March 2019 Boston’s hometown VOL. 30 # 3 journal of Irish culture. $2.00 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2019 bostonirish.com Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. Time to put on the green again; St. Patrick’s Day festivities await March is the month when tradition reigns across the world for those of Irish heritage who take part happily in the annual ritual of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. In Massachusetts, a parade is the coin of the realm, with music and dance supplying the background sounds, and the Boston Irish Re- porter has it all covered. • For a listing of the dates and times of sched- uled parades, see Page 3. • A voluminous and detailed schedule of Irish music and dance events begins on Page 11. • The St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn will offer its 12th edition in Cam- bridge on March 16 and in Beverly on March 17. See photo at right, and story on Page 19. • Colm Keegan is on tour with a musical twist, a project entitled, Dorchester native “A History of Ireland Through Music.” He spoke about his work breaks new ground recently with the BIR’s The Friel Sisters, traditional musicians born in Glasgow but with family Sean Smith. See below. roots in the Donegal Gaeltacht, will be in this year’s “St. Patrick’s Day in McConville case Celtic Sojourn.” See Page 19. By Bill Forry BIR Editor He takes stock Labor says Patrick Radden Keefe grew up in the heart of Bos- ton’s Irish community— the Adams Corner section of it will back Dorchester. His dad Frank— whose great-grandpar- of Irish history ents were immigrants from Donegal—was a regular a second at the Eire Pub. But despite the name and pedigree, Keefe wasn’t in musical fashion raised like some of his Irish-American cousins who By Sean Smith theory, Irish mythology Brexit vote came of age as the Troubles roiled their ancestral Reporter Correspondent and Irish language. (He has also gotten married, Associated Press homeland. He wasn’t regaled with rebel ballads on Colm Keegan was born LONDON – Britain’s to former Celtic Thunder the Saturday Irish Hour. No plastic paddy, this one. into a musical family – his main opposition Labor cellist Laura Durant; the As he matured, Keefe— a Milton Academy gradu- father and five brothers all Colm Keegan Party has thrown its couple had their second ate— read the news about the latest bombings, gun singers – and he has not Singer, teacher weight behind efforts to child late last year.) attacks, and then the breakthrough peace process of strayed from his lineage. hold a new referendum On March 4, Keegan will it’s not a lecture. There’s a the late 1990s as though Ireland were was just another With a background in both on the country’s European come to the Irish Cultural kind of a TED Talk vibe to foreign country. traditional and choral Union membership. Centre of New England in it, and I use an interactive That level of detachment, it turns out, may have singing, the Dublin na- The party has previ- Canton to present his new presentation to help il- served him well. tive is best known for his ously said it would sup- one-man project, “A His- lustrate some details. The In his new book, “Say Nothing,” the 42-year-old staff nearly four-year stint with port a referendum as a tory of Ireland Through songs are an expression writer with the New Yorker dives deep into one of the Celtic Thunder, which last resort if it could not Music,” as part of a tour of the historical events, most notorious killings in the civil war: the murder came after he performed secure a new election or winding through the Mid- people, places and so on in and disappearance of Jean McConville, a mother as a member of the choir make changes to Prime west and Northeast US. the period I’m focusing on. of 10 who was snatched from her Belfast family by for Celtic Woman. Minister Theresa May’s Shortly before embarking Q. So it’s not the whole the IRA in 1972. The book recounts the events and In recent years, and es- EU divorce deal. last month, Keegan spoke history of Ireland? participants in a narrative that will grip even those pecially since leaving Celt- In a change of emphasis, with the Boston Irish A. No, we’d be here well versed in the story. And— without giving away ic Thunder in early 2016, the party says leader Jer- Reporter. for days if I tried that. Keefe’s ending— he breaks new ground in theorizing Keegan has devoted time emy Corbyn will tell Labor Q. Colm, what’s the [Laughs] When I came about the gunman who he believes delivered the fatal to his “other” vocation, lawmakers that the party idea behind “A History of up with the concept I blow to McConville, whom the IRA believed was a teaching: He has taught is committed to “putting Ireland Through Music”? knew that Irish history “tout”— or snitch. at several performing arts forward or supporting an A. Well, it’s combining was just so vast I would Keefe, who now lives in New York, began reporting and secondary schools, amendment in favor of a two things that have al- have to break it up, and on the McConville case in 2014. Like many journalists, and launched CKonLine, public vote to prevent a ways been special to me: so I started to think about he was drawn in by the controversy surrounding the a forum through which damaging Tory Brexit be- performing and teaching – which chapter of Irish his- Boston College Belfast Project, the well-intentioned he offers instruction in ing forced on the country.” I’m a classroom teacher by tory I should concentrate subjects including music (Continued on page 24) (Continued on page 9) trade. It’s not a “gig,” and (Continued on page 17)

