April 2017 Boston’s hometown VOL. 28 #4 journal of Irish culture. $2.00 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2017 bostonirish.com Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. St. Patrick’s Day breakfast fare: A bit of blarney, jabs at Trump By BIR Staff State Sen. Linda Dorce- na Forry’s annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast drew some 750 friends of Ireland to the Boston Convention Center on March 19. Among the guests were US Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Massachu- setts Governor Charlie Baker, and Congressman Stephen Lynch. A special guest was Ire- land’s Minister for Chil- dren and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone, who was visiting the city to mark the St Patrick’s holiday on behalf of her country. Dr. Katherine Zappone, Ireland’s Minister for Children and Youth Affairs With roots extending carried St. Patrick’s Day greetings from the Irish people to state Sen. Linda RIP, Martin McGuinness back to the 1940s, this an- Dorcena Forry’s breakfast and to the city of Boston. Said the minister: “Imag- Martin McGuinness, the Irish Republican Army nual political gathering ine if the people of Ireland had turned their backs on St Patrick as a migrant chieftain who turned away from violence to forge is legendary in Boston’s – our history would be very different.” Don West photo peaceful political bonds with Northern Ireland’s history, and serves to Protestants, died last month at age 66. Tens of focus the celebration of throughout the proceed- featured plenty of good- challenger in this year’s thousands looked on from the streets of Bogside in Boston’s Irish heritage by ings, beginning with natured joshing of GOP election, City Councillor Londonderry on March 23 as political colleagues, the region’s political and Sen. Dorcena Forry’s Governor Baker by the Tito Jackson. IRA veterans, family, and friends bore his casket cultural constituencies. presentation of a tweet largely Democratic crowd into church where, remarkably, police command- As was to be expected, from the White House of politicians spread An album of photos ers, Protestant leaders, and the British secretary of given the re-made politi- – “Good Luck on Your across the dais and some from the breakfast on state for Northern Ireland joined Irish presidents cal landscape, President STUPID Breakfast – light byplay between Page 2. and prime ministers past and present in the pews. Trump’s name was heard SAD!” The event also Mayor Walsh and his No IRA trappings were present as two Protestant church ministers and former US President Bill Clinton took turns eulogizing a man who had long topped Britain’s list of terrorists. (AP) Father Dan Finn busily tends to Remembering his flock of anxious immigrants By Ryan Daly in Norwood and Roslindale, he the Man Special to the Reporter settled in as assistant pastor at Father Dan Finn, a faith and com- St. Peter’s, the beginning of close By Robert P. Connolly By Joe Leary munity leader, especially among the to four decades of priestly service Special to the BIR Special to the BIR Irish, in Dorchester since 1980, left in Dorchester where he quickly In some respects, it was The first time I saw his longtime post as pastor of St. established himself as a relentless as if he were just another Martin McGuinness was Mark’s parish two years ago, but champion of the immigrant Irish government official show- at the old Ritz Carlton he didn’t go very far. in Boston. ing up for work on a chilly Hotel in Boston in 1996 After a bit of rest and travel, the Today, his responsibilities consist Belfast morning. But as as he was striding down native of Kanturk, Co. Cork, moved of helping out archdiocesan par- the man who had inspired the second-floor corridor into the rectory at nearby St. Bren- ishes with day-to-day needs while cheers and chills for three to join a luncheon the dan’s parish and took up a new role continuing his deep involvement in decades emerged from Irish American Partner- as chaplain and coordinator of the immigration issues on a large scale his car, it was surpris- ship was holding in in his Irish Pastoral Centre, which he had in Dorchester, across the city, and ing that television crews honor. co-founded some 30 years before at beyond. But increasingly, he said and throngs of reporters We had run a breakfast a time when hearty waves of young in an interview at his Rita Road weren’t there to capture for Northern Ireland Sec- Irish men and women were leaving office this week, his duties take the moment. retary of State Mo Mow- their home island and settling in him into cellblocks where anxious The date was Dec. 2, lam that morning and had the city, often without proper im- Irish-born prisoners – sometimes 1999, and there wasn’t invited McGuinness and migration documents. undocumented – seek out, and count a camera in sight when Sinn Fein to address the Many of them soon came to know Fr. Dan Finn runs the Irish Pas- on, his counsel. Martin McGuinness be- Partnership at lunch. As Dan Finn as a priest who was ener- toral Centre from an office on “In the last year I’ve visited seven gan to climb the stairs I remember, the ballroom getically engaged with their ranks Rita Road. Ryan Daly photo or eight people,” said Fr. Finn. “They at Stormont Castle in was full of hotel security even as he was busily attending really appreciate my visit, and I Belfast. watching nervously from to parish affairs at St. Peter’s in Cork at an aunt’s home in Billerica, have had to work to understand The date has taken its the balcony as he began Dorchester throughout the ‘80s. MA, in 1962, the young Finn worked each of the different prison’s rules, place in the annals of to speak after we finished He brought to his pastoral du- and studied his way to archdiocesan and what is acceptable.” He added Irish history, as it marked our lunch. ties a resume that reflected an seminary studies in Brighton and that he has learned the hard way the first gathering of the The British Consul (we immigrant’s pluck and a drive to his ordination in 1972, the year be- that some prisons won’t let you mail ministers who would run invited all sides) and sev- succeed as a churchman. A teen- fore he was sworn in as a US citizen. cash to inmates. Connolly, Page 6 Leary, Page 6 aged carpenter on his arrival from After seven years as a curate (Continued on page 3)

I work in Hollywood but I keep my money in my hometown-Kevin Chapman Check out City of Boston Credit Union - visit CityofBostonCU.com Page 2 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Gathering time at Sen. Dorcena Forry’s breakfast They came from near and far to join in the festivities at the an- nual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day breakfast hosted by state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry. Among the guests pictured below, clockwise from top left: Sen. Forry; a musi- cal rendition of “Southie is My Hometown”; Irish band Curragh’s Fancy; comedian Jimmy Tingle; Irish dancer Kieran Jordan; art- ist Vincent Crotty; US Senator Ed Markey, 15-year-old singer Anthony Dooley, Cambridge Po-

The 2017 St Patrick’s Day breakfast received an “Upgrade to Business Class” this year, thanks to lice Lt. Pauline Wells; and Sister presenting sponsor Delta Airlines, one of a number of contributors who helped defray the cost of the Brenda Forry, CSJ, who gave the event. Delta will begin daily flights from Boston to Dublin on May 25, and to kick things off, Delta donated two pairs of round trip business class tickets to two lucky breakfast guests, Gerri Munroe benediction. and Michael Duffy. Pictured, from left: Kim Elkins and first officer Bob Clifford, Delta; Gerri Munroe; Delta regional manager Charlie Schewe; Michael Duffy; and state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry. All photos by Don West bostonirish.com April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Dot runners fuel passion of Team MR8 By Elana Aurise Kathleen Mullen, Cailin fundraising support from began. “For the past 3 Reporter Staff Pagel, Patrick Ryan, team manager Susan years I have run many A team of 100 runners Talia Siravo, Jack Wu, Hurley, founder of Char- races,” Siravo wrote. “I affiliated with the Martin Laura and Peter Oggeri, ity Teams, Inc., a North feel blessed to run my Richard Foundation are Sheryl Patel, Pat Brophy, Andover, Massachusetts most important race for training hard for this Derek Mourad and Steve based company that helps Team MR8.” month’s BAA Boston Wilkins. small non-profits grow Siravo has already sur- Marathon, set for April As in years past, a through athletic fund- passed her goal of $7,500 17. The foundation’s larger group of runners raising,” according to the for Team MR8—raising team— affectionately will gather at the Eire Team MR8 website. $11,271 to date. known as Team MR8— Pub in Adams Village to Talia Siravo, a first Cailin Pagel’s is run- includes 18 Dorches- run a mile loop on Sat- grade teacher at Saint ning her first-ever mara- ter residents who are urday, April 15 at 5 p.m. John Paul II Catholic thon and she’s already all raising funds to aid All are welcome to join Academy in Lower Mills, beat her goal of raising the Fields Corner-based in the run in a solidarity was a spectator on Bo- $7,500 for Team MR8. organization, which is with the Richard family lyston Street waiting for She’s hauled in $9,326 in devoted to keeping Mar- and Team MR8. Many of her fiancé to cross the fin- pledges, according to her tin’s peace-filled message the team members are ish line when the bombs fundraising page. alive through good deeds also planning individual went off on Patriots Day, “Team MR8 honors and philanthropy. events aimed at building 2013. values that have been Martin, 8, was killed awareness and raising “I remember feeling instilled in myself from and his family members funds. Each runner on heartbroken and filled as far as I can remember,” were injured when two the team is committed to with impossible ques- she wrote. “They are a terrorists detonated a raising at least $2,000 for tions,” she wrote. “Noth- huge support to local pair of homemade bombs the foundation. ing seemed fair. How- sports organizations and near the finish line of the Collectively, Team ever, in the weeks and for myself sports have al- city’s marathon in 2013. MR8 has already raised months that followed, I ways been a huge part of The Dorchester con- $549,752 out of their remember seeing some- my life. I believe that the tingent that has been $750,000 goal for 2017— thing incredible. In the coaches and teammates Cardinal fetes Fr. Dan Finn at the Irish Social Club fundraising and training making them one of the midst of heartache and that I was so lucky to in West Roxbury after his retirement from St. Marks. to cross the finish line top fundraising teams pain, a community band- spend so much time with this year is Eoin Can- participating in the BAA ed together to help one growing up really helped non, Monica Davis, John Boston Marathon. another. I made a silent mold me into the person Fr. Dan Finn tends Delano, Pat Doherty, Di- “All Team MR8 run- promise to myself to run I am today. It feels so anne Lescinskas, Michael ners have access to pro- the Boston Marathon and good to be part of a team to his local flock of McCarthy, Rachel Moo, fessional training and so my running journey again.” anxious immigrants (Continued from page 1) “You should see the huge He sees his role as crowd that comes on that acting as both a support occasion,” he said. system – quelling the The centre aims to cre- incarcerated individual’s ate a “parish without anxieties – and as a mes- boundaries,” as he puts it, senger – sending updates meaning that it has to be to and from the individu- there for immigrants “in als and their families in the shadows.” Ireland. Having strongly Every month, the cen- supported the rights of ter brings immigrant the undocumented Irish attorneys to Dorchester through almost four de- and to its Quincy quar- cades of priestly service in ters to educate people on Dorchester, he takes this the appropriate engage- new facet to be a natural ment procedures with extension of previous Immigration and Customs work. Enforcement agents. It is In the aftermath of Pres- important, Fr. Finn said, ident Donald J. Trump’s for people to know that controversial executive even though they may not orders, immigrant anxiety be legal citizens, they still Team MR 8 shown at the 2016 BAA Marathon is spiking to levels not seen have rights. since the 1980s, Fr. Finn “We’re trying to get the said. Many of the Irish he word out that we’re here works with are no longer for anybody and every- Irish American Partnership hears of seeking out the police body—that the door is al- and healthcare resources ways open. We’ll respond because they are afraid in any way we can, given Kerry woes; sets awards for 5 schools our resources,” he said. of being arrested. “It’s a The Irish American were in Boston to promote spoke at length about the regulatory climate, and Even though the Pasto- real fear for people. The Partnership used the oc- tourism, trade, education, challenges posed by Ire- Griffin, noting that that ral Centre is now entering centre tries to be a bridge casion of a visit to Boston and direct foreign invest- land’s two-tiered econom- the lack of employment in its 30th year of operation, between their situation by Kerry Co. Mayor Mi- ment in the county, which ic recovery, which has left rural Kerry is annihilat- Fr. Finn believes that and other resources that chael O’Shea last month has not yet recovered from coastal villages along the ing small towns, asked more familiarity with the we know will be safe for for a roundtable dis- the devastating effects of Western seaboard strug- the roundtable guests to immediate area is needed. them to go to.” cussion about economic the recession. gling to survive. consider Kerry should With a mission state- Fr. Dan Finn’s long growth in the west of In recognition of their O’Shea commented that they wish to expand their ment that purports to career as a parish priest Ireland to announce Part- visit, Partnership Chief the small family farm that business or begin an en- provide services without has earned him the trust of nership grants to five Executive Mary Sugrue was once the mainstay of terprise in Ireland. geographical boundaries, thousands— and not just Kerry schools. presented O’Shea with Kerry life can no longer he said, the biggest dif- from the Irish community. O’Shea and Kerry Tour- awards totaling $10,000. survive due to rising ex- ference in his work now, His 22-year-long minis- ism Officer John Griffin O’Shea and Griffin penses and the current try at multicultural St. after St. Mark’s, is simply Mark’s parish on Dorches- that he is not focused on ter Avenue made him a a square mile of parish virtual family member to space. Everything else families with origins in goes on, more or less, as places like Vietnam, Haiti, before. and Rwanda. “I say Masses in Milton, “I’m more or less a Quincy, Lowell, and differ- name,” he conceded. “I ent parts of the city. What know a lot of people in this before would have been community, and have a an exception – travelling wide network of relation- around all over the state ships. My job is a process of –now is more of a rule.” reconnecting with people The organization hopes I’ve met over my lifetime.” to move into a more promi- At the Pastoral Centre, he nent office sometime this added, “We basically assist year, but there is no inten- people from the cradle to tion to ever leave Dorches- the grave.” ter. “We feel this is area is Memorial Masses at where we belong,” Fr. Finn St. Brendan’s church, at said. “It is the crossroads which the death of an im- for new Irish immigrants. migrant’s relative from his I’ve always said, ‘You don’t or her native country is need to join the Navy to see commemorated, are high- the world. You just need to Father William Joy, Kerry County Mayor Michael O’Shea, Partnership Chief Executive Mary Sugrue, lights of Fr. Finn’s work. come to Dorchester.’” Sean Moynihan of the Moynihan Group, Kerry Tourism Officer John Griffin Page 4 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook A momentous election for Sinn Fein; getting down to business a must now

