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Ulster-Scots Agency (Boord o Ulstér-Scotch) official publication SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 ARCHAEOLOGY COMPETITION P16 O Minister opens Agency’s new regional office in ...

Dinny McGinley (centre), the Republic of ’s Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, visited Raphoe in February to officially open the Ulster-Scots Agency’s new regional office. He is pictured with its two permanent members of staff - development officer Derek Reaney and office administrator Audrey Freen.

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Music, poetry and dance as events celebrate Agency delegation showcases Ulster-Scots From to Ulster . . . a special focus the life and works of Robert Burns cultural traditions at Westminster reception on the story of Saint Patrick www.ulsterscotsagency.com the Ulster-Scot SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 2 Fair faa ye How the Scotch-Irish Welcome to the March 2013 helped to shape the edition of the Ulster-Scot. I am very encouraged by the continued level of positive world that we know feedback received on our new Ulster-Scot newspaper – I am delighted that our readers like the new format and look of the newspaper. As always, I would encourage you to get in touch with your feedback and suggestions for extensively in the , future editions. Well-known author and including at the Smithsonian With our second edition of 2013 being published on the teacher Alister McReynolds Institution in Washington, and he eve of Saint Patrick’s Day, I want to share the has been confirmed as the has worked closely with the Maine Ulster-Scots element of the story of Saint Patrick. Did you guest speaker for this Ulster Scots Project (MUSP) and know Patrick’s strongest link was with Ulster, rather than year’s Whitelaw Reid with the University of Southern Ireland as a whole? Read more about this on Pages 8 Maine. and 9. Memorial Lecture. He is currently an Honorary For the younger readers we dispel some of those myths Research Fellow at The Centre for about Saint Patrick in the Wean’s Wurld section with our The free-to-attend event, now in Irish and Scottish Studies with the Fact or Fiction article and we have an absolutely fantastic its second year, takes place on University of Ulster. competition open to all children of primary school age! Thursday March 28 in the He also lectures part-time with The Would you like the Saint Patrick’s Centre’s team of boardroom at Presbyterian Open Learning Department in archaeologists come out to your school to add fun to Assembly Buildings, Fisherwick Queen’s University . your history lessons? Find out how you can be in with a Place, Belfast, beginning at In recent times Alister - who is chance of winning this great prize on Page 16. 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm). known for his wit and charm - has Also in this edition we look back at the 2013 Burns Alister will highlight biographies also appeared in various TV and celebrations, the official launch of a new regional office from his forthcoming book Kith Alister McReynolds radio programmes. for the Ulster-Scots Agency in Raphoe, County Donegal, and Kin, which looks at the In his new book Kith and Kin, due feature an Ulster-Scots visit to Westminster and the sometimes surprising role of the to be published in the spring, Ulster American Folk Park as our Ulster-Scots place to Scotch-Irish in America, and in Alister presents an alternative visit. particular the key part they played image of the Scotch-Irish in Hopefully everyone will find something of interest. in the development of the modern Alister will America, partially drawing on some world. He previously authored of his own family’s history, and Ian Crozier is chief executive of the Ulster-Scots highlight ‘Legacy - The Scots Irish in capturing between the covers Agency America’. biographies from portraits of a gallery of individuals He has spent his entire working life who made an instrumental P.S. Have you liked us on Facebook yet? If not, check us his forthcoming as a teacher in the Northern ‘ contribution to the creation of out at www.facebook.com/UlsterScotsAgency Ireland secondary and tertiary book Kith and America as a bastion of the sectors, including 14 years as a Kin, which looks modern world. college principal. In the Whitelaw Reid Lecture Among his many accolades, he at the sometimes Alister will draw on this material The Ulster-Scot was awarded Honorary surprising role of and present an engaging image of The official newspaper for the Ulster-Scots Agency / Membership of City and Guilds of an ingenious and energetic ethnic Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch London Institute in recognition of the Scotch-Irish group whose achievements he his contribution to vocational in America believes should be better Main office: education. recognised, especially here in The Ulster-Scots Agency, In recent years Alister has lectured Ulster. 68-72 Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7BB Telephone: (028) 9023 1113 Entry to the lecture is free and everyone is welcome. To reserve a place or for more information email Fax: (028) 9023 1898 [email protected] with ‘Annual Whitelaw Reid Lecture’ in the subject line, or Email: [email protected] alternatively phone 028 90231113. International callers dialling the Ulster-Scots Agency: Europe - 00 44 28 9023 1113 - 00 11 44 28 9023 1113 USA - 011 44 28 9023 1113

Regional office in Raphoe: The Ulster-Scots Agency, William Street, Raphoe, Click on this Co Donegal Telephone: +353 7 4917 3876 WORD Fax: +353 7 4917 3985 • For details of what’s on check out our events calendar - Email: [email protected] www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events OF THE ISSUE Editor: Gary McDonald • For Ulster-Scots news - www.ulsterscotsagency.com/news Associate Editor: Gillian Pearson Production: The Irish News Printing: Interpress NI Limited • To sign up for the Ulster-Scots E-Newsletter - visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com/newsletter/subscribe/ The Ulster-Scot next edition: Saturday May 25 2013 register your details and receive updates on the areas that Deadline for copy: Wednesday May 1 2013 you are most interested. Contributors should note that publication of any submitted ‘Forbye’ article is at the Editor’s discretion • Join us on Facebook - visit www.facebook.com/UlsterScotsAgency now and like our page to keep up to date on what’s happening, upload your Meaning: As well photos from Ulster-Scots events and share your comments.

Follow us on... the Ulster-Scot www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 1 3 New Raphoe office to reflect NEWS & EVENTS Talk on Saint the ‘richness’ of Ulster-Scots Patrick On Wednesday March 20, Nelson identity in County Donegal McCausland will join the Ulster-Scots Agency at its Visitor and Information Centre (68-72 Great Victoria Street, Belfast) at 12.30 to deliver a talk about Saint Patrick. Entry to this event is free and everyone is welcome. For further information email [email protected] or telephone (028) 9023 1113. The Ulster-Scots Agency is also participating in Belfast City Council’s Saint Patrick’s Day four-day festival, which is being organised by the City Events Unit and will take place in various venues throughout the city. This festival will coincide with the annual Saint Patrick’s Carnival Parade and Concert. At Belfast City Hall there will be exhibitions, workshops and activities during the festival and the Ulster-Scots Agency looks forward to being part of this event. For further information about the festival visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stpatricksday. Visitor Centre The Ulster-Scots Agency’s Visitor and Information Centre at 68-72 Great Victoria Street, Belfast is open to the public from Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am and 4pm. By Gary McDonald the skirl of the important contribution, Visitors are welcome to call in to speak to a bagpipes particularly in the area member of staff or simply to browse courtesy of of tourism.” through a selection of Ulster-Scots The opening of the Ulster- Rodney Goudie The Minister pointed literature. Additional copies of The Ulster- Scots Agency’s new regional (pipe major of to Raphoe being Scot are also available from the Visitor and Raphoe Pipe home for much of her office in County Donegal “will Information Centre. provide a vital doorway for Band), and he life of Cecil Frances Alexander (nee generations tourists and and guests were Humphreys), the local people alike to come to then treated to celebrated hymn- Festival funding know and cherish their a display of highland writer and poetess, Ulster-Scots heritage”. closing date dancing by famous for penning Chloe All Things Bright and Those were the words of Dinny The closing date for receipt of applications McElhinney from Beautiful, There is a McGinley, Minister of State at the for funding for Festivals in 2013 is Friday the Moyne Green Hill Far Away Department of Arts, Heritage and March 22 2013 at 2pm. To find out more, Highland and Once in Royal the Gaeltacht in the Dail, at a visitwww.ulsterscotsagency.com/ dancers based David’s City. reception in Raphoe. community-projects/apply-for-funding in Donegal Town and music by Mr McGinley added: “In short, this He was in the historic town (the local accordion player Stewart new office will provide a vital rich agricultural land around Buchanan. doorway for tourists and local Raphoe has been inhabited and After unveiling a plaque to people alike to learn more about cultivated since 2000 BC) to Sign up for the officially declare the office open, Ulster-Scots heritage and culture, officially open the Agency’s the Minister said: “These new and Iam delighted that the spacious new office in William E-Newsletter premises represent a marvellous Agency is building on its Street. commitment to the Donegal Why not visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com Replacing a former first-floor asset, not only for the visibility of area.” /newsletter/subscribe register your details facility which has operated in the the Ulster-Scots Agency and In reply, Agency chair Tom Scott and receive updates on the areas that you Diamond since 2004, the office accessibility to its services, but said: “We are thrilled at having are most interested? gives the Agency a more visible also for the vitality of the town Minister McGinley as our guest on Areas include Ulster-Scots news, events, and accessible presence - “more centre in Raphoe. such an exciting day for the musical and dance tuition, publications and warm and welcome” the Minister “The Agency is charged with the Ulster-Scots Agency in County our ‘Presbyterian 400’ project in 2013. said - in the Ulster-Scots responsibility of promoting the Donegal. heartland of Donegal. study, conservation, development, “We look forward to welcoming The regional office will be manned language and culture of Ulster- many more visitors, including local by two permanent members of Scots both within Northern Ireland Like the agency staff - development officer Derek and throughout the island of people and tourists, to our Reaney and office administrator Ireland, and the location of this regional office over the coming on Facebook Audrey Freen. regional hub in Raphoe is months and years. The Minister was welcomed to the important in that overall policy “There is a keen interest in Ulster- Visit www.facebook.com/UlsterScotsAgency office by Ulster-Scots Agency context. Scots in Donegal and we’re now and like the page to keep up to date chairman Tom Scott, chief “But it is also important on a confident this move to William on what’s happening, upload your photos executive Ian Crozier, education practical level to acknowledge the Street will ensure the Agency has from Ulster-Scots events and share your and language director Jim Millar Ulster-Scots identity which is such a strong visual presence in the comments. and Board members Ida Fisher, a rich part of life here in Donegal town and an office that is Val O’Kelly and Tony Crooks. and to demonstrate that Ulster- welcoming and accessible to On his arrival he was greeted to Scots culture can make an everyone.” www.ulsterscotsagency.com the Ulster-Scot SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 Burns4 Night celebrations