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70 Rowes Wharf Boston, MA 02110 bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADES Dates and Times Cape Cod: Sat., March 9 – 11:00 a.m. Providence: Sat., March 9 – Noon. Worcester: Sun., March 10 – Noon. Newport, RI: Sat., March 16 – 11 a.m. Abington: Sun., March 17 – 1 p.m. South Boston: Sun., March 17 – 1 p.m. Holyoke: Sun., March 17 – Noon. Scituate: Sun., March 17 – 1 p.m. Lawrence: Sat., March 23 – 1 p.m. Weymouth: Sun., March 24 – TBA Dublin, Ireland: Sun., March 17 – Noon. Per Boston Irish Tourism Association southbostonparade.org photo From Dublin to the Shannon, on cycle via the Royal Canal Michael Shea, 55, at experienced cyclist. in 1845. The canal is right, was raised in the A. That would be a “no.” only about 20 feet across small Western Massa- I needed to train because at that point – how could chusetts town of Bland- I wasn’t 100 percent con- that happen? Another ford before graduating fident that I knew the plaque had this strange from Stonehill College in finer points of cycling, mathematical equation 1985. After obtaining a like when to change gears written on it – why was law degree, he practiced - and I wasn’t sure that I that there? As I asked in Boston until mov- would be able for it “fit- the questions and dug up ing to Ireland with his ness wise.” the answers I got more wife Margaret (a native Q. You mean the Ring intrigued by the canal of County Leitrim) in of Kerry? itself – why was it there, 1998. He has lived in A. No – I mean the 200 how was it built, who kept Dublin since arriving yards to the store. I was it up? As the questions in Ireland, and recently 100 percent sure that piled up so did the desire sat down to explain how I couldn’t do Kerry. At to write about it. he came to write a book least not yet. Q. So what is the book about the Royal Canal, Q. So how does this lead about? the stretch of water link- to the Royal Canal? A. It’s a guide to cycling ing Dublin to the Shan- A. Well, I got a bike the canal – what towns servative qualities of non River and made fa- and started looking for you’ll see, how far from bogs, Annie Oakley’s hus- mous in Brendan Behan’s places to train. If you point A to B, where to eat, band, the greatest mile song “The Auld Triangle.” know the roads around drink or stay. The usual. relay ever run – all things Q. How did you end up Dublin, they aren’t bike But a guidebook these that attempt to make in Ireland? friendly. Certainly not days can’t just be about this a book not simply A. With the Irish econ- for a novice trying to distances, or the name about how you can cycle omy booming during safely re-learn cycling. So of the next town. Not the canal – but why you the Celtic Tiger years I went to the Royal Canal because those things should cycle the canal. we were able to move to to train – it’s close to my aren’t important - they Remember: This is a Ireland in 1998 where house, has no traffic, are - but everyone has a route that will soon be- I joined one of Ireland’s Michael Shea sitting astride the Royal Canal. forces you to work hard smartphone nowadays come one of Europe’s pre- larger firms. Eventually back a group at work Q. Wow – what’s a Mas- but isn’t too hilly. It was so that’s their standard mier greenways, stretch- that led to my becoming decided to attempt the sachusetts equivalent? ideal. guidebook. What the ing across Ireland from in-house counsel for some Ring of Kerry charity cy- A. Pittsfield to Boston. Q. Why write about it? phone can’t do is get a Dublin to the banks of large US corporations cle. I thought it sounded Q. Had you ever cycled A. Because beyond bit more personal. It the Shannon. It will be that have also relocated like a good idea but then before? being a great place to can’t relate a ghost story, a “bucket list” ride for to Ireland, so we’ve been realized that I was com- A. Sure, I had a bike train I kept running into tell a joke, talk about people who like that sort in Dublin ever since. mitting to hopping on until I was about 12 and things that made me ask friendship, Irish history, of thing. I hope there are Q. How did this book my bike and essentially I’d ride it about 200 yards questions. On one bridge presidential rodeos, Tom lots of people who like happen? cycling from Dublin to to the store. there was a plaque saying Jones, Jack Nicholson, that sort of thing. A. Well – a few years Galway. Q. So you were not an 16 people drowned there Irish politics, the pre- Charitable Irish will Minister Ciarán Cannon visits honor Anderson at Boston for diaspora discussions Ireland’s Minister of its 282nd Dinner State for the Diaspora and International De- The Hon. Anne Ander- Department of Foreign velopment, Ciarán Can- son, former Irish Am- Affairs in 1972 and held non T.D., was in Boston bassador to the United a variety of posts at home last month for a two-day States, will be the key- and abroad before she program of consultations note speaker at the 282nd became the first woman with the Irish diaspora Charitable Irish Dinner appointed as the First in which he met with on March 17 at the Fair- Secretary at the Irish representatives of more mont Copley Plaza Hotel. Anne Anderson Embassy in Washington, than 20 Irish-American In recognition of her D. C. in the mid-1980s. organizations as part of long and distinguished October 2017 when she After four years in a the preparation for the career in the Irish diplo- spoke to our society. senior management posi- Irish government’s new Consul General Fionnuala Quinlan welcomed Ire- matic service, the Society Through her speeches tion at the Department diaspora policy. land’s Minister of State for the Diaspora Ciarán will confer its 2019 Life and lobbying on Capitol of Foreign Affairs in He also visited some of Cannon, seated at right, to Boston last month. Achievement Award on Hill, Ambassador Ander- Dublin, Ms. Anderson’s the six Irish community Ambassador Anderson. son did much to highlight visit, Cannon noted that the challenges they face in first ambassadorial ap- organizations that receive Born in Co. Tipperary Ireland’s interest in pro- “Boston is at the heart of delivering crucial services pointment was to the funding from the govern- and educated at Uni- moting reform of US im- Irish America and Mas- to the Irish and Irish- United Nations, Geneva ment to provide legal, versity College, Dublin migration law, and also sachusetts is the most American communities.” (1995-2001). This was welfare, and cultural and King’s Inn Dublin, encouraged continued Irish State in the US. Irish He added that the Bos- followed by subsequent activities to the diaspora Ms. Anderson joined the assignments as Ireland’s United States interest culture and tradition are ton discussions “will in- in and support for the in New England. deeply embedded there form our work on a new Ambassador to the Eu- Cannon also held politi- ropean Union at Brus- evolving Northern Irish and a range of vibrant and strategic policy for diaspo- Prof. Shannon peace process and the cal meetings, discussed in- dynamic organisations ra engagement as part of sels (2002-2005), France ternational relations with (2005-2009), and the cause of reconciliation in represent our diaspora. Global Ireland 2025.” to lecture on Northern Ireland. students of Northeastern I am very much looking – BIR STAFF United Nations at New University, and led a ‘the Troubles’ York (2009-2013). The Charitable Irish forward to hearing from BIR publisher Ed Forry Society is delighted to discussion on women in them about the opportuni- met with Cannon as he The Eire Society of In 2013, she became science at Boston College Ireland’s l7th Ambassa- have her join their dis- ties they see for greater visited the Irish Pastoral Boston will host a presen- tinguished past honor- to mark St Brigid’s Day. engagement and collabo- Centre in Dorchester. See tation on ‘The Troubles” dor to the United States, Speaking about his the first woman to hold ees such as Charles S. ration and also learning of Pub Notes on Page 4. by Professor Emerita Parnell, M.P., President Catherine B. Shannon at that position. During her four-year tenure in Mary McAleese, Presi- Kennedy images displayed along Greenway the Irish Cultural Centre dent Michael D. Higgins of New England in Canton Washington, Ms. Ander- The John F. Kennedy Library Founda- Kennedy and Senator Kennedy during son focused on strength- and the late Nobel Laure- on Sun., March 3, at 1 p.m. ate Seamus Heaney. tion, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute their time in office. The banners also She will focus on the ening Ireland’s economic, for the United States Senate, and the feature an archival photograph of their trade, and investment For information on role played by the Boston individual tickets pur- Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway mother, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, sitting Irish-American commu- links with the United Conservancy have announced a new joint outdoors. The images will be on display States. She was fre- chase and sponsorship nity in underwriting the opportunities, go to the display of historic photos along the Rose throughout the winter. multiple resources neces- quent speaker at various Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston. “We’re delighted to partner with the educational and cultural Charitable Irish Society sary to the resolution of website, charitableirish- The banners are part of a partnership Library and Institute to feature these the conflict in the Good venues, and made her among the three Boston organizations. iconic images in the heart of Boston,” said first ambassadorial ap- society.org. Friday Agreement. – CATHERINE B. SHANNON The full-size banners along The Gre- Jesse Brackenbury, executive director of Admission is free. pearance in Boston in enway feature photographs of President the Greenway Conservancy. Page 4 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Editor’s Notebook MUSINGS/Dick Flavin Ireland reviewing Of dogs, cats, and sports heroes Who is the greatest sports hero in Boston of breeds; Roger Clemens was a lion, its diaspora outreach history? Beats me. deadly and intimidating to all who faced By Ed Forry The question, an age-old one, has flared him; Pedro Martinez was a panther, more Ciarán Cannon T.D., Ireland’s Minister for the up recently as Tom Brady has climbed graceful but no less lethal. David Ortiz Diaspora and International Development, spent two relentlessly up the heights of the Mount was a Bengal tiger (as opposed to the intensive days in town last month meeting with Irish Olympus of sports gods, now with six Super Detroit kind), capable of striking with a groups here. We spoke on his visit to the Irish Pastoral Bowl titles hanging from his belt. How does suddenness (swing of the bat?) that was Centre in Dorchester. that compare to the eleven NBA champi- frightening in its efficiency. Mookie Betts Q. What’s the purpose of your visit? onships won by Bill Russell? Or the two is a cheetah, slightly smaller but a killer A. The predominant purpose is to engage extensively Stanley Cups in the abbreviated career of with breath-taking speed. with the Irish communities here, Bobby Orr? Or the zero World Series titles How much basketball do you suppose with a view toward hearing their that Ted Williams’s teams took home? Bobby Orr, who was on the ice full-time Tom Brady opinion on Ireland’s diaspora And what about Brockton’s Rocky Mar- from his early teens, ever played? Do you on Mount Olympus engagement strategy. There are ciano, the only undefeated heavyweight think that Bill Russell ever laced on a pair 33 million people of Irish descent champion in history? He reigned in the of ice skates? living in the US and I try to get days when the holder of the title was by One was known for his mesmerizing out to all of those communities as definition a huge international celebrity. skating ability and his passing and shot often as I can. Comparing them is like comparing making expertise – all with a stick and at We’re reviewing our internation- apples and oranges, or, perhaps more to break-neck speed; the other was prized al policy in Dublin at the moment; the point, cats and dogs. Baseball, football, for his otherworldly shot blocking and it is exceptionally important to talk basketball, and hockey require different rebounding skills. How can you compare to all of the groups that we support specific skills. An athlete needs extraor- them as players? You can’t. At least, that’s here in the US. We spent just over $4 million support- dinary athletic ability to just to compete what I think. ing Irish diaspora organizations across the country. in each of them at the highest level, let That’s not to say that great athletes can’t We want to increase our support over the coming years alone be truly great. and don’t excel at multiple sports. They and ensure that it has the maximum possible benefit But getting around on a fastball is not can, and the examples are many. John Bill Russell for those communities. So what better way to do that the same as catching a pass in traffic, Havlicek, who grew up in tiny Lansing, 11 titles in 13 years then come out here and meet with them? or hitting a three-pointer with the clock Ohio (population approximately 500), was We had just under 30 Irish community organizations running down; and none of them can be an all-state quarterback in high school; he down in Canton [at the Irish Cultural Centre] yesterday, compared to blasting a slapshot from the was so good, in fact, that Woody Hayes, and had a great conversation about how we do this job blue line, much less making the save on it. the legendary football coach at Ohio State, and how we can do it well in the future. So that’s a re- To be sure, they all require a combination wooed him earnestly to become a Buckeye. ally important element of my visit this week. of strength and grace, almost super-human Havlicek did go to Ohio State, but on a Q. You spoke about a program for young people called hand-to-eye coordination, and razor-sharp basketball scholarship, leaving Hayes to Foróige. How does that work? reflexes, but they are not the same. lament for the next four years that the A. The Irish immigration pipeline into the United Baseball, football, basketball, and hock- school had the best quarterback in the Big States has more or less shut down after vast numbers in ey players are not just different breeds of Ten, but he wasn’t on the team. the millions [emigrated] to the US over the last century athletes, they are different species. Havlicek’s reputation was such that, al- and a half. We’ll never see those numbers ever again; that Let’s say that football players are the though he never played a minute of football dogs of the athletic world. They all play day is over. Irish Americans are doing their best to sustain in college, he was drafted by the Cleveland Ted Williams an interest in Irish culture, identity, and values across all the same game, but their roles in it call for Browns, then one of the elite teams in the No World Series, of the United States and doing a great job at it. We want different breeds. For example, mastiffs and NFL. He tried out for the Browns, but at but .406 to support them and ensure that the next generation Saint Bernards play in the line, positions wide receiver, not quarterback. He was of Irish Americans stay in that attachment to Ireland. requiring great bulk and strength to go the last man cut when Coach Paul Brown There’s an youth organization called Foróige [foroige. along with athletic ability. The lineback- decided to keep Gary Collins, who turned ie] working in Ireland, empowering young people ers are German shepherds, with the size out to be a perennial all-star. Still, Brown 14 to 18 with the skills to build strong, successful to plug up holes in the line and the speed was impressed enough with Havlicek to communities within Ireland. So we’re taking that to drop back into pass coverage. Defensive invite him back to pre-season camp for six model of Irish community work to the United States. backs are made up of Dalmations; sleek, consecutive years, but by then he was a The first presence of Foróige in Philadelphia happened fast, and fierce defenders of their territory, superstar with the Celtics and possessor of about a year ago, and in New York about six months just as their canine counterparts were bred five NBA championship rings (the number ago. I was encouraging the group yesterday to consider to protect at all costs the horses who drew would eventually swell to eight). doing something similar themselves because then you’ll the fire wagons. On offense, greyhounds For more than thirty years, Havlicek have young Irish Americans being given the skills to are wide receivers for obvious reasons. ran a celebrity fishing tournament off build strong, resilient communities no matter where The tight ends are somewhat the same, the shores of Nantucket and Martha’s they live in the United States – with an Irish organiza- but they are wolfhounds, possessed of Vineyard. At one of the early ones I found tion, Irish values, and a strong Irish culture identity. not quite the speed of their greyhound myself paired in the same boat with Bob Bobby Orr So that’s what we’re trying to do. counterparts but with the size to play Cousy. Cooz had never cast a fishing line Wunderkind on ice Q. What is the status of Ireland’s efforts to win a seat in the line to help pave the way for the and had to be shown how by the boat’s on the UN Security Council? terriers, or running backs. Terriers are a captain, an experienced fisherman. Within A. Ireland has put herself forward as a candidate breed known for their determination and minutes of learning the technique Cousy for the Security Council elections in June of next year. fearlessness, able to use their quickness to was casting his line well beyond that of This is the most powerful institution on the planet in race around opponents; or, in the case of the captain. As for my casts, they were terms of peace and security and Ireland wants to have pit bulls, straight at them. Finally, there well suited for stray fish who happened a seat at the table when discussions and decisions are are the poodles, or quarterbacks; they are to swim too close to the side of the boat. being made about how exactly we approach peace and the glamor dogs of the sport, perhaps the Marciano once had a tryout as a catcher security and conflict avoidance and resolution across most intelligent of all the breeds. They get with the Chicago Cubs, but his throwing the world. Ireland has hugely significant experience to all the attention when things go well and arm was deemed too weak for him to be a bring to bear in that conversation in terms of securing all the scrutiny when they don’t. prospect. That’s the same arm that threw peace on our island and sustaining that piece now for To carry the species analogy a step some of the most devastating punches in 20 years. We just celebrated the 20th anniversary of further, let’s say that baseball players are all the annals of boxing. the Good Friday Agreement last year. Our soldiers have the cats of the sports world. Cats come in To paraphrase F. Scott Fitzgerald, the been a constant provider of peacekeeping around the all sizes and breeds, as do baseball play- great athletes are different from you and Rocky Marciano world for every single day of the last 60 years. ers. Pitchers alone could be any number me; well, different from me, anyway. Undefeated champion We also are a people who have a very long tradition of immigration and migration, and we have a collec- Off the Bench tive national memory of famine. … So we want to bring all of that understanding and empathy to bear in terms our membership of the Security Council. Sand dollars star in a vignette about love Q. In addition to your career in politics, you’re also a musician? By James W. Dolan The woman was delighted. A. I compose music. I have been playing piano since Special to the Reporter For the uninitiated, like myself, a sand dollar is what I was ten; that’s something that I love. My dad was a An older couple was walking along Tigertail Beach remains of a sea creature often found on the beaches of musician, his dad was a musician, so it’s in our blood, on Marco Island recently when they saw a woman in Southwest Florida. The fragile shells are hard to spot and it’s something that I really enjoy in terms of an a bathing suit holding a small cloth bag and looking in the sand and are valued for their delicate beauty. alternative to the hustle and bustle of political life. forlorn as she stood at the edge They resemble silver coins, thus the name. of the inlet. “What seems to be Later that afternoon, the sand dollars were gone the problem,” she was asked. from the bench. The next day, the homeowner went The woman said she was on to her mailbox and found a thank you note, addressed Boston Irish vacation and hoped to search simply to “Kind Lady.” for sand dollars on the beach Such acts of kindness often go unnoticed in this day REPORTER across the inlet but was afraid and age when the mangroves of strife and discord have The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: to cross to the other side. overtaken the beach. Yet they are there in abundance, Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., What once was a sandbar if you only take the time to look for them. 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 at Tigertail Beach is now Like sand dollars, acts of kindness are imperceptible [email protected] www.bostonirish.com overgrown with vegetation. To expressions of love. They are generosity’s manifesta- Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) get to the ocean one must wade tion – unsolicited, unrewarded, instinctive, and sub- Edward W. Forry, Publisher about 60 yards across a brack- lime. They are what makes humanity noble even in Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor ish inlet and walk another 100 hard times. William P. Forry, Editor Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor James W. Dolan yards through mangroves to News Room: (617) 436-1222 get to a pristine beach. The To be alert to those in need, Ads : (617) 436-1222 woman’s husband and friends had already crossed, To offer comfort with a deed, Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] but she was reluctant to walk in the waist-deep water. May not seem important stuff, On The Web at www.bostonirish.com Seeing her plight, my companion said, “I’ve been But oftentimes it is enough. Date of Next Issue: April, 2019 coming here for many years and have accumulated a JWD Deadline for Next Issue: Friday, March 22 at 12 noon large collection of sand dollars and would be happy to Published monthly in the first week of each month. give you some.” She told the woman she lived nearby James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond Court judge who now practices law. the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish and would leave them on a bench next to her front Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. door for her to pick up when she was heading back. bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Point of View Of intellectual laziness and our verbose talking-heads By Peter F. Stevens Klein, whose previous book, “Strong Boy: The Life BIR Staff and Times of John L. Sullivan, America’s First Sports It’s high time to add yet another word to the lexi- Hero,” told the story of the famed boxer, has crafted a con employed by lazy journalists and casual pundits. similarly vivid, keenly documented look at the Irish- Whether you’re viewing CNN, MSNBC, or Fox, you’ve men who fought in the Yankee and Confederate ranks heard this word ad nauseam. Cue the contrived dra- and turned their hard-won martial lessons against matic pause as on-air anchors, reporters, and political Ireland’s age-old master, Britain, with a valiant but experts furrow their collective brows, narrow their eyes, ill-fated effort to pry Canada from John Bull’s grip. and clench their lips before announcing something so The five Fenian strikes against Canada commenced important that the moment has to be termed “fraught.” in 1866, fueled by lofty ideals of Irish freedom. Irish The word, usually meant to imply that something soldiers who had survived the Great Famine and the bad could be in the offing, has an intellectual, imposing horrors of the Civil War viewed themselves as Irishmen ring to it, and your favorite on-air commentators have first, Americans second. The US government was at moved on to it from the fading favorite, “optics.” Once first willing to “look the other way” as the American again, the media have taken a perfectly good word and Fenian Brotherhood “established a state in exile, turned it into a hackneyed term through overuse that planned prison breaks, weathered infighting, stock- should be deemed journalistic malpractice. It is the Two of the GOP’s Irish-American stalwards, Kevin piled weapons, and assassinated enemies. Defiantly, newest example of intellectual laziness, and it wouldn’t McCarthy, Minority leader of the US House and, this motley group, including a one-armed war hero, hurt the talking-heads society to turn to a thesaurus behind, former House Speaker Paul Ryan. an English spy infiltrating rebel forces, and a radical from time to time. CNN photo who staged his own funeral, managed to seize a piece Now, let’s turn to the cries of fake news, which are of Canada, if only for three days.” indeed “fraught.” President Trump has bloviated yet much of the American public; at the least, he is the As Klein notes, the failed Fenian attacks proved a again about “THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE” (his duplicitous equal of Michael Cohen when it comes to turning point in the struggle for Irish independence. caps) in his ongoing jihad against the First Amend- blatant falsehoods. Of course, one man’s or woman’s Many Irish in America came to believe that any insur- ment. In one of his latest characteristic tweet tirades facts are fake news to others. Trump has shown an rection against Britain must unfold in Ireland itself, against The New York Times and all opposing media, unrivaled ability to enlarge the gaping divide between with assistance from the Irish Diaspora. Of particular he ranted, “The Press has never been more dishon- truth and fiction. interest locally, Klein presents a vivid portrait of John est than it is today. Stories are written that have In June 2016, then-House Majority Leader Kevin Boyle O’Reilly, the Fenian rebel who was seized from absolutely no basis in fact. The writers don’t even McCarthy opined in private to fellow GOP legislators his Royal Army cavalry barracks in Dublin and even- call asking for verification. They are totally out of that “there are two people I think Putin pays: [US Rep. tually sentenced to harsh labor in Western Australia control. Sadly, I kept many of them in business. In six Dana] Rohrabacher and Trump.” As his colleagues before escaping aboard a New Bedford whaling ship years, they all go BUST!”“Control” is the key word in laughed, McCarthy said, “Swear to God.” and ending up in Boston, where he carved out a true the president’s little screed. He believes that he has According to the Washington Post and numerous saga of immigrant success. “executive power” to control the media and stifle any other outlets, including the Trump-friendly New York O’Reilly covered one of the Fenian raids for the dissenting opinion or, more importantly, any facts he Post, McCarthy’s fellow Irish American Paul Ryan, who Boston Pilot, and, Klein shows, was so disillusioned by doesn’t like. He has plenty of help from his cadre of was speaker of the House at the time, demanded that the ragtag affair that he preached the importance for Irish-American acolytes such as mouthpiece Kellyann everyone in the room never publicly mention McCar- the Irish to assimilate as Americans and leave future Conway and the Republican House Minority Leader thy’s observation. “No leaks,” Ryan ordered. “This is rebellions to Ireland itself. Kevin McCarthy. In assailing the credibility of former how we know we’re a real family here,” he said. In short, Christopher Klein’s new book is a must-read Trump-fixer-turned “rat”– the president’s Mob-esque Ryan, McCarthy, and Kellyann Fitzgerald Conway— for all with even a passing interest in Irish America, word of choice – Michael Cohen, Conway rightfully all espousing an Irish-American brand of “family” and Ireland, and the Civil War. His fast-flowing, often pointed out that Cohen is a proven liar. Fair play, but “omerta,” agreed to a code of silence placing party and lyrical, often gritty narrative commands the reader’s when pressed as to whether the president is any more president above country. attention from the opening paragraphs. His portrait credible than his erstwhile bagman, Conway portrayed A Fenian Fiasco Brilliantly Told of this turbulent and crucial era in America’s and Donald Trump as a man of “huge” (my word) credibility. With “When the Irish Invaded Canada: The Incred- Ireland’s annals is captivating. Of all the head-spinning fairy tales that have escaped ible True Story of the Civil War Veterans Who Fought (When the Irish Invaded Canada: The Incredible Conway’s lips in defense of her boss, this recent one for Ireland’s Freedom,” the Andover-based author and True Story of the Civil War Veterans Who Fought for might be the biggest whopper of all. The president journalist Christopher Klein has crafted a riveting nar- Ireland’s Freedom, Doubleday, hardcover, ISBN-10: has so effectively uttered an endless stream of lies, rative of the ill-fated Fenian invasions of Canada in 0385542607; ISBN-13: 978-0385542607, 384 pages, prevarications, and delusions that he has numbed the years immediately following America’s Civil War. christopherklein.com) Slainte!´ Happy St. Patrick’s Day to our friends and neighbors, from the MCCA.

DAVID M. GIBBONS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

@MassConvention /MassConvention massconvention.com Page 6 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Immigration Q&A Irish International Immigrant Center Employment: An agency accredited by US Department of Justice One State Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Know your rights Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] Q. I recently became a naturalized US citizen. I’ve been looking for a new job, and it seems to me that Save the Date: Irish for Pride! some prospective employers have been hassling me unfairly about my immigration status. This may be The IIIC will participate in because of my accent or the country I originally came Boston Pride Parade again from. Is there anything that I can do? this year under the banner A. In the Civil Rights Division of the US Depart- “Irish for Pride.” Pending ment of Justice there is an Office of Special Counsel City of Boston approval, the (OSC) for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment parade and festival will be Practices. This office investigates situations like yours, held on Sat., June 8, at noon. as well as those involving other people authorized We welcome everyone to under federal law to work in the US, such as legal march alongside us and stay permanent residents or employment visa holders. In tuned for more details! Please appropriate cases, OSC will sue employers who dis- email Francesca Paranzino criminate against people based on their immigration at [email protected] status or national origin. with any questions and to get OSC has published the following guidance on this involved! You can learn more topic: about the parade at boston- Citizenship/immigration status - Generally, pride.org/parade. A happy St. Patrick’s Day to all from the IIIC team! an employer may not treat you differently because you are, or are not, a US citizen. [Note: One excep- An inaugural march for the IIIC tion would be certain jobs with the government or a government contractor requiring US citizenship for Our team will be marching in the St. Patrick Day Parade a security clearance.] National origin - An employer may not treat you in South Boston for the first time in our 30-year history! differently because of your place of birth, native lan- The Irish international mission. We look forward guage, accent, or appearance. Immigrant Center is to marching alongside Document abuse - An employer may not, on the delighted to be participat- many groups and to basis of your citizenship status or national origin, ing in this year’s South celebrating our Irish demand more or different documents than neces- Boston St. Patrick’s Day heritage, diversity and sary for completing the I-9 Form, reject reasonably parade for the first time inclusion, and Boston’s genuine-looking documents, or treat you differently since we were founded rich Irish history on this when using E-Verify. in 1989. The IIIC is Bos- special day! Retaliation - An employer may not retaliate against ton’s Welcome Center for Are you interested in anyone who files a complaint with OSC or cooperates immigrant families, and joining the IIIC group to with an OSC investigation, or who asserts his or her our vision is for a society march in the parade? We rights under the anti-discrimination provision of the where all are welcomed, welcome all to join our Immigration and Nationality Act. valued, and enjoy equal group! Just email Ann- A person who believes he or she has been subjected opportunities and pro- Marie at amariebyrne@ to discrimination for any of these reasons can call tections. We are excited iiicenter.org to get more OSC at 1-800-255-7688 or visit the agency’s website that the parade is now a information on how to get at usdoj.gov/crt/osc. more open and welcoming involved. Of course, there are other avenues to relief from event, reflecting our own various types of employment discrimination, includ- A happy St. Patrick’s Day to all from the IIIC team! ing filing a complaint with the federal Equal Employ- ment Opportunity Commission or the relevant state agency. Choosing the right course in a particular Claire McSherry loves supporting case generally will require the advice of a lawyer specializing in employment discriminations issues, particularly as they relate to immigration status or her fellow IIIC exchange visitors national origin. IIIC can make a referral to such a Claire McSherry was she looked into intern- IIIC’s mission, and the lawyer in appropriate cases. living at home in Armagh, ship positions outside of idea that “everyone de- Visit one of IIIC’s weekly legal clinics as Northern Ireland, where Ireland, and shortly after serves basic dignity,” noted in the Boston Irish Reporter for a free, her career opportunities beginning her search, Claire values supporting confidential consultation on any immigration were limited. Having she spotted an intern- an environment in which law-related issue. obtained her master’s ship vacancy at the Irish everyone shares similar Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform in English and Poetry International Immigrant beliefs, and for an orga- generally, not to advise in individual cases. Immigra- from Queen’s University Center involving provid- nization that champions tion law is always subject to change. The US Citizen- in Belfast, Claire had a ing critical operations and social justice and assists ship and Immigration Services and US Department of solid skill set and talent communications support immigrants, J-1 exchange State frequently amend regulations and alter process- in a tough job market for to its Learning Exchange visitors, and low-income Claire McSherry, the ing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek the newest J-1 intern at the a recent graduate. While Program team. families in need. IIIC, in warmer weather. assistance of IIIC immigration legal staff. pursuing her options, Initially drawn to the “It was actually the only position I applied to in the she loves writing news- US,” she said, and since letters and testimonials last October she has been detailing different ex- IRISH INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANT CENTER a brilliant member of our periences that Irish J-1 Learning Exchange Pro- exchange visitor students IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANCE gram team, which helps and graduates have had. more than 500 university Here at the IIIC, we are The Irish International Immigrant Center’s immigration attorneys and social workers are available students and graduates delighted to have Claire for all immigrants during this time of uncertainty and concern in our community. We are closely like Claire travel to the US as a part of the team, following the changes in immigration policies, and are available for confidential, legal consultations, to intern within their field and want to thank her for and case representation. At weekly legal clinics, you can receive a free and confidential of study. Claire has made hard work and dedication consultation with staff and volunteer attorneys. For information, or if you or anyone you know would a significant impact in the to supporting fellow J-1 students and graduates. like to speak to an immigration attorney, please call us at (617) 542-7654. lives of exchange visitors who, like herself, took a If your company is inter-

courageous trans-Atlantic ested in hosting an Irish leap to further their pro- J-1 exchange visitor for an Upcoming Clinic Schedule fessional development and internship that will bring Clinics are in the evening – please do not arrive more than 30 minutes before the clinic begins for career prospects. international talent and a registration. Claire simply exudes unique prospective to your the welcoming spirit that organization, please con- Downtown Boston th she praises the IIIC for tact Paul Pelan at ppelan@ IIIC, One State Street, 8 Floor, Boston MA 02109 having, and shares that iiicenter.org! Tuesday, March 5th and 19th at 4:00pm

