October 2008 VOL. 19 #10 $1.50 Boston’s hometown journal of Irish culture.

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bostonirish.com All contents copyright © 2008 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. Hanging Out in Boston, Day by Day in Photographs, April 2007-April 2008

Jan. 1, 2008: More than five hundred brave souls took Boston organization, which also uses the day’s events a high of 38 before snow and rain arrived midday. part in the L Street Brownies annual plunge in Boston to raise money for local scholarships. Swimmers, who Photo copyright Bill Brett 2008. More photo- Harbor. One of Boston’s best-known rituals, the New were photographed from a Boston police boat in the graphs from his new book, “Boston: A Year in Year’s Day dip was the 104th such outing for the South harbor, caught a bit of a break: the temperature hit the Life,” Pages 16 and 17. ‘According to Tip’ is Coming Back The critically acclaimed “According to Tip,” written by Boston political com- mentator Dick Flavin, makes its return to the stage for a limited engagement at the Stuart Street Playhouse in Boston beginning Thurs., Oct. 9. Starring Tony and Emmy Award winning actor Ken Howard, at right, in the role of Tip, and directed by Rick Lombardo, “According to Tip” follows the historically unforgettable career of Cambridge’s own Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, whose last position in a long career in public service was as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for seven of President Reagan’s eight years in office. Story, Page 14.

Fall Time is Fair Time Harry and Patty Lynch: This was the scene at last year’s Maam Cross Fair, a one-day event held at the Maam Cross crossroads in The Newman School Connemara. This year’s festival will take place on Oct. 28. See Traveling People column, Page 26. Photo by Is Their Life’s Work Judy Enright. Profile, Page 4 Page  October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

Waltham High School Auditorium 617 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA Saturday, October 11th • 8 PM Information and Tickets Larry Reynolds • 781-899-0911 Barbara Davis • 508-947-8688 Tickets also available at the door Tickets $18 • A Great Value! • Order now, avoid long lines at the box office. The talented performers selected for Comhaltas Tour 2008 Sean O Se (Cork) - Fear an Ti/Singer James Mahon (Dublin) - Pipes Emmett McMorrow (Leitrim) - Dancer Joe Arkins (Clare) - Singer/Storyteller Kylie Moynagh (Dublin) - Concertina Aidan McLoughlin (Lietrim) - Dancer Bruce Scott (Liverpool) Singer Cathy Potter (Antrim) - Harp James Mounsey (Tipperary) - Dancer Eimear Arkins (Clare) - Singer/Fiddle Zelda O’Brien (Dublin) - Dancer/Concertina Pat Flannagan (Tipperary) - Tour Manager Eibhlin Healy (Limerick) - Fiddle Theresa Donohoe (Westmeath) - Dancer James Finnegan (Kerry) - Sound Niamh Varian Barry (Cork) - Fiddle Aonghus Buggie (Laois) - Banjo Directions: Take 128 North or South (I95) to Exit 27A. Take Totten Pond Mary O’Reilly (Laois) - Accordion Road to the end. Turn Left onto Lexington Street. Waltham High School Peter Staunton (Dublin) - Accordion is about 1/2 mile on the Right. Ryan Murphy (Cork) - Flute

Visit http://comhaltas.ie for the very best Trad on the Internet Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page  ON THE TOWN WITH THE BIR

Commentary Irish Culture Wins out At ICONS Festival By Steve Morse The broadcast peaked with the Alison Brown Special to the BIR Quartet, anchored by Brown’s own banjo skills. Irish music and its many offshoots from folk- She had attended Harvard before moving to rock to pop to country were enjoyed to the hilt Nashville, where she has fashioned a strong at last month’s 2008 ICONS Festival at the career as an instrumentalist adept at so many Irish Cultural Center in Canton. If you wanted different styles that she’s like a soul sister to legends, you had them in troubadours Liam Bela Fleck. Clancy and Luka Bloom. If you wanted younger On Saturday night at the Compass stage blood, you had the boundary-breaking Crooked – following the radio broadcast but by no means Members of the Irish team included Kathy O’Toole, Garda Det. Still, the jazzy Alison Brown, and the ethereal secondary to it – was the astonishingly talented Pat Hanlon and Ted McCarthy. (Photo by Steve DeCorta) Cara Dillon. If you liked all-female bands, you Lunasa. They’re another instrumental outfit tak- had the amazing Liadan and the mind-blowing ing Irish music to new places. No group was bet- Acadians, Gadelle. And if you hungered for a bit ter all weekend and member Trevor Hutchinson Birdies Fly, of storytelling, you found it in the unique Shay (formerly of the Waterboys) deserves a special nod Duffin, who drew big crowds to his one-man show for his nimble creativity on upright bass. on Brendan Behan. Solas headlined the Compass stage on Saturday Irish Team Wins ICONS had a traditional bent this year, but with its usual fiery intensity (fiddler Winifred there was room for everyone. The festival has Horan is a force of nature), but it was a day to indeed become a sort of Celtic Bonnaroo with celebrate the other, smaller stages as well. The in ‘Cops For Kids its multiple-tent stages and eager audiences Point stage boasted the Scots-infused energy of that love to soak up the various sounds, while the Tannahill Weavers, the locomotive tempos traversing the grounds of the ICC all day and of the David Munnelly Band (“wild and free’’ as With Cancer’ Event night to catch them. they were aptly described in the ICONS event “I think this is the best festival in the world,’’ program), the kinetically charged Sean Keane, By Meghan O’Toole Solas singer Mairead Phelan said very graciously. the history-steeped Clancy Legacy band (featur- Special to the BIR “I can’t believe the lineup.’’ ing three cousins focusing on sweet ballads), and An enthusiastic contingent of law enforcement officers and Suffice it to say my legs were hurting after a the conscience-driven tunesmith, Luka Bloom. friends from the Boston area travelled to Ireland last month to weekend of running around, but my ears offered Luka opened with his mesmerizing, utopian “I’m participate in the seventh annual Cops For Kids With Cancer no complaints. And how could they? The acts Not at War With Anyone.’’ It was a levitating charity event. Representatives from the Boston Police, Massa- were invigorated by the lush, woodsy setting and performance and Luka repeated it the next day chusetts State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and they offered their very best. The event became on this same Point stage, though he added more the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts a great “hang’’ for fans and artists alike. Many dance tunes in a sign of levity. spent a week meeting, touring, and golfing with their counterparts braved misty conditions on the last night to hear Other tents were busy, too. A steady stream of from the Irish police. a spectacular concluding set by elder statesman dancers enlivened the Comholtas Ceoltoiri Eire- They wrapped up their journey in Cork with an official two-day Liam Clancy, who is still robust, vital – and funny ann stage and the WROL Marquee stage, where charity golf competition to benefit young cancer victims. Eighteen -- at 73 years old. Fenian Sons and Erin’s Melody induced parents American golfers went head to head with members of An Garda “One thing about turning 73 is that you can’t and children to shake it on the dance floor. Síochána in a Ryder Cup style tournament to compete for The die young,’’ quipped Clancy, who opened in a trio The Burren stage, located in a clubby, hipster Dow Cup, named for the late John V. Dow, former Boston Police format doing the classic anti-war song, “And the tent where the Guinness flowed liberally, was captain and Cops for Kids With Cancer co-founder. Band Played Waltzing Matilda,’’ before more the scene of a dynamic set from the all-women After landing at Shannon, the group spent three nights at The musicians joined him for new songs by Paul Gadelle, plus various jam-session events anchored Heritage Resort in Portlaoise. In addition to enjoying the facili- Brady and the Pogues’ Shane MacGowan, writ- by the likes of Chulrua, Alison Brown (part of a ties there, the golfers also played at The K Club, host to the 2006 ten especially for him. Look for a new album banjo jam), and Liadan. Ryder Cup, and the Stackstown Garda Course. An evening recep- including these to come out by Christmas, said The more tranquil Harpapalooza stage touched tion was held at The Garda Boat Club on the banks of the River Liam, who coaxed crowd singalongs and praised hearts with the multi-member Next Generation Liffey in Dublin. Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy was on the evening’s mist as, of course, being an “Irish and the solo beauty of Peter Macaulay. The hand to warmly welcome the group to Ireland. Garda chaplain mist.’’ Not enough can be said about how great Abbey stage cooked with Shay Duffin doing his Father Joe Kennedy arrived just in time to lead a lively singsong he was – so great that many of the younger musi- Brendan Behan route (complete with a few pints accompanied by Garda “piano man” Pat Lee. cians, too, inched closer to the stage to glimpse by his side, though he later admitted they were a From Dublin, the group headed south to Cork. Detective Garda the man who helped put Irish musical tradition customized blend of Coca Cola with some Guin- Pat Hanlon, co-founder of Cops for Kids in Ireland, along with Irish on the map in America. ness on top!). The Cottage stage had an ensemble team captain Chief Inspector Kathleen O’Toole (former Boston Clancy was the climax, but there was so much playing tunes for young children who were also Police Commissioner) led the home team golfers to an impressive more to see over the three days. The large Compass given dance instruction. Other tents had activi- overall 13-5 victory. stage on which Clancy played was particularly ties ranging from the care and grooming of Irish Representatives from the Cork City Hospital were also in at- alive on Saturday afternoon when Cambridge wolfhounds and setters, to investigating one’s tendance at the closing banquet and graciously accepted a 10,000 radio station WGBH-FM (where ICONS director genealogy. There were also Irish crafts on sale, euro donation for their pediatric cancer program. In addition to Brian O’Donovan also has a weekly program on an expanded amusement park with carnival rides, providing financial support to families, the program is aimed Celtic music) broadcast many acts live on the air. and a tent devoted to a headliner from last year at boosting the morale of young victims. A portion of this year’s If the sound was as pristine in radioland as it was – the Dropkick Murphys, where merchandise donation will allow ten terminally ill children to travel to Euro in person, the listeners got a treat. Martin Hayes and CDs were on sale. Disney in France for the “trip of a lifetime.” and Dennis Cahill led off the broadcast, followed The big winner, though, was Irish culture in The Third Annual Cops For Kids With Cancer “Flights of the by the galvanizing Liadan and the high-energy general. It’s hard to imagine ICONS ever doing a Angels” Motorcycle Run was held on Sept. 28 and the John V. Crooked Still, featuring charismatic singer Aoife better job of presenting Irish culture than it did Dow Memorial Golf Tournament will be played Oct. 13 at Spring ODonovan and banjo master Greg Liszt, who had this year. This is a rare festival that educates Valley Country Club in Sharon. been plucked by Bruce Springsteen to play on and entertains at the same time. I can’t wait For more information about these and other fundraising events, the latter’s “Seeger Sessions’’ tour in 2007. The until next year. and to inquire about donations, please visit copsforkidswithcancer. ICONS stars also did an excellent treatment of Related stories, Page 14. org. Gillian Welch’s “Orphan Girl.’’ Boston Irish Reporter’s Calendar If your club or organization has an item or event for the Boston Irish Reporter calendar, send the necessary details to [email protected] and please include a daytime contact name and telephone number.

Oct. 1 -- “Secrets of the Sole: Irish Dance Steps and for Applied Technology 245 Summer Street, Boston. Ireland’s traditional champions in singing, dancing, Stories with Kieran Jordan Featuring Kevin Doyle and RSVP, 617-350-3046, [email protected] storytelling, and music. Aidan Vaughan.” In this elegant and entertaining DVD, Kieran interviews and performs with two of her favorite Oct. 5 – 8 p.m. Sinn Fein East Coast Speaking Tour Oct . 12 -- The All-Ireland Champions Concert. Rogers step dancers who have influenced her over the years. at The Twelve Bens, 315 Adams St, Dorchester. Guest Center at Merrimack College, North Andover. 2 p.m., $22. Speaker is Pat Treanor, former Republican Prisoner and 978-683-9007 Sponsored by The Irish Foundation, The Oct 2 -- Diversity Visa Lottery Starts – CIIC Warns current Chairperson of the County Monaghan Vocational Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Ladies AOH. to Immigrants to beware of scams. The US Department Educational Committee. For more info, contact Cate of State has announced that the Diversity Visa (DV) Murphy at 617-269-3520. Oct. 16 – 4 p.m., Boston College Connolly House, lottery will open for DV-2010 entries on Oct. 2, (noon, Robbie Gilligan, School of Social Work and Social Policy, EST) and end on Dec. 1, 2008 (noon, EST). Applicants Oct. 9 -- 6:30-8:30 p.m. Center for Irish Programs, Trinity College Dublin, presents “The public child and may access the electronic Diversity Visa entry form at Boston College Connolly House Concert and Multimedia the reluctant state?” Part of the Childhood and Ireland dvlottery.state.gov during the registration period. Irish Presentation: The Piperlink tour unlocks the secrets of Lecture Series, co-sponsored by the Graduate School of citizens who are interested in working in the USA in the Irish uilleann pipes, with a concert, multimedia ex- Social Work. the next couple of years should apply for the lottery as hibit, and opportunities for audience members to try the it will give them an opportunity to apply for a “green pipes. Presented by Na Píobairí Uilleann from Dublin, Oct. 22 -- Boston College Connolly House, 6:30-8 p.m. card” This is the only official site. Piperlink includes pipers Gay McKeon, Tommy Keane, Multimedia Presentation: “The McNulty Family.” The and Sean Donnelly, with singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh music career of the legendary McNulty Family comes Oct. 2 -- 6:30-8:30 p.m. Center for Irish Programs, performing songs associated with the pipes. to life in a multimedia presentation by Ted McGraw Boston College: Gaelic Roots Music, Song, Dance, Work- of Rochester, New York. Widely known as the “Royal shop and Lecture Series, Connolly House, Concert: Oct. 9 -- “According to Tip” starring Ken Howard and Family of Irish Entertainers,” the McNulty Family and Cape Breton fiddle and piano player Kimberley Fraser written by Dick Flavin, at the Stuart Street Playhouse. their recordings were in great demand from the 1920s showcases the Scottish-influenced traditional music of Limited engagement. through the 1950s. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Oct. 11-- Echoes of Erin Concert, Waltham High Some material in this calendar is published courtesy Oct. 3 -- ICCUSA New England Fall Breakfast Series. School Waltham, 8 p.m., $18, 781-899-0911, cceboston. of Mike and Colette Quinlin, irishmassachusetts.com. Mark Healy, EVP, Fidelity Investments. Fidelity Center org. Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann annual concert features Page  October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BIR Profile Harry and Patty Lynch and the Newman School: A Study in Always Moving Forward in Faith

By Greg O’Brien athletic programs are spread out over the city. Lynch Special to the BIR proved skillful in the role, and had the good sense It is early in September, just a few frenzied days in time to hire his wife for the admissions position. before the start of class at The Newman School, an Together at Newman they walk in faith—a firm and eclectic, private, 9-12 college preparatory school in common ground. Boston’s Back Bay, and headmaster J. Harry Lynch, “One of the key elements of the school is its faith son of one of the school’s founders, is buried in orderly center,” Lynch says. “Integral to the human experi- piles of paperwork on his desk. “I’m not good at putting ence is the promise of a relationship with God, even in stuff away,” he concedes, noting that “everything I’m the depths of great sorrow. I’m not trying to wear my working on is on my desk.” heart on my sleeve, but Patty and I have had to suffer From the looks of things, Lynch—born Joseph through a few things over the last few years.” Harry, III, but called Harry throughout his life—has He pauses for a minute. Patty is quiet, as well. In his work cut out for him. But after 23 years at the rud- running a school of this type for decades and in being der of this impressive school on Marlborough Street, foster parents for 15 years, tending to the needs of more operating out of two classic five-story town houses than 30 foster children, one of whom they adopted—a burrowed between the Charles River and Boylston special needs child named Alexandria (Allie), nothing Street, Lynch, an experienced sailor, has maintained could prepare them for the tragedies they have faced a steady course for academic excellence, personal and recently. intellectual growth, and a desire for truth and moral In the last two years, the Lynches have lost two of decision-making that would make his father and the their six children. Daughter Sheila, who would be 25 school’s namesake proud. J. Harry and Patty Lynch today, died in July 2006. A bright, attractive Holy Founded in 1945 by Lynch’s father, an educator, and ”Newman is our life.” Cross graduate, who was earning a masters degree in plant cell biology at St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia, she a group of Boston College alumni, the school was named ways joke about which one is more family-friendly,” after John Henry Cardinal Newman, and dedicated to contracted a serious infection while doing research in says Patty, suggesting its code for Watertown, with a Texas cave. Sheila was rushed home for care, and the celebrated London cleric’s Judeo-Christian values, its extended family base, being more down-to-earth, intellectual rigor, and philosophy. Called a “just man died in her sleep. “She was a beautiful girl inside out, grounded in reality. stunning in every way,” her mother says. “We’re still made perfect” by the Cork Examiner upon his death, No doubt both have had ample doses of reality while Newman, a convert from the Church of England, de- in shock.” growing up, handed down from Irish American parents A year and three months later, their beautiful Allie, voted his life to assisting those in need no matter their who were appropriately strict, loving, and deep in the denominations. who had been with the family since birth and was a faith. “Our lives, like most of the day, were structured, daily inspiration to others at The Newman School—died The non-denominational school’s motto, “Let heart but in that structure there was great freedom. You were speak to heart,” is testimony to Newman’s enriching of medical complications last October. always expected to do the right thing, and you always “We know they are together; Sheila was incredibly spirit and perspective—“Cor ad cor loquitur,” as the assumed someone was watching,” says Lynch. universal language states. Like Newman, the school has kind to her younger sister,” Patty adds. “It’s a consola- His father’s family initially settled in Haverhill where tion knowing they are in Heaven.” broken the mold of tradition, with its innovative liberal family members worked in the mills, and then found arts curriculum, chandeliers hung from classroom ceil- Lynch and his wife are reticent to talk in more detail. better opportunities in Boston. Lynch’s dad, an educator The pain clearly grips them. And yet they concede that ings, red brick exterior, students from around the world, all his life, was raised in Roslindale; his mother, Helen and access to Boston’s finest cultural, educational and their tragedies may help others cope with death or ap- (Collins) was raised in New Jersey before later moving preciate what they have in life. Their lives in service sporting amenities that have dubbed the institution “a to the Boston area. After marrying, the couple moved little university.” With 250 students, a majority of them to others are living testaments to the foundations of to Wellesley where Lynch’s dad pursued his academic The Newman School. “Our faith has deepened, our from the Boston area, four administrators, 24 teachers, interests and his mother tended to the home—caring a closely knit fabric of parents and supporters, and the marriage has deepened, and our priorities have become for Lynch and his sisters Helen (now a retired school more focused,” says Lynch, noting the grief. “We never best of Boston in easy, convenient grasp, The Newman teacher), Anne, and Claire (both fulltime mothers) and School is truly an “elevated experience,” as Lynch states, thought we were let down by God.” brothers John (a National Park Service employee in Lynch remembers his first day back at school after noting that about 95 percent of graduating seniors at- Boston) and Paul (an attorney). tend quality four-year colleges and universities, among Sheila’s death. “I looked at a desk full of work and Lynch’s father taught geometry at BC High, and thought there were two ways to go: I had the choice them Harvard, Boston College, Tufts, Cornell, Boston worked nights as registrar for Boston College’s eve- University, Brandeis, College of the Holy Cross, Con- of not picking up the pen, or opening the computer or ning division in the Back Bay before establishing The working, which would have been destructive; or I could necticut College, University of Michigan, Purdue, and Newman School, which at its height as a post-high the University of Southern California. do the thing that promises to be constructive, and throw school graduate program enrolled more than 1,000 myself into my work. I could say that the world is a Some might call this a “just school made perfect,” or students. He died at 45 when his son was 11. “I never one striving for perfection. terrible place and that I hate God or God doesn’t exist, had an adult conversation with my father,” Harry la- or I could move forward in faith.” In all ways, Lynch, with roots in Galway, is as much a ments. “But I know he loved to teach, and he was an part of this family-centered facility as the grout between The family has moved forward in faith together— excellent role model.” daughters Elizabeth Virginia Southard, 28, newly its ancient bricks. Established initially as a postgradu- His parents, in fact, left an indelible impression on ate school to assist returning World War II vets, among married and teaching math like her grandfather at him. “Our family values and behavior were shaped BC High; 26-year old Kathleen (Kate), who earned others, to gain acceptance to Boston College, Newman by our faith,” he says, noting his parents were devout was where Lynch attended seventh and eighth grades a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Education from Catholics and involved in parish affairs, as were his Harvard where she is now a math researcher; Susanna, when it offered a middle school curriculum. He has since wife’s parents. Lynch, now 56, attended St. Paul’s El- overseen its remarkable transition to a place of great a graduate of Holy Cross, who is teaching at Nativity ementary School in Wellesley, then Newman for two Prep in Worcester; and son, Joseph, a senior at New- academic challenge and serenity, offering extracur- years, before attending Xavier Catholic High School ricular and sporting programs that rival schools in its man, who volunteered this past summer at the Italian in Concord and the College of the Holy Cross. Home for Children in Jamaica Plain where Ally went genre. Five of Lynch’s six children have attended The Patty, whose family roots trace back to County Cork, Newman School, and his wife, Patty (Coen), whom he to special needs school. attended elementary and high school in Watertown, These gut losses also have brought the Newman com- met in college, is the Admissions Director. She dons then enrolled at Newton College of the Sacred Heart. as many Newman hats as her husband. munity even closer together. The memories of Sheila The couple met their junior year; a friend of Lynch’s, a and Alexandria permeate the school. “Newman is our life,” Lynch says in an interview. Newman alumnus, introduced them. The two married “We carry it with us,” adds his wife. “It is comforting,” says Lynch. “Everyone knew our shortly after graduation. children; they were treasured here. It helps us to move So much so that is seems impossible to profile Lynch Always insistent on pursuing a passion in life, Lynch without profiling Patty and The Newman School. The on.” sold construction bond insurance in Boston for nine Moving on, however, is still a daily challenge—one word picture is seamless, and yet there is an unmistak- years after college, and so it was no surprise that he able sense of something to come, something missing only resolved in time. It is later in the day, and Lynch’s accepted the headmaster job at Newman when it was attention is diverted once again to his desk, overflowing from this canvas, beyond the unshakable faith that offered in 1985. Lynch had served on the school’s Board directs the couple’s collective paths. with the promise of a new year. In faith and in true, of Trustees and had impressed fellow board members directed Newman style, he insists, “There’s a ton of Indeed, they offer a study of contrasts, not lost on with his vision, administrative skills, and institutional either. Harry, one of six children, was raised in an up- work still to do here!” knowledge of the school. Greg O’Brien is editor and president of the Stony per middle class Wellesley neighborhood, and Patty, Heading up a school like Newman is a bit like jug- one of eight, was reared in working-class Watertown. Brook Group, a publishing and political/communica- gling at center ring—lots of eyes on the juggler and tions strategy company based in Brewster. He is the There’s loving tension in the room, an echo of laughs, lots of balls in the air. In addition to what is taught when the two neighborhoods are discussed. “We al- author/editor of several books and a regular contributor at 245 and 247 Marlborough, Newman’s academic and to regional and national publications

11.10.08 Fairmont Copley Plaza solas Boston awards dinner

an evening to benefit the Irish Immigration Center save honoring Beth Williams and Thomas Stemberg

the for more information or to purchase tickets, please call Conventures at date 617-204-4284, email [email protected] or visit www.iicenter.org. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page  Murray to lead The Attorneys That Attorneys Call Regarding trade mission Massachusetts Lt. Governor Timothy Murray will lead a delegation of business leaders and state officials to Ireland in October. The five-day trip will make stops Personal Injury Cases in Galway, Derry, Belfast and Dublin, according a to a preliminary itinerary provided to the Reporter by Murray’s office. QUINN & MORRIS Murray and the delegation will meet with counter- parts in the Republic and Northern Ireland and intend to tour universities and businesses. In Belfast, the group will participate in a plenary session at Ulster Univer- James T. Morris, Esq. Hon. Robert H. Quinn, Esq. Former Massachusetts sity. The subject of the conference is “A Collaboration Former Massachusetts of Innovation in Technology, Life Sciences, Financial Asst. Attorney General Attorney General Counsel to the Speaker Services and Travel & Tourism.” The Irish Chamber of Former House Speaker 617-423-3500 Commerce in the United States of America (ICCUSA) Mass. House will host a business networking reception in Dublin, where Murray and company will also huddle with 141 Tremont Street, Boston Ireland’s Minister of Science Technology and Innova- tion Jimmy Devins and other economic development officers from the Republic. Murray’s office released figures in September that AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS • WORKERS COMPENSATION show that total value exports from Massachusetts to Ireland have been rising since 2004, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. There has been a trade • CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS growth rate of 55% from 2006 to 2007, Murray’s office claims. — Bill Forry FREE CONSULTATION • NO FEE UNLESS WE ARE SUCCESSFUL Irish Americans for Obama/Biden

A group of Bostonians met with Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden during his Sept. 10 campaign stop at Boston’s Fairmount Copley Plaza Hotel. Pictured are (l-r): John Cullinane, Diddy Cullinane, Michael Quinlin, Sen. Biden, Ed Forry, Mass. State Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry, Joe Leary and Chuck Monahan. (Photo courtesy Obama/Biden campaign.)

