August 2009 VOL. 20 #8 $1.50 Boston’s hometown journal of Irish culture.

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PASSAGES Frank Brennan: Square Shooter Dead at 78: Frank McCourt, left, a teacher by profession At 92, Francis Patrick Bren- who proved he could write nan, dean of Boston’s bank- with the best with his widely acclaimed Angela’s Ashes. ing community, a first-gen- Page 4 eration Irish American who Dead at 54: Jerry Holland, elbowed his way into the right, Cape Breton fiddling core of the once Yankee- legend whose music has been dominated financial arena, described as offering “pure has hardly lost a step. radiance.” Page 14 Photo by Jack Rowell Profile, Page 6 Page  August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

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IFEDIEH;:8O0 Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page  Around Town: The Irish Beat / Carol Beggy

Actor and standup comic Kevin Flynn was work- ing in New York during the winter months a couple of years ago, when he read about a spike in suicides among young residents of Nantucket. Flynn, who has hosted a comedy night on Mondays on the island for 18 years and has made a career in TV and film, decided he needed to do something to help Nantucket, his summer home and a place he loves. “I just couldn’t stop thinking about it, we had to do something for the young people of the island,” Flynn said. That something was the Nantucket Comedy Festi- val, which is now marking its sophomore year.The week-long, and growing, festival brings big-name comics (Jim Gaffigan is a headliner and the former head writers for David Letterman on are on the schedule) to the island. It also uses the money raised and the access to the professional comics for a program for Nantucket’s youth. There’s a special forum for young people to ask the pros questions about being in show busi- Anne Meara and Kevin Flynn take in the scene at the Nantucket Comedy Festival. ness and about perform- ing in public. Some young Many people, however, still remember him as one for global partnerships in Secretary of State Hillary people on the island will of the much-abused boyfriends on “Sex and the City,” Clinton’s office. (Former PresidentBill Clinton was Kevin Flynn: Nantucket be given some coaching a distinction he takes in stride. honored by the American Ireland Fund on Nantucket a Festival Maker by the pros and then a “It was great to be part of such a cultural event as few years ago.) In her new role, Bagley will become the chance to perform. that show. The first time I walked out on stage after administration’s champion of making “public-private “All the money raised here will stay here. All the focus I was on the show, I got huge cheers. It was that kind partnerships a core component of diplomacy,” Secretary is on working with people here on the island,” Flynn of experience.” Clinton said in a release. told us. “And making people laugh. Of course.” Flynn was one of the few standup comedy veterans When we checked in with Flynn, who serves as ex- to appear on the show, another was Gaffigan, who was Temple Bar Executive Chef Michael Scelfo says the ecutive director, as the festival opened in the last week known as the “guy who did inappropriate things.” best way to have a great Irish restaurant is to honor of July, he was dealing with the usual organizational Now, Flynn says he enjoys not having to be the the spirit of what makes a place feel right for patrons concerns but his satisfaction was palpable. center of it all. “It’s been wonderful to not have the and serve great food. “The owners have drawn their That’s because two-time Tony Award-winning actress spotlight on me, but to do something that is a great inspiration for the place from the liveliness and good Judith Ivey gave a special “sneak peek” performance artistic endeavor and does great things,” said Flynn times of a traditional Irish pub, but they’ve made it of her portrayal of Ann Landers in “The Lady With of his work on a festival that is fast gaining a national their own,” said Scelfo of the restaurant and bar on All the Answers.” reputation. “I can only say how wonderful this experi- Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge that sits between “Every time I see her perform, I’m amazed, and ence has been.” Harvard and Porter Squares. “They are allowing me this show is just such a great piece and a showcase work from the best of the Irish tradition of food, fresh for Judith,” Flynn told us of the show that is slated to Scores of Nantucket’s best known Irish literati and local produce and sustainable seafood.” open next season at the famed Cherry Lane Theatre, politicos (there are distinctions between the two, right?) Scelfo, a grad of the Western Culinary Institute, an Off-Broadway venue in New York City. turned out when the American Ireland Fund honored doesn’t crack jokes about Irish cuisine even pointing Among those in attendance was comic genius and former US Ambassador to Portugal Elizabeth Fraw- out that so many people have the wrong image of the Nantucket summer denizen Anne Meara, who with ley Bagley at the annual summer soiree, which was rich cuisine developing in Ireland. “I’ve redone the her husband, Jerry Stiller, was a trailblazer for held at the home of Putnam Investments’ President and menu -- completely, and we’re getting a great re- American comics. CEO Bob Reynolds and his wife, Laura. “Hardball” sponse,” said the much buzzed about Scelfo, formerly For his part, Flynn’s enjoying this second year of host Chris Matthews and his wife, Kathleen, were of Tea-Tray in the Sky, Dedo, North Street Grill and working on a project where he’s not worried about the events co-chairs. Good Life. “It’s 100 percent different than the previ- performing. “For years, a lot of my friends and some Among those on hand for the fete were Senator John ous menu and is completely seasonal and sustainable; of the biggest names in the business loved coming to Kerry, an honorary chairman of the event; Congress- that’s authentic.” Nantucket. It’s a great place,” said Flynn. “But it was man Bill Delahunt; Joe Scarborough, host of the As for being in a restaurant that is named for one of about making it something more.” MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”; TV personality Pat O’Brien; Ireland’s most famous thoroughfares, Scelfo, a married Flynn’s work off-stage is expanding as well. A well- Boston Capital’s Jack Manning and his wife, Lyle father of three who lives in the western suburbs, said: known performer, he is working behind the camera Howland; Boston real estate developer and Habitat “I wish I had done this sooner. I’ve only been here for a on an IMAX film “One World One Ball,” a film about for Humanity honcho Bruce Percelay; and Vanity few months and I’m already family. They’ve welcomed soccer as a unifying force and a way to eradicate rac- Fair writer Maureen Orth, whose late husband, Tim me as part of the Temple Bar family and it’s by far the ism that will take him to South Africa for next year’s Russert, was a previous AIF honoree. most fun I’ve had.” World Cup. Bagley was sworn in in June as special representative Two Irish Fests Planned in Canton, Adams Corner in September, October The Irish Cultural Centre of New England is making plans to produce an Irish Festival this year, the BIR has learned. The news comes after media reports that the traditional three-day ICONS Festival would not be held this year. In an e-mail to mem- “The festival will bers, ICCNE Program director Vanessa Leite be filled with excit- said the center is mak- ing plans for a two-day ing Irish entertain- weekend event at its ment, shopping, Canton campus on Sept. 12 and 13. food and culture in The festival will be much-scaled down Massachusetts’s compared with pre- vious years. It was most Irish neigh- learned that musical entertainment will borhood, Adams be focused on local performers from the Corner” Greater Boston and New England region. Volunteers have been asked to attend a meeting on Aug 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Centre. More details at irishculture.org. Meanwhile, in Dorchester’s Adams Corner business Honoring Father Dan district, merchants and civic leaders plan a one-day Irish The Irish Music Club promoted a celebration of the work of Father Dan Finn, pastor of St. Mark’s Heritage Festival on Sun., October 11. Event planners Parish, in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, at Florian Hall on Sat., July 25. Crowded around one expect to close down Adams Street between Gallivan of the tables were members of Father Finn’s close-knit clan. Seated are Father Dan and Noreen Blvd. and Saranac Street for the all-day event. Conlan, and in back are Irja Finn, Ray Poitras, Erik Finn, Denis Finn, Denise & Owen Finn. In “The festival will be filled with exciting Irish enter- remarks, the peripatetic pastor thanked the Music Club and the gathering: “It was wonderful meet- tainment, shopping, food and culture in Massachusetts’s ing and greeting so many people whom I have had the privilege of meeting and getting to know most Irish neighborhood, Adams Corner in Boston,” through the years. I have enjoyed your friendship, support, and hospitality and also being a part organizers say. More details at irishheritagefestival. of the lives of one another. May you continue to enjoy and experience God’s abundance blessings.” com. He concluded with the Gaelic version of “one hundred thousand thank yous. Page  August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary A Worship Place The Summer of 2009 in the North Shows Rises From Ashes There Are Miles to Go to a Lasting Peace By Robert P. Connolly broken doors, “raises very fundamental questions about in Montserat Special to the BIR the type of society we want to develop and create in While the season has not taken Northern Ireland Northern Ireland some 15 years after the ceasefire.” By Ed Forry to brink of civil war, as happened all too often during In the aftermath of the attacks on the homes of A new St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church has risen the turbulent 1990s, this summer certainly illustrates Romanian immigrants, threatening letters were sent from the ashes on the Caribbean island of Montser- that many tensions, sectarian and otherwise, continue to immigration centers representing Belfast’s Islamic, rat, reader Frank Foley writes. “It was dedicated on to bubble in the Northern cauldron. Indian, and Polish communities. Additionally, there June 18 after years of planning and hard work,” he Summer has always been were destructive acts that harkened back to Northern reported in an e-mail. “The church received its pews the most dangerous season Ireland’s long history of sectarian strife, with Catholic and other church furnishings as a donation from Car- in the North, with Protestant churches and Gaelic Athletic Association property in dinal O’Malley’s diocese in Boston, as well as a unique fraternal organizations, led County Antrim being paint-bombed and burned, while cross from the people of Kinsale, Ireland.” by the Orange Order, holding several Orange Order lodges and Protestant homes While Montserrat is a British overseas territory, it hundreds of parades celebrat- received similar treatment. is known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” and ing Protestant King William of During the 1990s, violent face-offs over Orange Or- is the only country outside of Ireland to celebrate St. Orange’s pivotal 1690 victory der parades led to death and destruction and brought Patrick’s Day as a national holiday. over Catholic rival James II at Northern Ireland to the brink of civil war. While this Historians say the English colony was opened by its the Battle of the Boyne. summer’s incidents certainly did not take the North all governor, a Wexford man, as a refuge for Irish Catho- While the battle is more the way to the edge, they did illustrate the tensions and lics who had served their time as indentured servants than three centuries in the resentments that lie just beneath the surface, tensions under the British penal laws. Montserrat since then past, many Catholics in the that may be exacerbated by the economic difficulties has maintained a strong Irish influence. North feel that the parades that Northern Ireland is now coping with. In Boston, Montserrat natives living locally get send a “we still own the place” It is clear that the political progress achieved in recent together each year for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration Robert P. message that is here and now, years has not led to the smoothing of all of Northern co-sponsored by the Irish Immigration Center and the Connolly and particularly resent the Ireland’s rough edges. Montserrat Aspirers’ Club of Dorchester. parades that travel near or In the midst of the summer crisis, Northern Ireland’s Foley writes, “In tune with the church’s Irish connec- into predominantly Catholic areas. new culture minister, Nelson McCausland, a Protes- tion, during the dedication service there was the pre- Last month, violence erupted as more than 1,000 tant and a member of the Democratic Unionist Party, sentation of a special cross from the people of Kinsale, Orangemen marched through the heavily Catholic caused a stir by saying that he would never set foot Ireland, which holds special Ardoyne neighborhood in North Belfast, with protestors inside a Catholic church for any kind of event, religious significance as the village hurling Molotov cocktails, police firing plastic bullets, or cultural. “I have personal views regarding worship, of Kinsale in Montserrat and dozens of injuries being sustained in what officials and I would not attend a service in a Roman Catholic was among those destroyed called the worst rioting in Belfast in years. church,” McCausland said, adding, “That has always by the volcano. The cross, Dissident republicans were blamed for orchestrating been my position and remains such. That doesn’t handmade of stainless steel, the violence, with the mainstream republicans of Sinn mean that I do not have good relationships with Ro- features a symbolic sail rep- Fein charging that the dissidents were trying to advance man Catholic people. I wouldn’t want to offend them resenting the voyage across an “anti-peace process and sectarian agenda.” and I am sure they wouldn’t want to offend me.” Some the ocean, and was accepted While rebuking the dissidents on their own side, Sinn Catholics made clear that they were offended by the by Minister of Government Fein also suggested the some of the blame belonged on government minister’s remarks and saw them as fur- Charles Kirnon on behalf the unionist side, with party president Gerry Adams ther destabilizing an already difficult situation. of the people of Montserrat. saying: “What happened … is wrong. It’s reprehen- Sinn Fein Assembly member Daithi McKay said the [The parish priest] Father sible. And all of us who are leaders, and I include the attacks on Catholic churches in his district were moti- George Agger was instru- Orange leadership, have a duty to look at how these vated by the same anti-Catholic sentiment articulated mental in making the original contact between Kinsale disturbances occur.” by McCausland. “Since he came into office less than a in Ireland and the church in Montserrat.” While most of the focus was on the Ardoyne violence, week ago, Nelson McCausland has engaged in a media Foley was on hand to witness the dedication in June, the riot there was the most conspicuous but by no means campaign attacking the GAA, the Irish language, and and now he says he hopes to fine someone to donate the only disquieting event to occur in Northern Ireland now the Catholic Church. The sectarianism which un- “a grand Saint Patrick’s statue” to grace the church. as the summer unfolded. derpins his politics is exactly the same as that which We will have more about the church in next month’s The summer began with more than 100 Romanian motivated the overnight attacks on the three Catholic issue of the BIR. For now, readers can see photos on families fleeing the North following a wave of attacks Churches in the Ballymena area.” line at tinyurl.com/kshawq. on their South Belfast homes. Northern Ireland Social Clearly, Northern Ireland, which has come so far, *** Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said the spate still has miles to cover in its journey to a peaceful, I had a rather pleasant experience last month in of the attacks, which resulted in smashed windows and non-sectarian future. dealing with a government agency, and it’s something that bears the telling. With a milestone birthday looming, it was time to contact the Social Security (SS) Adminstration to begin ‘Tis a Fact That Angela’s Son Frank the process of filing for Medicare benefits. There was a recollection that the local SS office was once located on Gallivan Blvd inn Adams Corner, but it re-located Made a Definite Mark with His Pen several years ago to Freeport Street. In this new digital age, the first step was to go By Peter F. Stevens his accuracy about his hardscrabble years there, furi- online, and with a visit to socialsecurity.gov, a wide ous at his depiction of the meanness and humiliation array of information became available. By typing in BIR Staff He had his devotees and his detractors, but as far he, his mother, and his siblings encountered there. a Dorchester zip code, the website quickly gave me as this reviewer is concerned, one thing about Frank From the opening passages of Angela’s Ashes, McCourt the local address- 115 Freeport Street- and a street McCourt is and remains indisputable. Frank McCourt telegraphed where his memoir was headed: “Worse map giving the exact location. It also informed that could flat out write. He had battled hard against than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable an appointment would be necessary, gave a toll free melanoma and meningitis in recent months, but his Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish phone number to call to set it up. A very courteous death does not silence him. His legacy, framed by the Catholic childhood. People everywhere brag and whim- and respectful person answered the call, and set-up beyond-his-wildest-dreams success of Angela’s Ashes, per about the woes of their early years, but nothing a time that would work within two weeks. will endure not only for the seamless craftsmanship of can compare with the Irish version: the poverty, the When the appointed day arrive, and I drove to Free- his prose and his uncanny knack of capturing dialogue shiftless loquacious father; the pious defeated mother port Street and parked in an adjacent lot. Entering and a speaker’s very cadence, but also for the way moaning by the fire; pompous priests, bullying school- the office, an electronic sign-in computer printed out that he changed the literary landscape in the memoir masters; the English and all the terrible things they my name and confirmed my appointment. After a genre. In many ways, virtually every memoir that did to us for 800 long years.” Limerick bore the brunt brief wait, a very courteous staffer called me in, and followed McCourt’s “begged, borrowed, or stole” from of that in McCourt’s pages. Neither McCourt nor the completed the necessary forms. The entire transaction his inimitable way with words. city fully resolved the uneasy relationship between was very efficient, and I was back in my car an on my McCourt burst upon the literary world in 1996, when author and place. Malachy McCourt, Frank’s brother way in less than a half hour. Scribner published Angela’s Ashes, his gritty, poignant, and also a bestselling author, has always acknowledged I did cause the appointment to be prolonged just a bit, heart-wrenching, and often achingly humorous memoir that Frank had “unfinished emotional business with as I took the time at the end to offer my thanks to the of his impoverished, sometimes tragic, childhood in Limerick.” woman who had just helped me enroll. My experience New York and Limerick. At an event in Manhattan for Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in this, my first encounter with Social Security, was After a career of teaching English and creative writing in December 2004, this reviewer talked at length with entirely pleasant and helpful. I paused to consider how in the New York public school system, McCourt’s “second Frank McCourt about his work and both the acclaim so many public servants- police officers, bus drivers, act” in life bloomed when reviewers’ praise and readers’ and controversy it engendered. “I found myself elated letter carriers, and others- offer invaluable assistance word-of-mouth sent sales soaring beyond Scribner’s and bemused at the same time,” he said. “I’d been a to the public, and do their jobs so well. modest 25,000-copy first run of the book. Eventually, teacher of English and writing for so many years, and Too often, public employees get a bad rap. But that Angela’s Ashes was published in 25 languages and 30 now, after this book, people I’d known for years looked comes largely from the get-a-life talk radio crowd and countries, hitting the heights of bestseller lists world- at me in a different light – as if they were pleased and their broadcast cheerleaders who waste so much of wide and staying there, perhaps the ultimate case even startled that maybe I’d known all those years their waking hours grousing and complaining. As for of the non-celebrity memoir, the extraordinary life of what I was talking about in the classroom. me, last week I needed some assistance from a federal an ordinary man. “The best part was hearing from the kids I’d taught. bureaucrat- and I got all that I needed. Thanks. “F. Scott Fitzgerald said there are no second acts in They were delighted that I had known what I was (Before visiting your local SS office, it is helpful to American lives. I think I’ve proven him wrong,” Mc- talking to them about all that time.” call toll-free,1-800-772-1213, and make an appoint- Court later said. “And all because I refused to settle Touching on both the perks and the downside of ment.) for a one-act existence, the 30 years I taught English sudden fame, McCourt mused, “I wasn’t prepared for *** in various New York City high schools.” it. Still, here it was, and I’ve done my best to deal At last the national conversation about reforming In America alone, his books have sold more than ten with it.” the health care system is underway, and it’s an im- million copies. Angela’s Ashes won the Pulitzer Prize When it came to the printed page, Frank McCourt’s portant step towards controlling the current economic and was made into a major film, and even though best was something special. His evocative and memo- malaise. McCourt’s subsequent memoirs – ‘Tis and Teacher Man rable words will stand time’s passage. To my mind, In June, an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll showed – did not reach the success of Angela’s Ashes, they still the bar for literary memoir was set to new heights by “that a very solid majority – 62 percent – support garnered numbers for which most authors long. Angela’s Ashes. To critics and reviewers who picked taxing those who make more than $250,000 to pay Controversy dogged McCourt for his searing accounts and pecked at the book and the author, their rips proved for health-care reform.” The puzzler is whether the of life in Limerick. Even in 2003, when this reviewer futile and small-minded. Readers delivered the verdict political crowd in Washington can put down their was in Limerick, many locals made no attempt to hide on Frank McCourt – he was a man who could make swords and fashion a new health care system that their anger at him. They questioned his veracity and words leap, dance, wound, and move. everyone can live with. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page  Commentary Off the Bench As Northern Ireland’s Troubles Continue, For Him, a Window Irish Americans Should Remain Attentive Becomes His World By Joe Leary police men were injured by thrown bricks and bottles; a By James W. Dolan Special to the BIR woman died after being run over by a parade vehicle; and The old man sits at the window looking out as Ominous may be the right word to describe Northern many were arrested. The riots were caused by Nationalists the rain traces patterns as the drops glide across Ireland conditions today; and break-away remnants of the IRA that have refused the pane. This has become his world. On Saturday evening, March 14 this year, two to sign the peace treaty in protest over the Good Friday Once he inhabited the land beyond the glass British soldiers, Mark Quinsey, 23, and Cengiz Patrick agreement. Celebratory marches in their neighborhoods simply aggravate the problems. The riots continued for at but time and infirmity now confine him to a small Azimkar, 21, were shot and killed apartment. Far removed from what once was a by automatic gunfire as a pizza least three days even with Sinn Fein leaders condemning delivery truck pulled up to their the troublemakers involved full and active life, he sits alone most days with barracks in County Antrim. After the beatings and killing of Mr. McDaid in May, his memories and the slice of the outside world Two days later, on Sunday Hugh Orde, Chief of the Northern Ireland Police, was framed by the window. evening, March 16, Police Con- quoted in the Belfast Telegraph newspaper as saying, He listens to the raindrops against his window stable Stephen Paul Carroll, 49 “The elephant in the room is sectarianism, brought out and remembers the rain hitting his helmet as and a Catholic, was investigating a in a stark way last weekend.” he huddled in a shallow foxhole just south of call for help in Craigavon, County Though the vast majority of people on both sides want Henderson Field on Guadalcanal in 1942. He Armagh when he was shot in the peace and normal lives, religious bigotry and base igno- was cold, wet and afraid but unlike many of his back of the head by a sniper. rance remain in the minds of an aggressive minority that contains both Protestant Unionists and Catholic National- friends managed to survive. On Sunday, May 24, after a It was also raining the night his son was born soccer match in Scotland, a gang of ists. The bitterness exists in spite of the progress being 40 men from a Protestant neighbor- made on many other fronts. The recent decommissioning but that was a joyous rain. He stood looking up Joe Leary hood in Coleraine, County Derry, of Loyalist paramilitary weapons and ammunition is a and smiling with the drops splashing on his face objecting to the Irish flags hung welcome and much-sought-after decision made by the as he whispered a brief prayer of thanks. in a nearby Catholic neighborhood, stormed the Catholic two unionist political parties responsible for most of the Today the kids were not in the schoolyard area, attacking several residents, beating to death Kevin violence from within the Protestant community for the across the street. He liked to watch them having McDaid, 49 and a father of four, and severely injuring past 40 years. fun. Occasionally one would wave to the face in his wife and another man. But such moves do not impact hard-core holdouts on the window and he would wave back. It seemed In a troublesome election held on June 5, firebrand either side. For the most part, lower-income Catholics so long ago that he played stickball in another unionist politician Jim Allister won 66,197 first preference and Protestants live apart in their own neighborhoods, separated by 20-to-30 foot high walls referred to as Peace schoolyard not far away. votes, dramatically demonstrating that the Paisley style In the morning he watches his neighbors hurry of Unionist arrogance is alive and well. Allister lost his Walls. Both communities abhor such prison-like barriers, election but severely reduced the more moderate Unionist but the walls remain to protect inhabitants from the fear to the bus stop at the corner on their way to vote. He wants to turn back the clock, throw Sinn Fein of violence from the other side. Events have shown that work. He had been a firefighter and thought of out of government, and return to the old ways, risking a these walls will remain, at least for now. But before real the many happy hours he spent with his buddies great violence once again. peace can occur, the barriers must come down. at the firehouse. The comradeship was like what In early July, Northern Ireland’s newly appointed How can Northern Ireland heal itself when such he experienced in the Marines. Minister of Culture, Nelson McCausland, one of Paisley’s unknowing animosity exists within some of its larger He missed the guys, the good-natured banter hard-line followers declared that he would not attend communities? Many believe the answer lies in education, and the excitement when responding to a call. Roman Catholic events because of his opposition to the especially at the primary school level, where parental Some of them came by occasionally to make religion. In addition, he said he would not attend any involvement is at its greatest and where both parent and child can learn together that the other side is so much sure he was alright. They would have a beer and GAA games – the sports tradition in the Nationalist com- reminisce about old times. munity. Minister McCausland apparently does not believe like themselves. that Catholic culture or the GAA games are included in Recently, for example, the children and parents of St. A car door slammed interrupting his reverie. his brief. As an elected government leader, he is choosing Matthews, the Catholic primary school in East Belfast, Looking out he saw his daughter walking up to represent only one side of the community. and the parents and children of the nearby Protestant the stairs carrying a bag of groceries. She was On Thursday July 9, the Irish Times and BBC news Beechfield primary school shared a musical exercise, his lifeline since his wife died. She asked him to reported that five Catholic churches were damaged in even taking their performance to Dublin. Some parents move in with her family but the old man declined sectarian attacks in the notorious Ballymena area and a in the area had been throwing rocks at each other not believing he would be a disruptive presence in fire was set at a GAA club in Ahogill. long ago. her already full household. On July 13 the Protestant community and the Though some Northern Ireland authorities frown upon Instead he would stay by his window tracking anti-Catholic Orange Order celebrated a 400-year-old integrated education, it is slowly growing. Some Protestant schools, for instance, have openly petitioned government the activities below as the days slipped by moving victory over Catholics by conducting – as they have for him ever closer to the day when the shade would years – loud booming marches through Catholic commu- for permission to enlist young Catholics in their schools. nities. According to the Belfast Telegraph, this year the Irish Americans who have the opportunity would do well be drawn on this last piece of his world. marches were the most violent in ten years. Twenty one in supporting the process. For the old man it was not just a window. The sights he saw and the sounds he heard carried memories that sent him drifting into happier times. A bird, a flower, a mother’s call, a dog Is Anti-Evacuation Day Anti-Irish? barking, the snow all served to transport him to another place, another time. By Jim O’Sullivan rhetorical opponent was questing for headlines That face at the window is looking out but the Special to the BIR Back and forth it went, before the repeal fell by a The terrain onto which the four major candidates five-vote margin with heavy Democratic defections thoughts behind the face are elsewhere. for governor of the Commonwealth tread is one fun- and debate bounced over to the House, where Speaker There are countless faces at windows; mostly damentally different-looking than the turf onto which Robert DeLeo held the vote for hours while holiday old and wrinkled. They are the faces of those on a former Justice Department official and corporate loyalists hustled the votes they needed to hold off the the last pages of life. Don’t dismiss them. They attorney named Deval Patrick trod in early 2005. headlines and preserve Evacuation and Bunker Hill. were once like you and one day you will be like And it’s not just the economy, the Obama-altered In the Senate, at least, some who watched the debate them. electorate, or the cultural uncertainty jolted into felt there was a strain of anti-Irish sentiment shot They are not to be pitied for once they experi- voters by the uncertainty of living in a post-Farrah, through the debate, that the thousands of county jobs enced the joy and sadness, triumphs and frustra- post-Jacko, post-Ed McMahon world. held by Irish-Americans (thanks to Messrs. O’Neill, tions, grit and grandeur of life. They loved and It’ll be the first election after the great Bunker Hill Bulger, Finneran, Flaherty, Moakley, and the like) were loved. As you look at the window, think of Day/Evacuation Day Imbroglio of 2009. and the positions’ inhabitants themselves had stirred it as a picture frame; a portrait of the person The whole to-do started tamely enough, during a in the holidays’ critics a sort of, hmmm, lack of appre- looking out. budget debate on the Senate floor that resembled other ciation for the historical moments. It’s an interesting The old man’s face has strength and character. such kick-ups over the two Suffolk County holidays. question, one that at its essence suggests not a lack Not only is he reminiscing but he is waiting, hop- Senate budget amendment #182 aimed to excise from of respect for the ethnicity of the Boston Irish, but the ing and praying for fulfillment; the day, when as the state’s calendar the pair of vacation days. historicity of Boston itself. his mother used to say, the window will open and Light history: Bunker Hill Day commemorates a June For the sake of the Commonwealth, republic, and his spirit will soar. 1775 battle seminal in the American Revolution, largely all the citizenry therein it would be best if the Suffolk James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District misnamed, locals know, because much of the pitched County holidays did not play a significant role in the Court judge who now practices law. His e-mail portion of the battle was actually waged on nearby 2010 campaign. They’re headline-accessible, small-dol- address is [email protected] Breed’s Hill. Evacuation Day came a few months later, lar issues, terrifically symbolic, and most of those most when British forces withdrew amid shelling in Boston vociferous on both sides of the issue failed to address Harbor to Nova Scotia after a siege of about 11 months. the small matter that the county holidays are extended Boston Irish Both helped make possible the Fourth of July, which to other state workers as “floating” holidays to enjoy is celebrated everywhere in the country. on the date of their choosing. REPORTER Bringing us back to the Senate budget debate this In part because that particular fact doesn’t particu- The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: May, when amendment #182, sponsored by Senate Mi- larly help either side, the pro-repeal side driving the Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., nority Leader Richard Tisei, Republican of Wakefield, case that Suffolk workers get special treatment, and 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 came to the floor and initiated a weeks-long debate over the anti-repeal advocates not particularly fond of de- [email protected] www.bostonirish.com tails that could lead the average voter to believe that, Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) the legitimacy of the holidays. Sen. Michael Knapik, Edward W. Forry, Publisher Republican of Westfield, launched the opening broad- jeez, a lot more people are getting those days off than sides, mocking the holidays and charging they would we thought, and we ain’t among them. Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor provoke resentment in the private sector. It was, for a brief and mildly silly time, the contro- William P. Forry, Contributing Editor Sen. Jack Hart, who as the Democratic state senator versy du jour on the Hill, the type of vote that made News Room: (617) 436-1222 Ads : (617) 436-1222 from South Boston, is the de facto mayor of Evacua- freshman and swing-district lawmakers edgy, the Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] tion/St. Patrick’s Day festivities, claiming a need to leadership a little harried, and a large bloc of lawmak- On The Web at www.bostonirish.com respect history, suggested that eliminating the holidays ers bemused. The issue has flagged on the agenda and Date of Next Issue: September, 2009 will likely continue to until next holiday season, when Deadline for Next Issue: Wednesday, August 19, at 2 p.m. could lead to the eradication of Christmas. Published monthly in the first week of each month. Knapik came back, briefly donning an Irish brogue mischievous Republicans could raise it again, force it The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in to discuss the achievements of the Irish and George onto the campaign agenda, and make the candidates advertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Washington with lilting tone. Hart parried, suggesting choose sides. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish Reporter to edit, reject, with scant fear of widespread contradiction that his To the hills. or cut any copy without notice. Page  August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