Brighton You can help the IIIC hail our The Green Briar Pub, 304 Washington Street, Brighton, MA 02135 Monday, March 11th at 6:30pm 30th year with a Boston Globe ad Do you subscribe to the celebrate our 30th anni- Dorchester Boston Globe? If so you versary. St. Mark’s Parish, 1725 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester 02124 may have been offered the It takes just seconds to Wednesday, March 27th at 6:30pm chance to vote for your fa- submit your voucher on- vorite non-profit to receive line at BostonGlobe.com/ free advertising space. GRANT, or if you received Please consider voting a form in the mail, send it Citizenship Clinics th for the Irish International back using the envelope IIIC, One State Street, 8 Floor, Boston MA 02109 Immigrant Center and provided. Just enter Irish Wednesdays from 10am-1pm help us move to the top International Immigrant Walk-ins are welcome! of the leaderboard so we Center, 1 State Street, 8th can share our mission. Fl. Boston, MA 02109. The With past support from deadline to vote is April 30 subscribers like you we As always, we thank you Our Downtown Boston location is fully accessible by public transportation. were able to place a full and are grateful for your Phone: 617.542.7654 | Fax: 617.542.7655 | www.iiicenter.org color Globe ad. This year, support. help us do it again as we bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7

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6. 7. 8. BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events

On Feb. 7, The Edward M Kennedy Institute hosted a screening of the award-winning documen- tary “The Peacemaker” and a subsequent discussion of the award-winning film chronicling the work of Padraig O’Malley, UMass/Boston John Joseph Moakley Distinguished Professor of Peace and Rec- onciliation. A Critics’ Pick by The New York Times, the documentary takes viewers from O’Malley’s life in Cambridge to dangerous crisis zones all over the globe – from Northern Ireland to Kosovo, Nigeria to Iraq – as he works a peacemaking model based 9. 10. on his own recovery from addiction. A conversation following the film included Professor O’Malley and the director, James Demo.

Pictured at the event are: 1.) Bernadette O’Halloran, Karen Evans, South Boston; 2.) Jim Canavan; Mary Grant, President EMK Institute, Scituate; 3.) Padraig O’Malley in Chamber; 4.) Sha- leah Rather; Rachelle Straker; Nancy Riordan; all of Dorchester; 5.) Chris Nevin, Hingham; Padraig O’Malley; Paul Doyle, Weymouth; 6.) Eileen and John Springer, Newburyport; 7.) Marco Diaz and Elizabeth Sanchez, Brockton; 8.) Christy Mejia, Chelsea; Allisyn Bachta, Wakefield; Sarin Tapal; 9.) Paul Kelly and Linda Perrotto, Roslindale; 10.) Sarah Strassburger and Greg Doten, Quincy; 11.) James Demo, director of “The Peacemaker;” Mary Grant, EMK Institute president’ Padraig O’Malley (“The Peacemaker”); Katherine New- man, UMass Boston Interim Chancellor; David Cash, McCormack Graduate School dean. 11. Page 8 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Americans turned out lit- Irish flute and tin whistle, erally by the thousands to I was thrilled to discover ‘See You at the Hall’ crowd the halls, and with that saxophones were a Gedutis’s fine prose serv- part of the dance hall days ing as an historical tour - not just the traditional A trip back to the golden era guide, the reader views Irish instru- the social scene from the BIR: In researching the of Irish Dance Halls in Boston dance halls’ heyday to book and especially in your their decline in the 1960s. interviews of so many of The accompanying ar- places to meet, mingle, the case of immigrants, The boom years were the the dance halls’ patrons ticle was first published in and, in many cases, find could find a connection post-World War II years and musicians, did you the Boston Irish Reporter one’s future spouse. Those with the music of the land and the 1950s; then, as discover anything that in the summer of 2004. Its postwar decades were the they had left, Gedutis has immigration waned in the really surprised you? focus was a new book by Golden Era of Irish music crafted a history that reso- 1960s and as Roxbury’s Gedutis: I gained so Susan Gedutis that spoke and dance in these parts, nates with the voices and demographics changed, many insights about what to a time in the city’s his- and even today, men and recollections of the people the glory days of Roxbury’s Irish music meant – and tory when Irish music women who danced to the who were there. Irish dance halls ebbed. means - to people in Bos- and dance had plenty of finest Irish bands and Gedutis is eminently Still, even after the last ton. Boston really is close spaces in which to flower musicians of the era grow Boston and paved the way qualified to have taken on dance hall closed, the mu- to Ireland in so many ways, and plenty of participants misty-eyed at cherished for a big revival. Thanks the history and meaning of sicians kept playing - but and the music is one of eager to listen and take to memories of the time when to people such as Larry the Dudley Square dance in a reduced form at pubs, those ties. People’s eyes the floor. everyone knew what the Reynolds, so much music halls. A music book edi- social clubs, and private light up when I ask them Today, the author, now words “see you at the hall” and dance remained alive. tor at Berklee Press, the parties, all of which al- about the dance halls and Susan (Gedutis) Lindsay, meant. BIR: What would you publishing arm of Berklee lowed Boston’s Irish music the music. Widows and and her husband Stephen, Author Susan Gedutis most like for readers to College of Music in Boston, scene to endure and enjoy a widowers tell me all about a Dublin native, perform- set out to explore the im- take away from the book? she is also an accomplished major revival in the 1990s how they met the love of ing as “The Lindsays,” are pact that the Irish dance Gedutis: The fact that player of traditional Irish to the present day. their lives at the halls. well known for delighting halls had both musically flute and whistle, along Irish music has long been Recently, Susan Gedutis BIR: Of all the Dudley audiences with music that and culturally in the re- part of Boston, and never with the alto and baritone discussed her book and the Square dance halls, which deeply honors the Irish folk gion, and her efforts have more so than in the days saxophones. She teaches place of the dance halls in one did you find held “flag- tradition while also reflect- resulted in a finely crafted of the dance halls and at music and performs regu- the over-arching saga of ship” status? ing who they are and where work entitled “See You at larly in clubs, pubs, and at the present time. There the Irish Diaspora. Gedutis: They all had they have been. the Hall: Boston’s Golden is a genuine and vibrant dances in the New England BIR: What ignited your their fans and their unique With Susan playing sax, Era of Irish Music And historical precedent for area. interest in writing a book look, but there’s no doubt Irish flute, and whistle, Dance.” The book not only the local Irish music scene Fittingly, her book’s about Boston’s Irish dance that the showpiece was Stephen playing guitar covers the amazing array of today. It makes people foreword is rendered by halls? the Intercolonial. It was and singing, and Ted Mello musicians who performed realize that they were part Mick Maloney, the re- Gedutis: It began in the most popular. So many joining them on upright at the famed venues — the of this historic and cultural nowned Irish singer and one way as part of my people have said to me, “I brass in their full-band Intercolonial, the Hiber- tradition of Irish music instrumentalist, as well as master’s thesis about four danced there the Interco- configuration, the team’s nian, Winslow Hall, the and dance. Speaking for the author of Far From the years ago. But an event lonial] to Johnny Powell.” menu of contemporary Dudley Square Opera myself, researching and Shamrock Shore: The Sto- that really drew me to the He was one of the best songs, old ballads, and House, the Rose Croix – writing the book proved ry of Irish-American Im- subject was a 1999 lecture talented, charismatic, and traditional Irish jigs and that filled Dudley Square an emotional experience. I migration through Song. by Joe Derrane, the great had a great band. reels has long been a fa- with song and dance, but Thursday and Satur- met some truly wonderful Irish accordion player, in BIR: When the halls vorite with Irish music it also captures the sights, people for whom the Irish day nights were the big Watertown. His vivid and shut their doors for the last lovers up and down the sounds, and emotions of Dance halls of Dudley draws of the halls, and, colorful recollections and time, what was the impact Massachusetts coast. the people who gathered Square were a joyous and as Gedutis points out, anecdotes about the golden upon the musicians? at the halls to hear their the Boston Irish found defining period of their days of the halls – the Gedutis: They kept favorite performers and lives, as well as that of By Peter F. Stevens the dances and socials “a overflow crowds, the end- playing, but in much small- to meet each other. Boston. BIR Staff bridge from the old world less gigs, the way in which er venues such as the pubs Through interviews with (See You at the Hall: From the 1940s to the to the new.” With ample so many people met their and smaller halls. The men and women for whom Boston’s Golden Era Of mid-1960s, Boston’s Dud- reason, the social scene of future spouses there, the main thing was they kept the dance halls were social Irish Music And Dance, ley Square pulsated with the Dudley Square dance sheer joy and nostalgia of it playing - they never put settings where they could by Susan Gedutis, North- the rhythms of Ireland. For halls led to Boston’s status all — hooked me. Also, as a their instruments away. establish connections with eastern University Press. the Boston Irish, the dance as the “American capital of saxophone player who was That’s why the music newfound friends and, in halls of Roxbury were the Galway.” Irish and Irish learning to play traditional remained on the scene in

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

STONEHILL COLLEGE I 320 WASHINGTON STREET I EASTON, MA 02357 508-565-1000 | STONEHILL.EDU bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Dorchester native breaks new ground in McConville case Studies program. It was was, in fact, a leading fig- advantage. It was a little think a part of what was was because “they felt thrust into notoriety ure in the organization.) harder to pigeon most appealing to me Gerry Adams and people after police in the UK After writing a piece hole me,” said Keefe. about writing this book around him were trying discovered that audio- on the case for the New Sources in the North were the characters— to create a definitive his- tapes with paramilitary Yorker, Keefe decided to of Ireland are, by nature, Delours Price, Brendan tory of the Republican participants might pro- dive deeper into a book insular and disinclined Hughes, Adams,” said struggle and one that vide new evidence into project. While he had vis- to reveal much about Keefe. “They’re outsized, they felt misrepresented the McConville case. In ited Ireland once before to the past unpleasantries. complicated figures. I the past. particular, they wanted discover his family roots The challenge was com- don’t think there are any “There had been this tapes in which former in the Republic, he found pounded by the fact that real straightforward vil- code of silence for so long,” IRA soldiers Brendan that his surname and many principal players lains. You get to the end Keefe said. “But everyone Hughes and Delours gene pool mattered little in the McConville story of the book, and you can wants to tell their story at Price allegedly described to the people of Derry “felt pretty burned by the relate to these people.” the end of the day.” the McConville abduc- and Antrim and Belfast, Boston College project.” Keefe manages to We will leave it to read- tion, murder, and cover- where his research for the But Keefe could point to strike a fair balance on ers to dive into Keefe’s up in granular detail. book was centered. his New Yorker portfolio Adams. He leaves no work and discover some While the legal wran- “I kept thinking it as his “calling card.” The question that Adams was of his more intriguing gling involving BC was would [hamper me] and piece he had already writ- a central figure in the IRA theories about those actu- his entrée into the case, it didn’t. I went in think- ten on the McConville and was likely intimately ally responsible for mur- Keefe found himself ing, some folks might case and the BC Belfast familiar with the McCo- dering Jean McConville. hooked by the characters’ talk to me because I’m project was straight down nville war crime. But, as Others close to Keefe’s people like Hughes, Price, Patrick Keefe. But I was the middle. author puts it: “You also hometown might find and IRA commander- an outsider. The Irish “I could give it to people see that he was the guy this essential reading Patrick Radden Keefe turned-Sinn Fein poli- name didn’t matter. They and say I don’t have an who had the foresight to by virtue of its focus on Philip Montgomery tician, Gerry Adams. rarely asked me about the agenda here,” he said. see around the corner in the Boston College angle, photo (Adams has consistently roots. As soon as I opened One person who re- a way that many others which in Keefe’s telling, (Continued from page 1) denied involvement in my mouth— accents play fused to talk to Keefe for couldn’t.” is an “unfortunate one.” the IRA, but as Keefe a huge role- it marked the book is a central fig- Adams, of course, never “The BC project started oral history effort based repeatedly notes, there’s me as an outsider. And ure: Gerry Adams. “He’s participated in the ill- with a really noble and in the university’s Irish ample evidence that he that ended up being a big a tricky character and I fated BC Belfast project. sound ambition. You’ve In fact, its existence was had this awful tragedy shielded from Adams and and we want to create other higher-ups in the a historical record and “In Search of Brigid Coltrane” is a gripping tale set in Republican movement leave aside accountabil- for that very reason: He ity. Instead, it becomes Ireland during WWII. To find his abducted daughter a likely would have sought a political football used to shut it down. in a selective way and father battles Nazi spies, rogue catholic priests and the The fact that people the people you did want Blueshirts, an Irish fascist group. But time is running like Hughes and Price, to have use it — people both deceased, did par- who really want to under- out. His daughter’s life hangs by a thread and the thread ticipate spoke to the stand and make sense of rift that had developed it and write about it—will is about to snap. between Adams, a key never get to use it. It player in moving toward created a chilling effect “A thrilling adventure story, a work “A violent, captivating and boggy ceasefire and peace, and for people to talk about of fast paced fiction, skillfully woven tale set in Ireland during World War hard-liners who saw a the past.” rapprochement as a sur- “Say Nothing: A True into real events. It’s really worth a II.” render. Story of Murder and read.” – Kirkus Reviews Part of the reason peo- Memory in Northern Ire- – Darryl Greer, Readers’ Favorite ple like Hughes and Price land” by Patrick Radden participated— at risk of Keefe went on sale in the Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iTunes implicating themselves United States on Feb 26. in unsolved crimes—

Please come and celebrate Dorchester’s 13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Saturday, March 16, 2019 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish Hall 800 Columbia Road, Dorchester 2019 Dorchester Hall of Fame Inductees Councillor Annissa Essaibi George Dr. Jim O’Connell Special Guests Governor Charlie Baker Mayor Martin Walsh All proceeds to benefit Mary Ann Brett Food Pantry Dr. Larry Ronan and Jim Brett Co-Chairs Page 10 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

“...the great unifying and humanizing experience... the arts incarnate the creativity of a free society.”

