February 2012 Boston’s hometown VOL. 23 #2 journal of Irish culture. $1.50 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2012 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. bostonirish.com ‘God have mercy on us’ Sen. Kerry seeks halt Boston will be the host city in the United States this May for the fourth official International to US/British probe of Commemoration of the Famine. Local events will coincide with Ireland’s annual National Famine Commemoration, set to be held in Drogheda, Co. BC archive interviews Louth. Today the BIR begins a four-part series on By Bill Forry The British government ini- the Great Famine (“An Gorta Mór”) of 1845-1852. and Melissa Tabeek tiated a legal process to gain Boston Irish Reporter access to Boston College’s files By Peter F. Stevens The British government’s last spring. Acting through BIR Staff controversial attempt to seize an existing treaty agreement In the late summer and early autumn of 1845, records from a Boston College between the US and the UK, the first signs of a cataclysm materialized in parts oral history collection related to British prosecutors secured of Ireland. While many histories of the Great the conflict in Northern Ireland a federal subpoena to compel Famine commence with the year 1846, historian scored another court victory on university officials to turn over Thomas Gallagher writes in his masterful work Tues., Jan. 24, when federal specific tapes and transcripts Paddy’s Lament, “The year before [1845] had Judge William Young dismissed from interviews conducted for been a near disaster; a disease had attacked the a lawsuit that sought to block the Belfast Project. BC ini- growing [potato] plants without warning and the records’ release. tially fought the subpoena in destroyed almost half of them. The people had US Senator John Kerry US courts, but did supply the suffered, but most had been saved by their long jumped into the fray that same documents after losing an ap- apprenticeship to scarcity and want, by salvaging week, urging Secretary of State peal in December. what they could and making that do.” Hillary Clinton to halt the fed- Then Judge Young dismissed A County Cork farmer noted that same sum- eral government’s cooperation the lawsuit brought by the two mer: “A mist rose up out of the sea….When the with the British probe. men— Anthony McIntyre and fog lifted, you could begin to see the potato stalks Kerry, who is the chairman of Ed Moloney— who had con- lying over as if the life was gone out of them. And the Senate’s Foreign Relations ducted the interviews on BC’s that was the beginning of the great trouble and Committee, warned that the un- behalf beginning in 2001. Young the famine that destroyed Ireland.” folding controversy threatened ruled that neither McIntyre or In the spring of 1846, everyone from the rich- to undermine the intent of the Moloney had any standing to est landowners to the lowly tenant farmers was Good Friday Accords. “It would seek to block the release of the breathing a collective sigh of relief at the sight of be a tragedy if this process were tapes, adding that the treaty healthy potato stalks blanketing some two mil- to upset the delicate balance provisions required Boston lion acres with the plant’s distinctive dark-green that has kept the peace and al- College to comply with the leaves and purple blossoms. The blight that had lowed for so much progress in subpoena. McIntrye’s wife, Carrie Twom- turned so much of the 1845 crop into a rancid, to inspect the stalks numerous times each day the last fourteen years,” Kerry reeking mess did not reappear in spring 1846. wrote in a letter dated Jan. 23. “I ey, was on hand for the Jan. 24 and Irish nerves grew edgier as July unfolded hearing — which coincidentally Even when the disease flared in the potato beds and some of the strangest, most extreme sum- would urge you to work with the of a few Cork farms in early June, it did not ap- British authorities to reconsider was held at Boston College Law mer weather people had ever seen engulfed the School. In an interview later pear to spread and caused scant damage. island. The mornings started out dry and mild the path they have chosen and Still, farmers and gentry alike nervously began (Continued on page 11) revoke their request.” (Continued on page 11) Taoiseach From the Famine era to the present-day is bound Second in a series on the attributed the rising rates of Charitable Irish Society of crime, disease, and poor-relief The Charitable Irish Society for Boston Boston. costs to the arrival of the Irish. of Boston (CIS), the oldest Irish It was in this context that organization in