In the opinion of many Irish • He’s tough -- you can’t grow up or candidate for those Americans with Irish Americans I know, Barack Obama is work on the South Side of Chicago roots whether Catholic or Protestant, the only candidate for President who and survive without being tough. North or South. Those interested in addresses the six key cultural and • He’s a man of faith -- Obama is helping the Obama/Biden campaign generational concerns of most Irish very comfortable with religion and is with the Irish American community, Americans, because : willing to reach out to traditional Irish including those with contacts in New • He’s the embodiment of the Catholics, Scots Irish, as well as others Hampshire, a swing state, please forward American dream -- as such he can from the Irish tradition, and respect this message to them. It will be very inspire Irish Americans and their their views on issues of importance to helpful. For further information, please children that they can succeed, too. them. feel free to contact john@mainmessage. • He’s walked in their shoes -- His • He has good judgment -- the most org or call Martha Burnham at 617 mother has strong Irish roots, and he important characteristic of any leader 494 8894. made it the hard way but never forgot is good judgment. It’s something where he came from. one is born with and Barack Obama This message was created by us, • He’s smart and well educated - was, and it shows in his positions on and we approve it. - The Irish respect intelligence and Iraq, Afghanistan, his interest in Irish John Cullinane, Diddy Cullinane cherish education because it was once issues by recruiting Joe Biden as Vice Rep. Linda Dorcena Forry, denied to them. Barack Obama is very, President, someone who will help with Ed Forry, Joe Leary very smart and is a graduate of both the securing of peace in Northern Chuck Monahan, Columbia University and Harvard Law Ireland, immigration, etc. Michael Quinlin School. This is why Obama is the ideal Page  October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary Boston’s Bravest Survivor Families Perplexed, to the Rescue Frustrated By Latest News By Ed Forry Publisher One Friday night early last month, around 10:30 on ’98 Omagh Bombing p.m., on the way home from a dinner with friends at Gerard’s, I found that traffic on Adams Street in By Robert P. Connolly Ireland, had been asked to pay particular attention to Dorchester was impeded by the flashing blue lights Special to the BIR a cell phone being used in one of the cars because the of a Boston police car. A few blocks south on Adams, Just two months ago, the relatives of the victims of phone had been connected to bombers who narrowly another police car closed off the the Omagh bombing observed the 10th anniversary of missed causing a disaster in the Northern Ireland street at Richmond, forcing a the worst attack in the history of the Northern Ireland town of Banbridge two weeks previously. detour. Troubles, speaking of their grief and of the disappoint- It was August 15, 1998, and authorities at the phone- Curious, I pulled my car over ment they felt about none of the perpetrators being monitoring agency known as GCHQ were listening in and went on foot along Adams, brought to justice. They spoke of their thirst for truth as the cars headed toward the Irish border. expecting to find some minor and the need for closure. At 1:30, about an hour and a half before the blast, event causing this police activ- Then last month, a new sense of outrage entered the someone using the suspicious cell phone called to say, ity. But I soon found that the frame, when it was revealed “We’re crossing the line,” meaning that the cars were street was closed off by multiple that security officials may passing from the Republic of Ireland into Northern emergency vehicles: four ambu- have tracked the bombers for Ireland, entering the North at the border town of lances, a Boston police cruiser, more than 90 minutes on the Aughnacloy. an unmarked police car, and day of the tragedy, as they Then, 50 minutes later, at 2:20, another call, this three Boston fire trucks - Lad- drove from the Republic of time from Omagh, and the message was, “The bricks der 6, Rescue 2 and Engine 18. Ireland, across the border and are in the wall,” a sentence that had popped up in I began to realize that it was the scene of a bad then northwest to Omagh, but previous paramilitary missions and was understood automobile accident, and after a few more hesitant didn’t use the information to to mean that a bomb was in place. A little more than steps it came into view: A car was wrapped around a 40 minutes later, shortly after 3 p.m., the bomb deto- telephone pole, right at the entrance to Dot Park at the stop the attack. Additionally, the information doesn’t seem nated, claiming 31 lives, counting two unborn twins, field locals call “the bowl”. The vehicle with four young and leaving more than 300 injured. people had been heading up Adams from Lower Mills, to have been employed in the effort to catch the bombers and At 3:30, as the town and many lives lay in ruins, a but somehow had spun out of control and smashed final call was placed, and the voice of the person plac- sideways into the utility pole. put them in jail. All of which leaves rela- ing the call is believed to be that of Seamus Daly, one The car ended up facing in the opposite direction it Robert P. of the five men now being sued by the relatives of the had come from, and yet it seemed that all had survived Connolly tives and maimed survivors bewildered, infuriated, and Omagh victims. The men are alleged to be members the impact. Three already had been removed by am- of the Real IRA, the group that claimed responsibility bulance from the scene, but a fourth young man was looking for answers. “It is totally shattering,” said Michael Gallagher, for the Omagh attack. trapped in the back of the car, his legs somehow caught Why the information was not used to apprehend the up in the wreckage of the car’s interior. the leader of the Omagh relatives support group. “The possibility that the people who were plotting the bomb bombers before they struck, or used to arrest the men It was eleven o’clock, and the accident drew only after the fact, continues to be unclear. “We missed it,” a little attention, as most people had retired for the in Omagh could have been caught in the act, stopped, and apprehended is a very sobering thought for the a former Northern Ireland police official said when night. One neighbor told me he had slept through the he appeared on the BBC program. crash, but was awakened by the sirens of the many first families.” Gallagher said the tapes of the intercepted calls Northern Ireland’s former police ombudsman, who responders. Wih him, I watched the rescue attempts, was very critical of the police investigation that fol- and I marveled at what I saw: There was a full-press should be turned over to the relatives who are now pursuing a civil action against some of the alleged lowed the bombing, told the British newspaper the rescue underway, and from the three fire trucks there Guardian that the new information indicates that had emerged as many as 15 firefighters. The “Jakes” perpetrators. the bombing could have been prevented. “There are surrounded the destroyed vehicle, each of them work- At issue are the things that happened, and those a very limited number of access routes to Omagh ing in unison as a team, urgently seeking to extricate things that didn’t happen, on a late summer Saturday town,” former ombudsman Nuala O’Loan said. “And the victim and save his life. afternoon in 1998, as shoppers filled the narrow streets One burly firefighter sat on the car’s trunk, his of the County Tyrone market town of Omagh. if they [police] came to the view that that was where arms wrapped under the arms and around the chest According to a report broadcast last month on the a device was being taken, it would seem to me there of the trapped man, holding him upright and keeping BBC television program Panorama, it is now known could have been roadblocks set up. They [the bombers] him calm; two others worked the jaws of life, cutting that a British telephone monitoring agency picked up would have seen this and would have just abandoned away the damaged front seat; others used a crow bar cell phone chatter as two cars drove north in tandem: the bombs by the roadside.” to pry open the hood and disconnect the battery; two a scout car in the lead and a car carrying a 500-pound For reasons that may never be clear, the informa- others manned hose lines, to prevent any gasoline bomb following close behind. tion did not receive the attention it deserved, and leaks from catching fire. As onefirefighter worked an Authorities at the ultra-sophisticated eavesdropping name Omagh took its place alongside so many other electrical generator, another cast a power light’s beam center, which reportedly had the ability to monitor and names that join together to form the tragedy of the onto the scene. tape any cell phone or landline call made in Northern Troubles. A blood pressure device had been placed on the young man’s arm to monitor his vital signs, and an EMT had placed an oxygen mask over his mouth. All the while, the district fire chief leaned in and orchestrated the Commentary teamwork. When at last the front seat was cut away, eight of these rescuers men rushed to carefully slide the vic- Whom Do I Make the Check Out To? tim onto a board and then a gurney, and they quickly moved him to a waiting ambulance. It was perhaps an By Jim O’Sullivan to excoriate? For sure, the telecom lobby is immense. everyday occurrence for these sturdy first responders, Special to the BIR Here in Massachusetts, for instance, telecommunica- but for me it was a remarkable event, one of unques- My mother’s Verizon bill last month included an tions firms have been exempted from property taxes tioned compassion by these rescuers. additional land line assessment of $5.73. The small since 1915, when the state was trying to nurture the Sadly, I learned later that one victim did not sur- print explained a “shortfall” surcharge of $5 on top of young industry. The firms say the poles and wires vive. An 18 year-old recent graduate of Milton High the principal charge, levied because she had failed to should remain untaxed as the build-outs of broadband School who just began his college studies, died from make $5 worth of long-distance calls from her phone. and cable continue. his injuries in the hospital several days later. The Presumably, as more people turn to cell phones (at 28, The “powerful forces conspiring against you” phe- tragic loss of life left me devastated. I didn’t know this I haven’t used a land line in my residence and know nomenon is not new in American politics – William young man, but having watched our remarkable public Jennings Bryan had a go at it with his “Cross of Gold” safety professionals work so hard to save a life, it was few people my age who have) for phone calls, includ- ing long-distance ones, many are facing the “shortfall” speech and Al Gore used it to little, humorless avail crushing news to hear of the fatality. Our prayers go in 2000. out to his family and friends. charge. On top of the $5 was the 73-cent tax, calculated based on the $5 shortfall, the bill explained. What is new, and growing, is the sense of complexity Having seen them in action, it needs to be said about people confront when what they’d really like to do is these public safety people- the police, the Boston EMS, To summarize: She was being charged $5.73 not only for phone calls she did not make, but also because she till their own garden. Know what Twitter is? It’s an and especially these Boston firefighters- they deserve online messaging tool used for personal and, increas- our lasting thanks and admiration. They worked long had not made them. This came at the end of a week during which aver- ingly, mass communication, and a Rocky Mountain and hard to save a life, and it is all part of what they News reporter used it last week to furnish virtually are called upon to do, everyday. age Americans read the newspapers and watched the news and wondered what the hell was going on. Wall real-time reporting to the paper’s website from the Street was imploding – the New York Post reported funeral of a three-year-old killed when a pickup truck by Sunday that the Dow was 500 trades away from hit an ice cream shop. a 22-percent plunge on Thursday morning – and it Is there a more stomach-turning thought than that of seemed one of the few remaining personal investment a reporter banging out text messages to a group of office management decisions safe enough to try was the workers on the edges of their seats, pressing “refresh” under-the-mattress strategy. to get the blow-by-blow of a toddler’s funeral? On the The telephone bill relates to the markets this way: other hand, as the rabbi who performed the service Smart people feel that the decisions that affect how argued, why shouldn’t the grief be shared? tough the car payment is to make or how much the Phone bills, collapsing banks, and tech-fueled media college savings deposit is every month or whether the transgressions seem like an odd collection of clues long-desired vacation is taken are largely made in to use in trying to make judgments about what will their absence. The scope and sweep of these decisions happen Nov. 4 in the presidential election, or in Mas- is so daunting that the sense of impotence becomes sachusetts politics going forward as Gov. Patrick tries unfocused, pervasive. to launch a major education makeover and his would-be So, too, does the assigning of blame defy clear expli- successors strain for hints of the path ahead. cation. In Wall Street’s week of bedlam, it was enough Does Obama or McCain benefit from a country to watch the two men who would be the most powerful in the thrall of a costly war but preoccupied by an man in the world realize that. It was the politicians’ uncertain economy? Is the nation safer now than fault, said McCain, who is one of them. It was Wall it was in the second half of September 2001? Can Street’s fault, said Obama, who has benefited from the the economy withstand an expected holiday season Street’s largesse in its political philanthropy. slowdown, or reel further into job losses and flunking housing market? This cellphone image shows Boston firefighters Who’s the culprit for the phantom phone charge? Is working to save a life. (Photo by Ed Forry) it the lobbyists, whom both McCain and Obama love No idea. Somebody else is making those decisions. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page  Commentary Off the Bench Rough Waters In Northern Ireland And Now a Word Intense Bickering Slows New Government From the By Joe Leary cation and health and social development but have to Special to the BIR rely on London for policing and Justice.” Dempublican Party Orderly democratic government in Northern Ireland Brown was clearly supporting Sinn Fein’s view of still requires the careful monitoring and watchful eye of the situation. By James W. Dolan British and Irish senior leadership. And recent events Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin “Ladies and gentlemen I’m honored to accept your have proved that their attention is vital to preserving also travelled north to Belfast and met with Martin nomination as the party’s candidate for president of peaceful progress in the North. McGuinness of Sinn Fein, Jeffery Donaldson of the the United States. Since the confident, iconic Ian Paisley retired a few DUP, and SDLP leader Mark Durkan. Martin urged “I am also pleased to accept the vice presidential months ago, the new leadership of Northern Ireland’s political parties in the North to ensure a resolution to nomination on behalf of my son, ‘Tripper,’ who wanted largest political party, The Democratic Unionists avoid a possible crisis in the power-sharing Executive. to be here today but is finishing his last two weeks at (DUP), has refused any substantive compromise with He did not take sides in the dispute but said that Dublin summer camp. He looks forward to his election and opposing Nationalist politicians. stood ready to provide whatever help it could. assuming his new duties after he completes his last As a result, in protest, the lead- The Belfast Telegraph of September 15 published an year of high school. ing Nationalist party, Sinn Fein, article under the headline “Survey shows population “To those who have been critical of his candidacy, has responded by absenting itself backs devolution.” The article said, ”New Polling shows remember ‘nepotism begins at home.’ It’s simply an- from the Assembly Executive 58 percent (of the people of Northern Ireland) backed other example of our party’s commitment to family meetings, thereby bringing gov- handing down security powers from Westminster.” values. If we don’t take care of our relatives, how can ernment to a halt. All of this had little effect on the leaders of the DUP. we truly claim to value our families? As a result, the Northern On the one hand, their intransigence appears to be a “At the outset, I’d like to introduce my current wife, Ireland self-governing govern- sign of courage to their supporters; on the other hand, ‘Trixie.’ This is my fourth marriage and she’s the best ment set up by the famous “Good their stance is a red flag, warning that all is not well looking and youngest of the lot. Hell, I trade in my Friday” agreement is powerless in Northern Ireland Mercedes every three years and who says a wife isn’t A crucial meeting of the Assembly Executive was Joe Leary – there has been no meeting since as important as a car. last June. set for Sept. 18 at Stormont House. Sinn Fein lead- “Some criticize my lack of experience. They say Paisley’s replacement as the new leader of the DUP, ers warned that unless some progress was made on my service as an elected sewer commissioner in a Peter Robinson, must convince his membership’s more policing, they would not be there. This was countered small Midwestern community does not qualify me for radical elements that he is deserving of their respect and by another threat from the DUP saying that if Sinn national office. But they’ve never had to answer the support, which is nearly every new leader’s problem. Fein blocked another meeting they would deliberately hotline at night when a major backup threatens to He is doing this by going back to the uncooperative, trigger a political crisis. The use of the word “trigger” engulf the mall. Unless you’ve been there, you don’t aggressive relationship that the DUP has had with was interesting. Robinson also threatened there would know pressure. Sinn Fein in years past. be “serious consequences” if the meeting was not held. “I’ve made the hard decisions and at times manned Sinn Fein was given to understand that if it en- Well, the meeting was not held, and the recrimination the plunger that averted catastrophe. dorsed the new policing arrangements set up by the started immediately. “Talk about experience; after four wives and four “Good Friday” agreement, responsibility for security The powerful voice of Northern Ireland’s chief con- honeymoons abroad, I’m an expert in foreign relations and justice would become part of the Northern Ireland stable, Sir Hugh Orde, was one of the first to be heard: and am ready to be the leader of the free world. Assembly’s job. The word used is “devolved,” to indicate “The failure to provide political stability left a vacuum “My opponent talks about eliminating special in- a transfer of power from London to Belfast. All other which dissidents were trying to exploit with attacks terests. I say hell no! Sure we gotta set priorities but government functions except Foreign Affairs and Na- on police.” First Minister Robinson warned of politi- are we gonna favor ordinary interests? That makes tional defense had already been “devolved” under the cal gridlock after Deputy First Minister McGuinness, no sense. Special interests wouldn’t be ‘special’ if we “Good Friday agreement. speaking for the Sinn Fein, refused to lift the Sinn didn’t protect them. Robinson and other DUP politicians have resisted Fein veto on executive meetings. “If any interests have to go, I’ll make sure they’re the policing power transfer by demanding, among other McGuinness added that the DUP clearly was in the ordinary ones – the ones without lobbyists. things, that before they consider such a move, the default of the St. Andrews Agreement in not moving “If elected, I intend to reach across party lines to IRA’s Army Council be disbanded forever. The highly on issues such as policing and justice. He was quoted coerce my opponents to pass my legislative program. respected International Monitoring Commission, set by the Irish Times as saying, “The issue of the Execu- I’m as fed up as anyone with the petty bipartisan up to decide such disputes, responded by issuing a tive meeting has to be on the basis of partnership and bickering that has almost brought our government report clearly and decisively saying the IRA Army equality and there are people in the DUP who are to a standstill. Council was defunct, without power, and devoting opposed to partnership and equality and they are the “As a proud lifetime member of the NRA, I’m gonna itself to peaceful means. tail who are trying to wag the dog. The dog needs to see that all our legislators carry guns. A few threats with The DUP was furious, and Robinson refused to be taken control of.” the artillery to back it up should break the legislative bend. Robinson responded by saying that without a prop- logjam a lot faster than the ‘warm and fuzzies’. Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, made a erly functioning Executive, there can be no official “As for ‘earmarks,’ I’m in favor of them. How’re we special trip to Northern Ireland to visit with Robinson Assembly business. He canceled several scheduled gonna keep score of who’s doing what for who at the and other leaders and issued the following statement: North-South Ministerial Council meetings, a concept taxpayers’ expense without earmarks. Hell, if you’re “It is now time for all the political parties to work to- created by the Good Friday Agreement through the gonna make things happen for the folks at home; you gether to complete the final stages of the peace process efforts of the British and Irish governments to promote gotta get your nose in the trough. Competition – it’s – to complete the devolution of policing and justice.” understanding across the border. They have never the American way. The DUP was again furious, and unmoved. been popular with the hard-line unionists in the DUP “As always, I intend to be on all sides of every issue. Brown went even further in another statement: “So and Robinson probably canceled them with a certain Our party’s flexible platform discourages narrow adher- now, leaders here in Northern Ireland must reach amount of enthusiasm. ence to basic principles. Instead, we stand comfortably agreement between themselves and set the date for There is much more of this story ahead of us since the uncommitted. Some may call it ‘flip-flopping’ but we the transfer of policing and justice from London to a issue must be solved. If it is not, and government does consider it being open minded and responsive. Minister in and of Northern Ireland.” not begin to function again, all the great work to bring “Our opponents savagely attack us but I say what’s Brown asked how the Assembly could tackle com- Northern Ireland to peace will be jeopardized. That is wrong with putting lipstick on a pig. After all, the pig mon criminality, low level crime and youth disorder why the British and Irish governments -- and those looks better, likes the attention and it doesn’t do them “when you are responsible for only some of the levers Americans who remain interested in Northern Ireland any harm. That smear won’t work on us. We’re for for change and when you have responsibility for edu- -- must continue to watch these events carefully. improving the appearance of our animal friends. “You can count on us for change. We’ll provide more change than our opposition. We’re the party of big change. While throwing the insiders out, decreasing For the Island, an Economic Tale of Woes taxes, increasing spending, cutting programs and pro- From the Irish Emigrant another jump upwards in August with an additional tecting this great nation, I’ll order the National Mint GALWAY -- The latest exchequer returns, published 9,144 signing on. The total number unemployed now to double the production of nickels, dimes, quarters Sept. 2, show the economy to be in even more serious stands at 247,384, an increase of 73,178 over August and half dollars. trouble than had been acknowledged to date. Tax income of 2007. There was no shortage of doomsayers remind- “As for a new clean energy policy, I’m for steam. It in August was 20 percent lower than anticipated, lead- ing us that this was the biggest annual increase since worked in the 19th century and could work again. It ing to a 2.8-billion euro shortfall for the year to date. records began 41 years ago and that the number claim- only requires water and fire – two things we have in Reduced consumer spending resulted in VAT showing ing benefit was at its highest in more than ten years. abundance. To those who say ‘drill baby drill,’ I say the biggest deficit – it is currently 1.177-billion euro Few of them bothered to put the statistics in context by ‘percolate baby percolate’.” short of the Budget forecast. Slower property sales also reminding us that the number of people at work is “Thank you and remember to vote Dempub!” left stamp duty 480-million euro short of the desired more than two million, a figure that no one would have James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court figure and capital gains tax was down by 436 million believed possible ten years ago. judge who now practices law. Only income tax came close to achieving the target The standardized unemployment rate is now esti- announced in last December’s Budget but it, too, was mated at 6.1 percent. Once again those signing on for down by 150-million euro. The accelerating decline the first time in August were mostly males – 81 percent. Boston Irish in tax income is now expected to result in a full year The August increase was, however, not quite as big as shortfall of some 5-billion euro. Two months ago the the increases in June and July. revised Government prediction was 3 billion. IRA Army Council “serves no function” --There REPORTER The Cabinet met on Sept. 3 for the first time since had been much speculation as to the findings of the The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: the summer break and the exchequer returns were the International Monitoring Commission in relation to the Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., main topic of discussion. Afterwards, in a Government status of the IRA army council. The Irish and British 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 statement, it was announced that the Minister for Governments had requested a report on the matter in [email protected] www.bostonirish.com Finance will present his Budget for 2009 on October the hope of easing the alleged fears of the DUP, which Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) 14, some seven weeks earlier than usual. This, it was has made the standing down of the IRA controlling body Edward W. Forry, Publisher as a pre-requisite for devolving policing and justice to claimed, “will reflect the necessary prioritization of William P. Forry, Managing Editor expenditures in the light of expected tax revenues” Stormont. Peter Stevens, Arts & Features Editor and will aim to “give clarity and confidence to inves- The IMC’s report, when it was published on Sept. 3, Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Contributing Editor tors and taxpayers alike, and provide a sound basis for turned out to be somewhat more emphatic than had News Room: (617) 436-1222 Ads : (617) 436-1222 economic recovery.” been speculated in the media. It said that the IRA army Tax decisions announced on October 14 will take effect council no longer operates and serves no function. In Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] explaining this, a member of the IMC, Lord Alderdice, On The Web at www.bostonirish.com on January 1 in the same way that they would had they Date of Next Issue: November, 2008 been announced in December. The only exception will acknowledged that it hadn’t formally stood down. He Deadline for Next Issue: Friday, October 17, at 2 p.m. be adjustments to excise duties; these normally apply also acknowledged that its members were still alive, Published Monthly in the first week of each month. from midnight on the day that they are announced. that at least some of them were active in Sinn Féin and that no doubt they would bump into each other in bars The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertise- More bad news came on Sept. 3 when the Central ments beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is Statistics Office published the latest Live Register data. and other places from time to time. They did not, he reserved by The Boston Irish Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy This showed that the number of people out of work took insisted, convene as a body for any purpose. without notice. Page  October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

The Irish Cultural Centre of New England (ICCNE) hosted a festival of Irish music, dance, sports and culture at the centre’s 46 acre Can- ton campus on September 12-14. The three day event drew delighted crowds, despite some inclement weather on Friday night and Sunday morning. The BIR’s Harry Brett was on hand to capture some of the scenes there on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 13. Pictured are: 1.) Kathy Schnnick, Newton with Ozzy, Irish wolfhound; 2.) IBEW/103 bagpipers; 3.) Justin Comeau, Abington, Madison MacPherson, Randolph; 4.) Kathy & John Carlisle, Cambridge; 5.) Jeanne & Sean Grant, Ex. Dir., I.C.C; 6.) Dan & Jean Needham, Norwood, Jim Harrington, Linda 1. Grant, Norwood; 7.) Stephanie, Aiden, 5, and Bill 2. Brett, Braintree; 8.) Marie Feely, Weymouth, Diane Anderson, Stoughton, Scott Roach, Stoughton (rear), Kristin Feely, Stoughton, Anne Feely, Stoughton, Denise & Paul Doherty, Dorchester; 9.) Maryanne Riordan Ridge & Bob Ridge, Hanover, Mike Torney & Beth Foley, Raynham; 10.) Joe Griffin, Pembroke, Jeanne Gallagher, Rockland, Judy Griffin, Pembroke, Bob Gallagher, Rockland; 11.) Katie & Liam Pero, Hyde Park, with Murphy the dog.