–President John F. Kennedy, “The Arts in America,” 1962

Free Performing Arts Programs for Children at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum The Greene-O’Leary School of Irish Dancers David Zucker’s Poetry in Motion St. Patrick’s Day National Poetry Month Saturday, March 9, 2019 Tuesday, April 16, 2019 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

Come enjoy a celebration of St. Patrick’s Poetry comes to life in this masterful Day. Exuberant dancers demonstrate performance of acting, mime, vocal athleticism, skill, and poise while gymnastics, humor, audience presenting traditional and contemporary participation, and a trunk full of styles of Irish dance. costumes, puppets,

The Celebrate! series, appropriate for family audiences and children ages 5 and up, highlights America’s rich cultural diversity through the arts. This program reflects President and Mrs. Kennedy’s concern for and support of the arts and culture as important components of JOHN F. KENNEDY a democratic society. All performances are free and in the Stephen Smith Center at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM RESERVATIONS: In order to optimize your comfort and enjoyment, reservations are recommended for all visitors to this free Columbia Point, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 program. Make reservations by visiting jfklibrary.org/celebrate or calling 617-514-1644 and leaving a message. Children are seated on the carpeted floor with their caretakers. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Columbia Point, Boston • 617-514-1600 • www.jfklibrary.org Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children 12 and under are always free.

With generous Additional student, military, senior and EBT discounts available. General admission to the Museum is $14. Museum Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. support from: Red Line to JFK/UMass to Shuttle

Visit the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. Become senator for a day and experience democracy.

“ To preserve our vibrant democracy for future generations, I believe it is critical to have a place where citizens can go to learn first-hand about the Senate’s important role in our system of government. ” – Senator Edward M. Kennedy

edward m. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. KENNEDY Free parking • On the UMass Boston Campus in Dorchester institute emkinstitute.org bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 THE BIR’S CALENDAR OF IRISH MUSIC EVENTS Arguably the high-tide month formal and informal, in Greater for Celtic/Irish events in Greater Boston and elsewhere. Boston is here, with “A St. March 27 will see another Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn,” visit from RUNA, which styles the Lúnasa-Natalie Merchant itself as a “Celtic roots” band. collaboration at The Wilbur, The international quintet of and Celtic Thunder member Shannon Lambert-Ryan (vo- Colm Keegan’s appearance at cals, step-dancing), Fionán de the Irish Cultural Centre of New Barra (guitar), Cheryl Prash- England [see separate stories] ker (percussion), Zach White among the highlights. Here are (guitar, vocals, mandolin), and some more happenings: Maggie White (fiddle, mandolin) • Not surprisingly, The Bur- fuses Irish and Scottish music ren in Davis Square will have with Americana/roots, adding a busy time of it the next few harmonies, rhythms, and tints weeks, especially the Backroom of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco series, which will welcome and blues. RUNA has won Irish super-group Téada with multiple honors at the Irish Séamus Begley on March 6. Music Awards and Independent Founded by Sligo fiddler Oisín Music Awards, and has built a Mac Diarmada, Téada first strong following in New Eng- came together in 2001 and has land through its appearances become one of the century’s at, among other places, the New most compelling Irish groups, Bedford Folk Festival. delving deep into the tradi- The above Backroom shows tion and presenting the music all begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, with precision and power, but other information at burren. not slacking on its emotional com/EventsCalendar.html. character. Along with Mac Di- The Burren will hold its an- armada, Téada’s members are nual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Paul Finn (button accordion), Show on March 16 and 17, Damien Stenson (flute), Seán hosted by owners Tommy Mc- McElwain (guitar) and Tristan Carthy and Louise Costello Rosenstock (bodhrán); they’re and featuring the duo of Robert joined by Seamus Begley, an Elliott and Seamus Noonan, accomplished accordionist and along with special guests. The singer steeped in the Kerry show includes a traditional Irish tradition. meal of corned beef and cabbage Now having expanded to a or Guinness beef stew with soda sextet, (Euan Heron Valley Danú plays at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on March 9. bread (a vegetarian option is McNab, pipes, guitar, whistle; John D. Kelly photo also available). Multiple per- Nick Hamilton, banjo, drums; formances will take place on Alex Mackechnie, fiddle, accor- their high-octane performances, at 7:30 p.m. On the strength of Canadian Folk Music Award for both days. Go to burren.com for dion, guitar; Arlene Mackech- Heron Valley is known for its his resonant tenor voice and “Traditional Album of the Year.” tickets and other details. nie, keyboards; Abigail Pryde, ambitious videos, including sensitive, empathetic treatment Opening for Byrne will be a new • RUNA also will be appear- guitar, vocals; and Callum “Home,” which they filmed in of songs from the vocal tradi- trio of local musicians, Falquet, ing at the Circle of Friends Cof- Cronin, bass) makes a return the midst of climbing up Beinn tion of his homeland – and his Heaton and Keith: Yann feehouse in Franklin on March to the Backroom on March 13. an Lochainn, a hill in the west own family – Byrne has built a Falquet (guitar, vocals); Shan- 30 at 8 p.m. Go to circlefolk.org The band plays music of their coast of Scotland. following in New England, and non Heaton (flute, whistle, vo- for details. native Scotland, as well as of Solidly entrenched as a local elsewhere, to a great extent cals); and George Keith (fiddle). • The Irish Cultural Centre Ireland, while also integrating favorite, Newfoundland singer through his critically acclaimed All have extensive experience of New England in Canton will country, bluegrass, and con- Matthew Byrne will be back recordings, including 2017’s in traditional music and boast be home to a range of festivities temporary folk. In addition to at the Backroom on March 20 “Horizon Lines,” which won a a lengthy list of collaborations, (Continued on next page)

1737 2019

The President and the Board of Directors of The Charitable Irish Society Cordially invite you to attend the 282nd Anniversary Dinner Sunday, March 17, 2019 Guest Speaker and Honoree for 2019 Hon. Anne Anderson Ambassador of Ireland to the United States - 2013-2017 The Fairmont Copley Plaza 138 St. James Street, Boston Reception at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets available at www.charitableirishsociety.org Page 12 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com THE BIR’S CALENDAR OF IRISH MUSIC EVENTS (Continued from page 11) A trio of Irish music and dance scholars among others, as well as events such as over St. Patrick’s Day weekend (March from the University of Limerick’s Irish the Milwaukee Irish Fest, Celtic Colours 15-17), with live music, dancing, parties, World Academy of Music and Dance in Cape Breton, and Celtic Connections and activities for families. On St. Pat- will be at center on March 30 at 7 p.m.: in Glasgow. rick’s Day itself, live music and dancing Sandra Joyce, an innovative bodhran For tickets and information, go to begins in the morning, followed by step player whose study of the Irish song passim.org. dance performances by local dance com- tradition has informed her vocal style; • Ireland’s Danú appears at the Sha- panies and traditional music sessions Niall Keegan, who learned flute from lin Liu Performance Center in Rockport into the evening. the community of Irish musicians in on March 9 at 8 p.m. Representing the In addition, the ICC will hold other and around his native London; and Or- musical heritage of the counties of Wa- spotlight events this month, including fhlaith Ni Bhriain, course director for terford, Cork, Dublin, and Donegal, the a performance by violin duo Sephira the Irish World Academy’s Master of Arts band has, in its more than two decades on March 10 at 2 p.m. Sisters Ruth in Irish Traditional Dance Performance. and various iterations, released nine and Joyce O’Leary are known for their Go to irishculture.org for more details albums – including 2018’s “Ten Thou- dramatic stage presentation, constantly on these events. sand Miles” – and a DVD while touring moving and dancing – and sometimes • Among the events at Club Passim Europe and North America (once playing singing – while they play their instru- in Harvard Square this month will be at the Hollywood Bowl), and winning ments. Trained classically, the O’Learys a CD release concert by local quintet Best Traditional Group honors twice at have since moved into rock, traditional Pumpkin Bread on March 10 at 8 p.m. the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Their Irish, Americana, gypsy, and other music Conor Hearn (guitar), Maura Shawn current line-up is Benny McCarthy (ac- domains, from covering Led Zeppelin’s Scanlin (fiddle), Steven Manwaring cordion, melodeon), Nell Ní Chróinín “Kashmir” to sets of Irish reels. They (mandolin), Aidan Scrimgeour (accor- (vocals), Massachusetts resident Oisín have appeared with Andrea Bocellli, dion), and Jackson Clawson (piano) play McAuley (fiddle), Éamon Doorley (fiddle, Kanye West, Michael Buble, and Enya, original folk music flavored with Celtic bouzouki), Tony Byrne (guitar), and Ivan spent two years with the Celtic Thunder fiddling, spirited improvisations, and Goff (uilleann pipes, flute, whistle). show, and are shown on PBS regularly. relentless groove. With songs that range See rockportmusic.org for more. The Voices of the Foyle (Glórtha an from pensive and heartfelt to driving • Local duo Colleen White and Sean Fheabail), a community choir from the and playful, the band draws its strength Smith will perform at the Belmont • Singer-songwriter Robbie northwest of Northern Ireland, will visit not only from keen musicianship but its Public Library on March 9 at 3 p.m. O’Connell will be on stage at the Cof- the ICC on March 15 at 7:30 p.m. Estab- camaraderie and close-knit friendship. White (flute, whistle, vocals) and Smith feehouse off the Square in Hingham on lished in 2015, the multi-generational Pumpkin Bread has performed at BC- (guitar, bouzouki, bodhran, vocals) in- March 16 at 8 p.m. O’Connell comes ensemble performs an eclectic mix of MFest, the Amazing Art Things Center, corporate modern influences into their from one of Ireland’s most distinguished folk, jazz, pop, and modern styles, their and the Burren Backroom, among other arrangements of songs and tunes from musical families: His uncles were the repertoire including “Green Grow the local venues, and will be celebrating Ireland, Scotland, and England while Clancy Brothers, with whom he per- Rushes, O,” “Sweet Dreams Are Made the release of its second album, “Dear retaining the spirit and character of formed for a number of years, and his of This,” “Tenerife Sea,” and “Falling Starling.” those traditions. They also blend works cousin is singer Aoife Clancy – they’ve Slowly” (from “Once”). American-Scottish fiddle maven from contemporary singer-songwriters also done quite a few gigs together. But On March 22 at 6:30 p.m., The Great Hanneke Cassel plays at Passim on such as Karine Polwart, Steve Tilston, O’Connell has fashioned his own career Famine Voices Roadshow will make March 20 at 7 p.m., accompanied by and Kate Rusby. as a creator of songs that are whimsical, a stop at the ICC. The Roadshow is an Mike Block (cello) and Keith Murphy The library’s website is belmontpub- incisive, perhaps a little sad, but all open house event that will feature short (guitar). An Oregon native who’s been liclibrary.net. delivered with the ease and joie de vivre talks about the Irish National Famine living in Boston for the better part of • Another brand of entertainment, of a master entertainer and storyteller. Museum in Strokestown Park in Ireland two decades, Cassel draws on the tradi- The Irish Comedy Tour, will be at Tickets and information at oldship- and provide a venue for those interested tions of Scotland’s Isle of Skye and Cape City Winery Boston on March 2 at 8 church.org/coffeehouse-off-the-square. in sharing family memories and stories Breton Island, blended with Americana p.m. The quartet of Derek Richards, html. about coming from Ireland to America, grooves and other musical styles and Mike McCarthy, Damon Leibert, and especially during the Great Hunger and trappings, for her strongly expressive, Derrick Keane all have strong Irish roots afterwards – and thus strengthen their emotive fiddle style. Her repertoire and blend music with boisterous humor, combines the spontaneity and spirit of sense of ancestry and historical and includes original tunes written in the simultaneously validating and exploding the Irish session with latter-day influ- current Irish connections. A selection of traditional idiom to go with the older Irish myths and stereotypes. ences and arrangements inspired by the these family memories and stories has music. She has appeared locally at BC- Go to citywinery.com/boston for tickets modern Irish folk revival. been made freely available on the Great MFest, the Boston College Gaelic Roots and other details. More at newtonma.gov/gov/historic/ Famine Voices online archive. series, and “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn,” • Boston-area trio Ceol Corvus per- events/irish_music___ceol_corvus.asp. forms at the Durant-Kenrick House in • Van the Man won’t be in Massachu- Newton on March 16 at 4 p.m. Emily setts this month, but you can still indulge Peterson (concertina, whistle), Steve in his legendary music at “Moondance: Levy (vocals, bouzouki, mandolin, tenor The Van Morrison Tribute Concert,” banjo), and Sean Smith (vocals, guitar, at the Norwood Theater on March 30 at bouzouki, bodhran) have long been active 7:30 p.m. The show presents classics like in the local music scene and performed “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Domino,” “It Stoned at various events and venues including Me,” “Tupelo Honey,” “Wild Night,” and BCMFest, the Burren Backroom, the of course, “Moondance,” along with many Dorchester Irish Heritage Festival, St. other memorable songs popularized by John’s Coffeehouse, Club Passim Camp- one of Belfast’s most famous denizens. fire Festival and Boston Irish Festival. Tickets and information at norwood- Their free-reed/fretted-string dynamic stage.com. Irish FilmFest taking a ‘time out’ this year; organizers will host a NE premiere doubleheader instead “Float Like a Butterfly” and ‘Late Afternoon’ land’s most talked about at Somerville Theatre Friday night, March 22 films of the year: “Float Like a Butterfly” won the For the first time in “We are taking a break International Federation BEST ACTOR almost two decades, there from our annual festival of Film Critics Prize for BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR will be no formal Irish this year, and will be using BEST SCREENPLAY the Discovery Program BEST ORIGINAL SCORE Film Festival in Boston the time out to fundraise at the 2018 Toronto Film this month. The annual and plan for a bumper Festival, and “Late After- event has played on mul- 20th anniversary festival noon” was nominated for tiple movie screens across in March 2020.” Best Animated Short at Somerville, Cambridge, They added, “while we this year’s Oscars. and Boston each March will not be hosting a The showings will be since 2003. But this year, full-scale festival, we are held at the Somerville the non-profit said it will especially excited to bring Theatre in Davis Square, take a “time out.” you a stellar program fea- on Fri., March 22, from Using social media, turing the New England 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. festival organizers said, premieres of two of Ire- Friends of Irish Research release lecture schedule The Friends of Irish Alliance of Massachusetts itage on “SuperSearch Research have announced Genealogists conducted by with Record Matching.” the dates of five lectures Richard Reid. Sat., Oct. 26 – Kathleen for the year: Sat., May 11 – Flor- Rubano on “Getting Into Sat., March 23 – “Fred- ence Burke on “Yours Genealogy”; Michael Mad- erick Douglass and Ire- Faithfully”; Ellen Alden digan on “Bridgewater land: From Fugitive Slave on “An Irish Immigrant Correctional Institution to Human Rights’ Cham- Story”; and Richard Reid – Bridgewater: A Troubled pion,” and “An Introduc- on “Comparing the DNA Past.” EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT STARTS SATURDAY, MARCH 23! tion to Ireland’s Great Tests.” To register for each Hunger Museum” by Pro- Sun., Aug. 18 – Daniel event, contact the Friends fessor Christine Kinealy. Horowitz on “Effectively of Irish Research, 899 N SOMERVILLE THEATRE In addition, there will Utilizing your My Heri- Main St. Brockton, MA 55 Davis Square • 617-625-5700 • SOMERVILLETHEATRE.COM be a tour of the research tage DNA Matches.” 02301 or via email at facilities of the Friends Mon., Aug. 19 – Daniel friendsofirishresearch@ WEEKEND Q&As with TOM VAUGHAN-LAWLOR & WRITER/DIRECTOR STEPHEN BURKE! of Irish Research and the Horowitz from MyHer- gmail.com bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13

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Smart celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

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PUBLICATION: Boston Irish Reporter This advertisement prepared by: SECTION: Main News TRIM SIZE: 10.0” W x 16.0” D COLOR: CMYK INSERTION DATE: March 1, 2019 300 Jericho Quadrangle, Suite 130, Jericho, NY 11753 MATERIALS DUE: February 21, 2019 Page 14 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com At SpeakEasy Stage The power of music charms all in ‘Once’ through March 30

