful people who will welcome your beginning in October in The Irish government in Dublin plays a hand in participation. Calgary. all of this by each year making generous grants And now is the time to become more aware of The press announce- to at least three area Irish groups – The Irish your choices. Check their websites and decide what ment said the show has Cultural Centre in Canton, the Dorchester-based your participation might be. Saint Patrick’s Day is some new features: “The Irish Pastoral Centre, and The Irish International coming next month – for many of us this is our feast 20th Anniversary World Immigration Center in Boston. day. Join the celebration. Tour, composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and di- Off the Bench rected by John McColgan, is currently celebrating a sold out, critically ac- Moya Doherty: “Beyond claimed run across Eu- A reflection on Biblical matters: our wildest dreams” rope and Asia and will arrive in North America in fall 2015. To mark the Free will: God’s gift, our challenge eagerly awaited return of the show to North America, ending a four-year absence, “Riverdance – The 20th By James W. Dolan God knew that in the exercise of free will mankind Anniversary World Tour” – will feature new costumes, Special to the Reporter would reject him by choosing evil. Nonetheless, he new lighting, new projections and the addition of a How does one reconcile two obvious facts that seem wished to give humanity the freedom to choose. Sin is brand new number, ‘Anna Livia,’ featuring the female to conflict with the Bible and Christian tradition? the inevitable consequence of free will. It is choosing members of the Irish dance troupe in an a capella As described in Genesis, self- seeking, self delusion and self love over God’s will hard-shoe number. The tour has set design by Robert creation and the fundamen- as expressed in the commandments and the beatitudes. Ballagh, lighting design by John Comiskey, costume tal flaw in mankind, often Knowing that evil would necessarily flow from the design by Joan Bergin, and sound design by Michael termed “original sin,” are exercise of free will, a merciful God purged the per- O’Gorman.” inaccurate. The creative manent effects of evil with Christ’s death and resur- “The success of “Riverdance” across the whole world process occurred over mil- rection. By saving us from the lasting consequences has gone beyond our wildest dreams,” said Doherty. lions of years and Adam and of a sinful nature, our bad choices could be forgiven “The fact that the show continues to draw and excite Eve are more representative and, despite our inherent weaknesses, we could be audiences is a tribute to every dancer, singer, musician, than real. reconciled to God. staff and crew member who have dedicated themselves Their sin was not trans- Free will is both a gift and a burden. Christ’s death to the show. This 20th Anniversary Tour is a thank you mitted at birth to all man- freed us from the burden – the guilt associated with to our audiences and a celebration of what has been kind. Baptism was not to the evil choices we make. In his mercy, we are par- an incredible journey across two decades.” wash away the stain of their doned by the redemption – an act of limitless love and At press time, news about negotiations for a Boston sin. Babies are not born in understanding. This explanation does not distort the James W. Dolan venue and performance dates was not available. sin but they are born with Genesis message but instead refines it in terms that the capacity to commit sin. comport with what we know today. Baptism is an acknowledgment of our sinful nature Evolving mankind is obviously smarter, better and an affirmation of God’s forgiveness. informed, more comfortable, and more self-centered. Genesis is a parable, not a scientific explanation, Our brains have evolved but have our choices? Are we Boston Irish written so that it could be understood more than more inclined to be humble, tolerant, understanding, 2,000 years ago by people who could comprehend generous, and merciful than prior generations, or have REPORTER the message rather than the science or theology. The too many choices made us more distracted and self The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: message was clear: God created the universe and all absorbed? As clever as we may think we are, have we Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., things in it in time and by a process that only He simply developed new ways to ignore God’s presence? 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 could fully comprehend. I hope and pray that a merciful God will judge us [email protected] www.bostonirish.com He created human beings with a flaw that prompted in the context or our lives, the applicable standard Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) them to turn away from Him. If it was not disobedi- being our individual capacity to do good or evil. This Edward W. Forry, Publisher ence by eating an apple from a forbidden tree, what of necessity requires a sliding scale: primitive man Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor was it? I suggest it was not a flaw but a gift – free is not judged the same as modern man, the mentally William P. Forry, Editor will. Without free will human beings would have been ill are not judged the same as the sane, and the dis- Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor automatons, robots unable to choose and incapable of advantaged are not judged the same as the gifted. News Room: (617) 436-1222 merit or fault. With all its temptations, free will was An all-knowing God will measure our lives against Ads : (617) 436-1222 the advantages He gave us. Those with much will Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] the greater good. It was only through the exercise of free will that mankind could truly love. likely be judged more harshly than those with little. On The Web at www.bostonirish.com Original sin may have been the first act of free A merciful God knows there are mitigating and aggra- Date of Next Issue: March, 2015 will wherein man put self ahead of God. It was per- vating factors and, depending upon the circumstances, Deadline for Next Issue: Friday, February 20 at 2 p.m. vasive, not in the sense that a specific sin indelibly some wills are freer than others. Published monthly in the first week of each month. marked future generations, but rather that sin, time James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond and again in many forms, would be repeated down Court judge who now practices law. the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. through the ages. bostonirish.com February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Point of View OF A TIME CAPSULE AND THE MARCH OF HISTORY A link to Boston’s religious past is but a short walk away from 1795 capsule site

By Peter F. Stevens There was no memento of that landmark little BIR Staff School Street parish amid the contents of the 1795 The discovery of a hidden time capsule is always in- time capsule. Still, at the very juncture where Sam triguing. To great fanfare a few weeks ago, the opening Adams and Paul Revere buried the container, the Irish of a 1795 trove discovered by workers repairing a leak were making their presence known just a short walk at the Massachusetts State House did not disappoint. from the State House. The capsule, a link to the present from Washington’s Whither the Age of Tiger? day, contained artifacts that evoked tangible artifacts In a matter of little historical significance but of in- of such legendary colonial figures as Sam Adams and terest to golf buffs, outspoken Northern Irish golf great Paul Revere – including a rectangular silver plate that, David Feherty continues to buck the legions of Tiger if made by Revere, is extremely valuable. Just down the Woods haters. To SB Nation and other sports media, street from the State House, a small marker on School Feherty pronounced, “It would surprise me if, by the Street testifies that when Adams, Revere, developer end of this season, he’s not No. 1 in the world again.” William Scollay, and other local dignitaries placed Sensibly, Feherty tempered his prediction with an the time capsule, change was coming to “Old Boston.” “if-Tiger-stays-healthy” caveat: “I think, if he’s durable, A small but growing community of Irish Catholics was The Puritan experiment met with royal reality in if his body’s in good shape, that we’re going to see him testing the tenets of religious freedom at that School 1686 when the original charter was revoked. More- in contention again. The only mistakes I’ve ever made Street site, an old, ramshackle Huguenot church. The over, the Toleration Act was passed in old England with Tiger Woods are underestimating him. If you church is long gone, but few passersby realize just how in 1689 spelling doom for Puritan exclusivity in think he can’t do that, well, he kind of thinks he can.” important it once was in the annals of the Boston Irish. New England. Anglicans led the way with King’s Feherty’s remarks likely have not gone down well In 1779, when Massachusetts’ leaders wrote the Chapel in 1686, followed by Quakers, Anabaptist, in Northern Ireland, the proving ground not only for state’s constitution, they added a startling proviso: Scottish Presbyterians and French Huguenots in Feherty, but also for the world’s current No. 1, a guy For the first time, they proved willing to give at least the next two decades, after significant numbers of named Rory McIlroy. If somehow Woods does regain merchants and the persecuted found Boston more his game of yore – or something akin to it – a Tiger tacit acceptance to the handful of Irish and French than a nice place to visit. Library of Congress photo Catholics in Boston. No longer would local Irish have versus Rory chase for the top spot would pump some to assume membership in other churches, masking or much-needed excitement into the Tour. “People have even shedding their traditional faith, because the Leg- France and Italy, where he developed an interest in forgotten what happens when he does play well,” said islature could no longer enact overt statutes against Catholicism. In 1787, he was ordained a priest in the Feherty. “It’s been so long since he did, I think, just by Catholics. To the ire of many colonial Bostonians, the Catholic Church and set out to organize a bona-fide the law of averages, it’s going to happen again. Does proverbial religious genie – “popery” – was slipping parish in Boston. anyone doubt that even a few tight final rounds between from its centuries-old constraints in the region. Thayer had an immediate impact upon the local the current and former kings would be memorable? Not many Catholics had actually practiced their Irish. As the late Professor Thomas H. O’Connor Here’s a hope that it happens – despite the long odds faith other than in private. But in 1788, in a develop- wrote in “The Boston Irish,” the “Irish, especially… at the onset of the 2015 Tour. ment that would have scandalized Cotton Mather and began to attend church services in greater numbers, other Puritan luminaries a century earlier, a handful brought their children (some as old as 16) to be bap- of local Irish and French heeded the call of a French tized, and had their Protestant marriages solemnized priest named Abbe de la Poterie, who showed up in in the Catholic Church.” Boston and invited Catholics to hear the first legal Eagerly aiding Father Thayer in his personal cru- Mass in Boston’s annals in the little church on School sade to establish an English-speaking parish were Street on a Sunday in November. the Irishmen and Irishwomen who had long awaited De la Poterie said the Mass in Latin, but with a a church of their own. With such names as O’Connell, thick French accent that proved difficult for the Irish Magner, Mulligan, Harrington, and Maloney, they to follow. The language barrier notwithstanding, came out of the religious shadows to practice their Doyles, Callahans, O’Briens, Fitzpatricks, and other faith in the open despite the certainty that no mere Irish emigres new and old crowded into the church. words in the state constitution could quickly erase As two years passed and another Frenchman, Fa- centuries of religious antipathy between them and ther Rousselet, replaced De la Porterie, some of the their Protestant neighbors. Irish, frustrated by French-accepted sermons that A number of the parish’s members belonged to an they could barely follow – if at all, began to slip away organization that had quietly but firmly turned from from services, muttering they would return only when religious prejudice as early as 1764. Despite Boston’s a priest fluent in English arrived. vehement 18th-century prejudice toward Catholics, That man strode onto the School Street church’s the Charitable Irish Society had been ignoring reli- diminutive altar on Jan. 10, 1790. Father John gious admonition since that time and, in 1804, the Thayer had been born and raised a Congregationalist group officially removed the Presbyterian require- and had studied at Yale, a bastion of the era’s tradi- ment for membership, which had not stopped Irish Catholics from joining. tional American Protestantism. Then, he traveled to No more majors? We shall see. A milestone shift in Dorchester parish network Rev. Linh Nguyen, a Vietnamese American, will succeed Rev. Daniel Finn at St. Mark’s