the Americas, the anti-immigrant, anti-Cath- will celebrate its 275th anniver- Ireland’s Taoiseach, Enda By Catherine B. Shannon sary on March 17 with a gala Kenny will be spending a few The first two decades after the olic anti-Irish Know-Nothing movement in the form of the dinner at the Copley Fairmont days in Boston this month, famine were extremely difficult Hotel in Boston. times for the new immigrants American Party swept all the his first visit to the Hub since state electoral offices in l854. his election as prime minister in Boston and indeed for those already resident in the city. The No public officials were invited notable members during this last year. huge influx of 130,00 Irish immi- to or attended the society’s an- era, including the Boston Pilot The Irish leader will ad- grants in the years between l846 nual dinners in the l850s and a editor Patrick Donahoe, the dress at a forum at Harvard’s and 1853 provoked a resurgence few of its wealthier Protestant future first Catholic mayor of John F. Kennedy School of of nativist hostility against Bos- members left the organization. Boston, Hugh O’Brien, and the Government on Feb. 16, and ton’s Irish population. The society gained only 30 new philanthropist Andrew Carney, then make several appear- ENDA KENNY The famine immigrants were members in this decade, reach- whose generosity was crucial to the establishment of Carney ances across the city over the Whirlwind tour Feb. 16,17 poorer, less skilled, and often ing 130 by 1860. Most famine in poor health compared to immigrants were struggling Hospital, Boston College, and course of the the next day. On simply to survive the effects the construction of the Church Kenny’s schedule for the 17th, and an early evening reception earlier immigrants, and their hosted by the Irish Consul- presence caused resentment not of miserable housing, disease, of the Immaculate Conception is an 8 o’clock breakfast at the on Harrison Avenue. Donahoe, a ate, Enterprise Ireland, and only among the Boston’s native unemployment and poverty, Boston Harbor Hotel on Feb. and few joined the organization. fierce critic of the Know-Nothing Irish Network/Boston at the working class, but also among 17 that will be hosted by the the city’s governing elite, who Nonetheless, there were some (Continued on page 22) Irish American Partnership, Seaport Hotel. There’s a lot more to Sign up now and choose either a Multi-Purpose Folding Stool by MOKE or Totally FREE Checking a Skil 21pc. Ratcheting Screwdriver Set. than just the FREE Gift at account opening. FREE ATM/VISA® Check Card Free Online Banking and BillPay Convenient e-Statements or Combined Statements 24-hour Driveup ATMs Connecting all offices: 617.268.0379 You’ll find a whole lot of access and convenience www.MtWashingtonBank.com in all of our Checking Accounts. We reserve the right to substitute an item of similar value. In the event the value of the free gift Customer purchases checks. exceeds $10, the bank is required to report the gift on Form 1099-INT. The recipient is responsi- ble for all applicable taxes. Member FDIC | Member DIF Page 2 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

!"#$""%#&'(#)%*+,-./$#0"1/23#4/56# 4/-7.$8#.9#3/2"#.3:/2-,$-#-/#,#+/33*$.-;#-7,$# -7"#<*,=.-;#/1#.-9#:*>=.+#9+7//=9? !"#$%&'(&)$*)+(#,$-&.$/(0,#)('$1&23+(+&)$.#4.#'#)('$5&0$65$2,7&82(+)9$ Geraghty -&.$:2;&.$.#-&.:'$+)$("#$(#28"#.'<$8&)(.28($6#+)9$)#9&(+2(#,$)&=$ 6#(=##)$("#$%&'(&)$>063+8$/8"&&3'$2),$%&'(&)$!#28"#.'$*)+&)?$$!23@'$ ASSOCIATES "27#$6##)$&)9&+)9$-&.$AB$:&)("'$'+)8#$C25$ABDB? $ PROPERTY MANAGERS !"#,2"#+,==.$8#1/2#1/*2#B";#2"1/239#.$#-7"#+/$-2,+- $$$$$$$W$$C&.#$(+:#35$2),$#--#8(+7#$(#28"#.$#72302(+&)' Studio and 1-Bedroom Apartments $$$$$$$W$$X)8.#2'#,$'8"&&3$Y3#Z+6+3+(5$+)$"+.+)9$2),$ Available in the desirable $$$$$$$$$$$.#(2+)+)9$("#$6#'($(#28"#.' $$$$$$$W$$[.#2(#.$'(0,#)($2),$42.#)($+)7&37#:#)($+)$'8"&&3$$ Cedar Grove section of Dorchester. $$$$$$$$$$$,#8+'+&)J:2@+)9 $$$$$$$W$$\Z(#),#,$'8"&&3$,25$("2($4.&7+,#'$'(0,#)('$=+("$$ Studios reasonably $$$$$$$$$$$#).+8"+)9$28(+7+(+#'$2),$282,#:+8$'044&.( priced at $750;

@7"#1*-*2"#/1#/*2#9+7//=9#,$%#/*2#+7.=%2"$A9#"%*+,-./$# 1-bedroom units at $925; ,2"#,-#9-,B"#.$#-7"9"#$"8/-.,-./$9#,$%# heat and hot water included. 5"#5,$-#9.8$.C.+,$-#2"1/23#$/5? D/5#+,$#;/*#7"=:E Short walk to the Red Line. >3#2'#$7+'+($("#$%&'(&)$*)+(#,$-&.$/(0,#)('$E28#6&&@$429#$ Free off-street Parking. "((4FGG===?-28#6&&@?8&:GHIG429#'G%&'(&)J*)+(#,J-&.J/(0,#)('GDDBKLKMNOBAPKBK$ &.$8&)(28($1"2.:2+)#$Q.("0.JR#7#.'&)$&-$!"#$E.##,&:$S&0'#$2($ TMDPU$NNKJALBK$&.$82.("0.J)#7#.'&)V-.##,&:"&0'#?8&:$(&$'##$"&=$ Washing Machines 5&0$82)$9#($+)7&37#,$+)$("#$:&'($+:4&.(2)($+''0#$-&.$&0.$8&::0)+(5F$ and Dryers in building. ,#$"5#-",+7"2A9#+/$-2,+-#-7,-#.3:2/F"9#-7"#<*,=.-;#/1#,==#9+7//=9# ,$%#.$+2",9"9#,+,%"3.+#,+7."F"3"$-#1/2#,==#9-*%"$-9? Call Michael at 617-364-4000

