February 2016 Boston’s hometown VOL. 27 #2 journal of Irish culture. $2.00 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2016 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. bostonirish.com Taoiseach asks SIMMERING TO A BOIL voters to let him keep his program on track in 2016 On Jan. 21, CNBC reporters Julia Chatterley and Geoff Cutmore caught up with Enda Kenny, Ireland’s prime minister, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. A question and answer session followed in which the taoiseach looked down the road, mostly on economic matters. Following are excerpts from the transcript of that session: Q. You’re being called the Celtic Phoenix here, in terms of the economy. Is the economy’s rebound and recovery going to win you this election? Because that’s what the polls are saying. A. Well, I think it’s important to just recall where we were five years ago. You were locked out ofthe markets, you couldn’t borrow money at 15 percent in- terest, unemployment was 15, too, debt rising, 300,000 jobs lost and disappoint- ment and disillusionment everywhere. So because of the nature of the plan and A quiet day on Dublin’s O’Connell Street in 1914. Beneath the surface, though, the talk centered on a the strategy put together divisive home rule legislation, the oncoming war, and the full independence from the British empire which people dealt with, that most saw as inevitable no matter the bloody cost. we’re now in a very differ- ent position. Interest rates are below 2 percent; we’ll Promising ‘home rule’ legislation have our deficit eliminated by 2017; and our debt’s now falling below 100 percent gives way politically to a world war and moving towards Euro- pean norms, which is great By Peter F. Stevens and 1914, paramilitary groups had begun lining up on progress. Enda Kenny BIR Staff both sides of the issue. The Ulster Volunteer Force, in the North, began armed training and was ostensibly It’s not a victory by any Second in a four-part series. means, but what we’ve done In early 1916, Ireland seethed on the verge of rebel- prepared to fight and remove Ulster from the British Empire rather than cede any power to home rule or now is set out a strategy and a plan for a longer term lion against Britain. The debate over “Home Rule,” economic situation, to keep growth and jobs being cre- which would give Ireland a constricted version of Irish Nationalists. In the South, the mainly Catholic Irish Volunteers also began to arm and train with an eye ated, which means the more you have in employment, independence from the Parliament in London, had the better the engine of your country will provide finance been argued for decades, and at the turn of the 20th first to home rule and eventually to full independence. With the outbreak of the war, the bulk of Orangemen to invest in services that people need. Nurses, teachers, century had appeared a likely eventuality. Many his- police officers and so on. torians contend that the measure could have passed and Nationalists alike put their causes on hold for the greater cause – to do their bit to help the Allies defeat Q. Would you be disappointed if you weren’t re-elected in 1914. But the eruption of World War I in August of and able to come back and finish the job? Because some that year shattered any realistic hopes for the quasi- Kaiser Wilhelm’s Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Hordes of Irishmen from both North and of the polls are suggesting that your tax bribe isn’t independence the proposal offered. really working at the moment to get your support up A statement by the British politician C.T. Gren- South enlisted in the British Army and were soon immersed in the savage stalemate and horror of the in the polls. ville all the way back in 1784 foretold the attitude of A. Well, there are no tax bribes here. Parliament toward Ireland in 1916: “Ireland is too Western Front’s trench warfare. great to be unconnected with us, and too near us to As Irish casualties and disillusionment with the (Continued on page 16) be dependent on a foreign state, and too little to be war escalated, and with no end in sight, rebellion independent.” To many Irish, home rule, limited as simmered toward a boil with each passing month. The it would be, seemed the best approach. In 1912, the Irish Volunteers now dubbed themselves the “National O’Caollai named third attempt to pass a bill was virulently opposed in Volunteers,” but taking the lead was a secret “Army Ulster by the Protestant Orange Order. Council” created by the Irish Republican Brotherhood Although proponents pushed hard again in 1913 (Continued on page 8) envoy to Australia Breandán Ó Caollai, former Consul General in Kieran Jordan steps smartly Boston, has been named Ireland’s Ambassador to Australia, the BIR has into world of multi-video been told. Ó Caollai served for two By Sean Smith Jordan recently released “Musical Feet! Volume 2: The Next Step,” years as head of the Irish Special to the BIR Consulate here, then left In a perfect world – or perhaps the the second in a series of tutorials for the sean-nos (“old style”), the last August to return to “old” world – Irish dancing is taught Dublin to a post in the by an instructor face-to-face and “low-to-the-ground” improvisa- tional type of Irish dance of which Department of Foreign toe-to-toe with the student. But the Affairs headquarters. world’s not like that anymore, which she is an acknowledged master. In both volumes, she breaks down and His new position in- is why Boston-area dancer Kieran cludes diplomatic respon- Jordan has become proficient in demonstrates specific steps – from basic to more intricate – that can sibilities across a wide creating instructional videos that area, including New Zea- are available not only on DVDs but be used in dancing to Irish music; Brendan O’Caollai where Volume 1 focused on steps land, Fiji, the Solomon also via streaming or download via Islands and Papua New be installed Down Under the Internet. (Continued on page 13) Guinea. He is expected to some time in August.

Brian W. O’Sullivan CFP®, ChFc, CLU Partner 234 Copeland Street, Suite 225 Quincy, MA 02169 Tel. 617-479-0075 Ext. 331 Fax 617-479-0071 Brian W. O’Sullivan, CFP ®, ChFC, CLU, is a registered representative of and offers securities, investment advisory and financial planning services through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member [email protected] SIPC. Supervisory Address: 101 Federal Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02210 • 617-439-4389 www.commonwealthfinancialgroup.com Page 2 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

Geraghty ASSOCIATES PROPERTY MANAGERS Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments Available in the desirable Cedar Grove section of Dorchester. Studios reasonably priced; 1-bedroom units; heat and hot water included. Short walk to the Red Line. Free off-street Parking. Washing Machines and Dryers in building. Call Michael at 617-364-4000 Geraghty Associates, Inc. Property Managers P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 O’Connell Street in ruins after the Rising. 1916 in 2016 Boston College Irish Studies Program Commemorates the Centenary of the Easter Rising SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Thurs., Jan, 21, 5 pm Mon. Feb. 22, 6 pm Fri., March 18 – Sun. March 20 Tues., April 5, 3-5:15 pm Tues., April 12, 3-5:15 pm Connolly House: Gasson Hall 100: Devlin 101: Burns Library Devlin 101: Professor Mike Cronin (BC MA Congressman Richard An International O’Brien Fine Print Room: The Illustration & Stained Ireland): “The Enemy in Neal will present a talk on Commemoration The Irish Arts & Crafts, Glass of Harry Clarke; Dublin, 1916: the Easter Rising of 1916 Conference: “Easter 1916: panel discussion and an informal tour of the Who Were the British?” A Terrible Beauty is Born” campus walk. Panel Harry Clarke materials Sat., Feb. 27, 2-4 pm including presenters Colm members include: followed with a lecture Mon., Feb. 8, 7-9 pm Devlin 101: Tóibin, Alvin Jackson, Emily Diana Larsen (McMullen by Kelly Sullivan (NYU). McMullen Museum: Fintan O’Toole presents Bloom, Roisín Higgins, Museum), Maureen Meister Public Opening of “The Arts “Culture & Society in and Keith Jeffrey. (Tufts), Virginia Raguin Thurs., April 21, 5 pm & Crafts Movement: Making Ireland, 1916: Contexts (Holy Cross), Milda Connolly House: it Irish” (exhibition runs for the Arts & Crafts Mon., March 28, 6:30-9 pm Richardson (Northeastern) Dr. Ronan Fanning will through May, 2016) Movement” Gasson 100: and Patricia DeLeeuw (BC). speak on “Eamon An Easter Monday deValera, A Will to Power” Tues., Feb. 9, 2 pm Wed., March 16, 7 pm Commemorative Concert Sat., April 9, 9:30 am - 4 pm followed by a launch Devlin Hall: Gasson 100: featuring, among others, Connolly House: of that book. Paul Lamour, “The Arts & Colm Tóibin, “The Charlie Lennon, Regina “James Joyce & the Easter Crafts Movement: Making it Knowledge & the Power: Delaney, Seamus Connolly, Rising”; a one-day conference Irish” lecture & exhibit Writing and Violence” The Murphy Beds, the including speakers: Joe Nugent introduction. Gallery walk Boston College Chorale & (BC), Clair Wills (Princeton U.), to follow. the Boston College Joe Valente (U. Buffalo), Mike Chamber Music Society. Cronin (BCI), and Richard Kearney (BC). For further information on these and other Irish Studies events go to: www.bc.edu/centers/irish/studies/calendar.html bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3