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10. 11. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page  Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell selectmen, councilors, et al, would love What Do You Get if All Goes Well Lt. Governor Tim Murray Leads New Disclosures Fuel Omagh to operate without putting up with a -- Galway is a favorite sight for sore Irish Trade Mission -- You will read Inquiry -- The Omagh bombing —the messy and inquisitive citizenry asking eyes. It’s a great town from the Druid about the Oct. 5-11 trade mission out of worst atrocity of the Troubles — killed nagging questions and forgetting that Theatre Company to the Prominade, you Boston to major Irish cities in the Repub- 29 people, including a woman expecting elected officials know what they’re doing can’t beat it, but they have had a couple lic and the North in greater detail in the twins, ten years ago this last August. No- and we don’t. Democracy is sloppy and of rugged years back to back that have news pages of this newspaper. (See Page body has been brought to justice for this time consuming and the lesson here for not been exactly municipally rewarding. 3). The focus of the trade mission will be carnage but new disclosures about cell the well-paid city fathers and mothers Worst of all was the water crisis that on life sciences, information technology, phone sur- in the Hall is: Remember whom you left Galwegians for six months with no and travel and tourism. Working together v e i l l a n c e work for. tap water. None! Before that it was the to organize the mission to Derry, Belfast, by British Maynooth, Home Of The Clergy costly and much delayed Eire Square Dublin, and Galway are Lieutenant Gov- intelligence And The McMansions -- Maynooth reconstruction, and then there was the ernor Tim Murray, ICCUSA, Senate agents on in Co. Kildare has long been identified city’s South Park, which was closed to President Therese Murray, and lead- the day of as the place where young Catholic men the public because of soil contamination. ers from the related business sectors in the bombing go to become priests at the national Not a stellar litany of success stories from Massachusetts. has finally seminary. It’s a sleepy town where stu- City Hall, by any measure. These are important efforts by the Bay p r o m p t e d dents from St Patrick’s and the nearby However, that was then and this State’s business and political leaders and Prime Min- National University blend comfortably is now. Six city council officials have they take on a distinctly crucial meaning ister Gor- into the countryside. This year there will received over $100,000 in bonuses, or now when we see the chaos in the financial don Brown be eleven new priests graduating and roughly $16,000 in “performance awards” markets and the impact those upheav- to call for an hundreds more students attending the each, for meritorious service to the city. als can have on American businesses in official in- university. Not the halcyon days of yore A peeved mayor Patrick Conneely has Ireland and Irish firms located in Mas- quiry. Fami- for St. Patrick’s, but it has been worse. called for a review. And the mayor is sachusetts. A stark reminder of that is the lies of the These early fall days, even as the likely to be asking what size awards to grim news that two American firms with Bill O’Donnell Omagh vic- housing markets in urban Ireland pass out when the good times roll? strong manufacturing roots in Ireland tims have and elsewhere have taken a hit, there Derry Tour Buses Under Assault are downsizing plants and staff. been urging a public investigation for is a bustling development in Kildare, -- Dublin-based Liberty Tours, which Computer maker Dell has operations the past six years to no avail; it took a Temple Wood, on the grounds of the regularly brings tourists in coaches employing 3,000 in Limerick and, as I BBC-TV documentary on the bombing Earl of Kildare’s Carton House, an from the south into Derry to see the write this, the plant there is threatened to change some minds in Whitehall, and elegant manse with a storied history. town and likely spend a few bob there, with closure and massive loss of jobs in start things on the path to justice. The architects of the new homes going is seriously considering discontinuing a city that can ill afford any loss of em- The television report on the Panorama up on the Carton estate are tres pricey bringing visitors to the walled town ployment. In a related story, Hewlett program alleges that phone calls between (and inspired, the builders swear, by on the Foyle. While similar assaults in Packard, a major manufacturer that the bombers, widely believed to be dissi- Frank Lloyd Wright) but they include Belfast have occurred, they have been employs 4,000 in Ireland, has announced dent members of the so- called Real IRA, a Mark O’Meara-designed golf course sectarian in nature and less frequent; a 24,000 job slash worldwide. Some 3,000 were monitored and recorded on the day and lush homes that begin (yes, start) at the Derry incidents, involving smashed jobs are at stake in HP facilities in Leixlip, of the bombing by security forces, but $4.2 million. But keep in mind that the windows and attempts to set coaches on Co. Kildare. These are perilous times in that the taped conversations have never price includes membership in the golf fire, are attributed to mindless vandal- the Irish-US business nexus. been released by the RUC/PSNI. course, and the houses are heated with ism. No way for Derry to treat paying Heart On Sleeve For All To See -- As Relatives of the victims have been en- pumped under-floor systems. And not a customers, it says here. you read this, there is roughly a month couraged by the new revelations and the sub prime crisis in sight! Did You Know … that the tallest remaining before we go to the polls to welcome words from the former North- Did You Know… that during last building in Ireland is not in Dublin but elect a president to succeed George W. ern Ireland police ombudsman, Nuala year 23.2 million people used the Dublin rather in Cork City? The recently com- Bush. I have made it abundantly clear O’Loan, who said that with information Airport, and that in 1997 airport traffic pleted $215 million Elysian tower-block that Senator Barack Obama of Illinois on the bomb’s target in Omagh, British at Dublin was less than half that, at 10 complex next to Cork city hall is 17 stories is my choice for president. His judgment, forces could have easily intercepted the million? Predictions are that by 2020, 30 high (280 feet) and offers luxury apart- patience, civility, mind, and strength will attack before it happened. A damning in- million passengers a year could be us- ments ranging in price from $500,000 to help restore America’s vision and send a dictment of the security forces if true. ing the airport. Large scale renovations $3 million. The tallest buildings before clear signal to our friends (and enemies) The spokesman for the Omagh fami- and new terminals are currently under the Elysian were Dublin’s Liberty Hall across the world that the shameful, in- lies, Michael Gallagher, called the BBC construction at the Dublin facility with and Cork’s County Hall. The tallest pro- competent, dishonest Bush era is over report “earth-shattering” and questioned completion “scheduled” for April 2010. posed building is a 35-story mixed use and world leaders can look anew toward why the recordings were not made avail- Tales From The Boorish -- Let me upscale development on the site of the America with hope, inspiration, and a able earlier or used to indict the bombers. confess upfront that two of my least fa- old Jury’s Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, fresh beginning. The inquiry, the prime minister’s office vorite people are Donald Trump and which has failed thus far to receive plan- What follows is a brief and admit- said, has a three-month deadline to re- Fox’s Bill O’Reilly. They share several ning permission. tedly biased view of recent weeks in port its findings. Here’s a hope that the blackboard chalk-grating personality John Carroll A WBUR Addition this increasingly brutal and uncivil war findings will reach 10 Downing before traits: insufferable egos and an elemental -- Dan Kennedy’s Media Nation blog called the 2008 election: John McCain, its current occupant, the beleaguered insecurity that each tries to mask by his informs us that John Carroll, a veteran in my opinion, is singularly unqualified Mr. Brown, is forced out by his ravenous need to be alternately loved and to be commentator on WGBH TV’s Greater by mind, disposition and temperament Labour Party colleagues. on stage in a star role. I once thought Boston, has moved to WBUR radio (90.9 to sit in the Oval Office. His errors on Crunching The Crisis Numbers it might be envy that had hardened my FM) as a senior media analyst. He will the platform (Iraq and Iran sharing a -- If I have managed to keep all those distaste for the duo but I have long ago comment on electoral media during the border!!!) expose a man who is easily floating billions involved in the Lehman come to a standoff with middle class presidential race and after November confused and misspeaks and is prone Brothers’ bankruptcy filing straight, the anonymity. will dissect issues relating to advertis- to anger tantrums and edgy frustration bottom line seems to say that the esti- Anyway, Bobby Kennedy’s seventh ing, politics, and culture. Carroll is an played out in public. His forays with the mable Lehman colossus has accumulated child, daughter Kerry, 49, has written award-winning analyst and served as disgraced Keating Five taught him noth- debts (as stated in their court filing ) of a thoughtful and sometimes painful- a columnist for the Globe and Adweek ing; up until very recently his campaign $613 billion, the largest debt by far of any to-read book on what it means today magazine. He is currently an assistant command staff (those closest to him) com- Chapter 11 filing in US history. to be a Catholic. In it she interviewed professor of Mass Communication at prised career lobbyists. Charles Black, What could be done with that kind of well-known people, including cable Boston University, a consummate pro his lead campaign strategist and a former money? Let’s see. It would fund a totally television’s O’Reilly. He tells Kennedy in who is arguably the most knowledgeable lobbyist for Russia, continues to have a tax-free Massachusetts for 22 years; it her book, “Cardinal Law is a villain. I guy in Boston when it comes to reporting major ongoing interest in a prominent would pay for state government opera- got him removed from office in Boston.” on the inner workings of the media. No lobbying firm as he serves on McCain’s tions in California for 11 years; it would That’s a quote. schedule as yet for John at ‘BUR but inner brain trust. Shameful! underwrite the cost of government op- Now there were many who grew dis- it should be up soon. Good move, Paul McCain strongly supported President erations in Ireland for 8 years; it would enchanted or worse with the cardinal LaCamera. Bush in his call to put a large part of equal the total revenues for the 30 major and hastened his departure to a plush Mormons Baptizing Dead Catho- Social Security funds into the stock league baseball teams between now and Vatican refuge. They range from the lics -- I couldn’t make this up and neither market. One wonders if McCain (or 2020. That $613 billion represents ten Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe to could the Kerryman newspaper, which Georgie) has had any second thoughts times Bill Gates’s net worth ($57 bil- litigious lawyers and victims of clerical carried the story early last month, but as we watch 400-point dagger drops in lion), and 12 times Warren Buffett’s abuse to organizations devoted to church friends tell me it’s true and happening. the Dow Jones? McCain’s 20 years in the total worth ($51 billion). reform or jailing offending priests, but The Bishop of Kerry, Bill Murphy, is U.S. Senate have been characterized by Boston City Council Tightens The the absurd claim from the sad, attention- battling to protect parish records and a McCain mantra that found all regula- Screws -- This is another one of those seeking O’Reilly that he got Cardinal keep them out of the hands of Mormons tions of financial markets unacceptable. brouhahas that arise when otherwise Law “removed from office” is so risible who are baptizing departed Catholics. His sad, out-of-touch reiteration that the decent people feel dissed and have way and absurd that it almost defies a reply. Murphy and other bishops have con- “fundamentals of [America’s] economy too much time on their hands. I’m talking, What an out-of-control ego! tacted Ireland’s National Library about are strong.” is pathetic, and patently of course, about the under-appreciated, And just for the record, Billy Boo Boo, handing over church records to “all com- untrue as the words left his mouth. His forward-looking Boston City Council —at the king of faux facts despite a gaggle ers.” The bishops’ concern is that church reliance on former Senator Phil Gramm least some of its members --- who want to of researchers at his network’s beck and records are being used by members of the (likely earmarked as a McCain Secretary renegotiate the First Amendment while call, said recently that he would like a Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day of the Treasury) would be a total disas- ensuring that pesky citizens are kept at “younger Clint Eastwood” to play him on Saints to posthumously baptize dead ter. See Enron and UBS. This is a bad a fairly lengthy arm’s distance from the screen. As my late uncle Timmy, would Catholics in the Mormon faith as part man who tells the financially-challenged heady but public business of the council. say, “God Love Ya, Billy.” of a so- called “proxy baptism service.” A McCain what end is up. Gramm’s “whin- After all, as one councilor noted, the open Donald Trump, who makes John senior Catholic Church source said that ers” remark has hopefully removed the meeting law is “confusing and presents Kerry, with his longstanding romance there is now a fear among senior Irish ethically-challenged, money- grubbing challenges.” with the camera, seem like an agora- churchmen that having the records freely multi-millionaire Gramm from consid- The basis for going secret is an 80-page phobe, was on CNN’s Larry King Live available will “encourage Mormons to eration for a seat at the national table. report, generated by Council President in mid-September. He told King, “I’ve baptize dead Irish Catholics en masse.” Thank goodness. Maureen Feeney, that seeks an exemp- known John McCain for a long time and The Vatican earlier had warned bishops’ McCain has lied repeatedly about tion from the open meeting law that in I’m with him. And I’m with him based conferences about Mormons accessing Sen. Obama and despite Fact Check the future could mean little or no citizen on the fact that I have great knowledge diocesan and parish registers. criticisms and McClatchey Newspaper input. It also could prevent, as a vested of John McCain. It looks to me as if Mc- A spokesperson for the Mormon Church ad reviews flaying McCain-Sarah Palin right, attendance at council meetings, Cain is probably winning...you have to said that posthumous baptisms by proxy for untruths that are never corrected, or even the ability to know what’s in understand I’ve known him. ...” Did you have been common practice for the Mor- McCain tries to identify himself as an council meeting minutes. It all sounds get that? Mr. Trump knows McCain! You mons for more than a century, so that honorable man. Maybe, just maybe that like something out of a Kim Jong-Il got that? Say it again, Donald. they may be baptized “into the faith” and was the case in 2000 when I might have fantasy flick. they may then be united in the after life. voted for him, but surely not today. Not Truth be told, most municipal officials, Does anybody understand that? by a long shot. Page 10 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Immigration Q & A Notes from the Irish Immigration Center

An agency accredited by US Department of Justice Citizenship test 59 Temple Place, Suite 1010, Boston, MA 02111 has a new look Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Q. I have heard that soon the government will be using a Website:iicenter.org Email: [email protected] new test for citizenship applicants. When is this going to happen? A. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) If you are applying, We continue, with your well-merited tribute. The will begin to use its redesigned citizenship test this month, Get Your check the date of your support, to uphold a Charitable Irish Society on Oct. 1. Applicants who file for naturalization on or after Tickets – application (N-400) and fair, compassionate, and is the oldest Irish Soci- that date will take the new test. Those who file their your initial exam date equal environment for ety in the Americas and applications and are interviewed before that date will Solas 2008 to verify which test you immigrants and citizens quietly supports many take the old test. And those who file before that date but on Nov. 10 will be taking. Call John alike. Your encourage- Irish families through are interviewed after it (but before Oct. 1, 2009) will at 617-542-7524, Ext. 15, ment is a gift and a financial hardship every have the option of taking either test. Anyone who fails Our highly antici- for help. See related Q&A positive reminder to us year. the test on the first try will be retested using whichever pated social event, in this section. to continue to champion Bring Home the version was used initially. Solas 2008, is the DV Lottery Program for immigrant rights. If Prodigal in Dorches- As before, there are 100 possible questions, of must-go event of the Starts Now! -- The stars you missed us this year, ter – Do you know some- which the applicant will be asked ten. USCIS states season. See our article might align for you, you call 617-542-7654 or one who’s stumbling that the new test “will help strengthen assimila- on Solas 2008 on Page never know unless you visit iicenter.org to learn down the road towards tion efforts by emphasizing fundamental concepts 11 in this month’s pa- shoot for them! The dates more. substance abuse? Do you of American democracy, basic U.S. history, and the per for details. for the DV-2010 Lottery And The Silver Key want to help, but don’t rights and responsibilities of citizenship.” Some of have been announced Goes To…Neil Hurley! know how? Join our own the questions will allow for a broader range of pos- – they run from noon -- On Oct. 30, one of our Danielle Owen’s Com- sible correct answers than before. For example, if on Oct. 2, until noon, longest serving volun- munity Education and asked “What is one right or freedom under the First Blood pressure? Amendment?” the answer could be speech, religion, Sore teeth? -- Who on Dec. 1. We will soon teers will be awarded the Support Group from Oct. be opening special ap- annual Silver Key Award 2 to Nov. 13. Meetings assembly, press, or the right to petition the govern- likes going to the doc- ment. tor? No one! So we’re pointment slots to help by the Charitable Irish are held on Thursdays In general, however, the new test is not really all offering an alternative you apply. Call for more Society. A steadfast cap- from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at that different from the old one. USCIS has posted – a free health screening information. tain in the mission to help the Lower Mills Library both versions of the test plus much additional on Oct. 21 from 10:30am Reception Well Re- new immigrants become (27 Richmond Street, information about the naturalization process on to 12:30am! Come by ceived -- Last month we new citizens, Neil’s re- Dorchester). Light meals its web site at uscis.gov; follow the link headed “Learn about our Downtown office (59 opened our doors to you, lentless work, dedication, and refreshments will be US Citizenship.” IIC can help applicants in all phases of Temple Place, 10th floor) our donors and support- and easy-going nature served! Contact Danielle the naturalization process. For a confidential consultation to check your blood sugar, ers, for a night of explo- have made him a well at 617-542-7654, Ext. 14, about this or any other aspect of immigration law, visit dental hygiene, and blood ration and information; known and much liked for details. one of our legal clinics. pressure. There will be a we have come a long way figure in the Irish com- Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform, health care representa- thanks to your kindness! munity. We applaud this not to advise. Areas of law are rapidly changing. US tive on-site to answer Thanks to those who Citizenship and Immigration Services and US Depart- health-related questions. dropped by, and a wel- ment of State regularlyamend regulations and alter We also offer free mas- come those who weren’t Free Legal Clinics This Month processing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek sage therapy sessions. able to attend to come by With the approaching winds of autumn come the assistance of an IIC immigration specialist or an Walk-ins are welcome, in the future and meet pumpkins, cinnamon, and our regular schedule immigration attorney. but time fills up fast! the faces of the IIC! of legal clinics. We are back to our usual times Make an appointment IIC at the Irish Cul- this month, holding clinics in Allston-Brighton to secure a spot! Contact tural Festival -- We be- on Tues., Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. (The Kells Bar and Alyssa at 617-542-7654, gan the autumnal season Restaurant, 161 Brighton Ave, Allston, 02143) Ext. 10. with an Irish bang at the and in South Boston on Tues., Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. Redesigned USCIS ICONS Irish festival in (The Laboure Center, 247 West Broadway, South Citizenship Test – Ef- Canton. Thank you for Boston, 02127) to address your employment-based fective October 1, the meeting us, chatting with immigration concerns. As per our regular sched- U.S. Citizenship and us, and taking the time to ule, we will also hold free legal clinics at our office Immigration Services visit our tables. A special in Downtown Boston every Thursday from 4 to 7 (USCIS) will present a thank you to those who p.m. for assistance with family-based immigration, multi-year redesign of signed the Welcoming citizenship, or any other issue. the naturalization test. Massachusetts petition. Matters Of Substance What’s Affecting Your Sleep? By Danielle Owen while alcohol may let us (See NSF Sleep Diary Special to the BIR fall asleep quickly, it actu- & other sleeping tips on At our recent Health ally increases the number sleepfoundation.org. Screening in June (Next of times you awaken in the If the quality of your one is October 21st!), later half of the night. If sleep does not improve, some there indicated that your sleep isn’t restful, share this diary with they were having sleeping alcohol (beer, wine, hard your doctor. There can be problems. We thought it liquor) may be the cause. other physical causes of might be helpful this week Skip the nightcap or wine chronic insomnia. Change to explore how caffeine, at dinner and see the is always possible but we alcohol, anxieties, and results! If ,however, this sometimes might need smoking can affect our proves to be a harder chal- added support, especially sleep, what you can do lenge than you expected, if current worries, depres- about it and how the IIC give the IIC’s Community sion, or anxiety appear to can help! According to the Counseling Services a be causing our sleeping National Sleep Founda- call. problem. tion, sleeping problems So, to summarize, if The IIC can help with or “Insomnia… (can)…. you want a better night’s this too! If you would like have far-reaching effects: Danielle Owen sleep, try the following: to chat about any of your a negative impact on con- • Consume less or no concerns, call Danielle, in centration, productivity weeks, see if you are sleep- caffeine confidence and without and mood”. Fortunately, ing better? • Avoid nicotine. judgment, at the Irish Im- we can do something • For smokers, ciga- • Avoid alcohol. migration Center. Phone: about it, and, as the NSF rettes also have a stimu- • Keep a sleep di- 617-542-7654, Ext. 14 or suggests, our “first step lant effect, like caffeine. ary before and af- send an e-mail to dowen@ requires some detective When smokers go to sleep, ter you try these tips. iicenter.org. work.” It suggests that they experience nicotine by examining your diet, withdrawal. Research exercise patterns, sleep- suggests that nicotine is ing environment, personal linked to difficulty falling habits, lifestyle and cur- asleep and problems wak- rent concerns/anxieties, ing up. Smokers may also Breads ’n Bits of Ireland you could find out which experience more night- one or ones is affecting mares. Of course, anyone • Home Bakery • Irish Kitchen your sleep. who has given up smoking • Coffee contains caf- before will tell you, quit- Featuring... Scones, Irish Soda Bread, Brown Bread, feine, as do many teas, ting may cause more sleep chocolate and cola drinks. problems at first, but the Homemade Soup, Sandwiches Caffeine, a stimulant, long-term effect on sleep keeps us awake! For some, and health is much better. Telephone 781-662-5800 • Fax 781-662-0859 caffeine can impact us up So do yourself a favor and to 10-12 hours after drink- get help to quit! e-mail: [email protected] ing it! How does it affect • Alcohol, as we have you? If you cut out caffein- mentioned often in this ated food and drink, after column, is often thought 530 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176 • 781-662-5800 lunch say, for a couple of of as relaxant. However, Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 It’s All Black And White -- And Green By Thomas Keown By the 18th hole, both and we became well known with race relations in he Special to the BIR men had stopped scrib- Solas Awards to Honor and respected.” city, although still with When Mark Twain de- bling scores and were bur- Archie died suddenly in work to do, in a much better scribed it as “a good walk ied in business speak. That Remarkable Relationship 2002 but the relationship place than when Bill Cosby spoiled,” he could never day they struck up a part- with Tom Stemberg was showed up. The 2009 Solas have envisioned the en- nership that saw Roxbury tion of Diddy Cullinane’s bers voluntarily sitting on sustained by his daugh- Awards will bring down during impact that a 1999 Technology Corporation’s Black and White Boston. different sides of the room. ter. Stemberg’s commit- the curtain on an organiza- game of golf in Boston sales shoot up eightfold as Established in 1989 - But, as time passed, a rap- ment included sending tion that played a part in would have on the city, and it began to supply Staples, - the same year as IIC port developed to such a Ms. Williams, a graduate Boston becoming ready for on the lives of two ambi- and which made the Stem- -- Black and Boston aimed degree that Cullinane was of Brown University, to adult black-and white re- tious business men with berg-Williams relation- to do something that today afterwards asked to carry the Tuck School of Busi- lationships. “The city has very different stories. ship a tangible symbol seems strangely unneces- on this process of engage- ness at Dartmouth. She matured,” said Cullinane. Tom Stemberg is the of the powerful impact of sary; get black and white ment. Black and White still meets regularly with “It’s much more natural founder of office supplies “Black and White Boston” businesspeople talking in Boston was begat. Starting Staples executives and now. We didn’t change race giant Staples. If you work in a city then blighted by the same room. as a dinner, it evolved into has made RTC the second- in Boston, but we made a in a room with a water racial segregation in busi- “We didn’t start out with a luncheon before becom- fastest growing inner city chink in the armor.” cooler, or have ever bought ness. Under the leadership any grand design,” says ing a recognized nonprofit company in America. N.B. – Cathal Stephens a post-it in an emergency of the late Archie’s daugh- the self-effacing Cullinane, raising funds for events “The IIC does exactly of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott downtown, then you’ll ter Beth, RTC revenues who was busy at the time and broader program- what we did,” summarized will receive an apprecia- know his red boxes with today exceed $14 million organizing a fundraiser for ming. Once such event Cullinane. “They bring tion award at Solas 2009. white writing. The com- annually and the company Catholic Charities head- was the “Black and White people together. We were Look for full profiles of pany he gave birth to in is a socially responsible lined by Bill Cosby. “But it on Green” golf tournament in the city but they are Cahill, Tom Stemberg, 1986 became one of only economic gem in a neigh- was a time of racial unrest that brought Archie Wil- global. Sister Deevy is re- and Beth Williams in the seven in U.S. history to borhood that needs it. Beth and the fallout of busing liams and Tom Stemberg markable in the true sense November BIR. make sales of $3 billion has brought to pass the and I decided to have as together. of the word. The work she Solas tickets are avail- inside ten years. vision of her father. many black as white faces “The races just didn’t get does at IIC blows me away able now from IIC (617- Archie Williams was the On Nov. 10, The Irish on the committee. In the together socially before,” and it is so timely with im- 542-7654 or iicenter.org African-American entre- Immigration Center will end we had 44.” recalls Cullinane. “But migrants having to tread for $250. The gala is Nov. preneur behind a small ink present both Stemberg and The first committee since then we have done difficult waters today.” 10 at the Fairmont Copley toner cartridge distributor Williams with its Solas meeting was tense, with breakfast, lunch, and din- Black and White wound Plaza in Boston. in Roxbury. Award as the manifesta- the black and white mem- ner. The numbers grew down its operations in 2005 Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper Irish Pastoral Centre Notebook Boston Irish Alzheimer’s: All Looking for Answers REPORTER By Cora Flood people in Massachusetts sociation at 1-800-272- related to long distance A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Special to the BIR with Alzheimer’s disease 3900 and ask for a “care care giving and other com- Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. In the course of my and related disorders, so consultation,” which is a plicated situations. Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, work over the last few I set about trying to see confidential individual- Feel free to be in touch or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? years running the Senior what kind of practical help ized service. It is for indi- with us at the Irish Pas- Program at the Irish Pas- there is for people who viduals and families who toral Centre if you have Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter toral Centre and in my are just new to the situa- are facing many decisions more questions or are ner- 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 and challenges associated vous calling a helpline. We part time work in home tion or perhaps “suspect” This year, something is going on with with Alzheimer’s disease can take it step by step. We accept phone orders health care, I have had give a Gift the privilege to meet and a loved one as was the case and other forms of demen- Cara Club -- Afternoon with your Visa or Mastercard. that comes spend significant time with two callers to the IPC tia. Each care consultant Teatime weekly at the Call 617-436-1222 in the mail with many Irish families this past month. has expertise in the field Veronica Smith Center, Or Fax this order form to 617-825-5516 caring for and learning to I unearthed a wealth of dementia and is avail- 20 Chestnut Hill Ave, each month! live with loved ones who of information by calling able to provide in depth, Brighton. Mondays from have been diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s Associa- person-to- person as- 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m; Quincy Order today, and we will send a gift card in your name. Alzheimer’s Disease. Not tion. Their staff was very sessment, education and Coffee Mornings at Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. an easy realization to have informative, pleasant, and support. Irish Pastoral Centre, 953 Name______Address______to come to terms with, the prompt to call me back The goal is for each Hancock Street, Quincy. sadness of knowing that a when I needed further family to develop a bet- Wednesdays from 9:30 City______State______Zip______honey, a sister, your dad, information. We are in ter understanding of the p.m to 11:30 p.m.; Mass ____Gift from______or a partner, won’t be the the process of arranging disease, make a plan to and Social outing to same again. The associ- two educational sessions secure needed care and Irish Cultural Centre, Charge to Visa______ated stages of grief and for our Irish community develop strategies for the Canton, Thurs., Oct. 23. coming to terms with all members who have an best possible symptom All are welcome to attend. Mastercard______interest in learning more management and com- Call Cora at 617-479- the changes in lifestyle, Card # ______perhaps in dreams of how about the disease and munication. The Care 7404, Ext. 13, for more retirement was going to be, about the help that is Consultation program details. Exp______can take a toll on even the available to people living also assists with issues most organized, patient, in the Greater Boston caring person around. One Area. can get tired trying to keep In the meantime I sug- it all together. gest that anyone with I learned that there a question or a concern are more than 140,000 call the Alzheimer’s As- G eraghty Irish ssociates Cultural A Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments Available Centre in the desirable Cedar Grove section of Dorchester. WEDDINGS • CORPORATE EVENTS • PRIVATE PARTIES Studios reasonably priced at $750.00; FULL LIQUOR LICENSE • ACCOMMODATES UP TO 250 1-bedroom units at $925.00;