By Joe Leary ric and her governing decisions Special to the BIR annoyed many on both sides. No one expected the leading Unionist party to lose During the election Sinn Fein 10 seats in the recent Assembly election in Northern had men and women dressed up Ireland. No one expected that as a result of the voting, as crocodiles roaming all over the the Democratic Unionists would have only a one-seat election sites. advantage over the Sinn Fein. No one expected the The full impact of Martin Mc- overall Nationalist vote to almost tie the Unionist vote. Guinness’s death will not become No one expected that 100,000 more votes would be clear for some time. But he was cast than in the last Assembly election – a ten percent a steady hand who was highly increase with nearly 60 percent of the increase going respected by most all the play- The view from the planned site of the Famine Memo- to Sinn Fein. ers. His reputation as a tough Joe Leary rial on Deer Island looking west across the harbor It was a momentous election, a clear victory for Sinn guy and an excellent negotiator to Boston. Ed Forry photo Fein, and Nationalists and Republicans were delighted. combined with his friendship The Democratic Unionists and most everyone else were with ultra-unionist Ian Paisley evoked admiration from shocked. everyone who met him. His friendly manner and quick Revival of a dream Was Northern Ireland showing signs of agreeing to a smile softened Sinn Fein’s image and made people for- United Ireland by voting in such a way for Sinn Fein? get the tough guy stories. It all came to him naturally. for Deer Island How will new, inexperienced political leadership be That softening of Sinn Fein’s image has been a goal able to deal with the Brexit problems that seem to be since the ceasefire and the giving up of its arms depots. By Ed Forry getting worse by the day? Will Brexit motivate people It is not by accident that 40 percent of its representa- The long-awaited memorial to the Irish who died to be more inclined to stay with the European Union by tives in the Assembly are women, a number far more before they could reach Boston during the great Irish uniting with the Republic of Ireland? Several Northern than any other party. There is no doubt that this has famine and were buried at Deer Island may soon Ireland businesses have already moved to the South. had an impact on Sinn Fein’s success at the ballot box become a reality. The situation is confusing. Was the vote a reaction to both in the North and the South. The late podiatrist Dr. Bill O’Connell and his wife DUP leader Arlene Foster’s mean spirited attitude, the McGuinness’s replacement as head of Sinn Fein in the Rita O’Connell, longtime stalwarts of Boston’s Irish resignation of Martin McGuinness, or, simply, a result North is Michelle O’Neill, a brilliant young woman from community, spent many years learning about “The of the fact that the Catholic population is growing? the Mid Ulster constituency who has been in politics Great Hunger,” the famine that ravaged Ireland in The newly elected Assembly now must organize itself since 2005. Married with two children, she was mayor the middle of the 19th century, leading to the death and appoint new leadership to manage its internal busi- of Dungannon for a time, and minister of Agriculture of many from starvation while countless others sought ness. The rules in the Good Friday agreement require and Rural Development in the last government. to extend their lives by cramming into sailing ships the newly organized government to be in place within This latest Assembly election is hopefully another and set out for America. three weeks of the election. If that does not happen, step toward peace and equality for everyone in North- In Boston, as some 25,000 Irish souls arrived in our there must be another new election, or control goes ern Ireland. If Catholics become the majority, all of us harbor on “coffin ships” between 1847 and 1849, the back to London. As always, personalities and power might remember that it will then be their responsibil- city’s health officials steered the vessels to Deer Island, struggles will have an impact on all decisions. Foster, ity to insure that the minority is treated as Catholics where the passengers were quarantined to prevent any the former DUP leader in the Assembly, is being chal- wished to be treated themselves. communicable diseases from coming ashore. lenged by Sinn Fein members, who are insisting they For the moment, though, the biggest problem is the There, within sight of our will not accept her. During her recent time in office as coming separation between the EU and Britain. This city, hundreds perished – from First Minister, she regularly insulted Sinn Fein, caus- will greatly stress Northern Ireland in ways that are typhoid fever, pneumonia, dys- ing the late Martin McGuinness to resign in protest. hard to predict. Prime Minister Theresa May’s first entery, and consumption. One Given that, she may be the best vote getter Sinn obligation is to protect her country and the issues in four-month-old baby died from Fein has. She plays to her highly prejudiced base by Northern Ireland are in second place. The same is true whooping cough, a five-month- calling Sinn Fein a bunch of crocodiles who, if you feed of Ireland itself. old from cholera. More than one them, will only want more. She cut the budget for Irish Northern Ireland’s leaders must work hard and work baby perished from “marasmus,” language schools while authorizing funds for musical smart to protect their own people as things comes to a a severe form of malnutrition instruments for Protestant bands. That kind of rheto- head in London. that leaves a child emaciated and with almost no energy. Although many Irish did survive, those who Off the Bench didn’t were buried in unmarked paupers’ graves on the island. When the O’Connells discovered the graves on Deer Island, they reached out to the Massachusetts Water The value of an occasional ‘Hallelujah’ Resources Authority (MWRA), which was building the By James W. Dolan That rejection is understandable. Organized religions massive sewage treatment complex there, and asked Special to the Reporter make mistakes, and, sometimes, grievous errors. Why for help in memorializing the dead immigrants. Of late I have been attending the music Mass at St. not seek solace in a purer more personal belief without It was a decades-long dream of Bill and Rita to es- Anthony’s Chapel. The Arch Street Band and singers the distractions of traditional faiths? My answer to tablish a memorial to those long-lost Irish, and in the join with the congregation in a festive and exuberant that is simple: Human beings organize institutionally early 1990s they gathered some friends to find a way to celebration of a ritual that has sustained Catholics for as families, tribes, trades, businesses, schools, and create a fitting memorial. They researched the history centuries. It underscores the celebratory nature of the governments, etc. That is how we function. The fact of those who died on the island and discovered that a sacrament at the heart of the faith. that some or all of these institutions fail from time to primitive cemetery there contained the graves of hun- There is usually precious little participation in a rite time is as obvious as the reason for their decline: flawed dreds of Irish, with no proper marking or memorials. that over time has become almost routine. The gospel, human beings. Our human nature is easily corrupted; With a small group of friends, they formed the Deer homily, consecration, and communion are themselves that’s a condition we cannot escape. However, with Island Irish Memorial-Boston Harbor; their mission, supposed to draw the congre- love, we can learn to identify, understand, correct, and they wrote at the time, “is to acknowledge, honor, and gation into an intellectual and forgive faults in ourselves and others. We can strive remember the 850 Irish men, women, and children who emotional response. Too often to do better. died and were buried on Deer Island between 1847 that fails. The gospel is rote, Within the Catholic Church, the mission of the and 1850 during the time of An Gorta Mor – Ireland’s the homilies are uninspiring, Franciscans is to help the poor, forgotten, sick, and Great Hunger.” and the participation tends dispossessed. Love, the paramount virtue, is the one But when two other Famine memorial efforts formed to be more the filling of an from which all the others flow. Few organizations can in Cambridge and Boston, the O’Connells’ effort was obligation than a spiritual match the zeal of the Franciscans in promoting active overlooked, and those early plans fizzled. Sadly, the experience. love. That is nowhere more evident than in the music Marshfield couple have since passed way, Rita on the While that may be due in Mass that draws those present into the joy and fulfill- last day of 2012, and Bill in 2014, and their vision part to people like myself, who ment of service to others. for a Deer island memorial seemed to die with them. fail to fully invest in what has It is in the joining of our aspirations that we are That same year, Ireland’s Consul General in Boston, become a duty more than a most productive. It can be as simple as a congregation Michael Lonergan, reached out to see if the O’Connell’s James W. Dolan celebration. But some respon- united for a few moments in melodious prayer or as efforts could be resumed. With his encouragement, sibility rests with priests who complicated as organizing programs to help those less a new working committee was formed. and the effort fail to even try to inspire with turgid, disorganized, fortunate. Either way, it helps to punctuate the task has been sustained by Lonergan’s successors, Brean- prolonged, and sometimes incoherent sermons. Instead with an occasional “Hallelujah!” dán Ó Caollai and current Consul General Fionnuala of a short, relevant, meaningful message, many ramble James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court Quinlan. on, unprepared, long after they have lost their audience. judge who now practices law. This year, the committee, now called the Irish The Mass calls for an intellectual, emotional and Great Hunger Memorial Committee, is working with spiritual response. A poor sermon does nothing to gen- the MWRA and public- spirited business people from erate such a reaction. In fact, it does the opposite. The Winthrop to develop a new vision for the memorial: a Franciscans at Arch Street normally use that valuable Boston Irish 16-foot classic Irish/Celtic cross has been designed and time to convey something meaningful. It is usually brief, carved in granite, and it will sit on a four-foot concrete direct, and relevant, in that it can be applied to how foundation on a majestic Deer Island promontory we live. Done well, it produces the desired reaction. REPORTER overlooking Boston Harbor from which visitors will be The music and singing provide a jubilant response The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: able to see the shores of Boston, from the downtown to what is supposed to be an uplifting experience. Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., skyscrapers to the city’s southern waterfront, including Those present are no longer just witnesses, but active 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 South Boston, Dorchester, and Quincy. participants in a ritual that is at the center of Catholic [email protected] www.bostonirish.com There will be informative plaques installed, and a devotion, the source of which is a loving God. Love is not Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) series of granite blocks surrounding the cross, with Edward W. Forry, Publisher a solitary act; it demands action. Singing can be a vivid Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor an interpretive sign explaining the significance of expression of that intensity, drawing the participants William P. Forry, Editor the memorial. into a deeper appreciation of the joy that can be found Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor The details of the agreement are being finalized, in their exercise of shared responsibility. News Room: (617) 436-1222 but there has been great progress, and the committee Organized religion tends now to be out of favor. Many Ads : (617) 436-1222 Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] hopes the memorial will become a reality as early as prefer to find their own way to whatever version of this summer. spirituality or humanism attracts them. They define On The Web at www.bostonirish.com It will indeed be a fitting memorial to those hundreds their own faiths without the burdens and restraints Date of Next Issue: May, 2017 of Irish who sought refuge here in Boston, but died of institutional limitations. Traditional religions, after Deadline for Next Issue: Thursday, April 20 at 12 noon before they could start new lives in America. It also all, are hierarchical; they are directed by human be- Published monthly in the first week of each month. will be a wonderful tribute to Bill and Rita O’Connell, ings with the flaws and weaknesses so evident in all The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond who had the vision and commitment to remember the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish institutions. Offended, the disappointed look elsewhere Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. those many lost souls. for fulfillment. bostonirish.com April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Point of View TWO PASSINGS, AND A PASTIME RENEWED on several occasions. A genuine Renaissance man, Taylor, was given the Red Sox as a perk from his father, Two Men Who he started his career with Irish state radio and RTÉ the new owner wanted a new ballpark for the local in 1970. Then, he went on to the BBC in Dublin and nine. On June 24, 1912, the Globe trumpeted the news Made a Mark covered The Troubles for five years, garnering a reputa- with a half-page drawing and a detailed accompanying tion for forthright, balanced, and courageous reporting. story stoking fans’ fervor. The article stated, “With the By Peter F. Stevens Moving to London, he embraced his passion for books new park covering 365,306 square feet of land and the BIR Staff and writing with the popular Bookshelf program for stands of the most approved type, and the home club They were vastly different men in many ways, but in BBC Radio 4, delving into the world of publishing and brought up to its best pitch, the fans hereabouts can their inimitable ways, they shared a bottomless love of interviewing more than 1,400 authors who ranged from confidently look forward through the winter months their native Ireland. Martin McGuinness was an IRA John Updike and Margaret Atwood to Stephen King. to some great baseball games next season.” commander turned peacemaker. Frank Delaney was For the BBC, Delaney hosted Omnibus, the Frank The man hired as the chief contractor for the park a journalist, broadcaster, and, above all, a masterful Delaney Show, Word of Mouth, and later, on Sky News, was Charles Logue and beginning on Sept. 25, 1911, writer and storyteller. They passed away in recent the long-running The Book Show. a state-of-the-art steel and concrete ballpark—one of days, McGuinness to heart trouble, Delaney after a As a bestselling author, Delaney wrote five nonfic- the first of its kind—began to materialize on a tract stroke. In these pages, I had the opportunity to speak tion books, ten novels, and short stories. His nautical whose most distinctive previous buildings had been at length with both men. nonfiction work “Simple Courage” is a book that stays the Park Riding School and a church. McGuinness trod a path that wound from his IRA with the reader long after one finishes it. It was to Logue and his crews had to follow both the architects’ days – when he rose to second-in-command of the discuss this true tale of a shipwreck off the Irish coast plans and the realities of “day baseball.” A Fenway Provisional IRA in Derry and was often described as that I first met Delaney. He was a man of towering Park historian writes, “There was no thought of night “Britain’s number one terrorist” – to his pivotal role wit, wordliness, and talent. baseball in 1911, so the architects had to make sure in the Northern Ireland peace process. Even as he A Happy 105th anniversary batters would not be facing into the sun late in the became a prominent political figure, he neither denied to “the House That Logue Built” afternoon. Thus home plate was set in the southwest nor sugarcoated his IRA past. Spring is a time of renewal, and for legions of people corner of the yard…to ensure that the sun would set As Bill Clinton, another key figure in that Good Fri- in these parts, that means opening day at Fenway Park. behind third base, bothering only the right fielder.” day agreement process, eulogized, McGuinness was a The year 2017 marks a milestone for the venerable To the eternal agony of countless right fielders who key figure in ending the violence in Northern Ireland, “House that Logue Built” 105 years ago. would lose balls in the Fenway sun, Logue followed securing IRA arms decommissioning in 2005, and shar- On April 20, 1912, some 27,000 spectators jammed the plan to the letter. ing the new government with past, once-intractable the stands for the Red Sox home opener. This open- By opening day of 1912, Logue had delivered the Protestant foes. His momentous handshake in 2012 ing day, however, heralded a new era for the club. As goods. Fenway Park was ready, completed at a cost of with Queen Elizabeth II signified just how far both starting pitcher Buck O’Brien rocked into his windup $650,000 and with private funds only. Washed out by he and Northern Ireland had come since the worst of and uncoiled the season’s first pitch at the New York rain for two days, Fenway’s christening day was April the Troubles. Highlander’s leadoff hitter, he did so in a brand new 20, the stands packed with fans gaping at the tech- As the Irish News noted, “Mr. McGuinness said ballpark. Fenway Park was in business—in large part nological “marvel.” The New York Highlanders, who he ‘genuinely regretted’ every life lost during the thanks to an Irish immigrant named Charles Logue. would be renamed the Yankees in 1913, were a fitting Troubles… “Every single violent act was evidence of The Derry-born contractor’s company had built the opening-day foe, as the raucous rivalry between the a failure of politics and a failure of British policy in ballpark destined to become a shrine to “the Grand clubs for decades to come would prove. The teams went Ireland….I genuinely regret every single life that was Old Game.” into extra innings tied at 6 runs each. In the eleventh, lost during that conflict and today I want every family Born in Derry in 1858, a bearded man and the father Red Sox second baseman Steve Yerkes, already 5 for who lost a loved one to know that your pain is not being of a large family, Logue possessed a genuine talent 6 in the No. 2 2 slot, got on base again. Tris Speaker ignored and I am willing to work with others to finding for shaping land to architects’ plans. He owned a stepped to the plate and drove in Yerkes for a dramatic a way to deal with our past so that we can complete construction company that earned a stellar reputation 7–6 victory. Fenway’s first game had lasted three hours our journey to true reconciliation.” for finishing jobs on time and without questionable and twenty minutes. The Red Sox went on from there In an interview with McGuinness, what I most recall cost overruns, something that could not always be to rack up their best record ever, 105–47, and the beat was how thoughtful and quietly optimistic he was for said of the city’s more than 230 Irish contractors in the New York Giants in the World Series. his country’s future. Still, there was no mistaking the the early 1900s. What should have been the newspapers’ big story sheer toughness of the man. Logue built structures for the Catholic Archdiocese was eclipsed on the front pages by the most recent de- ••• and for Boston College, and when John I. Taylor, son velopments in “the story of the century” – the Titanic Over the past decade, I had the great and good for- of the Boston Globe’s publisher, General Charles H. had gone down just a few days earlier. tune of interviewing Tipperaryman Frank Delaney Kevin Barry talks about his way of dealing with writing Kevin Barry, the Burns Visit- held by [Associate Professor Q. You must have been I was writing it at a time when ing Scholar in Irish Studies for of the Practice of English] Joe pleased by the reception to your Ireland was undergoing dra- this semester at Boston College, Nugent, and I was struck by the first collection of short stories, matic changes – you’re part of is one of Ireland’s more highly diversity of the crowd showing “There Are Little Kingdoms” the country you live in, you feel regarded fiction writers to up to puzzle through this great (2007), which suggested the what’s happening. There had emerge this century. The author and famously impenetrable changes taking place in Ire- been incredible prosperity, a lot of two novels, “Beatlebone” and work by an old Irish dude. land’s towns and cities – new of immigration into the country, “City of Bohane,” and two story I’ve really enjoyed being able technology, new sounds, new new energies, new tensions, and collections – “There Are Little to go to the Burns Library and kinds of relationships, and so on. then came the unprecedented Kingdoms” and “Dark Lies the browsing, for example, the A. It went down well, and I collapse. It was by sheer luck, Island” – Barry has won the Flann O’Brien collection – to see was very fortunate to win the not design, that I’d chosen an Rooney Prize for Irish Litera- his original manuscripts, which Rooney Prize for Irish Litera- almost dangerously interest- ture, the Goldsmiths Prize, the are sacred texts to me, and even ture. The award is named after ing time to be writing in, and I IMPAC Dublin City Literary his typewriter. Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan think some of the mad vitality Award, the Sunday Times EFG Q. Your new novel – can you Rooney, so along with the prize got into the pages. Short Story Prize, and the Euro- give a hint as to how it’s com- you get a Pittsburgh Steelers Some reviewers had said that pean Union Prize for Literature, ing along? T-shirt – which, of course, I I was the guy who would write as well as a Lannan Foundation A. I can’t, because I have know I’m not supposed to wear “the Celtic Tiger novel.” Well, Literary Award. His stories no idea what it’s about yet! around Boston. I’d have rather pulled my head and essays have appeared in [Laughs] I’m in the very early Kevin Barry Q. But you didn’t necessar- off than do that. But you know, the New Yorker, Granta, Tin stages where I’m just doggedly “Reading sets the stage.” ily set out with a collection in when I look now, “Bohane” is, House, and many other journals. making myself go to the desk Gary Wayne Gilbert, mind, right? sort of, my Celtic Tiger novel. On Wed., April 12, Barry, every morning and write. Ac- Boston College photo A. A short story collection is Q. Speaking of stories, you a Limerick native (1969), will tually, I am not in the habit of a curious beast. As you write and your wife have a unique present the Burns Scholar talking out a new project. I usu- good writing day. When I was the stories, you start to become home back in Ireland: an old Lecture, “A Writer’s Apprentice- ally sneak up on it, as if it were emerging as a writer, in my aware that themes naturally police barracks. How did you ship,” at 4:30 p.m. in the Burns a new and delicate life form, and 20s, I would have these random emerge, so you think that per- wind up there? Library Thompson Room. I don’t want to startle it and bursts of genius at 4 a.m. I’m on haps you can build on these A. Well, we had been moving In a recent interview, the Bos- send it running into the woods. a different schedule nowadays. and put a coherent collection around so much, and finally we ton College Office of University A campus with such great Q. When did it hit you that together. But I’ve found with decided it was time to find some- Communications posed a few libraries as those here BC is an writing was something you liked stories that the rate of produc- place where we really wanted questions to the author: enormously useful environment and wanted to do? tion gradually slows down, and to stay. But it was the height of Q. What prompted you to for a writer. I love the O’Neill A. I can actually date it: I the process doesn’t necessarily the Celtic Tiger, and houses in accept the invitation to be the Library: It’s like a living Google wrote my first short story, at age get easier. cities were just not affordable. Burns Scholar? machine where you can just fol- eight, the morning after Elvis Q. And then you went in a And then we found this old bar- A. Well, it’s always a great low a trail of reading, a trail of Presley died [Aug. 16, 1977] – it different direction with “City racks, built in the 1840s by the and necessary thing for a writer books. There’s a lot of reading was based somehow on Elvis’s of Bohane” (2011), a dystopian Royal Irish Constabulary, and to get out of the house – to hear that goes on before I write; it life. I was always a scrawler, I novel [it takes place in 2053, it hadn’t been used in 30 years. some new voices, new ways of sets the stage. suppose – certainly I wrote quite in a world of minimal laws and We needed a place for all the speaking. I’m not a stranger to Q. Do you follow a certain a bit of teenage poetry, none of technology, chronicling a power books we’d accumulated, so we Boston College by any means, routine in your writing? which survived, thankfully. struggle among gangs for a thought, “This is it.” having visited a few times here A. I make it a first-thing-in- When I worked in journalism, western Ireland city]. How did And we moved in, and bit by over the years, and I’m delighted the-morning practice. The great I wrote about books, films, art, that unfold? bit we cleaned it and fixed it to have the opportunity to stay Don DeLillo talked about writ- and so forth, so I was always A. When I was writing that up. Win a literary prize, put in for a few months. For one thing, ing as something you should do sneaking up on fiction. And then book, I was very influenced by some central heating, that kind you get a proper winter in Bos- when you first wake up, when I began writing short stories, American television drama, of thing. But the overhead’s low, ton. In Ireland, all the seasons you’re still “puddled in dream and that form kind of remains shows like “The Wire,” “The and there’s beautiful country have sort of morphed into one; melt,” and you’re in touch with my first