Ballywillan

Encore for ‘My Heart is in the highlands’

or the second successive year, a collaboration between the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Gilnahirk Ulster Orchestra to celebrate the life and works of Robert BurnsF proved a resounding success. On Friday January 25 and Saturday January 26, the Agency worked in partnership with the Orchestra to host ‘My Heart’s in The Highlands’, first at the Ulster Hall in Belfast and then at the Millennium Forum in Londonderry. The concerts were a huge success with the audiences, with vocals from Karen Matheson, David Brophy conducting the Ulster Orchestra and Alan McKee presenting. The concerts were organised as a follow up to the Agency’s first successful collaboration with the Ulster Orchestra the previous January, entitled ‘Ye Banks and Braes’. The Markethill Highland Dancers were Kilkeel On Friday January 18, delighted to be invited to perform with the Schomberg Folk the Ulster Orchestra and become part of Orchestra held a very My Heart’s in The Highlands in Belfast successful Burns Night and Derry-Londonderry. Celebration in Kilkeel Dance tutor Kelly Forsythe was joined by with performances from five highland dancers to perform a series Kirknarra School of of dances she specially choreographed Dance and Schomberg for the concert. The dancers received a Fife and Drum. rapturous welcome from David Brophy Pictured is Colin and all the members of the Ulster Moffett who piped in Orchestra and tremendous applause the haggis, carried by following each of their performances. Gareth Crozier and Both concerts were extremely well dancers Kirsty attended and the Agency looks forward Donaldson, Lynsey to working with the Orchestra on future Norris and Jessica Burns collaborations. Campbell

Ardstraw and Baronscourt YouthCouncil

Pictures by Simon Graham, Harrison Photography the Ulster-Scot www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 across Northern Ireland 5

Kingdom of Dalriada

This year the Kingdom of Dalriada Ulster-Scots Society returned to the Manor Hotel in on Friday February 8 for its popular annual Burns Supper. Scad the Beggar, a local group, played some traditional music as people took their seats while Gary Blair, Ulster-Scots Agency, welcomed everyone to the evening. Events began with the piping in of the haggis with Kingdom of Dalriada member Alan Wright delivering the ‘Address to the Haggis’ before asking Mr Blair to join him in toasting the haggis. Lisneal College

Performers from the Shelly Anne Campbell School of Highland Dance Portstewart www.ulsterscotsagency.com the Ulster-Scot SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 6 Ulster-Scots invited to showcase cultural traditions at Westminster

A delegation from the place in the Attlee Room in Ulster-Scots Agency Portcullis House ran from 9am to 3pm and included Ulster-Scots was invited in January music and highland dance. to showcase its cultural It provided an opportunity for the traditions at Ulster-Scots delegates to talk to various MPs about the Agency Westminster, the and Community Network’s administrative base for involvement in the development Members of Parliament. of Ulster-Scots and discuss future opportunities to work together to The invitation was extended by Ian help build an East-West Paisley, the MP for North Antrim, dimension. and nine Ulster-Scots The Ulster-Scots Agency was representatives made up the party encouraged by the number of who travelled to London. MPs who joined them in the They included Agency chief Attlee Room. executive Ian Crozier; director of The list of MPs in attendance language and education Jim included Millar; former Agency chair Mark (Strangford), Gregory Campbell Thompson, and a number of (East Londonderry), Sammy representatives from the Ulster- Wilson (East Antrim), Scots Community Network, (North Belfast), Cathy Jamieson including Iain Carlisle, Matthew (Kilmarnock and Loudoun), Warwick and Alan McCormick Graeme Morrice (Livingston), alongside highland dancers, Damian Collins (Folkestone and Michelle Johnston, Nina Hythe), Laurence Robertson Robinson, Ellie Andrews and (Tewkesbury) and Jim Fitzpatrick Sarah Graham. (Poplar and Limehouse). Also The main thrust of the visit was present was , an for the Ulster-Scots MLA for North Antrim. representatives to meet in Chief executive Ian Crozier said: particular with MPs from Scotland “We would like to thank Ian to identify opportunities to Paisley for facilitating our visit as strengthen the East-West well as all the MPs who joined us dimension of our Ulster-Scots on the day and showed their Ulster-Scots representatives receive a warm welcome at Westminster. Included in the group are Ian Davidson MP, Chair agenda. support of building an East-West of the Scottish Select Committee and event sponsor, Jr MP The showcase event which took dimension.”

LECTURE DATE: The W. F .Massey Memorial Lecture FRIDAY MARCH 22, IN TH E ROE VALLEY ARTS &C ULTURE , ‘The Ulster-Scots World View’ CENTRE,L IMAVADY AT 7 .30PM.

By Aaron Callan and served as ’s Prime incoming administration brought to he was Minister from 1912-25 and an end that of Sir Joseph Ward given firm support by former premier On Friday March 22 a memorial therefore led his country’s (Prime Minister from 1906-12). Ward who served as Deputy Prime lecture on William Ferguson participation throughout the First However Massey continued Ward’s Minister. August 1915 brought Massey, Prime Minister of New World War. policies of increased defense about a National Government under Zealand will take place in the Born on March 26 1856 at expenditure, a strategy Massey Massey. Along with defense minister Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre Keenaught near Limavady, County wholeheartedly endorsed during James Allen Massey introduced a in Limavady, County Londonderry Londonderry, he was the elder son Ward’s tenure in power despite the policy of conscription, further (7.30pm). of John Massey and Mary Anne (nee William latter’s status as a liberal and boosting the resources of the This will be the first an annual Ferguson). Massey’s family Ferguson Massey’s reputation as an already-renowned New Zealand memorial lecture event held at the immigrated to New Zealand in Massey imperialist. The 1909 Defense Act division, which ultimately saw hard Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, it 1862, with Massey remaining had introduced compulsory military service in Gallipoli in addition to is being delivered in partnership with behind to complete his studies, challenged for the seat at Franklin at service (overseen by Alexander France. Following the armistice the Ulster-Scots Agency and the moving to New Zealand in the next election in 1896, and held Godley); its effect was to bolster the Massey travelled to Paris to attend guest speaker this year will be Lord December 1870. it until his death. Massey was development of New Zealand’s the ensuing peace conference and Laird. He worked with his father until he elected leader of the opposition military presence and efficiency. It was a signatory of the Versailles Entry to this event is free of charge was 17 and thereafter leased a farm Conservative (later Reform) Party in was therefore well placed to lend Treaty, a notable event in the and everyone is welcome to attend. of 100 acres in Mangere. He September 1903. His was the first assistance to Britain upon the progression of New Zealand For further information telephone married in 1882 to Christina Allen Conservative administration in New latter’s declaration of war with governmental independence. When (028) 7776 0650 or email Paul, the daughter of a neighbouring Zealand for 22 years when he set Germany on August 4 1914. subsequently New Zealand was [email protected]. farmer. about establishing a Cabinet in the Massey was determined to ensure invited to join the League of In 1890 Massey stood for the seat wake of electoral victory in 1912. that his country provided full Nations, Massey spoke of how New Massey New Zealand’s war Prime at Franklin but was narrowly beaten. He nevertheless remained in place assistance to Britain, although he Zealand had joined as "a self- Minister Within weeks he contested the at the head of New Zealand nevertheless continued to propound governing nation within the empire”. William Ferguson Massey (1856- vacant seat at Waitemata and was government for the following 13 a view independent to that of the He died while still in office on 10 1925) was of Ulster-Scots descent this time elected. He once again years until his death. Massey’s British government. In each of these May 1925. the Ulster-Scot www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 7 The Boat Factory returns to the Grand Opera House