SPACIOUS TENT OVER PATIO FOR OUTDOOR PARTIES heat and hot water included. Short walk to the Red Line. Free off-street Parking. AS WELL AS BEAUTIFUL YEAR-ROUND FACILITIES Washing Machines and Dryers in building. UNIQUE COUNTRY SETTING Call Michael at 617.364.4000 For personal service, call toll free 1-888-464-7474 Geraghty Associates, Inc. Now accepting reservations 200 New Boston Drive, Canton Property managers P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 Page 12 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Reflections About God’s Silent But Continuing Answer By Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell faith. Are your days as the days of mortals? this pain into His being: “as long as you Sometimes it seems that heaven Despite the fact that the finest minds (10, 2-5) did it to these the least of mine, you did has soundproof walls. throughout the centuries have turned Again and again, he expresses his it to me …” (Mt. 25) For example, pain on their attention to this problem, there is pain vis-à-vis God’s dealing with man. St. Augustine advises us to hear the any level – physical, not a definitive explanation. What fol- He speaks of Him as the Almighty “who voice of Christ when praying the Psalms. psychic, or spiritual lows, then, may be seen as the thoughts has made bitter my soul” (27, 3). And he And there are some lines and verses – hurts. When one of a fellow struggler which I hope may strongly proclaims his innocence. which I have found helpful. In Psalm feels battered about, be helpful to others. It is only toward the end of the Book 88, we read: it is almost instinctive The problem of God’s goodness and when God speaks but never seems to As for me, Lord, I call to you for that we shout to God human suffering is not new. Its roots can address Job’s complaints. He reveals help; for help. But so often be traced to the Book of Job in the Old His Personhood or Being but does not in the morning my prayer comes the answer we receive Testament. And in that work we can find seem (and I emphasize seem) to zero in before you. Msgr. Thomas is silence. Job – an innocent sufferer – expressing on Job’s objections. Lord why do you reject me? J. McDonnell Modern atheists many of our own feelings. Such is puzzling. Moreover, it con- Why do you hide your face? have looked at suffer- He believed that God in His heaven is tradicts the idea that God, as Isaiah In these lines, we see that Christ can ing in our world and have constructed too far removed from human pain and notes, holds each one of us in His hand. identify with our hurt and confusion. their “proofs” that there is no God. And suffering. He thus cannot relate to our Thus God’s “response” demands further And as we reflect upon these verses, although we may not come to such a experience: reflection. we realize that it is all right to be hurt radical conclusion, the problem of pain I will speak for the bitterness of my I would begin by noting that God’s and to complain to God. While maybe and suffering can affect our spiritual soul … speech reveals Himself as a Person. not answering my questions, this truth strivings. I will say to God … This needs to be emphasized. Somehow, somehow makes it easier to bear. Unfortunately for some, it can lead Have you eyes of flesh? albeit mysteriously, God’s response – His If Augustine is correct, there are other to bitterness and alienation from the Do you see as man sees? apology, as it were – somehow revolves feelings with which we can identify: around His Personhood. And I will go I conclude, my sorrow is this, further. It is in His Person-made-flesh The right hand of the Most High has that we begin to find strength, support left us (Ps. 77 , 4) and, under grace, acceptance of the But there are also Psalms of trust problem of innocent suffering. and confidence. And sadness and sorrow As our faith teaches, Jesus was and is must never have the last word. God’s the Innocent One. In His flesh, moreover, love toward us is faithful and everlast- He experienced pain and weakness. As ing. We can, even in our confusion, place we concentrate on the figure of Christ on our trust in Him. the Cross, we realize that on one level The Lord is my light and salvation Job’s complaint has been answered. Our Whom do I fear? God is not divorced or separated from our Basically, God responded in a mysteri- suffering and pain. Indeed, He sees with ous way to Job, a response found in the Head Down to Phillips human eyes and mysteriously absorbs mystery of the Cross. for a Wicked Good Time! Thursday Night South Shore’s Best Trivia Night Sunday Brunch Chocolate Gifts to Share Have fun and win prizes Every Sunday, 10:30 - 2:30 Check out our exciting Friday & Saturday Night New & Expanded Menu! 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5" x 7.5" Irish Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Reflections: When Cancer is a Constant Companion

By Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell (Here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me!) Oh, that I had the indictment written by my adver- I: The Genesis of sary! Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; These Reflections I would bind it on me as a crown; First in a series I would give him an account of all my steps; like a prince I would approach him.” There are four reasons that have led me to write these (Job 31:35-37) reflections. On August 15, 2007, a CAT scan revealed As one reads the Book of Job and its conclusions, one a “small” spot on my good lung. (I had a lobe removed is surprised that God never directly answers Job. Rather on my right lung eleven years earlier.) Eventually, He reveals His Person. And by concentrating upon the this tumor proved to be inoperable. Person of God made Incarnate in Jesus Christ, I believe In the course of my treatments (radiation and chemo), that we can gain insight into our own questions. a priest classmate visited me a number of times. On First of all, since the coming of Christ, we can never one occasion he remarked how “well” I was handling accuse God of not seeing and feeling as we do. One of the reality of having a stage IV inoperable tumor. He the great insights of the Letter to the Hebrews is that suggested that I might be able to share the insights I “we have not a high priest who is unable to sympa- have gained (along with the insights of others), with thize with our weaknesses” (Heb 4:15). Quite simply, the idea of offering some support to others who are a He understands our hurt and feelings. And we should struggling with the same disease. be willing to talk about our questions and confusions Later, while watching TV, I saw a news clip report- – indeed, everything – with Him in prayer. And all ing on what was called the “unfinished” area of cancer this would include even addressing our feelings of treatment – anxiety, fear, and the like. Theirs was a anger to Him. highly psychological approach. On the other hand, I Initially, because of our training, we may hesitate feel that many of these concerns spill over into our to bring such feelings to the Lord. But the people of spiritual strivings, and these should be addressed in the Old Testament never hesitated to express their this context. raw feelings to God. Because of the Covenant, they That most gentle of spiritual writers, St. Francis believed that He was compelled to listen to them. de Sales, notes in one of his works that perfection is And Psalm 137 is an example of what we might call never finished. While we are alive, each moment is an a prayer of anger. The people are in exile in Babylon. invitation to grow into intimacy with the Lord. In this They are taunted by their captors to sing joyful sings wider context, I believe that illness is a grace from God about Jerusalem. Such sarcasm stirred up deep feelings – a grace whose meaning we must personally decode within them – so much so that the psalm (a prayer) for ourselves. On a purely natural level, the psycholo- ends with these words: gist Viktor Frankl (“The Doctor of the Soul”) has some O daughter of Babylon, you devastator! words that are germane to our reflection, and which Happy shall he be who repays you we should baptize. with what you have done to us! But even a man who feels himself in the greatest Happy shall he be who takes your little ones and distress, in which neither activity nor creativity can dashes them against the rock! (Ps 137:8-9) bring values to life, nor experience give meaning to it Such words are a reminder, once again, that unless – even such a man can still give his life a meaning by we open even the most shadowy part of our being to the way he faces his fate, his distress. God, we shall never be healed. By taking his unavoidable suffering upon himself, By Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell Note how Christ as the Servant identified Himself he may yet realize values. with us: ”Surely he has borne our griefs and carried Thus life as a meaning to the last breath. For the Biafra to Darfur. In a true paradox, if one lingers long our sorrows” (Is 53:4). This is mysteriously but mysti- possibility of realizing values by the very attitude enough over them, one can almost smell the stench of cally true. Thus, the Lord has felt what we are going with which we face our unchangeable suffering – the dying flesh. through. Again, He invites us to share our feelings with possibility exists to the very last moment … The right On the other hand, one of the images that is impressed Him. He will not turn away. kind of suffering – facing your fate without flinching upon us, consciously or unconsciously, because of its It is sometimes forgotten that prayer is a dialogue. … is the highest achievement that has been granted ubiquitous presence, is of the statue of Justice outside Sometimes, in our need, we almost seem to be ad- human beings. the Supreme Court (which is often reproduced else- dressing God with such urgency that we do not make Such remarkable words were written by a man where). Lady Justice stands blindfolded, balancing the room for Him to respond. Moreover, as Pope Paul VI who was intimately acquainted with suffering – a scales. In this context, we are led to view justice on a reminded us at International Eucharistic Congress in Holocaust survivor. horizontal level: I have been good. I have lived as a true Philadelphia, in 1976, ours is a personal religion in I would add that it might help if we make our search Christian. How can this cancer happen to me?” Thus, which Christ speaks on a personal level to us in the a prayer. Again, in this we are following St. Francis de when it is revealed that we have this disease, and we deepest part of our deepest selves. For this, an inner Sales, who encourages us to make “illness a prayer.” realize how it may affect our lives, we ask ourselves: stillness or peace is needed. And as always, we should Two diverse pieces of literature led me to a further “Why me? How can a just God do this to me?” It is an pray for this grace. reflection. The first was a short story by Tolstoy, “The age-old question – think of Job, for example – and one While there may be variations in Christ’s whispers Death of Ivan Illych.” It is an attempt to show us how to which we can offer no definitive answer. of support, care, and concern, I believe that His words dealing with death in the abstract radically differs But perhaps we should not always be seeking an- will reflect His thoughts uttered long ago: from actually experiencing it – its inevitability and swers. At any rate, I believe that there are times when “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and closeness. Its proximity unleashes many feelings and one should follow the advice of St. Bonaventure. In his I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn emotions. Journey of the Soul of God, he notes that one should from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you In a similar way, when we are faced with cancer, it not always be seeking Christ the Teacher, looking for will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and is no longer an abstraction that we calmly discuss. It is answer. Rather, there are times when one should turn my burden is light.” (Mt 11:28-30) a visceral reality that must be addressed. On the road one’s attention, in love, to Christ the Bridegroom of the In our urbanized world, so far removed from the to Emmaus, Jesus asks His disciples what is on their soul, knowing and uniting oneself to Him who has gone scenes of the Holy Land two thousand years ago, we minds – in a way, trying to have them disclose their in such dark places before us. This may prove difficult must reflect upon the simple meaning of the phrase “my deepest feelings. In one sense, cancer is the Lord’s way – yet rewarding. yoke.” It is best understood in terms of how two oxen of asking us to dialogue with Him about our hurts and On the other hand, we are a questioning people. We are “yoked” together, as they carry their burdens or frustrations. We move beyond formality, opening our- have been conditioned by our technological society to weights. The sharing, although difficult, makes it easier selves to share our puzzling disappointments with him. seek answers. And from the questioning Job, we glance to bear. In the same way, Christ has attached Himself (Only as we place before Him the areas of our psychic at the directions our “answers” may take. to us at Baptism (“I will be with you all days”) – and pain do we have the opportunity to be healed.) The confused and suffering Job questions God: “Do by our turning to Him, He will give us the strength to On another level, I believe that our illness is an in- you see as men see?” To his mind, God seems far removed carry the burden of cancer, a burden which He shares vitation to embrace the Cross – to, as St. Paul writes, from his suffering. And he must wonder whether God with us. make up in our own bodies the sufferings lacking in truly cares for the struggles of one individual. I have found in the words of St. Thérése of Lisieux the sufferings of Christ, for the sake of His Body, the No matter how far advanced we may seem to be in some consoling thoughts on this point: Church (Col 1:24). the spiritual life, similar questions spontaneously arise “Jesus gives me at every moment what I am able to Finally, in Paradise Lost, Milton writes: “Evil be in our own “earthly” life. We wonder whether God re- bear and nothing more. If in the next moments, he in- thou my good.” With due adaptation, I pray that for ally understands what our illness might mean to us creases my suffering, he also increases my strength.” myself and others, cancer (as well as other illnesses) and our family. At the very least, our dreams of the While we will never definitively answer the question may “be thou my good.” future are put on hold. But there is more: “How will “Why me”? in this life, I would add two further thoughts Hidden in Sacred Scripture is another interpretation my wife [husband] cope with my loss?” What financial that may help us live with the question. The first is of the meaning of God’s greatness. Through a complex burdens will my sickness bring? What will it mean for from the same Thérése, the Little flower. She was no linguistic development the word “glory” came to mean my children?” In other vocations, analogous questions stranger to suffering. And from her own suffering, she divinity itself – with all that concept entails. Ezekiel arise. Because we have time, and because our sickness gained this insight: saw God’s glory removed from the Temple. But he often leads to a self-absorption, these questions seem to It is suffering which makes us resemble Jesus. He prophesied its return. The Gospel of John notes that, be inevitable. As his sufferings continue, Job becomes wants to give us such a beautiful recompense, and his at the miracle of Cana, when Jesus changed water into angry at God. Toward the end of his speeches, he cries ambitions for us are very great. This is the only means wine, His disciples first glimpsed His “glory.” out: As his sufferings continue, Job becomes angry at of preparing us to know him as he knows himself and In a beautiful way, John is telling us about the God. Toward the end of his speeches, he cries out: to become Gods ourselves. What a destiny! greatness of our God. He is seized by our concerns, no “Oh, that I had one to hear me! The poet T.S. Eliot once asked this question: matter how small or seemingly insignificant compared “Has the Church failed us, or have we failed the to the rest of the miracles in the New Testament, the Church?” fact that the family ran out of wine pales into insig- The Scripture citations used in this work are I mention this because in our busy lives, we often fail nificance. Yet this is the precise point: our God is One taken from the Second Catholic Edition of the to appreciate our vocation to the Church. Moreover, who cares about every aspect of our lives. Because God we might wonder what we can do when our strength Revised Standard Version of the Bible (RSV), is sapped, our energy level is low, and we feel hemmed is attentive to our needs, we must be attentive to the Copyright © 1965, 1966, and 2006 by the Di- needs of others, especially the poor. Such is an essential in by four walls. Yet God has given us a gift – time. characteristic of bringing Christ (who remains with vision of Christian Education of the National And we can use this time in an ecclesial manner. us) to birth in our world. Council of the Churches of Christ in the United When Pope Paul VI introduced the renewed Rite of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, he observed that we are, States of America. Used by permission. All rights through Baptism, involved in a bond of “supernatural reserved. solidarity.” Concretely, this means, as he pointed out, II: Why Me Copyright © 2008 by Thomas J. McDonnell that our growth in holiness or intimacy with Christ can Images have an explosive force. And oftentimes they Simon of Cyrene Society, Inc. strengthen the weaker members of the Body of Christ. are buried in our unconscious. Some of the images in P.O. Box 54, South Boston, MA 02127 In this way, our pains, prayers, and frustrations are my mind would remind one of Dante’s images of the Printed in the United States of America not useless. They can be placed in the context of the Inferno: for example, the scenes of starvation, from salvation of others. Page 14 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Reporter Travel & More Chatting Up Sean Keane and Cara Dillon A Fetching Blend of Contrasts, Similarities Last month’s ICONS Festival at the ranks also included Sharon Shannon — such as the intelligent folk-rock styl- part in the annual “Christmas Celtic Irish Cultural Centre of New England and Frances Black, Keane in 1993 ings of the band Equation, where she Sojourn” show produced by WGBH in Canton included two of Ireland’s began a hugely successful solo career met her husband-to-be Sam Lakeman. radio host Brian O’Donovan. leading singers, Sean Keane and Cara that saw him branch out into other Since then, she has released three The Boston Irish Reporter’s Sean Dillon, who together represent a beguil- kinds of music, including country, blues well-received solo albums, which have Smith caught up with Keane and ing blend of contrasts and similarities. and pop. included original songs by her and Dillon during the ICONS Festival: Galway native Keane scarcely needs an Dillon, born in 1975 in County Lakeman, and earlier this year, her Keane as he relaxed in the Compass introduction to American audiences. Derry, is a more recent phenomenon first DVD, “The Redcastle Sessions.” Stage “green room,” greeting mem- Born in 1961 to a family with solid in Irish music circles. Like Keane, While their paths have occasion- bers of Lunasa arriving for their roots in the Irish music tradition, Keane she grew up steeped in traditional ally crossed on the concert and set; Dillon as she checked on her had won an impressive 13 All-Ireland music and was an All-Ireland win- festival trail, Keane and Dillon have 20-month-old twin sons Colm and medals in Fleadh Ceoil singing com- ner herself, at age 14. And like never worked together. But come Noah — both wearing identical petitions by the time he was in teens. Keane, she went on to explore other, December that will change, as both red T-shirts, one emblazoned with A founding member of Arcady, whose more contemporary musical genres will be heading to Boston to take “Thing 1,” the other with “Thing 2.”

SEAN KEANE CARA DILLON

Q. Sean, the other night before you Q. You know, the first question I was sang “There Were Roses,” you described going to ask you was, “How are the twins it as a song about “a different Ireland,” doing?” I didn’t actually expect you’d have one that is gradually receding into his- them with you. tory. It just struck me as interesting Dillon: This is the first time we’ve because, at a certain point during The ever taken them on tour with us. Troubles, you had people who felt the It’s pretty good for them – they’re at “rebel” songs that glorified fighting an age where we thought we’d like to weren’t what they wanted to express have them get a little taste for what about Ireland – and so “There Were we’ve experienced. And they love mu- Roses” offered this new paradigm. How sic: The other night we were having a do you deal with a song whose meaning sound check, and Colm went straight and context has changed, and in such a up to the mic and started singing relatively short period of time? “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” I think Keane: It’s something I’ve thought he’s going to be a rock star. about very deeply. The first time I Q. In what ways do you find being did “There Were Roses” was in South a mother has influenced your career, Armagh, and afterwards a lady comes whether it’s the songs you sing or just up to me and says, “You’re after singing how you approach the whole business about my nephew” – he was one of the Sean Keane: “I’m more of a humani- of being a musician? Cara Dillon: “Back to my roots, big lads in the song who was killed. She tarian.’ Dillon: Well, I think up until I had time.” would write to me quite frequently, and the boys I was kind of selfish, you know, I got to know more about them and the like “There Were Roses” I need to be going on tour for myself. And I think with Having the boys kind of made me go story behind the song. That experience singing, not the rebel songs. Certainly, the songs we wrote, we were influenced back to my roots, big time. really brought the whole situation to life I’m glad to see things are put right, by being with a record company. But we Q. Talk a little about your roots: You for me, and what it must be like to rear a and that things should be put right, have a new album coming out in Janu- came from a musical family, and you family in a setting like that. I think it’s a although there are still those blooming ary, and the process of putting it together participated in the singing competitions comfort zone for people from my neck of ridiculous barriers between the various has been very relaxed, very laid-back. as a young girl, right? the woods or further south to do the rebel communities. Unfortunately, it’s easier The boys were really the cause of that Dillon: Well, my sister Mary – who’s songs and the like, because they didn’t to put those barriers up then it is to take – with them, you realize what’s impor- 10 years older than me – was in the group have to wake up each morning with an them down. So, to me, “Roses” definitely tant in life, you put things in perspective, Deanta, and she was a big influence on army outside their door, or have someone still has its relevance. and you realize how much music is there me. She would be off doing gigs with pulling them out of bed in the night. Q. Your repertoire covers such a wide to be enjoyed. We had an 18-month break the band and I was at an age when I From that point of view, I always con- territory, from traditional to contempo- after they were born, and so now work- was just taking that all in, and sidered myself more of a humanitarian, rary. Do you have a particular philoso- ing is all fresh and exciting to us again, sometimes I’d sit and watch while although as a good Irishman, I suppose, phy in how you approach your singing, and that’s even extended to the kind they were having rehearsals. So I I would like to see Ireland as Ireland. and your choice of songs? of music we’re doing. In fact, the new was absorbing everything that was But nevertheless, when people see the album is about 98 percent traditional. things they see in a war – yeah, it’s songs (Continued on page 18) (Continued on page 18) “According to Tip” is Back; Opens Oct. 9 at Stuart Street Playhouse The critically acclaimed “According winning actor Ken Howard in the role filled with humor, music, and beguiling matinees on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and to Tip,” written by Boston political of Tip, and directed by Rick Lombardo, Irish wit, audiences go back in time Sundays at 3 p.m. commentator Dick Flavin, makes “According to Tip” follows the histori- with Tip from his life growing up in Tickets, priced at $49.50 for all its return to the stage for a limited cally unforgettable career of Thomas P. Cambridge where he entered local poli- performances, are available at the engagement at the Stuart Street Play- “Tip” O’Neill, who served as Speaker tics, to the Massachusetts State House, Stuart Street Playhouse Box Office, house in Boston beginning Thurs., of the U.S. House of Representatives and, eventually, to Washington. at telecharge.com, and by calling Oct. 9. for seven of President Reagan’s eight Performances are Tuesday through Telecharge.com at (800) 447-7400. Starring Tony and Emmy Award years in office. In this touching play Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with

BostoN DeBUt An evening CELTIC TAP with An Evening with Ronan Tynan James Devine As one of the Irish Tenors, his first solo album debuted at #2 on the charts. He A thrilling mix of tap, step dance and sang for Ronald Regan’s funeral, for Celtic rhythms with live musicians George H.W. Bush’s 80th Birthday, “God on fiddle and percussion. Bless America” at dozens of Yankee Stadium 7th inning stretches.

Within a year of both legs being fri., oct. 17, 7:30pm amputated below the knee after an auto sat., oct. 18, 8pm accident, he won 18 Gold Medals and 14 sun., oct. 19, 3pm world records in the Paralympics. Then he became a doctor specializing in Sunday, orthopedic sports injuries and within a InstItute of Contemporary art year of starting voice lessons at age 33 Nov. 16 100 NortherN Ave., BostoN had won three major voice competitions. for tickets AND iNformAtioN cAll 7:00pm World Music 617.876.4275 2 Southbridge Street, Presented by Buy online: www.WorldMusic.org Worcester, MA Loretta tickets Are Also AvAilABle At the institute of contemporary Art box office 1-877-571-SHOW LaRoche PreseNteD By World Music N8K:? C@JK

 Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15

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BOSTON IRISH REPORTER ¼ PAGE SEPT 08psd.indd 1 22/09/2008 19:16:17 Page 16 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

GOINGS-ON IN BOSTON

From Bill Brett’s “Boston: A Year in the Life”

May 5, 2008: Glass might have separated Morgan Hurley, top left, from Kimani, one of the lowland gorillas at the Franklin Park Zoo, but these two didn’t seem to have any trouble sizing one another up. When Kimani wandered off to check out some other visitor, Morgan did her best to get the young gorilla’s attention.

Feb. 4, 2008: Supporters thronged the Seaport World Trade Center, top right, as some of the biggest names in the Bay State’s Demo- cratic Party delegation turned out to support presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Among those giving the Illinois senator their backing were senator Edward M. Kennedy and his wife Victoria; Caroline Kennedy; governor De- val Patrick and his wife, Diane; senator John Kerry and his wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry; and Lisa Wong, mayor of Fitchburg.

Feb 15, 2008: Skifter Kellici, middle right, peered out from the Jos. A. Banks Clothiers on State Street in the heart of Boston’s financial district.

April 18, 2008: Bottom right, for more than fifty years Sullivan’s restaurant and hot dog stand at the end of Day Boulevard at Castle Island in South Boston has opened each March through November. But you know the weather has finally warmed when the lines start to stretch out to the parking lot.