By Bill Forry Fr. Finn’s reputation among with and Tom Mulvoy Catholics of all ethnicities along Dorches- BIR Staff ter Avenue and up into Meetinghouse Rev. Daniel J. Finn, longtime pastor Hill is legendary for the tirelessness and of St. Mark’s Parish in Dorchester who good will that he has shown through two also supervised decades of a dedicated ministry in church activities at two and on the streets involving three par- other Dorchester ishes in the latter stages of a transition parishes during from white, largely Irish congregations his 20-year ten- to multi-ethnic religious communities. Reverends Jack Ahern, Daniel J. Finn and Vincent Daily below. ure – St. Peter’s A native of Cork, he also served over on Meetinghouse the years as a de facto chaplain to the last seven years. Hill and St. Am- Irish immigrant community in the city’s Last year, in anticipation of the reor- brose in Fields neighborhoods. ganization, all but one of the existing Corner –will be Fr. Finn, who recently beat back a pastors at Dorchester’s Catholic parishes taking his leave debilitating illness, told the Reporter were all asked to resign their positions. of the Roseland that while it might be time to leave St. (The exception was St. Brendan and St. Street rectory in Mark’s, he hopes he will be given the Ann, which was recently joined under June as he wel- opportunity for further service in the one administrator, Fr. Jason Makos, city going forward. Rev. Linh Nguyen comes as his suc- who began his ministry at the dual par- cessor a 44-year- “As this process goes forward, I am ish last year.) Each pastor could elect to old native of Vietnam who settled in sure there will be opportunities for re-apply for the position as pastor of one Dorchester as a teenager. me to continue my service to the city’s of the new collective parishes. The shift marks a milestone in the Catholics. Time will tell.” Fr. Jack Ahern, who has led the so- neighborhood’s Catholic community: In an interview week with the Re- called “tri-parish” of Blessed Mother Rev. Linh Nguyen will be the first Viet- porter, Fr. Linh heaped praise on Fr. Teresa, St. Peter, and Holy Family, has namese-American man to lead a Dorches- Finn, whom he met as a teenager going been chosen to stay on as the pastor. Fr. ter parish, two of them, actually, as he to church in Dorchester: “He’s a gentle Vincent Daily, currently the pastor at St. soul and a great model for a pastor, re- will also be the pastor of St. Ambrose. Gregory in Lower Mills will also remain Fr. Ahern, who said he is “happy” to be ally: to treat people like family and to The news is not unexpected. The arch- in place, but will add two new parishes to staying on as the leader of the tri-parish, be with them and not just as a pastor, diocese of Boston has been planning to his administrative duties: St. Matthew called Fr. Linh a “great choice. He did a but as friend and to journey with them name new pastors this year as part of a and St. Angela in Mattapan Square. fabulous job in Randolph. The difficulty at every moment of their life. He’s just system-wide consolidation effort aimed Fr. Daily, who has led St. Gregory’s of the announcement is that two great a kind, gentle and a good priest.” at streamlining the way parishes are parish since 2006, said he “couldn’t be guys have chosen to move on. Fr. Finn Fr. Nguyen grew up in Dorchester administered. Dorchester serves as a happier” with his re-appointment. “I and Fr. Joy [Rev. William Joy, pastor after moving to the United States from model for the pastoral reorganization thought I might be assigned back to the off St. Angela Parish in Mattapan and Vietnam with his parents and four plan, dubbed Disciples in Mission, a nine- suburbs, but I’m just thrilled with this St. Matthew in Dorchester] have both siblings at age 15. He was ordained in year-old effort that links neighboring decision and I’m very much looking very served in the city for a long, long time.” parishes under the umbrella leadership 2000 and has served as the pastor of St. much forward to taking on St. Angela of one pastor. Bernadette parish in Randolph for the and St. Matthew. Page 6 February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Immigration Q&A Irish International Immigrant Center The Waiting Game: An agency accredited by US Department of Justice 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 Processing Times Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Q: I’m planning to file an application with US Citi- Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] zenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to adjust my status to that of legal permanent resident, based IIIC welcomes the time to visit Boston ness, to care for sick fam- In the meantime, the on my marriage to a US citizen. I understand that Jimmy Deenihan, to learn more about the ily members, to attend IIIC is continuing to this can take a long time, and I heard that there is a Ireland’s Minister particular needs of our medical appointments, present a series of infor- way to pay a special fee to get an application on the of the Diaspora immigrant Irish commu- or to address the physi- mation sessions concern- fast track. Is this true? On Jan. 23, the Irish nity. We wish him well cal or legal effects of do- ing the implementation A: Currently USCIS offers what it calls “premium International Immigrant in his new endeavor. mestic violence. This is of the Executive Action processing” for a $1225 fee (in addition to the normal Center (IIIC) was pleased IMMIGRATION an initiative endorsed by immigration plan an- application fees) only with regard to certain employ- to host a reception for UPDATES President Obama in his nounced by President ment-based visa petitions. Other applications, such the visiting Minister of The Commonwealth recent State of the Union Obama in November. The as those to adjust immigration status based on family the Diaspora, Jimmy of Massachusetts can be address. next session is scheduled relationships, are processed on a first-come, first-served Deenihan TD. Deenihan proud of its record this The city of Boston for Thursday, Feb. 19, at basis. Processing times vary with the type of application was appointed Minister past year in passing leg- passed a Trust Act last 6 p.m. at the Green Briar and the particulars of individual cases. Adjustment of State in July for the islation benefiting the summer that limits the Pub in Brighton Center. of status cases based on marriage to a US citizen, for newly created post in immigrant community. involvement of local law The Irish International example, have been taking on average around three the Department of For- To begin with, anti-im- enforcement in the Se- Immigrant Center (IIIC) to four months from the date of filing to the adjust- eign Affairs and Trade. migrant language was cure Communities pro- website now has a video ment interview in the USCIS Boston regional office. He previously served as eliminated from three gram that has proven to presentation of a recently Applications for naturalization have generally been Minister for Arts, Heri- major bills pending in the be an ineffective and di- held information session taking a little longer. tage and the Gaeltacht last legislative session on visive tool and one which to discuss the Executive USCIS does provide what it calls “expedited pro- for three years prior to Beacon Hill. focused unfairly upon im- Action plan for immigra- cessing” for no extra fee in cases where its “expedite his recent appointment. On a more posi- migrant residents. tion relief. IIIC managing criteria” have been met. USCIS stresses very strongly In speaking to the as- tive note, an estimated The Irish International attorney Jeannie Kain that it will expedite processing only when there is, sembled group of friends, 300,000 Massachusetts Immigrant Center (IIIC), explains the Deferred Ac- for example, an “extreme emergent situation,” or the staff, board members and workers, including many along with many other tion Benefits of the plan, likelihood of “severe financial loss,” or a humanitarian volunteers at the Cen- Irish immigrants, be- immigration advocacy eligibility to apply, and situation. Our experience is that USCIS means what ter, Minister Deenihan gan the New Year with groups, was involved in the factors that need to it says about its strict criteria for accelerated process- explained that the work a welcome addition to shepherding all of these be considered before ap- ing, and such requests are granted rarely. Still, cases of the last six months their paychecks. That is measures through the plying. To access the in- do arise when the agency will accept an accelerated has been a building pro- when an increase took ef- legislative and ballot pro- formation session video, processing request. If you think you may have such cess to coordinate the fect that raised the state cesses. While the record go to the website: iiicen- a case, let us know, and we can help you to evaluate responsibilities, which minimum wage to $9.00. looks good, much remains ter.org, Executive Action your chances. had previously been as- Additional increases of to be done. The agenda page. Here are some other points about case processing: signed to multiple Irish $1.00 will follow in 2016 for 2015 includes a state- As this legislative year Applicants can track the processing of pending cases government agencies. He and 2017. wide Trust Act bill, a gets underway, the IIIC with USCIS online at www.uscis.gov or by calling the indicated that his depart- Massachusetts also Safe Driving bill to allow is pleased to announce agency’s customer service center at 1-800-375-5283. ment would unveil a com- joined the growing list of the issuance of licenses that the featured speaker When checking case status, have the application receipt prehensive strategic plan states to guarantee paid to Massachusetts drivers at its sixth Annual Busi- number and other documentation from USCIS ready. in the spring. sick leave for employees. who are undocumented, ness Leaders Breakfast Make sure that USCIS has current address informa- The IIIC is grateful According to the new and an Education Equity on April 2 will be Con- tion for mailing notices of action and other important for the support from the law (a ballot question bill to allow immigrant gressman Joseph P. Ken- communications to applicants. Address changes can be Irish Government’s De- passed by voters), em- students eligibility for nedy III, representing submitted online; this should be taken care of as soon partment of Foreign Af- ployees may use earned the discounted college the 4th District of Massa- fairs and Trade, and that as an applicant moves to a new residence. We have sick leave to care for a tuition rate reserved for chusetts in the US House Minister Deenihan took physical or mental ill- seen numerous instances where applicants wonder why residents. of Representatives. they have not heard from USCIS for many months, and it turns out that mail from the agency was returned as undeliverable. IIC also provides on its web site current average Matters Of Substance processing times for different types of applications filed at various USCIS offices and processing centers, so applicants can determine whether their applications Celebrating Recovery in our Families are taking longer than usual. We note, however, that the average times given have in some instances been By Danielle Owen The great news, disease of alcoholism at out of date, with the actual processing times being IIIC Staff though, is that by giving the same time that you somewhat faster or slower. Addiction services all our children some clear love your alcoholic parent. Processing and individual case status information over the state have seen messages and allowing • Remember to have for the types of applications filed with the State De- an increase in calls from them to chat about their fun! Sometimes children partment at the national Visa Center (NVC) can be parents, grandparents, feelings about this “ta- with alcoholic families obtained by e-mailing NVC at NVCINQUIRY@state. and caregivers of chil- boo” or forbidden topic worry so much that they gov (preferred method) with the case number and other dren who have loved in their families, recov- forget how to be “just a particulars, or by telephoning NVC at (603) 334-0700. ones living with alcohol/ ery for the whole family kid.” Find a way to let For applications in process at a particular US Consulate drug addiction. The gov- is possible – even if the yourself have fun. abroad, visit the State Department’s web site at www. ernor, the mayor’s office loved one, who remains • Don’t ride in a car ill with addiction, does when the driver has been state.gov and follow the relevant links to the web site in Boston and other lead- not recover! drinking if you can avoid Danielle Bowles for that Consulate. (Each Consular office has its own ers are responding to this So what messages can it. It is not safe. Please web site, and processing and contact procedures vary ever-increasing crisis. We here at the center we share with the child help protect your child Tuesday in February somewhat from office to office.) impacted by a loved one’s from having to ride with (3rd, 10th, 17th 24th) Keep in mind that processing times refer to the hear from families who all want to know how addiction? someone who has been for our Family Healing amount of time it takes the government agency to get • Sharing your feelings drinking. Workshop Series with to a particular application that is actionable when filed. best to help the young person in their care who is not being mean or dis- • You have no control refreshments and re- This is different from the waiting time, for example, loyal to your family. over the drinking. You source sharing from 5:30 for visa numbers to become available in categories has been impacted by the substance abuse of When you talk to some- didn’t make the problem p.m. and the workshop other than immediate relatives of US citizens. The one you trust you begin to start, and you can’t make beginning promptly at waiting time in such cases can last many years under a parent/caregiver. No one wants to believe that feel better and feel less it stop – and you can’t 6 p.m. at the Laboure current law, based on the limited number of visas that children are impacted, alone. “make” anyone use alcohol Center (275 West Broad- Congress provides each year. but the research, and our • When you live with or drugs!! way, South Boston, MA IIIC can assist applicants with case status and pro- own work with families, alcoholic/drug addicted The National Association 02127). Childcare is cessing time inquiries. If you have questions about this clearly indicates that parents, feeling afraid of Children of Alcoholics available but you must or any other aspect of immigration law, visit one of our they are very much af- and alone is normal. It (nacoa.org) shares “The RSVP to confirm. weekly legal clinics for a free, confidential consultation. fected. is confusing to hate the Seven C’s” – a tool to help Please call Danielle at Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform young people understand the IIIC (617-542-7654, generally, not to advise in individual cases. US Citi- that they are not respon- Ext.14, or dowen@iicen- zenship and Immigration Services and the US Depart- IRISH INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANT CENTER sible for their parents’ ter.org) if you have any ment of State frequently amend regulations and alter IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANCE problems. Children need questions about this se- processing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek to know that it is not ries or about recovery in the assistance IIIC immigration legal staff. The Irish International Immigrant Center provides free legal their fault when their families. Change is al- support and representation to the Irish immigrant community. parents drink too much ways possible – We can Weekly legal clinics where you can receive a free and confidential or abuse drugs, and that help! (Partnership with consultation with staff and volunteer attorneys are held throughout they cannot control their Catholic Charities Re- the Greater Boston area. For information, call us at (617) 542-7654. parents’ behavior. They covering Connections, can be shown that there RFK Corps and COASA). Upcoming Clinic Schedule are ways they can learn If you are affected by Are you affected by the President’s Tuesday, February 3rd IIIC, 100 Franklin St. Lower Level, Downtown Boston Entrance is at 201 Devonshire to deal with their par- the drinking of someone recent immigration announcement? Street ents’ alcoholism or drug close to you, Al-Anon Monday, February 9th The Green Briar Pub use. I didn’t cause it. I may be able to help, even Have your questions answered by local immigration lawyers. 