Dan Gordon’s acclaimed play George Gordon a humble shipyard The Boat Factory will take labourer sailed ‘the narrow sea’ centre stage at Belfast’s Grand between Scotland and Ireland. Opera House for a special “His ambition was to settle in performance on Sunday April Belfast to find opportunity in the 28 at 7pm. thriving ‘Boat Factory’. With him he brought nothing more than an The play evokes life in the Belfast empty suitcase, a willingness to shipyards with passion, humour work and his indefatigable and authenticity and is based on Glasgow grit. Dan’s close personal knowledge “His six sons followed him into of the subject matter through his Harland and Wolff’s Titanic family history. shipyard – one of them was my He performs alongside actor father. Michael Condron and together “They, like the Boat Factory, are they chart the history of the men all but gone but that empty who worked in the yard, conjuring suitcase is now full of memories. up a host of colourful characters I’m proud to be an Ulster-Scot THE BOAT FACTORY COMPETITION from the glory days of the from East Belfast and I am shipbuilding era. delighted to be able to share Would you like to win a pair of tickets to see The Opera House performance those memories, and to celebrate The Boat Factory at the Grand Opera House? marks a welcome return home for the people, history and The Boat Factory which last achievements of the Belfast Happenstance Theatre Company and the Grand Opera House played to local audiences during shipyards through my play The have a pair of tickets in the Grand Circle for the performance on the opening of Titanic Belfast, Boat Factory.” Sunday April 28 to give away to one lucky reader. after which it went on to enjoy Tickets (£12.50 - £18.50) can be For your chance to win send in your full name and address by great popular and critical success booked online at email putting BOAT FACTORY in the subject line to at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. www.goh.co.uk/the-boat-factory or [email protected]. Good luck! Dan Gordon said: “At the by calling the Grand Opera House Closing date Friday April 12. beginning of the last century Box Office on (028) 9024 1919. Ulster-Scots Concert in Lisburn

The Ulster-Scots Agency and Pictured from Lisburn City Council hosted a left to right highly successful Ulster-Scots are: Ian Crozier; Tony concert at Lagan Valley Island in Crooks, Mayor November to mark St Andrew’s of Lisburn; Day. William Leathem and Tom Scott Mayor Alderman William Leathem welcomed guests and members of the public to the free event, which included performances by Magheragall Pipe Band, traditional Ulster-Scots groups Stonewall and Session Beat, piper Ian Burrows and Ulster-Scots dancer Michelle Johnston. The evening was compered by Wilson Burgess. Mayor Leathem was joined by Ulster- Scots Agency chairman, Tom Scott and more than 300 guests and members of the public. The mayor said: “We were delighted to host the first-ever St Andrew’s concert in Lisburn in partnership with the Ulster- Scots Agency; the evening was a fantastic success and it was great that the event was so well supported. Agency Board “Feedback from all in attendance has members Val been very positive indeed and on behalf O’Kelly, Sharon of Lisburn City Council and the Ulster- Treacy-Dunne and Scots Agency I would like to express Ida Fisher with thanks to all the performers and to all fellow Board those who joined us for a wonderful member and evening of Ulster-Scots music and Lisburn Lord Mayor, William Leathem dance.” www.ulsterscotsagency.com the Ulster- SATURDAY MARCH 16 2 8 9

While Saint Patrick is widely associated with Ireland, there is a r growing awareness that his story is not as straightforward as it is portrayed. Patrick is most strongly linked not with Ireland as a It is now generally accepted that most of Patrick’s missionary work whole, but with Ulster. It was in Ulster that Patrick was was carried out in Ulster. The historian Jonathan Bardon states: converted; it was in Ulster that Patrick preached; it was in Ulster “Most places traditionally associated with Patrick... that Patrick died; and it is in Ulster soil that he was buried. Surely then we are entitled to call Patrick the Apostle of Ulster? are in the northern half of Ireland and it was probably in There is also more than a touch of Ulster-Scots flavour to the Ulster that he did most of his work.” story. Read on to find out why...

The Legend of Patrick Eastern Europe who looked out for poor ‘ Over the centuries, the true story of Patrick, children, made popular in Victorian times, his life and his work, have been obscured was completely washed away by the by the growth of a legend of Patrick. As if marketing men at Coca Cola. The red- the original story wasn’t good enough, suited, white-bearded Santa Claus was born generation after generation added their own and the real historical person disappeared. layers to the tale; a wonder here, a miracle This rebranded, legendary Patrick, is the there, so that like Chinese whispers, the image that predominates around the world; story moved further and further from the and the fantastical stories continue to be truth. told, even by people who should know Often, these retellings and additions to the better. However, more and more people are story were quite deliberate and were the becoming interested in finding the historic result of church politics. The early British person who was the Apostle of Ulster and church, of which Patrick was part, was uncovering the real Patrick. independent. Over the centuries, the Church at Rome sought to bring the British The Real Patrick Above and below: There are numerous church under its control, with the help of a Patrick was born in Britain around 385AD, placenames along the west coast of grouping within the British church who were when Britain (Brittania) was a province of Scotland that suggest connections to St known as Romani, or Romanisers. In order the Roman Empire. He was born into a Patrick. Right: Portpatrick Harbour and to strengthen their position, they would Christian home and his family had been Portpatrick Old Parish Kirk, built by Sir Hugh produce versions of the story which Christian for at least two generations. His Montgomery in 1626 (the same year he supported their agenda, hence the grandfather was called Poitus. His father, rebuilt Donaghadee Parish Church) emergence of a myth that Patrick had been Calpurnius, was a deacon and minor local sent to Ireland by the Pope. official. They were free born Roman citizens In medieval Ireland, different ecclesiastical and Patrick’s original Roman name would centres were also competing for supremacy have been Patricius. within the church, so they would promote Patrick’s writings say that his father owned different versions of Patrick’s story, with a farm or villa near the village of Bannaven their area playing a more prominent Taberniae. Around 400AD, when he was role. For example, a Cistercian monk called 16, a band of Irish pirates raided the Jocelin was commissioned by John de countryside where Patrick lived. They Courcy to write a Life of Patrick which hunted down the terrified people and enhanced the standing of , robbed them of their possessions. Some of just as an earlier work, entitled The the people were slaughtered. Others, like Tripartite Life, had been written to boost the Patrick, were taken away by the raiders in ecclesiastical standing of Armagh. However their ships to be sold as slaves in Ireland. these works and others like them were Patrick was sold as a slave to a man written many centuries after Patrick’s named Milchu who was a local chief who death. lived at Skerry in . About five In the 17th Century, Patrick was given a miles away from Skerry across the River Templepatrick, Ards Peninsula complete makeover, by Catholic authorities Braid stands the hill of . There on tradition says this is where who wanted to cast him in their own image. the slopes around Slemish, Patrick spent six St Patrick arrived in Ulster For the first time, images of Patrick were bleak years as a herdsman of sheep and circulated on coins, which became known pigs. as St Patrick’s Money. These coins depicted It was during his captivity that Patrick found Patrick in 17th Century clerical robes, God. Although he had been raised in a Britain, he had a second dream, urging him to years, indeed for the rest of his life. A complete with a mitre on his head. He was Christian family, his writing tells us that he return to Ireland as an evangelist. In his dream, a Patrick walked about two miles from where he holding a crosier in one hand and a did not know the true God until then. As the man named Victoricus gave him a letter entitled had landed and came to a low hill that is now c shamrock in the other. That image of writer Paul Gallico explains, “During this “The Voice of the Irish”. The letter invited him to known as Saul. He met a local chieftain named Patrick persists to this day, even though period Patrick found God and God found return to the land of his captivity: “We beseech Dichu and spoke to him of Christ. Dichu was W there is no historical basis for it. The Patrick and thereafter, to the end of the thee, holy youth, that thou come and walk converted and gave Patrick a barn in which to C bishop’s mitre for example, only came into saint’s days, neither ever abandoned the amongst us once more.” hold his services. The Gaelic word for barn is w use in the 10th Century, more than 500 other.” Patrick returned to Ireland around 432AD, landing sabhall (pronounced saul) and that is the origin of years after the death of Patrick. After six years, Patrick had a dream urging at the mouth of the Slaney River, between the placename. There has been a Christian For a more recent parallel, we can look at him to escape, so he fled from his captors Strangford and the River Quoile, on the east coast church at Saul ever since. the rebranding of another saint, Saint and returned home on a ship, believed to of County Down. It was the beginning of an Many churches and monasteries were established t Nicholas. The story of a Godly man from be from Wicklow. After some years in evangelistic mission that was to last nearly 30 in the area where Patrick ministered, including at t r-Scot www.ulsterscotsagency.com RCH 16 2013 9