love. Sopranos” and especially “Dead- out the windows. it never gets very hot or very the part of the unconscious that Patience is the ultimate thing wood” – this seemed to be some My only complaint is there are cold, it’s just kind of gray and fiction and drama come from. you need to become a writer. It of the best storytelling around no ghosts in it. I thought for sure wet and a bit dreary all the time. That’s why I’m always telling takes a long while before emo- at that time. They all had to do there would some old police ser- Not very interesting. students in my Fiction Writing tions and impressions from with who holds and exercises geant, or maybe an old Fenian, Of course, I was impressed by Workshop not to go online when your life filter into your work. power in a place of uncertain haunting the place. Maybe I just BC on my previous visits, espe- they first get up. Get to the page I think what’s rare is to have law and order. Basically, they haven’t heard them yet. cially the depth and extent of instead. both a talent for writing and a were westerns, which always The event is free but registra- its Irish literature scholarship. But you have to find what pragmatic, stubborn sense that make for some of the best stories. tion is requested; a link is avail- I remember going to the weekly works for yourself. An hour- makes you go to the desk every “Bohane” is kind of a west-of- able at bc.edu/centers/irish/ reading of “Finnegans Wake” and-a-half can be a perfectly day and keep doing it. Ireland western. studies/calendar.html. Page 6 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Remembering the Man His was a journey of reconciliation Connolly, from Page 1 film. “We were effectively in a state of war Northern Ireland’s newly elected govern- with … the forces of the state and indeed ment – a power-sharing coalition flowing the British government, and it seemed out of the Good Friday peace agreement. to me that what was happening within For McGuinness, this was the beginning our society … was just the same as what of a nearly two-decade tenure as a top happens in South Africa or the Middle official in the government of a state that East, where people are oppressed, where for many years he had been determined violence is used by the state, and where to destroy. there is massive inequality and injustice. And on this first morning, the odd- And it just seems the most natural thing ity, the sheer surreality of the former in the world is to fight back.” Irish Republican Army chief of staff Despite his role as one of the key archi- morphing into something resembling a Martin McGuinness tects of that fight, the McGuinness who Photo courtesy Robert P. Connolly conventional politician was not lost on climbed the stairs of the Stormont Castle anyone – the Derry republican included. that morning and joked easily with the A handful of civil servants – for the bus bombed by the group. built, perhaps the final step taken in sophisticated, university-educated gov- It was unclear if Foster, who had Martin McGuinness’s long journey of first time seeing Martin McGuinness ernment staffers – who were to become not as the feared leader of the IRA nor clashed with McGuinness in his final reconciliation. aides to the working-class republicans days in government, would attend the Robert P. Connolly, a former Boston as deputy leader of its allied Sinn Fein taking their places in government – was political party, but now as education former IRA leader’s funeral, but when Irish Reporter columnist and Boston able to use his easy touch to build bonds she walked into St. Columba’s church Herald reporter, works for the University minister in their brand-new government with the Protestant unionists who once – impishly called out, “Good morning, in Derry, mourners burst into loud and of Massachusetts feared and reviled him. sustained applause – another bridge minister,” sensing that the title would Bonds strong enough that the Rev. be worn like an ill-fitting suit. Kyle Paisley, the son of the late unionist McGuinness, surveying the staffers stalwart Ian Paisley, noted his sadness along with a Boston reporter who hap- at the passing of McGuinness. In the A unique, courageous man pened to be there filming interviews for most unlikely of developments, McGuin- a documentary film, grinned broadly and ness served easily and effectively with Leary, from Page 1 a leader was the British government. In said: “The next one of ye who calls me the elder Paisley when election results eral of his people were there attempting 1972, when he was 22, he was invited ‘minister’ gets sacked” – punctuating his brought them together as deputy first to ask discrediting questions, but Mc- to London to discuss peace terms. At quip with a broad wink. minister and first minister of Northern Guinness, completely at ease before the least that was the cover for the meeting. In many ways, the moment – which led Ireland, respectively. 300 or so people in front of him, handled Nothing came of it, but it was only a day to handshakes and more laughs with the “Look back with pleasure on the re- everything quite well. Afterwards, he trip to London and the recognition did staffers, who very likely had lost friends markable year he and my father spent in and I sat down for a quick chat and began no harm. and relatives to the IRA during Northern office together and the great good they did a 21-year friendship that endured until By the early 1990s, peace talks had Ireland’s brutal Troubles – was classic together. Will never forget his ongoing he died last month. I would meet him broken out and McGuinness devoted McGuinness. care for my father in his ill health,” Kyle in Belfast and Derry and whenever he himself to the difficult task of bringing He was a man who never backed away Paisley tweeted when McGuinness died. came back to Boston. the more radical elements of the IRA to from his involvement with the IRA. A less harmonious governmental The Irish American Partnership had the peace table. Some say that control in In The Road to Reconciliation, the partnership is the one that McGuin- been asked to provide encouragement the IRA was absolute, but anyone who Northern Ireland documentary film that I ness shared with current First Minister whenever we could to Sinn Fein on knows about people management knows was able to make with director Paul Can- Arlene Foster, who now leads the Demo- their journey toward peace in Northern that is a lot of work and that not everyone ney, McGuinness, who died last month cratic Unionist Party that Ian Paisley Ireland. Among those urging encourage- was willing to give up their guns. at age 66, was unflinching when asked founded during the darkest days of the ment were Belfast’s Cardinal Cahal Daly, The Good Friday agreement was signed about his connection with the IRA and Troubles. the Belfast Unionist Sir George Quigley, in 1998, and McGuinness was appointed the violent campaign it waged to oust But if that relationship was strained, and the Irish-American philanthropist minister of education in the North in the British and unify Ireland. consider that Foster was eight years old Chuck Feeney. 1999. I invited him to speak at a Clo- “I’ve never denied down the years being when the IRA shot her father, a police McGuinness was an indisputable hero ver Club dinner in Boston and over he involved in resistance … in fact, I’m proud officer, at the family’s home, and as a to many in Northern Ireland, especially came. It was a wonderful evening apart to say I was,” McGuinness noted in the teenager, she was a passenger on a school in his hometown of Derry where he was from a couple of loudmouths who were born in 1950 to a very strict Catholic opposed to what McGuinness stood for. family living in one of the poorer areas While he was here, I asked him to recom- known as the Bogside. In many ways he mend ten schools in Northern Ireland to never left. He was a devoted Catholic, receive grants from the Irish American a faithful husband and father of four Partnership. children, a Pioneer (nondrinker), and I then travelled to Belfast to see his as- anything but a model terrorist. sistant and ask for the list of schools. The After witnessing many horrendous at- names came a few weeks later (5 Catholic tacks upon his Catholic neighbors both in and 5 Protestant) and I delivered the Derry and Belfast, McGuinness became grants personally, one of them to a large a local protector of sorts and joined the (900 students) school in the Penneyburn Provisional Irish Republican Army. As section of Derry called St. Patrick’s where a young man in his late teens he per- the principal, Martin Coyle, also a good sonally and painfully felt the result of friend of Martin McGuinness, introduced Geraghty Catholic prejudice and the divisiveness me to a few students who were reading in of a separated Ireland. their class. I was given a book to follow These were the times of indiscriminate along. Then I heard this booming voice ASSOCIATES attacks on Catholic homes and busi- say, “Take that book from him; he can’t nesses, including such incidents as the read!” It was Minister McGuinness! Bombay Street Fires in 1969, the first Laughing and joking, we adjourned for PROPERTY MANAGERS Bogside riots in 1969, the Ballymurphy the mandatory tea and biscuits. It was Massacre in1971, the Internment in 1971 one of my best trips to Ireland. Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments when police and British soldiers arrested The last time I saw Martin was in and imprisoned 2,000 people without Boston at a luncheon managed by the charges – 95 percent of them Catholic. Northern Ireland Business organization Available in the desirable And, in 1972, there was Bloody Sunday. two years ago. He had come over with Although he and I never talked about First Minister Peter Robinson to speak to Cedar Grove section of Dorchester. such things, they must have made a the advantages of investing in Northern serious impression on young McGuin- Ireland. True to his spirit, Martin came ness. Hundreds of Catholics were being into the room, walked over, laughingly Studios reasonably shot and killed every year, so for him to gave me a big hug and introduced me join the resistance was hardly unusual. to Robinson. priced; Nor was the rise of a very bright man I will miss this unique courageous, man. with unusual people skills to the top of Joe Leary retired last year after 28 1-bedroom units; a dedicated organization unusual. One years as CEO and president of the Irish of the first to recognize McGuinness as American Partnership. heat and hot water included. Short walk to the Red Line. Free off-street Parking. Washing Machines and Dryers in building. Call Michael at 617-364-4000 Geraghty Associates, Inc. Property Managers P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 From left, Frank Burke, Martin McGuinness, and Joe Leary at the Clover Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157 Club years ago. bostonirish.com April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell in place, it has been evident in recent weeks that the approach. So, yes, let’s slow things down and take a ACLU a Major Anti-Trump Force – It is unusual, State Department’s top tier is lacking in heft as some look at some of the operatives who helped his finely to say the least, that the American Civil Liberties officials have been replaced and others forced out, tuned machine stay in touch with Mother Russia and Union has become the face of defiance to the new ad- causing a thinning out of the department’s institutional Mr. Putin during the journey to the White House: ministration in Washington and its policies. Not always memory, some of which relates to Northern Ireland Jeff Sessions, US Attorney General: His relation- on the side of what is likely to be the popular trends and the US role there going back to the Clinton years. ship with Russia’s man in Washington, Ambassador of the day, the ACLU has used its considerable non- Ireland is an unlikely priority issue at this point, with Sergey Kislyak, is well-established; profit clout on numerous controversial issues, ranging issues like Cabinet choices, immigration, and the Rus- Jared Kushner, White House advisor, Ivanka’s from the 1940s internment sian enquiries in the spotlight. We will see what the husband: He met with Kislyak between election day of Japanese residents in Twitter finger says. and the inauguration He has business connections America during World War Religious Rebuff on Magdalene Abuse Repa- with Russians; II, to political spending and rations – It has been four years and a public state Michael Flynn, retired general, fired former na- gun rights. apology since the McAleese Report on the Magdalene tional security advisor: Had a number of meetings In the ten weeks since laundry abuses, but to date the government’s request with Kislyak. Was paid for a public speech in Moscow Donald Trump was sworn for financial support for the indentured victims has with Putin at his table. Earned $600,000 as an agent in as America’s 45th presi- been met by silence and stonewall refusals by the of a foreign country, Turkey; dent, the ACLU has enjoyed religious orders involved. Since 2013 four orders who Donald Trump, Jr., son of the president: Spoke an extraordinary surge in were operating the laundries have been contacted in France to a group of Russians. Has been quoted as support, both ideological about funding due the victims, and the response has saying that “we see a lot of money pouring in from Rus- and financial. The same been that they are “absolutely unwilling” to make any sia,” and “Russia makes up a pretty disproportionate Americans who may have form of financial contribution. cross-section of our assets”; disagreed with the ACLU’s In meetings between the leaders of the orders and Paul Manafort, onetime Trump campaign manager: Bill O’Donnell famously detested positions the Irish state, the government was polite and pointed Has well established links to Russia. Had reported on neo-Nazis and suspected while the sisters were pleasant and willing to listen contacts with Russian interests during the campaign. terrorists, have risen, almost as one, to protest the first and provide records. Still, nothing has changed: The Was fired by Trump. days of Trump’s takeover of the executive and also his uniform response from the eleven sisters representing Rex Tillerson, US secretary of state: Close relations open warfare on American journalism. the four orders was they would not be contributing to with Putin, awarded Order of Friendship by Putin Traditionally, the ACLU has given a wide berth to the victim’s redress fund. personally. Before appointment by Trump, he negoti- politically oriented organizations and causes due to an It is clear after years of not contributing that the four ated massive agreement between Russian government unwillingness to risk the allegiance of its contributors or orders of sisters fully expect that the Irish State will and Exxon Mobil; to be cited for favoring one candidate over another. But have to stand alone without any religious contributions. Wilbur Ross, US secretary of commerce: He has membership returns during these opening weeks seem- This refusal comes despite a Holy See statement that served on the board of the US – Russia Investment ingly suggest that the ACLU considers the unorthodox it “is heartened by the openness of religious sisters to Fund. Has various connections with Russian business Trump White House to be a bastion of dangerous issues engage in discussions about issues of compensation interests; owns Cyprus bank that caters to wealthy such as its opposition to free speech and its continued and their willingness to pay part of a compensation Russians; denigration of the press as an “enemy of the people.” package developed by state authorities.” Maybe the Roger Stone, longtime Trump advisor: New York The enthusiastic support for the ACLU is registering Vatican finance people can find a healthy chunk of Times reports that he is possibly under investigation broad increases in membership; since the election the “Peter’s Pence” or a modest percentage of a particular by the US government for dealings with Russia. Had membership has nearly tripled to 1.2 million and the Sunday offering worldwide to donate to the victims. inside knowledge of WikiLeaks document releases; group has collected more than $80 million in online In the pursuit of reparations from the religious, there Carter Page, former Trump advisor: Met with Kis- donations alone. Additionally, the national nonprofit is not only the question of cash redress but also the lyak last year. Former investment banker in Russia. has added scores of attorneys and investigators. The ongoing problem involving a land transfer from the Speaks to Russian business groups; dramatic increase in volunteers has prompted a grass- Christian Brothers as redress for abuse. There was J.D. Gordon: Briefly on Trump’s national security roots effort with the ACLU to mobilize these new faces an agreement in 2009 that the Christian Brothers, team. Also in touch with Kislyak; as a lobby focusing on local and state matters. as part of the payment for the abuse in their institu- Donald Trump: He has been in communication with Officials of the ACLU acknowledge that they “have tions, would transfer land worth $140 million to the Putin; is thought to have direct and indirect business never taken such an oppositional stance against an Irish State as compensation for the abused boys. The interests or relationships in Russia. His continued se- American president.” However, they do point to the fact offer was withdrawn in 2015. Nothing further on an crecy about his Russian business ties and investments, that the Union “has built capital in their near-century agreement. critics suggest, has given him reason to withhold his by challenging every president on occasion,” including Given the findings of a long history of abuse followed tax returns, which are available today, audit or not. many with whom they largely agree. by stalled reparation agreements by diverse religious Taoiseach Lectures Trump on Immigration – The executive director of the ACLU, Anthony orders, laundries, and residential boys’ schools, one Taoiseach Enda Kenny surprised a lot of people at Romero, notes several areas where his organization is left at least to consider that the stonewalling by the East Room of the White House during his recent can be of assistance: “We can be helpful with lawsuits the religious sisters and the Christian Brothers may US visit when he gave a rousing speech underlining that can crystallize policy debates for the public,” be the result of a Vatican order, an internal, central the importance of immigrants and how much Ireland and “legislation can also ...gum up the machinery of decision not to contribute to the Irish abuse victims appreciates the role of the United States in providing the Trump administration. If we can rob them of mo- through the state. a refuge and second home to the Irish. Kenny could mentum, we can stop them from doing greater harm It has been years, decades in many cases, since the have soft-peddled the usual safe words and avoided the or damage.” abusive practices occurred, but they remain an indelible matter of new threats to the Irish and other countries Donations are welcome at ACLU, Gift Processing and painful part of church history and its unfinished who rely on American open arms and good will. He laid Dept., 125 Broad St. New York, NY 10004, and on the business. Time to make it right, it says here. out a particularly gutsy lineup of remarks, given the internet at ACLU.com. The Trump Tumble: It Was Bound To Happen Trump administration’s recent moves restricting the Martin McGuinness Dead at 66 – He was a man of – Memory fails, but going over the list of American usual flow of newcomers to the states. many talents: revolutionary, politician, leader. May he presidents, it is hard to recall the last US leader who Kenny appealed to Trump to take a more favor- rest in peace. See BIR news columns for more coverage. didn’t claim, or attempt to claim, Irish ancestry. We able view of immigrants, saying, “We believed in the Maureen Haughey Dead at 91 – She was the didn’t hear much about the Bush presidents, but, shelter of America, in the compassion of America, in daughter of a taoiseach, Sean Lemass, and wife we had Clinton and Obama and Reagan, and, the opportunity of America. We came and became of Taoiseach Charles Haughey. Fianna Fail leader with the cooperation of the Irish Tourist Board, there Americans.” Looking over the crowded, historic East Micheal Martin’s words capture the essence of has been since before JFK and Nixon a consuming Room, he added, “We want to give, not take.” A low Charlie Haughey’s long-suffering wife and life partner: urgency to pin a shamrock on the pedigree of each of hum accompanied Kenny’s recalling of those words of “Maureen was a wonderfully warm, dignified, and intel- our national leaders. President John F. Kennedy. ligent woman, and a patriot who loved her country.” That was then, and this is now. Whatever the rea- RANDOM CLIPPINGS She had a materially comfortable and interesting sons (let me count the ways), our rookie president has You had to love the sight of Trump press secretary life but living with Charlie Haughey was no stroll in not been courted by the usual suspects. I can recall Sean Spicer’s flipped-over lapel pin showing the the park. In her later years. she was torn by the public in past years the ancestry folks on the morning after American flag upside down. That’s the universal dis- knowledge of Charlie’s unfaithfulness, and the findings the election looking up any Irish links to the new com- tress signal, and not so inappropriate coming from the of the Moriarty Tribunal of his acceptance of large mander in chief. And that bit of reconstructive heritage staggering Trump White House .… No happy St. Pat’s amounts of illegal money during his political career was almost always requested by tourism officials who Day for the lawyer Pat Finucane’s family when a (“devalued democracy,” it was called, in screaming hoped to discover some arcane descendant, or tiny Belfast court refused to accede to a public inquiry into headlines). The Irish newspapers and television had hamlet, by which the new president could claim a bit his murder in 1989 .… George Mitchell again speaks another name for the Haughey payoffs – “disgrace” – of the Green. Remember Ballyporeen, or Tricky Dick’s to truth when he assails the idea of a hard border as and so it was. Irish Fox Hound? a possible outcome to the Brexit vote. “Very harmful” Throughout it all, Mrs. Haughey soldiered on, stead- Trump doesn’t seem to be passionate about finding is his verdict .… Gerry Adams has taken on a failed fast in her courage, refusing to play the tabloid image his Irish ties. What appears to please his non-existent mission in trying to persuade N.I., a UK province, to of a betrayed spouse, her dignity intact, her loyalty Irish side are the golf courses the Trump Company remain in the EU when Britain exits .… The Trump undiminished. She deserved better. now owns in Ireland (no free ads here) and Scotland. regime has its eyes on rolling back federal fuel-economy Congressman Neal Calls For New N.I.Envoy – The Irish course is the site of his attempt to rebuild a rules that have been saving motorists big money .… The position of special envoy to the North has seen a sea wall to better change the landscape and improve The Irish government is considering online voting as troubling cavalcade of US-sponsored representatives the view. A quick check with the neighbors suggests an option in granting voting rights to the Irish abroad going all the way back to former US Senate Majority that the Trump plan is not going well, but a nearby .… A $230 million road cutting through the landscape Leader George Mitchell. The last envoy was former business printing protest signs is enjoying a banner near poet Seamus Heaney’s homestead is being liti- US Sen. Gary Hart, who gave it up and returned year, they say. gated. Stay tuned .… The “Make America Great Again” home in December. Over the years, six individuals ap- Trump Calls His Russia Links “a ruse” – Defini- hats have added a bogus fourth shamrock to the back pointed by three presidents have served with few if any tion of “ruse”: An action meant to confuse or mislead; of the hat; where’s the harp? .… History Alert: Sarah successes to brag about following Mitchell’s triumph. wily deception. In Trump’s first weeks in Florida, New Palin closed down her PAC after spending $830,000 on Over the Saint Patrick’s week, Bay State Democrat York , and Washington, he has been trying to outrun consultants and only a wee 10 percent for her stated Congressman Richie Neal called on the president to the press corps, the House and Senate Intelligence purpose of aiding other candidates .… The respected formally appoint a new special envoy to the North. The Committee chairs and ranking members, the FBI, the Guardian newspaper in the UK on Trump’s resident basic role of the next appointee (if there is one) will director of the Central Intelligence Agency and a city white supremacist, Steve Bannon: “Unvetted, uncon- be to lend some much-needed advice and gravitas to full of crusty non-believers who are following the rising firmed but immensely powerful, Bannon may just be the current twin problems of keeping the peace and smoke in search of the fire. At least on one occasion the most dangerous man in America” .… The father stabilizing the shredded political process. (maybe more) Trump has called the ever-expanding of the Navy Seal killed in Yemen refused to meet with Neal, co-chair of the Friends of Ireland in Congress links between Russia and the Trump campaign and Trump; a good man .… Maureen & John Connolly’s and ranking Democrat on the House Ways & Means his administration a “ruse.” Aisling Gallery hosted a homespun gathering at their Committee, said, “We are now entering a critically Take a glance above at the dictionary definition Hingham gallery on St. Patrick’s Day. They do a lot to important period of US-Ireland relations with a wide of the word and consider if it has a familiar ring to keep the links open & active within the greater Boston range of important issues to be addressed. So I strongly it. I believe it does. It perfectly captures what I call Irish community .… A win for the CITGO sign. urge President Trump to appoint a new special envoy the “see it now, (maybe) see it later” use of the word. To Mayor Martin Walsh: kudos for the thumbs up at the earliest possible opportunity.” Donald Trump is famous for his wily deceptions and for the Boston police. With a new president and a new secretary of state distractions. Sort of a follow the ball but not too closely Page 8 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Immigration Q&A Irish International Immigrant Center