BIR Profile Call Me a Square Shooter, Says Frank Brennan; Legendary Banker, 92, Still Gets into the Office

By Greg O’Brien sponge half the size to wash the desks, Special to the BIR and I’m not in a very good mood about At 92, Francis Patrick Brennan, dean it after graduating cum laude from BC,” of Boston’s banking community, a first- Brennan recalls. “The assistant manager generation Irish American who elbowed comes over and says, ‘I see you’re not his way into the core of the once Yankee- washing the legs of the desks.’ That did dominated financial world where Irish it! I told him, ‘No, and I’m not washing need not apply, a vigorous, brassy, high- the damn tops of the desk, either.’ I threw octane individual with a street-smart the sponge in the buck and it splashed all quotient that would intimidate the best over his trousers. All I could think of is at Harvard, hasn’t lost a step. how the hell am I going to tell my father Don’t be fooled by the walker. His that I was fired from what he thought intellectual gait is impressive for a man was the greatest job around.” half his age. Basic rule of physics: When a greater On a steamy summer day, Brennan force confronts a lesser force, the greater takes his time making his way to the force wins. Brennan wasn’t fired; the front door of his Winchester home to docile assistant manager, dripping wet, greet a visitor. Impeccably dressed in walked back to his office, and in time the true banker fashion, the chairman of RFC looked to promote Brennan. “I was the Business Development Corporation told that I needed accounting training to of New England and retired chairman be a loan officer, and was sent to Bent- and CEO of Boston’s Union Warren Sav- ley three nights a week.” Brennan left ings Bank with a resume longer than a Bentley in 1942 to join the Army, and Tolstoy novel, apologizes for the delay. when he returned he became an RFC “I’m having difficulty getting around,” loan officer without a Bentley degree; he says. several years ago, the college awarded At Brennan’s ripe age, he “gets around” Brennan an honorary undergraduate better than most of us ever will. He degree at a special ceremony with family has prepped for the interview as if it members in attendance. were a bank audit; he sits down at the Banking maestro Frank Brennan, flanked by his sons, Thomas F., at left, and After the war, Brennan married Mary kitchen table and the facts, numbers, John J. Gilhooly, whom he had known since and stories roll off his tongue in rapid Photo by Bill Brett childhood. He says he always suspected fire. He fidgets with his red suspenders, their mothers had plotted sub rosa to an unmistakable symbol of this banker’s cornerstones of Brennan’s family and in stride, Brennan points to his parents’ arrange a courtship. The couple settled autonomy, and says, “I had trouble get- professional life — rocks of experience lives as the compass for his own. In spite in Arlington, then Winchester to raise ting them on this morning. They’re a that he has passed on to his children of the turbulence of his growing-up years their family. pain in the ass.” and to others. He insists on self-reliance. in Somerville — the lack of money, the After a seven-year tenure as an RFC With all due respect, some might say For example, when Brennan was head fact that his father was on welfare for loan officer, Brennan joined the- Mas the same of the straight-talking Bren- of Union Warren Savings Bank, none many years (assistance from the New sachusetts Business Development Cor- nan. Among them, former Harvard of his children were given summer jobs Deal’s Works Progress Administration), poration where he became the executive University President Derek Bok, who ex- there. Instead, they cut grass, babysat, and the in-your-face discrimination vice president. He went on to serve as perienced Brennan’s piercing frankness worked in local shops, and one of them against the Irish — there was a peace chairman and CEO of Union Warren years ago at a Massachusetts Historical drove a trash truck. Today, they are all in the Brennan household, and it came Savings Bank where he oversaw the Society Library function. Bok, according facsimiles of their father: Jack is chair- from pastoral Sneem in Kerry County successful merger of several community to Brennan, told his audience that at man and former CEO of the Philadel- near where Brennan’s parents grew up banks and guided the growth of the Harvard there were no right or wrong phia-based Vanguard Group, one of the in a quintessential Irish village sur- institution’s assets from $30 million to answers. ‘We just pose the question, and most successful mutual fund companies rounded by mountains with rocky peaks a billion dollars. The list of Brennan’s the student makes up his or her mind,’ in the world; Thomas, headquartered that is considered among the prettiest professional and civic affiliations is ” Brennan quoted him as saying. in Boston, is a senior vice president of in the land. numbing to record: the board of directors After the speech, Brennan braced Bok Bank of America; Mary Ann is a former Brennan’s father, John, and his of the Home Owners Savings Bank in in a classic Yankee-Gaelic confrontation. vice president for Bank of Boston; and mother, Bridget (Sullivan), immigrated Burlington, former president of the Mas- “When I was growing up,” Brennan, Eileen is in charge of nurse recruitment to Boston in their 20s and met at a Somer- sachusetts Bankers Association Savings a Boston College graduate, told him, at Georgetown University Hospital. ville dance. They dated, were soon mar- Bank Association of Massachusetts; “I was taught there was a right and Brennan, who has eight doting grand- ried, and then had two children. John former director of the Massachusetts a wrong, that nothing was left to the children, still works two days a week, bought a three-decker on Somerville Bankers Association; former chairman imagination. I have to tell you, Mr. Bok, leaving home with a driver who takes Avenue near Porter Square, which he of the Massachusetts Purchasing Group; I don’t agree with one [expletive] thing him to the Business Development financed through the rents of his ten- former director of the Boston Mutual you said today.” Corporation offices. Brennan was the ants while working during the day as a Life Insurance Company; former board A man of deep faith in the Scriptures, first employee at MassBusiness, an laborer for a light company from which member of the National Council of Sav- Brennan’s remarkable life lines up in institution recognized nationally as a he was laid off during the Depression. ings Organizations; former chairman of lockstep with James 5:12: “Let your leader and innovator in business lend- Subsequently, his son Frank, a fiery 10- the Boston Savings Central Fund; former yes be yes, and your no be no.” There’s ing and capital investments. Over seven year-old redhead, went to work installing member of the Advisory Committee of no middle ground with Brennan, no decades of professional work, Brennan lamps on a construction site while his the Federal National Mortgage Associa- maybe. has remained true to his guiding, De- father maintained the house. tion (Fannie Mae); and former direc- This is a man who was censured de- pression-era principles: “My parents were strict,” Frank re- tor of the Boston Municipal Research cades ago by a politically correct Little “I’m an Irish banker,” says the former calls. “There was no messing around. Bureau and the Greater Boston Real League director in Winchester for his chairman of the board of the Dreyfus/ But they were fair and loving. Mother, Estate Board. pursuit of perfection. “You’re too com- Laurel Mutual Fund. “My word is my a well-educated and religious woman, Politically eclectic, Brennan today petitive, you want to win all the time,” bond. I’m going to listen to your prob- ran the family finances, and Dad did faults the greed of bankers, Wall Street, Brennan, a father of four, was told before lems, and help you solve them. I’m not the work. My mother went through six and politicians for the frightful state of being put on notice that he might be going to do anyone any big favors. I’m or seven grades in Ireland; I don’t think the economy, and has little confidence banned from coaching at an upcoming straight as a string, and I play no favor- my father went to two, but he was self- in Washington. “Any time a fix comes board meeting. ites, no matter your name or background. taught and an avid reader. We had no out of Washington, the fix is worse than “I thought winning was a good thing,” You’ll get a fair hearing from me, and if car in those days, no telephone, and my the problem,” he says. “Those guys have Brennan, who served in a World War II it’s justified, I’ll do something for you. parents only got a radio after a little never had to really fix anything; they tank battalion under Gen. George Pat- But it will be up to me. That’s just the pressure from my brother John and me. just throw more money at it.” ton, earning a Bronze Star, replied to his way it’s been.” No one around us had much, either.” Born in 1917 when Woodrow Wilson critic. “I can’t stop you from bringing it So much for special interests, and yet Brennan credits a sage sixth-grade was president and the year the United up. I’ll tell you that most of the direc- that’s what makes Brennan so special, teacher for motivating him to advance States entered World War I, Frank Bren- tors are coaches and friends of mine, say his friends in high places. his education. He assumed he would nan has experienced a wide swath of life, and they’re going to vote with me. But On the occasion of his 90th birthday, never have the money for a college and but he has never strayed beyond his roots if I lose, I’m going to knock you right some of Boston’s best and brightest as- had opted for a general trade educa- and his religion. Fiercely independent, square on your butt before I get out of sembled at his alma mater to honor him tion in junior high school, rather than he lives alone with his Springer spaniel, that room!” with the establishment of the Francis P. a college preparatory course. “ ‘You’re a Jake, and has assistance with cleaning Brennan, the street fighter from Brennan Fund in Leadership and Ethics, good student,’ she said, as she enrolled and meals. And he has never lost sight Somerville, won the vote hands down. which supports a student symposium me in the college prep training. ‘If you of “the boss.” Get the picture? There are many who within BC’s Winston Center. The affair continue to be a good student, the money “I have great faith,” he says. “The say the world could use more Frank was hosted by Brennan’s close friend, will come.’ ” Lord has blessed me. I have days that Brennans. George Regan of Regan Communica- And it did, albeit slowly. After Somer- are good and days that are bad, but I’m A consummate family man, Brennan tions, and the guests included former ville High School, Brennan attended here until the Lord calls me.” has set his priorities as straight as a Boston mayors Kevin White and Ray Boston College and upon graduation in Judging from the files and piles of ledger line — always putting first his Flynn, Bob Sheridan, president and 1939, he worked as a janitor and gas at- paperwork on his kitchen table, that late wife Mary (Gilhooly), who was a CEO of SBLI, Pat Purcell, president and tendant. Then a close BC connection, his call won’t come for some time. Francis Somerville schoolteacher, and his chil- publisher of Herald Media, and other ethics teacher, Fr. John O’Brien, helped Patrick Brennan at 92 is fully engaged dren. “When I lost Mary about 12 years luminaries. Said Sheridan of Brennan, him land a job with the Reconstruction in life, saying of himself: ago,” he says. “I lost everything. I’m still “He has been an iconic figure in the Finance Corporation (RFC), the gov- “This is one tough son-of-a-bitch, but not over it.” Boston banking and business landscape. ernment loan agency. Lacking formal he’ll give you what you deserve.” Nothing has been easy in Brennan’s Frank exemplifies what business should accounting training, he was relegated Greg O’Brien is president of Stony life; there were no free passes for this son be in terms of financial, ethical, and to odd jobs and chores, like washing the Brook Group, a publishing and politi- of a gritty laborer from the little Kerry community bottom lines.” Added Purcell, desks the day before the esteemed CEO cal/communications strategy company village of Maulagaliane, just north of his “character, leadership and principles of the agency, Emil Schram, later the based in Brewster. The author/editor of Sneem, His dad was “a rough, tough have inspired legions in our community head of the New York Stock Exchange, several books, he also writes frequently Harp,” as Brennan calls him. Persever- for many, many years.” came to Boston for an inspection. for regional and national publications. ance, hard work, and integrity are the Taking such praise characteristically “I was handed a large bucket and a Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page  Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell N.Y. Congressman Blasts Dead More than 2,000 people, many parishio- Ireland the price is $27. Omagh Families Pursue O.J. Rem- Pop Star – Long Island Congressman ners and other townspeople, have already This is not dissimilar to the situation in edy – The families of the 29 victims of the Peter King couldn’t wait for Michael signed a petition to stop the removal of North America where Canada, as a result horrific Omagh bombing eleven years ago Jackson to be buried before he began the stump. of negotiated drug pricing, markets that this month have won a judgment against his personal campaign of invective to Both parish priests have said they country’s drugs at far less than the cost the men implicated in the senseless close down the media coverage of the pop see nothing of a spiritual nature in the here in the United States.The excuse atrocity. The award of $2.5 million will star’s death and funeral. His outburst tree stump but that is not what some offered by Big Pharma in Ireland for the likely be no easier to collect than the civil entailed calling Jackson a “pervert and want to hear from the curates. A local inflated drug prices there is the smaller damages award against O.J. Simpson, a low life,” sentiments that the 65-year- businessman, Seamus Hogan, said visi- size of the Irish market and the totally but it indicates the level of commitment old eight-term congressman apparently tors to the area (who continue to arrive bogus claim that if prices were reduced of the families. never publicly uttered until Michael by the scores) “are not venerating the to the UK level, some companies would Of the four men Jackson was silenced by death. I couldn’t willow tree stump, but Our Lady... It is stop the supplying certain drugs. This, involved in the identify a single Jackson song hit if my the same as a marble statue inside the of course, is absolute rubbish. Omagh bomb- life depended on it, but in his strange, church,” he said. Bad Scene In North Belfast – It ing, one is in lonely ultimately tragic life he was never This news item from Limerick reminds was a bad scene in places beyond the Ar- prison in the convicted of the criminal behavior that this frequent visitor to Ireland of a tiny doyne in north Belfast, but that troubled Republic, one Peter King throws around so recklessly. village in County Cork, Ballinspittle, interface can graphically serve as a mi- is being held Who is Peter King to destroy a person’s that caused quite a furor in 1985 with cro-flashpoint for this year’s ramped-up, for extradition reputation so arrogantly? Was he stand- reports of a moving statue of the Virgin brutal marching season combat. The two to eastern Eu- ing up for the children of America? When Mary, complete with eyewitnesses. It most popular targets of criticism for the rope, and two he called IRA death squads “brave men” wasn’t the only report of statues in mo- sustained street violence over the July12- others live in during their worst violent moments that tion in Ireland that year but we were in 13 period are the dissident (breakaway) the Republic. tolled the deaths by the IRA of over 600 the area and decided to check it out. republicans that are unhappy with A vexing prob- Northern Catholics during the Troubles, The statue in question was in a grotto Gerry Adams and the provos, unhappy lem in actually whom was he protecting then? Oh, yes, I some 20 feet up a hill. The four of us with the British presence in the North, Bill O’Donnell collecting the should mention that Rep. King is looking stared at the statue for a fairly long time and capable of anything from inciting court award in- possibly to move up as a U.S. Senator but nothing moved. We took a break, youth gangs to assault the police (PSNI), volves what if any assets the Real IRA, from New York, so outbursts against looked around, and then stared once to assassinating young constables. The or the Continuity IRA, has that are an exotic dead pop star like Jackson again at the image of the Virgin Mary. other element in the toxic marching mix unprotected and subject to collection. might not be a burden to him in some Nothing. Maybe we didn’t bring enough of Unionist Pride Season, is, of course, Rumors have suggested the some of the quarters. faith with us to that Cork hillside but for the marches themselves. defendants have already signed over U.S. Military A Cash Cow for Shan- four tourists from Boston, Ballinspittle The Orange Order has been trying to property and similar assets to others non – In what for Shannon Airport was was an unmoving experience. manufacture a “feel good -- holiday” spec- to shelter them from the court decision. an otherwise flat year with the global Debtor Prisons To Close – Ireland tacular out of the marching season with As many people know, the Brown and economy taking its toll, the only bright has moved further into the 21st century particular design on making the Twelfth Goldman families won a $33 million side of the balance sheet and the single with a proposal in the Dail to do away a day of celebration for both traditions as civil judgment against O. J. Simpson growth area for the airport was the with the archaic punishment of prison well as, yes, tourists. At best, it’s a reach but to date, despite aggressive efforts, movement of U.S. soldiers. In the first time for debtors. It has been the con- but looking at the destructive nature of have obtained very little of the award. six months of this year, the Irish Times tinuing practice in Ireland to jail people the second week of July, it would suggest We can all hope that the Omagh families reports, more than 130,000 US military for non-payment of debts. I thought to the most liberal and optimistic among find swifter and surer justice. personnel, passed through Shannon on that debtors’ prisons had disappeared us that there remains a cultural chasm Bertie Ahern Wrestles With His 991 flights. This is a 4.8 percent increase eons ago but the government has been of Olympian size yet to be crossed. Taxes – Two years after the Mahon on the first six months of last year. The regularly enforcing debtor laws that date The staunchly unionist newspaper, the Tribunal veteran and former Taioseach soldiers on the way to and from Middle back almost 70 years ago. Last year in Newsletter out of Belfast, had a decidedly said he was almost finished sorting out East postings accounted for nearly $5 the Republic 276 people were impris- different take on this year’s parades. his taxes (no mean feat) Bertie Ahern, million in profit for Shannon. Overall oned for debt non-payment. The move They called the Twelfth “a unique mix of as of last month, had not yet finished traffic in the six-month period for the to reform the laws is being driven by religion, music, pageantry, and culture corralling the numbers. His potential airport was down 7 per cent, trans- the national Free Legal Advice Centres with some political speeches thrown in.” tax