recalled in the name of , While the modern settlements date to the outside Newcastle. Donard established a 17th Century (they were both developed by church nearby at Maghera. This was placed Hugh Montgomery of the Hamilton and ally accepted that most of Patrick’s missionary work within an older cashel whose stone walls Montgomery settlements), the proximity of w t in Ulster. The historian Jonathan Bardon states: still encircle the shell of the old church. The the two areas at just 21 miles apart makes remains of a round tower can be found it one of the easiest routes to cross from “ traditionally associated with Patrick... outside. Another man, Tassach, founded a Scotland to Ireland. Close by Donaghadee church at Raholp. This church is not far sits the graveyard at Templepatrick, where a thern half of Ireland and it was probably in from Saul, on the road to Strangford an ancient church once stood. It is reputed U did most of his work.” through Raholp village. The original building that Patrick once landed here on his travels may well have been of wood, but it was to Ulster. In his seminal four volume set ‘A n later replaced by a small stone church. Only Historical Account of the Diocese of Down the walls now remain of that building, but it and Connor, Ancientand Modern’ , is one of the earliest Christian buildings in published in 1880, renowned Holywood Ireland. historian and parish priest Father James After a long life spent saving souls and O’Laverty referred to the Donaghadee extending God’s Kingdom, Patrick died in traditions: 461AD. The Book of Armagh, written four “... about a mile south of Donaghadee is hundred years later, dated his death to 17th the ancient cemetery of Templepatrick; but March and that date has been marked ever every vestige of the church has since. The town of Downpatrick grew up disappeared. There has been long prevalent near the reputed place of Patrick’s burial, a tradition that St Patrick, on some of his with the Cathedral of arrivals from Scotland, landed here, and Down built next to the spot. Around 1900, certain marks are shown on a large rock a large slab of Mourne granite, inscribed which are said to indicate the spot on which with a cross and bearing the name Patric, he first placed his hand and his foot. was placed on the traditional burial place Between the cemetery and the sea “a (the name being gaelicised in a latter day spring well of limpid water,” frequented, rebranding effort). according to Harris, “by people afflicted with head-aches,” is called St Patrick’s Well...” An Ulster-Scots Dimension? It is worth noting that Fr. O’Laverty refers to Patrick’s story has many connections with Patrick’s “arrivals from Scotland”, which Scotland which would resonate with Ulster- suggests that rather than living in isolation Scots folk, but do not feature in the in Ireland, Patrick may have been travelling “official” narrative. back and forward to his homeland, which While the modern location of Patrick’s seems to make sense if we consider the birthplace cannot be certain, there is a long existence of numerous places in Scotland established tradition in Scotland that Patrick associated with him. He was certainly was born at Old Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton. communicating with his homeland, as one Dumbarton, with its great basalt rock rising of only two surviving letters by Patrick, up from the banks of the Clyde, was the known as the Epistle, is an open letter to western terminal point of the Antonine Wall, Coroticus, otherwise known as Ceretic, King which the Romans built across Scotland of Strathclyde. The letter is a protest at from the Clyde to the Firth of Forth. At one some of Patrick’s Christian followers being time this tradition was rejected because captured by him and taken back to Britain. there was no archaeological evidence for Importantly, Patrick addresses Coroticus as the existence of Roman villas in south-west “fellow citizen”. Scotland, but in recent years much Both Anglicans and Presbyterians have evidence has emerged of Roman villas in historically recognised and indeed the Strathclyde region and much academic celebrated the role of Patrick in extending opinion now favours this as the area where . The historian of early Patrick was born. in Ireland, James Seaton There are numerous placenames on the Reid of Glasgow University, writing in 1833, west coast of Scotland which suggest noted the purity of the early Church in connections with Patrick. These include Ireland and the many similarities that it Kirkpatrick Fleming; Kirkpatrick Durham; shared with the Reformed faith; the settlers Kirkpatrick Park and Portpatrick. Most of clearly identifying closely with Patrick’s life these placenames link the name of Patrick and legacy. B Armagh, which was close to the ancient capital of Ulster that he did most of his work.” with the Scots word for church. While this Even in America, the home of the largest St Ulster. It is often said that the Protestant Patrick was a passionate and persuasive seems an obvious connection, it would Patrick’s Day parades, the origin of the cathedral in Armagh stands on the site of preacher...his knowledge of the Bible was seem unlikely that the kind of dynamics celebrations is not what might be Patrick’s church, however this was rejected by Rev remarkable and formidable. WS Kerr commented, which led to the invention of Patrick expected. WP Carmody, who said, “the site of the present “In almost every paragraph of his writings St. connections for places in Ireland would have The first public festivities in Boston took Cathedral is not that of the first church, which Patrick’s devotion to the Holy Scriptures is made had much point in Scotland, unless there place in 1737 and were organised by was in the lower ground, known as Na Ferta.” plain. His intimate knowledge of the whole Bible was a real kernel of truth in the story. Ulster-Scots migrants; while the first ever It is now generally accepted that most of Patrick’s is amazing. His mind is so saturated with it that Portpatrick was established adjacent to the New York St Patrick’s Day parade took place missionary work was carried out in Ulster. The his thoughts naturally, as if unconsciously, clothe point where Patrick was reputed to have in 1762, when British troops paraded historian Jonathan Bardon states: “Most places themselves in Biblical phraseology.” embarked on his mission to Ireland. through the streets of what was then a traditionally associated with Patrick...are in the Little is known of those individuals who Patrick For centuries there has been maritime British colony, to the strains of the highland northern half of Ireland and it was probably in converted, save for a few. One man, Donard, is traffic between Portpatrick and Donaghadee. bagpipes! www.ulsterscotsagency.com the Ulster-Scot SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 10 2013 Piping Calendar