Members of the 2016 Boston Marathon Team MR8 gathered in January for a photo at Fenway Park’s EMC Club. Photo Copyright Mike Ritter, ritterbin.com Richard family’s deep roots in Dot— and the genuine Of course, it’s Bill and Denise and Jane and Henry connection they share with Martin’s hometown— that Richard who continue to inspire, comfort, and lead us Two Martins. really shined through that night. Friends, neighbors, in their quiet, dignified, yet monumental way. volunteers, classmates – whatever the connection – Gov. Baker, who also offered remarks at the Fenway made for a groundswell of support for the family and event, compared young Martin’s message to that of One Dream. its cause that has no equal in modern-day Dorchester. another Martin, the civil rights leader whose national Hundreds of people gathered at Fenway Park’s EMC As Mayor Walsh said in poignant remarks, Team MR8 holiday we just observed. Club last month for the official launch of the 2016 and what it represents is more than a charity, it’s a “His vision, his message was profoundly powerful,” Boston Marathon Team MR8. The core group of 66 movement. said the governor. “He’d be 86 years old today if he men and women was chosen by the Martin W. Richard The foundation that Bill and Denise Richard have were still alive. But there’s simply no question that his Foundation last December. launched in the name of their little boy sets up a con- message and what he stood for is very much with us.” Their number has since swelled as other marathon- duit not only to remember Martin, but also to keep The message that the two Martin’s share – the pursuit ers with their own bibs have stepped forward seeking him with us in a tangible way, every day. of peace and of building what King called “the beloved to join the cause. Together, they expect to raise a “I want Martin to live a full life,” said his father, community” – represents “the very best of what people half-million dollars to fund the charitable mission of Bill, as he explained the “ultimate” mission of the can be all about. That’s what MR8 is all about,” said the foundation, which has already launched inclusive foundation. “And I want him to live a full life through the governor. “That’s what this Martin’s message is basketball and baseball leagues in Dorchester and all of you, through all of us with all the work that we all about. There’s no doubt in my mind that Martin brought much-needed resources to existing programs do and through all the service that we intend to do. will live a full life, because of the power of his message in Fields Corner, Savin Hill, and Neponset. That’s what I want. I think that we’re doing the best and the power that comes when all of you communicate Of course, Dorchester was very well represented we can. I think tonight I continue to be in awe over the that message to people that you know.” at the Fenway event. Eleven of the runners on this commitment and the friendship and the dedication to – Bill Forry year’s team come from the neighborhood. But it’s the me and my family.” TIARA to BIR NOTEBOOK present BC author, Southie parade set professor for Sun., March 20 On Fri., March 11, TIA- Boston’s annual St Patrick’s/Evacuation Day Parade RA (The Irish Ancestral will take place a few days after the saint’s holiday this Research Association), year. The parade sponsors, the Allied War Veterans which promotes the study of South Boston, have scheduled the event for Sun., and exchange of ideas March 20, across the South Boston neighborhood. The among people interested later date comes because March 17 falls on a Thursday in Irish genealogical and this year. In recent years, the march has been staged historical research, will on a Sunday. present James O’Toole, The month of March brings at least eight other com- the author and Boston munity parades, with the first taking place on Cape College professor who Cod on Sat., March 5, beginning at 11 a.m. in South will discuss his book, Yarmouth. The 11th Annual Cape Cod St. Patrick’s “Passing for White: Race, Parade follows a two-mile route along Route 28 from Religion and the Healy Long Pond Drive west over the Parker’s River Bridge, Family.” ending at The Town ’n Country Motel. Professor O’Toole ex- plores questions of racial Charitable Irish 279th Dinner set for March 17 identity, religious toler- ance, and black-white Grace Brady, left, executive director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Museum at The Charitable Irish Society of Boston will hold its “passing” in America. Quinnipiac University, the artist Brian Tolle, and Curator Niamh O’Sullivan 279th St Patrick’s Dinner on Thurs., March 17, at the Spanning the century were among attendees at last month’s opening for the new exhibition, “In the Omni Parker House Hotel. The venerable Tremont Lion’s Den: Daniel Macdonald, Ireland and Empire.” from 1820 to 1920, his Street hotel has been the site of many society events story tell of Michael over the years. Featured speaker will be Diarmaid Morris Healy, a white Quinnipiac’s Great Hunger Museum Ferriter, professor of modern history at University Irish immigrant planter College Dublin, and the author of five books, including in Georgia, his African his most recent “A Nation and Not a Rabble: The Irish American slave Eliza gets $16,800 grant for new exhibit Revolution 1913-1923.” Clark Healy, who was also his wife, and their Hamden, Conn. – A ten 19th-century Irish of their Store” (1847), is Eire Society to honor Mary McAleese $16,867 grant from Con- artist, Daniel Macdonald crossing the Atlantic for nine children. The Eire Society of Boston has selected former Presi- The discussion will be necticut Humanities will (1820-1853). the first time, according help Ireland’s Great Hun- “Macdonald holds the to Niamh O’Sullivan, the dent of Ireland Mary P. McAleese to receive the 79th held at the Mandel Cen- Annual Gold Medal. Dinner at a ceremony that will ter at the Mandel Center ger Museum at Quinnipiac distinction of having pro- museum’s curator. University present a new duced the only known “This painting, which is take place on Saturday evening, April 2, at the Omni at Brandeis University Parker House. The Society annually honors a person in Waltham, where TI- exhibition, “In the Lion’s painting of the Great Hun- displayed in the National Den: Daniel Macdonald, ger,” said Grace Brady, Folklore Collection at Uni- or persons who “exemplify the best of Irish culture and ARA holds its monthly ideals.” In a prepared announcement, the society said, meetings. It will begin Ireland and Empire,” executive director of the versity College Dublin, this year from Jan. 20 to museum. “We anticipate and others, will highlight “On the occasion of our 79th anniversary, we are proud with refreshments at 7 to honor President McAleese for her contributions to p.m., followed at 7:30 by April 17. a great response from the lack of famine art This exhibition, the visitors both here and and reveal how artists Irish culture on both sides of the Atlantic.” a short business meeting In the coming weeks, more information will be and the speaker program. first of its kind in the abroad.” told the story of the worst United States and the The centerpiece of the demographic catastrophe forthcoming on this elegant and prestigious event. For All are welcome. See the more information on Eire Society of Boston programs TIARA website, tiara. most comprehensive ever exhibition, Macdonald’s of 19th-century Europe mounted, will reevaluate “An Irish Peasant Fam- by other pictorial means,” and events, contact Barbara S. Fitzgerald, ESB Corre- ie, for information on all sponding Secretary, at [email protected]. its activities. the undeservedly forgot- ily Discovering the Blight O’Sullivan added. Page 4 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook There are many things that will Knock Shrine make 2016 an interesting year looks forward By Joe Leary television commercials are being produced, and the Special to the BIR major political parties are making announcements With all the trauma caused by the recent erratic every day promising the voters whatever they want. to July events turns of the world’s stock markets, investment ex- The time between the election announcement and the ecutives and those responsible for Ireland’s economic election is only a matter of weeks, but the campaign well being have become very nervous about 2016. has been going on for some time now. By Ed Forry While Wall Street experts The results will change the Dail almost completely. Boston’s Cardinal Archbishop Sean O’Malley will keep saying don’t panic, stay Labor will probably not be a major party and there lead an archdiocesan pilgrimage to Ireland in July the course, even the smallest may be unheard of coalitions necessary to form a for the rededication of the shrine in Knock, Co. Mayo, of investors have lost $5,000 working government. Fine Gael will most likely be according to a report in the Irish Independent news- and $10,000 and more. the lead party, but they will have to agree with former paper on Jan. 26. The cardinal will celebrate mass at Ireland is still suffering rivals to accomplish anything. the Marian site on Sun., July 17, the newspaper said. from the impact of the 2007- In the North a new leader has been appointed According to the report, the cardinal welcomed the 2008 economic collapse; the to head the Unionist DUP. Ms. Arlene Foster has announcement, saying: “The fear of a repeat is quite real. taken over from the retired Paisley successor, Peter archdiocese of Boston is blessed The country’s major cities Robinson, as First Minister and head of the Northern and strengthened by the faith of have come back strongly Ireland Assembly. Deputy First Minister Martin the Irish Catholic community but its smaller towns and McGuinness makes it his business to get along with here and also that of our many villages in the West continue the First Minister and has been very successful at friends and relations in Ireland. to lose population and job- it. But the old scars remain, so difficulties will come We look forward to parishio- Joe Leary creating businesses. up. This will be an interesting transition. ners from the archdiocese and In looking to the years McGuinness is taking on a new challenge himself people from many walks of life ahead, the Irish government is vitally interested by changing districts and running for election in his coming together as we journey in developing a permanent thriving economy. For home district in order to add to Sinn Fein seats in in pilgrimage to the Shrine an island so small, much of the investment in hat the assembly. at Knock this coming July for economy must come from outside the country. The most impactful election to take place this the rededication of Our Lady’s Last month, Ireland Taoiseach Enda Kenny and year will be in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Basilica.” the Irish Development Authority’s chief executive, and Wales - probably in early summer. The British Fr. Richard Gibbons, parish priest and rector of Martin Shanahan, led a mission of government execu- conservative party now in control of Parliament has Knock Shrine, said that he was delighted he will be tives to the famous World Economic Forum Annual decided to have its people vote on whether or not to able to welcome O’Malley for the pilgrimage this year. Conference in Davos, Switzerland. Shanahan was leave the European Union. It is called the “Brexit He has “very strong western connections and once quoted in the Irish Independent newspaper as saying vote” for Britain’s exit from Europe. again their visit with so many pilgrims shows the his agency can hold as many meetings in three days In classic British empire fashion – “Nobody tells us possibilities of pilgrimage growth and the strategic during the conference that would otherwise need what to do” – many leaders of the Conservative Party importance of Ireland West Airport to the future of three months to accomplish. want to leave Europe and fend for themselves. One Ireland’s National Marian Shrine,” said Gibbons. Meanwhile consumer confidence in Ireland last of those leaders is the current Secretary of State for Crystal Travel and Tours, the West Roxbury-based year was is at a ten-year high. The KBC Bank/ESRI Northern Ireland, the not so popular Theresa Villiers. travel agency that has long specialized in travel to consumer sentiment index rose again in December. A An exit would greatly impact Ireland and affect Ireland, has organized a one-time round trip charter stronger jobs market and higher household spending its dealings with Northern Ireland, and it would flight from Logan Airport, non-stop to Ireland West power were behind the optimism. also greatly complicate Ireland/Britain business Airport at Knock, according to Jim Kelly, the agency’s But economies don’t simply keep moving up, so cau- relationships. We can imagine a return to border founder. The flight, an Aer Lingus charter, will leave tion must always taken, especially after the recent controls and security stations and passport controls Boston on July 14 and return on July 21, he said. severe problems. on ferries and planes that travel between the coun- Kelly says he is offering all-inclusive seven-day pack- This will be a busy year in Ireland with several ma- ties many times each day. All of which will further ages, including motor coach escorted tours of Mayo, jor events on the calendar. Kenny has announced he impede economic activity. Donegal, and Galway at a price beginning at $2,995. will call for new elections to the Dail in early spring. So it will be an interesting year for all of us. One package, called the “Boston Gathering,” is being Candidates are being chosen throughout the country, hosted by Richie Gormley, “The Lord Mayor of West Roxbury,” Kelly said. For most Americans, the charter flight offers a first-time chance to fly into Ireland West at Knock, the Emerald Isle’s newest airport. Established in Off the Bench 1985, the facility is located in Mayo, just 3.5 miles from the town of Charlestown, and 12.5 miles from the village of Knock. The airport is What’s a lonely widower to do? the brainchild of a Mayo priest, Msgr. James Horan, who The questions keep on coming conceived of the idea of building a place By James W. Dolan much a part of human nature. Some can be alone where pilgrims could Special to the Reporter without being lonely, but others cannot. Most crave conveniently fly into Sometimes I think I need a girlfriend; not a new attachments of various kinds that provide happiness, to visit the shrine wife, just a companion, a friend with whom to share meaning, and fulfillment. where, Catholics the lonely hours. At other times, I think that would At this stage of life, how does one establish a re- believe, there had be disloyal. It would suggest that someone could re- lationship? Time is running out. Do you simply go been an apparition place my late wife. I don’t want to convey the wrong on in the hope that someone will pop up? Or do you of the Blessed Virgin impression, yet I don’t want to remain alone. actively engage in trying to identify a suitable com- Mary in 1879. Horan Such is the dilemma faced by those who lose a panion? Dating services may work, but they’re not began an intense lob- spouse. In a way, I welcome the grief. It provides a for me. Nor is hanging out at a local cocktail lounge. bying campaign to connection, an expression of love too late that makes up So, I guess I’ll just wait to see who, if anyone, comes persuade the Irish for the times that opportunity along. Probably not the most efficient way, but more government to build was overlooked. I now know dignified. the airport on a hill how fragile and brief life is If it’s meant to be, it will happen; otherwise I will in the bogs, to the and regret the times I could adjust to being just another lonely widower. I’ve got- The Shrine at Knock. point of raising almost have done more to strengthen ten to know myself pretty well over the years and, by one million dollars by our relationship. It was good, and large, am content with who I am. I like myself means of a lottery drawing. His efforts were chronicled but it could have been better enough to remain alone so long as I have the joy of in a memorable report telecast by CBS News’s “60 had I made the effort. my family and books and memories to fill my lonely Minutes” team. The airport initially was named Horan That regret, mixed with hours. I would prefer the right girlfriend. But if not, International Airport, but the priest died shortly after loss and the joy of times re- I can handle it. the airport opened in 1986, and the facility took on membered, are grief’s compo- James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District a new name. nents. Sometimes I actually Court judge who now practices law. Not a busy place, Knock is convenient for air travelers enjoy the grieving process as to and from the northwest, including Mayo, Sligo, and James W. Dolan I reflect on how fortunate I Donegal. It is served mostly by small regional jet and have been. Can I live a lonely short-haul passenger planes. Although travel agents life to preserve the bond we shared? Should I risk have organized one-off charter flights from the US, diluting that bond by turning to someone else for Boston Irish the July flight by Crystal Travel will mark the first companionship? Can I preserve the one, yet have the time an Aer Lingus charter will fly there from Boston, other? What would my children and grandchildren and Irish tourism officials hope it’s a sign of increased think if I showed up with another woman? Those are The BostonREPORTER Irish Reporter is published monthly by: tourism in the future. the questions I ask myself. Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., According to the Irish Independent, Joe Kennedy, How would I adjust to another woman’s peculiarities 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 chairman of Ireland West Airport Knock, said the and how would she adjust to mine? I am stuck in my [email protected] www.bostonirish.com flight was another “stepping stone” in securing regular ways and long out of practice of adjusting my routine. Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) transatlantic services for the airport. “Today’s an- Having been married so long, I am afraid of the new Edward W. Forry, Publisher nouncement is even more historic given the airport will accommodations involved in a relationship. And just Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor celebrate the 30th anniversary of the official opening William P. Forry, Editor what does a relationship entail in this day and age? Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor in May of this year. We look forward to welcoming Where does one look? And is it worth the effort? News Room: (617) 436-1222 our Boston visitors to the West of Ireland next July,” Women tend to be much more independent after Ads : (617) 436-1222 he said. the loss of a spouse. They get along better without us Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] Meanwhile, Brian O’Dwyer, International Chair of than we without them. That’s why most men think On The Web at www.bostonirish.com Ireland West Airport Knock, said: “This is a further they should die first. They know their wives have Date of Next Issue: March, 2016 important step in opening the West of Ireland to better survival skills. My father lived a lonely life in Deadline for Next Issue: Friday, February 19 at 2 p.m. tourism and to travel from the Irish in the diaspora. the years after my mother died. I so wished he had Published monthly in the first week of each month. I congratulate both Aer Lingus and the staff of the found a companion. The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond airport for making this possible.” A companion does not replace a deceased spouse. the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish Nobody does. But she can fill that basic need for Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. sharing time, thoughts, hopes, and fears that is so bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Irish films win acclaim at Sundance Film Festival

By Jennifer Smith Reporter Staff Among the dozens of foreign films screened at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, Irish features offered some of the strongest and strangest showings. The Emerald Isle consistently churns out a mix of charm- ing quirk and compelling narrative at the festival in snowy Park City, Utah each year, and its unusually high number of offerings this year have been met with positive buzz and clamorous applause. Sundance favorite John Carney, who burst onto the world stage in 2006 with his written/directed Irish musical Once, returned this year with the charming coming-of-age musical Sing Street. Carney brings the semi-autobiographical rock drama set in 1980s Dublin to life with youthful exuberance and original songs that cleverly evoke the rock staples of the era. Sing Street follows Conor, played by newcomer Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, as a middle-class teen dropped in a rough state-run Christian Brothers school on Synge Street after his family hits financial hard- ship. Along with a ragtag group of friends, Conor starts a rock band to win the heart of the cool and 80s-permed Raphina (Lucy Boynton), riffing affec- tionately on everything from Duran Duran to The Cure and The Clash with cheerful abandon. Experienced Irish talent helms the less-adolescent A scene from the film Sing Street. Photo courtesy of Sundance Institute. side of the film, with Aidan Gillen and Maria Doyle thimos’s first English language film. It features a About Dog, received acclaim for Viva at the Telluride Kennedy making deft turns as Conor’s financially- riveting cast, including Colin Farrell and Rachel FIlm Festival in Colorado. strapped parents. Weisz, in a searing send up of nuclear couplehood Initial reviews were positive for both Irish-pro- Met with a standing ovation at its Sundance world against the dour backdrop of Ireland and the United duced romantic comedy Love & Friendship, directed premiere, Sing Street is a refreshing breath of pure Kingdom. by Whit Stillman, and Irish director Rebecca Daly’s musical joy and teenage romantic wish-fulfilment In a world where single-dom is considered un- Mammal. An adaptation of Jane Austen’s early novel among a slew of twisting, brooding independent comfortable at best and a societal hazard at worst, Lady Susan, Love & Friendship stars Kate Beckin- films. Carney shows once again a masterful take unattached adults are sent to an imposing Hotel for sale and Chloe Sevigny and follows the schemes of a on the contemporary performance-centered movie treatment. Understanding that if they fail to fall in beautiful widow staying with in-laws. Mammal is a musical, without quite the tight focus of Once but love in their allotted time, they will be transformed quiet story about a grieving mother (Rachel Griffith) with what feels like a natural return to Ireland after into animals of their choosing, the guests employ who befriends a homeless teenager (Barry Keoghan) his more broadly commercial New York-based 2013 their wiles to avoid a bestial fate. after the death of her son in contemporary Dublin. release Begin Again. Another Irish film shown in the Spotlight category Ireland is represented among the many short films Already sparkling from its debut at the Cannes was the Benicio del Toro-produced Viva, the story screened at the sky-high festival by A Coat Made Film Festival in 2015, The Lobster was featured in of a young man working in a drag club in Havana, Dark. The 10-minute short follows two burglars who the Sundance Spotlight section, which highlights Cuba. When Jesus (Héctor Medina) is given the steal a mysterious coat that gifts them with a stroke some of independent film’s buzziest offerings. opportunity to perform as one of the drag queens, of luck. Midnight, an anthropomorphized dog, and The bizarre, sharply funny, and surreptitiously his estranged, abusive father (Jorge Perugoría) his human servant Peter struggle over the coat’s touching satire of a society obsessed with romantic re-enters his life. Director Paddy Breathnach, of power in this animated black comedy. coupling is the Greek writer-director Yorgos Lan- Dublin, known for creating the Irish comedy Man