liability, of which he has reportedly atlantic traffic down 19 percent and that represent indigent Irish clients and The NewsLetter line that really caught already paid over $90,000, stretches back European traffic down 3 per cent. The others unable to afford lawyers in civil my eye was the one that said, “There to the 1990s when he was the country’s number of U.S. troops using Shannon litigation. Good move! are few spectacles like it anywhere in high-flying Finance Minister and dig-out since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan Bad News, Good News For Galway the world...” Amen to that! head table honcho. is 1.35 million. – The bad news is that the Irish economic RANDOM JOTTINGS It hasn’t been an easy slog for the for- Happy Memories In Providence plunge has had a seriously negative im- It’s good to see more and more Irish mer Irish leader in trying to sort out his – George M. Cohan was born on July pact on the city’s once booming business travel agencies advertising not only murky personal finances. One can only 3, 1878 in a cold-water flat in Fox Point, landscape. In the past year alone there Killarney, the Cliffs of Moher and Dublin, empathize on the loaves and fishes aspect Providence, to struggling Irish-American has been a 300 percent increase in the but also noting the scenic splendors of of his income over his earlier years in vaudevillians. The song and dance man number of local firms that have either the North. The North is a wonderland government with its array of “dig-outs” who composed and sang some of Amer- declared bankruptcy or closed. The busi- of scenery that fully complements the and good-will gifts from old friends and ica’s patriotic favorites, like “Yankee ness failures in Galway are in line with a lower 26. … One disconcerting aspect newly enriched recipients of the early Doodle Dandy” and “You’re a Grand Old country-wide loss of over 700 companies of some auto rental agencies market- Celtic Tiger’s largesse. These gifts from Flag,” never truly received his proper due that failed in the first six months of this ing is the cutoff age some advertise as grateful constituents, and even a few who by the city of his birth, but on July 3 he year, an increase over the same period 75 and out –Ridiculous. … We can all dealt in Sterling, may all be subject to was finally accorded a civic celebration, in 2008 of 135 percent. hope that Boston’s own Maura Tier- Irish taxes and penalties and that is what a bronze sculpture by a famed Boston But glorious Galway city —once de- ney (of ER, etc.) will be well-served keeps Bertie, pencil nub in hand, working sculptor, and a Providence square named scribed as the fastest growing city in and recovering as this is printed from away, doing his numbers in the lonely after him. Cohan, who wrote some 500 Europe — is poised to ride out the harsh surgery for a breast tumor. … A rare shank hours of the night. And one must songs and was awarded the Medal of Irish recession and is looking to the fu- copy of the original 1916 Proclamation remember that it is particularly trouble- Honor by President Franklin Roosevelt ture. Just last month the Galway Harbor for sale in London and expected to go for some for a man who, admittedly, kept few for his wartime songs, performed often Commission announced a worldwide de- $30- $45,000 remains unsold. The sell- personal financial records outside of his at the Majestic Theatre in Providence, sign competition to attract international ing price was in pounds sterling which head, and resisted the blandishments of now the site of the award-winning architects to create an “iconic building” in might have turned off patriot types. … A formal banking. theater company’s Trinity Playhouse. what will be a new and revamped Galway contemplative body is the local assembly Even today one can picture a bleary- The widely acclaimed Boston sculptor dock area. The harbor board is looking in Belfast’s Stormont. The first year it eyed Bertie in his study at home in green- who created the bronze bust of Cohan to build something like a reduced scale passed just 13 bills, this year only 8. … shaded solitude, under a wall filled with for Rhode Island’s capital city is Rob- building reflecting the sweep and style The Lisbon Treaty, supposed key to EU plaques, photographs, and platitudinous ert Shure, who also created Boston’s similar to the one in Sydney, Australia, stability, has a new champion in poet wall hangings, desperate to do a good Irish famine memorial, as well as the that serves as a unique, recognizable Seamus Heaney, who is pushing for a job to show the Mahon little people and recently dedicated Providence Irish architectural logo for that city. Good yes vote in the October referendum. … those rude barristers that Bertie was famine memorial. luck to our friends in Galway and their John Carroll, former Beat the Press above it all, still is. Yet it isn’t easy be- Did You Know That … Frontiersman search for a signature landmark. panelist on WGBH’s Greater Boston, ing Bertie Ahern, even with his hefty Davy Crockett was born in Tennessee, Big Pharma, Irish Style – Drug has a new blog out for you keyboarders, going away severance and his $300,000 the son of Irish-born John Crockett. manufacturers in Ireland have been “Campaign Outsider.” … Sinn Fein, still annual pension. His retreat from Irish He was a scout for Andrew Jackson overcharging the Irish Health Service working on electoral wound-licking, has public life was somewhat eased by his and twice was elected to Congress.He by millions of euro for prescription drugs a full scale rump revolt from some repub- speech before a joint session of the US is perhaps best known for holding out for its clients. A new investigative study licans who feel that Gerry Adams and House and Senate —a thank you to against General Santa Ana before dying by the Irish Independent newspaper has the provos botched the hunger strike and Bertie for the nod and wink on the US at San Antonio’s famed Alamo in 1836. blasted the health service for wasting may have mis-transmitted negotiating military shuttles through Shannon, but Beside Crockett a dozen Irish-born Texan huge sums in overpaying for essential points between Thatcher’s government that hardly takes the sting out of the defenders also died during the Alamo’s drugs. Drug manufacturers in Ireland, and the strikers in Long Kesh. … In recent reports that former British PM final battle. the study charges, are being paid up to case you missed it, Beamish Brewery in Tony Blair and not Bertie will be the Limerick Tree Trunk Recalls Bal- 18 times more for generic drugs than they Cork has pulled the plug and closed up first European Union President. And the linspittle – It’s not a statue but the tree would cost in the United Kingdom. for the last time. On its Cork site since IMF is pointing to the Ahern government stump in a small Limerick town might as An example: a popular drug used for 1690, new owner Heineken moved the policies of 2007-2008 as major factors in well be to many of the faithful who see an ulcers and acid reflux that some friends operations to its Lady’ Well Brewery the grim economic situation in Ireland image of the Virgin Mary etched in the obtain here in the U.S., Omeprazole, can also in Cork ...... today. What do they know! 80-year-old tree stump on the grounds of be bought and used for around 6 cents a Siocha’in Did You Know … that the first Irish Rathkeale’s St. Mary’s Catholic Church. day. In Britain the cost is $1.60 but in expedition to successfully climb Mount Everest reached the top in 1993. The climbing team was led by Dawson Stelfox, a 34-year-old architect from Belfast, who became the first Irish per- Where in the World Can You Find son to reach the peak at 29,078 feet. The Irish team was one of only eight teams to conquer the mountain by using the News about Ourselves & Our Town dangerous North Ridge. As a Belfast native, Stelfox can also claim to have made the first Irish and British ascent of the North Ridge. www.BostonIrish.Com Page  August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Notes from the Irish Immigration Center Immigration Q & A An agency accredited by US Department of Justice Beware Scams 59 Temple Place, Suite 1010, Boston, MA 02111 Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 On Jury Duty Website:iicenter.org Email: [email protected] Q. I received a phone call from someone claiming to be a state court officer. The caller said that I had an Farwell to Thomas the program will now the talk was about? With new summer hours, there outstanding arrest warrant for failing to appear for jury Keown, IIC Media Rela- be offered regularly. So a $25 donation to the IIC, will be no legal clinics at service. I told the caller that I never had received any tions coordinator – The join us on Tuesday nights we’ll send you a limited our downtown office for the notice to serve on a jury, and that I was ineligible anyway chap who has been duti- for educational training edition DVD of President month of August. The clin- because I’m a legal permanent resident, not a US citizen. fully writing these BIR in the home health care Mary McAleese’s speech ic schedule for September Then the caller said that there was probably some sort submissions among many profession. at the Solas Dinner. Also, will be posted mid-August, of mistake, and that it could be cleared up if I provided other IIC endeavors for Current class partici- for a free photo gallery so stay tuned. some information, including my Social Security number. the last eight years has pant Callie O’Driscoll has of the 20th Anniversary Allston-Brighton – This didn’t sound right to me, so I told the caller I’d have left the IIC to focus on the 20 years of experience event, send an e-mail to Tues, Aug. 11 from 6.30 to get back to him. I asked for his number, but then he organization that he has in the elder care profes- happybirthday@iicenter. p.m. in the Kells Bar and hung up. What do you know about this kind of thing? been volunteering with, sion; however she never org with ‘I went to Solas Restaurant, 161 Brighton A. This is most definitely a scam. Massachusetts courts One Home Many Hopes, received her certification. 2009’ in the subject line. Ave, Allston. have issued warnings to the public about it. Anyone who a refuge for orphaned While her professional Can you employ an South Boston – Tues., gets such a call should hang up and provide no informa- and abandoned girls in background is in the finan- Irish student this sum- Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.at La- tion of any kind. This is a scheme designed to steal your Mtwapa, Kenya. Thomas cial industry, she realized mer? –List any open jobs boure Center (directly identity: with Social Security numbers and other infor- is very passionate about her true passion was in or apartments for free across from Burger King) mation, criminals can get access to your bank account justice and fairness, espe- patient care and has been at our Cyber Café! Irish 275 West Broadway, South and drain it. They can also get at your other assets and cially in Africa, and he is working in this field for the students on the J-1 visa Boston. use your data to get credit by posing as you. already helping to attract past 20 years. O’Driscoll are swarming into Boston Immigration Attorneys If you get such a call, you can report it to the Mas- additional volunteers and jumped at the opportunity looking for places to work will be present at all clin- sachusetts Attorney General’s office. They have a con- donors to expand their to take the class because it and beds to sleep in. So if ics. IIC has been providing sumer hotline at 617-727-8400. If you have caller ID, work at One Home Many will help in transforming you have a space to rent or free immigration legal you should take down the caller’s number and provide Hopes and enable them to her interest in health care a summer job opportunity, advice for 20 years this it to the AG’s office. help more at risk girls. Al- into a new career. contact us to get your year. For more informa- If you have given out personal information to one of though we are all very sad “I think that the class information listed at the tion about IIC legal clinics, these scam callers, you should file a police report and to be losing him, Thomas’s gives individuals the con- Cyber Café. We can help call 617-542-7654. notify your bank and credit card issuers, as well as the involvement with One fidence to get a RN degree. connect you with J-1 stu- Immigration in the credit reporting services, to indicate that you have been Home Many Hopes will Many of the people have dents looking for tempo- news – On June 25 Presi- the victim of identity theft. greatly impact the future the background, the skills, rary accommodation and dent Obama met with Only US citizens may serve on juries. If you are called of these young girls. We and the knowledge, but employment. If you have members of Congress to for jury service, you will receive an official notice in the wish him the best in all now they just need it on summer positions to fill, discuss immigration re- mail indicating the date, time, and court location for your of his endeavors and look paper,” O’Driscoll said. e-mail us at j1summer@ form. He reaffirmed his jury appearance, along with instructions about what to forward to hearing news If you are interested iicenter.org or call 617- position on the need for do if you have to change the time or have a reason why that his travel books will in taking the next round 542-1900, Ext. 41. comprehensive reform and you cannot serve. You will never receive a telephone be published along with of classes, please contact Free Legal Clinics in the need for both the Re- call about jury service where the caller asks for your his memoirs detailing Gobnait Conneely to get on August – Do you have publican and Democratic personal data. everything from respond- the list at 617-542-7654, questions about your im- parties to work together in Remember that no foreign nationals, whatever the legal ing to quirks in American Ext.34. migration case or that of developing sensible poli- basis for their presence in the US (including green card politics to the challenges Want to share Presi- a family member? Do you cies. According to sources holders), may serve on juries. Nevertheless, sometimes and surprises in turning dent McAleese’s speech want to learn more about in Washington, debate on jury notices are mistakenly sent to non-citizens. In such 30. at the Solas Dinner becoming a citizen? Drop legislation should begin cases they need to respond to indicate that they are dis- Sign up for the next celebration with your in to have your queries later this year or early qualified from serving. They must not ignore the notice. round of Home Health friends and family? answered by experienced next year, with both the Otherwise a warrant will be issued for their arrest. Aid classes -- After the Did you miss the Solas immigration attorneys at House and the Senate A non-citizen who receives a jury summons should do success of the new Home Dinner this year and a clinic near you: working on the bill at the the following: On the notice you received, you should Health Aid class in July, want to know what all Downtown – Due to our same time. indicate that you are ineligible to serve because you are not a US citizen. Make photocopies of the biographical pages of your passport, noting your passport number. The Matters Of Substance pages that you copy should include your full name, date of birth, and photograph. In addition, you should come to the IIC office, and we can draft and notarize a sworn Is It Gambling? affidavit for you stating that you are not a US citizen. You should then mail the jury duty notice, passport pub, comes home late, and suggest that someone in shows increasing signs of By Danielle Owen copy, and affidavit back to the address given on the notice. says it’s my fault. I don’t your family is experienc- restlessness or irritation Special to the BIR Use the certified mail, return receipt requested service know what to do or how ing a gambling problem. as he or she attempts to re- “My partner and I have available at your local post office. This will provide you to react!” Are you seeing any of the duce gambling behavior been together for over 10 with proof that you responded to the notice on time. There could be many following? • Your family member years & we have 2 children. We emphasize that if you are not a US citizen you must explanations for your • The family member is uses gambling as a way to We are both self employed not attempt to participate in jury duty: By doing so you partner’s behavior, but lying about gambling, hid- escape or avoid problems & up until recently were would be falsely representing that you are a US citizen, there is a good chance ing betting slips, lottery • Your family member living a good life. Both of which would cause major difficulties for you with the that the recent changes tickets, money ,or other keeps returning to gamble us have noted a drop-off immigration authorities. By the way, the same warning in his attitude might be signs of betting after losing money gam- in work and seem to be applies to cases of non-citizens voting in US elections. related to a gambling • There are arguments bling having a lot more fights For a free, confidential consultation on this or any problem. Since you have over how money is handled • Your family member lately. Every time I try other immigration law issue, visit one of our weekly legal had separate finances for in your household feels guilty about the way and talk with him about clinics as published in the Reporter. years, he could have been • The family member is he or she gambles our finances, he becomes Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform hiding a gambling problem borrowing money and not • They commit illegal upset & refuses to discuss generally, not to advise in individual cases. Areas of law for many years that was repaying it acts, such as forgery, it with me. He never tells are rapidly changing. US Citizenship and Immigration never an immediate issue • Your family member fraud, theft or embezzle- me what he is earning & is Services and the US Department of State regularly amend because you both were is starting to miss work/ ment to finance gam- always asking me to give regulations and alter processing and filing procedures. making more money. Now school or other obligations bling. him money, saying that For legal advice seek the assistance of an IIC immigration that you are experiencing without good explana- • They jeopardize next month will be better specialist or an immigration lawyer. with this new client etc. a tightening in finances, it tions or lose a significant rela- but I never see that money may be harder and harder • Your family member tionship, job, educational again. My partner usually for him to hide the losses, is seeking loans or money or career opportunity pays the household bills thus generating stress. from friends and relatives because of gambling. CELEbRATINg 20 YEARS: 1989-2009 while I cover the mortgage Unlike alcohol or other to pay debt The good news is help is drug abuse, where those • Your family member available, no matter what and school supplies for Free Legal family-based, the children. In the last under the influence may gambles more than they your circumstances. Call appear intoxicated or intend or claim to Danielle, in confidence and employment-based, immigration, week, I found some “last and citizenship advice. notice” letters that show my “high,” problem gamblers • Your family member without judgment, at the partner hadn’t paid these usually do not exhibit tries to control, cut down Irish Immigration Center. bills in nearly 6 months! easily recognizable signs. or stop gambling, but un- Phone: 617-542-7654, Ext. He refuses to talk about it However, there are cer- successfully 14 or send an e-mail to Irish Immigration CeNter and usually takes off to the tain indicators that could • Your family member [email protected]. Free LegaL CLiniCs