It’s less than 10 weeks until the first outdoor contest of the 2013 pipe band competition season in Northern Ireland. Among the new-look contests on this year’s calendar is an opener in Lisburn on May 11, tying in with the Lord Mayor’s parade, along with the All-Ireland in Londonderry for the first time ever. The full 2013 schedule is as follows: • May 11 - Wallace Park, Lisburn • May 18 - Enniskillen • May 25 - British Championships (Bathgate) • June 1 - Carrickfergus • June 8 - Cookstown • June 15 - Lurgan • June 22 - Omagh • June 29 - European Championships (Forres) • July 6 - All Ireland Championships (Londonderry) • July 27 - Scottish Championships (Dumbarton) Countdown is on • August 3 - Bangor • August 10 - Ulster Championships in Newtownards • August 17/18 - World Championships (Glasgow) • August 24 - Portrush to a very special • August 31 - Cowal Championships (Dunoon) A musical special for Stormont Pictured: Mark Cowal Gathering Armstrong, director of Northern By Gary McDonald one of the five majors. significant solo piping competition Ireland Piping In a statement the organisers said: and, until six years ago, a number and Drumming Pipers and drummers “Cowal Highland Gathering has of track and athletics competitions. School taken a key decision aimed at But in 2007, under pressure from (NIPDS); Rosa across Northern Ireland are making its pipe band competition the pipe bands to allow spectators Solinas, head cranking up rehearsals more fun and better-suited to the to get closer to the action, the of Music Arts Council NI and ahead of the start of the overall event. committee controversially chose to “While this was not an easy drummer Jamie competition season, which abandon the track, athletic and Lee Leonard decision to take, the Gathering will be ushered in at shinty competitions and the lay-out celebrate three Board agreed that it was more Lisburn’s Wallace Park on of the stadium was significantly decades of important to secure the future of May 11 and continues altered. success of the Cowal Highland Gathering than to Other subtle changes crept in, like NIPDS through until late August. maintain its ‘major’ status. bands refusing to take part in the “The Board stressed that the move mile-long march from Dunoon pier, An audience of MLAs and to realise their potential and has But at the tail-end of the campaign would provide an opportunity to up Argyll Street (the town’s main representatives from Arts Council been a major factor in the there’s one contest in particular improve facilities, introduce new thoroughfare) to the stadium, while which will have extra poignancy, attractions and promote the Cowal NI and Arts Council Ireland were consistent success of Northern the traditional post-contest march treated to a festive feast of music Ireland’s bands on the national because it will see the last-ever Highland Gathering as a traditional down Argyll Street had developed Cowal Gathering in its current highland games.” as the Northern Ireland Piping and world stage.” into a rowdy affair. and Drumming School (NIPDS) Students and tutors of the school format. Cowal Highland Gathering chairman Cost and access became a major Ronnie Cairns said: “We recognise was honoured at a reception have attained top awards in solo For it emerged in January that the issue too, culminating in 2011 that the increasing competitiveness Stormont Parliament Buildings. competitions in both piping and Cowal Highland Gathering in when a car and bus ferry service Dunoon, a long-time favourite with of the event and numbers of bands Michelle McIlveen, who chairs the drumming at the highest level and between Dunoon and Gourock was Ulster pipe bands, has been attending were putting a strain on Assembly’s committee for Culture, others have led bands such as axed, forcing bands coming north Arts and Leisure, welcomed Field Marshal Montgomery to stripped of its elite status as one of the space and resources we had from Stranraer to travel around the guests which included highland numerous world titles. the world’s five premier available and that this was leading Cowal Peninsula, adding hours to bagpipe expert and Piobaireachd NIPDS director Mark Armstrong championships, thus wiping away to unhappiness among some of the their journey. Hotels and service Society vice-president Andrew paid tribute saying, “I’d like to more than a century of proud pipe bands.” providers also effectively priced Wright who travelled from thank everyone who has helped history and tradition. He added: “Far from being the end themselves out of the market. Scotland to attend the event. make the school such a success Since 1906 the Cowal Games has of the Cowal Gathering this is an However, there still remained “It gives me great pleasure to over the years. included a major pipe band opportunity for us to not only congratulate the NIPDS on their “In particular I’d like to thank the competition, and until 1947 it improve the facilities for the bands something uniquely special about accomplishments down the Arts Council for the vital funding effectively doubled up as the World that attend but to also introduce the Cowal weekend, with the years,” Miss McIlveen said. they have provided since Sam Pipe Band Championships as well. new attractions and elements for Games attracting more than 3,500 “Education and arts combined are Bailie founded the school over 30 But growing complaints from bands the public and by doing so to competitors, with many coming a powerful force, and the unique years ago. Without this vital over recent years that the secure the future of Cowal Highland from overseas, including , approach of the NIPDS shows just support, the piping and drumming Gathering as a traditional Highland USA, Australia, New Zealand, South conditions for tuning and competing how successful these elements fraternity of Northern Ireland games. Africa and, of course, Ireland and are no longer fit for purpose, and can be when dedicated people would not be in such a healthy that Dunoon as a location is “We will continue to host the the UK, and Dunoon’s population effectively doubled for the three-day are in the driving seat. I wish position.” becoming increasingly difficult and Highland Dancing World them every success for the NIPDS currently operates from festival as the town welcomed more expensive to reach by coach Championships, heavy athletes, future.” two permanent centres in upwards of 20,000 visitors. and ferry, forced the Games traditional wrestling, solo piping and Rosa Solinas, head of music at Northern Ireland at Laurelhill Check out some old Games footage committee to request a downgrade. the popular live ceilidh tent.” Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Community College in Lisburn and at And world-governing body the Royal Acknowledged as the biggest and said: “We have supported the Portora Royal School in Scottish Pipe Band Association most spectacular Highland games www.britishpathe.com/video/clans- Northern Ireland Piping and Enniskillen. (RSPBA) ruled in January to accept in the world, the Cowal Gathering gather-at-cowal-games Drumming School throughout its the proposal from the Games doesn’t just take in piping banding Gary McDonald is piping 30-odd years of nurturing and To enrol in a course contact organisers to make 2013 the last but includes the World Highland correspondent with the Irish News. developing the talent and skills of Sharon Noade (for Lisburn) on year that Cowal will be offered as Dancing Championships, a Read his column every Saturday. our local performers. 07745 169 327 or Cecil Jones “Their tuition has enabled players (Enniskillen) on 07533 979 404. the Ulster-Scot www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 11 CHARLIE ‘THA ‘Living History’ in Carrickfergus POOCHER’ RANNALS

Pictured: Guest speakers Ruth Turkington, Patricia Poppy, Maynard Hanna, Ian A Eagleson and Tha daith o a Roger Emmerson at the Living History conference true Ulster Scot in Carrickfergus Awa baak in tha at ootset o tha year o 1913 tha hale o Irelan wus far frae bein’ at peace wae itsel. Tha thoarny queshun o Hame Rule wus tae tha fore in iveryboadies heids an wus tha taak o tha toon. Sir Edward Karsin had jest brocht thagither twarthy anti Hame Rule organisashuns an formed tha Ulster Volunteer Force. Hooiniver am naw gantae gie yese a history lesson accoordin tae ‘Tha Pooche’r but draa yer attentshun tae somethin that wus very vexin tae a roon aboo tha North Antrim locality. Tha daith o a boady in tha prime o his life in By Maynard Hanna, knowledge and experiences with the her own experiences from recent years and January 1913 wus received wae baith grief an Ulster-Scots Agency audience. David Abraham (vice president of the SME sorra an left tha hale countryside draped in a Guest speakers included Ruth Turkington from and Charities Team at MARSHLtd) who gave graet melancholy cloud. Tha daith had bane The Ulster-Scots Agency in partnership the Living History Department at the Ulster an insight into the difficulties that the that o tha heid mester o tha National Schuil in with Carrickfergus Borough Council Folk and Transport Museum, who gave an requirement of insurance cover for events can Aramoy for aroon sevinteen year an wus weel hosted a very successful living history interesting insight into procuring clothing and impose upon those organising living history kent an laked bae aa an sundry. He wus big in conference in Carrickfergus Town Hall other materials for re-enactment work and activities. Final guest speaker, Jim King, tha Masonic, tha Kirk an wus a graet boady for which attracted representatives from living history drama. Roger Emmerson then Health and Safety Executive for Northern tha shootin, fishin an belanged tae tha living history groups based across the gave an overview of events at which the Ireland outlined a number of considerations Bellykassle Rifle club. Noo am sure maist o planners were intending to use either, event organisers should take onboard when province who specialise in staging yese ir wunnerin aboot mae bletherin an wha it muskets, weaponry or black powder and planning an event. events with Ulster-Scots historical and is am taakin aboot. Weel tha man am spakin Patricia Poppy spoke of the difficulties A question and answer session was held heritage themes. aboot wus nane ither nir a John McFall betther associated with grant paper work, obtaining before the conference was brought to a close. kent baak then as ‘Tha Aul Han’. ‘Tha Aul Han’ Alderman Billy Ashe, Mayor of Carrickfergus equipment and the sourcing of accurate The Agency would like to take this opportunity aff coorse had anither graet interest in his life Borough Council opened the event extending historical data pertaining to any era that to thank Carrickfergus Borough Council, for an that wus tha tongue o his native North a warm welcome to everyone in attendance. designated groups had chosen as their own the use of its premises, to Mayor Ashe for Antrim. He wus a boady wha micht hae gein To open the conference, Matthew Warwick specifically related living history event. both opening the conference and a special himsel peace an jest contented himsel bae from the Ulster-Scots Community Network Other guest speakers included Lynda Waring, thanks to Mr Ian Eagleson, Director of seein that his scholars wur gein a guid gave a presentation titled ‘An introduction to (arts and events manager at Carrickfergus Support Services, Carrickfergus Borough knowledge o tha English language. Noo am funding and community group requirements’. Borough Council) who provided an expert Council for all his help and co-operation in sure he lakely dane a that an mair, but ye see Following Matthew’s presentation a number of analysis of all the possible problems that may making the living history conference the he wus weel aweer that thaur wus anither guest speakers were invited to share their occur when organising an event, drawing on success that it was. language that he an his scholars spake, tha Ulster Scots tongue. This wus tha tongue o tha common man in tha airts an pairts o North Antrim an wus tha tongue that wus spake in ‘Who was Saint Patrick? tha hame. It wus luked doon on bae tha establishment o tha dey an wus seen as a kine o gutther tongue for tha unclouth an tha lower clesses. Aff coorse ‘Tha Aul Han’ wus made o sterner stuff an kent weel tha velue o his A Short Life of the Saint baeloved native tongue that had bane brocht ower frae Scotlan lang syne. He set aboot usin Renowned author and educator Maureen Armagh, but particularly the Downpatrick his influence as a weel respected heid mester Donnelly, whose previous works have area, where Patrick is buried and where the tae persuade tha editor o tha Northern included The Nine Glens, Patrick, Brigid Saint Patrick Centre continues to bring Constiution tae aloo him tae tae stert scrievin a and Colmcille and Places of Historic people from all faiths and traditions together wee column ivery week in tha paper, in his ain Interest around Newcastle has launched to celebrate his legacy. tongue. Tae maesel as a boady wha haes ower a new booklet about the life of Ireland’s Copies of Who was Saint Patrick? A Short Life tha last wheen o decades dane a in mae patron saint. of the Saint come with a special map of local poorer tae scrieve in mae ain North Antrim sites around Downpatrick, from the first tongue. Am o tha opeenion that if wae ir ivir church in Ireland at Saul to Inch Abbey where tae get onywhaur in pittin forrit oor leid wae Originally from Belfast with strong Ulster-Scots the legend of the snakes was written. mann stert tae pit it doon on paper an get it connections in the Glens of Antrim, but long Copies of the booklet are available from the intae wur heids that it is worth o pittin doon. time resident of the Downpatrick area, Whiles A feel lake gien up, for oor wee tongue Maureen has produced a new work entitled Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick or may be purchased and posted for £3 by calling is mair taaked aboot nir taaked, it is still in Who was Saint Patrick? A Short Life of the mae ain opeenion bane pit on tha baak burner 028 4461 9000. Saint just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day. an naw gein its richtfa place at tha tap o tha As a board member of the Saint Patrick cless in oor Ulster Scots culture. Aff coorse if St Patrick Centre’s Archaeology Centre, Maureen was keen to produce a life of tha ‘Aul Han’ wus ivir tae bae allooed yince Saint Patrick in a simple form for the Road Show agen tae taak a tramp roon haes oul pads in interested visitor. The Saint Patrick Centre is launching a new Aramoy he wud still fin yin ir twa wha still taak What a life it was - one of slavery, piracy, workshop programme for 2013 called the in haes native tongue, sae am plaased tae tell forgiveness, great courage against the odds Archaeology Road Show. yese Ulster Scots/Ullans is leevin an weel in and eventually the establishment of Christianity monies a hoose at tha fit o Knocklayd, aye an in Ireland from which every church in every Enter our competition on Page 16 for the in ither airts forbye. Sae come noo get oot yer tradition can trace its origin. chance to have our team of archaeologists quills an get scrieven an boys ye micht even Northern Ireland holds the key to the whole come out to your school adding a fun and lake it. Tha Poocher February 2013 Author Maureen Donnelly story, Maureen notes, from Slemish to interactive experience to your history lessons! www.ulsterscotsagency.com the Ulster-Scot SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 12 FUSE: Bringing everyone together in Ulster-Scots culture