Passports for US An agency accredited by US Department of Justice One State Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 citizen children Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Q. I’m an Irish citizen who recently gave birth to a Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] child here in the US. I want to get a US passport for my child before we take a trip to Ireland this summer. Does the child’s father need to come with me or sign something to get the passport? Pursuing opportunity at Liberty Mutual Ins. A. A child born in the US automatically has US citizenship, irrespective of the parents’ citizenship The Irish Internation- the position he applied (Exception: children of foreign diplomats). But because al Immigrant Center has for at Liberty Mutual, he, of child custody and support issues, the US Passport helped many students too, had not been to the Office in the State Department has set out strict re- and graduates find posi- US before, and he saw it quirements for the issuance of US passports to enable tions they are proud and as a great opportunity to children under the age of 16 to travel abroad: pleased to fill. Right here dive into. • Both parents must appear together and sign the in Boston, many Irish The IIIC is proud to application for the child; or one parent appears, signs students have secured help students fill high- the application, and submits the second parent’s no- roles at Liberty Mutual quality positions at com- tarized “Statement of Consent: Issue of a Passport to Insurance. panies as prestigious as a Minor Under age 16,” Form DS-3053, authorizing Ryan Lundy, from Liberty Mutual. Lundy passport issuance for the child; or oOne parent ap- South Armagh, is work- has appreciated how pears, signs, and submits required evidence of sole ing as a software de- much the IIIC has done authority to apply (such as one of the following): veloper, where he gets for him. “The IIIC has The child’s certified birth record listing only the experience in the E-Sales gone above and beyond applying parent; or department helping to the protocol to ensure Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) or make the online ap- my internship and time Certification of Birth Abroad (Form DS-1350) listing plication as easy and here in the US runs as only the applying parent; or effortless as possible for smoothly as possible,” A court order granting sole custody to the applying users. Jack Emerson, he says. Jack Emerson and Ryan Lundy. parent (unless the child’s travel is restricted by that from East Belfast, is on “From the day I re- Queen’s careers depart- getting Social Security,” order); or the documents solutions ceived the job offer from ment and Liberty Mu- says Jack. An adoption decree (if the applying parent is the team, where he works Liberty Mutual, the IIIC tual to make it happen,” Lundy and Emerson sole adopting parent); or transferring documents has been there to help says Emerson. Since have had a great expe- A court order specifically permitting an applying onto the Amazon Web me with anything from getting the position, rience in the US. “Not parent’s or legal guardian’s travel with the child; or Services Cloud. sorting my accommoda- Emerson says the IIIC only am I learning and A judicial declaration of legal incompetence of the Ryan chose the United tion to setting up bank helped with everything furthering my career but non-applying parent; or States as a place to accounts, not forgetting from signing contracts I have had so many op- A death certificate for the non-applying parent. work because he has sorting my entire US always wanted to travel Visa. Without the help with Liberty to walking portunities to see places him through the process and do things that are Note that these requirements apply to all US citizen somewhere he has never and continuous support and explaining how to go not possible in Ireland,” children under 16, irrespective of their place of birth been before. He got to of the IIIC my internship about getting prepared says Ryan,” adding, “it’s or the citizenship of their parents. More detailed Boston by searching for here would not have been for coming to the US. hard for anywhere to information about applying for passports, as well as major companies across possible.” And the IIIC takes dai- beat home but the US is any necessary forms, can be found at the U.S. State the country that would The IIIC has done a ly details into account. close. “ For his part, Jack department’s website, travel.state.gov/passport. further his career and lot to make sure he and Liberty Mutual not only Ryan secured their posi- “They also helped me says he “always thinks of and my flat mates find it as there isn’t anything For a free, confidential consultation about any is- offered such a position tions at Liberty Mutual, a place, and, when we that is hugely different, sue of immigration law, visit one of our regular legal but it is also situated in says Jack. “From the landed, helped us figure but almost every small clinics as advertised in the Boston Irish Reporter. a city with a large Irish start, I wouldn’t have the community. When Jack position if the IIIC didn’t out where we were go- thing is different in a ing, and how to go about small way.” Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform learned he was awarded co-ordinate with the generally, not to advise in individual cases. Immigra- tion law is always subject to change. US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the US Department of Matters of Substance State frequently amend regulations and alter process- ing and filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance of IIIC immigration legal staff. Suicide Awareness and the Coming of Spring By Rachel Reisman fects of sunlight on our with the second highest Legal Clinics Update Director of Wellness hormones and brain rate for suicide amongst I am writing this on chemistry, to new ques- males in the EU and the The Irish International Immigrant Center has a March 20, the technical tions about the role that highest rate of suicide for team of immigration attorneys and social workers who “first day of Spring,” and even inflammation from young females in Europe. are available for all Irish immigrants especially dur- we have snow banks on autoimmune disorders Northern Ireland has the ing this time of uncertainty. We are closely following our pathways and the may play in suicide risk. highest rate of suicide in changes in immigration policy and if you or anyone beginning of a crocus People diagnosed with the UK. you know wants to speak to an immigration attorney outbreak in our gardens. bipolar disorder, de- We can see that self- or a social worker please call us at 617-542-7654. The days have a stretch pression, and seasonal harm and the loss of of sun in the evening and affective disorder often loved ones remains both a The schedule: Downtown Boston – One State Street we can begin to feel hope- encounter heightened public health issue and a on April 4 and April 18; Brighton – Green Briar on ful about the warmth of symptoms as the Spring human crisis both here in April 10; South Boston Health Center on April 25 Summer just around the unfolds. New England and across corner. For those of us who the way in Ireland. It’s have worked in hospital estimated that for every Rachel Reisman and crisis care, we see death by suicide, 100 A sad irony of this increased manic episodes people are affected. The seasonal chapter is that and agitated depres- grief for those left behind For Sale sion during these weeks. by a suicide is a particu- it’s a time when suicide rates worldwide begin While a depression may lar despair in itself. A short walk from the to rise, as they have flatten someone through As Spring approaches, Heritage town of Cahir, mysteriously done since the Winter months, the the IIIC works both to Tipperary, Ireland in the the 1800s. Traditional longer hours of sun- raise awareness about heart of the Golden Vale. wisdom would seem to shine in the Spring may suicide prevention and to provide the neurological suggest that the brighter offer comfort to those af- energy required to act on fected by suicide. We wel- 40mins from Cork and 1hr days, and a release from the hardships of Winter, thoughts of suicide. Self- come you to join with the 40mins from Dublin on the harm requires a boost of IIIC in the weeks ahead M8. Also Kilkenny, Limerick will bring relief to those experiencing a depres- energy and motivation, as we collaborate with and Waterford 50mins sion, sadness, or despair thus possibly explaining others, such as Ireland’s that feels too hard to why we sadly see such Pieta House on May 6 to 3000ft²/279m² of uxury l living with the woods and trekking at your doorstep. With all the bear; that the passing of a jump in it come the bring the first Darkness conveniences of supermarkets, shops, cafes and hotel adjacent to Chair Castle. The larger the cold, dark days will warmer days. Others Into Light walk here have speculated that to Boston (pietahouse. town of Clonmel on the banks of the river Suir is 20mins drive. lead to a sense of hope and rebirth, and not to the Spring doesn’t bring eventgrid.com), and an self-harm or death by the relief that someone upcoming workshop at A full sales brochure can be viewed at http://www.daft.ie/tipperary/houses-­‐for-­‐ one’s own hand. may have hoped for and the IIIC, in late May, on sale/cahir/eagles-­‐rest-­‐cahir-­‐abbey-­‐upper-­‐cahir-­‐tipperary-­‐1271693/ However, research has that this disappointment recognizing depression told us for many decades becomes the last straw. and how to talk to loved that it is not actually the Massachusetts has the ones about thoughts of “holiday time” in Decem- lowest suicide rate in the self-harm. ber and January that nation due to our lower leads to greater risk for level of gun ownership For further info please suicide, but instead the and our greater level of see our website, iiicenter. brighter days of late April access to mental health org, and Facebook Page: to June. Suicide rates and crisis services. How- Irish Outreach & Well- rise from 20 percent to ever, we still lose more ness Services Boston- 60 percent in the Spring. people to suicide than IIIC, or contact Rachel There are many cur- to homicides and car Reisman, LICSW, at accidents combined. I [email protected] rent hypotheses for this, ranging from the ef- think of Ireland, too, - 617-542-7654, Ext. 14. bostonirish.com April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9