TUESDAY CLINICS: south Boston Breads ’n Bits of Ireland Laboure Center 275 West Broadway Allston-Brighton South Boston, MA 02127 The Kells Bar and Restaurant 6:00 pm • Home Bakery • Irish Kitchen 161 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134 February 24th, April 27th, June 30th, 6:30 pm August 25th, October 27th January 13th, February 9th, Featuring... Scones, Irish Soda Bread, Brown Bread, March 10th, April 14th Homemade Soup, Sandwiches THURSDAY CLINICS: Dorchester DoWntoWn Boston Saint Mark’s Parish (School Hall) Irish Immigration Center Telephone 781-662-5800 • Fax 781-662-0859 1725 Dorchester Ave. 59 Temple Place Dorchester, MA 02124 10th Floor 6:00 pm Boston, MA 02111 e-mail: [email protected] January 27th, March 31st 4:00pm 530 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 • 781-662-5800 visit WWW.iicenter.org or cAll 617-542-7654 to confirm scheDule Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page  Are You Entitled to Irish Citizenship by Descent? By Hilda McGauley conditions are fulfilled. Foreign Births Register fectively a citizen at the citizen. The registration the opportunity to do so in Under the terms of the Where someone is born (FBR) of the Department time of the child’s birth procedure for children the other member states Irish Constitution and outside Ireland but to a of Foreign Affairs. (there can be exceptions subsequently born to this of the European Union successive pieces of legis- parent who is at the time Successive generations to this rule for children citizen is simplified by without the need for a visa. lation, an individual may of the birth an Irish citizen of foreign-born Irish can born before Dec. 31, 1986, the existence of the FBR It is therefore to be valued become entitled to Irish they obtain an entitle- maintain citizenship when the legislation came Cert. Production of the highly but not as highly as citizenship by virtue of ment to Irish citizenship. through registration in into effect). FBR Cert and the birth the honor of citizenship being born on the island However, citizenship does the FBR as each poten- The Procedure certificate of the citizen’s which can endure with the of Ireland, through mar- not become effective from tial citizen, in registering In the case of a family’s child usually suffices to generations. riage to an Irish citizen, birth for everyone. The their birth and making first registration in the have this child’s birth For further information or through the process of crucial factor is whether their citizenship effective, FBR, documentation is registered and a further on searches for documents naturalization. Crucially the individual’s parent provide their own children needed to prove entitle- FBR Cert then issues. for Irish Citizenship/Pass- for the Irish diaspora, was born in Ireland or ac- with a similar entitlement. ment. To be registered, To apply for a passport port. Online ordering. however, a process of citi- quired their citizenship in However the ‘link’ can be the potential citizen claim- a citizen again needs to Contact Hilda McGauley, zenship by descent is also turn through an Irish-born broken where registration ing citizenship through a prove entitlement. For the M.Sc. of Records Ireland. provided for. This process parent. In the latter case of a citizen’s birth in the foreign-born Irish parent citizen in receipt of an FBR E-mail: roots@recordsire- can allow for maintenance (of an Irish born grandpar- FBR takes place only after and an Irish-born grand- Cert, applying for a pass- land.ie Website: www. of citizenship through the ent) citizenship does not the birth of their own child. parent, needs to produce port involves submission recordsireland.com For generations of a family become effective until the The child loses entitlement their own birth certificate of the cert together with further information on living abroad if certain birth is registered in the as its parent was not ef- and (if applicable) their their birth certificate. In Irish citizenship and Irish marriage certificate. They the case of a foreign born passports see the website then need to produce the citizen with an Irish born of the Irish Naturalisation IIC Legal Clinics Provide Free birth certificates and (if parent (who is not required and Immigration Service applicable) marriage cer- to register with the FBR) at inis.gov.ie tificates of their citizen the passport application This articlewas recently Counseling to Local Irish parent and grandparent will involve production of featured in Irish Roots and an identity document their birth certificate and Magazine. Irish Roots By Katie Forberg in general. Experienced answer they want. And (such as a driving licence) (if applicable) marriage magazine is the only maga- Special to the BIR attorneys volunteer their what’s great about these time to meet with the clinics is that people have for each. Where the parent certificate and similar zine completely dedicated Nine years ago Jessica or grandparent is deceased documentation for their to Irish ancestral research Joyce was looking for individuals who visit one access to free, good legal of the Boston locations advice in a more comfort- a death certificate is need- Irish born parent (together within the entire island something to do. One day ed in place of an identity with an identity docu- of Ireland and is an im- she picked up the newspa- for free legal consulta- able environment. They tion. Around 25 to 30 can eat, grab a soda, and document. ment for their parent or portant resource tool for per, noticed that the Irish Once a birth is regis- a death certificate if their anyone wishing to trace Immigration Center was clients attend each clinic sit with an experienced and each case is looked attorney. “ tered in the FBR a For- parent is deceased). An their Irish ancestors. More looking for volunteers, eign Birth Registration Irish passport enables the information from .irish- and signed herself up at at individually and given After an individual at- the full attention of an tends an IIC clinic and has Certificate (FBR Cert) is holder to live and work in rootsmagazine.com. an IIC legal clinics. Last issued to the new Irish Ireland and also affords Tuesday, almost a decade attorney. an initial consultation, if after her first volunteer Joyce said she has seen he or she needs more ad- experience, Joyce was at just about everything vice or legal help, a referral The Kells Bar and Res- since she started work- is made to one of the immi- taurant in Brighton, not ing at the clinics. Cases gration experts in the IIC getting a drink or food, range from adjustment legal staff department. but greeting individuals of status to student visas Ryan Hoyle is an intern who are looking for legal to citizenship issues to in the IIC legal depart- advice. general questions about ment. He assists the “My husband is Irish immigration laws. managing attorney with EIRE and my grandparents are “I didn’t know much family-based petitions for from Ireland so I felt the about immigration when adjustment of status to connection,” Joyce said. I first started. Now I become a permanent resi- realize how hard it is for dent. “The legal clinics are pub “I went to my first clinic, liked it, and stayed for immigrants. They have a great opportunity for our quite a while.” valid legal questions, clients to get expert advice The Irish Immigration but sometimes no funds from local attorneys,” said 795 Adams St. • Dorchester Center hosts free legal or resources to be able Hoyle. “It ensures their case clinics for individuals to ask these questions. is handled on an individual and families who have It’s reassuring for these basis and is looked after as “President’s Choice” questions about immi- people to have the chance a client.” gration, citizenship, or to ask their questions; If you’re interested in status adjustment issues even if they do not get the getting your citizenship, bringing a relative over, or Serving Lunch & Dinner have concerns about your residency status and abil- ity to stay in the States, Every day, come to an IIC clinic today or call the office at 617- 542-7654. 7 days a week FOLEY LAW OFFICES, P.C. Attorney John Philip Foley Permanent Residency & Citizenship • Family & Business Immigration • Labor Certification & Temporary Visas ALL Nationalities & AILA Members G eraghty ssociates Irish A Cultural Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments Available in the desirable Cedar Grove section of Dorchester. Centre Studios reasonably priced at $750.00; WEDDINGS • CORPORATE EVENTS • PRIVATE PARTIES 1-bedroom units at $925.00; FULL LIQUOR LICENSE • ACCOMMODATES UP TO 250 heat and hot water included. hort walk to the ed ine ree off street arking SPACIOUS TENT OVER PATIO FOR OUTDOOR PARTIES S R L . F - P . Washing Machines and Dryers in building. AS WELL AS BEAUTIFUL YEAR-ROUND FACILITIES Call Michael at 617.364.4000 UNIQUE COUNTRY SETTING

For personal service, Geraghty Associates, Inc. call toll free 1-888-464-7474 Property managers Now accepting reservations P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 200 New Boston Drive, Canton Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 Page 10 August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events

The Ireland Naval Service patrol ship LÉ Eithne came to Boston during the six -day Tall Ships visit last month. The flagship of Ireland’s navy, the ship was open to the public for tours. On Thurs., July 9, ship’s Commander David Barry joined Ireland’s Consul General to Boston David Barry (no relation!) to host a gathering of invited guests aboard the vessel. The ship was docked at Charlestown’s Pier 4 dur- ing its stay. 1.) Commander David Barry; Supt. National Parks Terry Savage; Irish 1. Gen. Consul David Barry; 2). Commander Richie Ryan, Carlow; Mike Dwyer, Westwood, Mike O’Connor, W. Roxbury; 3.) Michael McCarron, Milton; Mary O’Connor, Brighton; Patrick Griffin, Providence, RI; 4.) Brendan Cullen, Hingham; 5.) Richard Archer, Dedham; Robert Walsh, Gloucester; 6.) Della Costello, Dorchester; P.O. Joe Costello, Galway; Jack Meehan, AOH, Quincy; 7.) Brian O’Donovan, Newton; Regina and Frank Kennedy, Wayland; 8.) Donnelle and Scott Kavanaugh, Windham, ME 9.) Laura Dowdall, No. End; Rob McTernan, Brighton; 10.) Catherine O’Malley and Chris Donnelly, New Bedford; 11.) Tom Gallagher, Need- ham; Sr. Margaret Kelly, Pastoral Centre, Quincy; 12.) John Connolly, Hingham; Jim O’Brien, Charlestown; 13.) Jim West and Arlene Brennan, Newton; 14.) Marie Meehan, Quincy; P.J. and Mary Quinn, Malden; 15.) Lt. Phil Dicker, Cork; Albert and Mary Swanton, Milton.

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14. 15. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 Carty on Sports A Busy Month for Local GAA action By Ken Carty National championships on tap Special to the BIR With the economy rav- aged and unemployment at ICC over Labor Day Weekend figures rising, people today eight points (1-5-0 with at the halfway point of ry posted a 1-1 draw away are naturally looking for one game in hand). the season. The Bohs to Skonto Riga of Latvia the biggest bang for their So how are Ireland’s have posted an impressive when Derry’s diminutive buck. Sports fans are no chances? Pretty good, ac- 13-2-4, outscoring their Tam McManus netted an different, which is why tually. Ireland has three opposition 32-11. There equalizer a minute before they should pay attention games remaining – at is a great battle shaping the break. to the happenings down at Cyprus (Sept. 5) before up on the 1st division to The Notebook: The saga the Irish Cultural Centre. they host Italy (Oct. 10) see who gets promoted. of soccer superstar Cristia- The lush athletic fields at and Montenegro (Oct. 14) Shelbourne (40 points), no Ronaldo finally sorted the Canton facility are one at Croke Park. Wins over Sporting Fingal (36), UCD itself out when Manches- of our area’s most underap- Cyprus and Montenegro (36) and Waterford (35) ter United sold the mer- preciated venues. Year in would likely land the Irish are all within five points curial midfielder to Real and year out, the Gaelic second place in the group, of each other with roughly Madrid for a record $130 Athletic Association’s which would advance them 16 games remaining. million. Ronaldo’s new Joseph Ndo of Bohemians celebrates his Champions Northeast Board hosts to the next playoff round. League teams got off to contract with the Spanish League goal against Red Bull Salzburg. nearly 40 teams and 1,000 Anything less would open a great start in the early powerhouse makes him athletes in Gaelic football the door for the Bulgar- rounds of the European the highest paid soccer Tallaght Stadium for the of Hesselink were not and hurling competitions. ians. If they want to win competitions. The Bohs player in the world. Coin- match. … Up North, Tony offered contracts, and in The 2009 regular season the group, Ireland would opened their Champions cidentally, Ronaldo made Mowbray is the new man- their place arrived a pair of is underway and full ar- need to beat the Italians, League qualifying ac- his Real debut in Dublin ager at Glasgow Celtic. players from Nancy of the ray of matches are on tap a tall task but not impos- tion with a surprise 1-1 in a July 20 preseason A former Celtic player, French League – striker throughout the month sible. draw away to Austrian friendly against Shamrock Mowbray wasted little Marc-Antoine Fortune and before the season closes Ireland’s most recent champions Red Bull Sal- Rovers. More than 10,000 time in making changes. holding midfielder Landry with the prestigious North game was a gritty 1-1 draw zburg on July 15. After fans jammed into the new Midfielder Paul Hartley N’Guemo. American County Board away to Bulgaria in June. falling behind 1-0, the and striker Jan Vennegor national finals, which will Defender Richard Dunne Gypsies were boosted by be held over Labor Day had given the Irish the lead a great penalty kick save weekend (Sept. 4-7). in the 24th minute before by keeper Brian Murphy. Need an excuse to get Dimitar Telkiyski equal- Cameroonian Joseph Ndo down to Canton? Consider ized five minutes later. leveled in the second half, the following: Trapattoni was happy with giving the Bohs a great Chocolate Gifts to Share • In Men’s Senior Foot- a performance in what he shot at advancing to the ball, 11 teams are looking “always thought was going lucrative third stage of to represent Boston at to be a more difficult game the tournament. the nationals. At the half- than Italy away (a 1-1 draw In the Europa Cup, two way mark of the season, back in April).” LoI teams, St. Patrick’s • Handmade Chocolates • Hand Roasted Donegal might be at the Bohemians Look to De- and Derry City, posted • Beautiful Baskets Premium Nuts team to beat as they sup- fend Title -- Dublin-based opening-match draws to chocolate• Holiday Cookie Tins • Dazzling Gift Towers port a perfect 5-0 mark Bohemians are in the put themselves in position (10 points). Right behind pole-position to defend to advance as well. St. • Party Favors • Old Fashioned Fudge are Christopher’s (4-0, their League of Ireland Pat’s posted a disappoint- 8 points) and perennial (LoI) title but Derry and ing 1-1 tie with Malta’s • Corporate Gifts power McAnespies (4-1, Shamrock Rovers remain Valletta on July 16 at 8 points). within striking distance Richmond in Dublin. Der- Phillips Candy House • In Men’s Junior Foot- fine chocolates since 1925 ball, the seven-team di- vision is paced by Cork 818 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston (3-0, 6 points) and Donegal (3-1, 6 points), with the South Shore Plaza, Braintree Wolfetone’s (2-1, 4 points)

and836-1929 (215) FAX: McAnepies (2-1, 4 Order Online at points) both within shout- ing distance. phillipschocolate.com • Wexford leads the or call 800.722.0905 Men’s Senior Hurling Division with a 3-1. record (6 points) but Galway and Tipperary are close behind both with 2-1 records (4

points each). 836-1929 (215) A full slate of league “Wet Day, Dingle” changed from your last insertion, if applicable. if insertion, last your from changed games will be held on Sun- days this monthnot – August 2, 9 and 16 to be exact. Two fields will be in use Irish Citizenship and matches will run all day. The playoffs will be by Quinn THIS IS YOUR AD PROOF—PLEASE CHECK IT CAREFULLY! held836-4900 (215) PHONE: August 22 and 23 with Make sure everything is spelled correctly, and that all prices, dates, times, dates, prices, all that and correctly, spelled is everything sure Make of parts those check please Also, accurate. are etc. addresses, locations, were which ad your When you have checked your ad, please sign below where indicated and indicated where below sign please ad, your checked have you When at Edition Irish to back it fax the finals set for August Have You Always Dreamed of Having 29-30. More than 60 teams will then make their way Your Irish Citizenship? to Canton on Labor Day weekend for the national We provide research, cut through the red championships. tape, and do all the leg work so that you The ICC, which also can obtain your dual Irish citizenship in the plays host to the Boston Irish Wolfhound rugby shortest possible time. team, is located less than Call, e-mail, or fax Dual Irish Citizenship by three miles from the merge of Route 128 and Route Quinn for a free evaluation. We’ll let you 138 (near the Blue Hills). know if you’re eligible to hold Irish citizen- Parking is plentiful and ship and an Irish passport. concessions are available, including beer, so why not make it an afternoon and Dual Irish Citizenship by Quinn enjoy some of the best in Lithograph from original watercolor by Dublin artist amateur athletics? www.dualirishcitizenship.net Tom Roche - each signed individually, Matted and framed For more information, call or fax: 760.772.8318 in gold wood 12” x 14” $75.00. including schedules and standings, visit bostongaa. com. Come and visit us to see the Ireland in the Stretch • We complete the required paperwork for splendid selection of fine collectibles Run -- Giovanni Trapat- your dual Irish citizenship. toni’s Irish National Team is still in the hunt for • We cut through the red tape and do the 2010 World Cup in South leg work for you. Africa. With three games • We provide research service in the U.S., remaining in their Group 8 qualifying group, the Canada, and Ireland. 229 Lincoln Street (Rt. 3A) Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043 Green sit in second place

Irish Citizenship by Quinn by Citizenship Irish 800-752-9389 with 13 points on three Tel. 760.772.8318 wins and four draws in Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday noon - 5:00 pm seven games.2009 June One point Fax 760.772.8318 email: [email protected] ahead is Italy (4-2-0 with one game in hand) while www.dualirishcitizenship.net www.aisling-gallery.com advertiser: issue: 4x10 size: by: approved ______date: ______903 EAST WILLOW GROVE AVENUE, WYNDMOOR, PA WYNDMOOR, 19038-7909 AVENUE, GROVE WILLOW EAST 903