The Fermanagh Ulster-Scots Empowerment (FUSE) movement, which is aimed at developing and strengthening Ulster-Scots culture among people of all ages across the county, continues to go from strength to strength.

Since January 2012, part-time worker Wendy Parkinson and a dedicated and committed steering group, chaired by Neil Johnston, have organised a range of highly successful events including a summer school, drama school, castle tour, social and cultural events and an Ulster-Scots poetry recital competition with three local primary schools. Speaking of the Ulster-Scots poetry recital competition, FUSE steering group chair Neil Johnston said: “This was a new and exciting venture and something we were proud to be initiating. With the Fermanagh accent reciting Ulster-Scots, where many people here are unaware that every day words they use originate from Scotland.” FUSE would like to thank Anne Morrison- Smyth from the Ullans Speakers’ Association who held workshops for the pupils and adjudicated on the day, and other adjudicator and renowned Ulster-Scots poet, Wilson Burgess. Above, The Erne Highland Dancers who competed in last year’s Fermanagh Dance Anne presented all the pupils who took part Competition and below right, Rachel Duncan and Kenzey Downey from Maguiresbridge in the poetry recital competition with an Dance School who performed for the Queen at Stormont Ulster-Scots version of ‘Alice and Wonderland’ and Wilson presented one of his poetry books to the competition winners. people travelling to come on the tour including impressive Ulster-Scots play written by Dan FUSE would also like to thank the Ulster- Lord Laird and his wife. Gordon. This was produced by Stephenie Scots Agency for supporting the poetry “Seven castles were visited, with an excellent Kenny Quinn from Class Act Drama and was recital competition, without which the event speaker from our local museum, Catherine afforded much local media attention. would not have gone ahead. Scott. Many of the castles are built on Lough Not forgetting its friends across the border in Fermanagh is unique as regards Ulster- Erne’s shores and there was great demand for Cavan and Monaghan, FUSE have promoted Scots culture and heritage, following a places on the tour, we were over subscribed. Crossborder activities and offered support to slightly different path to the other counties We really do take our beautiful county for the hard-working individuals and groups there, in Ulster. granted!” who strive to promote, enjoy and keep on the “FUSE want to tell our story in all its glory Thanks to the FUSE team, more and more agenda their Ulster-Scots culture and heritage with our descendants coming mainly from people here have had an interest sparked in also. the lowlands of Scotland, the Border their Ulster-Scots culture and heritage and Ulster-Scots is all about immersing and Reivers. We are at a developmental stage those from an Irish and other heritage are also enjoying your culture and FUSE do not here with much important work to be becoming interested in this other culture. undervalue the social side of things to done,” says Wendy Parkinson, who was There is a vibrant Ulster-Scots dance scene celebrate our culture. originally an Armstrong. with two Highland dance schools, where they “We had a great Ulster-Scots Night in May,” Neil Johnston explains: “We promote our have great success in the dance competition treasurer Stephen Vance says. “Everybody, unique cultural heritage. We believe in circuit. There is also an adult Scottish country young and old were up dancing to the Alister Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure on Fermanagh that we have a proud and dancing group who travel all over the country Scott Ceildh Band. It was my first time to try Ulster-Scots in the County recently and I strong Ulster-Scot tradition. The project to perform. Scottish country dancing and I’m glad we had liaise with organisations and promote includes local communities and makes Local bands here are availing of support in a caller to tell us the steps! It was a great Ulster-Scots at any given opportunity them aware of Ulster-Scots history and accessing funds and training with the help of night’s crack. possible,” says Wendy Parkinson. culture. FUSE sometimes writing musical arrangements “Stuart Buchanan told a few stories and “We have worked hard to progress so far in “We are not stand alone, we support and with Ulster-Scots music to the fore. played his accordion to entertain us and he just one year which is encouraging and with encourage initiatives that support and FUSE have attracted all age groups with a real did a great job. The Erne Highland Dancers got such a motivated and determined team, we spread our culture for the benefit of all. We interest in Ulster-Scots coming from the young us all in the mood to dance with a great will keep going from strength to strength.” act as an umbrella group for the county, as people in the County. display of dancing.” a first point of call for Ulster-Scots in A huge summer school which is organised in Not content with organising all these activities Fermanagh.” conjunction with the South East Fermanagh and supporting and empowering others in their For more information contact Hence the varied cultural workshops and Foundation (SEFF) is now an annual event, endeavours, FUSE also offer a publicity Wendy at the FUSE office on Plantation Castle Tour. with 60 children availing of the opportunity. service, through an email database and 028 67722615 or 07935 190509, “Our Plantation Castle Tour took place in the An extremely successful drama summer school Facebook. They also lobby and work alongside email: [email protected] or beautiful autumnal weather and landscape was also organised at Kesh Primary School. their local council and government write to Unit 3, The Square, in September,” Wendy says. ‘A Kist o Wurds’ the Ulster-Scots radio station, departments to keep Ulster-Scots firmly on the Manderwood Park, Lisnaskea, Co. “A dry, crisp day set the beauty of the covered the event and was really impressed. agenda and equal in Fermanagh. Fermanagh, BT92 0FS. Plantation Castles off exquisitely. We had In one week the children performed an “We organised a youth consultation for the Ulster-Scot www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 13 Ulster-Scots Place to Visit The Ulster-American Folk Park, Omagh

The Ulster-American Folk Park Ulster farmhouse cooking on a peat he was joined by his older brother near Omaghoffers visitors the fire. Hugh. chance to experience a taste of Mellon was born in this actual cottage * Tullyallen Mass House was built in authentic Ulster-Scots and Irish in February 1813. It was built by his 1768 and extended in 1830 after heritage. father Andrew and his brother Archy, Catholic emancipation. It has been chiefly by the labour of their own reconstructed in its 1768 form with hands, shortly before Thomas was plain sash windows, whitewashed Now one of Northern Ireland’s most born. walls and a thatched roof. visited attractions, the park grew from The cottage and its outbuildings are * Castletown National School, built in a simple thatched cottage which was the birthplace of Thomas Mellon, an typical of the farmsteads which so 1845, was moved from its original Ulster-Scot, who emigrated to many Ulster-Scots people left behind site nearby and re-erected in the Pennsylvania in 1818 at the age of as they looked for a new life in Ulster-American Folk Park. Mountjoy five and went on to found one of America. post office was moved to the site from America’s most powerful banking The farmhouse was originally a two- nearby Mountjoy village, where it was dynasties. room house with two detached used as a post office from 1861 until The museum, with more than 30 outhouses. The original bedroom was the early years of the 20th century. buildings scattered around its site, to the left of the kitchen. This is now It is complete with a Victorian tells the story of emigration from a parlour and a small back room. The letterbox. Ulster to during the second bedroom, to the right of the * Ulster Street is a reconstruction of 18th and 19th centuries and evokes kitchen, was added at a later date. nineteenth century shops using the lives of emigrants to the New Among the other many attractions at restored Victorian storefronts. World both before and after their the Ulster-American Folk Park are: The street also includes a saddler’s voyages. * Campbell House, home of the and ropeworks. Unlike the other period buildings that Ulster-Scots Campbell brothers of * American Street is an area based make up the museum which have Aghalane in Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, on a 19th century US streetscape, been reconstructed on site, Mellon’s who emigrated to America in the early representative of ports such as homestead remains on its original 19th century. Robert Campbell Baltimore and Boston. It features a plot, and during any visit you are likely became a fur trader in the Rocky general store, tinsmith’s exhibition, a to be greeted by the sound of clucking Mountains, and later a successful replica of the First Mellon Bank, and a hens and the smells of traditional merchant in St Louis, Missouri, where wheelwright’s shop. Expert dance tuition...