The photographs and cap- tions on these pages and on Page One are taken from “Boston: A Year in the Life,” copyright 2008 by Bill Brett. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17

May 24, 2007: Eighty-two men and women were welcomed into the ranks of the Boston Police Department, above, at a midday ceremony held at the Jubilee Christian Church on Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan. The gradu- ation, presided over by super- intendent Robert Harrington, was Boston police commissioner Edward F. Davis’s first swearing- in ceremony and the last official ceremony for superintendent-in- chief Al Goslin, who retired after forty years of service.

July 11, 2007: They are the self- proclaimed Liars Club and they meet on Wednesdays at the Long Island Firehouse, middle left. There’s only one thing needed for admission to the club: you must be retired from the Boston Fire Department. It was estimated that the former jakes gathered on this day represented more than five hundred combined years of service to the department. On that point, they swore they weren’t lying.

August 17, 2007: Eight of the famed O’Neil sisters, ten young women from Jamaica Plain, who graced the covers of magazines around the world in the late 1940s and early 1950s, and who marched in the New York’s Eas- ter Parade and appeared on the “Ed Sullivan Show,” gathered once again. The siblings returned to their old neighborhood for a birthday celebration at Doyle’s Café to mark sister Jane Deery’s seventy-fifth birthday. Pictured clockwise from left are Maureen Cloonan, Julie O’Neil, Diane Nes- sar, Danielle McGreal, Evelyn Kiley, Fran Cummings, Ginny O’Neil, and Deery. Behind them is a watercolor of the sisters as young girls with their two broth- ers Lawrence, the oldest, and Danny, the baby of the family. Page 18 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Chatting Up Sean Keane and Cara Dillon Continued from page 14) y o u ’ d g o Continued from page 14) ect was the Keane: If I’m doing a traditional song t o s o m e - going on in her life, and getting a DVD “The or a sean-nos song, that’s the way I do it. one’s house. sense of what it was like to play Redcastle I don’t want to ham it up or change the A n d I ’ m music full-time. Sessions.” melody or try to make it hip or new – I not an old Also, in Dungiven, where I’m from, H o w d i d don’t like to do that, because I think the m a n b y music is such a big part of life. Even that come song was the song as it was originally any means my nieces and nephews, who are going about, and sung, and it has a certain essence about – this was through primary school now, they’re what kind of it, a soul that needs to be cherished, not all that playing the fiddle or whistle, or dancing experience and needs to be delivered that way. You long ago. and singing. The tradition is very strong was it for have to get into the spirit, and tell the So now there, and I’d say that where I’m from has you? story, because that’s the most impor- it’s cool to been the biggest influence for me. D i l l o n : tant thing about the traditional song. d o I r i s h Q. So, at a certain point, you went Well, we’d But if I’m doing a song by Guy Clark music, and from singing traditional material to b e e n a p - or John Prine, or “Blackbird” by The every child exploring other kinds of songs. Who p r o a c h e d Beatles, then I’ll get into what those songs is playing were some of the major influences for before by different companies who said are about, even if they’re not traditional, an instru- you? What singers or songwriters made “We’d like to make a DVD of you,” and and why not? I feel if God gave me a voice, m e n t o r an impression on you? I’d always think that it was a bit of a who am I to say I should only sing this singing or Dillon: When I was growing up, I lis- cop-out, really: They just come to your or that kind of song, when I love all is doing the dancing, and that’s great tened to singers like Dolores Keane and concert, they film it, and then they sell kinds of music? that they have an appreciation. But Mary Black, and “A Woman’s Heart” [an it. So, our feeling was, if we’re going Q. Do you see yourself as perhaps giving these young kids, they can go at it album which included singers like Ke- to do a DVD, it should be something a “traditional voice” to non-traditional from a technical point of view, andtake ane, Black, Maura O’Connell and Eleanor where the audience gets something songs? Keane: No, I don’t really do it that the music to a whole new level, but McEvoy] had come out, which had a different. So we decided we would pick way at all. What I do is, I take in the song as long as they have with them the major impact on Irish music, and Irish a location and bring lots of fantastic – it has to hit me, I have to really want spirit of the older people, the genera- females. But in my teenage years, I b musicians there. We chose Done- to sing it. And then I’ll do what I tions before them. You need to have an came fascinated by Paul Brady, and the gal, which is a very important place can to make it work, like with a understanding of the heart and the stuff he did in the 1970s – his phrasing, for me, and a friend of ours had a Johnny Clegg song I sing [“The Cross- soul of the music, not just know how his ability to tell a story has always just house by Lough Boyle, right on the ing”]; he’s from South Africa, you know, to play it. That’s the sort of the main blown my mind. And him being from water. The location was just stunning. so I had to learn to sing in Zulu, but idea of “The Scattering,” and it’s Strabane, just down the road from me, And our friend left his house for a week the words were so strong and I said, something that has been inspiredby my well, that made me really proud of where so we could use it. The experience was a “I have to sing this.” I like to take on travels and by coming to places like I came from, because the style, the orna- lot of fun. It was really intimate. I never challenges, keep it interesting and fresh Boston, where of course the Irish have mentation he used was very localized. found the cameras intrusive. We for myself. been such a big presence. I mean, every- I totally got it when I first heard him. would just have a laugh, and sing Q. As you got into singing, as you went where I go, I can see I’m – like the cliché Donal Lunny, too, was a big influence. I songs, and eat some delicious sea from the traditional to the contemporary, says – walking in another man’s foot- mean, anybody who was anybody played food, then go have a drink and come were there any particular role models or steps. with Donal, or Donal discovered them. back to do some more tunes and sources of inspiration? Q. And of course, those footsteps are Q. Now, how did you and Sam get songs. The whole thing was magical, Keane: Well, first and foremost, my in- found in lots of other places besides together? It was in the context of per- and we just really loved the whole package. spiration would be the traditional singers America. forming with Equation, right? I’ve had people come up and ask or the older people who’d take me to the Keane: Oh, yeah. You go up to To- Dillon: I was very aware of Sam and things like, “What’s it like where singing sessions as a child, which would ronto, say, or to Mexico, or to Australia, his brothers, because they were doing you’re from? How are you inspired last four or five hours. But I was very at- andthere’s so many stories. I went to this lots of festivals where I was perform- to sing the songs that you sing?” tracted to country music, too. I think it’s a town in western Australia, Kalgoorlie, ing, as a member of the group Oige. So with the DVD I’m able to show subconscious thing, because it’s the same a gold mining town, and the gold was We were all teenagers then, so I didn’t what my home territory is like, and music, it’s my music as well. Hearing originally found by a manfrom Clare know them but I certainly knew who they the things that were, and are, important the likes of Dolly Parton sing a song, the named Paddy Hannan. You drive from were. And then they rang up and asked to me. ornamentation sounds similar to Perth through the desert, and you can see if I would be interested in joining this Q. You’ll be back this way in a few what I would use, and she has that a pipeline along the road that brought band they had – they were hoping to get months for “Christmas Celtic Sojourn.” soul about her singing –I’d stand in snow the water to the mining towns – the water a record deal but they needed a singer. What got you interested in participat- to hear her sing. inside was actually worth more than the So I flew over to England and met them, ing? Q. Now, you’re involved in a new musi- gold – and it was another thing set up and recorded a demo with them and sent Dillon: It actually started when cal production about the various travels by an Irishman. Go further back in time, it off, and then almost immediately we we played at ICONS last year. We of Irish people around the world that and think of the Irish monks from the 6th had a label that wanted to sign us. It was were just so impressed with Brian and sounds very interesting, “The Scatter- century, and all the scholarly work they very, very exciting – we were both about Lindsay [O’Donovan]; they’re lovely, ing,” which goes on tour next month, I produced, and what kind of effect they 19 then. It’s been fantastic ever since for genuine, sincere people. So when they believe. Can you tell us about it, where had on civilization. “The Scattering” myself and Sam. You know, there were invited us to come do “Christmas the idea came from? doesn’t really dwell on the bad times seven of us in Equation, and Sam and I Celtic Sojourn” for this year, we were Keane: It came about from songs I was in Ireland, or why people left. It’s more were only in it for about a year before we obviously very keen, because we knew singing from a very early age, like “Pad- a celebration of what the Irish did and left, but it wound up giving life to lots of what they were like and that the show dy’s Green Shamrock Shore.” The thing is, where they went. If Ireland didn’t have different artists, really – like Kate Rusby, must be som thing really good if they’re when I was growing up no one want- its history, what would it be like? And or Sam’s brother Seth, who’s had a very involved with it. They sent us a DVD ed to hear the traditional songs in what would the rest of the world be like? successful career himself. It was a good of the show, and we thought it was fan- the pubs, because it was just old hat. There For a tiny little island out in the Atlantic, starting point for people to discover what tastic. It’s just a great opportunity to were only a few pubs in Galway where you it’s had such a big impact in so many they really wanted to do. work with some wonderful people, and could go for a session; if you wanted that, places and on so many lives. Q. Now, your most recent proj- we’re quite looking forward to it. SEE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR! Ken Howard in ACCORDING TO "KEN HOWARD'S COMIC TIMING IS SPOT-ON." TIPTIP –Boston Globe Written by DICK FLAVIN Directed by RICK LOMBARDO LIMITED ENGAGEMENT! PERFORMANCES BEGIN OCT. 9 TELECHARGE: 1-800-447-7400 "TONY® AWARD WINNER KEN HOWARD or telecharge.com HOLDS THE AUDIENCE IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND." Groups: 617-426-4499 ext. 25 –Boston Herald “A COMPELLING EVENING OF THEATRE!” –Joyce Kulhawik 200 Stuart St, Boston • stuartstreetplayhouse.com

Irish Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19

Embassy of Ireland, Washington D.C. Ireland and United States Strategic Review During his recent inaugural visit to the United States in July, the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen, TD, recalled the exception- ally close historical and current ties between Ireland and the United States. He said that in the context of peace in North- ern Ireland and Ireland’s economic development he foresaw new opportunities to further develop this relationship and partnership into the future. In pursuit of this, he announced that Ambassador Michael Collins would undertake a strate- gic review of all the relevant issues and report to the Gov- ernment by the end of the year.

In undertaking this review the Ambassador wishes to con- sult as widely as possible. He invites and would welcome considered contributions, to be received no later than end October 2008, via the email link on the Embassy’s webpage www.embassyofireland.org or by post to Strategic Review, Embassy of Ireland, 2234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008-2849.

The Taoiseach’s remarks announcing this initiative are avail- able on the Embassy’s webpage.

September 2008

“Do Not Miss This Play!” —The Wall St. Journal

By Conor McPherson Directed by Carmel O’Reilly

Featuring: Billy Meleady Ciaran Crawford Derry Woodhouse

Nov. 14 – Dec. 13

617.933.8600 www.bostontheatrescene.com A resident theatre company Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts. At the Boston Center for the Arts 527 Tremont St. in Boston’s South End For more information, visit www.speakeasystage.com. Page 20 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com for the style and dition and Trian BIR Music for those who have as well as his ses- championed it over sion playing and the years, includ- festival appear- ing Martin Mul- ances (including CD Roundup vihill and Martin last year’s ICONS Wynne, both men- By Sean Smith Festival). Mc- This month’s round-up is dominated by instru- tors of Conway. Comiskey waited mental albums, including new releases by two of His opening set, even longer than the leading Irish-American musicians of our time. in fact, a medley Conway to issue Brian Conway, “Consider the Source” of “Trim the Vel- a second solo al- Hard to believe this is only the second solo album by vet/Lord Gordon’s” bum – more than Conway, who in 2002 released “First Though the Gate,” – both of which 25 years – but which was proclaimed CD of the Year by the Irish Echo. he learned from it’s been worth The Bronx native, born to Irish parents from Co. Tyrone, Wynne – evokes the wait: That is one of the foremost players in the Sligo-New York Coleman’s rendition, beginning “Velvet” on the fourth deft touch, sol- fiddle style originated by the likes of Michael Coleman, rather than the first part. Guest stars such as Joannie id grasp of dynamics, and of course, the Paddy Killoran, and James Morrison -- described by Madden, Brendan and Felix Dolan and Billy McComis- famed “McComiskey Bass” are all in evidence. Mick Moloney as featuring “complex and often unpre- key (more about him later on) show up in various com- It certainly doesn’t hurt to have as your producer one dictable mixtures of triplets, single and double grace binations on the album, notably on a snappy, sprightly John Doyle, who joins him for the reel set “Keogh’s/Mag- notes, and short and long rolls,” where fiddlers make trio of hornpipes and a tastefully done waltz set. gie Lynn’s” that opens the album. Mick Moloney, Liz “liberal use of double stopping and freely alternate be- A somewhat surprising bonus is the inclusion of two Carroll, Matthew Bell, Athena Tergis, Myron Bertholz, tween short and long bowing, emphasizing the latter.” songs, reflecting Conway’s belief that accompanying as well as Joanie Madden and Brendan Dolan (who both The title of this CD, then, conveys Conway’s reverence vocalists should be part of a fiddler’s skill set (a topic must have had a pretty busy year, what with also play- that’s been known to generate fervent discussions on ing on Brian Conway’s album) and Billy’s son Sean also thesession.org). Dan Milner takes the lead on “Matt appear. Some of the more outstanding ensemble pieces Hyland,” with Conway and fellow fiddler Heather include the jigs “Sean McGlynn’s/Maura McGlynn’s/ Martin Bisler providing suitably romantic but not over- Connie Scanlon’s” (the latter of which is likely to end wrought backing, along with guitarist Gabe Donahue up on more than a few musicians’ “must-learn” list) and and double bassist Brad Alberta. Brendan Dolan’s key- later on a big set dance and reel set; Dolan is in particu- boards providing an elegiac backdrop on the other song, larly fine form on “The Rainy Day/Man of the House.” Robert Burns’ “Highland Mary,” with Niamh Parsons; McComiskey is, of course, also a celebrated tune Conway bookends the track with his soulful playing composer, as evidenced by a splendid set of waltz- of the air associated with the song (the story of which, es, “The Diamond/Sleepless Night” – the latter a as related in the liner notes, makes for good reading). tribute to his wife Annie’s wee-hours-of-the-morn- Billy McComiskey, “Outside the Box” ing parenting skills – and the almost-too-beau- Born one borough away from Conway in Brooklyn, tiful-to-be-believed lullaby “Grainnes Grace.” McComiskey has forged a reputation as one of the Like Conway’s CD, “Outside the Box” is further enhanced premier B/C two-row accordion players on either side by informative and well-written liner notes. Nothing of the Atlantic, through his work with the Irish Tra- like getting a little education with your entertainment.

Immigration Lawyer Attorney Pamela Casey Lindmark EIRE • Visas, Naturalization, Adjustment of Status • Deportation & Removal Proceedings pub • Consequences of Criminal Convictions • Waivers and Asylum • Family-Sponsored Immigration 795 Adams St. • Dorchester • Employment Law • Protected Status “President’s Choice” • Appellate Advocacy n 20 years litigation experience Serving Lunch & Dinner n Former Assistant District Attorney, Boston Criminal Courts Law Offices of Pamela Lindmark Every day, 1330 Centre Street Newton Centre, Massachusetts, 02459 (minutes from Mass. Pike or Route 9) 7 days a week 617•964•4417 Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 21 A Bloody Riot: New Rep’s ‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore’ By. R. J. Donovan nated for four "Best Play" tenant” is the middle-third find him to be a very sharp lies as much in the stream Special to the BIR Tony Awards, picked up of what’s become known as observer.” Lombardo adds of Samuel Becket as in the Playwright Martin an Oscar for the Irish McDonagh’s Aran Islands that McDonagh looks stream of Irish playwright McDonagh has a dark, comedy short, "The Six Trilogy of plays set off the at life through “a very, J. M Synge, for example disturbing comedic style Shooter," and earlier this west coast of Ireland. clearly focused comedic (co-founder of the Abbey that often makes theater- year wrote and directed Commenting on the up- lens. He’s a comic play- Theater and author of goers shift uncomfortably the film, "In Bruges," coming production, Rick wright. That’s the thing ‘Playboy of the Western in their seats. Shocking starring Colin Farrell and Lombardo, New Rep’s that I think people have World’).” audiences one minute, Ralph Fiennes. Producing Artistic Direc- to remember.” To avoid any misun- he sends them into fits of Locally, several of his tor, said, “I love Martin During the Broadway derstanding, Gammons uncontrollable laughter plays have found a home McDonagh’s writing and run (which reportedly cautions, “The play is not the next. at New Repertory Theatre I’ve been very proud that used six gallons of fake in any way a documentary Born in London to Irish in Watertown. His black New Rep has been the the- blood for every perfor- about the troubles in Ire- Rick Lombardo parents, the award-win- comedy, “The Lieutenant ater that has done more of mance), The New York land. It’s a comedy and a gets to choose what they ning writer is best known of Inishmore,” opens there his work and introduced Times advised audiences satire ... the terrorism (is) think about it, and what for such plays as "The on Oct. 16 with a cast him more to the Boston to “turn off your political a sort of jumping off place. they feel about it, and what Beauty Queen of Leenane," featuring Colin Hamell, area than any other local correctness monitor along It reflects on the absurdity they take away from it.” "A Skull in Connemara," Rory James Kelly, and theater.” with your cell phone.” and the ridiculousness of That said, he’s been qui- and "The Pillowman." Karl Baker Olson. The unapologetic farce David R. Gammons, who’s violence in a larger way. It etly amused at people’s re- Provocative and contro- First produced by the offers a gruesome look directing the play at New resonates whether you’re actions when he describes versial, he has been nomi- Royal Shakespeare Com- at the actions of Padraic, Rep, said, “What draws thinking about Ireland the bloody premise of the pany in 2001, “The Lieu- the demented leader of a people to it as an excit- in particular or what’s story. He said audiences militant terrorist splinter ing piece of theater is going on in Darfur or are more than accepting group who trots through the tension between just Palestine or wherever you when characters die at the life casually attacking how violent the play is want to point your finger end of a Shakespearean people and lobbing explo- -- gory, horrific even -- [at] political unrest and tragedy or a Jacobean sives with a cavalier “all and how hilarious [peo- strife and struggle among revenge play. “I’ve done in a day’s work” attitude. ple] find the situations.” humans.” a lot of plays where ev- However, when someone “The play owes a lot to While past audiences at erybody dies at the end,” dares harm his best friend the absurd. Capital ‘A’ New Rep will already be he laughed. However, in the world, a little cat by absurd.” familiar with McDonagh’s he said, if you tell people the name of Wee Thomas, Lombardo agrees. “Mc- trademark style, Gam- that a cat dies in the play, Celtic Music Monday: all hell breaks loose. Was Donagh’s not doing some mons hopes that “Inish- “They’re all up in arms.” the cat’s mutilation an kind of kitchen sink re- more” will cast a wide “What McDonagh is Mixed Musical Pairs, accident or an execution? alism where he’s trying net and draw in a host of doing, and I think bril- Either way, Padraic comes to depict life as it is. He new theater-goers. “It’s liantly, is pointing out completely unglued at the always looks at a situa- wonderful to do this play that our sympathy as And a Band’s Debut senseless brutality of the tion and takes it to the in the Boston area,” he an audience is aroused tabby’s downfall. absurd extreme to mine said, because, “there’s exponentially for the cat A column of news and updates of the Boston Celtic Lombardo explained, the comic value within it.” such a vital and vibrant Music Fest (BCMFest), which celebrates the Boston area’s but not necessarily for the “[McDonagh] is dabbling Contrasting McDonagh’s Irish community within humans. I love the audac- rich heritage of Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton music in the same kind of me- work with that of award- the Boston scene.” and dance with a grassroots, musician-run, winter music ity of that.” dium as say, Quentin Tar- winning playwright Conor The bottom line is that “The Lieutenant of festival and other events during the year. antino . . . taking violence McPherson, Lombardo Gammons very clearly —SEAN SMITH Inishmore,” October 26 to this kind of uber-degree said, “Conor is much more understands his role in - November 16 at the Dynamic Double Date, and a Dazzling Debut in order to make us some- interested in real people, guiding the play. “It’s not -- Celtic Music Monday, BCMFest’s monthly series at Arsenal Center for the how laugh at the absurdity and exploring real people my job as a director to de- Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Club Passim in Harvard Square, will offer a little twist of it -- the insanity of vio- in much more realistic cide how the audience will for its Oct. 13 edition. The concert will feature two of Watertown. For informa- lence as a solution to any situations. McDonagh is respond,” he said. “I do tion, call 617-923-8487. the Greater Boston’s most noteworthy Celtic music problem, which it’s not. I not about that at all. He the play, and the audience couples, Matt and Shannon Heaton, and Liz Simmons and Flynn Cohen (who also are part of the alt-trad band Annalivia). But here’s the twist: The husbands will pair up with each BIR Music Calendar other for the first part of the evening, while in the second Oct. 1, 7-9 p.m. -- Groton Legacy. $20,- The Kinsale Inn, -- Irish uilleann pipes, with a Music Monday (bcmfest.com), half the wives unveil a brand new musical collaboration. Session Workshop w/Tony Water Street, Mattapoisett concert, multimedia exhibit, Club Passim, 47 Palmer St, Cohen and Matt Heaton, both regarded far and wide as DeMarco (Irish Fiddle Work- MA. 508-509-2670. audience invited to try pipes. Cambridge. 617-492-7679, top-drawer guitarists – Heaton also excels on bouzouki shop) For those who play Oct. 5, 2-7 p.m. -- Boston Presented by Na P’obair’ Uil- clubpassim.org. and bodhran, Cohen on mandolin – caused a buzz at traditional irish instruments Scottish Fiddle Club w/Anne leann from Dublin. Free. Con- Oct. 18, 7 p.m. -- Atwater- BCMFest earlier this year when they recreated the - Stagecoach Inn & Tavern, Hooper, workshops & perfor- nolly House, Boston College Donnelly Duo. $10 - Pingree’s classic 1977 album by Andy Irvine and Paul Brady, 128 Main St. Groton, MA., mance. Pleasant St. Congre- Campus, 300 Hammond St, Coffeehouse, First Congrega- considered a milestone in the modern Irish music re- 877-782-4346, 978-448-5614. gational Church, 75 Pleasant Chestnut Hill. 617-552-3938, tional Church, 100 Winter St., vival. In addition to some Irvine-Brady selections, their Info, registration: ashling@ St. Arlington. 617-33-TUNES, [email protected] Norwood. pingrees.org. verizon.net, TheGrotonSes- bsfc.org, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10-13 -- Taunton Oct. 22, 6:30-8 p.m. -- Celtic Music Monday set will showcase some of their sion.com. Kevin Burke & Cal Scott. River Folk Festival, Taunton McNulty Family career and more recent repertoire of songs and tunes. Oct. 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m. -- $15, $12 members, children, River Watershed Alliance, 15 recordings, Irish button accor- Simmons and Shannon Heaton, meanwhile, will Kimberley Fraser (fiddle, pi- seniors discounts. Woods School St, Taunton. 508-292- dion exhibit, in demand 1920s join forces with former Gaelic Storm member Ellery ano) Scottish-influenced trad. Hole Folk Music Society, 5632, [email protected], - 1950s. Free. Connolly House, Klein for the debut of their band Long Time Courting. music of Cape Breton, Nova W.H. Community Hall, Water Tauntonfest.org. Boston College Campus, 300 In addition to their individual instrumental prowess Scotia. Free. Connolly House, Street, Woods Hole. 508-540- Oct. 11, 8 p.m. -- Echoes of Hammond St, Chestnut Hill. – Heaton on flute and whistle, Simmons on guitar and Boston College Campus, 300 0320, whfms.folk@verizon. Erin Concert. $18. Waltham 617-552-3938, [email protected], piano and Klein on fiddle – all are first-rate vocalists, Hammond St, Chestnut Hill. net HS Auditorium, 617 Lex- tedmcgraw.com. and the Oct. 13 show will see them demonstrate those 617-552-3938, [email protected], Oct. 6, 8 p.m. -- Celtic ington St, Waltham. Irish Oct. 24, 8 p.m. -- Roy kimberleyfraser.com. Thunder (all male quintet) Trad. Music, Song, Dance. Johnstone & Steve Sharratt talents and more. Oct. 4, 8 p.m. -- Joyce $57.50, $47.50, $37.50. The 781-899-0911 or 508-947- (Prince Edward Island, fiddle, The Celtic Music Monday event will be a welcome one Andersen (trad, classic, and Agganis Arena, 925 Com- 8688, [email protected], banjo, viola, mandocello, gui- for fans of Klein, who left Gaelic Storm in the spring of contemporary songs, fiddle monwealth Ave, Boston. 617- cceboston.org. tar, dulcimer and mandolin) 2007 to give birth to her son, Lincoln. And Klein is more tunes). $15. Beal House, 222 931-2000. Oct. 13, 8 p.m. -- Double Adv: $20; Door: $25. Worcester than a little pleased herself about this new partnership. Main St, Kingston MA, Tix & Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m. -- Malinky Date w/Matt Heaton & Flynn Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 “We’ve been having a lot of fun putting the act together info: 781-871-1052, stephen. - A Music For Robin Concert, Cohen, Long Time Court- Temple St, Worcester. these past several months,” says Klein. “I love playing [email protected], htssfmc. Emerson Umbrella, 40 Stow ing (Shannon Heaton, Liz the tunes, but I’m really excited about the three-part org. St, Concord, MA. 781-862- Simmons, Ellery Klein) $12, Thanks to musicforrobin. harmony in the songs we do. It’s nice to be doing some- Oct. 5, 4 p.m. -- Robbie 7837. Music-For-Robin.org, Passim, WGBH, WUMB org for much of this calendar information. thing a little different.” O’Connell with The Clancy Malinky.com. 6:30-8:30 p.m. members: $ 6 - BCMFest Celtic Although they do plan to play occasionally around New England, Long Time Courting won’t be a regular gig, says Klein – and that’s part of its appeal for the trio. “It’s not only about the music,” she explains. “The Massachusetts Drivers: three of us are in similar stages of life: We’re all married, we have homes, Liz and I are both moms Competitive Insurance Rates Effective April 1, 2008 – face it, we’re grown-ups. It means we’re pretty much all on the same page, and we have other things to think about than jumping into a tour van. ATA is your One-Stop-Rate-Shop “That means it may take longer to develop the band, but we think we have the patience to hopefully put together something really good.” “Bundle” your Home and Auto policies and save up to 30% Celtic Music Monday begins at 8 p.m. Club Passim is located at 47 Palmer St. in the heart of Harvard Square. Admission is only $12, $6 for members of Passim, WGBH Call (617)773-3800 or log on today for a FREE QUOTE ! or WUMB. To reserve tickets or for other information, see .clubpassim.org or call 617-492-7679. New Venue for Boston Urban Ceilidh -- The Boston Urban Ceilidh – Boston’s recurring Celtic dance On-line Quote requests and INSURANCE party – has always been a movable feast, having taken ATA place at the Canadian-American Club in Watertown, LIVE CHAT available at AGENCY, INC. Springstep in Medford, Boston College and, most re- WWW.ATAINSURANCE.COM cently, the ICONS Festival. On Nov. 1, the “BUC” will A ADivision Division of of FFeenaneenan FinancialFinancial Group Group touch down in a brand new venue: Club Passim. That’s right. Harvard Square’s most famous folk/acoustic music coffeehouse will be the setting for exciting Irish, 234 Copeland St., Suite 220 Scottish ,and Cape Breton music and dance, featuring Quincy, MA 02169 Laura Cortese and the Boston Urban Ceilidh band (617)773-3800 www.atainsurance.com and other hot Celtic musicians from the Boston area. Details at clubpassim.org or at myspace.com/boston- urbanceilidh. Page 22 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com The County Mayo Association of Boston Celebrates its 100th Birthday This Month On October 18, the Thornton, president of County Mayo Association the Mayo Association in of Boston will celebrate 1908, raised an astound- 100 years with a Centen- ing (for the time) $4,000. nial Banquet at Moseley’s During the Easter Rising on the Charles in Dedham. and the War of Indepen- At the banquet, the As- dence, Mayo people held sociation will recognize huge rallies to protest their Mayo Person of the the execution of Irish pa- Year, Father Michael triots, and the proposed Tracey from Killawalla, execution of American- now pastor of Our Lady born Eamonn de Valera. of the Gulf Parish, Bay They sold “Victory Bonds” St Louis, Mississippi. Fr. in conjunction with other Tracey is being honored Irish Associations to for his work in that par- raise funds for the Irish ish, particularly in the cause. After the events of months and years after 1916, the Great Depres- Hurricane Katrina. sion, and World War II, The Centenary Banquet the focus of both Mayo also includes an official men and Mayo women delegation from the Mayo was “benevolence,” the County Offices, headquar- term used in the original tered in Castlebar, includ- charter in 1908. ing Des Mahon, County In the 1950s, it was pro- Manager. Also, Éamonn posed to merge the men O’Cúiv, Ireland’s Minister and women’s organiza- for Community, Rural and tions. But the Mayo wom- Gaeltacht Affairs, will be en were reluctant to share attending, plus represen- their funds (they had a tatives from other Mayo larger fund than the men) Associations in Dublin, with their male counter- Galway, New York, Phila- parts. However, the two delphia, and Toronto. organizations eventually Currently, the com- merged to become the mittee is completing an County Mayo Association Anniversary Journal, Left to right, rear: Mary Heneghan, Mary Frazer, Evelyn Fennessy, Eamonn Gardiner, Tom Leetch, of Boston. The Associa- profiling the history of the Tommy Cremins, Vincent Kerrigan, Jimmy Cremins, John McGuire, Paddy O’Malley, Paul Cannon, tion continued to collect County Mayo Association Rory Moore, Joe Heneghan, Aine Greaney, Mary Forde. Left to right front: Joyce Cannon, Ann Cremins, funds for organizations, of Boston—and a brief Peggy O’Malley, Mary Rohan, Veronica Moore, Maureen Stuart, Mary Gardiner. institutions, and individ- history of the county. uals - here and in Ireland. The journal also includes Mayo-Diaspora writers, Henry’s Showband and To book advertising in the National Land League, Today, the Mayo As- some writing from the respectively. Businesses guest singer Kevin Pren- program booklet, send which fought for the rights sociation continues to Mayo Writers (Clarem- and non-profit organiza- dergast from Bekan, Co. an e-mail to Mary Forde of Irish tenant farmers educate members and orris) and Daniel Tobin, tions in the greater Boston Mayo. ([email protected]). and against 19th-century the community-at-large chair of Emerson College’s area are invited to adver- For more info, contact Background: In 1908 landlordism. Shortly af- by sponsoring exhibits Writing, Literature and tise via the journal. the committee at 617-327- a group of young Irishmen terward, Mayo women in from Ireland to remember Publishing Department, At the banquet, music 8323 or send an e-mail to in Boston chartered the Boston formed the Mayo Michael Davitt, their representing Mayo- and will be provided by Noel [email protected]. Mayo Men’s Benevolent Women’s Auxiliary, which Mayo hero who found- Association to provide in- held grand balls and ed the Land League in tellectual stimulation and galas to assist the new 1879, and they bring social events for their Irish state and to collect numerous Irish individu- members and “to preserve funds to benefit Irish and als, artists and groups the memory of the late American charities and to Boston to per - Michael Davitt.” Born in institutions. One event, form, while still ben- Straide, County Mayo, combining all of the Irish efiting worthy causes. Michael Davitt (1846- clubs and associations, 1906) founded the Irish and hosted by Joseph M.