By R. J. Donovan next day was the open call in Special to the BIR New York for “Once” . . . I had Mackenzie Lesser-Roy was a friend who told me about it. I about to enter her junior year at still have the original text mes- Boston Conservatory when she sage. He said, “’Once’ is going on was offered the opportunity of a tour. Go book the role of Girl!” . lifetime - to play Girl, the female . . So I went into the city, I put lead in the 2016-17 national tour my name on the list, and it was of the musical “Once.” She left an Open Call. So I had to wait school to join the show. like four or five hours. There Many roles and performances was actually a point when I later, she’s returning to Boston almost left. to recreate the same role, this Q. Because…? time in the SpeakEasy Stage A. I kind of psyched myself Company production of “Once.” out. I saw all these older, re- Nile Scott Hawver plays Guy. ally talented people around Performances run through the room, and I just thought, March 30. “There’s no way I’m getting The winner of eight Tony this. I’m way too young. Why Awards, including Best Musi- am I doing this?” . . . But I au- cal, “Once” is about the power of ditioned and I just continued to music to draw people together. get callbacks. Then it got more The two main characters are complicated. simply called Guy and Girl. Q. How so? Guy is a struggling, conflicted A. It was going into the begin- Dublin street musician who has ning of my junior year. So I had lost faith in his talent and his to take the train from Boston to life. Girl is a Czech immigrant New York, I think three times who shows him his work is not total, to go to these callbacks. yet done. Over the course of one And again, I almost didn’t go. . fateful week, they make music I was like, “I don‘t want to miss and an unlikely love blooms. school. I don’t want to upset my Mackenzie Lesser-Roy as Girl and Nile Scott Hawver as Guy, rehearsing for “Once,” playing teachers.” But everybody was, However, complications arise. at SpeakEasy Stage through March 30. Robert Leger Photography With a book by Enda Walsh “Kenzie, go!” . . . And I’m very and music and lyrics by Glen to be back in Boston. Her return book. “Girls Rock” or “Girls lives. And I remember saying, glad that they pushed me to do Hansard and Markéta Irglová, reunites her with SpeakEasy’s Rule.” Something like that. I ‘I want to do that in front of all that because it led to the great- the stage musical is based on Producing Artistic Director was thrilled to be doing it. these people. I want to bring est experience of my life. the charming 2007 independent Paul Daigneault, with whom Q. What was the first big show joy to people the same way that Q. And now you’re back in Irish film of the same name. she studied at the Conservatory. that made an impression on you these people have made me so Boston. The sleeper hit film went on to She spoke about her work by growing up? insanely happy’ . . . I remember A. It’s so incredibly full circle, become a cult classic, receiving phone before rehearsals began. A. My parents really spoiled walking out of the theater with I can’t even begin to explain. the Best Original Song Oscar Here’s a condensed look at our me when I was a kid. They my parents and they’re like “Oh When I first got the part in the for “Falling Slowly.” chat. took me to a lot of theatre in the yeah, it was good, it was good.” tour, I was over the moon, but One of the musical’s unusual Q. Do you remember your first city because they knew I loved And I was, “Are you crazy! That also very scared. I was 19 and I twists is having all the actors audition as a child? it. But the first show I saw was the most incredible thing was worried that I wasn’t ready. play their own instruments on A. I auditioned for this audio that made me want to pursue I’ve ever seen!” I said, “There’s no way!” . . . All stage. book called “Girls Rock” and I this for real was “Hairspray” Q. In terms of auditions, I the things you tell yourself when A classically trained musi- actually ended up getting it. So . . . I remember sitting in the hear the national tour of “Once” you’re worried that you’re not cian, Mackenzie grew up just I was this little girl who was audience, and I was very close almost didn’t happen for you. good enough. But I left school outside of New York City and narrating a children’s book, to the stage, and I saw these A. I had just finished 11 weeks to do that show. And the fact has been acting since she was a and I was also one of the voices performers giving it their all at the Woodstock Playhouse . that I get to come back to Boston child. She says she’s delighted of one of the little girls in the and having the time of their . . I came home and the very (Continued next page)

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Now Hiring Experienced RN’s, LPN’s and CNA’s. Please email resume to: [email protected] Mayor Martin J. Walsh www.CurtinHomeCare.com Paid for and Authorized by The Committee to Elect Martin J. Walsh bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 Two Irish holidays for the price of one By Peter F. Stevens BIR Staff It’s that time of year again when St. Patrick’s Day—or month—rules the Boston calendar. Too often lost in the shuffle of local revelry are two milestones testifying that the Saint’s day is far more than an opportunity to let the Guinness and song reign. Whether one calls March 17 “St. Patrick’s Day” or “Evacuation Day,” the Irish can lay claim to both celebrations. Many men bearing surnames of “the old sod” were nestled behind bristling cannons that peered down from Dorchester Heights on that day in 1776. The redcoats, or “Lobsterbacks,” were fleeing Boston aboard Royal Navy vessels straining to haul anchor and hightail it out of the harbor – which lay directly under the Rebels’ heavy guns. Commanding the Patriots was George Washington, who held a deep regard for Irish-born troops serving in his ranks. He placed such a high estimate upon their proven combat abilities that he honored that most cherished of Irish dates – St. Patrick’s Day – in an era when the Irish and especially Irish Catholics Mackenzie Lesser-Roy were hardly a favorite of many colonists. On March 17, 1776, Washington was well aware that it was St. Patrick’s Day and that many Irishmen had The power of fought at Bunker Hill and had just helped drag those cannon up the Dorchester slopes. He acknowledged both facts by ordering that the password of the day music charms be “Saint Patrick.” Washington also proffered another tip of his tri- cornered hat to Patriots with Irish surnames as the British troops boarded their transports. On that all in ‘Once’ momentous day, he had General John Sullivan coun- tersign the dispatch making “Saint Patrick” the army’s and get my Equity card And I don’t think many official watchword. George Washington at Dorchester Heights by with the show that took shows can pull that off. The son of an Irish schoolmaster who had emigrated Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze me out of Boston in the One moment you’re laugh- from Kerry or Limerick to Berwick, Maine, in 1723, first place is really special. ing so hard and then the Sullivan was one of many Rebels who either hailed originally came from near Belfast…. He was born in Q. Why do you think au- next moment you almost from Ireland itself or were the sons of native-born Irish. Boston, July 25, 1750.” diences are so captivated want to reach on stage and On St. Patrick’s Day of 1776, as one of Washington’s Washington’s men dragged the artillery up Dorches- by “Once?” give the characters a hug most trusted officers, Sullivan had long recognized the ter Heights and chased the British out of Boston, the A. I think it’s because because of what they’re Rebels’ need for heavy artillery to enforce the siege of Rebels’ feat on March 17 immortalized as Evacuation these people are so real. going through. Boston. On Dec. 17, 1775, Washington had received a Day. They’re hilarious and R. J. Donovan is edi- letter from Colonel Henry Knox, a man of Irish lineage One look at the muster rolls of the Continental Army silly and broken and tor and publisher of on- who had been sent on a mission to Fort Ticonderoga, proves the Irish presence on March 17 at Dorchester hopeful, and it is so easy stageboston.com. in upstate New York. The fortress, taken by Rebel Heights and throughout the Revolutionary War. They to see yourself in any one --- Ethan Allen and his Vermont Green Mountain Boys, witnessed what their countrymen on the “old sod” could of these characters . . . “Once,” through Mar. contained the heavy artillery so sorely needed by only dream of: the British in full flight. In Boston, They’re odd and offbeat 30, Calderwood Pavilion, Washington. March 17 fittingly marks both St. Patrick’s Day and and not these perfectly 527 Tremont Street, Bos- According to historian James Bernard Cullen, Evacuation Day – the celebration alike of Ireland’s crafted people . . . This ton. Info: 617-933-8600 or “[Colonel Knox]…brought, over frozen lakes and almost venerated saint and the day the Redcoats departed show is equal parts heart speakeasystage.com. impassable snows, more than 50 cannons, mortars, Boston for good. wrenching and hilarious. and howitzers….Colonel Knox was of a family that Page 16 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Happenings at the Irish Cultural Centre

200 New Boston Drive Canton, MA 02021 781-821-8291 www.irishculture.org bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 Collins readies the holiday breakfast table in new venue By Jennifer Smith from the larger convention recent Senator host, Linda the beginning of self-gov- Attorney Rachael Rollins, News Editor center back to the local Dorcena Forry. ernment and self- rule.” and the Bay State’s 2020 The bagpipes are get- Ironworkers Hall, Collins “I’m excited about hav- The breakfast features presidential hopeful, U.S. ting closer, along with the is taking the breakfast ing a good celebration to the gamut of Massachu- Sen. Elizabeth Warren. dulcet tones of the Mas- to a new location at the remind us all about our setts politicians every But for those still think- sachusetts political class, Cruiseport. Navy ships roots, and how we’re all year, and this March will ing wistfully of Mayor because the St. Patrick’s and a harbor view will be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, be no different leading Martin Walsh’s 2016 Day Breakfast is just a few the background to a local but we all have immigrant into a busy presidential video skit, wrapped in weeks off. tradition dating back to roots, even the British,” election season. faux fur and singing Adele Set for the Flynn Cruise- the early 20th century. Collins said with a laugh. “We celebrate that at songs toward Gov. Char- port in the Seaport Dis- Performances will pep- “We’re a center for the breakfast with politi- lie Baker, the full-scale trict on March 17, State per the event, including a politics in the U.S.,” he cal leaders from the city breakfast will look differ- Sen. Nick Collins will group of multi-instrumen- said. “Democratic poli- and state, and we’re likely ent this year. No videos, host the annual event of talist sisters with Donegal tics and empowerment of to see some national fig- Collins said, but there good-natured political roots from the Celtic So- immigrant communities ures here this year, given will be a run of parody journ. “The ladies will rule and social and economic what’s on the horizon in songs and banter from the State Sen. Nick Collins jabs, cringe worthy jokes, Breakfast Maestro and the dual celebration of the roost that day,” Collins upward mobility, and I 2020, so that should be dais as electeds channel Boston’s Irish community said, tipping his hat to the think we still represent fun,” Collins said. their best inner stand-up “and we show you can get and Evacuation Day, the women behind the scenes that. And in a city that on Many of the guests are comedians. together even when you commemoration of the like seasoned event plan- March 17, 1776 evacuated old hats at the event, but “It’s using some of the have disagreements and 1776 ousting of the Brit- ner Dusty Rhodes, former the British out of the city, expect to hear from rising cool parts of the Irish have some fun. We want ish forces. Sen. Jack Hart’s chief of never to be back again, politicians like U.S. Rep. culture, using laughter to be funny if we can be After an in-between staff Jennifer Jackson, represented the end of Ayanna Pressley, newly and song to keep it go- and witty if we can be, but year took the breakfast and the breakfast’s most tyranny in the U.S. and elected Suffolk District ing along,” Collins said, nice, not mean.” He takes stock of Irish history in musical fashion In the end, after some of people, but what I’m them. But even someone have to be of Irish descent research, I chose the trying to do is give some who is quite familiar with to attend. period from the 16th background and context, Irish history can get some- “Connecting the Celts” century to the end of the which can help explain thing out of this: Perhaps is only the first install- 18th century, right up to why these songs have been it will connect some dots, ment of “A History of the 1798 Rebellion, which so enduring. What do they or give them a deeper ap- Ireland Through Song,” of course led to the Act of say? What kind of refer- preciation of these events. so I’m sure I’ll learn some Union creating the United ences or other details are Moreover, I think learn- things myself in terms of Kingdom. It was certainly to be found in the lyrics? I ing about this period how I put the presentation a very eventful and sig- feel it makes the music all can help in understand- together. I’m very excited nificant time, and one in the more enjoyable when ing more recent history, to be doing this, and to see which the history of Ire- you know those things. like The Troubles, and where it leads. land intersects with that Q. Did you have a special even current events: For “A History of Ireland of Scotland, which is why audience in mind when example, the ongoing Through Song” will begin I titled this portion “Con- you put this together? headaches with the Irish at 7:30 p.m. Keegan also necting the Celts”: You’ve A. Well, certainly I was border, as we see with will be offering an “Intro- got the establishment of thinking of people who Brexit. duction to Irish Language” the Ulster Plantation, the may not know a lot about I really wanted to reach workshop at 6 p.m., and Irish Confederate Wars, Irish history; as I said, out to the Irish-American sound check admission at the Jacobite Rebellion, they may have heard the community, so that’s why 5 p.m. For information on and important figures like songs – like “The Skye I’ll be doing “History of prices for the events, see Owen Roe O’Neill, Bon- Boat Song” in the “Out- Ireland” at places like the irishculture.org or colm- nie Prince Charlie, Wolfe lander” TV series – but Irish Cultural Centre – keegan.com/tours. Tone. And so the songs I not know the story behind though of course you don’t present include “Mo Ghile Mear (My Gallant Dar- Colm Keegan: “’Connecting the Celts’ is only the ling),” which is an Irish Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper first installment of ‘A History of Ireland Through lament for Prince Charlie; Song,’ so I’m sure I’ll learn some things myself in “The Skye Boat Song,” an- terms of how I put the presentation together. I’m other song about Charlie; very excited to be doing this, and to see where it and “Boolavogue,” about leads.” Jade Starmore photo Fr. John Murphy and his Boston Irish Wexford army in the 1798 (Continued from page 1) era – and there aren’t any Rebellion. on first. But I had to find about Vikings in Ireland, These are songs that songs that would, as I said, so I couldn’t go back that may be familiar to a lot far. REPORTER exemplify the particular A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. 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Code # on card ______Exp______Page 18 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Starstruck at first, Lunasa finds it easy to make music with Natalie Merchant By Sean Smith top of our form and deliver Special to the BIR for her. And we didn’t want It would seem like an her to feel like a karaoke unlikely collaboration: singer, but to put her Lúnasa, the masterful stamp on the songs that traditional Irish band we did, like ‘Bonny Light known for its enthralling, Horseman.’ We learned layered instrumental ar- long ago to leave our egos rangements, and Natalie at the door – if Natalie Merchant, who headed up thought something could the cornerstone alt-rock be explored further, and group 10,000 Maniacs improved upon, then that for several years before was what we did. branching out on her own “That’s what music is as a singer-songwriter. all about: You put yourself What’s more, the col- out there, let yourself be laboration had its begin- vulnerable, try not to think nings in an equally im- ‘Oh, wow, I’m in a room plausible setting: Hawaii, with Natalie Merchant,’ where Merchant saw the and let things flow. And quintet perform some she’s so honest and gra- years ago and floated the cious, things went fine.” idea while talking with Merchant is one of them after the show. several vocalists Lúnasa “We were very happy has worked with in recent to meet Natalie and to years, Crawford notes, and hear how much she liked the experience has been our music,” recalls Kevin enlightening for the band. Crawford, who plays flute “Ed and Trevor are used to and whistle for Lúnasa. accompanying songs, but “She said, ‘We should for the band as a whole, work together sometime.’ there’s been a learning And that’s always nice Kevin Crawford - flutes/whistles & bodhran, Cillian Vallely - uilleann Pipes & whistles, Sean Smyth - curve. We have arranged to hear, but you figure, fiddle , Colin Farrell - fiddle , Trevor Hutchinson - bass, Ed Boyd - guitar songlike sets before, added well, probably not going strengthened over time, which featured tradi- layers, intros and outros to happen. explains Crawford, who tional and contemporary and so on. For songs, “But turns out she was acknowledges that he and folk songs like “Soldier, though, it’s a different kind serious about it.” his colleagues were a tad Soldier,” “Poor Wayfaring of craft, and demands a So serious, in fact, star-struck at the outset. Stranger,” “House Car- subtlety in adding texture that Merchant invited “Natalie was a huge penter” and “Crazy Man and color.“ the band to appear on figure in our musical Michael.” Crawford and For this go-round with her 2010 album, “Leave development; we all grew his bandmates were more Merchant, Lúnasa has Your Sleep,” touching up listening to her,” he than a little impressed at extended itself beyond off a series of occasional says. “So we were slightly discovering this side of the traditional song do- get-togethers on stage in awe of her at first, be- her: “She’s really been a main. “We visited Natalie’s or in recording studios cause she’s a superstar. huge fan of Irish singers back catalog of material – – Merchant sang “The And even now, she never and songs: Dolores Keane, ‘Motherland,’ for instance, Bonny Light Horseman” ceases to amaze: She’s got Paul Brady – she’ll go line and ‘Cowboy Romance,’ on Lúnasa’s 2018 release, such an amazing dynamic by line through their rep- which is from her very first “Cas.” And on March 19, to her music, and she’s so ertoires.” solo album – to find songs Merchant and Lúnasa passionate, totally in the After a few “one-off” that really suited us,” says will reunite again for a moment.” appearances together, Crawford. concert in Boston’s Wil- Although she gained Merchant and Lúnasa At the same time, the bur Theatre. initial renown as an alt- went on a tour last year band reached further back The partnership be- rock performer with a that took them through into its own portfolio. “We tween the band (whose strident, sometimes grit- Ireland and then to New dusted off some old sets we other members include ty voice quality, Merchant York City and the Albany haven’t done in a while; Cillian Vallely, uilleann as a solo artist showed area. It was a good bond- Colin had never had an pipes and whistles; Colin herself to be interested ing experience for all, says opportunity to play them Farrell, fiddle; Trevor in other genres of music, Crawford, and helped band with us. So whether you’re and singer get better used a Natalie Merchant fan Hutchinson, double bass; as demonstrated by her Singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant and Irish band Ed Boyd, guitar) and 2003 album, “The House to one another’s personal or a Lúnasa fan, you’ll Lúnasa will bring their partnership to the Wilbur probably hear something Merchant has grown and Carpenter’s Daughter,” Theater this month. and musical styles. “It’s definitely a different familiar – maybe done in kind of gig. The five of us a different way than you take our music seriously, might remember.” but we don’t take ourselves For tickets and other seriously. With Natalie, information, go to thewil- we’re really trying to be on bur.com. The film ‘MAZE’ will open in Hub March 29 “MAZE” is the true story of the world’s most aston- ishing mass prison break, which became the biggest prison escape in Europe since World War II. Written and directed by Stephen Burke, it’s based on the mass breakout from H Block 7 in September of 1983. At the time, HM Prison Maze was considered the most impregnable in Europe, a fearsome place surrounded by 15-foot-high fences and comprising a labyrinth of H- shaped buildings encased in even higher concrete walls – a prison within a prison. Set in the Irish countryside, its layout was designed to disorient prisoners and make it difficult for them to plot and plan escapes. A blend of historical context with genre filmmaking, the movie exposes how the IRA managed to crack this supposedly impregnable British fortress and spring 38 Northern Ireland Republican political prisoners, some of whom were later instrumental in forging the Good Friday peace accords. Lightyear Entertainment will release the film in New York on March 22, and in Boston and other cities on March 29. The key relationship in Maze is between Larry Marley, prisoner and chief architect of an escape that he plans but does not go on himself, and Gordon Close, a prison warden. Initially, Larry and Gordon are enemies, born on opposite sides of Northern Ireland’s political divide, and they have as little human contact with each other as possible. However, when Larry sees something in Gordon that makes him think he could be useful for his escape plan, a slow seduction begins. This is writer/director Burke’s second film. Much of the story is adapted from real events, and initially, the connection between the two is based on cold deception, manipulation and betrayal, making the relationship they eventually form all the stronger. bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 Cambridge, Beverly hosts in waiting for 12th St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn By Sean Smith the New England traditional Special to the BIR music domain - for his prowess Ireland’s Friel Sisters, Cape as an accompanist on guitar Breton/Scottish fiddle-piano and piano, such as with the duo Katie McNally and Neil groundbreaking contra dance Pearlman, and Quebecois main- trio Nightingale and Childsplay, stays Yann Falquet and Pascal and with artists like fiddler Gemme, along with New Eng- Hanneke Cassel, and his wife, land guitarist-vocalist Keith Becky Tracy, also an accom- Murphy, are the featured acts plished fiddler, and as a dynamic at this year’s 12th annual St. singer with a repertoire rooted Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn. in his native Newfoundland Also joining this year’s cast as well as Irish, French, and will be a quartet of dancers from American traditions. the Liam Harney Academy of One member of the Harney Irish Dance in Walpole. Academy of Irish Dance con- The show, created and hosted tingent, Michaelann White, by WGBH radio host Brian will not only be making her first O’Donovan, will take place on appearance at “St. Patrick’s Day March 16 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 Celtic Sojourn,” but she is also p.m. in Cambridge’s Sanders working with Harney to devise Theatre, and on March 17 at the choreography. 3 p.m. in the Cabot Theatre in A senior at Walpole High Beverly. School, White is no stranger The Friel Sisters – Anna to the “Celtic Sojourn” fran- (flute), Sheila (uilleann pipes), chise: She has performed in and Clare (fiddle) – are tra- “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn” ditional musicians born in – also created and produced by Glasgow but with family roots O’Donovan – for the past decade. firmly entrenched in the Done- White, who began dancing when gal Gaeltacht. Their unison she was five and has a 2017 New singing style, song repertoire, England regional championship and instrumental playing are Celtic Sojourn maestro Brian O’Donovan on the job. WGBH photo to her credit, cherishes the per- all for the most part redolent formance aspect of Irish dance, of Donegal or elsewhere in Ul- Boston-area native McNally bands Soulsha and Alba’s Edge, since moving to the area a few especially in “Celtic Sojourn.” ster, embracing tradition even has emerged as one of the which blends Celtic music with years ago (his most recent col- “I’ve loved going back every while interpolating their own newest bright lights in Cape African, Caribbean, Latin, and laborations include playing with year to work with the musi- impressions and ideas – some Breton/Scottish-style fiddling. other sounds. Katie McNally, and in a trio cians taking part in the show,” from within their family, some She’s performed in the all-fiddle Falquet and Gemme are two- with flutist Shannon Heaton she says. “It’s never entirely inspired by the likes of Planxty ensemble Childsplay and as a thirds of the popular Quebecois and fiddler George Keith). As a the same people, of course, but and The Bothy Band. The sis- member of the quartet Long trio Genticorum, but their fiddler, Gemme is renowned as that’s what makes it so good: To ters have toured extensively, Time Courting, and is part of experience as a duo goes back a composer as well as an inter- be able to dance to their incred- appearing with acts such as the recently formed Fársan. some two decades. Falquet, who preter of traditional tunes, and ible music is such a pleasure. Altan, The Chieftains, Lúnasa, In recent years, McNally has studied jazz in college, draws on has received considerable praise So I’m really looking forward Sharon Shannon, The Máirtín teamed with Pearlman, a cross- guitar accompaniment from a for his singing, and his overall to meeting a whole new cast of O’Connor Trio, and Cherish the genre pianist with a firm grasp variety of cultures – Brittany, attention to collecting and pre- performers in ‘St. Patrick’s Day Ladies, and their two albums – of jazz, world, and other musical North America, Scandinavia, serving the music of Quebec. Celtic Sojourn.’” the second of which, “Before the styles and influences. Pearlman and Ireland – and has become Murphy, who has been the For information and tickets, Sun,” released last year – have – who also plays with McNally a welcome addition to the Bos- show’s music director since go to wgbh.org/celtic. drawn critical acclaim. in Fársan – is co-founder of the ton folk/acoustic music scene 2012, is a celebrated figure in