Point of View Corporate greed energizes the “inversion” movement

By Peter F. Stevens and profits.” She added that she had a plan to “block for both touring and teaching pros, and plan the first BIR Staff deals like Johnson Controls and Tyco, and place an PGA Championship. Tom McNamara was one of the It didn’t take long. We’re barely more than a month exit tax on corporations that leave the country to lower band’s “Founding Fathers.” into the new year, but another controversial America- their tax bill.” McNamara, “Tommy Mac” to his family, friends, and to-Ireland inversion merger is front-page news. At the Sanders branded Johnson and Tyco “corporate desert- foes on the links, rose to acclaim as one of the “Home- end of 2015, Pfizer gobbled up Allergan Plc. to wash ers. If you want the advantages of being an American breds,” the first golfers to put America on the game’s away Pfizer’s US tax bill by shifting its corporate company then you can’t run away from America to map in the early 20th century. McNamara long held headquarters to Ireland. Now, Johnson Controls Inc. avoid paying taxes.” Of course, in the unlikely event the “always-a-bridesmaid” tag in the US Open of his plans to merge with Tyco International PLC. in a tax that Sanders, an avowed Socialist, wins the White era. Admired as one of the finest shot-makers of his ploy that will allow Johnson to relocate its corporate House, American companies will have a collective time, he crafted several of the more memorable rounds headquarters from Milwaukee to Cork, Ireland, where corporate stroke. in Open annals, but always fell a shade short when Tyco has taken up residence. This latest “Irish and On the Republican side, presidential frontrunner the final rounds were tallied. American alliance” will allow the companies to elude Donald Trump – unlike most of the GOP field’s wan Frustration? McNamara finished second in three some $150 million in US taxes anually. or mumbled responses to inversion – has strongly Opens – 1909, 1912, and 1915; in the latter tourney, In an article last month (Jan. 24), The New York denounced American companies that have outsourced he lost by one stroke to Jerry Travers. He also notched Times reported: “One of the first big mergers of the jobs. He responded to the Pfizer-Allergan deal in a Top 20 finishes in seven other Opens. Many golf histo- new year resembles a number of other deals in recent press release: “These corporate inversions take capital rians would contend that despite his Open frustrations, years in one crucial respect: It will allow an American and, more importantly, jobs offshore. We need lead- McNamara did not come empty in the majors because corporation to move its headquarters to a country where ership in Washington to get the tax code changed so of his triumphs in the 1912 and 1913 North and South corporate taxes are lower.” companies will be coming to America, not looking for Opens. In the pre-Masters, pre-PGA Championships Johnson Controls, Inc’s company profile describes ways to leave.” days, players and scribes alike viewed the North and the outfit as “a technology company. The Company According to the Kellner Merger Fund’s Chris Pultz South as a major. provides products, services, and solutions to optimize in an interview with Yahoo News, Trump’s approach In various accounts over the years, golf writers have energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead- would differ from Clinton’s and Sanders: “[Trump] stated that McNamara was born in Lahinch, Ireland, acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for believes companies shouldn’t be punished for doing but local researcher Albert Greene, who has traced hybrid and electric vehicles; and seating and interior inversions, just that the corporate tax structure should McNamara’s career through the United States Golf systems for automobiles.” be changed. If the corporate tax structure is changed Association and other sources, has spoken with one Tyco has a checkered past replete with several moves where the United States becomes a beneficial place of McNamara’s great-granddaughters; she relates to to overseas headquarters and a front-page scandal in to do business because of its taxes, then we wouldn’t Greene that “Tommy Mac…was not born in Lahinch the early 2000s, when CEO Dennis Kozlowski was have to worry about these kinds of inversion deals.” [his parents apparently came from Lahinch] but in convicted of ransacking the company coffers. Broken up Any of the 40 million or so Americans who have Brookline on November 18, 1882.” a few times since the Kozlowski era, Tyco now focuses ancestral or immediate family ties to Ireland certainly Greene provided a clipping of a Professional Golfer on fire safety and security products. At the time of the want both the US and Ireland to prosper. As I wrote of America Magazine’s 1939 obituary for McNamara, merger, Tyco was worth around $13 billion. in December, though, there has to be a better way than and it provides a glimpse of the Boston-American The US Treasury Department ostensibly made one-sided corporate inversions, one that is grand for golfer who learned the game in Brookline as a caddie corporate inversions more difficult in September and both American and Irish bottom lines. and went on to become one of the game’s most notable November 2014, but you’d never know it given Pfizer’s A Grander Hue of Green “Homebreds.” The notice relates: “Professional golf contemptuous decision to “turn Irish” in late 2015. In a different sort of green gambit, 2016 marks the had to endure another unexpected loss in the sudden According to Bloomberg Business, “the combination 100th anniversary of a notable sports event – the death to heart failure of Tom McNamara at his home between Johnson Controls and Tyco is the 13th such foundation of the US Professional Golfers Association. in Mount Vernon, New York.” deal to be announced in the last 16 months, according Standing in the forefront of the organization’s birth “Tommy Mack [sic.]”…developed his game as a boy in to data compiled by Dealogic. was Boston Irish golfing great Tom McNamara, “the the Boston district, and it wasn’t long before he began When the Pfizer-Allergan merger was detailed in Wollaston (Mass.) Whiz.” to show prominently as a player… Only a week before this space in December 2014, it was noted that several In that year, the Taplow Club, in New York City, his death he was [at a tournament] reminiscing with presidential contenders quickly denounced “inver- was the scene of a luncheon whose guests were the best other old-timers of incidents long ago. sions.” On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton and and most influential professional and amateur golfers At 57, McNamara was hardly an old-timer. His legacy Bernie Sanders both responded shortly after news of in the US. Their host was Rodman Wanamaker, the lives on a century later with the PGA, the organization the Johnson-Tyco deal. Clinton said, “These efforts heir to the Wanamaker’s department-store fortune and that he helped found and that changed the landscape to shirk US tax obligations leave American taxpayers a decent amateur golfer himself. By the meal’s end, of the game for touring and teaching pros. holding the bag while corporations juice more revenues the group had agreed to form the PGA, to codify rules Page 6 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Mike Mullane: Labor boss, champion of his America