PAINTINGS OF IRELAND BY MARY MC SWEENEY

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The Eire Society of Boston Gold Medal Dinner and Award Ceremony Saturday, April 29, 2017, 6pm Hyatt Regency Boston

Colm Tóibín, 2017 Gold Medalist The Gold Medal is given to a person or persons who exemplify the best of Irish culture and ideals.

The Gold Medal Dinner and Award Ceremony will feature a presentation by Colm Tóibín. Tickets for the Gold Medal Dinner are $150.00 per person. Make checks payable to The Eire Society of Boston and mail to: Ms. Cate McGrail, Event Chair, 105 Beech Street, #1, Belmont, MA 02478. Tel. 617-739-6484. Email: [email protected] Page 10 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Andover’s Katie LaMark rocks 20th anniversary tour of ‘Rent’

By R. J. Donovan Special to the BIR When “Rent” opened in 1996, it scored major headlines, for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, the show was a raw, rock musical that stood out in a theater sea- son featuring “The King & I,” “Victor/Victoria” and “Inherit The Wind.” Its characters, a group of struggling young artists in New York’s East Vil- lage, were a motley crew living amidst the HIV/ AIDS epidemic. Beyond that, on the night before the show’s Off-Broadway premiere, its creator and composer, Jonathan Larson, sud- denly died of an undiag- nosed aortic condition. He would never see the enormous impact his landmark vision would achieve. With a message of joy and hope, Larson’s con- temporary re-imagining of Puccini’s “La Boheme” went on to win both Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize. Two decades later, the “Rent 20th Anniver- sary Tour” comes to Bos- ton’s Boch Center Shubert Theatre from April 11 to April 23. The company of the “Rent 20th Anniversary Tour,” playing Boston’s Boch Center Shubert Theatre, April 11 – 23. Carol Rosegg photo Andover native Katie LaMark is playing Mau- of Joanne, a public inter- tions of “50 Shades! The Q. When “Rent” opened thought, “Man, people reen Johnson, a flirta- est lawyer. (The role of Musical Parody” as well in 1996, the world was a are gonna say that I’m tious performance artist Maureen was originated as the Flatrock Playhouse very different place. Why not as good, how could I who has a history with by Idina Menzel.) production of “Chasing does the show continue to ever be blah, blah, blah.” the character of Mark, a Now living in Harlem, Rainbows.” connect with audiences But then I realized, I’m struggling Jewish-Amer- LaMark received her BFA We spoke by phone the way it does? not that. They cast me ican documentary film- at Syracuse University when “Rent” was playing A. I think one of the because they’re excited maker who serves as the and has appeared in the in Kentucky. Here’s an main reasons is that about who I am and what show’s narrator. Maureen Off-Broadway and Na- edited look at our con- everyone identifies with I can do. So as soon as I is currently the girlfriend tional Touring produc- versation. someone in it. It’s very sort of gave myself per- rare in musical theater mission to explore it . . that you have eight peo- . with my own voice . . . ple who carry the show then the pressures wore equally . . . (Plus) I think off, because I think what it’s amazing — and it took I do is really different. me a little while to realize Q. Is there a particular this — when people talk moment in the show that about (the characters) Andover native Katie touches you personally? LaMark plays Maureen Collins and Angel, for A. The moment I felt in the “Rent 20th Anni- example. Angel chooses most connected to the versary Tour,” playing to dress as a woman and piece came when we were Boston’s Boch Center identify as female. And in rehearsal. And it’s a Shubert Theatre, April Collins is a black man part of the show that I’m 11 – 23. who works in technology. not even in! But when Col- They’re in an interracial lin and Angel sing the first memories of attending gay relationship and it’s “I’ll Cover You” – which theater locally? like, “Oh, that’s what we is just so joyful – it’s so A. Every year my family know about them.” But happy when the two of went to see “A Christmas never do any characters them are just skipping Carol” at North Shore talk about it . . . It’s never down the street, falling Music Theater. You important . . . All these in love. It totally brought know it’s great because people come from such me to tears . . . It’s the my Dad played in a lot different walks of life. But moment you realize this of the orchestra pits in it doesn’t matter to the is all these characters town. So I remember see- story, because the story want, just to be loved and ing “Grease” when I was is about connections. to love unconditionally. really little. And when Q. The influence of The beacon for the whole I was in high school we AIDS in 1996 almost cat- show is that song. And saw “Chorus Line,” and egorizes “Rent” as a period that’s why we sing it again my Dad was in the pit piece. Yet it still fits in a in the second act, which for that. It’s really just contemporary sense. unfortunately, is after been like that from the A. Absolutely. Totally. Angel passes away. It’s beginning. Because of the lessons sad because not only are Q. Was there a specific that it teaches. What we losing Angel, but we’re moment when you knew do you do when you losing the most healthy, you wanted to perform suddenly have this cri- pure relationship in the professionally? sis, which then was the whole show. The rest of A. Honestly, I don’t AIDS epidemic. In 2017, the show is these people think there was ever a unfortunately, we have struggling to try and time when I wasn’t in- terrorist attacks or mass achieve what they found terested . . . I grew up shootings . . . How do easily. To me, that song watching musical movies. you manage? How do speaks to my heart. And ever since I was little, you cope? What becomes Q. I understand you’re I was in plays and musi- important? What are the part of a very musical cals. My sister and I are things you struggle with? . family. only a year a part and the . . The feelings are all the A. My whole family are two of us did it together same . . . The unfortunate artists . . . My father is . . . It didn’t occur to me reality is that, here in a Boston-area musician, that people did other stuff 2017, we know what it’s Todd LaMark . . . (My . . . Everybody does this, like to suddenly lose a lot parents met because) right? (Laughs) of people. my Mom is a singer. The Q. You’re following singer in my Dad’s band R. J. Donovan is edi- in the footsteps of Idina couldn’t do a gig one night tor and publisher of on- Menzel. No pressure, and she was the sub on stageboston.com. right? the gig. So I grew up in ••• A. My God, so much recording studios and “Rent,” April 11 - 23, pressure (laughing). I around my parents play- Boch Shubert Theatre, used to feel it very strong- ing the piano and singing 265 Tremont Street, Bos- ly, especially when I with us all day. ton. Info:bochcenter.org, first booked the part. I Q. Do you have special or 866-348-9738. bostonirish.com April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 ‘Sanctuary Sessions’ key on common values in face of anxiety, hail ACLU’s steadfastness By Sean Smith Special to the BIR Somerville’s On the Hill Tavern was the ven- ue for arguably one of the most high-profile Irish music-related events in the US on March 5, as it played host to “Sanctuary Session: Trad Music for Civil Rights,” a benefit for the American Civil Liberties Union. A special appearance by Lúnasa and singer Karan Casey highlighted the show, which included performances by a num- ber of local musicians, followed by an informal session. But the event was not confined to Boston: 25 other Sanctuary Sessions were held across the US, including Martha’s Vine- yard and New Bedford in Massachusetts, Provi- dence, New York City, (L-R) Ted Davis, Tina Lech, Laura Feddersen, Nathan Gourley and Martin Langer during their set at the Sanctuary Session, held Philadelphia, Milwau- at the On the Hill Tavern in Somerville. Sean Smith photo kee, St. Louis, Denver and Los Angeles; another tional thought: Why not “Ballad of Accounting,” all shared – and called make America, day in make an impression on took place in Dublin. make it a national event? an anthem of activism for greater understand- and day out” – as an all who were there, even Altogether, the sessions Fortunately, Scott had (“Did you demand any ing and appreciation of introduction to what she those of a young age. “My attracted hundreds of a circle of friends and answers?/The who and the contributions im- called “the real national seven-year-old was hum- musicians and thousands acquaintances who could the what and the reason migrants make to their anthem of America”: ming ‘This Land Is Your of onlookers; they also help make it happen, in why?/Did you ever ques- communities. Woody Guthrie’s “This Land’ the next morning raised nearly $37,000 – Boston and elsewhere, tion the set-up?”). “We want to raise con- Land Is Your Land.” as she got ready to go to $5,160 at the Somerville such as fellow Irish ex-pat During the concert, sciousness,” she said, “not “Make Guthrie proud. school.” event alone – all of it go- and Boston-area resident Casey spoke about the just dollars.” Sing out loud,” she said, For more about the ing to the ACLU. Sean Clohessy, Owen experience of having At the end of the set, and led the audience in Sanctuary Sessions, see Boston, however, was Marshall in Portland, lived in the US as an im- Casey read a poem she the chorus. facebook.com/pg/Sanc- truly the hub for the Me., and Marian Makins migrant – something she had written about im- Scott said the Sanctu- tuarySessionsForACLU. Sanctuary Sessions. The in Philadelphia – who and the Lúnasa members migrants – “people who ary Session seemed to idea originated with came up with the name musician Noel Scott, a “Sanctuary Sessions.” Galway native who has The word went out, a been living in the area Facebook page went up, for 25 years. He enlisted and plans were in motion several of his fellow local in Boston and elsewhere. musicians to brainstorm, The On the Hill Tav- organize, and spread the ern event line-up also idea elsewhere. included the Coyne Fam- “It was wonderful to ily; Tommy McCarthy see the community re- and Louise Costello; the spond like that,” said Michael Boyle Danc- Scott, interviewed a few ers; the quintet of Tina days after the Sanctuary Lech, Ted Davis, Nathan Sessions day. “Not just Gourley, Laura Fedder- here, obviously, but all sen and Martin Langer; over the US, as well as Paddy Saul and Jimmy in Ireland. Something Ryan; Kevin De Rosa; like this makes you think and young musicians anything is possible when from Boston’s Comhaltas you get enough people Ceoltóirí Éireann music together.” school. Several guest While many partici- speakers, among them pants and attendees former Lowell Mayor shared concerns about Patrick Murphy, also the Trump administra- were in the program. tion’s actions and state- Over the course of the ments on immigration afternoon, the audience and other issues, Scott inside the On the Hill said the impetus for Tavern grew steadily. the Sanctuary Session The space in front of went beyond sociopo- the stage filled up with litical views and political parents and children, party affiliations. As he many of them early el- explained, it was more ementary school-age or about a need to appeal younger: Some drew pic- to solidarity and com- tures, shared (or didn’t mon values in a time share) toys, or snuggled of increasing anxiety – with their mothers and about women’s rights and fathers; one small tod- economic inequality, for dler went up to the edge example – that had been of the stage to watch building for a few years. in fascination as Irish Trump’s executive order dancer Jackie O’Riley on immigration was “the performed. final straw,” said Scott. The coup, of course, “From what I have was getting big-time been seeing, there are performers Lúnasa and many rights being chal- Casey involved in the lenged – not just those event, which took a bit of of immigrants. It just luck, as Scott explained: felt like this was the time They had played in New for us to come together York City the night be- as a community and fore and were on their celebrate who we are” way north, but a mid-day – with music as the focus. stop-off in Somerville Adding substance to the happened to fit into their symbolism, he said, was itinerary. the idea of fundraising So it was that at a little for the ACLU, given its past noon, Casey took the support for civil rights microphone and, along for all Americans. with the band, launched And he had an addi- into Ewan MacColl’s Page 12 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Writer, musician, organizer, academic, Dan Neely is on the lookout for insights By Sean Smith that argue against even trying Special to the Reporter to go through the process. So what do you do if you’re “It is an issue that chal- a Boston-born, banjo-playing, lenges everyone in the Irish soon-to-be ethnomusicologist community,” said Neely, “and with a special interest in Ja- the thing is, it’s also personal: maican music living in New This affects many musicians York City? whom people here in the US Well, you might decide to take have come to know as friends. up Irish music, become a ses- What’s so ridiculous is not only sion regular and organizer and, the unfairness of the system, eventually, work for a premier but that there are better ways Irish-American journal – at a job we could be doing it. If you’re formerly held by Earle Hitchner, a small-scale musician want- one of the more prominent Irish- ing to perform in Canada, for American journalists of the past example, you fill out a work few decades. permit; there’s no 30 percent That’s the path Newton native withholding, and you don’t have Dan Neely chose almost 20 years to travel beforehand to Dublin ago, and he couldn’t be happier to meet with Canadian officials. about it. “But instead we have Andy Neely is marking his fifth Irvine, who’s been a traveling anniversary this year as the musician for 50-some years, say- traditional music columnist ing that it’s just not worth it for for the Irish Echo, the oldest him to come play here anymore. Irish-American newspaper in How does that help America?” existence. He’s also the public One less-discussed conse- relations officer for the Com- quence of the visa restriction, haltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Mid- Neely added, is that large-scale Atlantic Region branch and entertainment enterprises in leader of a popular weekly New Ireland, and elsewhere, are York session, the former artistic likely to step into the breach director for the now-ended an- because they have the resources nual Augusta Irish/Celtic Week to deal with the system. in West Virginia, and he was “But what that means is, they director of New York’s Washing- send to the US only those acts ton Square Harp and Shamrock they think people will want to Orchestra during its last years. hear – and ones that will turn In addition, he is a lecturer on a substantial profit. So this Irish music in America at New ultimately limits the range of York University, from which performers who will get any he obtained his PhD in ethno- kind of exposure in the US.” musicology. Neely also gets passionate Writer, musician, organizer, when he talks about changes in academic: These activities have the recording industry – in fact, given Neely a pretty sizeable the whole nature of recording – window on the Irish music and its impact on Irish music. scene, not only in New York but “Blame it on the 1960s,” he also worldwide, and a deep ap- quipped. “With Internet tech- preciation for its history – some nology, everyone’s talking now of which is almost literally in his about the ‘disappearance’ of the old back yard. “I see my job as talking about why something is good, and in a way that will be of interest album. Well, the album concept Neely was in town recently to even to those readers who might not be as familiar with the music,” says Boston area native was largely a 1960s rock-n-roll share some of that history at a Dan Neely, music columnist for the Irish Echo. “It’s the public-sector aspect of ethnomusi- idea, and it filtered everywhere, combination lecture and per- cology, and part of that means being an advocate for people you work with.”Iain Toft photo including into Irish music; the formance, sponsored by Boston album – whether an LP, or a College’s Gaelic Roots series, I can assume it is of a certain first captured his fascination he had retired from his Irish cassette, or a CD – became the that focused on Irish music in quality that will make me want was ska, a precursor to reg- Echo column in late 2011. When gold standard for performers to Boston from the late 19th cen- to listen to it. That means more gae, to the extent that he even Noonan left a few months later, get their music out there.” tury to the Great Depression. He to me than the number of sold- became a guitarist for a local she recommended Neely as That model may have worked talked about some of the major out performances or how many ska band. This led him to the someone who knew the music for a while, said Neely, but with figures of the period, like enter- times someone’s been on TV. NYU ethnomusicology program, and the people who played it, the growing costs of interna- tainer, piper, and songwriter “I see my job as talking about through which he ventured and who could write with exper- tional travel, a performer from Shaun O’Nolan, and particu- why something is good, and in a deeper into Jamaican music, tise but also in a way that was Ireland who pays to bring an larly Daniel A. Sullivan (called way that will be of interest even including mento, a form of social accessible to readers. extra suitcase of CDs to sell “the most famous professional to those readers who might not dance music that incorporated “I didn’t try to ‘replace’ on tour is only cutting into his fiddler” by celebrated Irish tune be as familiar with the music. banjo – an instrument he thus Earle – he had his perspective, or her profit margin. Folk/trad collector Francis O’Neill, noted It’s the public-sector aspect of added to his luggage. and his own style, and I have performers should fully embrace Neely) and his son Daniel J., ethnomusicology, and part of It was at NYU that Neely mine,” said Neely, who added the digital age, he said, build- who would go on to form the Dan that means being an advocate made the acquaintance of Mick that Hitchener has been helpful ing and maintaining a fan base Sullivan Shamrock Band, which for people you work with.” Moloney, a highly regarded and supportive. by parceling out their music played a mix of traditional Irish But Neely also constantly scholar of Irish and Irish-Ameri- Neely hasn’t simply devoted through downloads. music and popular songs. seeks to build on his own under- can music, and a top-notch tenor his column to album or concert “Think about it: Before the In an aside, Neely said that standing of the music. For him, banjo player. Through Moloney, reviews. He has addressed advent of the album, there were when he had first started re- listening to an album isn’t just Neely began learning Irish issues that concern many in 78s, 45s, sheet music. Instead of searching the Sullivan family, about how well the musicians banjo, joined the Washington the Irish music community, releasing one big chunk of their he had been intrigued to dis- play, the singer sings, how Square Harp and Shamrock whether in New York or else- music, performers would do it cover that Daniel J. had owned varied or interesting the mate- Orchestra – eventually succeed- where. One longstanding topic a little at a time,” said Neely, two houses in Newton, and is rial might be, but what kind of ing Moloney as its leader – and of controversy, the burdensome citing Michael Coleman, a re- buried in nearby Holyhood Cem- deeper insights he might glean. in the process discovered New visa system for musicians from nowned Sligo fiddler who emi- etery – not to mention that one One such album was “As It Hap- York’s rich Irish music scene, Ireland looking to perform grated to the US and released of Sullivan’s compositions was pened,” by accordionist Danny including its sessions. in the US, rekindled last fall a series of 78s during the 1920s titled “Neely’s March.” O’Mahony and concertina Neely did plenty of academic when legendary singer Andy and ’30s. “So by abandoning the For the second part of the player Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh. writing – about Jamaican mu- Irvine announced he would no album format, you’re actually event, Neely traded the lectern “When I listened to it, I found sic, as well as the music of ice longer tour the US because of going back to something which for his tenor banjo and played it told me about the scene in cream trucks – but then a new the red tape necessary to secure worked just fine for Irish music.” tunes associated with the era, which they grew out of – I was vista opened up when he began a visa, as well as the 30 percent Still, for all the challenges along with local musicians Joey able to connect the dots and organizing weekly sessions. To withholding