304 Washington Street, Brighton Center can’t cure it. I can’t con- if you are in another 12 Tuesday, February 17th IIIC, 100 Franklin St. Lower Level, Downtown Boston Entrance is at 201 Devonshire trol it. I can help take step program of recovery. Street care of myself by com- Check out this link for Tuesday, February 24th The South Boston Laboure Center municating my feelings. more information: ma-al- 275 West Broadway, South Boston Making healthy choices anon-alateen.org/ or call Call Foley Law Offices (617) 973-6448 Our Downtown Boston location is fully accessible or visit www.FoleyLawOffices.com by public transportation. and celebrating me! 508-366-0556. Phone: 617.542.7654 | Fax: 617.542.7655 | www.iiicenter.org Please join us every Foley Law Offices – 8 Faneuil Hall Marketplace – Boston, MA 02109 bostonirish.com February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell during a British royal family visit to the North, the Minister of State for the Diaspora Jimmy Deeni- A Great American Patriot Dies – Former US Belfast Marathon, and last year’s Italian cycling event. han was the fall guy in announcing in early January Ambassador to El Salvador Robert White died at age Two points about the Northern Irish drones come to that a referendum this year on the presidential elec- 88 on Jan. 13 after a lifetime of loyal, principled ser- mind. While not as potentially destructive nor intended tion voting was “highly unlikely.” In announcing the vice to the truth and to his country. The Massachu- for military operations as with the US use of drones in disappointing news to the Irish abroad after a round setts-born White served in the Navy in the Pacific in the Middle East, could drones be used against so-called table discussion at Dublin Castle, the minister said World War II and joined the Foreign Service during dissidents or others in police/military action in North- that two other referendums – one on marriage equal- the Eisenhower administration. ern Ireland? And given that the PSNI has drones and ity and one on age qualification of presidential election During his time in El Salvador, “Ambassador Bob,” specialists operating them, what restraints, if any, ex- candidates – would be put to the people, but a third one as he was called, made America proud during the ist and what type of operational use of drones might be on the vote would be difficult to do. I’m sure. tragic civil war in his host country amidst the terror out of bounds or barred in the North? It is obvious that Irish office holders are trembling in campaigns waged by right-wing dictatorships in Latin Charlie Revisited in New TV Mini-Series – The fear at the prospect of putting their political futures in America during the Reagan presidential years. Irish people, or at least the powers that be in the tele- the hands of overseas voters. It’s not so much the presi- If remembered at all, Bob vision industry, have an enduring obsession with the dential election that concern the incumbents and pro- White, an envoy who stood up former taoiseach and Fianna Fail Leader Charlie fessional politicians but rather the impending slippery for truth and decency, would be Haughey. The latest peek into the Haughey persona, slope where opening the presidential voting to voters recalled for his public outrage extra-marital affair, and political chicanery included, far from home could well turn into expanded voting that became immutably linked has actors playing Haughey and his mistress and rights to participate in parliamentary elections. with the savage rapes and mur- other still-living characters in this exotic, nationally More than 120 countries have provisions for their ders of four Catholic church- televised three-part bio-pic that the former political citizens abroad to cast an election ballot. Ireland, how- women by the Salvadoran Na- leader’s family has found little to be comfortable about. ever, does not currently allow emigrants to vote in tional Guard. Sean Haughey, son of the late taoiseach, was criti- presidential or Dail elections. The four American women cal of the TV drama, charging that the program por- Former Boston Deputy Consul Named Ambas- – Ursuline Sister Dorothy trayed his father as being obsessed with power, and sador – Brendan Rogers, a popular deputy Consul Kazel, lay missionary Jean also that the drama failed to capture Haughey senior’s General in Boston during the 1980s, and more recently Donovan, and Maryknoll personality. Not having viewed any of the TV rehash, the top Department of Foreign Affairs official direct- Bill O’Donnell Sisters Ita Ford and Maura I can well imagine that an actor, even a talented one, ing Ireland’s widely honored international aid pro- Clarke – were working with the peasants in El Salva- would have extreme difficulty in getting his hands gram, has been appointed Ambassador to Thailand dor in a humanitarian attempt to provide food, water, around the charismatic Charlie Haughey. In his time, and Myanmar. Myanmar was formerly named Burma. and medical supplies and ease the endemic poverty if Charlie walked into a room unheralded as a politi- Rogers, a native of Dundalk, Co. Louth, has held a of that country’s poor. Unfortunately, the Salvadoran cian, and unknown as a man, he would, I believe, soon number of key positions in the Foreign Affairs Depart- government, corrupt and oppressive, viewed the wom- be dominating the room. He had what the late Boston ment since his service in Boston, with postings in Zam- en as enemies of the state, and fomenters of revolu- newspaper columnist George Frazier called duende, bia and similar African stations, and as a sustaining tion. That judgment sealed their fate. a certain something beyond good looks and regal bear- member of Ireland’s delegation to the United Nations. The murders by government forces were the subject ing. He assumed his new position in the Far East early in of a cover-up, but Ambassador White knew the truth THE NO-GO ZONE – The oligarchy-like group that December. and he wouldn’t stay quiet. The Reagan administra- is supporting the Boston 2024 Olympics and that has Anglo Irish Chief Draws a Blank in Boston – tion and Secretary of State Alexander Haig made made a friendly capture of Mayor Marty Walsh (did Former Anglo Irish Bank CEO David Drumm ran excuses for their Salvadoran government allies and he have any choice once John Fish & his band of boost- into a perfect storm in Boston’s US Bankruptcy Court sided with its bogus explanations. Haig fired White. ers signed on?) deserves some rebuttal. Herewith a few last month when his bid for a court decision declaring During the next ten years 75,000 Salvadorans died, words from the “No Boston Olympics” group, an all- him bankrupt with his debts discharged was vigor- most of them victims of the government’s military and volunteer, grass roots organization. ously denied by Judge Frank Bailey. Not content to death squads. “Boston’s Olympics boosters tell us that the games deny Drumm’s petition, the judge also decided that he Following his dismissal by Haig, the former envoy will be an economic boon, and that costs will be borne should be held liable for debts totaling some $13 mil- dedicated much of the rest of his life to his public testi- by the private sector. This is the exact same rhetoric lion. mony about what he had observed in El Salvador and that was pitched in Athens, Vancouver, and London. The judge listened to six days of testimony charg- to serving as an expert witness in a number of trials in Economists have found that none of these host cities ing Drumm with activities that the judge termed “both which members of the Salvadoran military were con- enjoyed lasting economic benefits. And in each, the knowing and fraudulent.” Drumm was also found victed of deadly crimes. public was left on the hook for billions of dollars in guilty in the court’s judgment of telling “outright lies,” I only wish that the American government had on overruns (the London Olympics was 3X over budget), a finding that leaves him open to perjury charges. In the day of White’s death ordered our flag lowered at one-time security costs, and ongoing maintenance of his 122-page ruling, the judge said, “I conclude the the State Department and at every US diplomatic mis- unwanted venues. plaintiffs have established cause to deny [Drumm] a sion across the globe to honor “Ambassador Bob.” “A Boston Olympics would divert resources from edu- discharge many times over.” Oil Prices Down, Airfares, Fees Riding High – cation, healthcare, transportation, and open space – all Drumm, who left Ireland in 2009 to seek bankruptcy While gas and aviation fuels prices have dropped won- to throw an extravagant party for the unelected, unac- relief in a Boston court, was found by the judge to have drously in recent weeks, air fares mysteriously remain countable members of the International Olympic Com- fraudulently omitted details of five property transac- at top levels and fuel surcharges continue to be lev- mittee. Whatever our priorities as a commonwealth, it tion transfers to his wife. The judge also found that ied by bottom-line-fixated airlines. With the lowest oil is clear that $19 billion, the average cost of a Summer cars and other properties had been transferred to Lor- prices in more than five years, many people are ask- Games (and more than the cost of the Big Dig), could be raine Drumm’s ownership in contravention of bank- ing: When are the airline savings from the lower-cost better spent on other things.” ruptcy rules. It was revealed by the Irish Independent fuel going to be reflected in airline passenger fares? King of Ireland? Gerry Says No – It may be that that the Irish police have been preparing to issue a One answer, not all that satisfying, is that airlines Gerry Adams, with his size elevens, has his feet in warrant for Drumm’s extradition after he refused to went through a sustained period of economic stress both corners of Ireland, but he has never been quoted return home to Ireland. several decades ago that resulted in bankruptcies and about the appeal of straddling Ireland north and south RANDOM CLIPPINGS a slew of mergers. That’s true, but that was then and as the king of all he surveys. What he has said is that Some 15 years after Mad Cow disease halted US this is now. It’s bad enough that airlines have kept the he has given no consideration to the possibility of be- beef imports from Ireland, the ban has been lifted fares unnecessarily high, but the bean counters cutely coming taoiseach after the next general election due and Irish beef is now available in America. … It now overlooked the added fuel surcharges that were insti- later this year. However, that would still seem to leave appears that the Tory threat to ban the Irish in Brit- tuted to pass the once-high fuel costs onto the airline Gerry with some open field wiggle room in his march ain from voting in the May general election has been traveler and they remain in force. into history. withdrawn and all’s well once again. … In the North, Not all airlines have done this. Several carriers have Humble Gerry may have an ace or two up his sleeve, SDLP Leader Alasdair McDonnell has charged moved to lower or remove fuel surcharges. Among but a possible impediment, even for someone of Gerry’s First Minister Peter Robinson with “ambitions for those are Qatar, Japan Air Lines, and Cebu Pacific. impressive protean powers, could be that both Fianna unionist domination at any price, starting with the Another reason for the continued surcharges, airline Fail and Fine Gael have absolutely, positively ruled repression of Irishness.”… Former Noraid wannabe officials contend, is that many airlines hedge their fuel out going into coalition with Sinn Fein after the next Martin Galvin has decided to pull away from Irish needs over a longer guaranteed price cycle to control election. dissidents in their violent campaign against the peace cost, especially for long-haul flights. At the start of the new year, Gerry signaled that, un- plan. … In a lead editorial, the National Catholic Re- What wouldn’t hurt, perhaps, is more transparency like his casual bounce to a back burner of the taoise- porter said that American nuns deserve an apology for and maybe a keener government eye on airline price ach job possibility, he, as the spiritual leader of today’s Vatican-imposed apostolic visitations, calling the vis- trends, especially when the higher prices for fees and Sinn Fein, has no plans to “step down” as leader of his its “a sham” and “an abuse.” … The Irish and British surcharges prompt the airlines to come together as an party in the North and will be a candidate for reelec- have signed an agreement that will have Irish troops industry to quietly agree and act as one to cover what tion at Sinn Fein’s spring ard fheis. training British military in peace-keeping duties. … once was considered illegal price agreements between One can only hope that the vaunted Adams leader- George Clooney’s announcement that he and his new competitors. ship extends to his stepping up to the dais and answer- wife, Amal Alamuddin, will visit Ireland has sparked For the poor stiff in that middle seat, one low-octane ing why “Republican fuel smugglers are pumping mas- a resurgence of interest in tourists visiting the Isle. … way to let the airline know your unhappiness with high sively toxic waste linked to cancers and abnormalities Kevin Vickers, the Canadian who foiled an attack in costs might be to mention the surcharges, fees, etc. ev- in unborn babies straight into water supplies in the Canada’s House of Commons and became a national ery time he or she boards a commercial flight. And if Republic.” hero, has been named Canada’s ambassador to Ireland. the airlines offer a favorability survey, complain about The above quote is from the Jan. 18 issue of the Irish More than 56,000 vehicles were clamped (booted, those irritating and unnecessary costs. Can’t hurt! Independent, which goes on to charge former IRA mem- that is) in Dublin last year, earning the city over $5 Drones: A New and Uncertain Presence in the bers and other Irish republicans of disposing of waste million in fines and fees. … The Democratic Union- North – According to a Jan. 18 news story in the Irish from an illegal fuel plant in South Armagh into two ist Party voted, with four party members abstaining, Times, the police (PSNI) have been using drones in lakes and the Fane River, which is the main reservoir to back Mitchel McLaughlin as the first Sinn Fein Northern Ireland for at least a year and a half. The for more than 40,000 residents in Dundalk. The Inde- speaker, the first nationalist in that post. … Irish Jobs drones were first acquired as part of the security prep- pendent also alleges that 200 to 300 main operators in Minister Richard Bruton is telling the public and his arations in the spring of 2013 for the G8 summit in south Armagh “ continue their trade even though they colleagues that Ireland will have full employment by Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. are possible poisoning their own families.” Many of the end of 2018. … The NI corporate tax cut is mov- These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) resemble the main operators of the illegal, poisonous fuel