By Mike Barnicle board not knowing or caring who they’ll As we collectively wring our hands find hanging from a window, caught in over wealth inequality in the US, per- a hallway, or hiding from flames and haps we should look no further than our smoke beneath a bed or in a closet. Climb disembowelment of unions. the ladder. Save a stranger. Do your job, It was nearly 9 p.m. that January the only mantra. night and more than a couple of thousand For more than a decade now unions people had already paid their respects in America have been under a more at a wake held in a union hall for a man sustained assault than our government who led his life helping others climb the sometimes seems to have waged against ladder. Now the line had thinned to fewer ISIS. Unions have been weakened, than 200 who stood in the chill outside enrollments diminished, negotiating Florian Hall waiting to offer one final strength reduced. prayer for Mike Mullane, firefighter and Certainly the union movement has union leader who died the previous week suffered from some self-inflicted wounds, at 68, leaving a legion of people grateful but in the debate about income inequality for his unyielding commitment to a cause in America few voices have been stronger that seems distant in today’s culture of and louder in pushing to close the gap self absorption and self promotion. and move working people’s wages for- ward than unions. Negotiating alone is like trying to walk on water. You drown. “His wake and the funeral Mass were amazing,” Bo Mullane was saying. “You had big people and little people. The secretary of state, John Kerry, was at my brother’s funeral. Imagine that. Like he doesn’t have other stuff to do? Wow. He was there because he knew Mike was his guy. Knew Mike was in his corner. When Kerry was running for president, The life and legacy of Mike Mullane received full remembrance honors as his Mike Mullane: “He wanted people to Mike told him, “John, you’re surrounded funeral cortege approached St. Brendan’s Church last month. get paid fairly.” by guys in suits who couldn’t find Fields Corner for you. I’ll get my guys out for Bill Brett photo you. And he did. And Kerry won New “His whole life, he wanted people to Hampshire. application, a mortgage default, a rent A decent wage and a good education. get paid fairly,” his brother, Bo Mul- “Right up until he died, Mike was payment, a marriage, a street corner Two items always held in high regard lane, a retired Boston police detective, looking at the candidates for president argument, or a family feud. by a man who fought hard so that ev- was saying. “He didn’t care what color this year and he couldn’t believe it. He “All the guys who spoke at his funeral,” eryone would have a shot at both in or what religion you were; if you were was saying to me when he’d hear what said Bo, “they were all great. Joe Finn, a country where the language of fear on the job, he was gonna’ fight for you. this Cruz or Trump was saying and Mike “Edso” Kelly, they were terrific. The one and the politics of division angered and And if you didn’t have a job, he’d fight would say, “Jesus, Bo, we’ll be walking I loved, though, was when my nephew frustrated him. for you, too. around in loincloths if any of these people stood up and told about the time he was Michael Mullane climbed the ladder Mike Mullane was a firefighter, a ever get the big job. getting kicked out of UMass for screw- of life and he wanted everyone else to union guy all his life, a vice president “My brother knew how to negotiate. He ing up or something and he called Uncle have a decent chance at doing the same of the International Association of knew what was fair and he knew what Buck – that’s what he called Mike. He thing, one rung at a time, without anyone Firefighters. He was part of a job that was unfair. Wanna’ know where he did tells him what the problem is and Mike in public life trying to rig the game. He when the call comes, the bell rings, and his best deals? He’d tell you he settled says he’ll see what he can do and, of sought a few simple things that once the doors of the firehouse open, nobody more contracts in the s***house than course, he fixes things up and the kid seemed to be the strongest aspect of the asks if those who need help are Muslim, anyplace else. He’d tell me, ‘Bo, they all gets back into UMass. And he thanks American spirit – fairness and opportu- Catholic, or atheists. gotta’ piss. Just wait for ‘em there and Mike and tells him that the light finally nity – and he died fighting to the end. The ladder truck and Engine 21 roll talk to them.’ “ went on in his head, and he pauses and This article first appeared on the web- down the boulevard, the firefighters on Mike Mullane could help settle any- tells the people in church that Mike said site The Daily Beast. It is reprinted with thing successfully – a labor deal, a college to him, “And it’s a dim light at that.” the author’s permission. bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell on Twitter that stayed up for an hour and was seen by the commonwealth. Parents Sue For All Berkeley Students just 167 people, but there you go. A similar libel case I, Too, Am Very Tired Of Big Pharma On TV The parents of all those killed or injured in the apart- came down with a judgment of $150,000 plus assessed What an industry! We have 5,000 percent increases ment balcony collapse in Berkeley, California, last June legal fees against the defendant. Something to think on a life-saving drug, and a Gilead drug company execu- have joined in a civil suit against the builders, owners, about, but then maybe that’s the point. tive dismisses public outrage at enormous drug cost and management of the building. Six Irish students ‘Spotlight’ Movie Hits The Spot increases, calling the protesters “an abomination.” And lost their lives and seven others were injured, some I finally had a chance to see “Spotlight,” the filmed Big Pharma whines about supposedly hefty research severely. The defendants in the lawsuit number 35. story of how the Boston Globe resolutely ran down the costs. Meanwhile, television and print advertising City of Berkeley inspectors have said that the bal- Catholic priests abuse scandal and shook up Catholics costs for drugs have gone through the roof and now cony that collapsed fell because the joints supporting and their church around the world. I loved the film are higher annually than the research costs. it had suffered severe dry rot due to water damage. even as I was saddened by the theme, a reality since It’s about time that Medicare and similar health In addition to the litigation by the parents seeking 2002 when the story of how Boston’s Cardinal Ber- plans change the law and start negotiating prices so damages, there is an ongoing nard Law and his clerical associates shuttled abusive that US drug costs (and Ireland’s also) are cheaper, criminal investigation into the priests from parish to parish became an international as they are able to do in most of Europe. lethal incident. scandal. My only regret is that none of the church big City Hall Loses A Good Man The students were working in shots were dealt with. As in real life and reel life, all Howard Leibowitz, 63, died late in December of a Berkeley for the summer, partici- the bishops, cardinals, et al. had immunity. heart attack at his Jamaica Plain home. He was a key pating in the J-1 visa program. About the movie itself: We now know that Spotlight figure in two city administrations covering a quarter In their lawsuit, the families and has been nominated in six Academy Award categories. century. Between deadlines and some health issues, the students claim that building If I had a vote, I would add the individuals who can’t I never got a chance to say goodbye to him in print. owner Black Rock and other be nominated, those casting geniuses who select and Howie was often the busiest man in the mayor’s office. named defendants failed to suggest actors for a movie. The two people who did that He handled all the tough jobs, the inter-governmental investigate, inspect, or respond job for Spotlight picked well and wisely. Without the relations, policy problems, the people pressing for the to complaints about water intru- phony heroics of so many films – bullets flying, cars mayor’s ear, urgent issues, and the last-minute Gotcha Bill O’Donnell sion, wood rot, fruiting bodies and exploding – the ensemble was quietly magnificent. problems that beset high level elected officials. Howie a tilt on the balcony. Attorneys for There was no room for Stanley Tucci as attorney was invariably kind, generous, and he made time to the students and parents said their clients hope that Mitchell Garabedian on the marquee, but he was hear your problem or solutions. He was a ray of hope the legal action alleging wrongdoing would result in solid, memorable. From Michael Keaton to John and energy for the homeless and a dedicated advocate “appropriate industry, legislative, and other responses Slattery, the cast was outstanding. The story itself for affordable housing. One characteristic that I will that will be undertaken to prevent similar tragedies was intelligent and largely riveting on film. always remember is that he cared, really cared, and from occurring in the future.” Father Peter Daly, a columnist for the National much of that compassion was for people grappling with ‘God Save The Queen’ Headed for Dust Heap? Catholic Reporter, saw the movie alone and he wrote hard times, poverty, unemployment, etc. The tune in question is the national anthem of the that he was saddened and ashamed. There was one During my time in City Hall, Howie always had United Kingdom, not England alone. And a Chesterfield comment in his review that stuck with me: “The Arch- time to listen, even when he didn’t. He served Mayors MP thinks England (or the mainland, as we colonists diocese of Boston would never have reformed without Flynn and Menino honorably, with long hours and call it) deserves its own anthem. And all this inside the Globe stories.” with compassion, energy and creativity. Howie was a cricket brings up another dicey situation: Shouldn’t Still No Action On British Bill Of Rights hero to many of us and I am sorry he left so soon. He Northern Ireland have its own anthem? Currently, In the days before the last British national election, was what public service at its best is all about. the official anthem for the N.I. Commonwealth Games the Conservative Party spoke about introducing a bill Belfast Remembers The Nazi Blitz of ‘41 team is “Danny Boy,” and “Ireland’s Call” is played that would embed in legislation a ‘Bill of Rights” that While there will be commemorative events marking ahead of the rugby team’s games. And to add to the would lay out the rights of the British people. Presum- the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, the good people Brit dilemma, there is a growing debate, mostly on ably, that would include the Irish living in the North of Belfast will also be marking a somber anniversary talk radio, on what song might replace ‘God Save The in some cases. this spring: the German Luftwaffe’s bombings of Belfast Queen’ if Northern Ireland should get its own anthem In any event, it has been a while since that quasi- that killed more than a thousand people in April 1941. for sports. The top contenders for the public’s choice: promise was made for the first hundred days of the The prime targets of the German bombers were ‘Land of Hope and Glory,’ ‘There’ll Always Be an Eng- reelected ruling party’s administration. Here in Boston the shipyard, Shorts aircraft plant, Mackies, and the land,’ ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot,’ and ‘Rule Britannia.’ there was also talk about such legislation If memory linen works. Although industrial sites were targeted, Of course, the British sporting fraternity could always serves, the Boston attorney Michael Donlon volun- the worst of the bombing was in the north of the city, call U2’s Bono for anthem advice. teered to lead some meetings or a conference on the where thousands of civilians were left homeless. Fox Anchor Indicts Obama For Bush Bust proposal, but the British silence on the subject has left A number of events recalling the blitz and a memorial What would our monthly entry be without having it on the back burner. to the lives lost 75 years ago are in the final planning to correct the record of the largely truth-less Fox news Late reports indicate that a draft bill has been stage. There are also likely to be services at St. Anne’s readers when their fake “news” turns to delusion at the prepared and ready for introduction. If so, the call Cathedral and Belfast City Hall. hands of Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes. A case seems to be with the leadership at 10 Downing and RANDOM CLIPPINGS in point, one among many: At the GOP debate on Jan. Whitehall. Stay tuned. Retired Stormont First Minister and DUP leader 14, Neil Cavuto cutely shifted the blame for the 2008 Last Hurrah For Ireland’s Hero, Chuck Feeney Peter Robinson has won the Tipperary International financial crisis from then-outgoing incumbentGeorge For over 30 years the compulsively generous benefac- Peace Award. Past recipients include the Pakistani W. Bush to President-Elect Obama. tor Chuck Feeney, 84, has spent his duty-free-driven activist Malala and Nelson Mandela. Other nomi- There is nobody, save a few right-wing diehards in a fortune around the world. He has given away millions nees for the award were Mary Robinson, Angela cave in Texas, who believe that Obama (not yet sworn in to Vietnam, Cuba, South Africa, and Australia, among Merkel, John Kerry and former Israeli President as president) was responsible for the country’s finances other places, but Ireland, north and south, has been his Shimon Peres. … Salmon stocks, the Irish Indepen- in 2008 or for the unnecessary war that Cheney and main interest and passion. His total philanthropy is up dent reports, on the Fane River near Dundalk are on Bush lied us into. Yes, the recession is totally owned in the billions, but this year, 2016, will mark the end the brink of being wiped out due to diesel pollution by by Bush, and Cavuto and his Fox puppet colleagues of Feeney’s three decades of giving to enrich Ireland IRA launderers. … Update: Former Anglo Irish Bank all know that. But that doesn’t stop them from trying and other recipients with his smart, well-conceived chief David Drumm has gone 0 for 4 with judges to sell yet another false opinion or phony news report. projects. He has announced that he will finally divest in American courts in the past year. … Studies are However, Cavuto’s and Fox’s outrageous attempt his remaining fortune this year. Over the decades showing that migrants provide more to host states to score political points in lieu of truth-telling drew Feeney, through his Atlantic Philanthropies, has in taxes and social contributions than they receive in a cascade of economists, academics, news media, and given away almost $8 billion, a healthy chunk of that benefits. … The timing of a referendum on a British those who cherish facts versus Fox’s sad revisionism to directly to Ireland. exit from the EU is scheduled for the end of 2017, accusing Cavuto and Fox of bias and a total disregard One of Feeney’s guiding principles in philanthropic but the vote could happen this summer. … Galway’s for journalistic honesty. Is anybody surprised? funding is that private money can take the risks that mayor has announced that the city will be certified as A second quick point from the same newsroom: Sean governments cannot or are unwilling to take. And a “bilingual status” city. … Irish Labor Party Leader Hannity, hosting his weekday Fox show, had all the these have often involved controversial causes. In its Joan Burton will support Michael D. Higgins if he answers to the Iranians capture and detaining of a US final year Feeney and Atlantic will focus on care of decides to run for a second 7-year term as Irish presi- naval ship and its crew for entering their territory. the elderly, children’s services, and human rights and dent . … It seems that Dublin’s street entertainers, While the folks at the White House Situation Room and reconciliation. the buskers, have been the target of complaints from the Pentagon were taking a few hours to handle the Essentially, Feeney is a private person who likes to some businesses in the capital city for blocking access situation, our desk-bound loudmouth had all the an- avoid the limelight and do his giving anonymously, but and for making bad music. swers anybody, including our military leaders, needed that changed when a court case in the 1990s threatened Coming up to two decades after the Good Friday to accomplish the release. Mr. Hannity’s solution, and to disclose the details of the disposition of his fortune. Agreement, there is still an average of four bomb scares I quote: “Why don’t they [Obama and John Kerry] He then pre-empted the effort to look into his fortune every week. … The political promise game in Ireland just send the message, ‘You either let those people out by going public. has begun with Fine Gael and other parties offering in three hours or we’re going to bomb the living crap Chuck Feeney has kept the faith with Ireland over young families as much as 2,800 euros more in the new out of you.’ ” Smart stuff, Sean! Thanks and credit to the years and when fellow philanthropist and Microsoft budget, increased benefits for pensioners, and improved Media Matters, which shadows and reports on Fox and co-founder Bill Gates described him as “a hero,” he living standards for 124,000 workers. … British en- other fiction-driven news outlets. was spot-on in his assessment. tertainment writers and mags have begun employing Free Speech Can Get To Be Expensive Baker, Walsh and the GE Move the “shifting nationality syndrome,” where Irish actors Britain and Ireland, if truth be known, are regarded While the highways and back roads of Iowa and who win or are up for major awards suddenly become by many lawyers as soft targets for defamation and New Hampshire are filled with frenzied Republican British in nationality. … Little Rhode Island, with its libel-lawsuit plaintiffs. Thousands upon thousands of candidates for president saying anything they believe vigorous contingent of Irish (some 190,000 residents euros, plus legal fees, exchange hands every week in will turn a few heads or grab a few votes, the two top are of Irish ancestry) will center its commemoration British and Irish courts in cases where someone who is elected officials in the Bay State, Republican Governor of the 1916 Rising in Patrick’s Pub on Smith Street in alleged to have publicly insulted someone is then sued Charlie Baker and Boston and Connemara’s son and Providence and at other venues. … Britain’s Supreme by the so-called injured party who is seeking damages; Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh are taking Court has ruled against Donald Trump in his effort yes, cold, hard cash. care of business at home. to stop an offshore wind farm from being set up near It is comforting to think that the court systems of two Like the famous Mr. Inside, Heisman Trophy winner his upscale Scottish golf resort. great countries are looking out for insults and similar Doc Blanchard, and Mr. Outside, Glenn Davis, of In case you missed it, a judge has ruled that Font- affronts and are willing to generously order payment the late 1940s golden era of college football at West bonne Academy in Milton discriminated by rescinding a or damages to the plaintiff for his/her bruised reputa- Point, Charlie and Marty seem to have assumed those job offer to a man in a same sex marriage. … Stormont, tion. But in the real world, say the United States, there roles during the weeks of delicate negotiations with the N.I. seat of legislative government, is facing a $3.3 is a much greater threshold to gain success and big General Electric and the successful selling of the city billion debt. Is there still a hue and cry about a united money settlements. US settlements are tied to motive and state as the new world GE headquarters site. Ireland? On the International Peace Wall in West Bel- or intent and evidence of loss. I will leave it up to our senior citizen readers to decide fast, the city will replace its more contentious murals A recent case being tried now – an alleged libel of which man played the inside and outside positions, but with images of the 1916 Rising. … P.J. O’Mara was a British Ulster Unionist Party MP by a Sinn Fein the cooperation and good will displayed by Walsh and a larger than life character in Irish politics. For years Stormont Assembly member – could result in damages Baker on the GE project is a keen example of what he was Charlie Haughey’s press officer and a major amounting to a small fortune, plus quiet talk and a fact-based case to make can achieve. figure in Fianna Fail politics for over three decades. I enormous legal fees. The alleged libel was a tweet Congratulation to both men for keeping their eye on knew him a bit and P.J. had as much charm and more the sparrow: the well-being and commercial future of institutional memory than the Boss. Page 8 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com EATING AND EMOTION SIMMERING Dr. Bernadette Rock TO A BOIL What not to say ‘Home rule’ to a fussy eater As parents, we often legislation fret about whether our children are “getting enough.” A mother re- gives way to cently stated to me, “My daughter won’t eat for a world war me.” I replied, “Why PATRICK PEARSE EOIN MacNEILL would she eat for you? Only a “bloody sacrifice” could ig- Chief of Staff of the Irish Vol- Shouldn’t she eat because nite the independence movement. unteers she’s hunger and wants food?” The mother’s state- (Continued from page 1) Fellow Nationalists had long hoped A few years earlier, Erskine and ment highlights how dinnertime can be a place (IRB). By 1916, they were joined by that Germany would aid a rising Molly Childers had smuggled 1,500 against Great Britain. The Kaiser rifles into Howth Harbor (see last of conflict, a battlefield a wide array of groups with their where power is played own ideas for what independence and his military favored anything month’s BIR); that cache, however, that might divert British attention was not nearly enough to battle out. Here’s what not to meant. One of the common threads say if your child is a fussy was armed rebellion. Among the and even forces from the Western the British. More ominously for Front, but no “German invasion” of Parliament and the British Army eater: groups were James Connolly’s Irish “You’re not getting Citizens Army, or ICA, which was Ireland was a realistic possibility for in early 1916, Irish Republican Bernadette Rock and her daughter dessert if you don’t eat Keela. composed of trade unionists; the Pearse and his comrades. With no Roger Casement was traveling chance for victory, Pearse was will- throughout Germany to recruit an more of your dinner” Hibernian Rifles, a small band of Using dessert as a threat or a sweetener (no Nationalists; Cumann na mBan, ing to lay down his life for his belief “Irish Brigade” from Irishmen held that a rising would somehow prove in German prisoner-of-war camps pun intended!) is so tempting, especially when women Nationalists willing to fight you know that most children love nothing more alongside the men; and Fianna the spark for future independence. and to arrange for a shipment of Throughout Ireland’s tormented arms, ammunition, and explosives than a sugar trip. But here’s the problem: It shows Éireann, which various historians that you’re eating savory food simply to “get to” have likened to a an independence- history, informers had helped the from the Kaiser. British penetrate and turn back In Boston and other Irish-Amer- the sweet stuff, and that the savory food is not to minded incarnation of the Boy be enjoyed, but to be eaten under duress. It also Scouts. Irish insurrections such as those ican centers, few knew how close of Young Ireland, in the 1840s, and to a rebellion the IRB and others shows your child that you’re a little desperate. It’s The key leaders of the Irish Vol- an indirect but clear message. unteers were Chief-of-Staff Eoin the Fenians, in the 1860s. British were. Pearse, Connolly, MacNeill, intelligence knew that the IRB was Eamon de Valera, and other Irish “Eat it up. I don’t want to see anything left MacNeill and Commander Patrick on your plate” Pearse. A teacher and a gifted poet, plotting a revolt; and the British men and women were about to be- knew who the leaders were and were come household names. Ireland’s Ah, the sins of our parents! How often were you Pearse had few illusions that an told as a child to “eat it up, your father worked hard armed rebellion would succeed, but trailing them. Most of all, the Brit- own Declaration of Independence ish realized that the rebels did not would soon appear on America’s for that food!” One of my memories of dinnertime he staunchly believed that only a as a child is sitting around the table with my six “blood sacrifice” would ignite a true have the weapons and munitions to front pages from coast to coast. unleash an island-wide campaign. siblings and being warned to “eat up everything war for independence in Ireland. before it goes cold,” or “there are children starving in Africa so eat it all up.” And so we all obliged by National Library licking out plates clean, literally, as if that would somehow help alleviate a famine in another con- of Ireland joins tinent. Clearing the plate was usually met with with Google on a parental approval: “Well done Bernadette. Aren’t you great!” 1916 experience Childhood eating habits can be so deeply en- grained, and it’s tempting to tell our children the The National Library same message – “Eat it all up.” Don’t do it. These of Ireland (NLI) has an- messages are often based on guilt and the need nounced its partnership for approval. Be aware of how your own childhood with the Google Cultural eating habits can lead to extra eating for your Institute’s 1916 virtu- child, and sometimes that means that we do not al tour “Dublin Rising always need or enjoy the food we eat. 1916-2016” as part of the “Good girl. You ate all your bolognese!” Ireland 2016 centenary You might say this in a fun and happy way, but program. The tour is a you may also be sending the message, “It’s good virtual city streets look ex- when you eat it all,” or shouting the message “I ploring the iconic places, really want you to eat it all!” “You will receive people, and stories of 100 approval when you eat it all.” It’s much better to years ago, narrated by instead praise your children for activities, such actor Colin Farrell and as doing well with homework, clearing away their featuring exhibitions from Dublin City, April 1916. toys, or leaning how to read the time. After all, six prestigious cultural eating is our most basic instinct, and it should be institutions. also offers unique access to 1916 Centenary. Century Ireland. enjoyable. The virtual tour was important historical and Google’s new virtual The Dublin Rising “You’re not leaving the table until you eat launched at an event in cultural resource mate- experience has been cre- 1916-2016 Tour can be your peas.” Dublin last month by An rial. The visitors will stop ated in partnership with accessed at: dublinris- Have you ever stood over your child and insisted Taoiseach Enda Kenny at city centre locations as leading Irish cultural ing.withgoogle.com. The that the now cold greens are eaten? Then step and Heather Humphreys, they are today, hear what institutions, including the dedicated hashtag for away. Don’t do it. You have more chance, not less, the Minister for Arts, Her- happened there and click National Library of Ire- the launch of the virtual of them choosing to eat a food if you don’t tell them itage and the Gaeltacht. to explore photos, stories land, Military Archives, tour ‘Dublin Rising 1916- to – and not just in the short term. Research found As well as bringing view- and witness statements Glasnevin Cemetery Mu- 2016’ is #DublinRising; that a majority of third-level students whose par- ers worldwide to parts of from the Dublin of 2016. seum, the Abbey Theatre, the dedicated hashtag ents had insisted they ate a food as a child did not Dublin synonymous with The aim of the experience the Royal Irish Academy for the NLI’s programme eat that food when they left home. The students the Rising, the interactive is to enable anyone, any- and Trinity College Dub- of events to mark 1916 is viewed the parent as the “winner” and themselves Google Street View tour where to participate in the lin Library alongside #MyNLI1916 as the “loser.” “You’re so fussy with food.” Even if your child would happily live only on plain cooked pasta or cereal, do not refer to them as “fussy.” This label gives them a reason not to eat. After all, no one is expecting them to eat this. Photography by Instead they are expected to wrinkle their noses in disgust when the dinner is placed in front of them. It tells them, “I am a fussy eater, and that’s just the way I am.” Don’t let them hear you telling Image Photo Service it to other people, either. Have a Heyday Let’s start a dialogue that empowers you to enjoy • Weddings • Anniversaries • Banquets a healthy relationship with food and weight. Send your comments or questions to hello@heydayworld. • Portraits • Reunions • Groups com. See heydayworld.com for details of Heyday’s online weight management program. • Families • Special Occasions (617) 291-6609 Subscribe Today! Harry Brett • Margaret Brett Hastings to the Boston Irish The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Reporter Call 617-436-1222 bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Immigration Q&A I have my green card – now what? Q. I have just been granted permanent resident status in the US. Can you give a summary of my rights and Business Leaders citizenship. responsibilities regarding such issues as travel abroad, reentering the US, losing my green card, and registering Breakfast – April 28 If you are making this country your permanent for service in the armed forces? The IIIC’s 7th annual A. With your permanent resident status (“green card”), Business Leaders Break- home and want to par- ticipate fully in the Ameri- you can live and work legally anywhere in the US. You fast will be held on April can petition US Citizenship and Immigration Services 28. Our featured speak- can democratic process, becoming a citizen is a (USCIS) for green cards for your spouse and unmarried er this year will be Massa- children. Generally, after living here for four years and chusetts Attorney General necessary step because only US citizens can vote, nine months (two years and nine months if your status Maura Healey. Join us for is based on the fact that your spouse is a US citizen and an engaging discussion on which is probably the most significant benefit of citi- you are still living in marital union with him/her), you immigration, the economy can apply to become a US citizen. and other issues facing zenship status. We are all members of You can travel outside the US whenever you like. You Massachusetts and the must have your green card, along with a valid foreign United States. the community that we live in and periodically we passport, with you to present to US Customs and Border US citizenship? are asked make decisions Protection (CBP) when you reenter the US. You should Is now the time? about how we shall be keep a record of the dates each time you leave and return Perhaps you’ve been governed by the election of (backed up if possible with travel documents such as airline tickets and boarding cards), and it is important thinking about it but just our representatives. You Attorney General Maura Healey never got around to doing may have many strong always to reenter the US legally by using a CBP bor- anything about it. We’re opinions about political through the ballot, you Clinic on any Wednesday der checkpoint, including brief trips over the border to Canada and Mexico. talking about the decision issues, but if you can- are not a stakeholder and between 10 a.m. and 1 When you travel abroad you must be careful not to to move forward to U.S. not express your beliefs others will determine your p.m. to discuss your status future. with a staff specialist. “abandon” your residence in the US. If you want to leave We are all aware of For further informa- for more than 12 months you must get a “reentry permit” Legal clinics lineup: the ongoing contentious tion contact Ambreen at from USCIS before you leave or CBP will presume that political debates leading 617-542-7654, Ext. 41, you have abandoned your status and may not readmit Feb. 2, 8, 16, and 23 up to the election of our or by email at aahmad@ you. A reentry permit is granted at the discretion of USCIS for specific purposes, for example, going abroad to Tues., Feb. 2. and Tues., Feb. 16 – IIIC, 100 next president this year. iiicenter.org. Apply for US citizenship Are you worried about attend university, or going to your original home country Franklin St. Lower Level, Downtown Boston. to take care of an elderly or ill parent. Also, if you leave now and you will have a the naturalization inter- Entrance is at 201 Devonshire Street. Registra- for more than six months but less than a year, you are role in making that deci- tion 9 a.m.; consultations at 4 p.m. view and test questions? not automatically presumed to have abandoned your Mon., Feb. 8 – Green Briar Pub, 304 Wash- sion in November. We have that covered US permanent residence, but you can face scrutiny on ington Street, Brighton. 6:30 p.m.; do not arrive The IIIC is ready, will- as well. The IIIC offers this issue from CBP when you return. It is important before 6 p.m. ing and able to help you! a six-week Citizenship to consult with us at IIIC or with your immigration Tues., Feb. 23 – South Boston Labouré Center, Our legal staff and citizen- Preparation Class. For lawyer before taking a trip out of the US lasting more 275 West Broadway, S. Boston. 6 p.m.; do not ship specialists will as- information about our late than six months. arrive before 5:30 p.m. sist you throughout each winter classes, Contact Even if you have a green card, the immigration authori- For further Legal Clinic information, call 617- phase of the naturaliza- Sarah at 617-542-7654, ties can prevent you from reentering the US, or deport 542-7654 tion process. To start, stop Ext. 36 or by email at you if you are in this country, if you commit certain acts by our Downtown office to [email protected]. or crimes. Certain offenses that may not seem very seri- visit a special Citizenship ous could be viewed as grounds for deportation, or they could keep you from being readmitted if you leave the US, or from obtaining US citizenship. If you are charged with a crime, it is essential that Matters of Substance you consult an immigration lawyer as well as a lawyer specializing in criminal cases, as the law involving the The opioid epidemic: What you need to know effect of criminal offenses on immigration issues is ex- tremely complex. If you are a male at least 18 years old and under 26 at the By Gina Kelleher People with a personal or supports public health family history of addiction policies that effectively ad- time when you got your green card, your responsibilities IIIC Wellness Director include registering with Selective Service (even though need to exercise caution dress this problem, includ- Opioid-related over- there is no military conscription in effect in the US at if they are prescribed ing expanding treatment doses have been getting this time). If you do not register, you may be subject to these medications for pain a lot of media attention in access and availability to criminal prosecution. If convicted, you could be deported. recent months as the num- management. They need all who seek it. Failing to register may also prevent or delay you from bers of deaths continue to be taken as prescribed Families of people ad- becoming a US citizen. You can get the necessary form to rise in the US. In Mas- and under supervision. If dicted to opiates also at any post office, or you can register online at sss.gov. sachusetts, communities there are leftover pills, need treatment and sup- Other responsibilities of permanent residents include and families have been hit there are places to safely port. Counseling and/ filing accurate federal and state tax returns annually and hard by this devastating dispose of them in your or regularly attending paying any taxes that you owe; reporting any change of epidemic, with the death community; you can find Learn2Cope or Al-Anon address to USCIS within 10 days; and having your chil- toll reaching past 1,200. this information at a local meetings can be a great dren who are permanent residents register with USCIS While we’re not seeing pharmacy. Parents need source of comfort and within 10 days of turning 14. this trend in Ireland, to talk to their older chil- guidance. Remember; you Your green card does not entitle you to vote in US elec- this epidemic has most Gina Kelleher dren and teens not only did not cause it. You can- tions or serve on juries – you must be a US citizen for definitely affected Irish about avoiding “alcohol not control it. You cannot that. Doing so as a legal permanent resident amounts immigrants and so it’s develops very quickly, so and drugs” but also about cure it. to a false claim of US citizenship and can have very vital to educate ourselves people often need higher prescription medications. If you or a loved one is serious consequences. and our families about this doses and additional pre- If you find yourself ad- struggling with any type USCIS has issued a pamphlet entitled “Welcome to highly addictive drug. scriptions to manage their dicted to opiates, please of addiction, please don’t the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants.” This What is causing this pain. For those predis- know that treatment hesitate to reach out in publication is available in eleven languages at no cost huge increase in opiate- posed to addiction, once continues to improve and confidence to Gina at 617- to view or download from the USCIS web site, uscis. related overdoses? The their prescription runs there is always hope. 542-7654, Ext. 14, or at gov. It contains detailed information on your rights and consensus is that prescrip- out, they may have the Studies show that medi- [email protected]. responsibilities, as well as discussion of many practical tion painkillers are being compulsion to continue cation assisted treatment Additional resources issues facing new residents: finding jobs and accom- over-prescribed in the use of the drug and may (MAT) combined with can be found at: helpline- modations, health care, education and child care, taxes, US, which leads to easier doctor-shop to get more behavioral support is the online.com; learn2cope. learning English, and so on. This would be a good place access. Medications such prescriptions or try to get most effective treatment org; store.samhsa.gov/ for general orientation if you have questions in these as Percocet, Vicodin and pills from friends or on the for opiate dependence. shin/content/SMA09- areas. Keep in mind, however, that while the publication OxyContin are very effec- street. Massachusetts Gov. 4443/SMA09-4443.pdf. was current when it was last revised in 2007, laws and tive for the treatment of • The going rate for Oxy- Charlie Baker strongly regulations are subject to change at any time and can the acute pain associated Contin on the street is up vary significantly from state to state. Also, no general with cancer, but doctors to two dollars a milligram. publication can fully address the particulars of your are now prescribing these People who are addicted individual situation. drugs more frequently for often find themselves Visit one of our weekly legal clinics as reported in the moderate pain. turning to heroin, which Boston Irish Reporter for a free confidential consultation Some important facts to is a lot cheaper. on your specific questions about any immigration-related be aware of if prescribed • It is very easy to over- issue. these painkillers or if dose on opiates, especially tempted to take them rec- if injected. As addiction reationally: research continues to shed • These medications are light on mechanisms in opiates, which have very the brain affected by drug- similar effects to heroin. use, we now know that If taken long enough, any- decision-making areas of one can become physically the brain are strongly im- dependent on opiates, paired in people addicted which means that if the to drugs. medication is discontin- What can we do to re- ued without tapering, very duce the harm of these uncomfortable withdraw- powerful medications? al symptoms can occur. Education is the key to • Tolerance to opiates prevention and treatment. Page 10 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