!"#$%&'(&)$*)+(#,$-&.$/(0,#)('$1&23+(+&)$+'$2$4.&2,542'#,$6.&07$&-$%8/$ '(0,#)(9$72.#)(9$:"+3,.#)$2,;&:2(#9$:&<<0)+(=9$40'+)#''9$:+;+:$2),$-2+("542'#,$ Geraghty Associates, Inc. &.62)+>2(+&)'$("2($"2;#$?&+)#,$(&6#("#.$(&$2,;&:2(#$-&.$'='(#<+:$.#-&.<$+)$ Property Managers ("#$(#2:"#.'@$:&)(.2:($(&$#)'0.#$2$4#((#.$#,0:2(+&)$-&.$233$%8/$'(0,#)('A P.O. Box 52, Readville, MA 02137-0052 Tel: 617-364-4000 Fax: 617-364-3157

“Landfall,” Lithograph by John Skelton (1924-2009) Matted and framed in custom moulding measuring 29” x 22” $195

Art of Ireland 229 Lincoln Street (Rt. 3A) Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043 GERARD’S ADAMS CORNER 781-749-0555 772 - 776 Adams Street Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sunday noon - 5:00 pm Dorchester, MA 02124 617-282-6370 email: [email protected] www.aisling-gallery.com Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Kevin White: Mayor of many moods By BIR Staff Kevin Hagan White, a lineal descendant of the politically active Irish families who, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wrested control of the city of Boston from the direct descendants of the settler Puritans of the 17th century, was a man of many personas – ebullient, moody, haughty, energetic, fretful, intellectual, daring, to name a few ascribed to him during his often-tumultuous mayoral occupancy of Boston City Hall from 1968 through 1983. White, who died on Fri., Jan. 26, at age 82, took what his immediate predecessors, John B. Hynes and John F. Collins had begun – the rebirth of a Boston that some had come to call decrepit – and added his own imaginative flourishes as the city of the Brahmins regained its long-held place among the nation’s and the world’s great cities. The brothers Brett: Bill, Jim and Harry But along with those flourishes came great stress and heartache, perhaps most notably the deeply felt Charitable Irish Society unrest in the mid-1970s over the busing of students Kevin Hagan White. Photo courtesy City of Boston across neighborhood lines under a federal judge’s Archives honors the Brett brothers; order aimed at ending the racial imbalance that the introduction by Kevin Cullen court had found entrenched in the city’s school system. the political life as a noble profession,” said Bulger. To hear former City Councillor Lawrence DiCara “I think that he was always conscious of the fact “It is an honor to honor the Brett brothers. I think tell it, Boston was on its knees when Kevin White that his own dad, Joe White, had been active in it most people in this room know why we are honoring strode into City Hall in 1968. “The majority of my and Kevin had a very high opinion of his dad. He them. Their good works, their good humor, their contemporaries were bolting from Boston— and this brought to the task an enthusiasm that inspired goodness, is well known and well documented in is before the desegregation order,” DiCara recalls. many of us who were around him.” this community. “There was a massive exodus of people. We had Time White took Bulger’s teasing —often about his When I think of the Brett brothers I think of the magazine calling us the New Appalachia. And we were roots in leafy West Roxbury— in stride at the one who can’t be here with us tonight. That would being compared to cities like Cleveland and Detroit.” annual South Boston St. Patrick’s breakfast. “He be Jack, who died 16 months ago. Jack had an intel- William M. Bulger, the former state Senate Presi- had a good sense of humor,” Bulger recalled. “He lectual disability, which over time made his entire dent, UMass president and political contemporary of would say each year, ‘I’m not up to this,’ but I’d say, family more intellectually able to instinctively stick White’s from the early 1960s, praised White’s devo- ‘I need you. You have to come. He didn’t fire back up for the most vulnerable among us. tion to the city and his cheerful nature. “Kevin saw very much and never did he complain thereafter.” Mary Ann Brett was from Sligo, and while you can tell a Sligo woman, you can’t tell her much. She immigrated to Boston and scrubbed floors. She A truly ‘New’ married Henry Brett and a doctor told her to put her first-born Jack into an institution because surely Year for Irish she couldn’t care for him. The doctor also suggested she not have any more children. Social Club Mary Ann Brett had a sixth-grade education, but It was a special New she was