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Melody Tent: 21 West Main Street • Hyannis, MA Music Circus: 130 Sohier Street • Off Route 3A • Cohasset, MA Box Office open daily noon - 6 pm Page 14 August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Reporter Travel & More The Passing of a Legend: Mourning Jerry Holland By Sean Smith as Kimberley Fraser and ertoire extended to the new.” Special to the BIR Doug Lamey, both Boston- Irish tradition, and the After numerous visits Local friends and fans of area residents — have younger Holland grew up to Cape Breton, Mr. Hol- Jerry Holland are mourn- themselves become top- with a healthy respect for land moved there perma- ing the death last month of flight players. the likes of Michael Cole- nently in 1974, and went the Cape Breton fiddling Born in Brockton, Mr. man, James Morrison, about the business of legend, who maintained Holland became involved and Paddy Killoran, as putting his stamp on the close ties to both the at a very young age in the well as Cape Breton stal- island’s music tradition. Greater Boston and Irish Dudley Street dance hall warts Angus Chisholm, Said Janine Randall, a music communities. scene that was a locus for Bert Foley, and Winston childhood friend and fre- Mr. Holland, who had Boston’s traditional music “Scotty” Fitzgerald. quent accompanist of Mr. been battling cancer the aficionados. While most of In an interview with Holland, “Jerry had all past two years, died on the halls featured Irish the Boston Irish Reporter these different influences July 16 at the age of 54. music, the Cape Breton last year, Mr. Holland to draw upon, so that’s A memorial service and community had its own reflected on his musical why he developed such a celebration of his life was place for enjoyment, the upbringing: “I guess this unique sound, where the held in Bras d’Or, Nova Rose Croix. It was here exposure to the Irish mu- tunes are something you Scotia, on July 21. — and at weekly dances in sicians appealed to the listen to.” Celebrated a musician Brookline’s Orange Hall, radical in me, because I Mary Lamey, daughter as he was, performing in run by fiddler Bill Lamey enjoyed the idea of play- of Bill Lamey, adds: “Jerry concerts and festivals the — that Mr. Holland first ing Irish tunes in the broke the mold, and the world over, Mr. Holland became immersed in the Cape Breton style, using proof is how he was ac- was equally renowned as a music through step-danc- different ornamentations. cepted when he moved to composer of tunes and as a ing as well as fiddling. It certainly opened up the Cape Breton. The tunes teacher and mentor for un- Mr. Holland’s father, possibilities of taking ele- he’s written, in particular, Jerry Holland at last year’s ICONS Festival. told numbers of fiddlers, Jerry Sr., was himself an ments of different styles as well as the modern Photo by Arthur Ferguson some of whom — such avid fiddler whose rep- and creating something (Continued on page 15) His Music Delivers That Special Thing -- ‘Pure Radiance’ One of these mornings that what music making is about? Expressing both the You’re gonna rise up singin’ question and the answer that is beyond words, words You’re gonna spread your wings Ceol Agus Craic that cannot be uttered but only felt? And fly to the sky... Susan Gedutis Lindsay Right after I learned about Jerry Holland’s passing, -- From “Summertime,” composed by George Gersh- my friend fiddler Beth Sweeney stopped in. We shared a win for Porgy and Bess (1935). sad moment, and then swapped our own recollections of remembers being a young child with Jerry at these Jerry. We didn’t really know him, but we both had met Jerry Holland did just that last month: rose up halls, the two of them playing in the lobby during the him more than once. And we have both been touched by singing, flew to the sky...after a two-year battle with dances, swinging off banisters, dodging parents’ suits his music and his presence. She recalled back to 1993, cancer. He was 54. and crinoline skirts. He absorbed the music, and by when she first discovered his music. She was a little Why? Why Jerry? Why do the good ones go so early? 1976, as a teen, had become an extremely talented embarrassed to admit that she remembered having It’s the question we can’t help but ask. Seems the good fiddler. He relocated to Cape Breton, which was his said to her then-new boyfriend, “I’m going to measure ones deserve more summers. But I suppose that before home ever since. A lifetime of international touring, my life by “before” and “after” hearing Jerry Holland.” we shake our fists at the heavens, let’s redirect the performance, and composition made him one of the We chuckled, but really, it’s not all that funny. That’s question, “Why?” Let’s ask this question not about his stalwarts of Celtic music. But above it all, there is what kind of musician he was: so significant that a death, but about his life. a statement on his Parlor Music CD that seems to person can say that his music made a marked change Jerry Holland spent his life answering that question. encapsulate what music was about for him: in their life. There is something in his music, in his He was born and raised not too far south of Boston, in “Two old friends who occasionally string together a playing, his phrasing, his meaning that awakens us to Brockton, where his father was a musician. His parents few tunes in someone’s welcoming living room; that is some new vision, an audible, singable representation brought him along on Friday nights to the Rose Croix, a the humble context in which traditional music’s vitality of the things that life can be. dance hall in Dudley Square, Roxbury, Massachusetts, has been sustained over the centuries. On this record- Beth and I honored Jerry’s passing by playing a few where the Downeaster set living in Boston would go to ing, which pretends to be nothing fancy, we hear two of his tunes, in my backyard. We shared his depth by dance. As a young lad, he watched and listened to the of Cape Breton’s finest players in such a setting.” playing “In Memory of Herbie McCleod” and celebrated finest of Cape Breton musicians in Boston: “Winston That says it all. his joyfulness by playing one of his most well known Fitzgerald, Bill Lamey, Angus Chisholm, and several For those who would listen to his music -- full and often-played compositions, “Brenda Stubbert’s.” We other less well-known fiddlers, including his father,” hearted, joy filled, ego free, attached to neither fame were surely not the only ones playing his tunes today. his bio states. Pianist Janine Randall (daughter of nor fortune, unpretentious, committed and connected Jerry’s feet must be tapping somewhere, along with Downeaster Johnny Muise) told me years ago that she to those around him, as he so clearly was -- isn’t that a way to answer that eternal question, “Why?” Isn’t (Continued on page 16) On Being an Irish Entertainer: Seamus Kennedy Takes Questions By Sean Smith when he first came to the to the concert, he greeted Tom O’Carroll from New- Special to the BIR US, in 1971, where he arriving members of the buryport, and later Patsy For more than 30 years, started his family, and it audience, many of whom Whelan and Clive Collins. Seamus Kennedy has was where he immersed have obviously seen him We used to have a Tuesday presented his distinctive himself fully in sessions more than a few times, session at the Plough and blend of Irish folk songs and other musical set- caught up on old friends Stars with Shay Walk- and ballads, contempo- tings, developing the skills with the show’s opening er and Johnny Beggan, rary and popular songs, and qualities as a musi- performer, long-time pal and Declan Hunt. Those and stage patter that cian and entertainer that Seamus Pender, and chat- memories will stick with invariably elicits belly continue to serve him well. ted about the fun and chal- me forever. And we were laughs, chuckles, groans, Kennedy, who now lives lenge – but mostly the fun in places like Liam’s Irish and the occasional “did- near Annapolis, Md., has – in an Irish entertainer’s Tavern in Framingham, he-really-say-that?” gasp recalled some of that era in career. the Village Coach House of disbelief from the crowd. the book ”Clean Cabbage Q. Seamus, what are in Brookline Village – lots Kennedy is not there just in the Bucket (And Other your most significant of good people, good times to provide “ambience”; Tales From The Irish Mu- memories from the time there. whether he’s playing in a sic Trenches),” which he you spent in Boston? Any ability I have on pub or a concert hall, on co-wrote with four other When you look back at instruments – guitar, a festival stage or a cruise denizens of the Irish music those years, how do you mandolin, tenor banjo, ship, he wants the audi- circuit, Robbie O’Connell, think they influenced bodhran – I got from sit- ence to feel they’re part of Dennis O’Rourke, Harry you? ting in on all those ses- the show – and sometimes O’Donoghue, and Frank A. Well, I remember sions during that period they are, in ways they Emerson. most that there was ab- in my life. would never expect. Last month, Kennedy’s solutely fabulous mu- The performing end For Kennedy, the Bos- tour schedule – he per- sic around. I started off of it, I got most of that ton and Eastern Massa- forms on average about playing the ballads and from watching the Clancy chusetts area represents 225 days of the year – saw Seamus Kennedy proudly displays Clean Cabbage in traditional music, the jigs Brothers. They made their an important, and fondly him make a brief return the Bucket, which he wrote with Robbie O’Connell, and reels and stuff, and shows basically theatri- Dennis O’Rourke, Harry O’Donoghue and Frank remembered, chapter in to Massachusetts, for a the session scene here cal, and presented the gig at the Bull Run Res- Emerson: “It was a thrill doing the book… I loved was absolutely thriving. music very well. One of his life story. It’s where reading all the guys’ stories.” the Belfast native lived taurant in Shirley. Prior I’d play with a guy called (Continued on page 17) Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 and in folklore from Memorial University in Newfoundland. Phelps has been playing the bagpipes since the age of eight and studied under some of the most influ- ential pipers of the day, including John Walsh, Fred Morrison, and R.S. A column of news and and performed as part of a MacDonald, among oth- updates of the Boston Celt- 2008 Celtic Music Monday ers. ic Music Fest (BCMFest), concert featuring Cape Tri’s resume includes which celebrates the Bos- Breton music. appearances with the ton area’s rich heritage Also at the Aug. 10 show likes of Liam Clancy of Irish, Scottish, Cape will be Tri, the trio of and Paddy Keenan, and Breton music and dance Doug Lamey (fiddle), Matt performances at festivals with a grassroots, musi- Phelps (Scottish bagpipes throughout North Amer- cian-run winter music and small pipes), and Cliff ica, and on the “Boston festival and other events McGann (guitar, vocals, Sessions” series broad- during the year. mandolin, tin whistle). cast as part of the “Celtic - Sean Smith Tri — pronounced “tree,” Sojourn” show on WGBH. That Cape Breton translated from “three” This month they expect Sound -- The song and in Scots Gaelic – deftly to release their first CD, instrumental traditions shows the connections “A-Measg Chairdean of Cape Breton will be the between the Scottish (Among Friends),” with focus of this month’s BC- and Cape Breton music guests Kimberley Fraser, MFest Celtic Music Mon- traditions, as well as the Keith Murphy, and Eric day concert at Club Pas- elements that are unique Kilburn. sim in Harvard Square, to both. Included in the show Aug. 10, at 8 p.m. The trio’s members will be a tribute to Cape “Cape Breton Tradi- all have strong ties to Breton fiddling legend tions” will feature Wey- Celtic music. Lamey is the The August 10 BCMFest ‘‘Celtic Music Monday” concert at Club Passim will Jerry Holland, who died feature Cape Breton music from Tri (above) and Kyte MacKillop. mouth resident Kyte grandson of Bill Lamey, last month [see separate MacKillop, who is one of one of Boston’s most stories in this section]. the Greater Boston area’s celebrated Cape Breton her first CD, “Comb Your since BCMFest 2009, the September. Opening the show will Hair and Curl It.” She will BCMFest Board met to Board members ex- most renowned Gaelic fiddlers, and has been a be Amanda Cavanaugh, singers and speakers, and student of such fiddling be accompanied by guitar- begin selecting perform- pressed their appreciation a Tufts University sopho- ist Max Newman. ers for BCMFest 2010, to for the overall high quality boasts a distinguished masters as Buddy Mac- more who even before academic background Master, Alasdair Fraser, Tickets for Celtic Music be held Jan. 8 and 9. The of the applications, and she entered high school Monday are $12, $6 for board received some 50 the enthusiastic support that includes a certificate and Seamus Connolly. was considered one of in Celtic studies as well Lamey’s long-time collab- members of Club Passim, applications from bands for BCMFest this response the Boston area’s most WGBH and WUMB. For and soloists as well as for indicated. as numerous immersion orator McGann has Irish talented young fiddlers. courses at the Gaelic Col- and Nova Scotia family reservations, go to club- special collaborations, For more information Cavanaugh has appeared passim.org or call 617- likely the most ever in on BCMFest, see bcmfest. lege in Cape Breton and roots and like MacKillop at the ICONS Festival St. Francis Xavier Univer- has been a scholar as well 492-7679. the festival’s history. Once com; you can also sign up and performed as part of Past the Halfway Point all applicants have been for the BCMFest e-mail list sity in Antigonish, Nova as a performer – he holds the “St. Patrick’s Celtic Scotia. He has appeared degrees in Celtic Studies – Last month, at almost ex- contacted, BCMFest will via the Web site. Sojourn” production, and actly the six-month mark announce its line-up in frequently at BCMFest from St. Francis Xavier earlier this year released The Passing of a Legend: Mourning Jerry Holland (Continued from page 14) read through one of his Doyle; the duo played to ers, whether as teacher, everyone had to be one of a smile and a joke for me style he has, were very music books, you’ll find an overflowing crowd, musician, or friend. the highlights of my life.” — he used to tell me that influential to the fiddlers it’s a great way to spend which brought them back Randall recalled a con- The comments of Abbie I was small enough to fit he would play with in Cape a day.” for three encores. cert earlier this year in MacQuarrie, a college-age in a mail slot. He will be Breton.” Although strongly iden- As news of Mr. Hol- which Mr. Holland had Boston-area musician, honored for his incredible Doug Lamey, grandson tified with the Cape Breton land’s death circulated asked her to accompany reflect the experiences of playing and his contribu- of Bill Lamey, said, “He tradition, Mr. Holland had last month — and tributes him on piano. “As we com- many young people for- tion to Cape Breton music, has touched the music of many admirers in the Irish and reminiscences prolif- pleted the concert he told tunate to have forged a but those who were lucky so many musicians, and music community. One erated across the Internet the audience I was one of personal connection with enough to meet him will re- his compositions match up of the most anticipated — many were quick to note the finest accompanists Mr. Holland. member Jerry for his kind with those of James Scott highlights at last year’s that his fame never over- and that ‘this lady here “He was so supportive personality and, of course, Skinner, the Gows, and ICONS Festival was a shadowed the kindness, knows more tunes than of me over the years and his sense of humor. I am William Marshall, just to special concert pairing humor, and generosity of anyone I know.’ To have was one of my favorite missing him already.” name a few. If you ever him with guitarist John spirit he shared with oth- Jerry say this in front of teachers. Jerry always had Page 16 August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Ivers Promises Some ‘Rocking’ at Lowell Series By R. J. Donovan it was just ‘Okay, time to of that show. There was myself, and the guys in the Special to The BIR go standby’ and hope we’d so much pride [in taking] band as well, this is such Eileen Ivers ranks as get on the flight. that music and the song a privilege to play this one of the world’s premier BIR: It must have and dance of Ireland all music and bring it out to so Irish fiddlers. Although been an unusual culture around the world. many new audiences. You born in the Bronx (her clash. BIR: Now you have can’t take it lightly. At the parents are from County EI: It was a great com- loyal fans of your own all same time, performing is, Mayo), she spent her child- plement to growing up in a around the world. What of course, different from hood summers in Ireland, really cool setting like New do you think makes Irish playing for sheer enjoy- winning nine All-Ireland York . . . to really appreci- music so accessible to such ment and the sheer social Fiddle Championships. ate and understand your a broad audience? interaction with folks in The three-year-old girl Irish heritage and hear the EI: At the end of the day. the little corner of a pub who once mimicked play- ‘real deal’ stories from the the music is very honest, somewhere. When you ing the fiddle using a pink people who lived there . . passionate. The music of get opportunities to just plastic guitar and a wood- . Seven or eight years ago the people. We just played jam, it’s so fun. It really en spoon is now known for my husband and I built a in Colorado at what’s pri- [makes you] more aware of “rocking the house” before house on my father’s land marily a classical music why you love this music. presidents and royalty. over in Mayo. My folks are festival. We were one of BIR: So what can your Gaining mainstream at- over there for the sum- the few [groups] outside fans expect to hear in tention for her featured mer, so now it’s kind of of the classical realm par- Lowell? role in “Riverdance,” the reversed, you know. ticipating in the program EI: (We’ll be playing) Grammy Award-winner BIR: What was it like this year. It was a very a lot of tunes in the has shared the stage with winning all those cham- diverse audience. All tradition. Some slow everyone from The Chief- pionships in Ireland and ages, all ethnicities and tunes, really beautiful tains to The Boston Pops. besting all the locals? backgrounds. Yet, they airs . . . And of course She took time out during EI: It was little bit were all screaming and the band will be rocking her current tour to chat by unusual back in that day, roaring and standing and on some of the more up- phone about her upcom- for sure. I remember some singing. There was actu- beat tunes. There’ll be ing concert at the Lowell of the big moments of the ally a small conga line at some originals thrown Summer Music Series. competitions . . . It was the back of the hall. It was in . . . Actually, we’re An edited portion of our this huge wooden hall, and fantastic to see how this going into the studio in conversation follows. you’d have to go up to the music reached people from the fall, so there’ll be stage, and I just remember all across the board. a couple of new pieces BIR: So how did a little Eileen Ivers: Irish music very honest, passionate. girl from the Bronx come going ‘clunk clunk clunk’ BIR: These days, it from the new record that from the back of the hall seems like there’s an Irish are hopefully audience- to spend her summers in enough, in the early part be a part of. We just re- to the front and being pub in just about every friendly and interactive. Ireland? of the ‘90s He came to New ally hit it off right away. terrified playing in front small town in America. Lowell is one of our fa- EI: (Laughing) The York and was working Then, years later, with of these judges . . . In a In every town in vorite places to play. We little perks of the airline on -- I think it was going ‘Riverdance,’ he rang me EI: strange way, by winning the world really. It’s just have a wonderful history business. My father used to be a Broadway play of out of the blue and was over there, it helped le- mind-blowing. that goes back many years to work for KLM Airlines, the wonderful book Trin- really egging me on to gitimize you. ‘Yeah, you’re I get the feeling with Boarding House Park and because of that, he ity -- and he was writing come to London for the BIR: doing okay. You’re feeling you’d be just as content and also The Lowell Folk was able to take the whole the music. I guess he had premiere over there. I this music. You’re playing playing in a small pub as Festival. It’s exciting to family back to Ireland. We known of me, and he rang initially said no because well.’ On a larger scale, you would at Radio City get back there. would stay there for two me up, and I participated I had some commitments you became aware of the Music Hall. Eileen Ivers And Im- months. Dad would join in some recordings he stateside. He was so cute. larger Irish community Are you kidding! I migrant Soul will appear us for the last two weeks was doing at the time. It He said, ‘I’ll write you EI: that’s out there. love it. It’s so important to August 21 at the Lowell of the summer. [My folks’] was my first real intro- some tunes, I’ll broaden How did you meet really to get back to play- Summer Music Series. parents were there, and BIR: duction to his writing. the scope of the fiddle.’ . Bill Whelan and wind up ing sessions. Years ago, Tickets: lowellsummer- so many relatives and There were a few pieces . . [Eventually] it worked in “Riverdance.” folks weren’t performing music.org. cousins. My gosh, it was in these really wild, odd- out and I went to London What a great man Irish music on this incred- great. I know in a sense EI: metered time signatures and it was just a wonder- he is. I met him, funny ible world stage. I remind we were spoiled because that were a lot of fun to ful experience to be a part His Music: ‘Pure Radiance’ (Continued from page 14) We can’t quite put that Khan: “Sound becomes any one of his hundreds of reason into words, because visible in the form of radi- compositions being played words are too small, too ance.” Jerry, the physical and celebrated by those limited. We who have man, may have relented, whose lives his music has been touched by his music but his spirit surely has touched. mourn him now because not. And now we can enjoy Jerry Holland has gone we have received his him for what his music al- to the Big Kitchen Party message. If we must ask, ways was and always will in the Sky, as they say in “Why?” then that’s our be: pure radiance. May his Cape Breton. He died too answer: we have received soul fly onward and rise to young, but I can’t help his message. And we can the sky. being philosophical: There be nothing but thankful. was a reason he was here. To quote Hazrat Inayat