plants ing slowly toward possibility with supporters saying large model aircraft with cameras that are used to have become millionaires, the Independent states. that adoption of the cut will benefit some 34,000 small relay information to security forces on the ground. In Come on Gerry, profit is one thing, but having the businesses. … Thousands of Irish have signed a peti- addition to relaying photos, the drones can intercept troops poisoning their neighbors is another. Speak up, tion against Ireland TV’s Channel 4 making a sitcom communications and access electronic data. Mr. Adams. of the Famine. … Irish coalition leader Fine Gael is Responding to a Freedom of Information request, the Ruling Parties in No Rush on Overseas Vote skipping TV debates chaired by journalist Vincent PSNI supplied details of where the drones have been – From recent comments from well-placed Irish politi- Browne, who can be a sloppy reporter and arrogant used, but declined to release information on whether cians regarding giving the vote to Irish citizens living to boot. … Cardinal Raymond Burke, a senior Ameri- they are used in covert surveillance operations, citing abroad, it appears that the idea has been shunted to can churchman and a Pope Francis critic, blames the security concerns. The drones, PSNI said, have been the back of the room. It was pretty much granted that priest shortage on a “feminized church and altar girls.” used 114 times in the North and the project so far has there would be action on a referendum to allow Irish The Rome-based Burke was recently demoted by Pope cost some $2.3 million. Since the drones were acquired overseas citizens to vote in Irish presidential elections, Francis. they have been used to support policing operations but that near promise has gone by the boards. Page 8 February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com bostonirish.com February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Hopeful local immigrants weigh impact of Obama move (Continued from page 1) five years. Secondly, it ex- said, “We’re waiting to get band and four children, rization, which will make Daniela citizenship, but of the shadows.” She also pands the Deferred Action more from USCIS [United described for the Reporter them eligible to apply for a even having some form said that those who have for Childhood Arrivals States Citizenship and the family’s immigration Social Security card and, of official recognition will contacted IIIC for help in (DACA) program initiated Immigration Services] history and the multiple in turn, a driver’s license “help me to feel like a applying come from a wide by the president in June before we actually start ways that the change will and a credit card. She says person,” she says. range of places, including 2012. DACA covers chil- meeting with them and affect their daily lives. She her husband, who is cur- The Asian Outreach Ireland, various Central dren, popularly referred to start charging them fees.” and her husband arrived rently limited to construc- Unit (AOU) of the Greater American and African as “dreamers,” who were Foley added that the in the United States le- tion and landscaping work Boston Legal Services countries and a few Asian brought to the United president’s changes are gally on a tourist visa, but that pays low rates in cash noted that regulations countries. States illegally by their significant, but they can- now reside here illegally only, will be able to get a and applications for the Of major concern to a parents. The expanded not solve all the problems because they overstayed better job. She hopes that DACA expansion will lot of clients is the ability eligibility requirements that clients might have. that visa. Their first three with a credit card, they not be available until the to finally return home to eliminate the previous One such group, he said, is children became covered might build enough credit end of next month and see their families. “The cut-off age of 31 and allow made up of those who ar- under the original 2012 to one day buy a house. for DAPA not until May. big thing that they’re applications from resi- rived in the United States DACA program, and their They will be able to “drive “We strongly advise those interested in is travel, dents who have arrived from a country that is not fourth child was born in without fear,” noting that who are interested in particularly among our as recently as 2010. required to provide a visa the United States as a they have driven without this immigration relief to Irish clients,” Kain said. No one is automatically for entry into the United “surprise” when Daniela one because “we had to.” not pay money to anyone “Many of them have been covered by the executive States if the person stays was 39 years old. She and She says that equally who claims they can help here for years and years, action. Rather, people here for less than 90 days. her husband are eligible to important to her is the file an application right and they’ve missed all are eligible to apply for He said that those who apply under DAPA due to emotional impact. away,” the AOU said in a sorts of family occasions.” deferred action and must have overstayed this kind their baby’s status as an “Some people treat you press statement. “Instead, In last week’s State of reapply every three years. of visa waiver are “stuck American citizen. as a person,” she says. we suggest prospective the Union address, the For her part, Kain here,” because if they “Thank God for giving “And other people…some- applicants save money, president said that at- was quick to underscore try to leave, they will be me my baby,” she ex- times they treat you very start collecting documents tempts to “[refight] past the tenuous nature of banned from returning claimed. bad because you don’t [and] consult a lawyer battles on immigration” the change, saying, “It’s to the United States for DAPA will have several speak [English] well or regarding eligibility.” would “earn my veto,” mixed, because on one ten years. practical effects on Dan- because they figured out an apparent reference to hand it sort of gives people Daniela, a native of iela and her husband’s ‘that person don’t have legislation passed by the some peace of mind, but Brazil who lives in the quality of life. They will re- documents.’” Republican-led House on the other hand it’s not Boston area with her hus- ceive employment autho- DAPA will not grant last week that would that much peace of mind effectively roll back his because it’s only good for executive action. Senate three years.” Majority Leader Mitch John Foley, an attorney McConnell has said that who focuses on immigra- CAREER BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES his chamber will try to tion issues, noted in an pass the House bill. interview that he is seeing The executive action af- significant interest as well at FEENEY BROTHERS fects two main groups of in the wake of the presi- people: Under a program dent’s actions, although Unearth your potential and learn about The Northeast’s Utility Contractor since 1988. called Deferred Action for he currently can only do Parental Accountability initial assessments of Join us for our OPEN HOUSE event (DAPA), it protects immi- potential clients’ situa- grants who have children tions. “Basically we’re just who are US citizens or kind of compiling basic Wednesdays legal permanent residents information and telling who have resided in the them what [documents] United States for at least they’re going to need,” he Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 4 Irish Health Minister at 6:00 a.m. says he’s gay; seen as to meet key personnel and discuss the different career paths we offer. a potential taoiseach Seeking Qualified/Experienced: By Shawn Pogatchnik • CDL A Drivers • Backhoe Operators • Diesel Mechanics Associated Press DUBLIN — A senior Cabinet minister in Ireland We look forward to seeing YOU at 103 Clayton St. in Dorchester says he’s gay, becoming the first openly homosexual government figure in the history of the traditionally Visit our website – www.feeneybrothers.com conservative Catholic country. Last month’s announcement on state radio by Health Minister Leo Varadkar received widespread praise for its straightforward honesty. Ana- lysts said his decision was likely to be viewed with hindsight as a landmark of social change in a country that, un- til 1993, outlawed homosexual acts. Varadkar said he decided to declare his sexuality in advance of govern- ment moves this year to advance gay Leo Varadkar rights. These include plans to legalize Seeks to be gay marriage, permit homosexual “equal” men to donate blood, and create greater parenthood rights for gays in surrogate-pregnancy cases. He said May’s constitu- tional referendum on gay marriage, in particular, got him thinking about going public. (Formerly Dorchester House Multi-Service Center) “I was thinking about the arguments that I might make. That’s what politicians do. You rehearse your arguments, you write them down, you run them by a We wish you, your family and friends a happy & healthy New Year! few people. All the arguments that I was going to make were kind of detached ... and that wouldn’t have been entirely honest,” he told RTE. “Because what I really want to say is that I’d like the referendum to pass because I’d like to be an equal citizen in my own country — the country in which I happen to be a member of government — and at the moment I’m not,” he said. Varadkar, who made his announcement on his 36th birthday, is highly regarded in Irish political circles as one of the government’s hardest working members and a potential future prime minister. Speculation about his sexuality had grown in recent months, reflecting Varadkar’s decision to tell an increasing circle of his family, friends, and political colleagues in private. Varadkar said he told his parents in advance of his plans to come out publicly, in part because he didn’t want them to get the news from fellow parishioners at Catholic Mass. He said he also telephoned Prime Minister Enda Kenny to tell him he was gay and planned to tell the nation the following day. He said his own initial feeling of awkwardness was quickly alleviated by Kenny, who reassured him that nothing in their working relation- ship would change. Two other lawmakers in Ireland’s 166-seat legislature are openly gay. Ireland legalized civil partnerships in 1353 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02122 www.dothousehealth.org @dothousehealth 2011. Page 10 February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Tourism Ireland hails 9 percent ’14 growth in visitors Ireland’s Central Sta- overseas helping to boost tralia and New Zealand exposure was worth an that tourism growth con- 2015 is the best year ever tistics Office CSO re- employment and the eco- (+ almost 9 percent). estimated 280 million euro tinues,” Gibbons said. for Irish tourism when we ported in January that nomic recovery around “And the all-important in equivalent advertising “Following last year’s aim to welcome 7.74 mil- the number of overseas the country,” the CSO British market, the larg- value. success, we will be pulling lion visitors – surpassing visitors to the Republic report said. est market for Irish tour- “Looking to the year out all the stops this year, the previous record year of Ireland last year grew Niall Gibbons, CEO of ism, also saw growth of + 8 ahead, ambitious targets to keep the momentum of 2007.” by nine percent over 2013. Tourism Ireland, said: percent last year (235,000 have been set to ensure going and ensure that The year 2014 set a “2014 was a strong year additional visitors), which record for visitor num- for Irish tourism, with is very encouraging. bers from North America, today’s CSO figures con- Throughout 2014, Tour- Aer Lingus backs takeover Germany, France, Spain, firming 620,000 addition- ism Ireland undertook a and Australia, the report al visitors when compared packed program of pro- stated, with a growth with 2013. motions to bring Ireland by parent of British Airways of 15 percent in visitors “In fact, 2014 was the to the attention of people (Continued from page 1) be used by new owners for said IAG executives had of- from the United States best year ever for visitor around the world. Our largest owner of landing and Canada. “Given that numbers not only from overseas publicity cam- more lucrative long-haul fered assurances that Aer slots at London’s Heath- routes. Lingus would remain “a overseas tourism busi- North America, but from paigns brought positive row Airport, ness accounts for almost Germany (+15 percent), messages about Ireland Transport Minister Pas- separate business with its Europe’s most strategic chal Donohoe has briefed own brand, management 60 percent of all tourism France (+ 5 percent), and to potential visitors in and crowded airlines hub. revenue, this is good news Spain (+11percent), as our key markets; Tourism fellow government min- and operations, continuing Those slots alone are val- isters about the takeover to provide connectivity to indeed, with the increase well as from our long-haul Ireland estimates that ued at 400 million euros in visitor numbers from markets including Aus- this international media offer. Ireland.” ($450 million) and could The Aer Lingus board Later, Madrid-regis- tered IAG said it intended to talk directly with Irish government leaders to explain that their takeover plan “would secure and strengthen Aer Lingus’ brand and long-term fu- ture.” IAG said Ireland was geographically well po- sitioned to handle more US-European long-haul traffic. It said Aer Lingus would benefit from in- We don’t know creased cooperation with IAG’s main US partner, American Airlines, which directly competes with Aer everything about you. Lingus on Chicago and New York routes. IAG was created in 2009 by the merger of British Airways and Spanish air- line Iberia. Its Irish chief executive, Willie Walsh, led Aer Lingus from 2001 to 2005. Great travel deals seen (Continued from page 1) more than two percent against the US dollar, af- ter the European Central Bank pledged to spend 1.1 trillion euros on bond pur- chases to help revive the Roberta region’s flagging economy. District Manager The problem for Ameri- cans: we don’t buy enough European goods, except for high-end products. Our clothes might come from Bangladesh or Costa Rica. Our furniture from China. And our cars — even for- eign brands like Honda — are mostly made at home. The one bright spot for Americans: vacations to But we know this: Europe are now much cheaper. Thanks to the cur- rency shift, travelers will Peoples Federal Savings Bank is a well-loved, supportive, and valuable pay less for hotel rooms, part of this community, and that will continue as Peoples joins museum admissions, and meals out. Rockland Trust. We have our own tradition of deep understanding and “It’s basically a 20-per- support of the communities we serve. And we do it by treating our cent-off sale on the whole eurozone for Americans,” neighbors just like our customers — we listen to them and make sure says Adam Goldstein, CEO we’re there when they need us. So stop in sometime. We can’t wait to and co-founder of airfare search site Hipmunk. get to know you. There are 19 countries that use the euro. So those considering deals should If you have any questions, just stop by. Helping you find answers is look at Austria, Belgium, what we do best. Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Por- Where Each Relationship Matters tugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Visit RocklandTrust.com/Peoples “This is the best time to travel to Europe in years,” or call us at 800.222.2299. says Anne Banas, execu- tive editor of SmarterTrav- Member FDIC el. “Americans can now indulge in a fancy pastry and chocolat chaud without the budget-busting guilt.’’ bostonirish.com February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 BIR ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Ebullience and joviality mark what The Press Gang offers their listeners