Dublin native Alan Kelly (second from left) and the company of the Tony Award-winning Stephen Schwartz musical “Pippin.” Shinobu Ikazaki photo

to Broadway, Bostonians America. That has to be machine. He’s incredible feel a warm sense of own- exciting. like that. So I’ve only On the road ership with this show. A. I moved to New York played the role four times What was it like working three years ago. I was au- in the past year and a with Diane Paulus? ditioning in New York for half. With John, there are A. She’s so creative. about a year and got this some big shoes to fill. He With ‘Pippin’ She’s got this incredible vi- show, so I was very lucky. is fantastic. sion and it was really great Q. I know “Pippin” Q. Beyond the show By R. J. Donovan pin in the 1972 production, working with her. We did played Japan. How were schedule, you also do a lot Special to the BIR plays King Charles, Pip- her famous presentation audiences there? They of voice-over work. In a The musical “Pip- pin’s father, in the touring workshops, which she have a reputation for be- way, that has to be a treat. pin” originally opened production, playing the does with all her shows . ing a bit quiet. No costumes. No make-up. on Broadway in 1972. Boston Opera House from . . It really added another A. They loved it! They Just you, a microphone, With a score by Ste- Feb. 2 to Feb. 14. dimension to the show. loved it! We heard so and a computer, from phen Schwartz (“Wicked,” Dublin-born Alan Kelly We weren’t just being many rumors that they wherever you are. “Godspell”), the show was is one of the players as well directed by her – “Stand weren’t going to applaud A. It has been ideal, created under the watch- as understudy for the role here. Say this.” She didn’t until the very end of each being on the road, like a ful eye of iconic director of The King. The actor- tell us what to think, she’d act . . . It wasn’t like that little second career for me. Alan Kelly and choreographer Bob singer-dancer trained at tell us how to think . . . at all. They were so re- I’ve been doing it for about Fosse. the National Performing It was nice to have that spectful . . . They always five years . . . You get to hip-hop, everything. In 2012, “Pippin” was Arts School and the Col- approach from a director. brought us gifts after the create all these crazy little Q. Your dance credits revived under the watch- lege Of Dance in Dublin. Q. Her vision of “Pip- show. characters. It’s usually are really impressive. Do ful eye of inventive direc- He was subsequently pin” incorporates a circus Q. Any special mentors short little gigs, so it’s you have an emphasis? tor Diane Paulus. Her awarded a scholarship setting. Did you have to in your life? been a nice way to have What do you enjoy the bold new production first to Laine Theatre Arts master any new skills? A. Working with John a distraction on the road most? came to life at the Ameri- in London, graduating A. Yeah, I had to learn Rubinstein and Adrienne when things are quiet. A. Probably theater can Repertory Theatre in with a national diploma a contortion trick for the Barbeau (a member of the Q. When did the per- jazz. (“Pippin”) is a Bob Cambridge (where she’s in Professional Musical show, which I had zero cast in Memphis) has been forming bug first bite? Fosse show. I feel like I artistic director) before Theatre and a national experience in. I can’t say a lesson in consistency A. I was very, very late found something I really, heading to New York. diploma in Professional too much because it’s like and professionalism. They to the game. I started out really, really, enjoy. It’s Paulus put her own stamp Speech and Drama from a magic trick, and I can’t have both been absolutely at 17. I just really enjoyed such a great style to dance. on things by re-imagining Trinity College London. give away the magic . . . wonderful to me and watching the old movie It’s all about the feelings the show within an eye- Kelly is also a sought- I just had to do it, learn given me lots of advice. musicals, “Dirty Danc- you get when you dance, popping, circus-inspired after voice-over artist. it, and be proficient . . . They’ve just been there. ing” and all those dance you know? It’s very self- setting. Broadway critics You may have heard his In another scene we do When you’re on the road movies, and just decided indulgent. And sexy. I raved and “Pippin” picked voice in ads for companies partner work and I had you really only have each I wanted to give it a go. really enjoy that side of up a Tony Award as Best including Google, Bank to partner with another other and you become very Q. What are your memo- storytelling, through this Musical Revival. of Ireland, Guinness, guy. That was new for me close. You become good ries of studying in Dublin style of dance. As the curtain rises, Kerrygold, Apple, BMW . . . We both lift each other friends, which has been and London? R. J. Donovan is edi- a troupe of players has and McDonalds, among and that was another new really nice. So it’s nice to A. I remember it be- tor and publisher of on- gathered to tell the story others. experience. It was really have confidants. ing very tough. It was stageboston.com. of Pippin, a young prince We spoke by phone cool. Q. When you’re not very heavily dance-based. ••• in search of significance in when the show was in Q. You’ve performed working in the ensemble, What I wanted to do was his life. Should he settle Memphis. Boston marks throughout Europe in you understudy John’s be an actor. (But) they “Pippin,” Feb. 2-14, for a happy but simple the 50th city on the show’s everything from “Aida” role of The King. Have just had so (many) dance Boston Opera House, 539 existence or go for that tour. and “We Will Rock You” you had an opportunity courses that I found I Washington St., Boston. moment of glory? Q. Since this revival of to “Cinderella” and “Tanz to go on? was a good dancer. . . It Info: 800-982-2787 or John Rubinstein, who “Pippin” first came to life Der Vampire.” But “Pip- A. I have, but not of- was great. We did ballet, BroadwayInBoston.com. originated the role of Pip- at the ART before heading pin” is your first tour in ten. John is an absolute jazz, contemporary, tap,

Commemorative book for Elementary School students. Published by CJ Fallon, Ireland’s leading educational publisher. Teachers and students can celebrate this historic year with Remembering Ireland 1916, covering themes such as: • Key people and key events of Easter Week, 1916 • The Proclamation • Ireland’s National Flag • Women and Children in 1916 • Fascinating facts and evidence from 1916 $6.50 Remembering Ireland 1916 offers children from 5th to 8th Grade a fresh, lively, personal and real-life way of looking at the Rising.