The Kingdom of Dalriada around 20 kids currently enjoying around 18 adults attend, but the Ulster-Scots Society, based in the classes. group is always looking for new Ballymoney, is one of a number A typical class starts with a few participants. of groups offering Scottish warm up exercises which are then “It’s a great way to meet new country dance tuition to the followed by step practice and people, take you out of the house, community under the Ulster- formations of various dances. All and have fun while helping to keep Scots Agency Music and Dance students are taught the basics first, fit and ensure your body remains so everyone is comfortable with active,” Elizabeth says. programme. these, before they move to some of In the summer months, the the more complex routines. Classes, Evergreen Scottish Country Dancers Information The classes are held in the while educational, have a large fun can be seen at various Ulster-Scots Evergreen Centre, which is owned element and are a great way of festivals and fun days, Council Prices: by Ballymoney Borough Council, and learning a new skill. cultural events along with concerts Adults £7.00 it is seen as an ideal location due to Following the junior class, an adult and gala evenings. Children (5 to 18 years) £4.50 the size of the hall and an excellent class is held and a similar style is If you are interested in taking part, Concession £4.50 floor for dancing on. It’s also the taken with warm-up exercises being contact the Ullans Centre, Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £20.00 reason why the dance troop is completed before moving into the Ballymoney (028) 2766 8897 for Family (1 adult and up to 3 children) £14.50 known as the Evergreen Scottish various dance formations. Currently more details. Country Dancers. Children under five go free Tuition is conducted under the auspices of Elizabeth Brown-Kerr, Opening times: who has been a qualified tutor for * October to February - Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm. many years and has performed at Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Monday closed (except demonstrations and gala events for Bank holidays) throughout the country. * March to September - Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. She makes the journey from her Monday closed (except for Bank holidays) home in Castlerock every Wednesday evening and classes Contact details: begin with the juniors. Ulster American Folk Park, Castletown, Omagh, Co Tyrone Children aged seven and over are BT78 5QU. Website: welcome to come along and www.nmni.com/uafp. participate in these activities, with Phone (028) 8224 3292 Project6:Layout 1 13/3/13 16:02 Page 1

www.ulsterscotsagency.com the Ulster-Scot SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 14 RECIPES Cooking with Judith McLoughlin Paddy’s Chocolate Mint Pie with an Orange Twist...

The story: How to make it: A green pie with an orange twist, now that is a fusion worth talking about for a 1. To make the crust, crush the cookies in the food Northern Irish girl! This was the first dessert I made for my husband when we were processor and combine with melted butter and dating, so Ihad to include it in my book. A wonderfully light and not too sweet pie coco powder. Press into the bottom of 8” pie that combines the cool combination of mint and chocolate, always the best way to plate and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from end a meal, and it looks great on the plate into the bargain. A great talking point oven and cool. for Saint Patrick’s Day dinners or as a light dessert to end a summer time backyard 2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the cookout, you decide. marshmallows in milk, stirring with a wooden spoon until they have melted. Allow to cool. Crust ingredients: • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream 3. Next, stir in the crème de Menthe, then beat the • 1½ cups (6 oz.) graham cracker Orange chocolate sauce heavy whipping cream until soft peaks appear and crumbs or digestive biscuits ingredients: slowly fold in green marshmallow mixture. • 1 Tbsp. coco powder • 1 8-oz. bar dark 4. Pour into the pie crust. Refrigerate. • 2 oz. butter (¼ cup butter) chocolate/orange flavor chocolate 5. To make orange chocolate sauce, melt the (broken into pieces) chocolate over a double boiler with the cream and Pie ingredients: • 6 fl. oz. (¾ cup) whipping cream stir until smooth. • 32 large marshmallows (8½ oz.) 6. To serve the pie, place the pie in center of the • ½ cup (4 fl. oz.) whole milk Garnish: plate and garnish with a slice of segmented • 6 Tbsp. crème de menthe •sprigs of mint orange, a little orange zest, and a sprig of mint. • 2–3 drops of green food coloring •1 orange (segmented) Drizzle the plate with the chocolate orange sauce.

Educating weans in Ulster-Scots LET’S DANCE... This is shaping up to be the most successful year yet for the Ullans Speakers’ Association, which was formed by native Ulster-Scots speakers to promote and encourage the everyday use of the language and educate people about the significance and influence of Ulster-Scots on the English language.

Since setting up in 2008, the Association has continually worked on partnerships with schools in providing Ulster-Scots language classes to help promote and develop the language. Last year was Anne Morrison-Smyth pictured This has included schools in our local during an Ulster-Scots reading Ballymoney area and around Ulster. ‘ hugely successful class at Ballymoney Library with This language development is with many weans of Garryduff Primary School provided by Anne Morrison-Smyth, the Ulster-Scots full-time development officer after-schools border counties. employed by the Association. FUSE also organised a poetry Anne is responsible for the projects having competition involving P4 to P7 classes organisation and delivery of these been undertaken from three primary schools. Again after school classes with much credit Anne was asked to teach the children going to her for the success of these how to recite the Ulster-Scots poems classes in previous years, with Monreagh Ulster Scots and Heritage and even was invited back to judge increasing numbers of schools every centre involving two schools in the completion. year making enquires about them. Donegal. Mrs Felicity Humphreys from Moat PS Her knowledge, enthusiasm and love The Association and Anne work closely in Lisnaskea said: “We were delighted for the Ulster-Scots language is with the Ulster Scots Agency on after- with the children’s success in the apparent during the classes, not only schools projects including two recent programme and in the poetry managing to hold the children’s initiatives in co-operation the FUSE competition. Many thanks and attention for up to 45 minutes but (Fermanagh Ulster scots tributes must go to Anne and the local Receiving their certificates and medals for Scottish Highland also leaving them wanting more - Empowerment). FUSE co-coordinator Wendy Dancing are (back row from left): Rachel McCann (Bronze Bar), something the very best teachers One was a play called Wae a Heart an Parkinson.” Kathryn Stewart (dance tutor) and Emma McCarrison (Silver). struggle to do. a Half, which saw Anne teach the A number of after-school classes have Front (from left) - Zoe Kennedy (Bronze Bar) and Alex Last year was hugely successful with children how to pronounce the Ulster already been organised for the coming McCarrison (Bronze Bar). The girls are students of the Kathryn many Ulster-Scots after-schools Scots words in the script. This was so months, leading the group to believe Stewart School of Highland Dancing, which meets in Banbridge projects having been undertaken successful that it is now being taken that this will be the most successful Orange Hall. Photo: Coleen Kennedy. including a six-week course at the to nine other schools in the three year yet. the Ulster-Scot www.ulsterscotsagency.com SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 15 Remembering Donegal’s ‘weaver poetess’