By Sean Smith They had wanted to do Special to the BIR a follow-up album for a If you were a fellow while, says Marshall, but in the prime of life back found it difficult to put about, oh, a couple of aside the time and energy. hundred years or so in the Then last August came a British Isles, a press gang watershed moment: “We was the last thing you were playing at the New wanted to meet. Listen World Festival in Ver- to a few traditional songs mont, and were having a from the period (“Ar- great time: The audience thur McBride,” “William was very receptive, and Taylor,” “All Things Are we just felt ‘on.’ And then Quite Silent”) and you’ll we sold out of all the CDs know that press gangs we had brought with us, constituted an altogether so we said to each other, nasty form of military ‘Well, maybe we should recruitment, notorious for do another one now.’ It using bribery, deception, was one of those moments or brute force to compel where we wanted to rein- young men into serving vest in ourselves.” in the Royal Navy. Let’s just say the ROI on whole enterprise, whether of that first CD. “We hadn’t But today, if you meet a “Happy Days of Youth” is a in their sometimes adven- played together much at Portland, Me.-based trio highly favorable one, from turous approach to mate- all as a group, and we calling itself The Press the exhilarating medley rial and arrangements, or asked ourselves, ‘How do Gang, there’s no need to of polkas that opens the their good-natured, even you become a band?’ Our fear, especially if you’re a album (Marshall moving self-deprecating sense of answer was, ‘Let’s make fan of Irish music. That’s from bouzouki to harmo- humor. a CD.’ because the combo of nium to guitar, with great All of which is there in “We learned a lot about Alden Robinson (fiddle), effect) to the closing track, spades on their recently how to work with each Chris “Junior” Stevens a rendition of the tender released second CD, “The other when we were in the Nora Conley is both Box Office and Front of House (accordion, concertina), 17th-century Thomas Happy Days of Youth,” studio that first time. Our Manager at Lyric Stage Company of Boston. and recent Boston-area O’Connellan composition coming almost five years ears got sharper, more arrival Owen Marshall “Planxty Davis,” which after their debut album. refined, and we caught (guitar, bouzouki, har- gradually unfurls into full Recordings often serve more things than we had monium, banjo) has es- flower with Robinson and as snapshots, so if the before. Everything got Meet the ‘Queen tablished itself as one of Stevens trading off, then band’s 2010 release was better and better, and so the more compelling New joining together on the a metaphorical baby pic- it was a real formative England trad bands to melody, all to the gentle ture, “The Happy Days of experience for us.” of the Audience emerge in the past several accompaniment of Mar- Youth” offers a portrait of (Incidentally, don’t look years. Their love of and shall’s guitar and special a trio that has grown in for any kind of significance respect for tradition is guest Jeremiah McLane’s many ways. in the trio’s choice of moni- Experience’ at apparent, as is the sheer piano. “We really weren’t a ker: “We don’t have a good ebullience with which The jig-reel set “Apples band then,” says Mar- story for our band name,” they play, and the overall in Winter/Woods of Old shall, a Vermont native admits Marshall. “It just Lyric Stage Co. joviality they bring to the who now lives in Medford, sort of happened.”) (Continued from page 13) By R. J. Donovan Special to the BIR If you’re among the thousands of theatergoers who attend performances each season at Lyric Stage Com- pany of Boston, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Nora Conley, who is both Box Office Manager and Front of House Manager at the theater. Due to the skillful execution of her duties, the staff has affectionately dubbed her “Queen of the Audience Experience.” Before joining the theater world, the Holbrook native earned her BA in communication studies at Bridgewa- ter State College. After graduation she was exploring options for an advanced degree when University Col- lege Dublin caught her eye. The university’s master’s program focused on arts management and cultural policy. The added bonus would be moving to Ireland for a year to study. “I have family there, our heritage [is there],” she said. “Grad school in Europe is cheaper than New York – that was a big thing. And it was a chance for an adventure. So I thought, why not? In anticipation of heading to Dublin, she secured her Irish citizenship. “I got it because my grandmother was born in Ireland (the Quinns of Connemara) . . . I knew it would just make things easier . . . I wouldn’t have to worry about a visa. I had an Irish passport, too, so The Barra MacNeils, who will perform at Medford’s Chevalier Theater on March 7, have forged a travel would be easier if I traveled around Europe. I hugely successful career of nearly three decades playing Celtic music, including that of their native also thought it would be kind of cool to have.” Cape Breton. It was at University College that her future in the arts came into much sharper focus. An internship was a requirement of the program. “That’s what re- The Barra MacNeils are coming! ally interested me,” she said. “They required you to do a two-month internship – a real world experience.” By Sean Smith They’ll play a concert on March 7 with the City of Medford/ She took a position at Smock Alley Theatre in Dublin. Special to the BIR Mayor Michael J. McG- “And that’s really when I fell in love with working in Legendary Celtic music at Chevalier Theatre, Medford; lynn, Medford Convention the theater,” she said. performers The Barra Center and Auditorium Smock Alley, which dates back to 1662, ranks as MacNeils, who have trav- Legendary unit highlights Commission, Chevalier the first Theater Royal built in Dublin. The theater’s eled far and wide for near- Theatre Organ Society, website notes that it “was the first custom-built the- ly three decades to present the music of home and hearth. and the Canadian Ameri- atre in the city and still remains in substantially the music from their native can Club of Massachusetts same form, making it one of the most important sites Cape Breton, as well as a moving ship. The Che- serving as a venue for the – says the March 7 event in European theatre history.” Ireland and Scotland, valier has a Greek Revival Barra MacNeils, whose is all about tradition and The structure itself has endured a varied past. The will journey next month style exterior with Art performances are noted legacy. building ceased to operate as a theater in 1787, becom- to Greater Boston, where Deco interior details, in- for featuring multiple lead “The Chevalier is a point ing a whiskey distillery. It later evolved into a church they will present a concert cluding a double elliptical vocalists, songs in English of pride in Medford, an en- and eventually a bar. The building closed completely on March 7 at 7 p.m. in the ceiling that provides near and Gaelic, entrancing during symbol of our city’s in 2002 for a six-year renovation, and Smock Alley historic Chevalier Theatre perfect acoustics, and over harmonies, numerous rich history, architecture, reopened as a professional theater in 2012, just as in Medford. the years it has hosted acoustic, stringed, per- and commitment to arts Nora arrived. The event commemo- local and touring musical cussion and wind instru- and culture,” he explains. “There was minimal staff,” she said, “so I had a lot rates the 75th anniversary and theatrical shows, and ments, and step dancing. “It’s a characteristic WPA of things to do.” When the theater reopened, “they of the theatre’s dedication civic, school, and perform- Ken Krause, a member building honoring one of had a big opening night party – that was a lot of fun. in memory of pioneering ing arts events. of the board of directors our foremost military vet- I helped plan that, get that executed and see that Medford aviator Godfrey Now the Chevalier will for the Friends of the erans, Godfrey Chevalier, come to fruition.” Chevalier, the first Ameri- add another chapter to its Chevalier Theatre – which and it’s here today because (Continued on page 16) can to land an airplane on distinguished history by is sponsoring the concert (Continued on page 16) Page 12 February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Q&A with Scott Doherty about ‘Rockin’ Road to Dublin’ The era of Irish dance- and I pursued dancing in themed stage produc- professional shows. Brian tions, which has seen danced with Michael Flat- “Riverdance,” “Lord of ley’s “Lord of the Dance” the Dance,” “Dancing on for over a decade. I was Dangerous Ground,” and lucky to have joined him “Atlantic Steps,” among on tour for a few years others, is not over yet: Now as well. there’s “Rockin’ Road to Q. How did you join Dublin,” which comes to “Riverdance,” and what the Greater Boston area did that experience do this month with perfor- for you? mances at the Collins Cen- A. After my brother ter in Andover on February started touring with “Lord 20 and 21. For the show’s of the Dance,” I knew that co-creator, Irish dancer was what I wanted to do as Scott Doherty, it’ll be a well. So I sent my name, homecoming – he’s a Mas- resume, and a video to all sachusetts native, born of the big shows and one and raised in Lawrence. A day I was lucky enough former Irish World Dance for “Riverdance” to call champion, Doherty made me to join them. That his professional debut in jumpstarted my profes- 2005 in the North Ameri- sional career of dancing can tour of “Riverdance,” in shows – it was a dream went on world tours with come true. To do shows “Riverdance” and Mi- they usually look at two chael Flatley’s “Lord of things: what other shows the Dance,” and then you’ve been in, and what performed in the lead role your competition results of Lorcan in Gaelforce are like. I had done all Dance for their 2012-13 right in competition, so tours of Europe and Asia. I was lucky to get into He has also appeared in “We wanted to make a modern show that would speak to people of every age,” says Massachusetts “Riverdance” back in the Irish dance shows at native Scott Doherty, co-creator of “Rockin’ Road to Dublin.” “We thought, ‘Hey, let’s make Irish 2005. It wasn’t until a Busch Gardens, and in dancing cool again.’” few years of touring that concert with acts such as I actually won the 2009 The Irish Tenors, Cher- A. The idea for “Rockin’ of every age. We thought, A. There’s not a full on way that no one has really world championships of ish the Ladies, Michael Road to Dublin” came “Hey, let’s make Irish storyline to the show, al- done before. And people Irish dancing. Londra, and Andy Cooney. through a series of con- dancing cool again.” Why though some numbers tell loved it. It was instant Q. What do you see The Boston Irish Re- versations that myself and not do Irish dancing with a story within themselves. confirmation that we need as the biggest impact of porter recently caught up the show’s other creator, music played by electric The way we saw it, we to bring this show to big- “Riverdance” and “Lord with Doherty, who talked Chris Smith, had about guitars, two full drum wanted to make a show ger and better levels. of the Dance”? about his background and shows we would love to kits, stuff like that. No that people can come to Q. How did your up- A. “Riverdance” and what’s different about see. I’m an Irish dancer one’s really done anything and just be entertained. bringing in Lawrence help “Lord of the Dance” defi- “Rockin’ Road to Dublin.” and Chris is a musician like that before. And after There are definitely rock you get interested in Irish nitely paved the way for Q. “Rockin’ Road to Dub- who’s played all types of about three years of work elements in the show, dancing? Irish dancing and how it’s lin” has been described as shows, including Irish and dedication, we had a but that’s not all “Rockin’ A. My family has proud known today. If it weren’t “Irish dance meets a rock genres, so we had a lot of show. Road to Dublin” is cen- Irish roots. My great for those shows, then concert.” Tell us about similar ideas. We wanted Q. So what’s the show tered around. There are grandparents were from people would barely know the show and how it came to make a modern show like? Is there a plot or softer, slower numbers Ireland, so we have always what Irish dancing even together. that would speak to people narrative of some kind? that everyone enjoys, as had strong Irish tradi- is. Now it’s a worldwide well as upbeat dance num- tions. In fact, my mom phenomenon that people bers. We wanted to make is president of the local can’t get enough of. It’s sure that we didn’t over- Ladies Ancient Order of amazing. look the great traditional Hibernians. The way I Q. What it’s been like core that Irish music has, got into Irish dancing was being one of the guys in and I really think we’ve actually because my older charge, as opposed to found the perfect balance cousin did it. We were just being a member of that everyone will enjoy. young but we enjoyed it the cast? Q. What kind of re- and my parents thought A. This is the first time sponse have you had so it would be best to start I’ve been hands-on with a far? my siblings and me. I production from the very A. We debuted “Rockin’ have a twin sister, actu- beginning. Chris and I are Road to Dublin” in New- ally, and I also have an literally doing everything: port News, Va., last year older brother and sister show design, performing, and it was an amazing that are twins as well. office work, setting up the success. The feedback So when they were 6, my business and handling we got was incredible. parents started them in contracts. It’s like a crash Everyone, old and young, Irish dancing classes, and course in learning how to all loved the show. People then did the same for my run a company, but we’re definitely seem to get what twin sister and me. loving it. We also have DIRECTED BY we’re trying to do. We’re All four of us danced for an unbelievable cast and CAMPBELL not trying to reinvent years, but my two sisters crew. So if it weren’t for Irish dance shows, we’re stopped when they went them then none of this SCOTT just making it cool and to college. On the other would be possible. relevant again, and in a hand, my brother Brian – SEAN SMITH MOVING IRISH DRAMA BY RONAN NOONE Professor O’Grady to discuss experiences of Irish soldiers THE SECOND in WWI at Eire Society event The Eire Society of but because they were “Ronan Noone is Boston will host a lecture men of words whose body entitled “The Things They of writing lifts the mask one of his adopted Carried: Irish Soldiers in of anonymity from the country’s best the Great War” by Dr. 210,000 Irish men who GIRL Thomas O’Grady, Direc- enlisted to serve in the young playwrights.” tor of Irish Studies at the British Army during The – THE BOSTON GLOBE University of Massachu- Great War,” says O’Grady. setts Boston, on Sun., Feb. The event is free and 8, at 2 p.m. in the Keys open to the public. A recep- Room of the Milton Pub- tion immediately follow- lic Library, 476 Canton ing will include light fare Avenue, Milton. and refreshments along The talk will illuminate with live Irish music. the experience of Irish Dr. Thomas O’Grady For more information, soldiers in the British Ex- Professor O’Grady pre- call Edward Duffy, ES peditionary Force during sented the topic in an President, at 617-698- The Great War of 1914-18 essay published in last 9435 or send an USE CODE “IRISH” AND (World War I) by way of month’s Boston Irish Re- email to Barbara the poetry of Lance Cor- porter. Fitzgerald, ES Corre- SAVE UP TO 33% ON TICKETS! poral Francis Ledwidge “Ledwidge and Mac- sponding Secretary, at NOW THRU FEB . 21 of the Royal Inniskilling Gill are remembered not barbara.s.fitzgerald@ Fusiliers and the prose of because they were men gmail.com. Ypu can also SOUTH END Rifleman Patrick MacGill of action who performed visit the Eire Society CALDERWOOD PAVILION AT THE BCA of the London Irish Rifles. acts of uncommon valor website at eiresociety.org. bostonirish.com February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Singer and songwriter Hanvey will present multimedia show on ‘The Troubles’ at BC Northern Irish singer- figures, along with other songwriter Steafán Han- broadcast material, as he vey, the son of acclaimed discusses the role of lan- photojournalist Bobbie guage – especially by the Hanvey, will be at Bos- media and authorities – in ton College on Feb. 23 to depicting The Troubles. present a performance- A native of Downpat- lecture that combines his rick, Co. Down, Hanvey musical compositions with grew up in a musical his father’s photographs, household ­– his parents offering a uniquely per- both played traditional sonal perspective on “The music and recorded two Troubles” and its perva- albums – and as a teenager sive impact. began to explore his own The show, “Look Behind path, forming a rock band You,” will take place at 7 at age 16. He released a p.m. in the Theology and mini-album while living Ministry Library Audi- in Finland during the torium on BC’s Brighton mid-1990s, then moved Campus. Admission is free to Dublin and released his and open to the public. debut full-length album, This will be Hanvey’s “Steafán Hanvey and second appearance at BC, The Honeymoon Junk- which houses his father’s ies.” During 2004-05, he collection of news and played in New York City, feature photographs in Montreal, Europe and at its John J. Burns Library, Boston’s NEMO festival; which is co-sponsoring he also recorded three the event with the Boston in-studio sessions at the College Center for Irish BBC. In 2012, he recorded Programs. The Bobbie “Nuclear Family,” which Hanvey Photographic Ar- along with his first album chives comprise a compre- provides much of the mu- hensive documentation of sical material for “Look people and life in Northern Behind You.” Ireland (and elsewhere in Although “Look Behind Ireland) from the 1970s You” inevitably touches on through the first decade of political aspects of North- the 21st century. The pho- ern Ireland, Hanvey says tos feature major figures the show is meant to be in politics, arts, literature Steafán Hanvey’s “Look Behind You” blends his music and reminiscences of growing up in Northern a biographical/autobio- and other fields – such as Ireland with images by his father, acclaimed photojournalist Bobbie Hanvey, whose photo collection graphical work. “I think John Hume and Seamus is housed at Boston College. Sean Smith photo the best way I can put it is, Heaney – as well as fami- I have never written about lies and individuals from landscape of Northern Ire- a counterpart, and some- percolating through the after the tragic Bloody Northern Ireland,” he said all walks of life, whether land, like an undisturbed times a counterpoint, for three decades of North- Sunday event in 1972). in an interview with the at work, leisure or in the scene in nature or a town the songs Hanvey per- ern Ireland’s sectarian In addition, he uses clips Boston Irish Reporter dur- midst of social and public coping with the aftermath forms. Most are his own turmoil that encompasses from his father’s radio ing his 2013 appearance at events. There are also of a paramilitary action. compositions, which deal most of Hanvey’s life (he interviews with promi- BC. “Northern Ireland has images that capture the These photos provide with themes and ideas was born a few months nent political and cultural written me.” Ebullience marks what The Press Gang offers listeners (Continued from page 11) Drink with Me.” Limerick/Road to Gar- A reel set that is argu- rison” (the latter tune by ably the highlight track Maurice Lennon) – with begins with the titular Hanz Araki on bodhran tune and just keeps build- – is a masterful blend of ing strength as it goes into tone and transition, as is Johnny Harling’s “With the set that begins with a Ourselves” (helped along Robinson-Stevens duet on by Araki) and ends with the venerable hornpipe/ “The Miller of Droghan.” set dance “The Blackbird,” The latter tune, which then on the strength of includes a cameo by Mar- Marshall’s guitar launch- shall on banjo and subtle, es into a pair of polkas, distinctive chords from “An Spailpín Fánach” and Stevens’ accordion, is par- “Sonny Sweeney’s.” An- ticularly mesmerizing; the other medley opens with whole medley is a tribute Stevens and Marshall of sorts by the band to De vamping together and Dannan, their source for establishing an infectious “Miller of Droghan.” contra dance-type groove An additional attrac- for three reels, “The Girl tion of the CD are its Who Broke My Heart/ liner notes, which among Paddy Ryan’s Dream/ other things poke a bit of The Plough and Stars,” fun at the trio’s somewhat McLane again lending outsized stature (they’d support. probably be the odds-on The band also displays favorite in the Irish Tra- its predilection for adapt- ditional Three-on-Three ing somewhat unlikely Basketball Tournament, material, taking the Scot- if there was such a thing): tish tunes “The Peat Fire In case, you might wonder, Flame” and “Highland their combined height is Laddie” and “bending” 18 1/2 feet, and altogether them into polkas (“They they tip the scales at 660 didn’t want to be polkas,” lbs. Elsewhere, we learn says Marshall, “but we that the “Blackbird” set made them because, hey, was arranged prior to a The Press Gang (L-R, Alden Robinson, Chris Stevens and Owen Marshall) performing at last fall’s we’re The Press Gang.”). A concert one day during Dorchester Irish Heritage Festival. recording by Boston-area a blizzard: “We hitched Sean Smith photo sean-nos singer Bridget Owen to a toboggan and with the supplies gone wives than we did when say we’re not really ‘youth’ joy. You don’t try to exploit Fitzgerald provided the trudged off to play for and their consequences we started.” (Stevens, who anymore, and obviously it, or tart it up, but you look inspiration for “An Se- Portland’s most stalwart setting in.” got married in 2011, also we’ve had changes in our for moments – a transition anduine,” which starts audience.” Their first Yet there’s a certain recently became a father.) lives since that first CD. So here and there, a riff or out slowly (via a lovely and only camping trip hint of reflectiveness and What’s more, the trio’s when you reach another harmony – that alerts the concertina-bouzouki pair- to Maine’s North Woods, contemplation, too, since average age is now closer milestone – a second CD – listeners: ‘Something is ing) and with numerous meanwhile, is evoked in a lot has happened in to that magic number of it’s natural to take a look happening here.’ And for rests before gathering the “Father Dollard’s” set, these four-going-on-five 30. So, is the album title a back at where you were us this comes from a place momentum and easing as they explain: “It begins years, as they note: “We little ironic, even wistful, and where you are now. of respect for the tradition, into two up-tempo jigs, happily, with plenty of have more dogs, chick- perhaps? “Our approach is, and a desire to bring more Junior Crehan’s “The provisions, and grows ens, accordions, houses, “Maybe,” muses Mar- has always been, that this people into it. We want to Lurgadan” and “Have a increasingly euphoric girlfriends, banjos and shall. “I guess you could is music everyone can en- keep it alive.” until the last dismal tune, Page 14 February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