Contact CJ Fallon on: [email protected] +353 1 6166 490 bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 Page 12 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com FEBRUARY CALENDAR

February will see Great- pipes, whistle) have been er Boston-area appear- celebrated for cultivating ances by such interna- a sound marked by pol- tionally renowned Irish/ ished, tight playing that is Celtic performers as Al- full of passion and power. tan, Lúnasa, Paul Byrom, The following night, and Robbie O’Connell, as Feb. 26, local quintet well as popular locally Cat and the Moon will based acts like Matt and be on stage at Passim. Shannon Heaton, Han- Its members – Kath- neke Cassel, and Cat and leen Parks (fiddle) Ricky the Moon. Mier (five-string banjo), • Cellist Natalie Haas Eamon Sefton (guitar), and guitarist/ vocalist Elias Alexander (percus- Yann Falquet will per- sion, whistle, pipes) and form a concert of Scottish, Charles Berthoud (electric Quebecois, and Celtic bass) – met at Berklee music on Feb. 4 at Bos- College of Music and es- ton College as part of the tablished themselves as university’s Gaelic Roots an exciting instrumental series. Haas is known ensemble blending tra- for her partnership with ditional bluegrass and Scottish fiddler Alasdair Celtic music with jazz Fraser, while Falquet is and other contemporary co-founder of Quebecois Prince Edward Island trio Ten Strings and a Goatskin will appear as part of The Burren Backroom sounds. trio Genticorum. The series on February 17. For times, tickets and event, which is free and other information, see open to the public, takes On Feb. 17, Prince • Hailed as “The Hanneke Cassel and but over the years have passim.org/calendar. place at 6:30 p.m. in the Edward Island band Ten Swanky Tenor,” Celtic Lissa Schneckenburg- incorporated other ma- • Altan, another pio- Cadigan Alumni Center Strings and a Goat- Thunder charter mem- er along with Natalie terial – including from neering Irish group, comes on BC’s Brighton Campus. skin will appear in the ber Paul Byrom will Haas (cello), Keith Mur- Thailand and contempo- to the Somerville Theater See bc.edu/gaelicroots. Backroom. The young present “The Great Irish phy (guitar) and Corey rary songwriters, such as on Feb. 20. For almost 30 • The Burren’s Back- trio of Jesse Périard and Songbook” on Feb. 13 at 8 DiMario (bass). These themselves. Opening for years, the band (Mairéad room series hosts sing- brothers Rowen Gallant p.m. at the Irish Cultural musicians, with strong the Heatons will be Neil Ní Mhaonaigh, fiddle, er-songwriter Robbie and Caleb Gallant has Centre of New England connections to Boston Pearlman, a keyboard vocals; Ciarán Curran, O’Connell on Feb. 10. garnered critical and pub- in Canton. The Dublin and New England, play a and mandolin player who bouzouki; Ciaran Tour- O’Connell is the author lic acclaim for its mix of native has forged a suc- range of traditions, includ- masterfully ties together ish, fiddle; Dáithí Sproule, of “Keg of Brandy,” “Is- traditional Irish, Acadian, cessful solo career since ing Irish, Scottish, Cape Scottish and Cape Breton guitar; Martin Tourish, lander’s Lament,” “You’re and French music with leaving Celtic Thunder Breton, French Canadian music with jazz, funk and accordion; Mark Kelly, Not Irish,” “Hard to Say original creations, which in 2010, releasing the CD and New England, as well world-music influences. guitar) has brought a Goodbye,” and many other they flavor with mod- “This Is the Moment” and as their own material. Lúnasa, one of the fresh perspective to the songs that have become ern and world rhythms. a DVD of his PBS special Also on tap at Passim most dynamic groups to Donegal music tradition staples throughout the Another youthful musi- of the same name. The is husband-wife duo Matt emerge from Ireland over that is at the core of their Irish/Celtic scene. In ad- cian, County Clare uille- $30 admission to Byrom’s and Shannon Heaton, the past two decades, sound. Their most recent dition to his solo work, he ann piper and concertina concert includes a “meet- who will play on Feb. 20. comes to Passim on Feb. album, “The Widening performs as part of The player Tara Howley, will and-greet” opportunity. Matt (guitar, bouzouki, 25. Kevin Crawford (flute, Gyre,” saw them continue Green Fields of America make her Boston debut as See irishculture.org. vocals) and Shannon whistle), Sean Smyth their explorations by col- and The Clancy Legacy. the night’s opening act. • Club Passim’s Irish/ (flute, whistle, accordion, (fiddle, whistle), Trevor laborating with American/ Opening for O’Connell will For tickets and other Celtic offerings this month vocals) play Irish music Hutchinson (double bass), Appalachian musicians be Cape Cod fiddlerRose information, see burren. kick off with “The Pure devoted, as they say, “to Ed Boyd (guitar) and like Alison Brown, Tim Clancy and her family. com/Backroom-Series. Dead Fiddle Concert” on strong traditional bones,” Cillian Vallely (uilleann O’Brien, and Mary Chapin html. Feb. 11, led by fiddlers Carpenter. See worldmu- sic.org for details. • The Newton Free Li- brary will host a concert on Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. with the Boston-area duo of Colleen White (flute, whistle, vocals) and Sean Smith (guitar, bouzouki, vocals), who will present “Love, True and/or False,” a nod to Valentine’s Day. The two will focus on songs of love, romance and court- ship – happy, sad, comical, or otherwise – mainly from the Irish tradition. The concert is free. See newtonfreelibrary.net for directions. • Boston College Irish Dance, the university’s undergraduate student ensemble, will hold its annual performance at BC’s Robsham Theater Arts Center on Feb. 25 and 26, at 7:30 p.m. The shows will feature traditional Irish dances as well as contemporary choreogra- phy, with special guests. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Robsham Theater website, bc.edu/ robsham.

Handmade since 1925 bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Kieran Jordan steps smartly into world of multi-video (Continued from page 1) for reels, Volume 2 looks at jigs. This is the third video overall Jordan has pro- duced: In 2008, she re- leased “Secrets of the Sole,” a documentary in which she interviewed and performed with two danc- ers she regards as major influences, Kevin Doyle and Aidan Vaughan. Jordan is by no means the only Irish dance teach- er who has turned to video as an instructional tool. But her experience serves to illuminate the con- tinuing post-“Riverdance” popularity of Irish dance, and the role of technology in sustaining it in an era where distance-learning is becoming all the rage. “There’s no question about the impact of ‘River- dance,’” says Jordan, whose career as a full-time profes- sional dancer, teacher, and choreographer began a few years after “Riverdance” first caught the public Kieran Jordan in a scene from her new instructional DVD, with musicians Armand Aromin (left) and Benedict Gagliardi. fancy (she graduated from Boston College in 1996, the of cities, especially in the you do is multiplied and hunters) to sit in. The two dict join me for this one: Ar- ishing up another project, same year the show had its US,” she explains. “There highlighted: For example, are often in the shot as they mand is himself a wonder- a 15-track CD of music North American debut). simply may not be access to I had quite a few people play during many of the ful sean-nos dancer, and for set dances, including “Irish dance has changed a class on a regular basis. point out to me that, in sequences in which Jordan Benedict has a profound popular ones such as “The a lot from the rather insu- So I thought a video could one video, the shoelaces on demonstrates steps, and interest in how the dances Blackbird” and “Garden lar world I grew up with, be a way for someone to at one of my dance shoes were they also can be seen at and the music fit together. of the Daisies.” Jordan, and it is alive and well in least learn about sean-nos frayed; you could see that rest while she is talking, as Our rehearsals were a lot whose dancing will be many forms and stylistic and what it’s about, to try it whenever we did a close-up is the case with the musi- of fun, talking about the featured on three of tracks, expressions, whether it’s out at their own pace – with shot of my feet.” cians in the earlier videos. dances and which tunes worked with musicians large stage shows, or great the possibility of someday Jordan says she tries to And that’s as it should be, they should play. Sean Clohessy – a fiddler solo dancing in the context being able to take part in approach her teaching on Jordan says. “As with the other musi- in the Boston area – Sean of a band performance, or a class or workshop. video much the same way “The relationship be- cians who’ve played with McComiskey, Matt Mul- something smaller and “At the same time, I as she does in person – at tween dancer and musi- me, this was a true part- queen. and Josh Dukes on more intimate – like a pub wanted to give people – some junctures during cian is so important, and nership, and it felt very selecting and arranging session or a house party. whether experienced or “Musical Feet!” you can see I felt the videos I make natural to have them there the tunes. It’s also grown in terms of not – the option to stream her working with a small should underscore that in the shot, even when For more information academic research: There or download instead of group of dancers, as she by having the players be there was no dancing at about “Musical Feet!” see are an increasing number buying the whole DVD. So does in her studio. visible. I was very happy the time.” Jordan’s website, kieran- of places where you can now, someone can sample “There are many dif- to have Armand and Bene- Jordan is currently fin- jordan.com. do a serious study of Irish one of the modules to see ferent philosophies and dance. if it’s what they want, and stylistic things to consider “I feel very fortunate to then have the choice of try- in sean-nos and other Irish be in Boston, where there is ing more.” Jordan says she dance, so I try to anticipate The County Donegal Association, Boston so much interest and activ- gets orders “from all over the questions that may ity in Irish dance along so the world.” come up, based on my expe- many lines.” She has enjoyed using riences with students,” she As Jordan explains, video as a medium, and says. “But the main thing part of the impetus for found it an educational I want to get across when St. Patrick’s Day producing the “Musical experience for herself. I teach is that in sean-nos, Feet!” videos was simply “It looks like a small improvisation is very im- meeting a demand. “’I’ve production, but it’s pretty portant. And even though I constantly received re- involved and complicated am providing instruction, I Dinner Dance quests for videos from Irish – we use two cameras and want to convey how critical dance students, especially theatrical lighting, and it is for a dancer to find his if they’d been to a special, that means finding the or her own creative way.” ‘one-off’ workshop or class. Saturday, March 5, 2016 right angles and the proper Another hallmark of Jor- A video can be a helpful amount of illumination to dan’s videos has been her tool for review.” get the shots we want. recruitment of respected Jordan also was mindful “One thing I learned area musicians like George of those people who, while 7:00 p.m. was to get more help on Keith, Sean Gannon, and not necessarily dance stu- the production side, such Amanda Cavanaugh to Florian Hall dents, might want some as lighting and costume, play for her dancing; for 55 Hallet St., Dorchester kind of introductory re- even getting my hair done the new volume of “Musi- source. “Sean-nos dancing, – those things you may not cal Feet!” she asked Rhode Hot & Cold Buffet thought it’s becoming more think are important. A live Islanders Armand Aromin popular, is something performance is one thing, and Benedict Gagliardi Entertainment by Erin’s Melody you’ll find in only a handful but in a video whatever (who perform as The Vox- Featured: Harney Academy of Irish Stepdancing

County Roscommon Assoc. of Boston Annual St. Patrick’s Dinner Saturday, March 12, 2016 5-11 pm