smarter than that doctor. She told him Year’s Eve for members where to get off. She told him Jack would be loved and friends of the revivi- and looked after by the other children she would fied Irish Social Club in have, and she went on to have Peggy and Mary and West Roxbury as the Harry and Billy and Jim, and boy was Mary Ann organization celebrated Brett right. not only 2012 but their Everything we know and admire about the three own feelings of accom- Brett brothers we could have learned in that house plishment in resurrect- Members of the original “Save the Irish Social Club” committee: Jim Calvey, on St. Margaret’s Street in Dorchester, where their ing the club. More than Brendan Adams, Kathleen Adams, Richie Archer, Pat Casey, Mary Mulvey mother’s deep faith in her God and in her family, her 300 celebrators jammed Jacobson. Sean Folan photo. belief that love and compassion conquers all, made the club premises for them what they are; where their brother’s disability a night of food, music, elected president, Mary events upcoming, antici- Healy (Feb. 19), and made them judge no one and value everyone. and dance after being Maloney. pating visits from Fintan Denis Curtin (Feb. 26). Each of these three men have distinguished them- greeted by the newly The club has several Stanley (Feb. 5), Andy selves in their chosen fields, Bill and Harry with cameras around their necks, Jim with a career in FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS public service that is very much around his heart. They are the best of us, in part because they care Events may be submitted for publication at would like to record you giving a brief description so much about the least of us. our companion website: bostonirish.com of your find! Joanne Riley and a team from UMass In honoring the Brett boys tonight, we are honoring Friday, Feb. 3, 8 p.m., at the Irish Cultural will be at Boston College at 6 p.m. – just before our everything and everyone in that house in Dorchester, Centre, Canton – Eamon de Valera: The Man TIARA meeting. especially Mary Ann Brett and her special son Jack, Who Was 20th Century Ireland: An Irish Lecture. You are invited to bring a photo of your ancestor who are together, forever.” Back by popular demand and continuing with our or an interesting section of your ancestor’s Mortuary Irish lecture series, Professor Matthews will discuss Record. Joanne will scan your photo or section of Eamon de Valera. $5 for members and $10 general your Foresters application and record a 2-3 minute Lehane puts on BPL trustee hat admission. Tickets only sold at the door. video with you describing your ancestor and your City of Boston officials, in an attempt to get Saturday, Feb. 4, 3 p.m. at the Irish Pastoral Foresters find. These videos will be shown at the celebrated author Dennis Lehane onto the Boston Centre – Celebrate St. Brigid with the IPC. A day March 14 “Calling the Heart Back Home” event at Public Library’s board of trustees, did a simple thing: for the entire family at Father Lane Hall, St. Bren- UMass Boston. Parts of your ancestors record could They asked. “I got the feeling they were circling me dan Parish, 589 Gallivan Boulevard, Dorchester. also appear in an exhibit. Please get in touch with for a little bit, but I was mostly living out of state St. Brigid of Ireland was born around 453 AD at Susan Steele [email protected] to schedule the last couple of years,” Lehane told the Reporter Faughart, Co Louth, Ireland. She is one of the patron your video appointment on Feb. 10th. after his first meeting of the trustees, where he was saints of Ireland and is affectionately known as “The Friday, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. – Irish Network/Bos- introduced to staffers and his fellow board members Mary of the Gael.” Her feast day is Feb. 1, which is ton Reception for Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Members by Boston Public Library chief Amy Ryan. “And I also one of the first days of spring in Ireland and the are invited to meet with Prime Minister Kenny at a let it be known when I met Amy that should the beginning of Imbolc, one of the cornerstones of the reception at the Seaport Hotel. This exclusive event question ever be asked of me, I would do anything Celtic Calendar. Join the IPC for a craft workshop is open to paid-up 2012 members of Irish Network for the library.” (learn how to make a St. Brigid’s Cross), celebration Boston. Please note that security considerations In the basement of the Hyde Park branch of the of Mass, and a supper in honor of St. Brigid. 