“Wet Day, Dingle”

Lithograph from original watercolor by Dublin artist Tom Roche - each signed individually, Matted and framed in gold wood 12” x 14” $75.00.

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229 Lincoln Street (Rt. 3A) Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043 800-752-9389 Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday noon - 5:00 pm email: [email protected] www.aisling-gallery.com Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 23 A Bond Of Friendship One Hundred Years Of The County Donegal Association Of Greater Boston

By Peter F. Stevens the patriotic men of the As- BIR Staff sociation would embrace The following article, the doomed rebellion. which focuses on the roots They would come to sup- of the County Donegal port the cause, and over Association of Greater the following decades, the Boston, is excerpted from Association would stand a soon-to-be-published solidly behind the creation monograph by Peter F. of an Irish Republic. Stevens that celebrates the Women have played a association’s centennial. pivotal part in the Associa- On August 8, 1908, a tion from the earliest days, group of Donegal immi- and at the Donegal dances grants to Boston’s shores and other events, many met for a common purpose young men and women met – “to promote unity” and and eventually married. much more. The men all Women were first accepted shared something in com- as members of the group mon besides their determi- in 1919, as women nation- nation to carve out better wide were finally given lives for themselves in the legal right to vote; in their new home than they 1958, a landmark moment had found in Ireland. Their for the Association came shared bond was their deep with the election of its first female President, Mary tie to their birthplace. In An Association ball – 1965 a genuine sense, the men Printy, who held the post till 1960 and was reelected – and later women – from Ireland and was one of the they stuck together in their and Dohertys. efforts in a project that that rugged and beautiful in 1974-75. last areas of the island to own communities, crowded Even as families began pointed toward the Coun- At the end of the day, county never left their succumb to English rule. at first in Boston’s wa- to enjoy more prosperity, ty Donegal Association’s roots behind, those ances- FELD ENTERTAINMENTany organization is about Such clans as the O’Neills terfront tenements, par- they were determined to many fundraising and its membership, and the tral ties of history, culture, and the O’Donnells fought ticularly the North End. hold on to their County charitable works over and bloodlines that they Job No.: RD00804036B members of the County fiercely but vainly against Living conditions in these Donegal roots. So did the next century. That Donegal Association were carried to “the Golden the English. Hit hard by places were shabby at best, Engagementthose from City: other counties.Boston MA first large-scale venture Ad Size: 3.792” x 10” Door,” America. special then and remain the Penal Laws of the and during the famine Media:Disbursing to other neigh- was the organization’s special now in their comSection:- ENTERTAINMENT The Donegal men who 1700s, many Donegal resi- period city health inspec- borhoods and suburbs, pivotal role in the drive gathered, according to the mitment to the group and dents began to make their tors could not find fitting InsertionIrish immigrants Date(s): began to to “raise funds to aid in to each other. The Associa- Boston Pilot, on a summer way to the New World, words to describe in their organize county clubs. rebuilding old Clonmany night one hundred years tion has not only stood the a number turning up in reports the terrible things On August 9, 1908, in Chapel in County Donegal, test of time, but has also ago in “Roughlan Hall, Boston long before the 19th they had seen. So alien Charlestown, Donegal Ireland.” Charlestown,” had much adapted to the times. A century. The Great Fam- seemed the Irish they were immigrants formed the When the news of the century strong and going in mind. Along with their ine, An Gorta Mor, would generally treated by native County Donegal Benevo- Easter Rising crackled determination to remem- strong – what began in force many more from The citizens contemptuously as lent Association, later to across the wires and hit 1908 will continue. ber the place where they Rosses, Cloghaneely, In- outsiders and outcasts and be known as the County Boston’s newspapers in had come from and to pass ishowen, Fanad, Rosguill, were particularly resented Donegal Association of 1916, the president and down those memories to the Laggan Valley, the by the lower and middle Greater Boston. Between coming generations, they Finn Valley, and other class Yankee Protestants. 1908 and 1914, 208 mem- pledged to aid newcomers Donegal locales to Boston. On many fronts they faced bers joined. Of this num- from Donegal and extend The immigrants brought discrimination, and in any ber, 104 members lived in not only the hand of friend- with them their distinc- case, most lacked skills Charlestown, the so-called ship, but also a financial tive ways and language, needed for decent jobs. Inishowen capital of Bos- hand for members “when- those from the Donegal However, they brought ton for the first half of the ever the need arose.” Gaeltacht speaking a West with them a particular in- 20th century. In the first meeting of Ulster dialect, those from nate intelligence that had From its inception, the the County Donegal Be- Inishowen an East Ulster been honed in Donegal and Association served not nevolent Association, the dialect. enabled them to not just only as a venue for weekly members proved that the For the Donegal im- survive, but also to grab dances where members fires of their birthplace migrants who started onto a rung in Boston’s met, socialized, and ex- still blazed. The gathering trickling into Boston at the political life. changed the latest news pledged that they would start of the 19th century As more and more Done- from home, but also as an give equal effort to aid the and whose numbers grew gal people became shop organization that helped creation of a “Thirty-Two larger and larger with each proprietors, property own- its members and their County Irish Nation” and passing decade, life proved ers, businessmen, contrac- families financially when “to preserve the principle rife with hardships, espe- tors, government officials there was a death, job of American liberty.” For cially for those who fled to and politicians in Boston, loss, or any number of the one hundred years, the the city during the Great they made their mark in problems that cropped up Association has remained Famine. Protestant Yan- the North End, Charles- in daily life. true to the tenets of its kee society and economy town, and East Boston. In The man honored to be founders. – as well as anti-Irish Boston’s voting rolls as the elected as the first Presi- Donegal, the land from bigotry – made the Donegal 20th century loomed were dent of the County Donegal which those immigrants immigrants feel alien in many Devers, McDevitts, Benevolent Association of 1908 hailed, is the their new environment. McEleneys, McGonagles, was Neil Harold. In 1910, northernmost county of For security and protection O’Donnells, McColgans, he led the Association’s The County Donegal Association of Greater Boston Established in 1908 Cordially invite you to the Centennial Reunion & Banquet © 2007 EntertainmentFeld

Most Rev. Bishop Saturday, November 1, 2008 Playing Columbus Day Weekend! Seamus Hegarty Boston Quincy Marriott OCT. 8 - 13 Wed. OCT. 8 H 7:00 PM Thu. Fri. Sat. Sun. Mon. 100 Marriot Drive, Quincy, MA OPENING NIGHT OCT. 9 OCT. 10 OCT. 11 OCT. 12 OCT. 13 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 12 NOON TICKETS $13.50! 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM (Excludes Circus CelebritySM, Front Row, VIP and Honored Guests: CLUB seats. No double discounts.) 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 3 Easy Ways To Order: The Most Rev. Bishop Seamus Hegarty 1. Online at www.ticketmaster.com Mary Coughlan, Mary Coughlan, Tanaiste 2. Call at (617) 931-2000 Tanaiste 3. At TD Banknorth Garden Box Office Margo &ORæINFORMATIONæCALLæ æ æsæ'ROUPSæ æ  TICKET PRICES: $15 - $20 - $25 Cocktails 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. / Dinner 7 p.m. Limited number of Circus Celebrity, Front Row, VIP and CLUB seats available. Call for details. 3ERVICEæCHARGES æFACILITYæANDæHANDLINGæFEESæMAYæAPPLYææ0RICESæINCLUDEææFACILITYæFEE • Entertainment by Erin’s Melody Tickets $100 per person - R.S.V.P. by October 18, 2008 Take the to the Circus! #OMEæONEæHOURæEARLYæTOæMEETæOURæANIMALSæANDæPERFORMERSæATæTHEæ Michael McCarron: 617.696.1702 Tom Gallagher: 781.444.5720 All Access Pre-show – FREE with your ticket! Margo or any Officer of the Association. Page 24 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Thirty-Two Counties

Antrim: Mark Cleland from at Lynch’s Quay in Cobh, but in Croom, it was the case of Belfast has arrived home from this has been appealed to An playing a double role on the Beijing with a gold medal, but Bord Pleanála. No ferries have first day of term this year. For this was no Olympic sport. worked the harbour for some not only did he welcome all the For the twenty-four-year-old twenty years and the company new students and their parents became the world Rock, Pa- hopes to be in operation from to the school, he was also a per, Scissors champion. Mark 2010. parent. And unlike most of the took part in the Irish final of Derry: A Derry woman who other parents he was seeing the International Rock, Paper, lost almost all of her posses- three of his children arriving in Scissors Federation Champion- sions in Hurricane Katrina first year, with triplets Roisin, ship in May, beating thirty-one three years ago had to leave Noel, and Gráinne having their other contestants for a chance to New Orleans again last month first day in their father’s school. represent Ireland at the finals but was hoping that the latest Noel, his wife Siobhán, and their of the competition. The winners hurricane wouldn’t be so bad. family live in Pallaskenry and of the qualifying tournaments Mona Lestrade, originally from all three children are mem- were rewarded with a visit to Elmwood Street in the city, left bers of Ballysteen Comhaltas. Beijing for the Olympic Games New Orleans with her daughter and a place in the finals of their Monica, son-in-law, and two Longford: St Mel’s College chosen sport. grandchildren on the last plane was the setting for a new world Armagh: The inaugural out of the city and stayed in a record being set last month Gaelic Games Programme Fair hotel in Alabama. From there when Tony Mangan completed took place at the Cardinal To- she was able to phone her sister, forty-eight hours running non- mas O Fiaich Memorial Library Peggy O’Donnell, back in Derry stop on a treadmill. In doing and Archive in Armagh last to say they were safe. Mona so the ultra marathon runner month. The idea behind the fair had just completed repairs on broke the world record by al- is to bypass the very high prices her house and had made many most twenty kilometers. The charged for GAA memorabilia of her possessions safe before fifty-one-year-old was cheered on such sites as eBay, and it was leaving. on by a large crowd who gath- hoped that collectors would in Donegal: The postman de- ered round to shake his hand some cases exchange programs livering letters in the townland at the completion of the feat. with other collectors, or at least of Ballinacor near Killygordon Five years ago he held both purchase them for prices which will soon have his delivery time the twenty-four and forty-eight are not inflated. According to speeded up when each of the hour treadmill records, but the Roddy Hegarty, education of- houses is given an identifying latter was taken from him by ficer at the library, the fair was number. At the moment there Suresh Joachim from Sri Lanka. held to enable people to begin are nine families by the name of Now Tony has the satisfaction of or increase their collections; he Carlin in the townland, and four having regained the title. referred to the fair as “speed- of these include a John Carlin. Louth: Kate Gaynor from dating for GAA.” This has resulted in a number Jenkinstown, now living in Carlow: With only eighty- of postal mix-ups and now the the restoration of Claddagh- This year’s replica took Paul Dublin, has just published her two pupils in total enrolled at Crossroads and Killygordon based hookers in time for the three months to complete and first series of books for children St Abban’s National School in Enterprise have been asked arrival of the Volvo Ocean Race he is hoping that he can adapt it on health and social issues. Killeen, it is somewhat unusual to come up with a solution. A next May. Both councils have next year, changing the “three” Kate, who has her own publish- to have eight of those children similar situation arose with the pledged 10,000 euro and Jim for “four”. ing company, wrote the books as sets of twins. Already attend- number of Gallen families in Higgins, heritage officer with Laois: Alec Spain, originally herself in consultation with a ing the school at the beginning nearby Meenreagh and this was the city council, is hoping other from Thurles but now living in number of different agencies of term were Kate and Claire addressed by the local develop- bodies will also provide finance. Abbeyleix, represented Ireland and they then had to be reviewed Dunne in sixth class, entering ment association. The aim is to have a fleet of at the STIHL Timbersports by medical psychologists. The fourth class after moving from Down: Last month saw the traditional craft, including World Championships which seven books, for children aged Dublin were Daniel and Ciaran 150th anniversary of the open- the smaller gleoiteog, lead the were part of the National four to eight, cover topics includ- Comerford, and Mark and Rich- ing of the Ballynahinch railway Volvo fleet into the docks. The Ploughing Championships last ing foster care, adoption, child- ard Brennan have just moved tracks and the Belfast and new program for non-Gaeltacht month. Alec, a tree surgeon with hood cancer, limited mobility, into senior infants. Last week County Down Railway Museum vessels has been developed with his own business, Tree Scapes, asthma, speech difficulties, and the school acquired its fourth Trust organized a special his- Báidoirí na Cladaigh, the Clad- first saw the sport at the plough- diabetes. Kate is hoping to move set of twins when Kate and tory evening to mark the occa- dagh Boatowners’ Association. ing championships two years back to Dundalk in two years Jillian Byrne started in junior sion. Members of the Trust are Kerry: A ceremony took place ago and put his name down for time with her partner, Kieran infants. According to principal working towards opening the recently on Valentia Island trials. The contest consists of O’Donoghue from Dromiskin. Maura McNally, there were also first part of a heritage railway, to mark the 150th anniver- using different methods to chop Mayo: Not long before the twins in last year’s sixth class beginning with the branch line sary of the sending of the first through wooden blocks in the Tipperary Rose, Aoife Kelly, who have moved on to second- between Ballynahinch junction cable message from Europe to fastest possible time. Alec has was named as this year’s Rose ary school. and Ballynahinch. In order for America. Designed by Irish il- already taken part in competi- of Tralee, another Aoife Kelly Cavan: Some twenty years the Great Irish Railway Chal- lustrator Vincent Killowry, the tions in France and Wales, and received her own title in her after he first undertook his lenge to come to fruition the stamp shows an image of HMS has trained in The Netherlands native county. Biomedical sci- campaign against the condition Trust is on the lookout for a Agamemno and USS Niagara, and Germany. ence graduate Aoife Kelly was of the county’s roads the Pothole steam or diesel engine to help both vessels being involved in Leitrim: “Adaptation: Roddy crowned Queen of the Lakes in Terror, also known as Martin in the construction and for its the laying of the cable between Doyle on Screen,” a festival of Ballinrobe last month, a title Hannigan, is back at work operation on completion. Trinity Bay in Newfoundland films of the works of Roddy Doyle that automatically puts her painting the potholes in the Dublin: With repair work and Knightstown on the island. came to Dromahair last month. forward for the Rose of Mayo Cavan Road and Bridge Street already being carried out on The first message relayed, in The official launch of the event contest. A further heat after areas of Cootehill. Careful to O’Connell Bridge, it has now August 1858, was sent by Queen took place in Stanford’s Pub that could see her progressing operate within the law, this emerged that Butt Bridge is in Victoria to President James after which there was a screen- to the Rose of Tralee Festival time Martin has erected signs to an even worse condition. The Buchanan. The August cer- ing of “The Commitments.” The next year, with a chance that warn of his activities; the signs bridge, which links George’s emony included the unveiling next day, after a screening in the the international contest could read, “Warning, pothole paint- Quay to Beresford Place and of a plaque by Valentia native mobile cinema on Main Street of be won two years in succession ing ahead.” Martin intends to the quays at Liberty Hall, at Mick O’Connell. “Charlo” and “John Paul,” there by an Aoife Kelly. To date the continue with his campaign present has plastic barriers in was a public interview with duties of the Ballinrobe Queen until those responsible for the place of missing pillars, though Kildare: Fianna Fáil Coun- Doyle. The children were not ne- have included cutting the first county’s roads take measures these are not sufficiently robust cillor Frank English, who is glected during the festival, with slice of a roasted pig and being to improve them, and he has to prevent an accident. Work on certainly the longest serving screenings of “Horton Hears a guest at Ballinrobe Races. received support from many O’Connell Bridge began after member of a local authority in a Who” and “’Nim’s Island.” Meath: At the 68th annual people in the region. comments by the National Con- the county, and possibly in the The final screening was “When Royal Meath Agricultural Show Clare: A rare winter storm in servation and Heritage Group, country, is to stand down after Brendan Met Trudy.” in Trim last month the members the middle of August had benefit who have also drawn the atten- almost 42 years as a member of Limerick: For Noel Malone, of Macra na Feirme vied with for surfing enthusiasts, who tion of the county council to the Athy Town Council. Frank first principal of Coláiste Chiaráin (Continued on page 27) gathered at the Cliffs of Moher problems affecting Butt Bridge; stood for election in 1967 and to await the arrival of Aileen, the group’s members believe has successfully contested six the wave that reaches a height high tides are responsible for local elections since that time. of between 20 and 30 feet. Ac- the damage. Married to Mary, principal of reland s cording to John McCarthy, who Fermanagh: Oliver Ledwith Scoil Mhiicil Naofa, with five I ’ runs the Lahinch Surf School, was a member of a security team children and five grandchildren, surfers arrived from England working with a construction there is a chance that Frank will Weather and Northern Ireland after firm at the Erneside Shopping be succeeded by his son Conor. the weather forecast showed Centre in Enniskillen when The pediatric nurse has put his Reported Monday, that perfect conditions would he was told that a woman had name forward for selection for Monday, September 22, 2008 be created. Aileen remains the entered the water. Without a the local elections next year. preserve of an elite group of surf- moment’s thought he stripped Kilkenny: Kilkenny now has by Liam Ferrie ers and John was among just to his underwear and dived into a Liam McCarthy Cup thanks to It was a mostly sunny week until Thursday which six or seven who were actually the water, and managed to pull the efforts of Thomastown resi- started overcast and eventually turned to rain. We still riding the wave. the woman to safety. She was dent Paul Stapleton. For Paul Cork: Harbour Cat Ferries taken to hospital though unfor- has created a wooden replica had a light drizzle on Friday morning but that eventu- has been granted planning per- tunately she did not survive her of the cup being held aloft by ally gave way to more sun and we then enjoyed a bright mission by the county council to ordeal. Oliver’s prompt action, two Kilkenny players and has sunny weekend. construct ferry terminals at Pas- however, was acknowledged by placed it on the front wall of his sage West and Monkstown. The the presentation of an award for house where it elicits cheers and The forecasters tell us that we are in for another company is hoping to revive the bravery from the Royal Humane horn blasts from passers-by. The sunny and mostly dry week. Some rain might reach some harbour ferries which will also Society. The forty-five-year-old legend at the base of the work parts around about Thursday but the sun will return. serve Cobh, Crosshaven, Little was instructed in life-saving by reads “We’re the Cats, so we Island, Blackrock, Aghada, and Major Jack Wheeler. should know, in 2008 it’s three Latest Temperatures: the city. The company also has Galway: Funding is to be in a row.” A similar piece last Day 17C (63F)...... Night 9C 48F) permission for a terminal and given by the Heritage Council year, which he displayed up the pavilion, with a heritage centre, and Galway City Council for road from his house, was stolen. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 25 News Direct From Ireland