The 12th annual BCMFest (Boston’s Celtic Music Fest) brought lovers of Celtic music, song and dance to Harvard Square January 9-11. The festival included a Friday night “Roots & Branches” concert in Club Passim and Boston Urban Ceilidh in The Atrium on Church Street; Dayfest, a full day of family entertainment, music and dance performances, workshops and participatory events at Club Passim and First Parish Church; and the Saturday evening “BCMFest Nightcap” concert featuring the band Long Time Courting with numerous guests. New at this year’s festival was The BCMFest Academy, a slate of special classes given by performers on Sunday afternoon in Passim. Sean Smith photos

The Mad for Trad ensemble, along with students from the O’Riley Irish Dance School, presented “Handing Down the Tradition” in The Attic during BCMFest.

Rachel Reeds, center, led an informal session of Cape Breton music during Dayfest.

Adriana Ciccone, a native of Ontario who is attending the Berklee College of Music, showcased her fiddle and step dance talents at BCMFest.

(L-R) Danny Noveck, Flynn Cohen, Brian Hanlon and Matt Heaton teamed up for a lively set of reels during the BCMFest “Roots & Branches” concert in Club Passim. The duo Oran Mor (Peter Hale, left, and Dave Hallowell) performed at the First Parish Church Parlor Stage during BCMFest’s Dayfest. bostonirish.com February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15