Tickets $40.00 per person Hope to see you all there! at The Irish Social Club Corned Beef & Cabbage Catered Meal For tickets and info: Music by Margaret Dalton & Erin’s Melody Special Guest: Roscommon County Mayor President Michael McCarron 617-696-1702 Tables can be reserved. NO TICKETS will be sold at the door. Tickets $40 VP Maryanne McGonagle Reserve by phone: Call Lord Mayor Richie Gormley 781-521-9001 617-327-7777 or any County Donegal Association officer Page 14 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Both Meat and Drink” – taken at a lusciously leisurely Robin Morton, who is not only the album’s producer and CD Reviews pace – or the medley of hornpipes, “Céad Bliain Ag founder of the Temple Records label through which it’s Fas” (a Mac Diarmada original) and Charlie Lennon’s been released, but also a former charter member of the By Sean Smith “Salthill Hornpipe.” Mac Diarmada is in particularly Boys of the Lough – a band founded on the principle Oisín Mac Diarmada with Samantha Harvey, fine form unaccompanied on the set dance “The Ace and of Irish-Scottish musical ties. “The Green Branch” • There are “power couples” in Deuce of Pipering,” leading into the James Kelly tune There are more than a few revelations on “Beg & business and politics, so why not Irish music? Oisín Mac “Sarah Kelley’s,” which provides a sterling example of Borrow” (the title is a sly reference to the interplay Diarmada is universally touted as one of the leading Harvey’s chording. Yes, there is plenty of up-tempo stuff between the Irish and Scottish traditions), especially Irish fiddlers to come along in the past couple of decades, here, too, such as the trio of reels – “Miss Monahan’s/ for those whose dominant impression of the Battlefield a co-founder of the band Téada and Vincent Harrison’s (another Lennon piece)/Woman of Band is their 1980s-90s incarnations, when they were part of a duo with bandmate Seamus the House” – that concludes the album. (Just for good known, among other things, for pairing synthesizers Begley. Samantha Harvey’s got a measure, Harvey’s stepdancing gets a turn in the and other electric keyboards with Highland bagpipes pretty impressive resume, too: In spotlight during a medley of tunes composed by Mac and fiddle, and for covering Creedence Clearwater addition to her talents as pianist and Diarmada in tribute to Sligo fiddler James Morrison.) Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” – all of which they pulled accordionist, she’s an accomplished The couple that plays together, stays together, so off with singular taste and ingenuity. The group has stepdancer, and she has performed they say – and Irish music aficionados will be very had a complete turnover in personnel over time – the internationally with Téada, “Irish happy if Mac Diarmada and Harvey do both. last remaining co-founder Alan Reid, player of those Christmas in America,” and Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Battlefield Band and guests, “Beg & Borrow” aforementioned keyboards, departed in 2010 – and is Christmas.” As of last month, they’ve been married a • That Ireland and Scotland have many common now a trio of some geographic diversity: Sean O’Donnell year, and “The Green Branch” is quite the keepsake threads in their respective music traditions is one of (vocals, guitar) from Derry; Alasdair White (fiddle, of their first 12 months together as husband and wife. those truisms people seem to know banjo, whistle) from the Isle of Lewis; and Mike Katz The album is nominally a showcase for Mac Diar- intuitively, yet can often overlook or (bagpipes, whistle, guitar, bouzouki, bass) from Los mada and his Sligo fiddle style – known for its light, underappreciate. So a recording proj- Angeles. bouncy character and “lift” – which would be enough ect specifically dedicated to pointing These three prove to be worthy successors to the right there to recommend it. But the classically trained this out is welcome indeed, especially Battlefield Band legacy, and along with their guests, Harvey shows herself very well-suited to accompany considering the talent assembled: have judiciously assembled a collection of tunes and traditional Irish music on piano: She strikes an ideal Scotland’s venerable Battlefield Band, songs that demonstrate very well the dimensions of balance in laying down a rhythm that complements with 12 special guests (the 12 is no the Irish-Scottish musical bond, as explained in the rather than commands or commandeers the melody; random number – it’s the number of invaluable liner notes. she also varies her chord voicings in a way that makes miles between Ireland and Scotland at their closest Some connections are fairly obvious and straightfor- her backing agile and melodic. distance from each other) from the Irish and Scottish ward: For example, the four-reel set with Co. Tyrone This combination makes for a multitude of exquisite music scene, including New York City’s Tony DeMarco, melodeon player Leo McCann (formerly of the Scottish moments on “The Green Branch.” Listen to their in- Nuala Kennedy, Christine Primrose, Alison Kinnaird, band Malinky) is a nod to John Doherty, the noted terplay on, for instance, the jig set “Mixing the Punch/ Aaron Jones and Mike Whellans. Also among them is fiddler from Donegal, which has well-documented Scottish influences in its music; another set with McCann includes tunes taken from Allen Feldman and Eamonn O’Doherty’s “The Northern Fiddler,” a landmark collection of tunes and reminiscences from musicians in Donegal and Tyrone; Kennedy and Prim- rose, meanwhile, team up for a gorgeous rendition of the classic Jacobite song “An Gille Mear (The Gallant Lad),” originally in Irish Gaelic but translated here by Primrose into Scottish Gaelic, a lament for Bonnie Prince Charlie – whose efforts at securing Scottish independence were viewed with no small sympathy by many Irish. Primrose also sings her Gaelic trans- lation for a verse in O’Donnell’s performance of “The Blantyre Explosion,” about the horrendous Scottish mining disaster that claimed the lives of Irish as well as Scottish laborers. Other instances of the Irish-Scottish rapport on “Beg & Borrow” are perhaps more obscure, and quite fascinating. A set featuring Whellans on harmonica begins with the well-traveled “McCarthy’s Quickstep,” collected by Co. Kerry piper James Goodman but also found in Scotland, England and even the US (“The Gettysburg March”) and then proceeds – with Whellan switching to rhythm behind Katz’s small pipes – to “The Drunken Piper,” a mainstay for Scottish pipers and dance band musicians but also played by Doherty (his name crops up a lot here) as a march. Fiddler John Martin (who played with pioneering 1970s Scottish band Ossian) cameos on a medley that opens with “The Braes of Mar,” a strathspey in Scotland that may be recognizable to Irish listeners as “Love Will You Marry Me” or “Some Say the Devil’s Dead”; it’s also played as a polka in the south of Ireland and has a Quebecois relation, “La Belle Catherine.” DeMarco and harmonica player Don Meade unite with the band for a Sliabh Luachra version of a tune found in Ulster but originating from Scotland – fiddler Kevin Burke translated the title from Irish as “The Whole Chicken in the Soup” – then proceed into a couple of reels, the first of which is the familiar “Fairy Reel,” associated with the likes of Nathaniel Gow and Willie Clancy. Morton shows up on bodhran and backing vocals for “The Mickey Dam,” a song – about a beleaguered Irish- man’s response to workplace harassment – that’s been a fixture in Glasgow’s Irish community. Of course, you’re certainly free to pass up the mu- sicological dimension of the album and just listen to it for its own sake. But a little education can be fun, you know – and it can be quite enlightening to real- ize that the tune or song you’re sure was thoroughly Irish was also enjoyed by the tartan-clad folks across the Irish Sea. [You can learn more about the project at begandborrow.net.] The New England Irish Harp Ensemble, “An- other County Heard From” • New Hampshire-based Regina Delaney has done yeoman’s work as a performer and teacher in preserving the music of the Irish harp, and sharing it far and wide around New England. This is the first CD by the New England Irish Harp Ensemble, a sub-group of the New England Harp Orchestra that she established in 2005. Delaney and her five cohorts – Marci Richardson, Donna Cerny, Raymond Mark, Mary Paul, and Pat Ford – play several tunes from Irish tradition, including the requisite Turlough O’Carolan composition (“Hewlett’s”) and the session standard “The Rights of Man,” but also mix in a number of contemporary pieces by notable musicians like Maeve Gilchrist, Aidan O’Rourke, Jim Sutherland and Boston resident Shannon Heaton; Scottish, Appalachian, Scandinavian and classical in- fluences crop up over the course of the CD’s 17 tracks. The sound of six harps is mesmerizing, of course, but don’t let your attention waver too much or you’ll miss some fine musicianship, such as their improvisations on Tommy Potts’ “The Butterfly,” the harmonies on Gilchrist’s expressive “Ladies of the Day,” or their deft handling of Sutherland’s “Easy Club Reel.” You can order copies or find out more at neiho.org. bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15

The 13th annual Boston Celtic Music Fest (BCMFest) took place in Harvard Square on January 8 and 9, featuring area performers of Irish, Scottish and Cape Breton music, song and dance. BCMFest is a program of Passim, which hosted some of the festival events in its Club Passim venue; others took place in The Atrium on Church Street and First Parish Church. BC- MFest will hold its summer festival in July, and return for a 14th year in January of 2017. A (very) young festival-goer relaxed as The Kelly Girls led a song at BCMFest.

GREENHILLS IRISH BAKERY 25 years in business!

Greenhills celebrates by giving back! To commemorate our 25 years, we will donate $1000 on the 25th of each month to a local charity.

Here’s to 25 more years in Dorchester/Boston

780 Adams St., Dorchester, MA • 617-825-8187 www.greenhillsirishbakery.com Mon.-Sat. 5 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sun. 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Page 16 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Taoiseach asks voters to let him How Much Money keep his program on track in 2016 Will You Need (Continued from page 1) worried that Don- Q. Isn’t that what the October budget was about? ald Trump might In Retirement? A. We’ve set out a very clear long-term strategy that damage Ireland’s is prudent, that is fiscally responsible and that is in technology leader- the best interest of the country both from an infra- ship? He’s saying Have you underestimated? structure investment point of view and from a service things like Apple point of view. Now, I see the economy not as some sort should bring all of entity in itself. It’s really an engine to provide the its manufacturing Presented by Brian W. O’Sullivan, CFP, ChFC, CLU resources to invest in services for people, and jobs are home, technology the best way out of austerity, jobs are the best way companies should out of poverty, and we set out a plan just this week bring back to Amer- What is enough? If you’re consider- for a further 200,000 jobs between here and 2020, but ica what’s American. ing retiring in the near future, you’ve to bring back 70,000 of the young people who left and Do you think he’s go- are working in other economies at the moment, come ing to hurt Ireland? probably heard or read that you need back with that experience to jobs that pay well and A. Kt’s a matter about 70% of your end salary to live that are demonstrated to pay well. for the American comfortably in retirement. This esti- So the tax situation in the budget in October is fis- people who they elect cally very responsible, but is based on optimistic figures when the candidates mate is frequently repeated … but that for the next period, and one thing that we’ve learned emerge from the doesn’t mean it is true for everyone. It from the past lessons is that we are now controlling Democratic and Re- publican sides. It’s also a matter for the American may not be true for you. Consider the public expenditure. In the past, it followed growth up, but this time it’s being controlled, kept at 4 percent, so government to deal with its taxation policy. We have following factors: it’s below the underlying rate of growth, which means no control over that, but we are very clear what our that that cushion is always there. taxation policy is. Q. The money that you spent there, though, in or- Q. It’s surely a concern, though? Health. Most of us der to finance those tax receipts, was corporation tax A. Well, I wouldn’t presume to assume the result of will face a major income. When we look at the US multinationals, the the Republican nomination, or the Democratic nomina- health problem at valuations in the tax sector, the strong dollar, is there tion, or the result of the American election, that is a not a concern actually that the backdrop of the economy matter entirely for the American people, and clearly, some point in our is not going to allow the money to come in this year to obviously, whoever they elect, you’ve got to deal with lives. Think, for a finance that? Is it responsible? that administration then. Q. When is the election in Ireland? moment, about the A. Well, the indications are that the corporate tax rates will be able to continue, and we’re very clear about A. It’s in the next number of weeks. We’re going costs of prescrip- that. Our tax rate as you know is 12.5 percent. It doesn’t to have the election early in spring, I said that last tion medicines, and move up, it doesn’t move down, it’s across all sectors in November, so that’s when we’re going to have it. So all areas of the company, and we have introduced the people know this. … I’d like to think that the people recurring treatment knowledge box at 6.25 percent, the first OECD fully will give us the continued trust and confidence to finish for chronic ailments. compliant knowledge box for qualifying research and the job that they gave us, which was to fix our public These costs can really take a bite out innovation funds, so we are very happy that the extent finances and to put our country back to work. We still of taxation will continue from the corporate sector. have many challenges up ahead, but we put in place of retirement income, even with a Remember, we’ve got 1,000 multinationals in Ireland a very good platform for the future and continue to great health care plan. with a cauldron of innovation and research going on. manage that successfully in the people’s interest. So Q. Yes, but while we’re on the tech sector, are you they’ll have their say in a few weeks’ time. Heredity. If you come from a family where people frequently live into their 80s and 90s, you may live as long or longer. Imagine retiring at 55 and liv- ing to 95 or 100. You would need 40-45 years of steady retirement income.

Portfolio. Many people retire with in- vestment portfolios they haven’t re- viewed in years, with asset allocations that may no longer be appropriate. New retirees sometimes carry too much risk in their portfolios, with the result being that the retirement income from their investments fluctuates wildly with the vagaries of the market. Other retirees are super-conservative inves- tors: their portfolios are so risk-averse that they can’t earn enough to keep up with even moderate inflation, and over time, they find they have less and less purchasing power.

Spending habits. Do you only spend 70% of your salary? Probably not. If you’re like many Americans, you prob- ably spend 90% or 95% of it. Will your spending habits change drastically once you retire? Again, probably not.

Will you have enough? When it comes to retirement income, a casual assump- tion may prove to be woefully inaccu- rate. You won’t learn how much retire- ment income you’ll need by reading this article. Consider meeting with a qualified financial professional who can help estimate your lifestyle needs and short-term and long-term expenses.

Brian W. O’Sullivan is a registered repre- sentative of and offers securities, invest- ment advisory and financial planning ser- vices through MML Investors Services, LLC, Member SIPC (www.sipc.org). Supervisory Address: 101 Federal Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02110. Tel: 617.439.4389 bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 Focus of IAP breakfast is on women as leaders The Irish American Partnership (IAP) kicked off the 1916 centennial, a pivotal year in Irish his- tory, with its annual Nol- laig na mBan Breakfast Celebration in Washing- ton, D.C. on Jan. 6, the day of Nollaig na mBan in Ireland. Over the past four years, The Irish American Partnership has been re-inventing the Irish Mary Robinson speaking at the breakfast. tradition of Nollaig na mBan, or “Little Women’s mothers, sisters, and Rights, and her own ex- Christmas,” by highlight- friends, the Partnership perience with Nollaig na ing female leaders who has reclaimed the day as mBan. have made an impact in a broader celebration of The Partnership do- their communities. women’s contributions nated $12,000 to the While the origins of to society. Mary Robinson Centre, the celebration harken Keynote Speaker Mary Ireland’s first Presiden- back to rural Ireland, Robinson delivered re- tial Library and Museum, when families would ex- marks on the importance located in Ballina, Co. press thanks for women’s of women in leadership Mayo. The Centre will Top row L-R: Ambassador David O’Sullivan, Ambassador Melanne Verveer, labor over the holiday roles, reflecting on her serve as a permanent Partnership Executive Director Mary Sugrue, Monique Choiniere, Susan Davis, season by sending them term as president of reminder of the impor- Mary Mellor; bottom row L-R: Mary Robinson, Ambassador Anne Anderson, off to the pubs for a day Ireland and UN High tance of female leaders and Nick Robinson at the Partnership’s Nollaig na mBan Celebration. of festivities with their Commissioner of Human in Ireland’s history. JFK birthplace will be open during Presidents’ Day Week The John Fitzgerald by the president’s par- and mementos personally outside Coolidge Corner at Kennedy National His- ents, Joseph P. and Rose collected and arranged by 83 Beals Street. The site toric Site in Brookline will Fitzgerald Kennedy. JFK, the president’s mother are is a ½ mile-walk from the open for the week of Presi- the second of nine chil- on exhibit. In addition to Coolidge Corner T-Stop dents’ Day from 10 a.m. to dren, spent his formative ranger-guided tours, John (Green Line, C-Cleveland 4 p.m., beginning on Mon., years in Brookline as his Fitzgerald Kennedy NHS Circle). Free on-street Feb. 15, and closing on family began its rise to invites visitors to step parking is available on Fri., Feb. 19. Guided tours national prominence. In back in time and share Beals Street for up to two of JFK’s birthplace will be 1967, Mrs. Kennedy re- Mrs. Kennedy’s memories (2) hours. available throughout the turned to 83 Beals Street of her family’s early home For more information day on the hour and the to commemorate her son’s via cell phone; normal please call (617) 566-7937, half hour. life, recreating his birth- usage rates apply. To or visit nps.gov/jofi. John Fitzgerald Ken- place to her recollection of access the tour, dial 617- nedy NHS preserves the its 1917 appearance. 992-9172. The tour can 1917 birthplace and early Today, National Park also be accessed via the At right, 83 Beals Street, boyhood home of the 35th Rangers provide tours web at http://myoncell. Joseph and Rose Ken- President of the United of the nine-room house mobi/16179929172. nedy’s first home, and States. The modest house where Kennedy family John Fitzgerald Ken- JFK’s birthplace in May was the first home shared furnishings, photographs, nedy NHS is located just 1917.