tax he and other it faces, Irish music is in no Abarta and Sean Clohessy. get a sense as to what they help promote them, he sent out foreign-born performers have imminent danger of extinc- All in all, a good night’s work. might’ve heard, what might’ve e-mails, adding some touches to pay. tion, Neely said. “It’s obviously Earlier during his visit home, made an impression on them,” of humor to keep regulars and Then in February, Neely become quite popular, and has Neely relaxed over a pint in a he explained. “What resonates supporters engaged. It seemed touched on a statement released attracted a certain amount of Newton Center pub and talked for me about an album like that to work, so he made the e-mails by the Milwaukee Irish Fest – casual interest among a lot of about a job he may not have is, it makes me understand some more elaborate and entertain- one of the premier Irish/Celtic the public. But what really gives envisioned for himself originally experiences I might not have ing, using illustrations (most events in the country – that me confidence is the young musi- but has fully and enthusiasti- had in Irish music.” all of them his own), photos, underscored the complaints cians I see, whether in their 20s cally embraced. Contrary to expectations, satirical magazine covers (“Tun- voiced by Irvine and others by or younger, who take the music “I write about music that I Neely – although he has Irish emapolitan,” “Pogue”), poetry breaking down the costs, in time seriously and really own it. think is interesting,” he said ancestry on both sides of his and song parodies, among other and money, for visiting artists “I think over time, as the Irish of his work at the Echo. “If I family – did not start playing things. The session mailing list to get their papers in order to music revival has taken hold, wrote about something I don’t jigs and reels before he could grew, and so did the number play in the US. Such a system is and more opportunities to learn like, I’d probably have terrible walk, nor recite all the verses of Neely’s admirers, which onerous, although manageable, the music became available, things to say. Every Saturday, I of “Morrissey and the Russian included some pretty distin- for an international pop music the talent level just rose across go to my session, and I want to Sailor” by kindergarten. Yes, guished members of the Irish act playing in big arenas, Neely the board. So now you have have a good time. I want to hear there were Clancy Brothers music community. said; for folk and traditional these emerging generations of something stimulating. When I records in the Neely household, One such person was Liz music performers, and their musicians who have the tools get an album from, say, [tenor but Neely himself didn’t listen Noonan, who had briefly suc- representatives, it has become and the creativity to keep the banjo player] Angela Carberry, to them much. The music that ceeded Earle Hitchener after a matter of diminishing returns tradition going.” bostonirish.com April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Celtic Music, Dance Calendar for April The next several weeks’ worth of Irish/Celtic events in Greater Boston (and slightly beyond) sees the re- vival of a concert series in a new location, a visit by a “supergroup” of recent vintage, and appearances by several local performers. • After a 10-month hiatus, notloB Music is returning to the folk/acoustic scene with an April 27 concert that features one of the Scottish music revival’s foremost bands, The Tannahill Weavers, and Massachusetts fiddle/cello duoE lizabeth and Ben Anderson. This event, which takes place at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church at 7:30 p.m. – doors open at 7 – will inaugurate notloB’s new base of operations in Harvard (the town, not the university); since its creation in 2007, notloB has presented nearly 200 concerts of Celtic, old-timey, bluegrass, folk and world music at venues in Arlington, Somerville, Jamaica Plain, Newton, and elsewhere in Greater Boston. The “Tannies,” whose origins go back to the late 1960s, was the first professional Scottish band to incorporate full-sized Highland bagpipes in performance, and over the course of the 1970s built a following not only in the UK but Europe and the US as well. Co-founders Roy Gullane (vocals, guitar) and Phil Smillie (flute, whistles, bodhran, vocals) continue to hold forth, with John Martin (fiddle, viola, cello, vocals) and Lorne MacDougall (Highland bagpipes, small pipes, whistle). The Andersons bring forth both the intensity and grace in Scottish and Cape Breton music, mixing tra- ditional styles and modern ideas. Having built a solid foundation of admirers locally, through performances at The Burren (where they opened for another legend- ary Scottish group, the Battlefield Band), BCMFest, and the Club Passim Campfire Festival, last year the duo made their international debut with shows in Scotland and France. Further details are available at notloBMusic.com. • One of the more intriguing blends of personalities and styles in Irish music, The Gloaming, makes a rare area appearance on April 22 at 8 p.m. in the Berklee The Tannahill Weavers, along with Massachusetts duo Elizabeth and Ben Anderson, will mark the return of the notloB Music series this month in its new location in Harvard. Performance Center. The quintet features Martin Hayes, a master of the lyrical East Clare fiddle style; and John Hogan. A Co. Longford native, Flavin re- Viktor Krauss, who plays electric and double bass guitarist/mandolinist Dennis Cahill, who frequently corded his first album 30 years ago, and within a few and has made forays into rock, soul, jazz, R&B, and collaborates with Hayes; Caoimhin Ó Raghallaigh, years was sharing a concert bill with Tammy Wynette, progressive bluegrass, with more than 400 album whose fiddling reflects the Sliabh Luachra tradition Waylon Jennings, and Boxcar Willie. He was the first credits as producer, musician or composer/songwriter. but also his own experiments in Scandinavian and Irish country music performer to be nominated for Sixteen-year-old Cape Breton/Acadian-style fiddler American music; sean-nos singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, a Global Artist Award in Nashville, and to receive a Gus La Casse will be the opening act for an April 22 formerly with groundbreaking Irish/world-fusion group Living Legend Hall of Fame Award. Hogan, from Co. concert with multi-faceted guitarist/songwriter Lloyd Afro Celt Sound System; and Thomas Bartlett AKA Westmeath, was working as a supervisor in a peat Thayer. A Maine native, La Casse traveled to Ireland Doveman, a Vermont-born pianist who has played in briquette factory in 1988 when he used his mortgage last year as part of the Young Tradition Vermont tour- numerous folk, contemporary and other musical genres. money to record the song “Brown Eyes” – which wound ing group and in January performed for the second This concert is presented through World Music/ up at no. 1 hit in the Irish country music charts. He time at BCMFest. CRASHArts. For tickets and other information, go left his job to become a full-time performer, branching For tickets and information about all Club Passim to worldmusic.org/content/event_page/5176/the- out as a songwriter as well; his album “My Feelings shows, go to passim.org. gloaming. for You” became the best-selling country album ever • Celtic folk-rockers Burning Bridget Cleary come • The special dynamic between musician and dancer released in Ireland. to OCC Music in Wrentham on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. A will be the focus of “The Next Step,” a showcase of For ticket and other event information, go to irish- 2013 nominee for the Irish Music Association’s top live solo, duet, and group choreography presented by ad- culture.org. traditional music act, the band’s high-energy personal- vanced students of Irish dance teacher Jaclyn O’Riley • Local fiddler Hanneke Cassel will mark the ity derives from the twin fiddles of Rose Baldino and on April 7 at 7 p.m. in the Canadian American Club in release of her new album at Harvard Square’s Club Amy Beshara, and is further enlivened by Baldino’s Watertown. Working with live rather than pre-recorded Passim on April 29 at 5 p.m. Cassel is a highly ac- charismatic lead vocals; adding guitar and vocal har- music in class greatly enhanced the students’ experi- claimed practitioner of the “American-Scottish” style, monies is Lou Baldino, while Peter Trezzi supplies the ence, according to O’Riley; accompanying the dancers combining techniques and influences from Scottish percussive force. here will be Joey Abarta, Nathan Gourley, and Dan and Cape Breton traditions with innovations from the See musicatocc.org for more details. Accardi. For tickets and more information, send e-mail contemporary bluegrass and Americana domains. In • There will be two opportunities this month to catch to [email protected]. addition to her solo act – in which she’s accompanied Prince Edward Island’s Ten Strings and a Goat The following night, April 8, at 8 p.m., the Canadian by distinguished musicians such as her cello-playing Skin: on April 5 at 6:30 p.m. as part of Boston College’s American Club will host a concert with Benedict Koe- husband Mike Block and guitarist Keith Murphy – Gaelic Roots series, at the Cadigan Alumni Center hler (uilleann pipes) and Hilari Farrington (harp), Cassel has also appeared with Boston-based fiddle on BC’s Brighton Campus [go to bc.edu/gaelicroots to presented by the Boston Uilleann Pipers Club. The ensemble Childsplay, Irish singer Cathie Ryan, and register for the concert, which is free]; and on April duo is widely known across North America as teach- Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser. 12, in the band’s return appearance at The Burren’s ers as well as performers of Irish traditional music, Also at Club Passim – on April 25, at 8 p.m. – is Backroom series. The young trio of Jesse Periard and and founded the Vermont School of Irish Traditional harpist Maeve Gilchrist, who interpolates Scottish brothers Rowen Gallant and Caleb Gallant – on fiddle Music. Their presence has helped create a vibrant Irish and Irish traditions with jazz, folk and world music, and guitar (the 10 strings) and bodhran (the goat skin) music scene in Vermont, one that accentuates older her technique encompassing distinctive harmonies and – has garnered critical and public acclaim for its mix traditional styles. Go to bostonupc.wordpress.com for improvisations. She has played locally at The Burren, of traditional Irish, Acadian, and French music with more details on the concert. BCMFest and “A Christmas Celtic Sojourn,” and at original creations, which they flavor with modern and • The Irish Cultural Centre of New England in Canton major international venues and events like Tanglewood world rhythms. Last year saw the release of their new will host a dinner and dance event on April 6 at 7:30 and Celtic Connections. Accompanying Gilchrist is album, “Auprès du Poêle,” which further expanded the p.m. with the “Kings of Irish Country,” Mick Flavin band’s artistic vision. • The Burren Backroom series hosts a double bill of trios on April 19: Boston/Portland-based Fódhla (Ellery Klein, fiddle; Nicole Rabata, flute; Bethany Waickman, guitar) infuses its brand of Irish music with a wealth of tastes and experiences, from American to contra dance to classical and more. Cantrip (Dan Houghton, pipes, flute, whistles, guitar, bouzouki, vo- cals; Jon Bews, fiddle, vocals; Eric McDonald, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, vocals) originated from a session in Edinburgh some years ago, and over time settled into a transatlantic roster, with a bold sound rooted in Scottish tradition that has branched into other Euro- pean cultures and contemporary influences. Next month, the Backroom series begins on May 3 with another double bill, this one comprising a pair of Boston-area married couples. Matt and Shannon Heaton are highly admired for their deft flute/whistle- guitar/bouzouki instrumentals and richly harmonized songs, grounded in Irish tradition but also drawing on other sources, including Thai music. Natalie Haas and Yann Falquet is a union of some impressive re- sumes – Haas as a highly sought-after cellist not only in the domain of Scottish music (notably in her duet with fiddler Alasdair Fraser) but also in American, Scandinavian ,and other traditions; Falquet as an exponent of Quebecois vocal and instrumental music, solo and in collaborations such as the trio Genticorum. All Backroom shows begin at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and other information, go to burren.com/Backroom- Series.html. The Gloaming comes to the Berklee Performance Center on April 22. – SEAN SMITH Page 14 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com harmonized fiddle-banjo-mandolin rendition of “Sally That this band is now a fixture in the hearts and CD Reviews in the Garden.” “Chair Snappers Delight” opens with ears of Irish, and Irish-American, music lovers is fact, a Tennessean tune, “Happy Holler,” enlivened by a not theory. [webanjo3.com] By Sean Smith mandolin-guitar duet by the Howleys (with dobro by Michael Rooney and The Macalla Orchestra, We Banjo 3, “String Theory” • With its fourth Feargal, who also plays viola, guitar, mandolin, and “The Macalla Suite”; Peadar Ó Riada, “Onóir” album, the Galway quartet (never mind the “3” in percussion on the album), and then shifts gears into a • The 1916 Easter Rising centenary is over, but the the name) continues its trailblazing promulgation of pair of trad Irish reels “The Wild Irishman” and “I’m retrospectives and musings about the milestone are “Celtgrass,” a potent mix of Irish/Celtic and Americana Ready Now!” – the double banjo feature is in particu- likely to continue for that is personified in the Irish tenor banjo-playing of larly good form here. some time, so it would Enda Scahill and Martin Howley, as well as the cross- Of special note are the guest musicians, including the seem quite appropriate over fiddling by Scahill’s brother Fergal and the pop- aforementioned Hutchinson, five-string banjo dazzler to consider two more inflected but folk-rooted vocals (not to mention crisp Alison Brown (“Good Time Old Time”) and vocalist Aoife additions to the offerings guitar work) by Howley’s brother David. Scott (Greg Brown’s “Ain’t Nobody Else Like You”). of music inspired by the While “String Theo- The brass section WB3 rolled out on their last album, commemoration. ry” is replete with the “Live in Galway,” also is on hand for a few of the tracks, Rooney, a harpist, trademark WB3 blue- putting a charge into the “Aunt Jemima’s Plaster” set: recently won TG4 Com- grass groove, old-timey the Quebecois tune “Sheepskins and Beeswax” followed poser of the Year honors swing, contemporary by Irish reels “Ormond Sound” and “Marco’s.” for “The Macalla Suite,” folk polish and Irish Once again, it’s the songs that affirm WB3’s joie de which he was commis- trad drive (sometimes vivre, and make them such a delight. You can’t get much sioned to write for a all within the same more upbeat than “Happiness” (written by Galway’s special performance at an Irish state event for rela- track), there’s also an Noelie McDonnell), with the brass joyfully punctuating tives of 1916 participants (the live recording here was overall feeling of the David Howley’s expressive voice. The band also has a made last fall in Monaghan). It’s the ninth suite he has band easing up on the go at the antebellum “Little Liza Jane,” adding some composed; his other works include “The Famine Suite” gas pedal just a bit to newly written verses to personalize the song, and the (1997) and “The Millennium Suite” (2000). broaden its range – a venerable old ballad “Two Sisters” which – despite its The six movements of “Macalla” are a musical evo- little less pyrotechnics, sorocidal plot – is far from despairing in their hands. cation of Irish history, the first two presenting the perhaps, but no shortage of virtuosity and excitement. On the more topical side, “This Is Home,” a David circumstances and succession of events over the century For example, the “Island Orchard” set starts off with Howley-Enda Scahill composition, urges optimism and leading up to the Easter Rising; the next three recount Enda Scahill’s minor/modal “Killeany Jig” – Fergal and forward-facing vision to bring Ireland into a new age. the Rising itself and the immediate aftermath, while guest star double-bassist Trevor Hutchinson supply (Further evidence of We Banjo 3’s collective good the sixth is an expression of reconciliation – includ- a moody bowed-string accompaniment – and transi- cheer also is evident in the CD cover photos, which ing “The Queen’s Speech,” referring to Elizabeth’s tions into a pair of old-timey reels, including a lovely have a steampunk/Showtime-original-series vibe.) 2011 visit to Dublin – and of a modern, cosmopolitan Ireland. Four traditional songs – including “The Bold Fenian Men” and “The Foggy Dew” – serve as interludes and historical markers. Altogether, it’s an impressive mélange of sounds and atmospheres, emotive and ac- cessible yet also with some sophisticated, ambitious ideas and arrangements. In “Clash of Traditions,” Rooney sets up contrast- ing pieces – a fife-and-drum melody redolent of the Ulster Volunteers, and a nationalist theme suggestive of the Irish Volunteers – and then plays them off one another. “Confusion” shifts between three different time signatures, depicting the chaotic crush of events (chiefly Roger Casement’s arrest and the on-again/ off-again Irish Volunteers mobilization) on the eve of the Rising. Arguably the highlight of the suite is “The Battle,” which gradually builds tension and suspense until it lets slip the dogs of war. The blend of traditional and classical music elements in “Macalla Suite” is further reflected in the make-up of the Macalla Orchestra itself, which features sections both for “fiddles” and “violins”; there are also sections of concertinas, uilleann pipes, harps, accordions, flutes – even banjos (other instruments include double bass, cellos, piano, trumpet, and French horn). Considering how cranky some of these instruments can be, the degree to which they mesh seems fairly remarkable, and of course reflects well on the musicians who play them. Not to be overlooked is Rooney’s canny use of percussion, whether a single bodhran, martial-like snare drums or a full-on rock-and-roll drum kit – one of those subtleties that help make “The Macalla Suite” as compelling as it is. [draiochtmusic.com/the-macalla-suite] “Onóir” is the work of Peadar Ó Riada, son of Sean Ó Riada, who was a key figure in the 1960s Irish folk revival (he gets some credit for the formation of The Chieftains, for one thing). Peadar, host of a long-running radio program on RTÉ, has followed to some degree in his father’s footsteps, as a pianist, composer, and ar- ranger incorporating classical and modern influences with traditional Irish music. Unlike “Macalla,” “Onóir” (“honor”) isn’t structured around a chronology, but is rather a meditation on Ireland’s “Nation builders” and the evolution of Irish identity over time, conveyed through music, songs, and spoken word – both of the latter in Gaelic (no English translations are provided) – and with a cast of Téada, the duo of piper Mick O’Brien and harpist Oisín Morrison, and two choirs directed by Peadar Ó Riada: the all-female Cór Ban Chúil Aodha, which he also founded, and the all-male, multi-generational Cór Chúil Aodha, founded by his father. Two poems by 1916 martyr Patrick Pearse have been set to music here by Ó Riada, who seeks to bring out the poet’s fervor and passion for redeeming the promise and sorrow in Irish history. Ó Riada reads (accompanied by Morrison and Téada bodhran player Tristan Rosenstock) a lengthy excerpt from “Fianna Éireann – An Tosach,” a retelling of stories from the Fianna cycle of early Irish literature that was written by Mons Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, who died during the recording of “Onóir.” Elsewhere, Téada teams up with Morrison and O’Brien on three tracks of instrumentals composed by Ó Riada, while Cór Chúil Aodha performs its signature piece, the 18th-century Jacobite song “Mo Ghile Mear” (“My Gallant Daughter”) which Ó Riada posits as a paean to Ireland’s “independence and virility in the face of adversity.” The tracks with the choirs in fact lend a kind of liturgical quality to the proceedings and serve to invite the contemplation Ó Riada has in mind – it’s largely impenetrable to non-Gaelic speakers but beautiful nonetheless. In interviews, Ó Riada has asserted that Ireland, in moving onwards and upwards as a nation, has suppressed the raw emotionality from the centuries of suppression and torment that preceded the Easter Rising. In that sense, “Onóir” is in a different place than “The Macalla Suite” which, while paying tribute to the 1916 heroes and their predecessors, also looks to resolution and moving on; Ó Riada seems to suggest that Ireland should take a good, long backward glance before doing so. [peadaroriada.ie/the-shop] bostonirish.com April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events