CD Reviews her musical teeth. Rosa Carroll (fiddle) and Lily O’Connor (concertina), for example, who opened By Sean Smith eyes and ears at The Burren concert, do a fine Special to the BIR turn together on a pair of reels, “Coen’s Memories/ Mary MacNamara, “Note for Note”; Various McDonagh’s”; the two also are part of the Tulóg Ceili musicians, “Unfolding: Young Music from Band – a number of whose members came to Boston East Clare” • These two recently released CDs – which appears on two of the tracks, to great effect. have a connection, in that the fingerprints of Mary Elsewhere, harpist Aisling Lyons plays a gorgeous MacNamara are all over them. MacNamara is one of solo medley of jigs and later teams with concertina the most eminent concertina players of the past few player Eimear Donnellan – a pairing of instruments decades, schooled in the music of her native East that should really be heard more often – on another Clare from an early age. She has also cultivated pair of jigs. The combination of Eion Beirne (banjo), an equally important role as a teacher and mentor, Cliona Donnellan (fiddle), Aisling McMahon (flute), particularly in encouraging youths to learn about Ulick O’Sullivan (concertina) and Padraig Costello and play traditional music. More on that later. (piano) do a cracking rendition of two venerable “Note for Note,” her fourth album and first in session tunes, “Kitty’s Rambles” and “Boys of a decade, is a completely solo effort: no guitar, Ballisodare.” And, for a change of pace, fiddler Isobel bouzouki, fiddle – not even the ubiquitous “Ringo” Elger plays a spine-tinglingly expressive slow air, McDonagh and his bodhran. As she explains in the “The Wild Geese.” liner notes, “solo playing has always been where I The quality and assuredness of these young considered a musician’s soul is discovered.” The musicians is evident throughout “Unfolding”; the tunes she plays here span her musical life, some in Greater Boston; this past November, the Tulla phrase “They’re good – for their age” just simply from childhood learned in the company of greats like group visited Boston to meet their US counterparts doesn’t apply. And while ultimately it’s up to them Joe Bane, Martin Rochford and P. Joe Hayes, others and play several events, notably an afternoon far they can go, having someone in their corner like from friends and acquaintances of more recent years. concert in The Burren [read the Boston Irish Mary MacNamara – who knows from first-hand As with her other albums, MacNamara puts the Reporter story about the Trad Youth Exchange at experience the value of having a caring adult to spotlight squarely on the East Clare style: blessedly http://bit.ly/1xlx040]. (Note: The Boston contingent nudge you along – is a big asset. mellow in tempo and temperament, with little in heads over to Clare this month.) [Copies of the “Unfolding” CD are available the way of ornamentation. As that translates to Some of those same Tulla musicians are on this through custymusic.com. For information on the her instrument of choice, MacNamara and other album, which was recorded live at Gerry Shortt’s Trad Youth Exchange, see tradyouthexchange. East Clare concertina players often make use of the Pub in Feakle – the same pub (albeit under a weebly.com.] bellows to accentuate the rhythm of a tune, and also different name now) where MacNamara herself cut tend to eschew harmonies or chording; instead, they introduce variations in the melody through holding long notes or repetition of short notes. If it all sounds like a lot of exposition about technique and method, well, yes, there is that. But don’t get the idea that “Note for Note” is a for- squeezeboxers-only affair. This is an opportunity to hear, clearly and without distraction, a regional tradition in full flower – an increasingly elusive thing, what with the trend toward blended styles among many Irish musicians – and in the hands (literally) of a master. It also serves as a sort of minimalist construction of Irish music itself – the guts of the tunes, if you will. But you know, in the end it really is about the tunes, and these are really quite wonderful. There are some familiar session favorites, like “Rakish Paddy,” “The Rakes of Kildare” and “Tatter Jack Walsh,” but those looking for rarer fare will no doubt enjoy the E-minor jig “The Chapel Bell,” which MacNamara plays in C minor and then D minor – “good, dark East Clare keys,” as she notes; “The Caves of Kiltanon,” a composition by Tulla fiddler Paddy Canny in honor of a local geological feature; a pair of Scotch lilts; or a medley of barn dances, the first of which, “Dúlamán na Binne Buidhe,” has been recorded (albeit in different forms) by famed Galway fiddler Lucy Farr and super-group Altan. MacNamara’s musical soul is well worth the discovery. MacNamara doesn’t appear per se on “Unfolding” (other than in a couple of photos in the inside cover), but she bears a big responsibility for its existence. The featured musicians on the album range between the ages of 11 and 20; some are concertina students of MacNamara, who along with those who play other instruments have been involved in various activities and programs she’s run through The Music Room in Tulla. Here would be a good place to mention an important Boston dimension: MacNamara and Lisa Coyne, executive director of Boston’s Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Music School, are creators of the Trad Youth Exchange, which promotes friendships between the young Tulla musicians and their peers Prospect Hill Company Spectacular Weekend Sale on First Communion Dresses 3 DAYS ONLY Saturday, January 17th 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 18th 12 Noon – 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 19th 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Up to 60% OFF on DISCONTINUED COMMUNION DRESSES 8 k 0 c Also showing our 0 D Sto resses in 2015 Designer Dress Collection Great Selection of Large and Half Sizes • Veils • Girls’ Shoes • Nylons • Gloves • Purses • Capes BOYS’ WHITE SUIT SALE – February 16th-21st ALL SUITS 20% OFF 12 Field Street, Brockton • near Brockton/Avon Line Minutes off Route 24 • 1-800-586-1951 Page 16 February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com The Barra MacNeils are coming! (Continued from page 11) as the Canadian American leased 17 albums, includ- Yet while the Barra full, among others – and ample, has that really citizens demanded it not Club in Watertown. ing three of Christmas- MacNeils are living ex- English folk-rockers The strong traditional qual- be sold and converted to “It is always exciting to themed music; toured ponents of Cape Breton Oysterband’s “By North- ity to it that gets your apartments in the 1980s. return to the Boston area throughout Canada, the music and dance, they ern Light.” attention. And there’s a “One of our goals of the for a Barra MacNeils con- US, Europe, the United have embraced other “We have a strong tra- lot of storytelling in our 75th anniversary concert cert,” says MacNeil, who Kingdom and the Carib- traditions, notably that of ditional background, of concerts, especially our is to introduce the Che- plays accordion, whistle, bean; and made frequent Ireland. As Stewart Mac- course, through our fami- Christmas shows, where valier Theatre to people flute, guitar and bouzouki appearances on TV – their Neil points out, their part ly,” says Stewart MacNeil. we talk about things that who are unfamiliar with and sings and step dances. Christmas special also of Cape Breton (North “But we’ve also studied are an important part of it. Given the Boston area’s “There’s so much connec- was the basis for a DVD. Sydney) had a substan- classical music, and over being a family – people deep roots in Celtic music tion, shared history and That the MacNeils tial Irish population, time we got interested in really seem to identify and culture, we expect the culture between the Mari- (“Barra” refers to the whose musical influence other styles. I think that with all that, whether Barra MacNeils to attract time region of Canada and island off Scotland where – through such people as all of us doing vocals and they have connections to a large audience from Boston – it’s like a special the MacNeil clan is said fiddler Johnny Wilmot – playing various instru- Cape Breton or not. So around the region, which visit with old friends from to have originated) would rubbed off on local fiddlers ments diversifies what we we’re looking forward to we hope will lead to more home each time.” take up their native music and other musicians. can do, and help makes us sharing our music, and our performances like this in Stewart’s siblings are: as a nearly life-long voca- And the band has in- all well-rounded.” story, with everyone who the future.” Kyle (vocals, guitar, vi- tion is hardly surprising. corporated other musical When you get down to comes to the Chevalier Band member Stewart olin, mandolin), Lucy Cape Breton has a well- genres, including rock, it, though, he says, the next month.” MacNeil says he and his (vocals, bodhran, Celtic deserved reputation for pop and country, while Barra MacNeils define Tickets for the Barra family view the event, harp, fiddle, step dancing), preserving its music and also doing covers of con- themselves by the music MacNeils concert are their first Greater Boston Sheumas (keyboards, dance traditions: There’s temporary songs, some of of home and hearth. “I feel priced at $31 and $26 area appearance in 12 piano, bodhran, fiddle, an oft-repeated claim that them lesser-known com- the band is stronger than ($23 and $19 for seniors/ years, in much the same bouzouki, vocals) and the island has more fid- positions like “The Ballad it’s ever been, in terms of students) and may be or- way. The Barra MacNeils Boyd (mandolin, fiddle, dlers per capita than any of Lucy Jordan” – written how we’ve grown musi- dered at chevaliertheatre. have long had a big follow- guitar, banjo, percussion, other place in the world; by Shel Silverstein (often cally and personally over com. Tickets also can be ing in Boston, for years step dancing). The band another bit of folklore has best remembered for his the years. But we have purchased at Medford a major destination for also includes Jamie Gatti it that all Cape Breton children’s books, such as never left behind our tra- Electronics, 25 Salem St., Cape Breton natives, and on bass. children are given the “The Giving Tree”) and ditional roots, and that’s on weekdays from 9 a.m. the island’s music and The Barra MacNeils’ choice of learning fiddle, recorded by Dr. Hook resonated a lot with our to 4 p.m. dance traditions live on in resume is impressive, to piano or step dancing – or and the Medicine Show core audience. local halls and clubs, such say the least. They’ve re- all three. and Marianne Faith- “Lucy’s voice, for ex- Meet the ‘Queen of the Audience Experience’ (Continued from page 11) me feel like part of the to be able to hang out as figure things out. Time order.” Conley notes that Lyr- Commenting on the family.” a group outside of classes was up. Maybe I’ll go back Managing front of the ic’s season continues with theater’s initial program- Oddly enough, a fa- and share something so some day and maybe even house operations “is the the evocative Lynn Not- ming, she said, “They had vorite Dublin memory American with them.” live there some day. But more fun part of the job,” tage drama “Intimate just started producing involves sharing the seem- Having thoroughly en- for now, time to go home.” she said. “But it’s also Apparel”; the Cy Coleman their own productions. ingly non-Irish occasion joyed her time in Dublin, She returned to Boston more chaotic. Half an musical comedy homage to When I was there, they of Thanksgiving with Conley considered staying and landed a job at Ac- hour before the start of 1940s film noir Hollywood, did some Irish classics. an international blend in Ireland. “I thought tors’ Shakespeare Project, the show I’m responsible “City of Angels”; and the ‘Playboy of the Western of faces. “There were a about it toward the end, which was looking for for making sure everybody classic Moss Hart back- World.’ ‘She Stoops to couple of American stu- but I was exhausted,” she someone to begin work im- gets in their seat and that stage comedy, “Light Up Conquer’ . . . They also dents in my program so said. “I had just finished up mediately. Although she the show starts on time.” The Sky,” coincidentally rented out the theater we decided to throw our my thesis (comparing arts enjoyed the experience, it This is often where a ma- set during a seemingly di- to other companies, so own Thanksgiving,” she education in the United wasn’t a full time position. jor part of her interaction sastrous Broadway tryout there was a wide variety said. “We invited the rest States and Ireland). Grad Last fall Conley joined with theatergoers occurs. in Boston. of shows.” of our class – there were school was tough and I was the staff at Lyric where Lost tickets, double seat- R. J. Donovan is Edi- “The staff was very 26 of us all together – and low on money. So it was “basically I’m in charge of ing, last minute problems tor and Publisher of on- warm and welcoming,” everyone showed up and kind of like, I need to go anything ‘Guest Commu- and requests require her stageboston.com. she said. “They made brought food. It was nice home and recharge and nications – The Guest Ex- to be a multi-tasking ••• perience.’ Box office-wise, problem solver. “You need Lyric Stage Company of I oversee and help sell to be able to think quickly Boston is at 140 Clarendon tickets and subscriptions. on your feet. And keep Street in Boston’s Back I also do the financial stuff everybody happy. And get Bay. Tickets: 617-585- and make sure that’s in the show started on time!” 5678 or lyricstage.com.

Handmade since 1925

Co. Roscommon Assoc. of Boston Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Saturday, March 14, 2015 5-10 pm

at The Irish Social Club Corned Beef & Cabbage Catered Meal Subscribe Today! to the Boston Irish Tables can be reserved. NO TICKETS will be sold at the door. Tickets $40 Reporter Call 617-436-1222 or use our handy Call Lord Mayor Richie Gormley subscription form on page 19. 617-327-7777 bostonirish.com February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 Traveling People There’ll be commemorative stamps aplenty in 2015

By Judy Enright Two stamps will be is- Special to the BIR sued to mark the 100th Do you ever look at the anniversary of the sink- stamps on your mail? The ing of RMS Lusitania, a US Postal Service offers passenger liner sailing many different and inter- from New York to Liv- esting stamps that fea- erpool that sank on May ture a variety of seasonal 7, 1915, after being tor- designs, sports, flowers, pedoed. The largest ship history, holidays, and ever built at the time, more. the Lusitania listed and Ireland’s post office sank off the Old Head of also offers many interest- Kinsale within 18 min- ing designs and we were utes after being struck delighted to see that de- on the starboard side by tail from church windows a single torpedo from a by famed stained glass German U-boat. Losses artist Harry Clarke was totaled 1,198 passengers featured on two of three and crew while 761 were 2014 Irish Christmas rescued. stamps. The third stamp Cobh plans to mark the was a Dublin schoolgirl centennial with a five- dressed as an angel. month program of events HARRY CLARKE that began last month. Clarke (1889-1931), his During the commemo- Two Irish Christmas stamps for 2014 featured work by stained glass artist Harry Clarke. father Joshua, and his rative events, the Cunard This image was photographed by Bill Power from Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, and shows a detail brother Walter all worked liner Queen Victoria will from the Adoration of the Magi window in St. Patrick’s Church in Millstreet, Co. Cork. in stained glass. Harry be in Cobh on May 7 as also illustrated books. part of a “Lusitania Re- selves as tourism destina- EVENTS Looking for things to We’ve written about Har- membered” seven-night tions. Competition judges do in Ireland in Febru- ry Clarke’s amazing art- cruise to recall the ship said there is “something ary? How about taking in work before but it bears known as “the floating for everyone” in Westport the Feile na Tana (Feb. repeating that if you are palace.” In the evening, a and that the coastal town 6-8) that brings the best near any of his windows, flotilla of large and small “caters well for Ireland’s of Irish traditional music it’s well worth taking a boats will start toward climate.” to the heart of the Cooley look. Harry’s work is of- Cobh from Roches Point, Kinsale, the judges Peninsula? The festival is ten easy to spot because each illuminated by white added, has a “cosmopoli- held in Carlingford, Co. it is so detailed with such lights to symbolize the re- tan feel” added to beau- Louth, and more infor- rich, deep colors. turn to Cobh of boats full tiful scenery and narrow mation is available from I’ve always loved the of victims and survivors. streets bursting with feilenatana.com story of how Harry’s A museum dedicated to history that encourage For more wonderful large three-light win- the Lusitania is expected visitors to get out and trad music, be sure to dow depicting “The Last to open then, too. explore. “It would appear include The 21st Russell Judgment” came to be Be sure to stop into that Kinsale has some- Memorial Weekend Fes- installed in St. Patrick’s any Irish post office while One of Ireland’s three Christmas stamps thing to offer all demo- tival on your schedule. Church in Newport, Co. you’re there and pick up featured a Michael McLaughlin photograph of graphics and its visitors The weekend is in Doolin, Mayo. In 1926, the pas- some of these wonderful the Infant Christ from “Adoration of the Magi,” will leave with lasting Co. Clare, from Feb. 26 tor, Canon Michael Mac- stamps. a Harry Clarke stained-glass window in St. impressions and memo- to March 2 and features Donald, sold his life in- KNOCK FLIGHTS Patrick’s Church, Newport, Co. Mayo. ries,” they said. workshops in fiddle, tin surance policy to pay for How exciting to read Other commended whistle, concertina, and the windows. The canon recently in The Mayo cide to drive it while Kinsale in Co. Cork. towns: Ardmore, Co. Wa- accordion as well as ses- specified that Harry him- News that on Aug. 8 Aer you’re in Ireland, be sure TOURISM TOWNS terford; Carrick on Shan- sions in the town’s pubs self was to do the work Lingus will fly the first to stop in Brigend on the Westport (Co. Mayo) non, Co. Leitrim; Cobh, and hotels, a Russell Con- and not his studio. Harry transatlantic pilgrimage Inishowen Peninsula, has been named 2014 Co. Cork; Glengarriff, Co. cert, cliff walk and set started the work in the group from JFK into Ire- Co. Donegal, to have a National Large Tour- Cork; Kilkenny town, Co. dancing. For more, visit summer of 1930 but died land West Airport Knock meal at Harry’s Restau- ism Town and Kinsale Kilkenny; Killarney, Co. michorussellweekend.ie the following January. (IWAK) in Co. Mayo. rant, named by the Irish was chosen National Kerry; Lismore, Co. Wa- Do you fancy hearing Sadly for Canon MacDon- According to the writer Times restaurant colum- Small Tourism Town for terford; and Portmagee, poetry read by the Riv- ald, the windows were Anton McNulty, “The an- nist Catherine Cleary as 2014. The Tourism Town Co. Kerry. er Lee? If so, the Cork finished and installed by nouncement represents her choice for the best Award was designed by Always nice to see these Spring Poetry Festival is his studio. a historical development Irish restaurant of 2014. Fáilte Ireland (the Irish towns get recognition. the place for you and it’s This year’s Christmas for the airport and the re- She writes, “The Wild At- arm of Tourism Ireland Both Westport and Kin- scheduled from Feb. 11 stamps were from photo- gion, as it will be the first- lantic Way has a wildly here) to promote Irish sale are fun places to visit to Feb.14 to include read- graphs taken in St. Pat- ever transatlantic service good restaurant in this towns and villages that and offer many wonder- ings, workshops, book rick’s Church in Newport operated by Aer Lingus partnership between chef work to “enhance their ful restaurants (Kinsale launches, poetry prizes by Michael McLaugh- from the US to IWAK and Derek Creagh and owner appeal to tourists visiting is known as the “Gour- and more. For details vis- lin, and in St.Patrick’s the first official chartered Donal Doherty. They their local area.” met Capital of Ireland” it corkpoetryfest.net Church, Millstreet, Co. pilgrimage to Ireland’s serve just-landed fish According to The Irish and Westport’s An Port Cork, by Bill Power from National Marian Shrine. from local boats alongside Times, Tourism Minister Mor restaurant has won TRAVEL No matter when you Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. The pilgrims, led by Car- just-picked vegetables Michael Ring said the many culinary awards), visit Ireland or where Both images are details dinal [Timothy] Dolan, from one of their three awards “are all about good music, and inter- you go, there is always from “Adoration of the will spend eight days in gardens. Irish restaurant honoring the towns that esting shops that feature a lot to do. Before you Magi” windows in those the region in a specially dining doesn’t get better put tourism at the center Irish-made products. My leave, be sure to take a two churches. The Mill- tailored Pilgrimage pro- than this and they’re sell- of what they do.” Both favorite bookstore, Sea- look at Tourism Ireland’s street photo depicts an gram that will show- ing it at prices that are towns are on the Wild At- mus Duffy’s, is in West- informative website - Ire- angel playing a lute; the case some of Ireland’s jaw-droppingly low.” lantic Way driving route. port and it’s a great place land.com – for details on Newport image is of the most historical spiritual The Wild Atlantic Way Westport and Kinsale to stop. If they don’t have events, accommodation, Christ child. sites…” stretches down the coast each received certificates what you want, Seamus and more that will be of- MORE STAMPS McNulty reports that from the Inishowen Pen- and a 5,000-euro grant and his staff will happily fered while you’re there. The Irish post office Joe Kennedy, chairman insula in Co. Donegal to to further develop them- order it. (An Post) plans a series of IWAK, was “delighted of stamps this year to to see the return of trans- mark key events of a cen- atlantic flights to Knock tury ago, including the after an absence of eight landing of Irish troops at years” and he hopes it will Gallipoli and the sinking be an important stepping Photography by of the Lusitania. Sixteen stone in securing regular new stamps will be is- transatlantic services to sued in 2015, we read in the region in the future. The Irish Times. The previous transat- Image Photo Service Two of the stamps will lantic flights to Knock you commemorate Irish sol- may remember were by a diers in the British Army low-cost British airline – • Weddings • Anniversaries • Banquets who fought at Gallipoli in Flyglobespan – that flew 1915, with some 4,000 of Boston-Knock for a short • Portraits • Reunions • Groups them losing their lives. while but abandoned that Two new stamps will service and eventually • Families • Special Occasions commemorate the 50th went into receivership. anniversary of the found- That direct flight was a ing of Mountain Rescue great boon to those who Ireland. Four stamps will love the West of Ireland (617) 291-6609 be issued to represent and now would probably Ireland “the food island” be even more popular and five more to repre- with all the events and sent the five senses. An- places being promoted Harry Brett • Margaret Brett Hastings other stamp will mark along the 1,600-mile Wild the 150th anniversary of Atlantic Way. the birth of William But- Speaking of the Wild The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter ler Yeats. Atlantic Way, if you de- Page 18 February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Irish beef will be back on US tables next month; the first shipment since Mad Cow scare of 1998 (Continued from page 11) exists there for premium that the product can cap- to the lucrative market grass-fed beef. We now ture a hugely profitable across the Atlantic. The have first-mover advan- niche here. According to news has been greeted tage as a result of being Douglas Dalbyjan in The with elation by the Irish the first EU member state New York Times, “Ireland government and its food to gain entry. There is also might be likely to find board, Bord Bia. the large Irish-American a market among buyers In an announcement community, which will be seeking beef raised in last month on Irish na- a key target of our promo- pastures and free from ar- tional radio, the Repub- tional efforts.” tificial growth hormones.” lic’s agriculture minister, While no one expects The US government’s Simon Coveney, stated: Irish beef to claim a huge concerns about European “This US market is a share of the American beef surfaced in 1998 be- huge prize, given its size, market, food-industry cause of alarm that the and the demand we know insiders prognosticate unquestionably horrifying