Jacqui Reed from the 4 BRIGS Literary effusions to paper as she was never able to had given of the person lose her sight. While Group reflects on the life and times of follow up the subject according to her alluded to that he labouring under this severe Sarah Leech, a poetess from Co wishes. immediately set out to pay visitation, during which Donegal. In 1825, some person in the neighbourhood her a visit, and found her, eight blisters were applied happened to incur her resentment and, for not in a garret, surrounded in succession to her neck, the purpose of avenging what she by the usual classical she one evening pulled the Celebrated weaver poetess Sarah Leech was considered an insult, she composed some associations, but busily bandage off her eyes and the daughter of Thomas Leech, an very satirical stanzas on the individual. plying her spinning wheel wrote down the verses industrious linen weaver. She was born in But such was her forgiving disposition that in a humble cabin. which the reader will find 1809 in Ballylennan, a village in County she could not be prevailed on to repeat After some conversation, under that head. Donegal and Parish of Taughboyne, them, unless to two or three persons in he prevailed on her to It is unnecessary to add, approximately three miles from Raphoe. whom she placed great confidence. Even her repeat the ‘Elegy’ that she that they breathe forth the At the age of three Sarah’s father died of own family were ignorant of what she was had written, with which genuine spirit of Christian pleurisy and left behind him a widow with six writing, when she began to commit her she complied, though with resignation under affliction. children without any means of subsistence. ideas to paper; so that amusement, and not evident reluctance. Before A severe and prolonged As a result, Sarah and her siblings were ambition, seems to have been the prevailing he left the neighbourhood, attack of rheumatism, which deprived of the ordinary opportunities such motive of her expressing her wild he transcribed some of confined her to home, and as an education. imaginations, in rude rhyme. her poems, and shortly incapacitated her from In 1822 Sarah’s mother moved her family About this period, she composed her ‘Elegy after she had the walking, unless by the half a mile to Lettergull and it was here, in on a Loquacious Old Woman’ which, being mortification to see them in the Londonderry assistance of a crutch, her solitary moments, that Sarah first wooed circulated through the vicinity, came to the Journal, with some remarks on her humble returning to her spinning wheel, the only the Muses, for the purpose of passing away ears of a gentleman who was on a visit in situation in life. means she has now to depend on for her the time. However, diffidence prevented her that part of the country. In 1826, she was so severely attacked with subsistence. from committing any of her poetical He was so struck with the description she sore eyes, that it was thought she would Sarah passed away in 1830 aged just 21. The Sarah Leech Summer School 2013

The Sarah Leech 2013 Summer School workshop with Patricia Morris takes place in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, on Saturday June 22 Room 2: from 10am. This is the provisional • 2pm - 4pm: Historical Films ‘Linen programme of events: Museum, Potato gathering, Poteen making’ • Opening speech by guest speaker • 4pm: Prize-giving for the creative writing • Visual presentation of Sarah Leech and competitions. her poetical works by Dr Pauline Holland • Launch of the re-print of Sarah Leech’s • Guest panel with key note speakers book of poems by Celine McGlynn discussing ‘The Impact of The Scottish • Ulster-Scots music and song Plantation’ • 6pm - 7pm: Open mic evening for those • Open discussion on ‘Conversion of who wish to share your creative works. Cultures’ Ulster-Scots Historical Tour of the Ongoing throughout the day: Laggan • Exhibition of paintings from ‘The Treasure • Join our guided tour on Sunday June 23 Each Voice Book’ 400 years of Anglo- at 9.30am to hear the story of the flax Irish, Irish and Ulster-Scots Literature from industry and its inspiration for the Weaver Stranorlar. Poets. The tour will visit Bellaghan Abby, Ian Crozier and Karen McCarthy with Board • Exhibition and sale of rare and antiquarian the Stewarts Homesteads, Plantation members Ida Fisher, Hilary Singleton and Val books towns, the Flax Mills in Letterkenny and O’Kelly. Inset Karen’s reading is recorded • Inishowen spinners demonstrating at the then on to Glenveagh Castle, ancestral spinning wheel home of the Adair family, where there will be highland dancing, country dancing, Book reading by Karen F McCarthy Room 1: Irish dancing and some beautiful music to • 10.30am -12.30pm: short story writing accompany the scenic views. workshop with Patricia Morris In the January edition of The Ulster-Scot, • 1.30pm - 3.30pm: The Magic of For further information on the Sarah Leech Billy Kennedy reviewed Karen F. Metaphor poetry workshop with Liam Summer School or the Ulster-Scots Tour of McCarthy’s book, The Other Irish - The Campbell the Laggan email Jacqui Reed at Scots-Irish Rascals who Made America. • 4pm – 6pm: The Songsters song writing [email protected]. On Thursday February 21 the Ulster-Scots Agency was delighted to host a book reading by Karen as part of her Northern Ireland Book CREATIVE WRITING COMPETITION Tour, sponsored by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. Entries are now invited to the Creative Writing and Poetry Competition, part of the The event held in the Ulster-Scots Agency’s Sarah Leech Summer School. Budding writers and poets should send their poems Visitor and Information Centre in Belfast was and short pieces of writing (400 words maximum for short stories) to well attended, and following the reading Karen [email protected] or [email protected] by Wednesday May 1. signed copies of her book and chatted among For competition rules visit all of those who had joined her for the www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events/event/447/sarah-leech-summer-school afternoon event. Other venues on Karen’s Northern Ireland Book Winners will be awarded trophies on the evening of Saturday June 22 at the Tour included the Public Record Office for Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana. Northern Ireland. www.ulsterscotsagency.com the Ulster-Scot SATURDAY MARCH 16 2013 16 PATRICK - fact or fiction?

Over the centuries, many myths 4) Patrick was sent to Ireland by the have grown up around Patrick, Pope....FICTION threatening to obscure his real The story has long been told that Patrick was story. These are just a few... despatched to convert Ireland by Pope Celestine I and images of this story are 1) Patrick banished snakes from associated with Patrick to this day. However, Ireland....FICTION there is no contemporary evidence to support The story of Patrick banishing snakes from this claim. During his lifetime, Patrick was Ireland has been around for nearly 1,000 criticised for taking too much onto his own years, but it is false. There were no snakes shoulders. around for Patrick to banish in the first place. He answers this criticism in his own words in In the 3rd Century AD, before the time of his Confessio, yet nowhere does he mention a Patrick, the early writer Gaius Julius Solinus papal mandate. described Ireland thus, “In that land there are Surely if he had been sent by the Pope, this no snakes, birds are few, and the people are would have been a key element in his inhospitable and warlike.” defence?

2) Patrick used the shamrock to explain the 5) Patrick performed many miracles and trinity....FICTION wonders....FICTION The story of Patrick using a shamrock to Later written works ascribed many miracles to explain the trinity is not mentioned in his own Patrick. Some of these “wonders” included writings or even the writings of medieval turning a tribal chief into a fox; lighting up the chroniclers who produced embellished stories night by making his hand glow; and heating of his life. The first known connection of 3) Patrick wore a bishop’s mitre and carried a bishop, wearing a mitre on his head and the river to make it easier for one of his Patrick to the shamrock was on coins crosier...FICTION carrying a crosier. It is by far the most followers to pray in the water. Patrick himself produced in 1645 which depicted Patrick with At Saul in County Down, there stands a great widespread image of Patrick, yet it has no never claimed that he could perform miracles. a shamrock and became known as “Saint stone statue which was erected to mark the historical basis. Church histories date the His ministry was characterised by hard work Patrick’s money”. The first written reference to 1500th anniversary of Patrick’s arrival in earliest use of the bishop’s mitre to the tenth rather than spectacular events. He spoke of the story did not appear until it was related in Ulster. It portrays him dressed in the clerical century, more than 500 years after the time of “the flock of the Lord increasing in Ireland as a a botanical reference book in 1727. dress of a 17th Century Roman Catholic Patrick. result of hard work.” FUN READING Patrick: What’s all Robert Burns Competition Results the fuss about? Burns competition winners from the January Ulster-Scot issue were: Seamus McLaughlin, The Ulster-Scots Community Network has published a fold out Dungiven; Matthew Kennedy, publication for young people about Saint Patrick. Donaghadee; Mervyn Maxwell, Claudy and Kenneth Gordon, The publication tells the story of Patrick’s life as a young boy through to Newtownstewart. Well d one his death and burial in Downpatrick, County Down. All four winners to all t he Copies of the free publication are available from the Ulster-Scots Agency’s selected The Life and ners! Visitor and Information Centre, or alternatively it can be downloaded from Times of Robert Burns win the Ulster-Scots Community Network’s website as their prize book. www.ulster-scots.com/uploads/USCNPatrick.pdf.

the Ulster-ScotCompetition The Saint Patrick Centre is launching a new workshop programme for 2013 called the Archaeology Road Show.

These unique interactive workshops bring the past to life and provide a real understanding of the world around us changing over time. Would you like to have the Saint Patrick’s Centre’s team of archaeologists come out to your school and add a fun and interactive experience to your history lessons? If so, enter our competition below. The winner can choose two of the following workshops: • The Vikings Are Coming! Unearth the treasures of the Vikings with an archaeological excavation in your classroom. • Skills of our Ancestors – discover the pottery and weaving skills used 1500 years ago; learn how these objects were made and their function as well as discovering how to make your own. • Drama – dress up as Celts, monks and slave traders to re-enact the story of Saint Patrick’s life. • Scriptorium – explore the life of early monks and learn how to write and design with inks and quills.

This competition is open to all pupils of primary school age. The date for the Archaeology Road Show visiting the primary school of the winning entry will be arranged by the school Principal and the Saint Patrick Centre. Q. How many snakes did Saint Patrick banish from Ireland?

Send in your answer with your full name, age and primary school name and address by email putting ST PATRICK’S COMPETITION into the subject line to: [email protected] for your chance to win. Good Luck! Closing date: Monday April 15.