Ireland’s politicians re- he was holding the cannabis required if Dublin, Galway, ceived a pay increase last demanded and received twice Athlone, and Letterkenny month as the final phase Ireland Today its value in compensation from are not to experience water of the previous national the youth’s family. This emerged shortages by 2013. As both pay agreement. For TDs the Deirdre the Bride Gave Us a Gift: in Limerick District Court when Athlone and Galway have un- increase was 2,500 euro, which Corbett, who suffers from at- limited sources of water on their was enough to bring their salary She Sang the Psalm at Her Wedding tention deficit hyperactivity doorsteps I presume the answer above 1000,000 euro. Judges, We were honored recently to have been guests at the wedding disorder, appeared before Judge is to increase the processing senior civil servants, govern- of our former webmaster, Deirdre McFadden from Clarinbridge, Tom O’Donnell. The judge capacity. Dublin, it seems, will ment ministers, and senators and Eric van der Zee from Oranmore. The marriage ceremony requested a probation report soon have to resort to desalina- also received the 2.5 percent took place in the Garrison Church in Renmore, Galway, and and adjourned the case until tion or pipe water in from the increase, which for the Tao- in a most unusual twist, Deirdre, an accomplished singer, November 5. Shannon, an option which has iseach amounted to 7,000 euro gave a beautiful rendition of the psalm. Her dad Noel was A receiver has been ap- already met with opposition and brought his salary up to the singer of the other hymns during the Mass. In their time pointed at Cappoquin Chick- from angling and boating inter- 285,582 euro. Noel and Deirdre have sung at many wedding ceremonies in ens, which employs 150 full- ests. It’s unclear what options Early last month much was and around Galway. time and 100 seasonal workers are open to Letterkenny. made of a story that foreign- -- LIAM FERRIE in west Waterford, and is the People living around Cong owned coaches often tour main outlet for many poultry in Co. Mayo claim that the the Ring of Kerry by travel- breeders in the southeast. The new owners of Ashford ling in the wrong direction. 95,000 pounds (to 135,000) in the decision and Adi Roche long-established company, Castle are preventing them There is an unwritten rule that eight months. The properties in of the Chernobyl Children’s owned by the O’Connor fam- from entering the castle buses and trucks should drive question have still to be sold. Project, who is appalled at the ily of Cappoquin, is one of the grounds, a right they have in an anti-clockwise direction so As of early last month new development, has asked the country’s largest poultry proces- traditionally enjoyed. Galway that they do not meet with other armed Garda Regional Sup- Government to intervene. The sors but it is known that it has company Edward Holdings, large vehicles on what are often port Units are on duty in Department of Foreign Affairs been experiencing difficulties owned by property developer very narrow roads. It seems Cork and Limerick in a pilot says that it already has staff at through higher grain prices and Gerry Barrett, is reputed to too that the tunnel cut into the program that could see similar the Embassy in Moscow talking increasing competition from have paid 50-million euro for rock on the Killarney-Kenmare units assigned to each of the five with the Belarusian officials. imports. There has since been the hotel earlier this year. After road is more easily negotiated regions outside Dublin. RSUs The international Polar speculation that new owners a community meeting it was if approached from the Moll’s will patrol as regular uniform Year is being marked with were waiting in the wings but so agreed to stage a protest at Gap side. The problem is being Gardaí, performing normal po- two coins to recognize the far there is no solid news. the gates of the castle on Sept. blamed on “Sat Navs,” which licing functions on a daily basis achievements of Antarctic ex- Freightquote, a leading 6. This prompted a statement suggest a clockwise direction throughout the region. In the plorers Ernest Shackleton and online freight services pro- from Edward Holdings in which and the Kerry County Council event of a critical incident (eg Tom Crean. Irish artist and vider, has established its it was claimed that the closure has been asked to talk with the hostage situation or firearms medallist Thomas Ryan has European headquarters in of the grounds was necessary makers of satellite navigation incident) the RSU officers will designed the five-euro silver Sandyford, Dublin, where it under health and safety legisla- systems to re-program their change into tactical dress and proof coin and the 100-euro will create 100 new positions tion, while construction work units. Councillor Tom Doherty will have access to firearms. gold proof coin, which depict the over 12 months. Freightquote was taking place. It went on to also called for the erection of Gardaí investigating the two explorers and also have the provides a web-based freight say that a meeting with local multilingual signs to inform murder of Paul Quinn on traditional harp, surrounded by management solution that al- residents would be welcome to drivers of the convention. October 22, 2007 have arrested a laurel wreath. The coins will lows clients to access freight facilitate discussions on how ac- Ireland is now considered a 50-year-old man in Dundalk. be issued in limited editions, carrier options online and book cess could be maintained during one of the best countries in This was the 11th arrest on both separately and as two-coin various modes of freight trans- the construction phase. Europe for recycling news- sides of the border in recent sets, for sums far above their portation (domestic trucking, The 33-million euro Opera print. Latest figures show that weeks. The 21-year-old Co. Ar- face value. parcel, air and ocean freight). House in Wexford, built on 161,000 tons, or 73.8 percent, magh man was lured to a remote Catherine Clancy, who in A scheme to raise funds for the site of the old Theatre of newspapers are now being farm building in Co. Monaghan 2003 became the first woman the Cliffs of Moher visitor Royal, was officially opened recycled here, up from 28 per- and beaten to death. His family to be appointed as assistant centre by allowing people or on Sept. 5 by Taoiseach Brian cent in 2002. has accused members of the IRA commissioner in the Garda companies to have their names Cowen. The main auditorium Figures available from of murdering him. Síochána, has announced her attached to viewing platforms, will seat between 780 and 864, the website propertysnake. Belarus has announced retirement from the force five in exchange for 500,000 euro depending on whether the or- co.uk have revealed that Bel- that it will no longer allow years before she would be re- has been criticized by Fine chestra pit is used, while the fast and Down have suffered children suffering from the quired to retire on age grounds. Gael councillor Martin Conway. smaller theatre, named after most from falling house prices after effects of the Chernob- Clancy’s retirement follows that Lesser sums were requested for the late Jerome Hynes, seats in the current collapse of the yl disaster to visit Ireland for of former assistant commis- names to be placed on slabs, on 175. Described as the first cus- housing market. In one instance a holiday or medical treatment. sioner Tom King 11 years ago, benches, and on facilities in the tom-built opera house in this the asking price of a house at For many years some 1,000 the last early retirement from interpretative centre. Mooted country, it has all the grandeur Grey Point in Co. Down fell from Irish families have been taking this rank. two years ago, the scheme has expected of such a venue inside 1.25 million pounds to 995,000 children affected by Chernobyl After drugs were seized so far failed to elicit a single but its exterior manages to fit pounds in May, and fell again to into their homes for a holiday by gardaí from the home of benefactor. in with the traditional Wexford 795,000k in August, while the and many receive treatment 18-year-old Robert Corbett According to Forfás, the streetscape. This year’s Wexford price of a two-bedroom apart- in Irish hospitals while here. in Ballincurra Weston in advisory body on science Festival takes place from Octo- ment in north Belfast fell by No reason has been given for Limerick, the gang for whom and enterprise, action is ber 16 to November 2.

Thirty-Two Counties From Monaghan to Wicklow

(Continued from page 26) sold for an undisclosed sum in Scanlon, and her family already carving of the Madonna using so that she can help Kirsta and members of the Irish Farmers’ April to Donegal hotelier Brian has a connection with the pub’s ebony given to the school by her youngest daughter Patricia Association in a competition McGill. The four-star hotel has owner. For in the early 1950s, the school in Tanzania where with their homework. of farming skills, among them now been sold by McGill to Pat when a car smashed through a group of teachers and pupils Wexford: Although it is not tractor-driving, fencing skills, Lenihan from Armagh and it the front of Sean’s parents’ shop carried out volunteer work dur- many years since it was put and stock-judging. A contest of appears that it will continue on Bridge Street, it was Vicky’s ing the summer. in place, the Brendan Corish a different kind was organized as before, with no interruption grandfather, John Scanlon, who Waterford: Among those roundabout at Windmill Hill by Macra, where entrants were in the business; staff at the carried out the reconstruction. descending on Waterford last in Wexford has been causing asked to model fashions made hotel have already met the new Tipperary: What was once month for the Terra Madre concern to motorists who claim from recycled materials, the owner. The 72-bedroom hotel is a cinema is now a newly re- event were a number of celebrity that it is too high to give a winner to be selected by MEP a favorite venue in the area for furbished theatre in Carrick- chefs including Neven Maguire, clear view. The roundabout, at Mairead McGuinness. The show weddings and other events. on-Suir and home to the local Richard Corrigan and Rachel the Coolcotts Lane, Windmill took place at Porchfields and Roscommon: A light instal- Musical Society. The theatre Allen. The slow food festival, Hill/Belvedere Road junction, is one of the highlights was the lation was unveiled on the was purchased from the Butler based on the original event in constructed in such a way that Leinster Perpetual Provincial farm of Martina and Michael family five years ago and since Turin, was to include a one-day if someone fell off a bicycle on Trophy for the best pedigree Roddy at Grange, Boyle last that time, with funding from food policy conference, with one side, a motorist approaching Aberdeen Angus. month, with more than 100 in a number of different sources an address by President Mary from the other side would be Monaghan: In a cross-border attendance. The work is a col- and some raised by the society McAleese. A food history tour unaware of the accident. The initiative involving bodies in laboration between Carol Anne itself, the building has been of the city led by Peter Ballagh, local authority has therefore Monaghan and Armagh two Connolly, artist in residence at totally transformed. The official demonstrations in beekeeping, decided to lower the roundabout new fishing projects have been Mantua Arts Centre, and a lo- opening of the venue on Main curing and butchering, sausage to minimize the risk of accidents established. They were both cal anti-pylon campaign group, Street was performed by Min- and breadmaking, and a picnic in future. officially opened by singer Big and it is located on the site of a ister of State Martin Mansergh for children in the People’s Park Wicklow: After a capuchin Tom McBride, who first went to proposed pylon at the farm. It and among those attending was were all planned as part of the monkey and greyhounds re- Milltown Lake for the opening of is made from recycled materials Joan Butler, whose late hus- country’s largest-ever slow-food cently strayed onto the Arklow- the new fishing jetty and stands. surrounded by LED lightbulbs band Christy built the cinema in festival. Gorey bypass, the latest animal One hour later he was at Lough and is powered by solar panels. the 1970s; their daughter, Alice Westmeath: When Kirsta Ki- to take a wander onto the road Ross near Crossmaglen where a The pylons proposed by the ESB Hennessy, is now chairwoman lina began school in Mullingar was a cow, but she wasn’t so second fishing jetty was formally would pass through the Roddy’s of the society. last month she was introduced lucky. Unfortunately a motorist declared open. A reception was farmland and would also run Tyrone: The successful amal- to the third language in her came across the stray animal then held at the Cross Square close to the homes of seven gamation of the three Catholic short life. Already fluent in in the dark early last month Hotel in Crossmaglen. Among families in the townland. schools in Strabane, the Con- Latvian and English, Kirsta will and the cow did not survive the bodies involved in the two proj- Sligo: Last month saw the vent Grammar, St. Colman’s now learn everything through impact. The accident took place ects are Monaghan Tourism, opening of Shenanigans pub on High, and Our Lady of Mercy Irish and her mother, Iveta, is on a Saturday in the southbound the CASA community group Bridge Street in Sligo, certainly High, was formally marked confident that she will soon be lane on the Arklow side of the in Armagh, and Castleblayney the greenest pub in the town last month when Bishop Sea- fluent in that language also. Kish bridge but it was Monday Town Council. and possibly in Ireland. Owned mus Hegarty of Derry was the Iveta and her husband run Ziggy before the body, which had been Offaly: After less than a by Sean Cunningham, the pub chief celebrant at a Mass in the Construction in the town and dragged to the side of the dual year the Bridge House Hotel in features reclaimed wood, tile, school. The first reading was their older daughter, Annija, carriageway, was removed by Tullamore has changed hands bricks and stonework and has given by the principal of Holy attends Presentation School. the council. The motorist was once again. The hotel, which a rainwater harvesting system Cross College, Sean Bradley, She is already doing well in Irish unhurt although the car in- had been owned by Christy and solar panels. Head chef at and a number of gifts were and Iveta is planning on taking volved was badly damaged. Maye for almost 40 years, was the pub’s restaurant is Vicky brought up. These included a up the language herself soon, Page 26 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Traveling People Yes, the Irish Summer Can Be an Absolute Delight, But Don’t Count Out Playtime in the Fall on the Island

By Judy Enright Equestrian events take Special to the BIR place on Sun. and Mon., If you think there’s Oct. 5 and 6, and on nothing much to do in Sat., Oct. 11. There will Ireland now that summer be music on the streets has ended, please do think both weekends as well as again. street entertainers and a The island nation is traditional “La Gaelach” bursting with fun and in- on Sat., Oct. 11. teresting events to delight The fair annually draws and entertain every age thousands of visitors and and taste. You can attend is great fun to attend if a country fair, horse race, you are anywhere near walking or jazz festival, Ballinasloe. find yourself a husband The Maam Cross Fair or wife at a matchmaking is very horsey, too, with weekend, run a marathon, much of the focus on enter the conker cham- Connemara ponies, but pionship, and so much it also draws sellers of more. all sorts of other animals Ireland is just a fun from ferrets to goats, place to be in the fall when ducks, pups, chickens, all the summer tourists sheep, and more. It’s an have departed and life is all-day event that starts back to whatever the na- literally at the crack of tive Irish might consider dawn as assorted vendors “normal.” – mostly farmers – jockey COUNTRY FAIRS for the best place to tie If you have even the their horses, donkeys or slightest interest in ani- other animals for sale. mals and/or human na- We went to the fair sev- ture, there is almost eral years ago and stayed nothing more fun than at Peacocke’s Hotel, which an Irish country fair. Our is situated right there at two fall favorites are the the N59 crossroad and a Ballinasloe October Horse perfect location for fair- Fair and Festival in Co. goers. Those not lucky Galway (Oct. 4-12) and enough to have accom- the Maam Cross Fair, modation nearby have to a one-day event at the walk for miles as cars and Maam Cross crossroads trucks line every road in Trucks, cars, vans and people stretch as far as the eye can see on all the roads around Maam Cross on in Connemara, on Tues., every direction. the day of the great October fair. (Judy Enright photo) Oct. 28. This year’s fair will The Ballinasloe October have trophies and cash OTHER EVENTS • If you’re visiting Tip- in Clifden, take in the “bullies” in Australia and Fair, off the N6 route be- prizes for the best filly foal There are many other perary, you might want to five-day Connemara pony “obblyonkers” in the UK, tween Dublin and Galway, and colt foal of registered activities, festivals and take in the Dromineer Lit- sale from Oct. 23 to Oct. conkers (or Aesculus hip- is one of the oldest fairs parents, along with a cup events all over the country erary Festival from Oct. 27. For more information, pocastanum) are the hard in Ireland and was once for the best pony of the in the autumn; 3 to Oct. 5. This festival e-mail: info@connema- fruits/nuts that fall from the largest in Europe. fair. Horseshoeing demon- • Looking for a life invites all ages and mem- raponysales.com deciduous horse chestnut The fair is now primar- strations and a horseshoe partner? Well, you’re just bers of the community • A Samhain celebra- trees. The championship ily equestrian, but in its throwing competition will in time for the last Lis- to participate in writing tion will be held in Clon- will be on Oct. 30 and, af- earlier days it served be included in the many doonvarna Matchmaking competitions, workshops, akilty, Co. Cork, from Oct. ter seven years, has grown as a major marketplace attractions. Weekend of 2008, Sat. and readings and literary-re- 24 to Oct. 28. Samhain into a major festival. The where farmers from the If you’re anywhere near Sun., Oct. 4 and 5. Go to lated events in a weekend is the ancient Celtic fes- Village Green in Fresh- West of Ireland could sell either fair this month, the website at matchmak- of activity in this beautiful tival that celebrates the ford, Co. Kilkenny, where their cattle and sheep to we recommend a visit for erireland.com/ to learn lakeside village. For more lives of the ancestors and the championship is held, farmers from other parts a stimulating, old world more about this time-hon- information, visit the “the night when the veil has 52 gorgeous horse of the country. experience. ored Irish tradition. website at dromineerlit- between this world and chestnut trees that yield eraryfestival.ie the next is thinnest.” In numerous conkers at this • The 32d annual Kin- celebration, Clonakilty time of year. Game players sale Gourmet Festival is and West Cork are host- pull a leather cord from a held in various restau- ing a four-day gathering bag held by the referee. Paintings of Ireland rants in the Co. Cork with drum, dance and Each cord is attached to a waterfront town from Oct. song workshops, and conker, which has a hole by 10 to Oct. 12. For more street performances over drilled in it. You pull the information and tickets the Irish bank holiday cord and take whatever to various events, visit the weekend, culminating in conker is on the cord. The website: kinsalerestau- a candle-lit procession and rules say you must take Mary McSweeney rants.com/autumn.php fire celebration on Monday whichever one you get. • The more energetic evening. For more infor- The object of the game is souls in the crowd will mation, visit the website to break your partner’s enjoy the Carlow Autumn at wcie.ie or send an e-mail conker by smashing it Walking Festival on Oct. to [email protected] with your own (and with- 11 and 12. The Autumn • Do you love jazz? If so, out breaking your own Walking Festival gives why not attend the 27th conker, of course.) While it all levels of walkers the annual Guinness Jazz sounds somewhat simple, chance to enjoy the chal- Festival in Cork City from there are many ways to be lenge of Carlow’s moun- Oct. 24 to Oct. 27? Billed faulted or disqualified and tain treks or the peace of as “Ireland’s biggest and organizers say it is a game its woodlands and forest friendliest jazz festival,” of skill. All funds raised parks. Join fellow walkers the event will attract more by entry fees benefit local in the evening to listen to than 1,000 musicians from charities. For more infor- traditional Irish music. more than 30 countries mation, send an e-mail to: For more details, visit the who will entertain in some [email protected]. website at carlowtourism. 80 venues citywide. For TRAVELING com more information, visit When you decide to visit • In Clifden, Co. Gal- the website at corkjazz- Ireland, be sure to also way, you can attend the festival.com visit your favorite travel Marconi Commemorative • Oct. 27 might be agent and the Aer Lin- Weekend, from Oct. 17 to almost Halloween to us, gus’ website (aerlingus. Oct. 19, which celebrates but to Dubliners, it’s time com) for the latest direct “Blarney Castle” Guglielmo Marconi’s 1907 for the Lifestyle Sports flights and best ground transmission of the first Adidas Dublin Marathon deals. Flights and deals Original Oil Paintings, Limited Edition Canvas Giclees and Lithographs transatlantic message to for 2008. This is the 29th are also offered by US Newfoundland from his year of the Dublin City Airways (usairways.com) station in a bog outside Marathon, which attracts and several other air- Clifden. Marconi’s mes- participants from all over lines, but usually involve sage effectively launched the world to run through layovers that add several Mary McSweeney Gallery the concept of telecommu- the historic streets of the hours to the trip but also nication accessibility for Irish capital. To register cut the cost. everyone and one can only and for more informa- For seasonal happen- Cape cod imagine what he would tion, visit the website at: ings, check out Tour- think today of the advanc- adidasdublinmarathon. ism Ireland’s website at 3885 Route 6A, Barnstable 508 362 6187 es in communication since ie and dublincitymara- discoverireland.com and 1907. For more informa- thon.ie Failte Ireland’s site at tion, visit the website at • And now for the conker discoverireland.ie. www.marymcsweeney.com clifden.ie and while you’re championship! Called Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 27 The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic

One of the more complex systems of Irish is the number -- uimhir. Many children say, “I can speak Cross X” and then rattle off the numbers “One, two, three,” It’s really not that easy even in English. We have at least three sets of numbers depending on what you Words are doing. The Irish Cardinal: “One, two, three, …” when counting things, giving addresses, etc. crosswords are Ordinal: “First, second, third, …” when listing things in order. a service of an

Thirdly, we have a separate set of numbers Ireland-based to describe people: “Single, duo, trio, quartette, quintet, sextet, septet, octet.” Irish has all three of website which these plus some idiomatic usages. You have already learned the cardinal numbers. In this column we provides Irish will review these. We will study other numbers and uses in the next several columns. Family Coats of In Irish the cardinal numbers from one to nineteen are used when counting abstractly as in Arms by email. giving a telephone number, shoe sizes, etc. Notice You are invited that the prefixa is used in writing but not normally pronounced in speech unless is goes before a vowel to visit (which also prefixes anh) . The number “two” always causes lenition (“aspiration”) of the following word(s) and you may see it in several forms, the most www. common is dhá when there is a noun following. bigwood.com/ 1. a haon /uh heen/ 11. a haon déag /uh heen eyg/ 2. a do /doh/ 12. a dó dhéag /doh geyg/ heraldry 3. a trí /tree/ 13. a trí déag /tree jeyg/ 4. a ceathair /kahr/ 14. a ceathair déag /kahr jeyg/ ©-bigwood.com 5. a cúig /kooig/ 15. a cúig déag /kooig jeyg/ 6. a sé /shey/ 16. a sé déag /shey jeyg/ IRELAND IN CROSSWORDS ACROSS prepared to kill one another if it is not done.” Shaw 7. a seacht /shahkt/ 17. a seacht déag /shahkt jeyg/ (4) 8. a hocht /uh hawkt/ 18. a hocht déag /hawkt jeyg/ 1. A cell dustbin goes astray in Irish capital strong- hold wherein is St. Patrick’s Hall used for many state 9. Elf room passkey. (anag.) Galway beauty spot near 9. a naoi /nee/ 19. a naoi déag /nee jeyg/ Letterfrack with 3 lakes and a famous abbey. (4,2,8) 10. a deich /jey/ 20. fiche /fyee/ functions. (6,6) 11. Electron deficient learner fails to start jungle 10. No, tough, many can be broken in Ulster region of king. (3) many lakes, known as the MacMahon country, . (6,8) Did you notice the word déag became dhéag 15. Engaged in banter seated around. (6) in the number “twelve”? The number “two”, dó, 12. Conditional return of plant container. (3) 13. Wants to be born a detective sergeant. (5) 16. Brute dug up the root crop. (5) always lenites (“aspirates”) any word following – a 17. Grand let in prosperous Cork town, known as the dó dhéag “twelve” and a dó chúpan, “two cups.” 14. I moult badly in the last month in beautiful Timoleague. (6) ‘Bath of Ireland’ where Thomas Davies was born. (6) There are five things to remember when 18. “No, there’s nothing half so sweet in life As love’s counting nouns: 17. Did the cow sound colourful when the boat was tied up? (6) young ——.” Moore. (5) 20. Made haste along in Maghera navigation. (3) 1. It is redundant to say, “One cup - a haon cúpan.” 19. “You write with ease, to show —— breeding. But easy writing’s vile hard reading.” Sheridan. (4) 21. Tip of the separate legend! (3) The Irish will use amháin /uh-WAHN/, “only” as in 26. A contrived event will put a stop to growth. (5) amháin cúpan, “only a cup.” 21. Ardfert rekindling involves long migratory march. (4) 27. Sam’s coming over for the celebration. (4) 2. Nouns are singular when using numbers, not 28. Southern, yet upset about what’s causing a pain “six cups” but “six cup.” You might remember 22. All one’s bail (anag.) Galway horse town with a well-known castle adjoining Garbally park. (11) in the eye. (4) some American dialects still say, “Two ton of coal; 30. Tie in the back room of the hospital. (4) fourteen board foot of lumber.” 23. “There was —— ground where a man might linger, For a week or two for time was not our master.” Ewan 32. Sap rising in Kerry resort four miles west of Tralee, 3. The numbers from “one” to “six” lenite with mineral springs. (3) (“aspirate”) the beginning consonant of the noun McColl -The Travelling People. (4) 24. Noble but not quite on time. (4) 33. Take us out of 26 down with explosive result ini- – trí chúpan. tially. (3) 4. The numbers from “seven” to “nine” eclipse 25. Cut back and see where the zloty goes round. (6) the beginning consonant of the noun – a hocht 29. This do suit, up in workplace. (6) (Puzzle solution on page 31) gcúpan. 31. “Where fierce indignation can no longer tear his 5. When counting “things” above “ten” -- except ——.” Epitaph of Jonathan Swift. (5) people -- the name of the “item”, goes between 32. Drunkard returns to south. (3) the first and second number. It is always inthe 34. Soft approach by United Nations initially is a Irish Sayings … singular as if English had to say, “Three cup teen” wordy joke. (3) for “Thirteen cups”, Trí chúpan dhéag. 35. Wants west tor. (anag.) Tyrone village near Coal- “People live in each other’s shelter.” island and seat of Viscount Charlemont. (12) “The world would not make a racehorse of a don- There will be a number of special uses of the key.” cardinal numbers, many associated with “Telling DOWN “You are not a fully fledged sailor unless you have time” or idioms. We will learn these one or two at 2. One nut I cracked. (4) sailed under full sail,” “and you have not built a wall a time as we go along. 3. Peruvian pack animal seen coming back through unless you have rounded a corner.” For example, when counting one to ten “things”, Tuam all alone. (5) “There is no strength without unity.” Irish puts them before the noun -- A trí traentacha 4. Upset trash can to find the means of writing. (3) “You must live with a person to know a person. If you “Three trains.” However, when referring to “time” 5. Oh, R.U.C. tour ban row. (anag.) North Wexford want to know me come and live with me.” the word for “train” becomes singular and the seaside resort near Gorey with a 2 mile sandy beach. “Praise the young and they will blossom” number follows. (8,7) “The raggy colt often made a powerful horse.” 6. “Go to the — thou sluggard; consider her ways, and “Age is honorable and youth is noble.” A trí treantacha “three trains” be wise.” Proverbs Chap. 6 verse 6 (3) “Youth does not mind where it sets its foot.” Trean a trí “the three (o’clock) train” 7. Sound of Ireland’s first republican? (4) “Both your friend and your enemy think you will 8. “Nothing is —— done in this world until men are never die.” Let’s see how well you can apply these rules about numbers as well as reviewing some of the things you ADVERTISEMENT have already learned. Translate these sentences in to Irish: (1.) “Liam has two boats.” (2.) “She drank three cups of tea.” (3.) “I’m well, thank you.” (4.) “Are there twelve cars outside?” (5.) “Do you have two Photography by coats?” (6.) “No. I don’t have two coats. I have only one coat.” (7.) Sean and Nora will be married on Saturday.” (8.) “Here is the ‘Five O’clock Train.’” (9.) “Who was there on Thursday.” (10.) “Did you Image Photo Service see my shoes?” (11.) “This is my son, Liam.” (12.) “Didn’t you have a cup?” (13.) “I have fourteen cups in the kitchen.” (14,) “My number is ‘nine, three, • Weddings • Anniversaries one, six, five, eight, four’.” • Banquets • Portraits Answers: (1.) Tá a sé bád ag Liam. (2.) D’ól sí trí chúpan tae. (3.) Tá mé go maith, go raibh maith agat. (4.) An bhfuil a dhá chárr dhéag • Reunions amuigh? (5.) An bhfuil a dó chóta agat? (6.) Níl. Níl mé a dó chóta agam. Tá cóta amhain • Groups • Families agam. (7.) Beidh Seán agus Nóra ag pósadh Dé Sathairn. (8.) Tá an trean a cúig anseo. (9.) • Special Occasions Cé bhí ansin Déadaoin? (10.) An fhaca tú mo bhrógan? (11.) Seo mo mhac, Liam. (12.) Nach raibh chúpan agat? (13.) Tá ceithre chúpan déag agam sa chistin. (14.) Tá mo huimhir (617) 291-6609 “a naoi, a trí, a haon, a sé, a cúig, a hocht, a ceathair.” The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Page 28 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston Irish Reporter Book Review Whether “Banville” Or “Black,” The Result Is Riveting In 2005 Booker Prize-Winner John Banville’s Latest Foray – The Lemur -- into the Mystery Genre, Readers with Literary or Popular Tastes Alike Will Find Much to Savor