The President and Board of Directors of The Charitable Irish Society

Cordially invite you to attend the 279th St. Patrick’s Day Dinner

March 17, 2016 Omni Parker House Hotel, Boston Diarmaid Ferriter Featured Speaker Page 18 February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Traveling People The Burren offers entrancing views, and lots more By Judy Enright Special to the BIR What? Orchids grow wild in Ireland? Well, sure. In fact, there are about 27 native orchid spe- cies that grow in Ireland and more than 20 of those are found in the Burren in Co. Clare, on the Wild Atlantic Way on the West Coast. MOONSCAPE If you haven’t been there, the Burren should definitely be on the agen- da for your next Irish visit. With more than 150 square miles of surreal and magical moonscape close to the coast, the Bur- ren is also handy to fun, interesting towns like Lis- doonvarna, Kinvara, Bal- lyvaughan, and Doolin, where there are numerous Beautiful blue gentians grow between rocks in the Burren, Co. Clare, in the great places to stay, from spring. B&Bs to castles, and also many excellent pubs and restaurants and lots of things to do. As you drive along the coast, the Burren rises up in the distance as you leave Ballyvaughan and from beside the road as you approach Doolin. At first glance, the Burren looks like hills of dull, gray stone. But when you get out of your car and walk One of 28 species of native orchids that grow wild among those stones, you in The Burren in Co. Clare. will see an incredible floral display of lovely blue gen- tians, bright pink thrift (also called seapinks), yel- low Marsh Marigold and white Woodruff, to name just a few. You don’t have to be a botanist or even a gardener to appreciate the beauty of the variet- ies growing there or to marvel at Arctic/Alpine Sea pinks, also known as Thrift, grow wild amidst the Burren rocks in Co. Clare. flowers growing alongside Mediterranean species. ORCHIDS AND mission and wanted to MORE support the preservation And then there are the of the Burren, but I let orchids! The early purple my membership lapse. orchid starts the blooming Will have to rectify that season in April and we’ve this year! seen them along roads and Nearby is the Burren in meadows everywhere National Park, the small- in the Burren. They are est of six national parks in abundant and stunning. Ireland. The visitor center In September, Autumn is in Corofin, Co. Clare. Lady’s Tresses end the And if you’re in Lisdoon- annual run. varna, be sure to stop in at The Burren has slightly the Burren Smokehouse less than 0.5 percent of for some of their extraor- Ireland’s land mass but irt dinary smoked salmon has more than 70 percent (also available at Shannon of the country’s native Boston is one of many towns in the Burren region Airport.) of Co. Clare. plants, which support an BURREN CENTER assortment of wildlife, Another worthwhile including feral goats, pine attraction is the Burren burrencollege.ie of the lovely and delicious martens, and butterflies. Center in Kilfenora, which BURREN chocolate. In addition to flora and has fascinating displays CHOCOLATES The website says Ha- fauna, the Burren is a all around the area. While Would you expect to find zel Mountain chocolate treasure trove for archae- you’re there, be sure to delicious chocolates being begins with a “team of ologists. More than 500 watch the beautiful video made in the rugged hills chocolate makers … hand Making candy in the Burren, Co.Clare. ring forts and Neolithic by the late wildlife film of the Burren? Well, like roasting, cracking and Judy Enright photos tombs have been identi- producer Eamon de Bu- a lot of other hidden sur- winnowing cacao beans fied there. Perhaps the itlear. His images trace prises about Ireland, there before stone grinding for most famous dolmen (por- the formation of the Bur- is a wonderful chocolate 40 hours. We then age It’s probably a wonder available in the USA at tal tomb) is Poulnabrone, ren 320 million years ago. factory in Oughtmama, our chocolate for further that between chocolate foodireland.com. You can which attracts many visi- The video alone is well Bellharbour – eight min- 3 weeks before our choco- and bread, I don’t weigh view the product in a short tors to the area. worth the price of admis- utes down the coast from latiers create our award 600 pounds! I absolutely video on our website at One group we’ve sup- sion. There is a tearoom Kinvara and 35 minutes winning range of bean to love McCambridge’s bread mccambridge.ie.” ported is the Burrenbeo and craft shop on site, from Galway City. bar chocolates. You just and am always excited to There are many, many Trust (burrenbeo.com) too. The Center closes for Hazel Mountain Choc- can’t rush the process of get into an Irish market Irish products on the ex- in Kinvara, which is the winter but reopens olate (hazelmountain- making the world’s best to buy it so I can enjoy my cellent Food Ireland site, Ireland’s first landscape on March 11 for the 2016 chocolate.com) offers dark chocolate.” We have to favorite lunch of smoked including McCambridge’s charity and promotes season. chocolate made in small agree that the chocolate salmon on buttered Mc- wholewheat, spelt, and and supports the sustain- Next door to the Center batches from Trinitario is very, very good. Cambridge’s wholewheat seeded bake-at-home able management and is the magnificent medi- cacao beans and raw cane There’s a farm-to-fork soda bread. It’s always bread kits!! Take a look use of the Burren and eval Kilfenora Cathedral. sugar and milk chocolate café on site and you can ar- disheartening to get home and have fun! its heritage. Individual Known as “City of Seven with Irish milk from range to take a 45-minute and not be able to find it TRAVEL memberships are 40 euro Crosses,” Kilfenora has grass-fed cows. tour through the various at the local grocery store. Enjoy Ireland whenever each and support efforts one of the greatest con- A friend in Mayo had stages of chocolate mak- I emailed McCam- and wherever you go, and to protect this national centrations of high crosses been to Clare and told us ing, followed by a yummy bridge’s to say how much keep an eye out for all the treasure. An online shop in Ireland, including the about the chocolates last tasting session. Tours I enjoyed their bread and commemorative events sells books, maps, and famed “Doorty Cross.” spring. If you have even are available Saturday received an email from that are being prepared postcards; you can buy a If you are interested in the tiniest sweet tooth, we and Sunday at 1 p.m. For Michael McCambridge around the 100th anni- membership there, too. studying art, the Burren defy you to stop at Hazel details, info@hazelmoun- recently saying, “Just to versary of the 1916 Ris- I did buy a membership College of Art certainly Mountain without stock- tainchocolate.com let you know we have in- ing. This will surely be a several years ago because offers a wide array of ing up. We brought home MCCAMBRIDGE’S troduced a McCambridge banner year for travel to I support this group’s courses. Learn more at numerous bars and boxes BREAD Bake at Home kit. It is Ireland! bostonirish.com February 2016 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann

In our study of Irish “irregular” verbs recall that there are only eleven EIRE or twelve – depending on how you count the “defective verbs” is, the copula verb “be” which has no future tense, and bi, the descriptive verb “be. Many of these “irregular verbs” are the most common verbs in all languages – “to pub be, to do, to get’. etc, So far we have reviewed abair to speak” and feic “to see”. Why is is called a copula? It is used only to “link” or “equal” two states such as Is Seán garda, “John equals policeman.” (Think of our verb “copulate” to 795 Adams St. • Dorchester express “joining”’). Bi on the other hand is used to describe a more temporary state or condition such as Tá fuar inniú, “It is cold today”. “President’s Choice” Let’s practice these two verbs. In which case would you use is or bi?

1.) “Seán is tall.” 2.) “Where will you be tomorrow?” 3.) “Today is beautiful.” 4.) “That’s true.” 5.) “Are you thirsty, too?” 6.) “What time is it?” Serving Lunch & Dinner 7.) “Nóra is a teacher.” 8.) “Was the plate broken? 9.) “Nóra is studying to be a teacher.” 10.) “I’m hungry.” 2.) Every day, Answers: Is – 1, 4, 7, 8. Bi – 2, 3 ,5, 6. 9, 10. One “irregular” verb listed in many, if not all, grammars and dictionaries 7 days a week as “irregular”, is the verb beir, “to be born” or “to lay an egg”. Yet only one of beir’s forms is used much. Unless you are speaking metaphorically, you only need to know one use of beir, that is when someone asks you, Cén bhliain a rugadh tú?, “When were you born?” Beir, “to be born” or “to Irish Social Club of Boston, Inc. lay eggs” is only “irregular” in the definite past tense. In some dialects 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 617-327-7306 or 617-549-9812 rugadh /ROOK-uh/ is simply rug /rook/, Cén bliain rug tú? Incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, June 27, 1945 The trick lies in the answer – Rugadh I 1999 mé, /ROOK-ah ee NYN- teen NYN-tee NEYN BLEE-uhn mey/ “I was born in 1999.” Remember, SUNDAYS 8-11 pm with $10 admission except where otherwise noted. when you count beyond “ten” you have to split the number up. However, PUB NIGHTS: Doors open at 6:30 pm. Live music from 8-11 pm. when it comes to long numbers, Irish speakers usually go to English and Socials every Free Admission Email us at [email protected] then switch back to Irish. We linguists call this “code switching” and it is Sunday Evening not unusual in true bilinguals, especially with difficult or awkward words. at 8:00 pm SCHEDULE OF EVENTS A friend of mine’s mother from Argentina “code switches” in the middle of sentences when we are speaking Spanish together. To say “1999” in FEBRUARY 2016 social-club/ Irish one must say “nine teen four twenty year nine”. Notice that you must 6 Saturday Pub Night with Boston’s 6 Sunday silver Spears Erin Og – Free Admission 11 Friday Fenian Sons keep the noun – in this case “year” – singular even if it is with a plural 7 Sunday CLOSED: SUPER BOWL SUNDAY 12 Saturday Co. Roscommon Association Annual meaning. 14 Sunday Denis Curtin St. Patrick’s Dinner 5 pm. $40. Call 18 Thursday Paint Party and Irish Trivia Night: 7 Richie Gormley at 617-327-7777 . Now, for the next “irregular” verb. déan /jen/, “do” or “make”. This is not pm until 9 pm - $40, $15 to benefit 13 Sunday Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton the Irish Social Club. Call Johnny 17 Thursday Noel Henry’s Irish Showband to be confused with the English auxiliary “do” which is our way of vocalizing Costello at 617-678-7949. 18 Friday Emmet Cahill from Celtic Thunder. tense or in the set phrase, “How do you do?” in place of, “How are you?” 21 Sunday Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton Meet and Greet SOLD OUT. Show when first meeting a person. 28 Sunday noel Henry’s Irish Show Band tickets are $30. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Contact http://www.emmetcahill. MARCH 2016 com/tour-dates/ Déan, as in many Irish verbs, is truly “irregular” only in the definite 4 Friday Gentlemen’s Gym Youth matches. 20 Sunday Mossie Coughlin past tense. Call Kevin Kelleher at 617-680-3301. 26 Saturday Lenny Clarke and Friends Comedy 5 Saturday Emmett O’Hanlon from Celtic Show. Contact Joe Finn at joeker Present: déanaim, déanann tú, sé. sí, sibh, siad but déanaimid “we Thunder at the Irish Social Club. [email protected] do” For tickets please visit 27 Sunday Fintan Stanley http://emmettohanlon.ticketleap.com/ 31 Thursday Members Meeting at 7:30 pm. Bring emmett-ohanlon-live-at-boston-irish- your membership card for admittance. Past Definite:rinne mé,tú, sé, sí, sibh, siad but rinneamar “we did”. Follow us on Twitter @irishsocialbos Follow us on Facebook: Irish Social Club of Boston Future: déanfaidh mé, tú, sé, sí, sibh, siad but déanfaimid “we will do” Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper Déan is also used in a number of idioms, the most common include: Déan “establish” or “carry out” Déan airgead “Make/earn money” Boston Irish REPORTER Déan do rogha rud “Do as X wishes” A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. Déanfaidh sé múinteoirmaith. ‘He will make a good teacher.” Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? An talamh a dhéanamh “to reach land” Déan amach “make out / distinguish” Order today, and we will send a gift card in your name. Déan as X “to make / construct out of X” Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. A mhor a dhéanamh do rud “to make the most of” Name______Now, referring to these, see if you can translate these sentences into Irish: Address______1.) “The boat reached land?” 2.) “I’m Bill.” 3.) “Do as you wish!” 4.) “She City______State______Zip______will make much money.” 5.) “It’s very warm today.” 6, “How much is it?” 7.) Gift from______“The jersey was made out of wool (olann). 8.) “Peter will make a good priest. 9.) “What is your name?” 10.} “The weather is very fine today.” 11.} “Mary is Charge to Visa______Mastercard______very pretty.” 12.) “It was very cold last night.” Card #______Exp______

1.) Bhí an mbád an talamh a dhéanamh. 2.) ’S mise Liam. 3.) This year, give a gift that comes in the mail each month! Déan tú do rogha rud. 4.) Déanfaidh sí mórán airgead. 5.) Tá sé an- blath inniú. 6.) Cá mhéad atá air? 7.) Rinné an geansaí as olann. 8.) Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter, 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 Déanfaidh Peadar sagart maith. 9.) Cén t-ainm atá ort? 10.) Tá an We accept phone orders with your Visa or Mastercard. aimsir go breá inniú. 11.) Tá Mairi go hálainn. 12.) Bhí go fhuar aréir. Call 617-436-1222 Or Fax this order form to 617-825-5516

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