Dorchester’s Brett family honored the memory of their late mother Mary Ann Brett by supporting a parish food pantry named for her at St. Theresa of Calcutta/St. Margaret’s parish church.The family hosted an annual St Patrick’s brunch on Saturday, March 18. The occasion inducted four into the “Dorchester 1. Hall of Fame,” including Bill Brett, Kevin Chapman, Sister Margaret Leonard LSA and Edward F. Smith Sr.

1.) Inductees: Sr. Margaret Leonard, Eddie Smith, Bill Brett, Kevin Chapman, Flanked by Jim Brett (l) and Fr. John Currie, Parish Administrator; 2.) Lauren Sherer, Dorches- ter; Michelle Malloy, Milton; Jen Shea and Nicki Davis, Dorchester 3.) Steve Greely, Ireland Fund; Bob Scannell, Dorchester Boys And Girls Club; 4.) Rich Gormley, Lord Mayor of W. Roxbury; Pat O’Neill Dorches- ter; 5.) Dan Rea, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, 2. Jim Brett, Dorchester 6.) Fr. Doc Conway, Connie Brennan, Portland, Maine, Craig Carlson, Boston 7.) Kathy Mullin and Mau- reen Mazrimas, Squantum, Christine Kuhn, Weymouth; 8.) Bob Donovan, Braintree, R.J. Valentine, Hingha, Mark Kerwin, Milton; 9.) Paul Quirk, Roger Croke, Dorchester, Tom O’Donnell, West End; Joe Donovan 10.) Gina McLaughlin, Dorchester, Rich Gribaudo, West Roxbury 11.) Joe Leary, Newton, Josephine Shields, Brookline, Bill Reilly, Cambridge; 12.) Janice and John Schneiderman, Phil and Pamela Carver, all Dorchester. 3. 4.

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11. 12. Page 16 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com Traveling People Weather picks, chooses on sites for St. Patrick’s Day parades