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My wife doesn’t the truly great instrumen- those songs changed? come with me, because she talists, like The Chief- A. I try not to do them works outside the home, tains, James Galway, or anymore, not the modern but we do take vacations my personal hero, Victor ones, like “The Men Be- together. This summer, Borge, they don’t just get hind the Wire,” because we’re going to take a week up and do straight music; over there they’re trying off to go up to Canada for New board members Beverly Armour, Mary Beth they talk to and engage the to make peace, and to keep my nephew’s wedding, Fitzgerald, Phil O’Brien, president, Ann Doherty, audience. They look them the peace going. I would do and take a train across Catherine Donahue and Ronald O’Keefe older ones, like “The Foggy the Rockies, something Seamus Kennedy and in the eye. one of his favorite con- Q. Let’s talk about that Dew” or “Boulavogue,” be- I’ve always wanted to do. cause they have historical Q. Do you worry about cert “props.” relationship with the au- Photo by Sean Smith dience, which is obviously interest; or I’d do Tommy getting into “a rut,” that very important to you. You Makem’s “Four Green performing so often will That’s something you re- could do nothing but comic Fields,” or “Freedom’s become a routine in and ally don’t see much these songs, or nothing but “old Sons,” they’re fine songs of itself? days. The closest thing to favorites,” and people – as long you put them A. It depends on the au- it in the States is karaoke, would probably be happy. in some kind of historical dience. If they absolutely I think. But you don’t always go for context. But to sing them will not get into what I’m I do also enjoy the travel, just a laugh, and you do for the black armband- doing, then I tend to go I love going to new places songs that aren’t always wearing, “Nation Once on automatic pilot. Again, and seeing what they’re familiar to everyone. How Again”-saluting crowd, I that just comes with expe- like, and I love trying out do you work that? mean, you’ve just got to rience – of course, you still the regional delicacies A. It’s a trade-off I have let it go. [I’ll probably get want to give a good show, – there’s always some- Ed Duffy, board member and, Kathleen Lawlor, canned from all my jobs make it entertaining for past president. with the audience. They’re thing special to eat. I think here to see me do the funny when they read this.] people. Some places hire I might write another stuff, and the audience- But you know, it de- me without knowing that book where I list all my participation stuff. So I’ll pends on the club, on I demand a modicum of at- favorite things to eat in do a couple of those, and the situation. I’ll sing “A tention from the audience, the places I’ve traveled. then I’ll say, “OK, listen Nation Once Again” if that I’m not just musical For Massachusetts, it to this one,” and I’ll do a it seems appropriate, if, wallpaper. But far more would probably be Johnny serious ballad, or a song in like I said, you can put it often than not I do get on cakes and lobster, Ipswich Irish, and explain it and in context. fine with the crowd, and clams, and Narragansett why I like it. Q. It’s pretty common to we all enjoy ourselves. beer. This is what comes with hear about the dilemma of This is the thing: Even Q. So it sounds like the performing for 30 years or wanting to pursue a full- though I fool around, have experience of Clean Cab- more. I know how to feel time music career and also a good time, it all comes bage in the Bucket didn’t out a crowd, how to get have a family. How have back to the music. You put you off writing. them to be quiet. Playing you been able to manage just have to love the mu- A. It was a thrill doing Glen Brosnan and Beverly Armour, new board the bars for as long as I that? sic, and I do. There’s this the book. Dennis, Robbie, member did was probably the best A. I always was there for great tradition we have Harry, Frank and I, we training I could have. Now, the kids when they were in Ireland, “party pieces.” always seemed to end up the real strict “traddies,” growing up (my older one At a party, we don’t just meeting up at a diner at or the singer-songwriters, is 30; my younger one is 28, stand around talking and 2 a.m. and exchanging or the obscure balladeers, just got married), because eating, drinking cocktails. war stories, and then one they have to have a quiet when we first moved to We entertain one another. day Dennis said, “Hey, audience. Having done Maryland I became the And everyone would have we should be writing this trad, as well as the bars, house performer in a bar a party piece, whether down.” Dennis was the I can get up and do what in Alexandria, and I was it was a song, a poem, a instigator; he kicked our they do. But I don’t think there for 13 years. It was recitation, anything to butts, did the editing, they can get up in front of five nights a week, 10 entertain everyone else; and arranged for it get bar full of noisy drunks on months out of the year, you’d get up and do your published, so all credit to a Saturday night and do so I had security in a bit, and then someone else him. I loved all the guys’ what I do. business that’s not known would get up and do their stories, it was just wonder- But yeah, I’ll do songs for security. But once the bit. It went on for a whole ful reading them. most everybody knows, kids got older I was able night. I put out a CD which Q. If there was a movie but I also like bringing out to expand my career and includes all the favorite version, who do you think material by songwriters go on the road. party pieces of my Mom should play you? John Connolly, vice president, and Norma McK- who aren’t as well-known. I’m all across the coun- and Dad, my brothers and A. Jack Nicholson, with- enzie There’s a buddy of mine up try. I do a lot of work on sisters, aunts and uncles. out a doubt. in Alaska, Mike Campbell, who writes really nice bal- lads, and good funny stuff, too. And Robbie O’Connell – outside of the Irish IS YOUR CAR INSURANCE BILL circles he isn’t that well- known – I love his songs as well. And the thing is, these guys can write the serious ballads, but they can also write a really good funny song. Q. How do you handle the whole “rebel songs” part of the Irish reper- Mary Ellen Mulligan, Trish Carty, and Kirsten toire, or songs that have Wenge to do with “The Troubles”?

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© 2009 Agency Ideas® / Shulman Consulting Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Page 18 August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Traveling People Irish-Language-Only Road Signs in the Gaeltacht Can Be Vexing By Judy Enright word was “cliffs.” Special to the BIR So, there you go. We As a friend and I drove finally had it: “Danger, along a curvy stretch of the high cliffs.” Atlantic Drive on Achill With all due respect to Island in Co. Mayo this those in the Gaeltacht -- spring, I spotted a sign where Irish is the spoken on the side of the road language and road signs that said: Aire Ailtreacha are often only in Irish -- it Arda. seems totally ludicrous, as Interesting, I thought, well as a health and safety since it had no accompa- issue, not to have some nying image and I don’t other means of indicating speak Irish. Maybe it that there is a real danger means sheep in the road on those roads on Achill. (and there are plenty), or If indeed there are high winding road (plenty of cliffs at the edge of the The message is clear from this sign in a Co. Water- those, too) or, well, who road, surely those who ford harbor. (Judy Enright photo) really knows? live there already know it, When I returned to the so the signs are obviously years ago and by the zil- great gift to bring home, house I rent, I asked the not for their benefit. One lions. And, so the non-Irish as I have often done. Of owners what it meant. must assume that the speaking tourist is often course Doolin is famed for They didn’t have a clue. signs are to warn tour- baffled and wanders aim- its music and there’s plenty So, several days later ists, since Achill Island lessly trying to get to where to enjoy at McGann’s, Mc- while on a road trip, I is an extremely popular he or she is going. Dermott’s, and O’Connor’s asked a waitress in a res- tourist destination. But, The Failte Ireland sur- pubs most nights of sum- taurant in Ardmore, Co. honestly, how many tour- vey was conducted among mer as well as at other Waterford. She looked at ists read or speak Irish and 5,700 overseas vacationers locations. the words and took the can translate those words between May and October, • Lisdoonvarna: If you’re paper into the kitchen to when even the dozen or so 2008, 98 percent of whom in Doolin, hop up the road see if anyone there could native Irish we asked were said they would recom- to Lisdoonvarna to the translate. No one knew unable to do so? mend an Irish vacation to Burren Smokehouse and what the words meant, In other spots around their friends and family. take home some of their although several people Ireland, we’ve seen signs Foreign visitors singled marvelous smoked salmon, did guess that “arda” with images of sheep, a out friendly people and which is just perfect on a meant high. cow, a car falling off a Ireland’s stunning scenery piece of McCambridge’s That’s how it became pier into the water, and a as primary reasons to visit Irish stoneground whole a little game. Every time zigzag arrow, indicating the country. wheat brown bread (both we stopped for lunch, at a winding road ahead. RECOMMENDATIONS are sometimes available Irish road sign indicating a curvy stretch ahead. a shop, a B&B or wher- Those messages are clear Here are some of our at Shannon Airport’s duty (Judy Enright photo) ever, I would take out my and delivered instantly to favorites if you are visiting free shop.) notebook and show some- the passing motorist who Ireland this summer: • Irish gardens: there 100 national showing and • On August 29 and 30, one there the words that doesn’t have the time or • Dingle Peninsula in are many gardens around show jumping classes. Dun Laoghaire will host had been printed on that language prowess to trans- Co. Kerry: Heaton’s Guest- the country open to the • The Kilkenny Arts The Festival of World sign. I only asked native late words on a sign. house is upscale, comfort- public during the sum- Festival 2009, from Aug. 7- Cultures with a family Irish, most of whom were Wouldn’t Achill Island’s able and friendly; dinner mer and they are well 16, is a 10-day festival fea- friendly, global carnival young enough so they tourists be far better at The Global Village is worth visiting. You can turing visual art, classical of music, arts, crafts, food should have remembered served if the local tourist highly recommended for find out more by visiting music, jazz, traditional and culture. For more, see at least some Irish they agency added an image to outstanding seafood; The the local tourist offices Irish music, literature, the website: festivalof- had learned in school. the signs to indicate what Blasket Centre (signpost- (marked with a big green film, architecture, craft, worldcultures.com But, no one knew what the words mean? ed as Ionad an Bhlascaoid) shamrock.) There are gar- and children’s events. • Spraoi Festival in Wa- the words meant. This spring, The Irish is a fascinating place to see dens organized by county: • The All-Ireland Dog terford is July 31 through Finally, we were in Times ran the results wonderful photographs Carlow (carlowtourism. Show will be held in August 2. See spraoi.com Wardenstown, Killucan, of Failte Ireland’s 2008 and learn more about com), Blackwater Valley, Roundstone, Co. Galway, for details. Co. Westmeath, and my visitor attitude survey the Blaskets ,which were Ireland West, Limerick, on Monday, August 3. If TRAVEL PLANS friend called a neighbor’s and, included among dis- inhabited until 1953. Be Connemara and Donegal, you are in the area, the For more information daughter, Emma Lynam, advantages of vacationing sure to drive the Conor South Tipperary Garden annual Connemara Pony about Ireland, visit your 20, and asked if she could in Ireland, were bad roads Pass, too – it’s a thrilling Trails; Southeast and Show, Thursday, August favorite travel agent or translate the sign. He and bad signposting. ride with gorgeous scenery Wicklow (visitwicklow.ie ) 20, is a lot of fun to attend. the Aer Lingus’ website thought that she had left It would help tremen- -- and visit the many other Garden Festivals and Cork And, you while you’re (aerlingus.com) for direct secondary school recently dously if cartographers areas of historic interest on Open Gardens. there, be sure to drive all flights and great ground enough to remember some would include the Irish the peninsula. • From August 5 to around Connemara and deals. Flights and deals of her Irish. Emma said word on road maps but too • Doolin: We love Riv- 9, the place to be is at enjoy the beauty of the are also offered by US Air- two of the words meant often that doesn’t happen, erfield House B&B right the 136th Fáilte Ireland magnificent countryside. ways (usairways.com) and “danger” and “high.” Her especially with car rental there on the main road, Dublin Horse Show at the • The summer session other airlines, but usually Dad added that the third company maps, which dinners at the Doolin RDS complex in Dublin. of the Galway Races (gal- involve layovers in various were probably printed Café, which reopened this Highlights include the wayraces.com) will be held cities and can add several spring, and at Cullinan’s Meydan FEI Nations’ Cup in the city from Monday, hours to your trip but also Seafood Restaurant. Be for the Aga Khan Chal- July 27, to Sunday, August reduce cost. Also check out AUTO BODY REPAIRS (617) 825-1760 sure to stop at the family- lenge Trophy, the Land 2. The Clarenbridge (clar- seasonal happenings at (617) 825-2594 run Clare Jam Shop for Rover Puissance featuring enbridge.com) and Galway Tourism Ireland’s website FAX (617) 825-7937 fresh, homemade jams, the famous “Wall,” the (galwayoysterfest.com) (discoverireland.com) and marmalades, jellies, and Longines International oyster festivals are held enjoy your trip whenever chutneys – these make a Grand Prix, and more than in September. you go. Free Pick-Up & Delivery Service CARROLL 150 Centre Street Advertising Company, Inc. Dorchester, MA 02124 Large Format Printing CAPE COD Billboards • Banners Mashpee Vacation Rental 1022 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester 617-282-2100 carrolladvertising.com REVERSE MORTGAGES Education is Key – call for the Facts “Serving Greater Boston since 1971” John Donovan 781-891-1716 1060 N. MaiN St., RaNdolph, Ma 02368 Senior Homeowners – We Do Home Appointments Vacation rental on wild-life protected peninsula - fur- phone: 781-963-3660 nished, water view, 3 BR, 2 full baths, large living-din- fax: 781-986-8004 American Nationwide Mortgage Co. ing-kitchen, laundry, deck. $1000 per week, discount www.miltonmonuments.com Waltham, MA 02451 may apply for multiple weeks. Email: irishreeler@ email: [email protected] yahoo.com. Phone: 301-656-0963 Mass.Lic. #MB-5315 Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 Thirty-Two Counties