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SEMESTER TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CELTICWOMAN.COM OR BY PHONE AT 877.571.7469 Learn more | quincycollege.edu/dorchester | 800.698.1700 Page 20 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com The Rev. James T. O’Reilly OSA Division Eight Ancient Order of Hibernians Lawrence, Massachusetts “148 Years of Dedication to Religion, Heritage, Charity and Community” Irish Heritage Month March 2019 Lawrence, Massachusetts Preserving and Fostering our Heritage and Culture Friday, March 1, 2019 IRISH FLAG RAISING Across from City Hall – Common St. @11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 Friday, March 15, 2019 THE 148th ANNUAL SAINT PATRICK’S DAY BANQUET 50th ANNUAL SAINT PATRICK’S DAY LUNCHEON at AND DANCE at the Reliefs’ In, One Market Street, Lawrence, the Reliefs’ In, One Market Street, Lawrence, MA Traditional MA. Traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner with danc- Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner with entertainment by the ing to John Connors & the Irish Express from 6 pm – 11 pm Silver Spears Irish Show Band at NOON. Awarding of the – Awarding of the Richard Cardinal Cushing and Irishman & Honorable John E. Fenton Citizenship Award - For more in- Irishwoman of the Year Awards. For more information con- formation contact Jack Lahey @ 603 560 8192 Sponsored by tact Charles Breen at 508 328 0323. Sponsored by Division 8 Division 8 AOH – Handicap Accessible AOH – Handicap Accessible Saturday, March 16, 2019 Sunday, March 3, 2019 IRISH FILM FESTIVAL at Lawrence Heritage State Park Visi- tors Center, 1 Jackson St, Lawrence, MA @ 10 am Sponsored 25th ANNUAL CLADDAGH PUB 4 MILE Classic ROAD by Division 8 AOH (FREE) – Handicap Accessible RACE - 11 am, 399 Canal Street, Lawrence, MA (rain or shine) - For more information contact 978 314 1073 or Bar- Wednesday, March 20, 2019 ryKaraFoundation22gmail.com LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY - South Lawrence Branch, 135 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA: OPEN HOUSE 10:30 am – Sunday, March 3, 2019 1 pm Showcase of Irish Books, CD’s and DVD’s - Sponsored OPENING RECEPTION and EXHIBIT “The Irish of Mas- by Division 8 (FREE) – Handicap Accessible sachusetts” and – WHITE FUND LECTURE - with CHRIS- TOPHER J. KLEIN - History Author and Writer – will discuss Saturday, March 23, 2019 his book, “WHEN THE IRISH INVADED CANADA”- at SAINT PATRICKS DAY PARADE 1 pm For more information Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors Center, 1 Jackson St, visit their website www.lawrencestpatsparade.com, Lawrence, MA @ 2 pm Sponsored by Division 8 AOH (FREE) – Handicap Accessible Sunday, March 24, 2019 Wednesday, March 6, 2019 Sunday, March 24, 2019 – JOIN PIANIST TERRI KELLEY AND VOCALIST BILL DONELAN FOR AN ALL NEW LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY - South Lawrence Branch, PROGRAM OF CELTIC MELODIES - FROM ANCIENT 135 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA: OPEN HOUSE 10:30 am – GAELIC AIRES TO CURRENT SONGS - at the Lawrence 1 pm Showcase of Irish Books, CD’s and DVD’s – Sponsored Public Library, Sargent Auditorium, 51 Lawrence St., Law- by Division 8 (FREE) – Handicap Accessible rence, MA @ 2 pm Presented by Division 8 (FREE) – Handicap Accessible Sunday, March 10, 2019 Wednesday, March 27, 2019 MARJORIE HARSHAW ROBIE, will discuss her book, “DUELING DRAGONS – THE STRUGGLE FOR IRELAND LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY - South Lawrence Branch, 1849 – 1875” - at Lawrence Heritage State Park Visitors 135 Parker Street, Lawrence, MA: OPEN HOUSE 10:30 am – 12 Center, 1 Jackson St., Lawrence, MA @ 2 pm Sponsored by Noon Showcase of Irish Books, CD’s and DVD’s – Sponsored Division 8 AOH (FREE) - Handicap Accessible by Division 8 (FREE) – Handicap Accessible

IRISH HERITAGE MONTH IS SPONSORED BY THE ANCIENT OR- Wednesday, March 13, 2019 DER OF HIBERNIANS DIVISION 8 and DIVISION 8 LAOH AOH NATIONAL HUNGER MONTH FOOD DRIVE: Irish Heritage Month is supported in part by a grant from the Please consider donating canned goods and non-perishable Lawrence Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts food items. All food items received will be donated to a local Cultural Council, a state agency. food pantry. 6 pm – 7:30 pm Claddagh Pub, 399 Canal Street, Lawrence MA: For information on AOH Membership please write to: Division 8 AOH Orga- nizer, PO Box 1407, Lawrence, MA 01842 or e-mail our organizer @ [email protected] bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 21 MUSIC REVIEW Saving Now ‘An Tobar Séimh’: Beautifully for Future sung songs from a fine well Education Expenses By Sean Cahill Presented by Brian W. O’Sullivan, CFP, ChFC, CLU Special to the BIR “Why would you want to study Irish?” is a question that Irish language learners are often asked. What College costs are up — it’s in the news, part I like most about Irish Gaelic is how it gives you ac- of the political debate … it’s everywhere. But cess to an amazingly beautiful, living culture and, what does that really mean? Is college still a in a deep way, access to Irish history and tradition. good investment? And if so, what’s the best The places where Irish is still the community lan- way to save for it? guage, known as Gaeltachtaí, are almost universally spectacularly beautiful, isolated rural areas where mountains and sea meet. Rinn Ó gCuanach, the If you’re like most parents, Gaeltacht in southwest Co. Waterford, is no excep- you’re concerned about tion. I and other members of Cumann na Gaeilge how you’ll fund your child’s i mBoston (Boston Irish Language Society) have education. Even if you’ve attended summer courses there. A hundred Irish managed to start saving, speakers and learners from as far away as Japan converge at Coláiste na Rinne (the College of Rinn) the fact remains that it just in August for classes and a conference. might not be enough. With Less than a century ago, the Gaeltacht region all the competing priorities stretched from east Cork up to south Tipperary, and that you need to consider, included a big chunk of Waterford. This is incredible, such as retirement savings, considering how the region was settled by waves of you may be left confused and overwhelmed. Vikings, Normans, and English planters for more Another song, Seán Ó Duibhir an Ghleanna, de- than a thousand years. But today the Gaeltacht is scribes another Tipperary landowner dispossessed restricted to two villages—An Rinn and An Sean of his land who joins the outlaws in the hills. In Develop Your Strategy Early (If You Can) Phobal (the Old Parish). Still, it is a vital and cul- addition to decrying the destruction of the Gaelic The earlier you can start planning, the more turally rich community, thanks in part to the Irish order, the song laments the felling of the Irish forest money you can save. It’s hard to think beyond learners from around the region who study at the and the destruction of nature for the British navy diapers and daycare at first, but even putting and industry: college throughout the year or return periodically for a small amount aside with each paycheck can cultural events, as if returning to a well with fine It is my great sadness water to drink. Even more important are the families That the shelter for my ears [the forest] has been cut, make a big difference in the long run. that have transmitted the language from generation The north wind numbing me, to generation, an unbroken chain of tradition. And death in the sky. Save Last summer I met Carthach Mac Craith in a sing- While Irish history, for centuries, was one tragedy When developing your saving and investment ing workshop at the college. Last fall Carthach put after another, many of the songs in Mac Craith’s strategy, there are a lot of options at your collection are hopeful and upbeat. One example is out his first CD of old-style (sean-nós) Gaelic songs, disposal. Setting up a savings account is a called An Tobar Séimh—The Fine Well, in the sense the Gaelic revival song “Speak the Irish language that the water it holds is fine, mild, or smooth. The with me,” which many Irish students learn in school: good start and can be part of your long-term CD has already won numerous awards. Mac Craith’s Oh speak the Irish language with me financial plan. Another possibility to consider is collection is a powerful rendition of the local Gaelic My heart’s love and my treasure a 529 plan. Operated by a state or educational oral tradition, which is also the tradition of Ireland. The language that my mother spoke with me institution, a 529 plan is an education savings Mac Craith’s voice is itself smooth and mild, with a In green Ireland long ago account designed to help families plan for powerful range. Three songs in the collection have She is the melodious tongue of our ancestors not been recorded until now. The songs include The sweetest sounding speech college. A 529 plan can allow parents, relatives “Éamonn an Chnoic,” Éamonn of the Hill. Éamonn Oh speak the Irish language with me and friends to help invest in a child’s education Ó Riain was a Tipperary landowner who was a hero And dispel the sorry from my heart. over time. of the battles again British King William of Orange Mac Craith learned sean-nós songs from his grand- in the late 17th century. Following the defeat of mother, neighbors and close family friends, including Reduce Costs Irish forces loyal to the Catholic King James II by the legendary Nioclás Toibín, who won the national Applying for scholarships is one that should Williamite forces in 1691, Britain implemented Gaelic singing championship three years in a row. Anglo-Protestant minority rule in Ireland. Ó Riain Carthach’s father, Nioclás Mac Craith, was a tireless never be overlooked. Many local organizations and other Catholics were dispossessed of their land. advocate for Irish language and culture, recording one offer small scholarships that may seem Legend has it that, years later, a tax collector was of the largest collections of songs from the region in insignificant but can be a nice extra to pay for trying to take a peasant woman’s cow when Ó Riain the 1950s. Most songs on An Tobar Séimh are taken expenses beyond tuition, room and board. And challenged the man, killed him, and then went on from Carthach’s father’s collection. Joining Carthach then, of course, there are more substantial on some of the songs are his daughter Méin Nic Craith, the run. For decades Éamonn roamed the hills of scholarships that help supplement the cost of Tipperary leading a band of outlaws. He became a who plays Liam Clancy’s concertina, and Carthach’s legend, not unlike Robin Hood, defending the poor nephew Dónal Clancy, who plays guitar. Carthach is college that are based on academic or athletic peasantry against the cruelty of the landlords and married to Liam Clancy’s daughter Siobhán. achievements. the army. The first verse of the song goes (excuse I highly recommend this CD to anyone who loves the translation): Irish music and tradition. While the liner notes are Borrow “Who is that outside with the urgent voice, pound- only in Irish, you can find English translations to You may think taking a loan is a last resort, many of the songs online, although some, like “Ned ing on my closed door?” but the reality for many is that borrowing “I am Éamonn of the Hill, drowned, cold and wet, of the Hill,” are completely different from the origi- from endlessly traveling the mountains and glens.” nal Irish. Still, even for those without much Irish, will ultimately fund a significant portion of “My dearest one, what can I do with you, except it’s worth taking a drink from this fine well of our their children’s education. There are a lot of cover you with the lap of my dress? heritage. options, both governmental and private, that For the gunpowder is driving heavily at you, and The best way to get a copy of “An Tobar Séimh” is you may use to supplement what you or your we will both be obliterated.” to message Carthach Mac Craith on Facebook. child has been able to save. The good news is that loans are available and many students and their parents take advantage of them as a way to help pay for college. There are some resources that are often overlooked. For instance, you may have a permanent life insurance policy with cash value that you could borrow against to help supplement some of the costs of school1.