By Judy Enright Special to the BIR Depending on whether you’re a “glass half empty” or “glass half full” type of person, this was either a bad or good year for St. Patrick in Ireland. While communities on the east and south coasts celebrated the patron saint’s day with colorful parades, festivities, and bright weather, some com- munities on the west and north coasts were forced to cancel or postpone their annual parades due to cold ocean winds and pouring rain. In Co. Mayo, for in- stance, Newport’s parade was pushed off for a week to March 26, which is also Ireland’s Mothers’ Day. Westport’s parade was postponed until April and will be held in conjunction with that town’s 250th anniversary celebration. So, you might say, the saint’s special day was On Achill Island in Co. Mayo, members of a traditional pipe band braved rain and wind to carry out the annual parade on St. particularly special this Patrick’s Day. year and went on long past March 17 - which probably made this a very good year for St. Patrick. ACHILL PIPE BANDS Despite the weather, there was no day off on March 17 for the brave and dedicated souls on Achill Island, Co. Mayo, who belong to the traditional pipe bands. These hardy folk, dressed in regulation uniforms covered with water-repellent ponchos, sloshed through puddles Whether shamrocks were on their hats or The Burren Center in Kilfenora, Co. Clare, One of 27 types of orchids found in the and braved rain and gale faces, members of an Achill Island pipe is a great place to begin your Burren ex- Burren in Co. Clare growing wild amidst force winds to carry out band showed their Irish pride in the annual ploration. the stone walls. Judy Enright photos their annual parades. St. Patrick’s Day parade this year. They marched from local around Blackrock Light- find so many beautiful and there are many more. wonderful hotels (tops on the Jewels, Pete Tong, A villages to various perfor- house prevented ships and flowers there, including Water sports and other the list is Gregan’s Castle Tribe Called Quest, and mance sites and then on equipment from getting 25 orchid species native adventures are also of- Hotel - gregans.ie - in Father John Misty. to the Dookinella church close enough to search. to Ireland as well as some fered along this western Ballyvaughan –), many TRIPADVISOR for the finale. Appreciative SPRING immigrants - Mediter- coast. We especially like good pubs where food is CHOICES onlookers lined the streets Spring has sprung and ranean and arctic-alpine the dolphin cruises at an absolute priority and Harvey’s Point Hotel on and followed behind the it’s the most luscious time plants that all grow here includediscoverdolphins. excellent (we have always Lough Eske in Donegal parade in cars and vans of year in Ireland with together. It’s really the ie from Kilrush and dol- liked McDermott’s Pub, Town has been named to applaud the marchers trees budding and flowers most fascinating area. phinwatch.ie. More are Fitzpatrick’s in the Doolin the best hotel in Ireland along the route and after bursting into bloom. If you have a chance to online. Hotel and Gus O’Connor’s and the 10th best hotel in the Mass in Dookinella. The Burren, on the coast visit, be sure to stop in BURREN IN BLOOM in Doolin), a good coffee Europe in TripAdvisor’s The bands then trudged of Co. Clare, is stunning Kilfenora at the Burren FEST house and creperie (The Travellers’ Choice awards through the wind and rain at any time of year but Centre to see their ex- Next month, the Bur- Soda Parlour in Bally- for 2017. The hotel was back to their villages. especially beautiful in the hibition and learn about ren in Bloom festival vaughan) and great res- rated #1 on the list of 70 A second Achill Island spring. We have always the Burren’s megalithic kicks off (May 19-June taurants (Roadford House hotels in Co. Donegal. The parade – with 65 bands, found this area to be one of tombs and dolmens. And 4) with garden visits, in Doolin is a favorite.) hotel also finished in first floats and assorted groups the most interesting plac- it’s well worth taking the demonstrations, cultural Another great place to place in the best service promised - was to step es in Ireland to celebrate time to watch the beau- and family events, talks, stop for a summer lunch category and second place off on March 19 in Achill spring and its colors. tiful film by Eamon de guided walks, and more. or afternoon tea is Burren in the romantic category. Sound, but it was called As you drive the coast Buitlear that brilliantly The Festival is designed Fine Wine & Food at the (And, in case you didn’t off because of the weather. road south out of Bally- captures the beauty of the to promote an understand- bottom of Corkscrew Hill know, Donegal was In north Mayo, several vaughan and see nothing area. A craft shop and tea- ing and appreciation of in Ballyvaughan. termed the coolest place communities had earlier but slate grey and craggy rooms are available, too. the Burren, its formation And, for some interest- on the planet, according cancelled their parades limestone hills rising There are many groups and why it is a botani- ing locally made items, to National Geographic out of respect for four above you and on the and individuals who of- cal, archaeological, and be sure to visit the free Traveller.) crewmembers aboard an horizon, you might think fer guided walks, tours, cultural treasure with its Burren Art & Craft Fair Another Irish winner Irish Coast Guard heli- anyone who suggested a and hikes across the unique wild flowers and every Sunday, 10 a.m. to was Castlewood House in copter lost near Blacksod visit there was completely Burren and surrounding ancient sites. 6 p.m., through October Dingle, Co. Kerry, which during a nighttime rescue mad. areas. You will find de- The Festival is coordi- in St. John’s Village Hall was 12th in the world, mission on March 14. The But the Burren land- tailed information online. nated by Burrenbeo Trust, in Ballyvaughan. 10th in Europe, and No. 1 search for the missing scape is deceptive and Some of those include: Ireland’s first landscape And don’t forget to set in Ireland in the bargain crewmembers went on if you look carefully be- heartofburrenwalks.com, charity and a multidi- aside some time in the category. for several weeks because tween the rocks and on burrenguidedwalks.com mensional resource for the evenings to hear wonder- For luxury hotels, the weather and heavy swells the plateaus, you can and burrenwalks.com – Burren region. The Trust ful traditional music of- Killarney Park Hotel promotes and supports the fered regularly in various in Killarney, Co. Kerry, sustainable management Doolin pubs. was named Ireland’s top and use of this unique MUSIC LOVERS hotel. Pax Guest House in landscape and heritage. If you wondered wheth- Dingle, Co. Kerry, topped While you’re in Co. er the young Irish are Ireland’s B&B list, and Handmade since 1925 Clare be sure to stop music lovers, how about Pillo Hotel in Ashbourne, in Lisdoonvarna at the this? The Electric Picnic, Co. Meath, won named Burren Smokehouse for an annual music festival best family hotel. delicious smoked salmon at Stradbally Hall in Co. “Unlike other hospi- in assorted flavors, a gift Laois, sold out in less tality awards, these are shop, and more. You can than five minutes after based on feedback from also buy the salmon at tickets went on sale at 9 actual guests over the past Shannon airport on the o’clock one recent Thurs- year,” said a TripAdvisor way home (be sure to get day morning. The event spokeswoman. a loaf of McCambridge’s will be Sept. 1-3 and can TRAVELING Wholewheat Bread to take handle 55,000 attendees. Enjoy your visit to Ire- home, too) or order Smoke- Headline acts for the land whenever you go and house salmon online at: three-day event include wherever you visit. There burrensmokehouse.com. Duran Duran, The XX, In- are many activities avail- They ship worldwide. terpol, London Grammar able for all interests now There’s a lot to see in and Chaka Khan. Other that winter has finally this area and there are acts confirmed are Run flown. bostonirish.com April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 EATING AND EMOTION Dr. Bernadette Rock Gain control of your eating Imagine you’ve had a long and tiring week, and it’s now Friday. When you walk in the door in the evening and someone asks how your day was, you respond with the word “fine,” and then head straight for the fridge for a few spoonfuls of ice cream or else seek refuge in a soft, crusty loaf of bread with lashings of butter. I recently spoke to mother-of-two Emily, who explained that when she’s feeling annoyed or overwhelmed, her eating goes out of control. It’s not a good place to be. Stuffing down Dr. Bernadette Rock your emotions ­– anger, anxiety – with food may work tem- porarily, but they will always come back. Have you noticed? It may seem daunting, but facing up to your disease will bring you more contentment in the long term. In order to change our current behaviors, we must first understand why we are following them in the first place. A journal can be a great place to start figuring it out. In Heyday’s online program we use a tracker to identify not only why/when you’re eating but also to find out what you’re holding onto so you can let go. What is it that you believe about any given situations or stressor?- “I feel Mayor Martin Walsh hosted Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny during an of- like an idiot here- I should have said more.” It’s those “iceberg” beliefs that can fical visit to Boston on March 13.Mayor’s Office Photo by Jeremiah Robinson trigger a feeling of being overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, followed by a drive for food. What small steps can you take to support yourself? • It can be what you tell yourself about the stressor: “I have a choice here. Irish PM Kenny drops in on I’m not powerless, I’m doing my best.” • Pause and take a few moments to center yourself. Bring your attention to your breath. the mayor and the governor So this week ahead step back, be aware, and observe how this pattern plays By Andy Metzger and Ireland. During his East country filled with wonder- out in your life. Once you’re aware of your “icebergs,” they will loosen their Colin A. Young Coast US tour, at a stop ful people.” Last week, he power and grip. State House in Philadelphia on Sun- proclaimed March 2017 Be aware of the feedback you give yourself. If you don’t get a constructive day, Kenny announced News Service “Irish Heritage Month” response from other, then give it to yourself. Ask yourself, “What can I do to Before his meeting with an upcoming referendum in Massachusetts, noting help myself?” Support is far more effective than criticism. President Donald Trump on whether to allow Irish the state’s “unique distinc- Be intentional and alert as opposed to being in a trance-like state around in Washington later in citizens living outside the tion” of being the most food. Often, we live our lives in the same way we eat - consciously or uncon- the week of March 13, country to vote in presiden- Irish-American state in sciously. When you eat calmly and consciously, you will feel calm and conscious the head of Ireland’s gov- tial elections. His plan was the nation. afterwards. The more attention you pay to food, the more you enjoy it, and be ernment visited Boston visit the White House and In the Bay State, more satisfied with less, for example: Pause while eating to notice whether you are City Hall, which Mayor meet with House Speaker than 21 percent of resi- really enjoying your food and whether it is satisfying what you want. Marty Walsh has said Paul Ryan on Thursday dents claim to be of Irish In each series of the online programme, there are mindful eating tips, how could become a citadel for before heading to New heritage, according to to stop eating once you’ve had enough and how to feel satisfied afterwards. Boston’s undocumented York City for Friday’s a 2015 Pew Research Satisfaction doesn’t just come from physical fullness but from also fully enjoy- immigrants depending on St. Patrick’s Day Parade, report. Four other New ing the food you choose. federal policies. according to a copy of his England states – New Send your comments or questions to Bernadette at [email protected] “We need some clar- travel plans obtained by Hampshire, Maine, Ver- and check out heydayweightloss.ie for further details. ity for all immigrants, the SHNS. mont and Rhode Island – all undocumented im- At City Hall, a reporter round out the top five most migrants,” Walsh said at asked Walsh whether he Irish-American states, a press conference with would push for a “special according to Pew. Conway lecture set at Whaling Museum Taoiseach Enda Kenny. status” for undocumented Although 33.3 million Irish immigrants. “I’m Americans, or about 10 The New Bedford athletes looking to com- hour’s reception. Tickets He said, “I wish him all the Whaling Museum con- pete in the US collegiate at $10 for members, $15 luck when he goes down to a proud son of Irish im- percent, identified them- Washington.” migrants, but I would selves as being of Irish tinues its popular “Fam- system, ten of whom for non-members, can In broad terms, Walsh not be supportive of rules ancestry in 2013 – mak- ine, Friends & Fenians became Olympians. be purchased by calling and Kenny are of one mind, and regulations that just ing it the second-largest Lecture Series” on April The lecture, which is 508-997-0046 or by go- advocating for Congress to benefit people that are ancestry group in the U.S. 20, welcoming Philip open to the public, will be ing online at whaling- come up with a solution for undocumented Irish. We behind German – the green Conway, an Olympian given at 7 p.m. after an museum.org. the country’s 11 million un- need a comprehensive in America has been fading and father of the Irish documented immigrants. piece of legislation,” Walsh for decades. In 1990, 38.6 responded. million Americans or 15.5 Throwing Revival, who “For those who are in will present his lecture, this country, who have Kenny also said that percent of the population New eNglaNd auto delivery, iNc. with the United Kingdom’s claimed Irish ancestry, “Irish Whales – A Favor- made their decision to able Term for Those Big live in America, to work vote to depart the Euro- and another 5.6 million good drivers waNted for America, to raise their pean Union, the border or 2.3 percent identified Lads from Ireland.” families in America, we between Northern Ireland as Scotch-Irish, according Conway will share sto- 617-269-3800 x102 or need an opportunity for and the Republic of Ireland to Pew. ries of a time when Irish a path to legitimization would not revert to the And that trend, Pew and Irish-Americans [email protected] here,” said Kenny. “It’s not borders of yesteryear. “We said, is unlikely to re- dominated field events Quick hires, who have copies of their driving record will not have a return to a verse. Not only is the just about the Irish. It’s in the Olympics, and can come into our office at 50 voN HillerN st., between also about our position as hard border,” he said. American population that After his visit at City claims Irish heritage ag- about how America pro- a member of the European vided the much-needed Andrew and JFK UMass Stations Union.” Hall, Kenny took the ing, but the flow of Irish short ride up Beacon Hill immigrants to this coun- opportunity for Con- Kenny said he and the way’s athletic career, moNday - Friday • 7:00 am – 3:30 pm mayor are in agreement to the State House, where try is now just a trickle he was greeted by Gov. compared to a century which culminated in his We move cars for the on the issue, praised the rental car companies at the airport. mayor’s “fluent” grasp of Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. or more ago. During fis- representing his coun- Karyn Polito. A drum and cal year 2015, just 1,607 try at the 1972 Munich Transportation and free parking the Irish language, and provided at our location said Walsh, whose parents pipe corps of Massachu- Irish-born people obtained Olympics. setts correctional officers legal permanent residency 21 years or older with emigrated from Ireland, is Since that time, he 4 years of driving experience a “living example” of the played as Kenny and Irish in the US, according to has successfully coached Ambassador to the United Department of Homeland island nation’s contribu- and counseled student we keep cars rolliNg….siNce 2002 tion to the United States. States Anne Anderson Security statistics. Walsh said he disagrees climbed the State House with Trump’s revised front steps. executive order on inter- Baker, Polito, Kenny national travel, which and Anderson then walked dropped Iraq from the list upstairs to the gover- Photography by of six Muslim-majority nor’s office for a closed- nations that would face door meeting and gift new travel restrictions. exchange. Though Kenny Trump’s intention to crack was greeted at the State Image Photo Service down on illegal immi- House front steps, he did gration earlier this year not use the building’s front prompted Walsh to an- door, which is reserved for • Weddings • Anniversaries • Banquets nounce he would throw visiting heads of state. open the doors of City Hall Kenny is Ireland’s head • Portraits • Reunions • Groups for people to live through. of government, but not its “The fears in the city head of state. still exist. The painting of Kenny’s meeting in Bak- • Families • Special Occasions immigrants as criminals, er’s office lasted about 45 the painting of Muslims as minutes and he posed for terrorists is still out there, photos in the executive of- and it has not softened at fice lobby before departing (617) 291-6609 all,” Walsh said Monday, the State House just after when asked about the new 11:30 a.m. executive order. In October, Baker and Harry Brett • Margaret Brett Hastings Irish Americans may in his wife Lauren visited future years have more of Ireland for a weeklong an opportunity to contrib- personal vacation. Upon The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter ute to the government in returning, the governor called Ireland “a beautiful Page 18 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann

Recall that there are only twelve “irregular” verbs in Irish – and the most EIRE common ones. Bi and Is “Be”, Abair “Speak/Talk”, Déan “do/make”, Cluin “Hear”, Faigh.“get”, Feic “See”, Ith “Eat”, Tabhair “Give”, Tar “Come”, and Téigh “Go”. Most are “irregular” only in one or two tenses. Cluin, for example, is “irregular” only in one tense, the Definite Past, Chuala /HOO-luh/, “Heard”. pub We are going to review these verbs and add our new tense, the Conditional. We will start by defining two new terms. When a verb stands alone, with 795 Adams St. • Dorchester nothing preceding it, the verb form is traditionally called an “Independent” form. An exception is a verb joined by an equalizing conjunction such as “and” agus, “or” no, and ach “but”. “President’s Choice” “That dog is black or white.” “My dog is black and white.” “They launched their boat but it sank immediately.”

If a negative or interrogative “particle” or a “non-equalizing” conjunction Serving Lunch & Dinner such as “that” precedes a verb then the verb form is called the “Dependent” form. Every day, “Is the boat sinking?” “It did not sink that was a rumor.”

This is very different from English where we make no such distinction. How- 7 days a week ever, Irish does and it is crucial. Sometimes “Independent” and “Dependent” forms of “regular” verbs will be the same. However, most “irregular” verbs have quite different forms. You will find verb charts where you will find labels Irish Social Club of Boston, Inc. such as “Past Independent” and “Past Dependent.” The verb bi, for example will show “Past Independent” as bhí but “Past Dependent” as raibh. 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 617-327-7306 or 617-549-9812 Incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, June 27, 1945 Bhí mé anns mo sheomar ní raibh mé thuas an staighre. SUNDAYS 8-11 pm with $10 admission except where otherwise noted. “I was in my room I was not up stairs.” Socials every PUB NIGHTS: Doors open at 6:30 pm. Live music from 8-11 pm. Free Admission Email us at [email protected] The first verb we will look at is the verb Is. This, you will recall, is a word Sunday Evening called the Copula or “linking” verb which describes a permanent condition at 8:00 pm such as a person’s status, their long-term appearance, or permanent location SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – i.e. “Ireland is lovely”, “Ireland is an island”, “He has a big nose.” April 30 noel Henry and last day to renew APRIL 2017 membership for continuous service Is can be frequently abbreviate to ‘S, especially before a vowel sound or words April 2 1916 Irish Uprising Event from that begins with m-. It then acts as a part of the next word. It is also the only 3-6 pm. Ceili & Set Dancing from MAY 2017 verb in Irish that defies the rule that an–s in contact with a vowel is sounded 3-4:15 pm. Live music throughout May 7 Andy Healy /sh/. Instead Is or ‘S keeps the /s/ sound. the event. Kevin Barry Pipes May 14 Erin’s Melody with Margaret Is sé garda /iss shey GARD-uh/ “He is a policeman.” and Drums and Band and the Dalton Is sí banaltra. /iss shee bahn-AHL-truh/ “She is a nurse.” o’Shea Chaplin School of Irish May 21 silver Spears ‘S mo mhála /smoh WAHL-uh/ “It’s my bag.” Dance. $15 admission. Call Sean May 25 Members Meeting 7:30 pm Is has only two tense forms, Present or Future and Past or Conditional. Folan at 857-719-6979. May 28 Denis Curtin This makes it easy to learn. April 2 Andy Healy JUNE 2017 April 9 Fintan Stanley June 2 sMA Father Annual Fundraising Present or Future “Independent” Positive: Is; Negative: Ní April 16 Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dance “Dependent” Positive: gur; Negative: nach Dalton June 4 noel Henry’s Irish Show Band “Interogative” Positive: An?; Negative: Nach? April 23 Erin’s Melody with Margaret June 11 Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton Past or Conditional “Independent” Positive: Ba; B’ Negative: Níor Dalton June 18 Andy Healy “Dependent” Positive: gur; Negative: nár “Interogative” Positive: Ar? Negative: Nár? Follow us on Twitter @irishsocialbos Follow us on Facebook: Irish Social Club of Boston

Notice that the Positive Dependent for all four tenses is the same, gur, Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper although the Negatives are not, nach and nár, nor are the Interogatives, Ar? and Nár?. The Interogative form is, of course, when one asks a question such as “Is he a policeman?” An sé garda? or “Wasn’t your uncle a policeman?”, Nár t’uncail garda? Boston Irish REPORTER A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. In some dialects gur and ar have a /b/ sound and spelling, gurb and arb Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? while in the Past and Conditional gur, ar, níor and nár have a /v/ sound on the endings and are spelled gurbh, níorbh, and nárbh. Remember to insert Order today, and we will send a gift card in your name. the little vowel sound between –r- and –b . Nárbh will sound like /NAHR-uhv/. Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. This is just to let you know in case you run across them. We will stick with the Name______short versions in this course. Address______Now see if you can translate these sentences into Irish. 1.) “My wife was a City______State______Zip______nurse.” 2.) “She will be a policewoman.” 3.) “Is that person a man or a woman?” 4.) “Liam was not a teacher or a policeman.” 5.) “Wasn’t he a priest?” 6.) “No. Gift from______The priest was my uncle Patrick.” Charge to Visa______Mastercard______Card #______Exp______Answers: 1.) Ba mo bhean banaltra. 2.) Is sí bangarda. 3.) An an duine seo fear no bean? 4.) Níor Liam muinteoir no garda. 5.) Nár sé sagairt? 6. ) Nár. Ba an tsagart m’uncail Padruig. This year, give a gift that comes in the mail each month! Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter, 150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 Next lesson we will learn the Dependent forms of Bi and then mix them We accept phone orders with your Visa or Mastercard. up with the Copula. Call 617-436-1222 Or Fax this order form to 617-825-5516

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Greenhills Bakery Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day- ALL YEAR LONG! Serving full Irish breakfast and breakfast sandwiches Coffee & Barry’s tea

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Greenhills Bakery Open Monday-Saturday 780 Adams Street 5 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Dorchester, MA 02124 Sunday 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. 617-825-8187 www.greenhillsbakery.com Page 20 April 2017 BOSTON IRISH Reporter bostonirish.com