“Mad Cow Disease,” or Trade Commissioner Ce- Two launch events will be BSE (bovine spongiform cilia Malmström, and hosted by Bord Bia in New encephalopathy) could Rural Development Com- York and Washington.” infect American consum- missioner Phil Hogan, the As part of the launch, ers. Ireland is the first trio asserted, “It is now officials from the Irish Ag- European beef producer desirable that the US acts riculture Department will since that time to pass expeditiously to extend meet with their American the required American the approval to the rest of counterparts at a series of standards. the European Union and discussions and events. In A Reuters account re- to fully bring their import his national radio state- ferred to a USDA in- conditions in line with ments and to other media spection that recognized international standards. outlets, Agriculture Min- Ireland as “the first Eu- We also welcome that this ister Coveney said that ropean country deemed move, which forms part “the demand for premium to have consistently and of a growing trend, rec- grass-fed, hormone-free effectively implemented a ognizes the robust, com- beef in the United States beef slaughter inspection prehensive and successful is growing an estimated 20 system that satisfies all measures put in place by percent a year.” The BIR criteria for equivalence the EU to eradicate [mad has learned that Coveney with the United States cow disease].” is due to visit Boston in system.” Until other Eu- The commentary by EU mid-February. ropean nations pass the representatives notwith- In 2014, some $4.8 bil- same standards as Ireland standing, only Irish beef lion of foreign beef reached – Scotland is likely the has cleared the hurdle the United States market, next candidate – the Re- and Ireland is wasting no but none from Europe. public has the advantage time in trumpeting that Coveney contends that in among the EU members. status. Said a Bord Bia the US, Irish beef could The Irish entry into the representative: “We are reap 100 million euros in American market has cer- finalizing arrangements 2015, while adding, “This tainly garnered the atten- at the present time. Ini- is the culmination of two tion of other EU members. tially our aim will be to years of intensive work to In a recent statement by target Irish beef at high prove our credentials as a EU Health Commissioner end restaurants and other supplier of highest quality Vytenis Andriukaitis, elite food service outlets. premium beef.”

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94 Saint Alphonsus Street Roxbury, MA 02120 www.missiongrammar.org Snow Date 02/10/15 All application information online bostonirish.com February 2015 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann

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

Recall that the verb bí/tá has four forms in each of the three tenses: a posi- tive, a negative, a question and a negative question. Every day, Tense Positive Negative Question Negative Question Present: Tá Níl An bhfuil? Nach bhfuil? Past: Bhí Ní raibh An raibh? Nach raibh? 7 days a week Future: Beidh Ní bheidh An mbeidh? Nach mbeidh? Here are words that some of you learned early on but we have a few new read- Irish Social Club of Boston, Inc. ers now. These are in reference to the weather, an aimsir. 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 617-327-7306 or 617-549-9812 fuar “cold” te “warm” Incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, June 27, 1945 fluich “wet” tirim “dry” Socials every All held on SUNDAYS at 8 pm with $10 admission except where geal “bright” dorcha “dark” otherwise noted. Doors open at 6:30 pm for PUB NIGHTS: Sunday Evening live music from 8-11 pm. Admission free These can be made “stronger” or “more intense” by prefixing the particlean - at 8:00 pm as in fuar “cold” but an-fhuar “very cold”. Note that the hyphen is required SCHEDULE OF EVENTS and that words beginning with f- are lenited (“aspirated”). The in is typically not pronounced in spoken Irish but it is required to FEBRUARY 2015 20 Friday–Benefit for the Homeless: St. n an 1 Sunday CLOSED. No Sunday Social due Francis House Fundraiser. Music by the write it. to Super Bowl Noel Henry’s Irish Showband. 8pm until 6 Friday–Parkway Girls Softball Comedy midnight. Admission: $15. For more This rule, prefixingan - also is used to make the following words “stronger”: Night featuring Steve Sweeney and information, call Doc Walsh at 617-281-4351. others! 7pm-12am. For more information, 22 Sunday–Mossie Coughlin and the Boston mor “big” /mohr/ an-mhor /uh vohr/ “very big” please email Sean_McKenna_99@yahoo. Irish beag “small” /beyk/ an-bheag /uh veyk/ “very small” com 28 Saturday–Parkway in Motion Community 7 Saturday– Neponset Valley Sunrise Rotary Night to raise money for 5-$1000 sean “old” an-sean /uh shan/ “very old” Club of Dedham Comedy Night from 7pm- scholarships in memory of Boston óg “young” /ohk/ an-óg /uh ohk/ “very young” 12am with Lenny Clarke, Paul D’Angelo, Firefighter Mike Kennedy. maith “well,good” /mah/ an-mhaith /uh vah/ “very well” Christine Hurley and Johnny Pizzi. For more information call 617-413-1329 tinn “sick” an-tinn /uh cheen/ “very sick” Chicken Parmesan dinner. Tickets are or visit http://parkwayinmotion.org/#/events Notice that prefixing an- to these words lenites those that begin with the $40 or table of 10 for $350 and $45 at the lips – m, b and f. door. Irish Social Club members pay $35 per ticket. For more info, call Brian Davis at 781-461-8444. Now, here are some more words that you should know by now – but begin- 9 Sunday–Wild Rovers ners may not. 15 Sunday–Erin’s Melody with maith “well” tinn “sick” Margaret Dalton breá “fine” dona “bad”

deas “nice” bocht “poor” (quality) Follow us on Twitter @irishsocialbos Follow us on Facebook: Irish Social Club of Boston álainn “beautiful” iontach “wonderful” Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper These words are made “stronger” or more “intense” by prefixing the particle go (no hyphen required). Again, the best translation in English is “very”. Tá mé go maith, buíochas le Dia. /TAH mey goh MAH, BEE-uhk-uhs ley JEE- uh/ “I am very well, thanks (to God)”. Boston Irish REPORTER go maith “very well/good” go brea “very fine” A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. go deas “very nice” go dona “very bad” Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? go tinn “very sick” go bocht “very poor” (quality) go hálainn “very beautiful” go hiontach “very wonderful” Order today, and we will send a gift card in your name. Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. Notice that words beginning with a vowel insert an h to keep go from running Name______on to the word just as we say “a pen” but “an apple”. See if you can put these sentences and phrases into Irish. 1.) “The day is Address______very fine.” 2.) “That man is young but my father is very old.” 3.) “Isn’t she City______State______Zip______beautiful?” 4.) I am well, thank you.” 5.) “Wasn’t your daughter very sick?” Gift from______6.) “Won’t you-all be eating at a quarter to nine?” 7.) “Who is there?” 8.) “The afternoon was very fine.” 9.) “Yes. It was very beautiful.” 10.) “The policeman Charge to Visa______Mastercard______is very big.” Card #______Exp______Answers: 1.) Tá an lá go brea. 2.) Tá an duine seo óg ach tá m’athair an-sean. 3.) Nach bhfuil sí álainn? 4.) Tá mé go mhaith, buíochas le Dia. This year, give a gift that comes in the mail each month! 5.) Nach raibh d’iníon an-tinn? 6.) Nach mbeidh sibh ag ithe ceathrú chun a naoi? 7.) Cé atá ann? 8.) Bhí an tranóna go deas. 9.) Bhí. Bhí sé Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter, 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 go hálainn. 10.) Tá an garda an-mhor. We accept phone orders with your Visa or Mastercard. Call 617-436-1222 Or Fax this order form to 617-825-5516

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MUSIC AND DANCE FROM THE FAR AND NEAR CORNERS OF THE GLOBE

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

Visions from Cape Breton and Beyond: A Celtic Family Celebration Saturday, February 21, 8pm • Berklee Performance Center 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston ALTAN

Saturday, February 28, 8pm • Somerville Theatre 55 Davis Square, Somerville

FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION 617.876.4275 www.WorldMusic.org TICKETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE BOX OFFICES

Boston March 19-22, 2015 Somerville Theatre, Davis Square

For tickets visit www.irishfilmfestival.com