A Sound Investment Despite challenges that come with financing higher education, college is still a smart investment and there are many options to help save for it. And when saving isn’t enough, there are plenty of other ways to help reduce the costs or help you borrow the funds you’ll need for the education that is a priceless gift.

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. He may be reached at 617-479-0075 x331 or bosullivan@financial- guide.com.

[email protected] www.commonwealthfinancialgroup.com Page 22 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com and pianist Trevor Hunter for a sprightly trio of reels featuring his melodeon and CD Reviews composed by Driver – and Shetland, pairing with fiddler accordion playing, accom- Bryan Gear on an air penned by the illustrious Willie panied by a varying cast of By Sean Smith Hunter, “Mrs. Mary Stevenson” (featuring more splen- musical friends. Much like Manus McGuire, “The Copperplate Sessions” • did piano backing by Orr), and on four reels, including his previous releases “Land McGuire, a member of such bands as Buttons and Bows compositions by Hunter, Dr. Tom Anderson, and Ronnie of Sunshine” and “Tunes and Moving Cloud, grew up in the firmament of the Sligo Cooper, celebrated Shetland fiddlers all. Inside,” the cover photo of fiddle tradition, but as a young man embarked on a trip The Irish tradition is well-represented here, too, as “The Last Pint” evokes a pub to Canada that exposed him to other fiddle styles and McGuire and Orr take on a set of reels with a heavy setting, an atmosphere of repertoires – Cape Breton, Sligo flavor (“Bonnie Kate/Hare’s Paw/Old Copperplate/ camaraderie and informal- Quebec, Ottawa Valley, New Copperplate/Mason’s Apron”) and a medley of four ity where musicians play Manitoba – that he brought jigs, including one each from Tipperary’s Paddy O’Brian for the sheer joy of it – and back with him and shared and Tyrone native Jimmy McHugh, ending with “The that’s exactly what comes across on these 14 tracks. on a series of seminal al- Tar Road to Sligo.” As before, the sets are generally played in unison with bums. “The Copperplate The songs so winningly voiced by Flack are Roscom- minimal arrangement, and in small combinations of Sessions” is a recreation not mon writer Percy French’s “Gort na Mona” and a Gaelic musicians: trios, quartets, or quintets. This time around, just of McGuire’s journey, piece, “An Chiarraíoch Mallaithe (The Bold Kerryman).” Possumato’s cohort includes renowned traditional Irish but also of the odyssey of Flack, who is McGuire’s frequent musical partner performers fiddlers Kevin Burke, Billy Oskay, and Sea- the fiddle itself from Ire- nowadays, also accompanies herself on piano with taste mus McGuire (brother of Manus – see review above) and land and Scotland to North and intelligence (this is truly an album for the piano bodhran player Myron Bretholz. The others, if perhaps America, and the mutual exchange of musical influences player in your life); American Ellen Giro adds a spare not quite as widely recognized, are equally deserving of that has occurred along the way. but expressive cello to “Gort na Mona.” attention: fiddlers Bill Verdier and Vince Burns; guitar- Fittingly enough, McGuire has gathered accompanists “The Copperplate Sessions” also exhibits a personal ist Kathy Fallon; tenor banjoist Bruce Molyneaux; and from Scotland, Shetland, Canada, and the US to join dimension to the music. Scottish fiddler Marie Fielding bouzouki player Frances Cunningham. him. The result is a collection of exquisitely delivered wrote an air for McGuire almost two decades ago, which While there are some familiar tunes, like the jig tune sets, and a pair of songs, that underscores the she plays with him here. The final track, meanwhile, combo “Cordal/Sweet Biddy Daly’s” and the reel set commonalities between the music traditions even while begins with McGuire playing the soulful, elegiac “Ste- “Miss Cassidy’s/Thar an gCnoc/Lad O’Beirne’s,” Pos- delineating their respective distinctiveness. The over- phen’s Dream,” which he wrote as a tribute to his son, sumato and crew also have a go at, among others, all musicianship, especially the tight playing between who died from meningitis at age 18; and then McGuire, Charlie Lennon’s formidable “Twelve Pins” and Phil McGuire and his friends, is of a high quality and an with Fielding, Orr, McMillan, and Flack (step dance) Cunningham’s inspired “Martin O’Connor’s Flying Clog.” unmitigated pleasure to behold. swing into a set of well-loved reels (“Blackberry Blos- In fact, quite a few of the selections on the album are The “Canadian Reel Set” – starting with the justly som/Maude Miller/Molloy’s Favorite/Miss Thornton”). contemporary vintage, including the titular hornpipe, popular “Mouth of the Tobique” – is Exhibit A, with It’s a lovely sentiment made real, how this music can written by French guitarist Pierre Bensusan, plus Cork Shetland fiddler Bryan Gear doubling up on the melody, express our sorrow and lift our spirits and help us move accordionist Dave Hennessey’s “The Phoenix” and box Scottish musicians Tom Orr (piano), Duncan Findlay forward. The tunes go on, and so does life. [manusmc- player nonpareil Jackie Daly’s “Fly Fishing” – the kind (guitar), and Neil MacMillan (double bass) providing guiremusic.ie] of tunes you find yourself thinking that you want to rock-solid rhythm, and Canadian Emily Flack’s step Dan Possumato, “The Last Pint” • When you’ve hear more often. dancing as the musically metaphorical cherry on top. got a good formula that works perfectly well, why Possumato also continues his practice of going beyond Elsewhere, McGuire and fiddle visit the Orkney Islands change? Possumato, a native Pittsburgher now living in the Irish domain, as he and Burke, Oskay and Baker — collaborating with Orcadian fiddler Fiona Driver Maine, has put out four CDs (plus a compilation album) play “Hommage till en Spelman (Homage to a Fiddler)” by Swedish musician Torbjörn Näsborn, with some lovely harmonies between Burke and Oskay, and (with Burke and Baker) a Quebecois-style waltz, “Uncle Stewart’s,” penned by fiddler Lisa Ornstein and accordionist Denis Pépin, joined to Possumato’s own “Ellen’s Waltz.” Of COME VISIT ANY particular interest is a pair of Newfoundland “singles,” which somewhat resemble Irish polkas; on the second of these, “Trip to Boston,” Possumato trades off with the other musicians (Burns, Fallon, and Bretholz in this case) during the A part, and it sounds like a Breton- SOMERS PUBS style call-and-response. It’s somewhat disingenuous to say Possumato’s albums are “just like” a session captured on tape (or its digital LOCATION FOR QUALITY FOOD, equivalent): Clearly, “The Last Pint,” like its predeces- sors, was put together with preparation and forethought, rather than leaving everything to chance and inspiration HOSPITALITY & LIVE MUSIC of the moment. Yet Possumato, by dint of his smooth, low-key accordion style, sets a tone for his recordings that makes them seem like just naturally occurring 7 NIGHTS A WEEK! events. And well they should be. [danpossumato.com] Van Morrison, “The Prophet Speaks” • Sir Van the Man (remember, he’s a knight now) rolls on, and at quite a prodigious pace, with his fifth studio album in the past three years, and 40th overall. After using a multitude of backing musi- cians on most of his recent works, for these last two al- bums Morrison has turned to a smaller ensemble led by jazz keyboardist and trum- peter Joey DeFrancesco, with saxophonist/bassist Troy Roberts, guitarist 77 Broad St. 11 Marshall St. Dan Wilson and drummer Boston, MA 02109 Boston, MA 02108 Michael Ode. This makes 25 Union St. 617.338.5656 617.367.0055 for a smaller but gener- Boston, MA 02108 mrdooleys.com greendragonboston.com ally more cohesive sound, 617.742.2121 DeFrancesco and his mates clearly having established hennessysboston.com a rapport with the 73-year-old Pride of Belfast that invigorates both singer and band. Following suit with this current string of releases, “The Prophet Speaks” includes Morrison’s own material with covers of songs by, among others, John Lee Hooker (“Dimples”), Sam Cooke (“Laughin’ and Clownin’”), and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson (“Gonna Send You Back Where I Came From”) – performers whose work very effectively illuminates the inspiration he’s derived from jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, and other sources. In fact, Morrison’s “Ain’t Gonna Moan No More” is a slowly igniting tribute to blues/jazz singers of yore, with references – literal and otherwise – to Hooker, Louis 33 Union St. 108 Blackstone St. 9 Depot Ct. Armstrong, Muddy Waters, and even Lord Buckley, a Boston, MA 02108 Boston, MA 02109 Cohasset, MA 02025 1940s/50s humorist/comic who reinterpreted classical 617.263.7771 617.742.2090 781.383.3366 literature through jazz and jive. “When you know the paddyos.com durtynellysboston.com mrdooleyscohasset.com score, you don’t have to moan no more,” proclaims Mor- rison (his phrasing makes “moan” sound like “mourn”), his blistering harmonica further fanning the flame. All of which is to say, if anyone wondered whether at this point Morrison would be phoning it in, well, the answer continues to be a definite “no.” If any more proof were necessary, listen to his “Got to Go Where the Love Is”: Buoyed by solos from DeFrancesco and Wilson, the song is four-plus minutes of self-affirmation and self- actualization (“Got to break out of this empty shell/Start all over somewhere else/Somewhere much stronger than this/Somewhere I can be myself/’Stead of sittin’ on the SOMERSPUBS.COM shelf”), with handclaps and shouts of encouragement from the band adorning classic Morrison vocalizations. It does take you back, even as you move forward. Oh, and by the way? Later this month sees the release of a deluxe edition of “The Healing Game,” including not only the landmark 1997 album that definitively marked Morrison’s return to jazz, blues/R&B, but also a ton of rare and unreleased recordings. A late but undoubtedly welcome Christmas present for Sir Van the Man lovers old and new. [vanmorrison.com] bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 23 The fiddler Laurel Martin tracks the spirit of her forbears when making her music By Sean Smith the surface. I love the music of Sliabh and her Clare-style concertina bolster Special to the BIR Luachra, and the slower-paced music a set of polkas and another of jigs, both For Laurel Martin, the Irish tradi- of Clare and East Galway for the same tracks recorded at MacNamara’s home tional music she plays on her fiddle reason. The rhythmic lilt, the use of just as the great Irish blizzard of 2018 isn’t simply about notes on a staff, or space and variation are riveting to me, was underway. melody, or rhythm. It’s also the sugges- and I think those elements have had an Near and dear to Martin’s heart is tion of images, places and times, and effect on my own playing style.” the involvement of her daughter Sarah the presence of the people who have A good chunk of Martin’s affinity for (fiddle and viola) and Nathaniel (double inhabited the music. Irish music, and the personal dimension bass) – their classical influences grace- “There are tunes or phrases of tunes to it, came through her studies under fully intersect with Martin’s fiddle on that make me imagine, say, water on a master fiddler Seamus Connolly, some the medley of jigs “Miss Grace Hay” rock or a soft wind blowing through the of which was supported through a Mas- and O’Carolan’s “Bumper Squire Jones” trees,” says Martin, a Westford resident. sachusetts Cultural Council grant. It (Nathaniel also appears on a set of reels “I love how instrumental music, while wasn’t just his technical ability or his later in the album). it may have no words, can convey all encyclopedic knowledge that made an “It was such a treat to have my kids kinds of messages if you open yourself impression, but his familiarity – and involved, and I feel so lucky that they up to the possibilities. in many cases friendship – with so love music,” she says. “While they “When you listen to players you enjoy, many of the influential musicians who ultimately wound up going in a classi- especially the musicians from other helped preserve and maintain the Irish cal music direction, they have become eras, it really is music from another tradition. more interested in traditional music time – even another world,” she adds. “He shared his music with me from – and having grown up in house with “And you can find yourself asking, ‘What his heart,” says Martin of Connolly, traditional music, it’s natural for them.” was it the people who made these tunes with whom she would later collaborate “The Hermit Thrush” – a Martin Laurel Martin: “I love how instru- were trying to say? What did they see, to publish a book of traditional Irish original inspired by the birdsong of New mental music, while it may have no what did they experience, that made tunes with accompanying CD, “Forget England forests – is the shortest track words, can convey all kinds of mes- this music happen?’ I honestly feel it’s Me Not: Fifty Memorable Traditional on the album, but it might say the most sages if you open yourself up to the a privilege to play, and be a vessel for, Irish Tunes.” about Martin’s approach to music, and possibilities.” this music and all that went into it.” So it’s fitting that “Larks and her interest in how Irish musicians of Nathaniel Martin photo It is this sense of wonderment and Thrushes” contains tunes from this past generations were able to express respect for her forebears in the Irish association with Connolly, such as the moods and sensations stemming from edginess and tension, and this formed music tradition that gives Martin’s set of reels, “Eleanor Kane/Gooseberry interactions with the natural world. a backdrop as she prepared to record fiddling a particularly empathetic Bush/Miss Lyon’s Fancy,” which opens “While walking in the woods, I’d al- “Larks and Thrushes.” quality – and has helped make her one the album, or a variant of that venerable ways hear the hermit thrush’s distinc- “I believe the arts can have a role in of the most respected American-born hornpipe “The Blackbird” that Connolly tive trill. Eventually, a little phrase of a social culture when there are events or Irish musicians of the past couple of and Martin included in “Forget Me tune would come to me, and I would sing a set of circumstances that dramatically decades. She has performed at venues Not.” “Hickey’s Reel” also was part of it into my phone so as not to forget it. I affect us,” she explains. “There are, of and events throughout New England, “Forget Me Not” – but Martin acknowl- felt tied to the idea of imitating the trill, course, innumerable ways to express including Boston College’s Gaelic Roots edges that, in the interim, the tune had but when I began working on it, well, that in art. Some may choose to highlight festival (and concert series), the New dropped off her radar. Give credit to her that wasn’t really possible. So instead I the contentiousness and conflict. My World Festival, Fiddle Hell, Blackstone friend and longtime collaborator Mark went for the atmosphere which produced art was meant to be subtler, through River Theater, Burren Backroom and Roberts (he plays flute, whistle, banjo, that sound, conveying the experience of making music in which one could find BCMFest (including this year’s festi- and bouzouki on the album) for reawak- being out in the woods when you can be a quiet sort of joy. I’m certainly not try- val, held last month). Martin also has ening her interest in it: “Mark sent me attuned to nature.” ing to save the world, but simply trying become a valued teacher and mentor, a sound file of Paddy Cronin – a great Martin sees the expressive power to give people a sense of where I go to and has been the recipient of two Mas- fiddler from Kerry who lived in Boston of music in global, not just personal, when I hear this music: a deep, quiet sachusetts Cultural Council grants to for some years – playing ‘Hickey’s,’ not terms. Like many people – whatever place where you can enjoy the moment support her work with young musicians. knowing I played it. I knew right then their sociopolitical bent – she has felt for what it is.” Late last year, she released her second and there I wanted to include it on the despair in recent years over a perceived For more about Laurel Martin, see album.” decline in civil discourse and an overall laurelmartin.com. solo album, “Larks and Thrushes,” the Project4_Layout 1 2/25/2019 10:53 AM Page 1 long-awaited follow-up to 2006’s “The The next tune on the track, “Spike Groves.” She has also recorded as a Island Lasses,” also has a Connolly member of the Boston-based fiddle en- connection: “Seamus had played for semble “Childsplay” [their latest album, me a reel-to-reel recording of Johnny “The Bloom of Youth,” is in this month’s McGreevy of Chicago playing the tune, CD reviews column] and appeared on the and I loved it. So I asked Beth Sweeney final album by the late Scottish singer [librarian of the Irish Music Archives at Tony Cuffe, “Sae Will We Yet.” Boston College] to find that recording “Larks and Thrushes” showcases Mar- for me, and I was able to learn it.” tin’s command of, and unadulterated af- Rooted as she is in traditional music fection for, the lyrical, unhurried fiddle styles, Martin embraces more contem- style evocative of older Clare, Galway, poraneous fashions and techniques for and Sligo traditions. Instead of coming accompaniment and arrangement. Her at you with metaphorical guns blazing, primary accompanist is guitarist Jim Martin’s playing offers a leisurely, even Prendergast, who’s worked in several introspective route through the jigs, genres and plays a rich, fairly sophis- reels, hornpipes, and other tunes in her ticated mix of rhythmic, harmonic, and repertoire. But “leisurely” shouldn’t be melodic backing. Roberts’s five-string taken to mean lackadaisical or inert: It’s banjo on the “Blackbird” set gives it this approach that reveals in precise an Americana feel, and his bouzouki detail the nuances and subtle features adeptly enhances the changing rhythms – the triplets, the rolls, the turns of in a medley comprising the slip jig phrase – so integral to the music. “Tea in the Morning” with the hop jigs “I’m enthralled with the players who “Foxhunter’s” and “Back in the Dean.” express a range of color and emotion Two special guests further invigorate in their playing,” she says. “[Sligo fid- “Larks and Thrushes”: Charlie Lennon dler] Michael Coleman was a master lends his buoyant but reserved piano of this: Even though his playing was to two tracks, including a composi- fast and technically brilliant, there was tion of his in tribute to Clare fiddler May luck be our companion a sorrowful quality that ran beneath Paddy Canny followed by two reels from Canny’s repertoire; Mary MacNamara May friends stand by our side Irish Hearts for Orphans day of May history remind us all merriment Sun., April 7, in Quincy The 10th annual Irish publisher, Ed Forry. “I am children the values of Of Ireland's faith and pride Hearts for Orphans event, pleased to again support unconditional love, shared which will be held on Sun., this great event, which responsibility and helping May God bless all with happiness April 7, at the Marriott was conceived in 2010 by others. Our donors help Hotel in Quincy, promises the remarkable Winnie children overcome poverty a full day of Irish music Henry and her family as and become leaders in May love and faith abide. and set dancing that will a way to assist children in their own communities.” benefit NPH USA, a char- Haiti after the devastat- NPH USA develop- ity that promotes “rais- ing earthquake that year. ment manager Elizabeth ing children, supporting This agency does wonder- Caletka told the BIR that Happy St. Patrick’s Day! families and transforming ful work, and the Sunday the organization is once lives.” afternoon of Irish music again reaching out for N P H s t a n d s f o r and merriment is a great support from the Boston “Nuestros Pequeños Her- way to help its efforts.” Irish community. “Join us Congressman & Mrs. manos” or “Our Little “NPH USA transforms in celebrating 10 years of Brothers and Sisters” the lives of abandoned and transforming lives – get in English. Since its disadvantaged children involved!” she said. “We founding in 1954, NPH in Latin America and the are currently looking Stephen F. Lynch has assisted more than Caribbean by supporting for committee members, 18,000 children through homes, healthcare, and fun silent auction items, its programs. educational programs,” all levels of corporate Paid for by Lynch for Congress Committee. Brian Miller, Treasurer “The Boston Irish Re- according to the organiza- sponsorships, and day-of- porter will be a media tion’s mission statement. event volunteers! Call us sponsor again this year,” “Together, we create fami- at 617-206-4920.” said thew newspaper’s lies for life and teach Page 24 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Labor says it will back a second Brexit vote LÁ FHÉILE PÁDRAIG (Continued from page 1) Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29 but Parliament has so far re- SONA DUIT! jected the deal struck be- tween May’s government and the bloc. Parliament is due to hold a series of votes Wednesday on next steps in the Brexit process. May remains convinced Have a festive, fun St. Patrick’s Day that March 29 remains a realistic Brexit date, despite the EU urging with friends and family – from all of Britain to delay its depar- ture from the bloc to avoid a chaotic rupture. us at Bank of Canton. After meeting with sev- eral EU leaders at a sum- mit in Egypt last week, May said that “it is within our grasp to leave with a deal on 29th of March and I think that that is where all of our energies should be focused.” She added Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May. that “any delay is a delay. It doesn’t address the is- sue. It doesn’t resolve the issue.” Moments earlier, EU Council President Donald Tusk had said that a delay would be the “rational so- lution,” later adding that the chances of a Brexit deal being sealed were receding. He urged British Prime Minister Theresa May to request that the negotiations be prolonged, noting that “it’s clear there is no majority in the House of Commons to approve a deal.” He added that May’s 888.828.1690 27 European partners Member FDIC. Member DIF. would show “maximum NMLS #408169. www.ibankcanton.com understanding.”