Antrim: Alan Wilson, who is hopes to organize an event in Longford: Members of Long- head of Modern Languages at Cork at which the film will ford Historical Society attended Ballclare High School, has been be screened at a large venue, the Twelfth celebrations in appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre possibly Cork Opera House, Lisbellaw this year as guests des Palmes by the French Gov- with former laundry workers of the local Orange Lodge. The ernment for his work in promot- invited and given hotel rooms group had met their hosts while ing French culture in the North. free of charge. He points out both were visiting First World Mr Wilson, who has organized that hotels benefited from the War battlefields in Belgium and exchanges between his school laundries, of which there were felt it would be good to attend and the Lycee Camille See in two in Cork. the loyalist celebrations “in the the Alsace region of France, was Derry: Last month, Janice spirit of reconciliation,” accord- notified by the French Embassy McNeill from Ballymoney was ing to James MacNerney. They in London of the award. It is the presented with her parch- also visited Devenish Island oldest civil decoration in the ment at a University of Ulster and were guests at a function world, having been established graduation ceremony in the in Enniskillen Castle, hosted by Napoleon in 1808. Wilson will Millennium Forum in Derry. by the chairman of Fermanagh travel to France later this year However what few in the audi- District Council, Bertie Kerr. for the official presentation of ence realized was that Janice This had been arranged by the the award. had already gone into labor Community Relations Unit of Armagh: Three childhood when she arrived at the Forum. the council. leukemia charities will ben- However she was determined Louth: Joe Lynch from efit from a sponsored cycle that, after four years, she wasn’t Drogheda likes to collect mili- being undertaken by Andrew going to miss out on graduating, tary items and one that came McManus from Armagh, who and as soon as she had posed for up for auction recently proved will join nine other cyclists photographs, her father, Liam irresistible. One of the lots in on a journey from Land’s End Beckett, drove her to Coler- the London auction was the to John O’Groats. Andrew is aine Hospital. There, only six uniform worn by actor Aidan receiving back-up support for hours after the ceremony, her Quinn when he played the role the event from Cycleology in second daughter Summer was of Harry Boland in the 1996 film Barrack Street. His decision to born. Janice and her husband “Michael Collins.” The uniform take part in the challenge was Nigel also have a five-year-old had a special meaning for Joe prompted by the diagnosis of daughter, Kelli. since he also appeared in the acute lymphoblastic leukemia Donegal: At a birthday party film. Having signed on as an in his cousin Eoin’s daughter in Ostan na Rosann in Dungloe extra he was plucked from the Rose. While Rose is now in last month the children of the crowd and appeared in a num- remission, her parents had set birthday girl were among those ber of scenes standing next to up a charity known as “Rose’s providing the entertainment. Aidan Quinn and Liam Neeson. Gift”; the money from the cycle For Julia O’Donnell, mother In addition to the uniform, Joe will go to Great Ormond Street of Daniel and Margo, was cel- also purchased the boots worn Hospital Children’s Charity, ebrating her 90th birthday, and wore their uniforms for the first cell overnight, released on bail by the actor in the film. Childen with Leukemia, and they were joined on stage by a time last month. and re-arrested when she tried Mayo: To coincide with the Momentum. number of other entertainers. Galway: Aoife Mulholland to reclaim her passport the next opening of the Ballina Salmon Carlow: Archbishop of Syd- Before the Dungloe celebration, from Salthill, Galway, who has day. Eventually her husband, Festival late last month, a new ney Cardinal George Pell paid a which was attended by some 200 just finished a run in London’s Ronan Loftus, flew out to Thai- pedestrian footbridge over the quick visit to Leighlinbridge last guests, a family Mass was cel- West End in “Chicago,” will land to help in her release, which River Moy was opened. De- month to visit the home place of ebrated in the O’Donnell home soon be starting rehearsals came after they had paid over signed to symbolize a fishing his predecessor and first arch- in the village of Kincasslagh, in another West End show. an undisclosed sum of money to rod, the 70-meter span bridge, bishop of the Australian diocese, attended also by Julia’s other She has been given the role of the airport police. which was built at a cost of Cardinal Patrick Moran. Car- children, Jamesie, John Bosco, Brooke Wyndham in the musi- Laois: Father Eamon Pur- 1.7 million euro, links Barrett dinal Pell first visited the Lord and Kathleen. Julia is well- cal version of “Legally Blonde,” cell’s recent ordination by Street with the Ridgepool Road. Bagenal Hotel, built on the site known in her own right for her the film which starred Reese Bishop of Limerick Donal To complement the new bridge of Cardinal Moran’s birthplace, book, “A Mother’s Tale.” Witherspoon. The musical is to Murray was the first in the a car park and amenity area is before visiting the home of Ed- Down: Emma Cunningham be staged at The Savoy Theatre, diocese in four years and the to be established at Canalside, die Cullen in Craan, where his from Newry, who now lives in with rehearsals beginning in first ordination of someone from linked to the bridge by means of predecessor grew up. Cardinal England, was joined by mem- October and opening night set Crettyard in 31 years; the last a riverside walkway. A similar Pell concluded his visit to the bers of her family when she took for December. A contestant in was the ordination of Father Jim link will provide access to the area by celebrating a special part in the World Masters eight- the BBC’s “How do you solve a O’Reilly. Father Eamon, the son town’s new theater and arts Mass in St Lazerian’s church. ball Pool Championships at the problem like Maria?” Aoife was of the late Tom and Elizabeth center, work on which is due to Cardinal Moran was born in Imperial Hotel in Blackpool. a guest presenter last year on Purcell, had spent 35 years in begin later this year. Leighlinbridge in 1830. Emma won the title, watched a visit to the Von Trapp family the hospitality industry before Meath: In Yellow Furze Cavan: Two men came to the by her parents Packy and Mary, home. deciding to become a priest. parish Father Peter Farrelly rescue last month when two her grandmother Emily and her Kerry: Deciding to carry out His ordination was attended recently celebrated the 50th young people were in danger sister Mary; the latter had also a second fundraising boat push by his brothers Gerard and anniversary of his ordination. of drowning on Swellan Lake. reached the final thirty-two of this year, the members of Bal- Seamus, who were also among Father Farrelly was ordained Shane Clarke and Benas Vait- the World Individual competi- lybunion Sea and Cliff Rescue the congregation when he said by Archbishop John Charles kunas were using a polystyrene tion. Emma, from Canal Street, could not have predicted the Mass at St. Abban’s in Doonane McQuaid in Maynooth and all block as a makeshift raft when reached the final of the Indi- kind of weather they would be up last month. six of the Meath priests ordained it overturned, throwing them vidual event but lost out to Sue against. However, undeterred, Leitrim: The second annual with him are celebrating their both into the water. Ten-year- Thompson. Newry had another they set off in driving rain and Free Children’s Day took place jubilees this year. He was born old Benas was unable to swim representative at the event, gale-force winds last month to recently, organized by the coun- in Carnaross where he went to and Shane’s efforts to keep him with Manny Byrne reaching push the boat from Tralee to ty’s Childcare Committee and school before moving on to St. afloat resulted in them both the final thirty-two in the men’s Killarney, taking from 9 a.m. taking place in Leitrim Gaels’ Finian’s in Mullingar. For the being in danger. To the rescue World Pool Championship. until 6.30 in the evening to Community Field. More than last twenty-two years he has came Daniel Ivers from Swellan, Dublin: Ann Stapleton, who complete the challenge. The one hundred parents and chil- ministered in Beauparc. Mean- who managed to bring Shane has a full-time job in the Bank of extra push was organized to dren attended the event, which while the parishioners of Ath- to shore and revive him, while Ireland computer centre in Cab- raise the urgently needed funds was officially launched by the boy, Rathmore, and Rathcairn Cavan taxi driver Alec Babiulin, inteely, has just been called to for a new boat, which will cost committee chairman, Paschal joined in the celebrations of the who had been alerted to the ac- the Bar after studying at night 150,000 euro and Saturday’s Mooney. The children enjoyed silver jubilee of Father Patrick cident by his son, rushed in and for three years. The bank gave effort raised up to 8,000 euro. a number of activities includ- O’Connor. He was presented rescued Benas. her a year’s leave to complete The usual annual boat push ing hip-hop dancing classes, with a Genesis clock on behalf Clare: The author Eddie her studies but she has now from Abbeyfeale to Ballybunion penalty shoot-out competitions, of the parish by the director of Stack, based in Ennystymon, returned to work. In addition will take place in September. and football games. Meanwhile music at St James Church, Olive recently visited the Bunratty Ann has ten children, ranging Kildare: Brendan Cummins one Leitrim child, nine-year-old Rice-Cole. Folk Park in the company of a in age from four to seventeen, from Carbury is organizing a Paddy Fanning, is undertaking Monaghan: As part of last professor from Stanford Univer- but she was greatly supported reunion for some of the men who a sponsored walk from Sligo to month’s Muckno Mania Festi- sity in the U.S., and was horri- by her husband John, who took were drafted into the county in Drumshanbo to raise funds for val the Shane Tyres Soap Box fied at one of the items on sale early retirement from the bank the 1940s and 1050s to help har- his two-year-old nephew, Louie Derby was held, with each soap at the park. The offending item eight years ago in order to look vest the bogs. Men were housed Fanning, who suffers from con- box competing in two timed is labelled “Leprechaun poo,” after their children. All twelve in a total of fourteen camps in genital cholesteatoma. runs. Strict guidelines were laid sells at 2.95 euro and is “guar- of the Stapletons attended the the county, including Timahoe, Limerick: News that a tree down as to the construction of anteed 100% organic.” Stack Four Courts last month for the Mucklon, and Carbury and stump in the grounds of a church the vehicles: good brakes and objected to the item itself, saying ceremony. Brendan has managed to find in Rathkeale bears a likeness of steering mechanisms, at least it damages the park’s image, Fermanagh: Ardess Ac- ten of the men, most now in their the Virgin Mary has received three wheels, and a tow hook and further objected to its jux- cordion Band was formed fifty eighties. The reunion is to be a mixed reception. The stump at the front and rear. Banned taposition to the works of W.B. years ago and when they started held in the local GAA centre and in the grounds of St. Mary’s from the soap boxes were any Yeats. He takes all his American out band members wore black speakers will include Valentine Church has been inundated kinds of pedals. Vehicles and visitors to the folk park as he trousers, white shirts, and red Trott, who used to edit the Scéal with visitors who have left ro- their drivers were inspected at believes it to be “the jewel in ties. Over the years a red jumper na Mona newsletter, and Paddy saries and other votive objects the entrance to Our Lady’s Sec- the crown” of Clare heritage. was added to the ensemble but Sheridan who was one of the at the site. Local people have ondary School in Castleblayney Cork: One of the successes of the the band members had to supply original workers. maintained a twenty-four-hour with time trials starting at recent Galway Film Fleadh was their own outfits. Fifteen years Kilkenny: Dr. Angela Nor- vigil and midnight recitals of the Laurel Hill. “The Forgotten Maggies,” made ago, according to Band Mistress ris from Greenhill in Kilkenny Rosary have been taking place. Offaly: Last month, Tul- by Steven O’Riordan from Mill- Viola Loane, they inherited found herself under arrest after More than two thousand people lamore resounded to a variety street. Since it was shown last uniforms from a band in Larne making some purchases at the have already signed a petition of music under the watch of a month he has been approached and it is only now that the band duty free shop in Bangkok on to prevent the removal of the number of hot air balloons as by the Michigan Film Festival, members have their very own, her way home from a confer- stump, though parish priest Fa- the Phoenix Festival took place and the New York Film Acad- new, uniforms. This has been ence in Thailand. In what is ther Willie Russell has spoken in the town. As well as enjoying emy as well as other survivors of achieved through fundraising apparently a not unusual series on local radio, emphasizing that the music, those attending were the Magdalene Laundries from and through the generosity of of events, Angela was accused it’s just a tree and people should able to avail of workshops where all over the world. Now Steven the Lack Wind Farm, and they of shoplifting, held in a prison not be worshipping a tree. (Continued on page 20) Page 20 August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com News Direct From Ireland Central Bank Governor that country’s upper house of It is understood that the rifle, Speaks Up -- John Hurley had Parliament, the House of Lords, which is said to have been stolen little good to say about the econ- Ireland Today: removed the relevant clause from a property outside Belfast omy when he spoke last month from the Borders, Citizenship two years ago, was abandoned at the publication of the bank’s A Marital Twist, and Immigration Bill. The Brit- in an alley by dissident repub- 2008 annual report. He does ish Government introduced the licans. Fortunately Holy Cross not see any start to an economic Bill to make it more difficult priest Father Gary Donegan recovery until 2011. Instead he a Warning re Priest Numbers for illegal immigrants to enter was alerted to the incident and anticipates the economy will New figures published by the Central Statistics Office show England, Scotland and Wales retrieved the loaded rifle which decline by 8.3 percent this year that thousands of couples on the island are opting for civil but had no plans to secure the he handed over to the police. and 3 percent next year; unem- ceremonies rather than religious weddings. The proportion of border between the North and Her Lordship -- Nuala ployment will average 13 percent civil marriages has increased dramatically from just 6 percent the Republic. There was a real O’Loan, who was the North’s this year, rising to 15 percent (or 928) of all marriages in 1996 to just over 23 percent (or fear that for the system to work first Police Ombudsman, from next year. Hurley believes that 5,127) in 2006. In Dublin, civil ceremonies accounted for some it would have been necessary 1999 to 2007, has been appointed the level of public spending 42 percent of all marriages in 2006, the highest figure in the to institute controls on those to the British House of Lords. is unsustainable and prefers State. In 1996, the number of Catholic marriage ceremonies travelling from the North to The Irish Government’s roving spending cuts to tax increases. accounted for 90 percent of all marriages, but fell to 73 percent Britain. ambassador for conflict resolu- He wouldn’t be drawn on where in 2006. Civil ceremonies were most popular in urban areas Minister and operator tion, O’Loan is also working the cuts should fall, saying that such as Dublin, Limerick (39 percent), Galway (34 percent), in disagreement over bike with the Home Office in Britain was a matter for Government. Wicklow (33 percent), and Cork (31 percent). By contrast, they ‘taxi’ -- Minister for Transport investigating allegations of Meanwhile, a survey of 340 accounted for just over 10 percent of marriages in counties such Noel Dempsey has declared il- abuse by deportees. Irish companies suggests that as Donegal and Monaghan. legal a new service due to begin High Court decision soon the downward economic spiral The Disappearing Priest -- Father Brendan Hoban, parish from August 4 which will offer on drinks price freeze -- A may have bottomed out. In the priest at St. Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, Co. Mayo, has said a passenger pick-up and drop- decision will soon be made in the survey, carried out by KBS Bank that priests “will have effectively disappeared in two to three off service at Dublin Airport by High Court on last December’s and the Institute of Chartered decades”. Writing in the Furrow magazine, Father Hoban said motorcycle. The minister claims announcement by the Licensed Accountants in Ireland, 16 per- of his own Killala diocese, “In two years’ time there will be about motorcycles cannot operate as Vintners’ Association and the cent had seen an improvement 8 priests instead of the present 34, with probably two or three taxis as they are not described Vintners’ Federation of Ireland in business volumes and the of them under 60 years of age.” His remarks echo those made in the Taxi Regulation Act. of a year-long price freeze on the majority feel that the free fall last April by the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin, However Greg Carley, director price of drinks. The announce- has begun to ease. while in April it also emerged that the number of priests in the of Airbike, says he has been as- ment is being challenged by Flu strategy changes from Tuam Archdiocese is set to fall by 30 percent over the next four sured by the Taxi Regulator’s the Competitions Authority, containment to treatment -- years. One way of dealing with this situation is the increasing office that they are outside their which claims it is in breach of In a letter signed by the Depart- practice of lay ministers of the Eucharist conducting a Liturgy remit, and his company has an earlier court undertaking ment of Health’s Chief Medical of the Word with Holy Communion. This is in accordance with insurance to carry passengers over alleged price-fixing. The Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, and by Vatican guidelines published in the early 1970s. Women may for reward. The service is also two trade organizations reject the National Director of Popula- also conduct such liturgies. being queried by the Dublin the Authority’s assertion, saying tion Health, Dr Patrick Doorley, Airport Authority, which says they had simply urged members GPs and other medical profes- Airbike has not sought a permit not to increase prices for a year sionals have been warned that another three months. Tamiflu, unchanged. According to Sinéad to operate at the airport. due to the economic downturn; influenza A (H1N1), commonly the anti-viral medicine used Grace of Tourism Ireland, those Abortion ban hearing for this did not preclude any publi- referred to as swine flu, could in the treatment of swine flu, visitors who do arrive are spend- Europe -- A challenge by three can from reducing prices. affect 25% of the population. became available in pharmacies ing less. women to the State’s ban on 33-year-old elected Abbot Believing that preventing the countrywide late last month. Troop movements only abortion is to receive a hearing -- The new Abbot of the Cister- spread of swine flu is no longer Patients can now obtain Tamiflu growth area at Shannon before the 17 judges of the Eu- cian congregation at Mount St. on option, the Department of when in possession of a doctor’s -- The 130,922 US troops who ropean Court of Human Rights Joseph’s Abbey, Roscrea, Co. Health and the Health Service prescription. went through Shannon airport in Strasbourg. The women Tipperary is Dom Richard Pur- Executive has changed its strat- Dramatic fall in tourist between January and the end of taking the case, which is to be cell who is aged just 33. Father egy from one of containment figures -- The tourist industry June constitute the only growth defended by the Government, Purcell, originally from Rathgar to one of treatment. Suspected is facing a bleak year with the area for the airport, according include one at risk of ectopic in Dublin, was elected more than cases will no longer have to be latest travel figures from the to figures released during the pregnancy, a pregnant women a month ago but had to receive confirmed by a laboratory but Central Statistics Office show- week. Total income from the who underwent chemotherapy, a papal dispensation to take on will be treated based on the ing a drop of 150,000, or 18.4 movements, which show a 4.8 and a woman whose inability to the role as, under Canon Law, symptoms presented. percent, in overseas visitors in percent increase on last year, cope led to her children being he had to be professed for seven Separately it appears that May, compared with the same was 3.5m euro; overall traffic at placed in care. years but was three months the Government’s plan to offer month last year. There was a Shannon was down 7 percent. Loaded rifle found by chil- short of this. Strictly speaking, the entire population a free vac- fall of 91,600 (23.3 percent) in No passports for travel dren -- During the violence that according to Cistercian rules, cination against the virus has numbers from Britain during to Britain -- Britain’s plans erupted last month at the end Father Purcell should have been suffered a setback. The World May, and there was also a 20 per- to require the production of a of the Twelfth parades, children aged 35 to become Abbot but Health Organization said said cent drop in visitors from other passport when travelling be- playing in the Ardoyne area that obstacle was overcome as he recently that the clinical trials of European countries while the tween the Republic and Britain came across a .22 bolt-action received more than two-thirds of the vaccine are expected to take number of US tourists remains have been abandoned after rifle which they took to be a toy. the votes cast.

Thirty-Two Counties From Offaly to Wicklow

(Continued from page 19) of way through the estate. The the driver of a lorry managed dance in celebration. Wicklow Swimming Club who they could learn the skills of house opened last month, a to jump to safety shortly before Wexford: Last year the Ban- were about to take part in the stilt-walking, graffiti and circus week before the opening of the his vehicle plunged one hundred now/Rathangan show had to be Around the Harbour race one skills. Balloons ascended from 50th Yeats International Sum- feet into a deep ravine in the cancelled at the last minute due evening last month had to wait the Charleville Estate just after mer School, and will remain Gortin Glens. It appears that to the land being waterlogged, around twenty minutes before dawn and from the Lloyd Town open until September 20. The the vehicle had met a car on but this year it was back with they could begin. Just a few Park in the evening, while on dispute is due to be heard in the the wrong side of the road and a bang. The staging of the show minutes before the scheduled Sunday the parade started at High Court in October. swerved to avoid it. relies heavily on volunteers, ac- start of the race a shark was the old Texas car park. Balún Tipperary: Last month, RTÉ Waterford: The design for cording to show secretary Ann spotted in the harbor, but for- Bailiú, continued down Colum- paid tribute to accordion player a piece of public sculpture at White, and this year there were tunately it turned out to be a cille Street, Kilbeggan Bridge, Paddy O’Brien by including rare Grattan Quay in Waterford city, up to 500 people helping out. Basking Shark. Although this and on to O’Connor Square. recordings on the programme which was unveiled at a meeting Held as usual on the 100-acre is the second- largest species Roscommon: The song- Céilí House. Included among of the City Council last month, site owned by Francis White, the of shark, it did not present a writer and artist Percy French the recordings weree the au- did not meet with the universal show featured top showjump- danger to the swimmers. After was honored in his home county ditions Paddy did for Radió approval of the councillors. The ers Frances Connors and Cian about twenty minutes it swam recently with the inaugural Éireann almost sixty years ago, six-metre high stainless steel O’Connor as well as numerous off into the distance and the race Percy French Summer School and a recording made by Ciarán sculpture depicts a high stool trade stands and home industry was able to commence. First taking place in Castlecoote Mac Mathúna in Newtown at a bar with a shelf containing displays. The show has been run- male swimmer back was Gerard House. Performances of the El- some years later. The program bottles of alcohol. It is claimed ning for the past sixty years. McHugh while Joanne Hamilton phin native’s best-known songs also featured Paddy’s daughter that the stool and bottles rep- Wicklow: The members of led the ladies. were given at the library in the Eileen who is about to launch a resent industries that were lo- town, and among the perform- book about her father, “The De- cated in the Grattan Quay area ers was French’s grandnephew finitive Collection of the Music in the past, but councillors felt Courtney Kenny. The opening of Paddy O’Brien 1922-1991”. the art work would give a wrong reland s eather address was delivered by Mi- Paddy played with a number image of the city, promoting a I ’ W chael D. Higgins at Castlecoote of famous bands in his time, culture of drinking. Reported Monday, July 27, 2009 among them the Tulla Céilí Westmeath: Three men from House, followed by a further by Liam Ferrie performance of songs, while Band and the Inis Cealtra. His Bunbrosna are busy fundraising music is remembered each year for their attempt on the summit another day saw a day-long July continued to be a disappointment after so much good series of events. Featured was at the Aonach Paddy O’Brien of Kilimanjaro in September, in Festival in Nenagh. aid of the Irish Red Cross. Ray weather in May and June. Again we had a week of sunshine a lecture by Bernadette Lowry, and showers with some of the showers very heavy indeed; parts former curator of the Oriel Gal- Tyrone: Three people had Carolan, Chris McCormack, lucky escapes in recent weeks and Fintan Finnan will be of Belfast and the surrounding area were flooded for a time. lery in Dublin. Saturday wasn’t a bad day after an early shower but the rain Sligo: The owners of Lissadell in accidents involving large ve- holding an evening of music hicles. Two men escaped when in the Greville Arms Hotel to came down in torrents after dark. By morning it had cleared House have agreed to open the in the West but by then it was very windy. Sunday brought house to the public for a limited the arm of a hydraulic cher- reach the target of 10,000 euro; rypicker broke while they were to date they have raised 7,000. even more torrential showers and we are expecting more of period, after talks with local TD the same in the coming week with the wind strengthening. John Perry and the Mayor of underneath Drumragh Bridge, The trio has been training by causing the cage to collapse onto climbing Carrantuohill, and We might get away with scattered showers on Monday and Sligo, Jim McGarry. Constance Tuesday although some will be heavy. Wind and rain will be Cassidy and Edward Walsh a ledge. One man who fell into when they reach the summit the river pulled himself out and of Kilimanjaro they will fly a problem on Wednesday and after some respite on Thursday caused the house to be closed the wind and rain will return. for the past six months over a called for help, and the other the Westmeath flag. Chris Mc- dispute with the local council man was rescued by firefight- Cormack, who is an expert set Latest Temps: Day 17C (63F) Night 13C (554F) with regard to an alleged right ers after an hour. Meanwhile dancer, has vowed to do a brush Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 21 The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic In the last column we were introduced to the Irish system of noun case. These are the Nominative Cross – use of the noun as the subject; the Vocative – when talking directly to a person (or even an animal or plant); and the Genitive, a noun used as an Words adjective defining or limiting another noun. Some examples include: The Irish Nominative: Beidh Seámus an sin. “Seumas will be there.” crosswords are Vocative: A’ Sheumais! Na h-abair! “Seumas! Don’t talk!” a service of an Genitive: D’ith mé píosa araín. “Lit. “Ate I piece bread” or Ireland-based “I ate a piece (of) bread.” website which The listing of the various forms of a noun in the several cases, singular and plural, is called provides Irish a declension. The Irish noun system is very complicated. It has many different types of nouns Family Coats of in both masculine and feminine. It is beyond the scope of this column to go into that much detail. Arms by email. Instead, any good book of learning Irish will give you a good picture of the system – and probably You are invited scare you away. Don’t panic. to visit The forms are not really that complicated and are disappearing in spoken Irish. We will simply learn www. the forms as we come across them. In many cases the Genitive singular is the same as the Nomina- bigwood.com/ tive plural. In a few cases the Genitive does not match the plural. In some cases the Nominative heraldry and the Genitive are the same.

Here are some examples of nouns we have used in the past columns: ©-bigwood.com Noun Nom. Nom. Plural Genitive IRELAND IN CROSSWORDS ACROSS leader of no surrender, born in Dublin and educated Same: “Home” baile bailte baile in T.C.D. (6,6) Different: “House” teach tighe tí 1. A land isn’t alive. (anag.) In offshore Kerry 7 miles by 2 miles, one of the most westerly in Europe. (8,6) 8. Round Bann, Tom. (anag.) Kerry height of 3,127 8. Tram comes over before nine for the surrounding feet near Dingle. (5,6) rock in which gems are embedded. (6) 9. Later by wall up in Down village in the Ards pen- The definite article, “the” an, changes to na for insula, with fine sandy beaches. (11) the plural in the Nominative; an garda “the 9. Had dock been cut down when summoned by ges- ture? (8) 12. Note, running competition is not a sin! (5) policeman” but na gardai, “the policemen”. The 13. Give generously to whip six inside. (6) singular definite article follows the pattern above, 10. Glengarriff axiomatically includes a means of com- munication shortly. (3) 15. Not so hot when century is not so young. (6) Nominative plural equals Genitive singular so 17. It’s counterfeit, whichever way you look at it. (3) that the Genitive singular the article is na as 11. Drives forward as seen in Clonbur gestures. (5) 14. Up the ante very high in Sicily. (4) 18. Recuperating from this short illness in Glengarriff in stáisiún na gardaí “Station (of) the police” luxury? (3) or “Police Station.” 15. C.O. right to take all back in by the throat! (6) 16. Reptile to date. (4) 19. Small offshore piece of land is rented out. (5) 18. Discover in Corofin diversion. (4) 25. Enthusiasm shown by sudden blow over nothing. Na is also the negative of a command. However, (5) it is not easily confused with the plural article as it 20. Will lurches about in the heights of north west Roscommon between Boyle and Sligo. (6,5) 27. “Our Garrick’s a salad for in him we see oil, vinegar, is always the first thing one says, “Don’t …!” as in sugar and saltiness ——.” Goldsmith. (5) Na dean sin! /nah JEHN shin/ “Don’t do that! 21. Regretted rude disorder. (4) 22. Human bone discovered in Anascaul natural en- 28. The brother of Joel Chandler Harris’s Uncle Re- mus. (4) We will lean the Genitive forms as they occur in vironment. (4) 23. A lot of money to be made from the law? (6) 29. Name used in school time? (4) context rather than memorize whole declensions. 31. But this American fuel is liquid! (3) Traditional Irish grammars have four declensions 24. Not quite dark, but it’s close. (4) plus a whole bunch of “irregulars” such as “house” 26. Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos turn the seat over (Puzzle solution on page 23) (above). As mentioned earlier, the Genitive is after a loud start. (5) disappearing in spoken Irish but always required 29. “When I makes —, I makes —, as old mother Gro- in writing. However, that will change, too. gan said. And when I makes water I makes water.” Joyce. (3) Irish Sayings … In dictionaries Genitive forms are marked as 30. Verse Rob cut out and sent to English newspaper. “A friends eye is a good mirror.” either Gen. or simply G. (8) “It is the good horse that draws its own cart.” 31. Rig not assembled in Tyrone village in the Owen- “A lock is better than suspicion.” Now, there are a three words in Irish for “police- killew River valley not far from Omagh. (6) “Two thirds of the work is the semblance.” man” and “policemen” but we have only had garda 32. Mercury to crash. (anag.) Pleasant Cork seaside re- “He who gets a name for early rising can stay in bed /GAR-duh/ and gardaí /GAR-dee/. These are the sort in a sylvan setting near Timoleague Abbey. (14) until midday.” most common, other words for “policemen” are “If you do not sow in the spring you will not reap in póiliní /POH-luh-ee/ and peas /pees/. However, DOWN the autumn.” we’ll stick with garda/gardaí for now. 2. Poetic as ever, that is strange, back in Eire, even “Put silk on a goat, and it’s still a goat.” (5) “Listen to the sound of the river and you will get a How does Irish accommodate traditionally male 3. Give little thanks to ten for deducting this from trout.” nouns when they become female, such “policeman” your wages. (3) “A persons heart is in his feet.” to “policewoman”? Simply by prefixing ban-. It 4. Genus of holly seen in O’Neil example. (4) “It is a long road that has no turning.” used to be that ban- required a hyphen but it is 5. “Take care of what you ——, or you will be forced to “Necessity knows no law.” now rare. Ban- requires that the following noun —— what you get.” Shaw. (4) “The wearer best knows where the shoe pinches.” be lenited (“aspirated”) if the noun begins with the 6. Mortice partner returns for the musical group, hav- “There is no luck except where there is discipline.” consonants or consonant combinations b, bh, f, m, ing one over the eight. (5) “The man with the boots does not mind where he ch, g and p, ph. Here are some examples of posi- 7. Draws one card and shuffles for the 1910 northern places his foot.” tions that are traditionally held by men but have female equivalents: ADVERTISEMENT “policeman: garda “policewoman” bangharda /bahn-GAR-duh/ “king” rí “queen” banríon /BAHN-reen/ “prince” prionsa Photography by “princess” banphrionsa /bahn-FREEN-suh/ “abbot” ab “abbess” ban-ab /BAHN-ahb/ “hero” laoch Image Photo Service “heroine” ban-laoch” /BAHN-leek/ “host” óstach “hostess” banóstach /bahn-OHS-tahk/ • Weddings • Anniversaries