By Peter F. Stevens “serious” fiction, made no attempt to sitting down, the crotch of his baggy BIR Staff deny that he is Benjamin Black. He has jeans sagged halfway to his knees. His What happens when an immensely said stated in numerous public forums none too clean T-shirt bore the legend talented literary novelist and Booker that he didn’t want his real name to Life Sucks and Then You Die. He looked Prize-winner turns his skills to thrillers/ somehow make it seem as though he about seventeen but must be, John Glass crime novels noir? When that novelist was springing some kind of a highbrow guessed, in his late twenties, at least. is Ireland’s John Banville, the result prank on unsuspecting lovers of thrill- With that long neck and little head and is dark and fast-paced prose that still ers. He makes no apology for his love those big, shiny eyes, he bore a strong retains every bit of his formidable com- of the detective genre and his respect resemblance to one of the more exotic mand of his craft. Of course, if one wants for other gifted practitioners of the rodents, though for the moment Glass to read these compelling and entertain- mystery novel. could not think which one. ing novels, he or she will have to ask His first mystery, Christine Falls, was “His name was Dylan Riley. Of course, for author Benjamin Black – Banville’s lauded in this space as a riveting and Glass thought, he would be a Dylan. pseudonym for these books that might intricately plotted novel. Since that “So,” Riley said, “you’re married to never earn the full critical acclaim of The debut in the genre, which marked read- Big Bill’s daughter.” Sea, which earned him his 2005 Booker ers’ introduction to his fictional 1950s Soon the the assistant uncovers Prize, but that have earned him a new Dublin sleuth, Quirke, Banville has pub- material that could bring down the legion of detective-novel aficionados in lished a second critically praised Quirke Mulholland clan and derail Glass’s own addition to the serious fiction lovers who novel – The Silver Swan. Now, with his comfortable life, the writer begins to already revere his skills. new novel, The Lemur, Banville/Black grapple with shifting loyalties, moral In 2005, the BIR interviewed Banville introduces readers to modern-day New questions, and murky truths and lies. shortly after he won the Booker. He Yorker John Glass. Events take a decidedly darker and described both his elation and shock On the surface, Glass should be a dangerous turn with the murder of that he had outpaced a stellar field that reasonably contented man. A successful “The Lemur.” included another gifted Irish novelist, journalist, he takes on the potentially Glass becomes obsessed with find- Sebastian Barry. Barry has just been lucrative project of writing the autho- ing out everything that the victim shortlisted for the 2008 Booker for his rized biography of his father-in-law, had uncovered about Mulholland Big Bill Mulholland, a Murdoch-esque ville/Black describes the first meeting and his associates, with heading magnificent novel The Sacred Scripture of the pair: (please see BIR interview with him in media titan and erstwhile CIA agent. off scandalous secrets before they Glass delves into the project inside a “The researcher was a very tall, very become public, and with prevent- last month’s issue). Banville told the thin young man with a head too small BIR that all he could think about when spacious and well-appointed office in ing any more bodies from piling up. one of Manhattan’s largest landmarks, for his frame and an Adam’s apple the In The Lemur, Banville has put all of his name was announced as the Booker size of a golf ball. He wore rimless spec- winner was that “every other contender Mulholland Tower. Most nights, he his stunning skills to work in crafting leaves the tower and returns home to tacles the lenses of which were almost an absorbing thriller rife with intrigue, hates me right now.” With the success invisible, the shine of the glass giving an and acclaim his Benjamin Black novels his wife, Big Bill’s daughter. horrific secrets, enough twists and turns Glass sometimes longs for the fast- extra luster to his large, round, slightly to satisfy mystery lovers, and a well- have garnered, such as a nomination for bulging black eyes. A spur of blond hair the prestigious Edgar Award, perhaps paced life of his journalistic days, but drawn cast of characters. Once again, finds the book interesting enough – until sprouted from his chin, and his brow, he has served notice that he is a writer Banville should amend his statement high and domed, was pitted with acne to include other writers of mystery and his researcher begins to turn up some to reckoned with in literary and mystery unsavory stories about big Bill and his scars. His hands were slender and fiction alike. detective novels. pearly -- pale, with long, tapering fingers Banville, unlike many esteemed writ- family. Glass fittingly dubs the “shifty” The Lemur, by Benjamin Black, Pica- 08-CCH-029 PCP Print 1_2pg_MECH 9/22/08young 11:25 researcher AM Page “The 1 Lemur.” With -- a girl’s hands, or at least the hands a dor, paperback, ISBN 978-0312428082, ers who use a pseudonym to cover their girl should have. Even though he was tracks in a departure from so-called keen detail and foreshadowing, Ban- 144 pages, $13.

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MyDocRight.com Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 29 Boston Irish Reporter Book Briefs Reviews of books recently published in Ireland, edited by Pauline Ferrie

The Poison Throne but all are slotted into a plot that by another Iseult, daughter The immigrants, Victor, Ag- is almost entirely credible; even of Maud Gonne McBride, and nieszka, and Marcin, all have By Celine Kiernan the talking cat and the ghosts is attempting to write a book dreams of a better life, with become perfectly acceptable about her. Izzy’s fascination two craving the long-held im- under Kiernan’s treatment. with Iseult was fuelled by a migrant desire to return home. The dichotomy of the king’s visit to her Laragh home in the Marcin, a graduate, lives in character, which has seen him company of her father, who had hope of landing a decent job but almost destroy both of his sons, been nursed by both Maud and keeps body and soul together by is the catalyst for the unfolding Iseult Gonne during the First working as a hotel night porter. events, with the heir Alberon World War. Agnieszka falls into the trap having disappeared totally and And this is just the start of experienced by an unknown Razi forced reluctantly into the very aptly named “Dance number of immigrants, that of his place. Add the character of in Time”, for the story weaves prostitution, albeit of the high Christopher Garron, introduced back and forth, and in doing so it class and discreet variety. And to the court by Razi and used by examines the complex relation- Victor, the least practical of the both King Jonathon and Razi to ships between both Maud and three, is undone by his inability secure their own ends, and the Iseult, and Izzy and Star. Real to control his innate violence. mysterious “Bloody Machine”, figures are introduced into the The author sets these three in engineered by Lorcan when he narrative, as they must be in their diverse dilemmas with was seventeen but now in the telling the story of the Gonne a subtle touch, while at the hands of the lost heir Alberon, mother and daughter, and we same time achieving rounded and the stage is set for the learn the details of their rela- characters, as he also does with continuing development of this tionships with WB Yeats, Major the two Irishmen, Sylvester and this by the detailed descriptions most absorbing chronicle. With John McBride, and Iseult’s Dessie. These two have a loose, of Erin’s thought processes as “The Poison Throne” not due for father Lucien Millevoye. Izzy’s if committed, relationship based she rides out the nightmare Although written for young publication until this month, life runs in a strange parallel on a common problem, and they of bereavement, suspicion, adult readers Celine Kiernan’s I trust it will not be too long with that of her namesake; she represent the kind of property and ultimate confinement in a first novel will, I am sure, enjoy before Book II, “The Crowded discovers that she, too, was born deals that are the backbone of psychiatric hospital, and the at- a much wider readership. The Shadows”, becomes available. out of wedlock. And both women the current tribunals. However, tempts by those closest to her to first of “The Moorehawke Tril- O’Brien Press, ISBN 978-1- have difficult relationships with the eastern European connec- allay her fears. Both Belvedere, ogy,” it tells the tale of a young 84717-110-8, 368 pages. their fathers, whether a true tion is maintained with a shady and Harry and Erin’s new home, girl and her father and their father in Izzy’s case or both property deal in Poland. Larchfield, play a significant attempts to lead a normal, and father and stepfather in that Binchy is equally skilled at part in the developing plot, safe, life in a fourteenth-cen- A Dance in Time of Iseult. But there is a shift- conveying the physical fabric engendering a constant feeling tury kingdom set somewhere By Orna Ross ing of the generations when it of Dublin, “the dirty patchwork of what might have been if only in southern Europe. The char- comes to aligning the mothers of the road tattooed with the Erin and Harry had felt able to acters are few, but they are and daughters with a romantic memories of significant events,” move to their new house. drawn with such exactitude, suitor. For while it is Iseult and as he is the character of those The revelations in the final with such sympathy for their her mother who have a common who become involved in public chapters do not come as a total predicaments, that they linger admirer in Yeats, and each is life in Ireland: “He’s corrupt, un- surprise but nonetheless the on in the reader’s mind when the aware of his ardour for the other, principled, in it for himself...... loose threads are satisfacto- final chapter has been read. for Izzy in the 1980s it comes as He’s a small-time crook, happy rily tied. Erin’s suspicions are Wynter Moorehawke and her a shocking revelation that the to facilitate the big-time opera- vindicated and, although the father, Lorcan, both carpen- love of her life turns out also to tors, turned on by the idea that story cannot end happily ever ters, have arrived back at the be her daughter’s soulmate. they need him.” after given the fact that she and court of King Jonathon to find The progression of the story The boom in overseas prop- Harry have lost their daughter, it a changed place, a place of can seem a little disjointed; it is erty, money-laundering, the it certainly concludes on an intrigue and torture. The bond not always easy for the reader to use of vulnerable people by the upbeat note. between father and daughter switch from late twentieth cen- strong, not to say bullying, are Poolbeg, ISBN 978-1-84223- is established with sentiment tury California and Ireland to the themes of this examination 359-7, 470 pages. but without sentimentality, early twentieth century France of an Ireland that we can all and the detail of the day-to-day and England, but the writing is recognize. And the merit of the Na Comharsana lives of the young girl and her of sufficient quality to encourage unfolding story is underlined ailing father reveal an amount a perseverance that is amply by the way in which the lives Nua of research on the part of the rewarded in the final chapters of the five characters intersect. -- Éamonn Ó Loingsigh author. The apprentice system when the true strength of the Binchy has caught perfectly is fully explained not in dry Reviewed by Máire women emerges. This is an ex- Dublin as the good times begin Ní Fhearaigh) paragraphs but by describing Two sets of mothers and traordinarily deeply researched to wane. Wynter’s first encounter with daughters, one real and the novel constructed with some Penguin Ireland, ISBN 978-1- apprentice carpenters whom other fictional, set almost a complexity that explores family 844-88172-7, 257 pages. she must direct. The food eaten, century apart form the basis relationships from an original the clothes and social customs for this second novel by Orna standpoint. Sleep Softly Baby and the hierarchical nature of Ross. And at more than 600 Penguin Ireland, ISBN 978-1- court life are described so viv- pages this is not pool-side book, 844-88053-9, 606 pages. By Carol Magill idly that they become a history but a book to be read with at- A most unpromising start lesson of themselves. tention and savoured. Iseult almost led me to abandon this However the author has also (Izzy) Mulcahy lives with her Open-handed book, but what appeared to be a dwelt at length on the violence daughter Maya, known as Star, By Chris Binchy run-of-the-mill story about a girl inherent in fourteenth-century in California. A writer who can from the provinces making it big life, the guilt by association, the never seem to find the time for in Dublin turned into a psycho- terrible tortures and beatings, her writing, she is intrigued logical thriller that succeeded in capturing my attention. Erin O’Neill moves from Offaly to Dublin to further her journal- Bestsellers in Ireland istic career, leaving behind not only the provincial life but also Paperback Fiction her fiancé, the controlling and 1. No Time for Goodbye, Linwood Barclay - Orion staid Luke. Things appear to be 2. The Deportees, Roddy Doyle - Vintage running very well in her new job 3. Goodnight, Beautiful, Dorothy Koomson - Sphere and she makes a success of her 4. Where the Heart Is, Mairead O’Driscoll - Poolbeg first assignment, an interview In this new novel for learners 5. Glitz, Louise Bagshawe - Headline with property tycoon Charlie of Irish, Éamonn Ó Loingsigh Kavanagh. But this is just the tells the story of Liam and Paperback Non-fiction beginning of a series of life- Siobhán Ó Maoilmhín, a young 1. Angels in My Hair, Lorna Byrne - Century changing events that become couple recently returned home 2. Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert - Bloomsbury embroiled in the increasingly to Galway from America. Now 3. My Booky Wook, Russell Brand - Hodder dark ambience of Belvedere, the in their dream house, they are 4. Ma, He Sold Me for a Few Cigarettes, Martha Long - Main- Kavanagh home. living a life they have always stream Magill’s story is woven with wanted. Everything is perfect 5. The Chairman of the Boards: No 1, Eamonn Coughlan - Red such skill, the psychological until their new neighbours, Rock This is not a book to approach warfare portrayed with such Learaí and Deborah Ó Dúill when one is tired, for identifying authenticity, that the reader is move in to the area. With their Hardback Fiction the separate characters initially left in some doubt as to whether arrival things starts to go badly 1. Someone Special, Sheila O’Flanagan - Headline takes some concentration, but Erin, who has married Charlie’s wrong for Siobhán and Liam and 2. Saving Grace, Ciara Geraghty - Hodder Headline Ireland once these are established in the son Harry in Las Vegas, is really life becomes unbearable. 3. This Charming Man, Marian Keyes - Michael Joseph reader’s mind the book flows and being persecuted by someone in The novel serves as a useful 4. Do You Want to Know a Secret? Claudia Carroll - Tran- becomes compulsive reading. the Kavanagh family, or if she tool for those interested in im- sworld Ireland Chris Binchy has caught the is actually suffering a nervous proving their understanding of 5. Between the Sheets, Colette Caddle - Simon & Schuster zeitgeist of the dying days of the breakdown after the death of her the Irish language. The author Celtic Tiger as his characters baby. The character of Harry’s uses simple and clear language Hardback Non-fiction and scenarios reflect those found mother, Caroline, is particularly that makes it less daunting for 1. The Secret, Rhonda Byrne - Simon & Schuster regularly in our newspapers strongly delineated, a quality the reader to start and actually 2. Irish History: Minipedia, Seamus MacAnnaid - Parragon over the last few years. Irish not always sustained in many complete the book. Any word 3. Munster: Champions of Europe, Irish Examiner - Gill & people and immigrants, all on of the others, including Harry that the reader may find diffi- Macmillan the make in their diverse ways, himself; overall the female cult can be found in the helpful 4. Your 15th Club, Bob Rotella - Simon & Schuster reach conclusions that vary from characters are more credible glossary. 5. Life with My Sister Madonna, Christopher Ciccone and Wen unimagined riches to apparent than the male. However the The story itself is an easy author amply compensates for Leigh - Simon & Schuster loss of life. (Continued on page 30) Page 30 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston Irish Reporter Book Briefs Reviews of books recently published in Ireland, edited by Pauline Ferrie

(Continued from page 29) to her home in Ireland is film, restaurants, bars, read, which is exactly a central theme. festivals and even dogs what a book for learners The narrative portrays are included. There are should be. Although easy, the hordes of different at least two references it has enough suspense to nationalities who inhabit to Mrs. O’Leary’s famous keep readers of all ages the lower echelons of New animal, with the Chicago interested and wondering York society, having so Cultural Festival featur- how Liam and Siobhán much in common but at ing an event entitled “Did are going to escape the that stage in their history the Cow Do It?” and a impact of this disruptive having little interaction dinner show at the Milk couple. It’s a book that with each other. But Pail Restaurant entitled will encourage readers to dominating the story is “When Irish Cows Are continue reading books fourteen-year-old Nora Smiling.” Chapters on through Irish. McCabe and through her citizenship and genealogy Thaitin an leabhar seo eyes, Neale has drawn will have a particular in- liom agus táim ag tnúth a vivid picture of the terest for Stateside read- le aon úrscéal nua ón physical and emotional ers, but “Finding Your Chicago Irish” as a whole údar seo. ments of the McCabe challenges facing Irish im- secondary school, years would be a very useful Cló Iar-Chonnachta, family, who escaped to migrants to America in the at Waterford Institute of grandparents’ emigration handbook for a visitor to ISBN 978-1-905560-28- America from the ravages nineteenth century. Technology, and in his from Ireland to America, the Windy City. 8. of the Great Hunger. The White Mane Kids, ISBN first job in Dublin. After Sharon Shea Bossard Lake Claremont Press, reality of life in New York 978-1-57249-387-2, 170 the formative years the has now acceded to a re- ISBN 978-189312137-9, for Irish immigrants, de- pages. narrative seems to consist Hope in quest from her publisher 198 pages. spised by Americans and to write a guide to Irish of a series of drunken New York City American-born Irish alike, Finding Your Chicago. And she has episodes involving Rams By Cynthia G. is vividly portrayed; one Chicago Irish certainly compiled a very Lord of the and his friends, often lead- Neale can almost smell the dirt comprehensive guide to ing to violence of a fairly By Sharon Shea Rams innocent sort, if that is and decay in which the everything connected with By Ronan Smith Cynthia G. Neale’s se- McCabes are forced to live. Bossard Ireland available to those possible, and humorous quel to “The Irish Dresser” incidents that tend to rely But the determination of The author of “Finding finding themselves in Subtitled “The Greatest continues to capture the Nora to first better their lot Chicago, either as resi- Story Never Told,” this heavily on bodily func- hopes and disappoint- My Irish,” chronicling her tions for their punch lines. and ultimately to return search for the story of her dents or visitors. Theatre, could be a very irritat- ing book if penned by Ronan Smith has told the someone less well able to story of the first quarter distance himself from his century of his life in the own story. The Rams in third person and, while it CURRY COLLEGE question is the author’s is a touch self-indulgent, it own nickname and the is written with sufficient Curry College is a private, four-year, co-educational college located on book tells the potentially verve to hold the attention of the reader to the final 137 wooded acres in Milton, MA – just minutes from Boston. mundane story of his growing up in a rural area philosophical thought. QUICK FACTS ABOUT CURRY COLLEGE: of Co. Cavan, his journey Trafford, ISBN 1-4251- 6484-6, 222 pages. • Curry serves over 2,000 full-time, traditional undergraduate students from through primary and 40 states and 32 countries and approximately 1,600 continuing education and 400 graduate students. • Curry offers 20 majors and 65-plus minors and concentrations in the liberal arts and professional fields leading to bachelor’s degrees and three master’s degrees. • Curry’s student/faculty ratio is 12:1. The average class size is 20 students. • Approximately 70% of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.

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By Mary E. Choppa The award was also present- Special to the BIR ed to recently-retired TIARA TIARA (The Irish Ancestral Newsletter editor, Carlyn Cox. Research Association) kicked off For the past 14 years, Carlyn its 2008-09 meeting season at has created a newsletter that is the ICONs Festival on Fri., Sept. both a source of information and 12. Despite the rain, there was a a forum for members to share decent attendance at the festival their stories of family research that night, with some 60 hearty successes and failures. individuals braving the rain to Next meeting: It will take stop in at the Genealogy Tent. place on Sat., Oct. 25, from Sean O’Duill of Dublin gave an 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The insightful and humorous talk Chelmsford Public Library. The about death and burial customs public is invited to hear two ge- in Ireland. nealogists, Mary Ellen Grogan Anniversary Fete -- TIARA and George B. Handran, speak celebrated its 25th Anniver- on the topic: Solving Problems sary during the summer with in Irish Genealogy: Resources a Reunion at Bentley College’s and Methods. Mary Ellen LaCava Center. Over 100 mem- Grogan is a professional gene- bers and guests were treated alogist based in Boston. She to a day of lectures on Irish specializes in Massachusetts history, culture, and of course, records and Irish research. As genealogy. The speakers for Vice-President of TIARA, she the day included Morgan Lake has organized TIARA’s an- Adams, Marie Daly, David nual research trips to Ireland L to R An Capall Ban winners Marie Daly, Sheila FitzPatrick, Bernie Couming, Carlyn Cox, Mishkin, Brian O’Donovan, and since 2005. George B. Handran Judy Barrett, Janis Duffy with TIARA President Mary Choppa Catherine B. Shannon. Member makes frequent research trips exhibits were also featured and to Ireland, lectures and writes we were treated to a wonderful on Irish subjects. He edited and Salt Lake City trip -- Janis be capped off in January 2009 Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines luncheon talk by Irish Consul published “Townlands in Poor Duffy will be leading a trip to with an Irish Family History is offering a special group rate General David Barry. Law Unions, A Reprint of the Salt Lake City in October that Cruise. There are a limited for TIARA but you have to sign The occasion also marked the Pamphlets from the General will provide members with the number of cabins still available. up with a specific travel agent. inaugural presentation of an Register Office.” opportunity to fulfill the Irish Only those folks who would See the website --- tiara.ie. -- for award recognizing the unique JB06102STANHOPEADHe participated in the 7/18/06 devel- 9:56genealogist’s AM Page No.2 1 rule to live enjoy an excellent three-day more information on how to get contributions by volunteers to opment of the index to Griffith’s by: Do as much as can at home course on how to do your Irish the special rates. TIARA. Five of TIARA’s past Valuation with Enneclan and before crossing the Atlantic. genealogy while touring the Mary E. Choppa is the presi- presidents (Marie Daly, Sheila the National Library of Ire- Last but certainly not least, Eastern Caribbean for 7 days/8 dent of TIARA. FitzPatrick, Bernie Coum- land. TIARA’s anniversary year will nights should look into this! ing, Judy Barrett, and Janis Duffy) were honored with the An Capall Ban award. Named for the magical white horse of Irish mythology, the award recognizes the talents and selfless contributions given by volunteers to help others cross the divide between the known and unknown in searching for our Irish ancestors. BIR Booknotes The Children’s Book Festival 2008 will run throughout this month in Ireland, with more than 1,500 events expected to take place nationwide to celebrate children’s books and encourage reading amongst children and teenagers. Now in its eighteenth year, the Festival was to be launched on October 1 in Dublin after which a series of readings, work- shops, performances, quizzes and other activities will take place nationwide. This year’s program will see a specific focus on connecting with teenage readers, while new initiatives include the participation of Cumann Scríbhneoirí Óga is Úra na Gaeilge in writing projects with children from their local area. … “Women and Words,” a six-part series celebrating Finding our restaurant is easy. women writers began airing on RTE Lyric FM in late summer. Already featured on the Satur- Leaving is more difficult. day afternoon programs have been Anne Enright and Eavan Boland, and among other writers to be featured are Jennifer Johnston, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, Maeve Binchy and Marie Jones. A new book, “Soupers and Jumpers, The Protestant Mis- sions in Connemara, 1848 to 1937”, written by Mayo author Miriam Moffitt, was launched by Minister Éamon Ó Cúiv in Foyle’s Hotel Clifden on September 6. The book outlines the operations of the missions, detailing the establishment of sixty-four bible-schools, four orphanages, and the erection of fourteen Protestant churches throughout Connemara. The book, funded by the Heritage Council, includes an appendix 154 Berkeley Street, Boston • 617-532-3827 containing the registers of the Reserve online at www.opentable.com Church of Ireland parishes in Connemara from 1848 to 1869. Moffitt’s book will be launched in Dublin on October 10. Page 32 October 2008 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

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