Winner of Eight Tony Awards, Including Best Musical!

Ár dTeanga Dhúchais (Our Native Language) invites you to MACKENZIE LESSER-ROY& NILE SCOTT HAWVER. PHOTO BY MAGGIE HALL PHOTOGRAPHY. I Lár an Ghleanna “In the Shadow of the Glen” Once a film by Seán Ó Cualáin March 9th 10:30 a.m. St. Gregory Parish Hall SPEAKEASYSTAGE.COM 617-933-8600 2223 Dorchester Avenue performing at the CaLDerWooD paViLion at the boston Center for the arts 527 tremont street in the south enD $40 including lunch

SPEAKEASY STAGE COMPANY IS THE STANFORD CALDERWOOD PAVILION RESIDENT THEATRE COMPANY AT THE BOSTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS. Sean-nós comórtas / singing to follow bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 25 Traveling People When March comes around, St. Patrick moves to stage center By Judy Enright most of the day – probably one Special to the BIR of the longest St. Patrick’s Day March is here – and that parades anywhere. means it’s nearly spring in New Rain poured down when I England! Ireland is already en- visited Achill for the parade, joying spring weather and the but marchers and onlookers daffodil, that cheery harbinger weren’t at all daunted and it of warmer weather, has been was a fascinating musical spec- blooming and brightening the tacle. It’s highly recommended landscape for several weeks and if you’re anywhere near the its season is now nearly over. west coast and Achill Island In addition to heralding the on March 17. arrival of spring, March is also The pipe bands (Dooagh, the month when that special Keel, Pollagh, and Dookinella) man - Saint Patrick - is toasted march to Mass (in Irish) at St. and honored everywhere. Patrick’s Church in Pollagh SAINT PATRICK and then to Mass at Dookinella We probably all know St. Church. The bands play in Pol- Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint. lagh, march to Dookinella, play But, how many of us knew that again, and then march back to he is also the patron saint of their villages. engineers, and of Nigeria? After the pipe band parades, It seems that Ireland has visitors can find refreshment a long history with Nigeria. in pubs or hotels. An added Irishman Roger Casement — plus is driving around to enjoy executed in Dublin for his part in the island’s amazing scenery. the Easter Rising — served as a In the evening, traditional and consular officer in southeastern modern entertainment is of- Nigeria during the 1890s. Schol- fered in many of the local hotels ars say Casement’s interest and pubs. in, and sympathy for, Africans SHEEPISH DOGS under colonial rule was unusual Brittney LaCoste is no strang- for a European in the Victorian er to making dog beds. She era and may well have formed started a company – dawg-tired. his views on social justice. com - in Wisconsin that makes Irish priests from the Order dog beds. She has now started of the Holy Ghost established another company – thesheepish- a mission in southern Nigeria dog.com – with an Irish twist. in the early 1920s. Later, St. She and her husband, Harry Patrick’s Society for Foreign Campbell, love fishing for trout Missions became one of many and salmon and had visited Catholic groups to bring reli- Ireland many times to enjoy gious and secular education to the sport – especially in Conne- the country. mara. In 2015, they bought a And in 1961 - when the Irish farm in Co. Mayo where sheep government opened an embassy abound and Brittney had what in Lagos – St. Patrick was cho- you might call a “eureka” mo- sen as Nigeria’s patron saint. ment. The Irish make beautiful LEGENDS tweeds and dog beds need covers Legends abound about St. (tweeds.) Dog beds also need Patrick. Was there more than stuffing – aha, wool! one Patrick? Where was he That’s basically how The really born and buried? Did he Sheepish Dog was born. Dog do all the things for which he is beds are filled with wool from given credit? He allegedly drove Brittney’s and area farmers’ snakes out of Ireland but some sheep and covers are sewn from scholars say there never were Irish tweed bought from Hanly snakes in Ireland – and that’s in Co. Tipperary. probably just one of many dubi- Sheep produce a new fleece ous but interesting legends. every year and are normally According to ecclesiastical sheared in the summer so they authorities, his dates of birth grow new fleece before winter. and death are questionable as “It takes the wool from one sheep is his birthplace - maybe Scot- to fill a bed,” Brittney said, land, maybe England, possibly adding that wool is 100-percent northern Wales. natural, sustainable, biodegrad- Whatever his background, able, and recyclable and has childhood, or education, he balanced thermal properties was reportedly consecrated a that regulate a dog’s body tem- bishop in France at the age of perature keeping them warm 43 and then traveled to the west in winter and cool in summer. and north of Ireland to convert Wool is naturally hypoaller- pagans there. Patrick, who was Hardy pilgrims climb up past the statue of St. Patrick on their way to climb Croagh Patrick genic and resistant to bacteria, protected by local kings, made in Co. Mayo. mold, and mildew, she says. It also repels dust mites and cleans numerous converts, ordained on March 17. many priests, divided the coun- with a vacuum or in cool water. EMERALD SOCIETY VISIT Covers unzip for easy washing. try into dioceses, held church St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated councils, and founded several “Everyone who’s bought them in most cities and towns across loves them,” she said. “They monasteries. Ireland - and the world. My ST. PATRICK are truly unique and not copied first visit to Ireland, which coin- from other dog beds.” Brittney CENTRE cided with the St. Patrick’s Day No one can predict how and Harry have two onsite tes- parade in Dublin, was in 1976 ters too – German Shorthaired Brexit will affect future travel with the Boston Police Emerald to Northern Ireland, but if you Pointers Maggie and Libby – Society. The trip was organized who verify that the wool-filled are interested in learning more by Round Tower Travel from about St. Patrick and his story, beds are just great. Norwood and offered a series of In nearby Newport, Brittney you won’t find better or more options from a deluxe bus tour complete information than at set up a sewing studio where ($239 per person) to car rental several women work on the beds. The Saint Patrick Centre in and hotels (varied prices from Downpatrick, Co. Down. Others in the area sew covers in $98 to $159 per person.) their homes. The Centre, which claims to If you chose car rental only, be the world’s only permanent The beds sell direct to consum- the price ranged from $85 to ers, she said, adding that wool- exhibition about St. Patrick, has $135 for eight days depending on interactive galleries as well as filled beds are more comfortable the car size. I recently booked a for dogs than synthetic fiber- IMAX, an art gallery with work car for this spring and the cost is by local artists, an outstanding filled beds and keep their shape now more than $60 a day! Guess even after years of daily use. craft shop, and a garden cafe 1976 could truly be called “the Brittney LaCoste, owner of The Sheepish Dog, a Co. Mayo with views of the medieval Ca- company that makes dog beds from sheep’s wool and Irish “We love sheep. We love wool. good old days.” And most of all, we love our thedral of Down where the grave It was the Emerald Society’s tweed. She is shown here with a member of the board. of Saint Patrick is located. Also Judy Enright photos dogs - sheepish or not.” first time marching in the Dub- IRELAND buried in the graveyard at Down lin parade and it was exciting Cathedral are St. Brigid and to end. I nearly lost the covers often now, it took nearly 40 March is a great time to visit to see how proud marchers several times along the way in years to experience my second the island. Many attractions St. Columba, also known as were to be representing Boston Columkille. the crush of spectators jamming St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland – that close for the winter spring and their Irish heritage. My every sidewalk. this time on Achill Island (Co. to life around March 17. Enjoy Nearby sites associated with husband was a member of the Patrick include Inch Abbey, During that eight-day trip, Mayo), to watch the traditional the country whenever and wher- group and my very important we drove all over the country; I pipe band marches that have ever you go. See Ireland.com for where the legend of the snakes job on the 17th was to carry the was allegedly written, and the was totally hooked. been held there annually since information about accommoda- group’s flag covers along the PIPE BANDS 1882. Marchers gather in the tion, events, and more. first church in Ireland at Saul, parade route from beginning where Patrick reportedly died Even though I visit Ireland early morning and march for Page 26 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Priest’s son demands Vatican attention for clergy’s children By Nicole Winfield tivist who is seeking to Archbishop Charles Sci- be tackled and handled on on how to handle such range of circumstances, Associated Press draw attention to another cluna, for years the Vati- its own merits,’’ said the cases. Vatican spokesman with some the result of VATICAN CITY – The issue the Vatican has can’s sex crimes investiga- statement Scicluna gave Alessandro Gisotti con- sexual abuse by priests head organizer of the Vati- long sought to keep quiet: tor, met late last month Doyle, who shared it with firmed that the guidelines’ against girls and women. can’s sex abuse summit the plight of children of with Vincent Doyle, the The Associated Press. fundamental principle is Doyle said all agreed on has met with an Irish ac- priests. child of a priest. Through “The interest of the child looking out for the best the need for case-by-case his advocacy and self-help should be paramount.’’ interests of the child. As approach to the issue AUTO BODY REPAIRS (617) 825-1760 group Coping Interna- Notably, the statement such, he said, the guide- of priest’s children. The (617) 825-2594 tional, Doyle has sought to did not say the priest lines “ordinarily ask for Catholic Church hierar- FAX (617) 825-7937 compel Catholic leaders to should leave the priest- the priest to present his chy in Ireland has taken acknowledge the issue of hood to take care of his request to be dispensed the lead on addressing the priests’ children and the child as a layman, which from the obligations of issue with a child-focused psychological and emo- is the common default the clerical state, and set of guidelines published tional impact the church’s response by church su- as a lay person, assume in 2017. enforced secrecy has on periors. his responsibilities as a “This is important, as them and their mothers. The Vatican recently father, dedicating himself it eliminates the default Free Pick-Up & Delivery Service In a statement, Scicluna acknowledged to The exclusively to his child.’’ expectations that he (the said the issue needed to New York Times that it Doyle is pressing for priest) has to leave,’’ Doyle 150 Centre Street be addressed and the chil- has internal guidelines that default position to said. He said he was heart- dren of priests acknowl- change, arguing that it ened by all his meetings Dorchester, MA 02124 edged. “Each case should often is not in the best and that the Catholic offi- interests of the child for cials were compassionate JOHN C. his father to be fired. Doyle and understood the pain also notes that these chil- he conveyed to them. GALLAGHER dren are born under a wide Insurance Agency

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Harry Brett • Margaret Brett Hastings The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter bostonirish.com March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 27 The 2019 IN/Boston St. Patrick’s Day Party is here at Fenway Park! Friday, March 15, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We are delighted to announce our Annual St. Patrick’s Day party, which is fast coming upon us! This much anticipated members-only event will be held on Friday, March 15, at Fenway Park from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. inside the fab State Street Pavilion! There will be Irish music, dancing and cheer, special guests, and more! We will also host an open bar and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. HURRY- If you are not a member, then sign-up before tickets sell out. New member special: 50% off! Use code SPD2019 About Irish Network Boston Irish Network Boston (IN Boston) is a business, cultural and social network with membership Become a member now encompassing Irish-born, Irish-Americans, and friends of Ireland in the Boston area – the irishnetworkboston.net/membership capital of Irish America. IN Boston is part of a national network in the United States of Irish networks from across the country under the Irish Network USA (IN USA) umbrella

YOU DON’T HAVE TO RELY ON THE “LUCK OF THE IRISH” FOR GREAT HEALTH CARE Whether you are looking for a primary care physician, an orthopedist, or other specialist, Carney Hospital physicians offer exceptional care, right here in Dorchester. And with the shortest Emergency Room wait time in the area, we’re here for you not just on St. Patrick’s Day, but all the others days as well! Our team of expert Cardiologists are here to provide you with high-quality, compassionate care right in your community. James Morgan, MD Stacyann Ryfa, NP Harold Dietzius, MD To reach Drs. Morgan or Dietzius, please call 617-506-2273.

To find a physician affiliated with Carney Hospital, visit carneyhospital.org/doctorfinder or call 1-800-488-5959 All of us at Carney Hospital wish you and your family a very happy and healthy St. Patrick’s Day!

www.carneyhospital.org Page 28 March 2019 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS… HOME Titanic Belfast IS WHERE Home to the hum of festivals. To the thrilling notes of THEtraditional music. HEART To the chatter of familyIS… and feasts shared withTitanic Belfast friends. And to the legendary buzz of the Irish pub.

Listen carefully because Ireland is calling, from the fast-paced beat of the Titanic city toHome cozy corners to the where hum laughter of festivals. rises to the roof.To the There, thrilling against a backdrop notes of Ireland’s traditionalone hundred thousand music. welcomes, To the memories chatter are of prompted, family acquaintances and feasts rekindled shared withand promises friends. made And to stay to connected. the legendary buzz of the Irish pub.

ListenThey say carefully you should because always Ireland listen is calling,to you heart, from theand fast-paced it’s telling beatyou toof comethe Titanic home. city to cozy corners where laughter rises to the roof. There, against a backdrop of Ireland’s one hundred thousand welcomes, memories are prompted, acquaintancesFind your way rekindledhome at and promises made to stay connected.

They say you should always listen to you heart, and it’s telling you to come home.

Find your way home at