There are many more – ushers/usherettes, stew- • Banquets • Portraits ard/stewardess, actor/actress, waiter/waitress, etc. “Pink” is “female red”, ban-deargh. Did you notice • Reunions that English does exactly the same thing, make male roles into female by adding -ess (sometimes • Groups • Families –ette when the final sound is close to -ess)? Nursing is traditionally associated with women. The Irish word for “nurse” is banaltra /bahn-AHL- • Special Occasions truh/, which originally meant “woman-fostering/ care”. However, lately there are more and more “male nurses” so it has become necessary to specify (617) 291-6609 banaltra fír. Learn these new vocabulary items and we will practice them in the next lesson. The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Page 22 August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com New U.S. Book Releases

At the Edge of Ireland Helen Keller’s teach- An Adventure in Grief er, Anne Sullivan Seasons on the Beara Peninsula Macy, since her only By Catherine de Courcy By David Yeadon pupil became the Catherine de Courcy, an Irish emigrant, spent 15 There are only two kinds of people in the world. focus of an interna- years of her life with John Johnson, an Australian The Irish – and those who wish they were!” Readers tional media frenzy army officer who was are highly likely to agree with this adage as author in 1888. Overshad- a Vietnam veteran de- and acclaimed travel owed by Keller, Macy voured by post-trau- writer David Yeadon is often treated as a matic stress. John’s takes them on a fasci- footnote in the larger struggles eventually nating journey in the story of Keller’s life. led him to take his Emerald Isle. Yeadon Now in Beyond the own life. After his vio- shares a delightful Miracle Worker: The lent suicide Catherine account of his trav- Remarkable Life of was faced with an els through one of Anne Sullivan Macy overwhelming grief, the country’s lesser- and Her Extraor- which she chose to known areas. dinary Friendship confront head on. Yeadon, with his with Helen Keller, Unflinchingly and wife Anne, discovered award-winning his- without self-pity, a “little lost world” on torian and Helen Catherine de Courcy the Beara Peninsula Keller scholar Kim looks at the hidden of southwest Ireland. E. Nielsen presents Anne Sullivan Macy in all her aspects of grief and This small and al- complexity. With access to rarely used and privately how to manage the luring region is far held primary sources, Nielsen reveals the multi-faceted strange and unset- removed from the character of what Macy herself described as a “deeply tling challenges the touristy hullabaloo flawed human being,” who followed a tumultuous loss of a loved one of Dublin, Killarney, path from orphaned asylum child to world-famous provokes. She also and the Ring of Kerry. educatory. portrays with sympa- Home to an enticing Brigadoon of soaring mountain While Keller’s disabilities are well-documented, thy and honesty the continued and devastating impact ranges, spectacular coastal scenery, and roads narrow Macy also had severely diminished eyesight, a result of post-traumatic stress n Vietnam veterans around and winding enough to keep package-tour coaches out, of a childhood trachoma infection, which left her eyes the world. This book is a deeply moving and inspiring the Beara Peninsula possesses the intrinsic elements scarred and painful. The child of Irish immigrants, Macy story of one person’s journey through grief. of “The Old Ireland.” Yeadon and his wife found a wild- was orphaned at a young age and sent to live at the Collins Press/Dufour Editions, paperback, ISBN times craic of music seisuins, hooley dances, seanachai infamous Tewksbury State Almshouse in Massachu- 978-1-905172-87-0, 255 pages. storytellers, and colorful ceili concerts – plus a hand- setts. Macy said little publicly or privately of her time at ful of searchers, healers, artists, writers, and poets Tewksbury, vaguely referring to these years as “a crime Blasket Spirit who gave this hidden gem a patina of contemporary against childhood” and the asylum as a place of “heaps Stories from the Island significance. of maniacs, destitute women….illegitimate children, Filled with amusing stories from Yeadon’s travels, innocent paupers, tubercular people, foundlings, By Anita Fennelly as well as Yeadon’s own original illustrations, the book cripples, blind people and forsaken people.” However, Seeking solitude after personal crisis, Anita Fen- takes readers on an enchanting trip through this magi- in Macy’s lightly-fictionalized memoirs of her asylum nelly spent a summer cal, unspoiled, and unforgettable area of the country. years, Nielsen finds a community of women who shared alone on the Great Highlighting the many wonderful and unique aspects stories, friendships, and strength amidst death, abuse Blasket Island, off of Beara, Yeadon offers a true sense of Ireland and its and trauma. the southwest coast extraordinary culture, in this authentic region that The young Anne Sullivan pleaded her way out of Ireland. This is celebrates life’s more enduring charms and values. of Tewksbury by pulling on the sleeve of a touring her account, written David Yeadon is the author of Season on Harris, philanthropist and begging for an education at the by candlelight, of Seasons in Basilicata, and the bestselling National Perkins Institution, the nation’s premier educational the gradual thaw- Geographic Guide to the World’s Secret Places. He has facility for blind children and the conduit through ing of her personal written, illustrated, and designed more than twenty which she entered Helen Keller’s life. In addition to isolation through books about travel around the world. He and his wife the familiar details of Macy’s early tutelage of Keller, the friendship of the live in Mohegan Lake, New York. Nielsen traces the evolution of their complex relation- characters of Blaske Harper Perennial, paperback, ISBN 9780061151279, ship throughout the pupil’s adolescence and adulthood. Island life today. 432 pages. Through diaries and correspondence between the two Into Anita’s story of women, Nielsen describes how the deaf-blind Keller personal healing and Freney the Robber eventually cared for and became the personal aide to recovery, the island her former teacher. stories, its people The Noblest Highwayman in Ireland Despite attempts by other educators and philanthro- and places and wild- By Michael Holden pists to take over Keller’s education and career, Macy life are interwoven Freney the Robber was something of an Irish Robin fought to retain control of her work with Keller – and to form an original Hood, and in this new thus of her own professional independence. Yet, as let- and multi-layered book, Michael Holden ters between the two reveal, Macy did not hesitate to memoir. has sifted through the lean on her famous student (and eventual friend). Collins Press/Du- evidence, the legend While the international press assumed that Keller’s four Editions, paperback, ISBN 978-1-905172-90-0, and the heroic tales deaf-blindness forced her to depend on Macy, Neilsen 224 pages. to bring to life one of suggest that the reverse more accurately character- Kilkenny’s most inter- ized their relationship of nearly fifty years. Macy’s The Gaelic Athletic Association esting folk heroes. His lifelong struggle with chronic illness and depression name has lived on in was often more debilitating to their lecture schedule 1884-2009 folklore over the cen- than Keller’s deaf-blindness. As her personal letters Mike Cronin, Paul Rouse, and turies and the highest reveal, their deep friendship, and Macy’s willingness William Murphy (Editors) mark of Kilkenny’s to allow herself to be dependent on Keller, gave mean- esteem has often been Introduction by Diarmaid Ferriter ing to Macy’s life. This is the first book to center on the GAA and Irish the plaudit, “as bold as Keller sometimes explained away Macy’s mood history, and its publication coincides with 125th An- Freney the Robber.” swings as an inevitable side effect of her brilliance and niversary of the association. Bringing together some He was Killkenny’s creativity. She forgave Macy any slights, intentional of the leading writers in the area of Irish history, the most famous high- or otherwise. “Teacher’s many-colored temperament,” book reflects on the Association’s importance in Irish wayman and is of- she believed, “puzzled simple folk.” Only friends with history as a whole and assesses the main issues facing ten referred to as the wisdom, intelligence, and “genuine affection” could “de- the GAA into the twenty-first century. noblest of all Irish cipher some of the lights and shadows of her character.” While there has been much written about the GAA, highwaymen owing to She was stubborn, defensive, and fiercely proud. She the bulk of work has concentrated on the sporting his tact and polished struggled emotionally. The lace of good pain manage- aspects of the Associa- politeness in dealing with the many victims that he ment hindered her. tion – the great games accosted on the roads of Ireland. His striking at the very Near the end of Macy’s life, after the death of her and famous players heart of Ireland’s oppressors, plundering their secure husband, John, from whom she had been estranged for – rather than the key and guarded homes wielding a sledgehammer, and decades, she wrote, “Deep in the grave our dust will role that the GAA has sharing his spoils with the poor, catapulted him into stir at what is written in our biographies.” Beyond played in Irish history. the limelight as a local hero. He risked life and limb the Miracle Worker stirs that dust – for Anne Sullivan The chapters cover in order to frustrate and defy the dreaded Redcoats at Macy, and for those asking questions about childhood a large chronological eviction scenes as they administered rough justice to trauma, the contradictory consequences of intelligence span dating back to the downtrodden locals. This Jekyll-and-Hyde-style and drive for turn-of-the-century American women, the origins of hurling, character’s escapades included escaping detection the meanings of dependency/friendship, the nature of through the founda- by exchanging places with a corpse, disarming and teaching, and the complexities of disability. tion of the GAA, its robbing a commanding officer in the presence of his As public figures, Keller and Macy took pains to role in the political troops, and reversing the shoes on his horse in order control their images. The biographies Keller wrote for life of the nation and to confuse his pursuers. both herself and Macy are self-conscious and highly ending with an assess- Mercier Press/Dufour Editions, paperback, ISBN managed. Keller and Macy understood how their life ment of the future of 978-1-85635-620-6, 256 pages. stories were intertwined with their celebrity status. the GAA. Nielsen, with unprecedented use of primary sources, Importantly, the Beyond the Miracle Worker extracts the history from the mythology. book also offers origi- Nielsen is an award-winning educator, the author The Remarkable Life of nal insightful work on areas including the class make of three books, including The Radical Lives of Helen up of the GAA, the centrality of amateurism, the role of Anne Sullivan Macy and Her Keller (2004) and the editor of Helen Keller: Selected the Irish language, and the ways in which films have Extraordinary Friendship with Writings (2005). Nielsen lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, featured Gaelic games. Using this holistic approach, Helen Keller where she is a professor of history and women’s studies the reader will grasp a sound understanding of the at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. significance of the GAA in Irish history. By Kim E. Nielsen Beacon Press, hardcover, ISBN 978-0807050-46-0, Irish Academic Press, hardcover, ISBN 978-0-7165- “Worker of Miracles,” renowned educator, manipu- 320 pages. 3028-2, 304 pages. lative mentor -- all these labels have been applied to Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 23 Boston Irish Reporter Book Briefs Reviews of books recently published in Ireland, courtesy of readireland.com

The Dying Breed gal gold mine, Garda Inspector Irish crime fiction’ - Marcel don, listening to the minor and tion camps, and serial kill- By Declan Hughes Benedict Devlin is blamed for Berlins, “The Times”; ‘A satisfy- major dysfunctions of the over- ers… a lapse in security. The shoot- ing mystery with an attractive privileged clients who frequent ing of an illegal immigrant in central character’ - “Sunday his psychoanalytic practice. But The Irish Gulag: Belfast the same day leads Telegraph”; ‘Another masterly the darker recesses of his own Devlin to a vicious people-smug- thriller’ - “Irish News.” psyche would not stand up to How the State gling ring operating in the city. close examination: his brother Betrayed Its Then Leon Bradley, the young Dark Times Richard, a genius professor of Innocent Children environmentalist who attacked mathematical linguistics, was By Bruce Arnold the senator, is found murdered in the City apparently killed by rent boys near the site of the mine. Devlin By Gene Kerrigan in Los Angeles and Jay was questions the group of itinerant the first on the scene. Author travelers who have gathered Dana Flynn is determined to around a nearby river hoping scratch beneath the surface to strike gold themselves, and while researching a biography soon it becomes clear to Devlin she intends to write about Rich- that the mine is a front for some- ard, and finds that Jay’s profes- thing far more sinister. “Bleed sional life is as precarious as a River Deep” is the new novel his personal relationships — he from one of the most acclaimed uses his clients’ case studies as new crime-writers on the scene: material for his fiction writing. a labyrinthine tale of big busi- Such is Jay’s hunger for recogni- ness, the new Europe, and the tion as a creative force that he dispossessed. Politics, industry, exploits the vulnerable people and the criminal underworld he counsels, and a decision not collide in McGilloway’s most ac- to intervene when a troubled Even the best private eye complished, most gripping, and patient steals a baby, causes needs more than a name to find most sophisticated novel yet. his past to unravel. a missing person, but that’s all that Father Vincent Tyrrell, the Gallow’s Lane Mystery Man brother of prominent racehorse By Brian McGilloway By Colin Bateman trainer FX Tyrrell, will offer Loy when he comes to him for At the time of independence, help. A dwindling bank account Danny Callaghan is having the State inherited a country- convinces Loy to delve into the a quiet drink in a Dublin pub wide network of industrial deadly underworld of horse when two men with guns walk schools. These institutions were racing, but fortune soon smiles in. They’re here to take care of a allowed to become a ‘”gulag” on him: while working another minor problem - petty criminal or prison system for children. case, he discovers a phone num- Walter Bennett. On impulse, The regimes were universally ber linked to FX on a badly beat- Callaghan intervenes to save harsh. Punishment was cruel en body left at an illegal dump. Walter’s life. Soon, his own and excessive. The children Loy’s been around long enough survival is in question. With a were deprived of proper food, to know that there’s more to troubled past and an uncertain medical, and psychological the Tyrrell family than meets future, Danny finds himself care. They lost their education, the eye – and then a third body drawn into a vicious scheme working much of their time in- appears. At Christmastime, of revenge. “Dark Times in the stead as slave labor. They were on the eve of one of Ireland’s City” depicts an edgy city where abused physically, mentally, most anticipated racing events, affluence and cocaine fuel a and sexually. Their detention the intrepid investigator bets ruthless gang culture, and a by the courts was unspeakably his life on a longshot: finding man’s fleeting impulse may cost harsh, peremptory and unjust, answers in a shady network of the lives of those closest to him. the children rarely benefiting trading and dealing, gambling Kerrigan’s new novel is his fin- from defense or proper analysis and breeding. est yet; gripping from start to of their circumstances. Many of finish, powerful, original, and A superbly gripping and the children spent their whole Bleed a River Deep Taking its title from the name impossible to put down. blackly funny mystery by the childhood in industrial school By Brian McGilloway of the road down which con- King of the comic crime caper. detention, suffering unending demned Donegal criminals were Call him the Man with No Name, trauma as a result. In 1999, once led, “Gallows Lane” follows The Semantics call him what you like, many do, Bertie Ahern apologized on be- Inspector Benedict Devlin as he of Murder but he is the owner of No Alibis, half of the State and set in place investigates a series of grue- By Aifric Campbell a mystery bookshop in Belfast. a reconciliation procedure, its some murders in and around Jay Hamilton lives a comfort- When a detective agency next methods secretive and flawed. the Irish borderlands. When a able life in fashionable west Lon- door goes bust, the agency’s It did not reconcile. This was young woman is found beaten to clients start calling into his shop the final betrayal of thousands death on a building site, in what asking him to solve their cases. of former inmates whose lives appears to be a sexually-moti- Of course, it’s not as if there’s had been deeply affected, and vated killing, Devlin’s enquiries any danger involved and really, in many cases ruined, by what soon point to a local body-builder he’s just treating it as another had happened. This is the and steroid addict. But days way to sell books to his gullible, story of how “The Irish Gulag” later, born-again ex-con James ignorant customers and as a way came into existence, how it Kerr is found nailed to a tree - to impress Alison, the beautiful was exposed, how those who crucified - having been released girl in the jewelry shop across had suffered were paid off, in from prison and returned to the road. When they drunkenly secret, and were yet denied his hometown to spread the break into the shuttered shop proper public reconciliation. In word of God. Increasingly torn next door they discover the a series of moves charted in this between his young family and bloated corpse of the detective, book, the State’s main purpose his job, Devlin is determined to with a hundred air freshening is shown as self-protection, not apprehend those responsible for pine trees hanging from him. recompense. Carried out in col- the murders before they strike Suddenly their lives are in ter- laboration with the Church, this This is the extraordinary new again, even as the carnage be- rible danger as they follow a was at the heart of the betrayal novel in the Inspector Devlin gins to jeopardize those he cares murder trail which leads them of innocent children. series, from “a major force in about most. “Gallows Lane” is from small time publishing, to Irish crime writing” (John Con- the heart-stopping follow-up to modern nolly). When a controversial Brian McGilloway’s acclaimed dance, to American senator is attacked debut “Borderlands.” ‘He joins Nazi con- PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 21 during the opening of a Done- the roll-call of excellence in centra- V A L E N T I A I S L A N D E A L A O E SAVE $$$ ON YOUR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE! M A T R I X B E C K O N E D O I F A X E E W YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR UP TO A 33% DISCOUNT U R G E S L L E T N A N R C O L L A R R T O A D O Y V F I N D JUDITH M. 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N I G H R T F A T E S Judie Flynn • 617-296-0350 D U B T E A G O O B S E R V E R G O R T I N N T E R A E 1152 Washington Street, Dorchester Lower Mills C O U R T M A G S H E R R Y Page 24 August 2009 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com IrishEchoThe Presents Gateways to Tomorrow Conference Boston-Northwest Ireland Seaport Hotel and World Trade Centre Boston, Massachusetts Wednesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 8, 2009 Speakers include: • SENATOR THERESE MURRAY(President of Senate) • TIMOTHY CAHILL, Treasurer, State of Massachusetts • TIM MURRAY, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts • CONOR MURPHY, Minister of Regional Development North Ireland • DAVID GAVAGHAN, CEO Strategic Investment Board of Northern Ireland • GENERAL JAMES CULLEN • PÁDRAIG Ó HAOLÁIN, CEO Údarás na Gaeltachta • JOHN CULLINANE, MainMessage.org • GARVAN O’DOHERTY, entrepreneur • PAUL DWYER, President, ICCUSA New England A Wedding to Remember. • JOSEPH LEARY, President, Irish American Partnership With Service to Savor. • TOM DINAPOLI, Comptroller New York State (invited), • JAMES BARNES, Community Development Director, City of Lawrence. After months of planning, your big day is here and it’s time to exhale. You’re at Seaport, Boston’s most accommodating host, where expectations are exceeded ev- To register or for more information: www.irishecho.com/conference ery day, and white-glove service is business as usual. Location isn’t everything, but our luxurious accommodations are one-of-a-kind, surrounded by spectacular views of “The most important initiative linking Boston and Derry in a generation.” Boston’s skyline and harbor. And there’s our Four Diamond cuisine, with menus Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Publisher, Irish Echo crafted to your unique tastes by our world-class chefs. Add theatrical pinlighting and our unparalleled attention to detail, and you’ve just pulled off the romantic event you This unique conference will be followed by the dreamed of—and one of your guests will long remember. Golden Bridges Luncheon Honoring Irish American leaders of Massachusetts in association with the

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