3 p.m. are such that pre-registration is required. If you library system, board chairman Jeffrey Rudman Workshop; 5 p.m. Mass; 6 p.m. Supper, music, and are already an IN Boston member you may register reveled in Lehane’s celebrity, introducing him to waltzing. Tickets: $15 at the door or $12 in advance your interest and receive an invitation by e-mailing trustees and staff as the man behind “Shutter Is- for adults, $5.00 each for children, under 5’s free. the Irish Consulate at [email protected] To join land,” “Gone Baby Gone,” and “Mystic River,” books Price covers the costs involved and any proceeds IN Boston or to renew your membership for 2012, Lehane wrote that eventually became acclaimed benefit the Pastoral Program at the IPC. For advance visit inboston.org . Once your membership renewal movies. tickets, please call the Irish Pastoral Centre at 855- is complete, you may e-mail the Irish Consulate for A Dorchester native, Lehane was a frequent visi- 479-2472 or Maureen McNally at 781-871-1247. an invitation. tor to the Uphams Corner branch library as a child. Sunday, Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. at the Irish Cultural Saturday, March 3, 7 p.m., at Florian Hall, “Libraries mean the world to me and in particular Centre –Historical Presentation: Saint Patrick. We Dorchester – Co. Donegal Association’s annual the Boston Public library system,” he said. welcome back our ever popular Irish Historical pre- St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance. Hot and cold buf- He and his wife Angie split their time between sentation, hosted by Seamus Mulligan. Take a look fet will be served. Music provided by Erin’s Melody Brookline and Florida, but it’s “more Massachusetts back at the patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. and dancing is 7:30-12:30. Special appearance by now,” Lehane said. “We still have a place in Florida The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with lecture, meal, the Harney Academy of Irish Step Dancers, and, and it’s pretty hard to tell my wife I want to leave and film. Tickets are $30 and $25 for ICC members. direct from Donegal, singer and songwriter Shunie to come to 20 degrees.” This event typically sells out; please call the ICC to Crampsey. Lehane replaces James Carroll, who stepped down purchase your tickets in advance at 781-821-8291 For tickets and information please contact presi- from the eight-member board in May. Mayor Thomas or purchase online at irishculture.org. dent JP Doherty at 617-605-9878, chairman Michael Menino tapped Lehane for the post in December. Friday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m. – TIARA (The Irish McCarron at 617-696-1702, or any officer of the Co GINTAUTAS DUMCIUS Ancestral Research Assocation) monthly meeting. Donegal Association. Have you found a Forester ancestor? UMass Boston Page 4 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Publisher’s Notebook Commentary Recalling a boy Speaking of bargains for tourists, named Damien Ireland is hard to beat right now By Ed Forry By Joe Leary commemoration of the The new year brought sad news for local Hiberni- Special to the BIR building, launching, and ans: The death of Damien Brennan, a 24-year-old Joe Byrne, Tourism Ireland’s New York-based demise of the Titanic. youth worker who lived and worked in Belfast, N.I. executive vice president for North America, is typical Built at a cost of $100 Damien was five years old in 1992 when he became of the hard-working Irish men and women who are million, the museum the victim of a vicious crime: he was attacked at a sent to the United States to will become a signature Portadown playground by three older boys. Calling represent their country. En- landmark in Belfast. him “a Fenian bastard,” they doused the child with thusiastic, loyal, focused, and The first pictures, or paint thinner and set him on fire. Damien suffered extremely bright, his friendly really, artist drawings, Joe Byrne horrible wounds in the savage attack, especially his outgoing personality belies a are spectacular. And this upper torso, back, and shoul- tough, single-minded dedica- summer, Northern Ireland will open a $25 million ders. He survived but his face tion to improving Ireland’s visitor center at the Giants causeway. The causeway was badly disfigured, and treat- annual visitor count – in the is a unique formation of rock structures found on ing the wounds would require North and in the South – the island’s north coast. a lifetime of plastic surgery and from the United States and The causeway and the Cliffs of Moher are the medical treatment. Canada. only two UNESCO Heritage attractions in Ireland. His father, Jonny Bren- I have had the pleasure Queens University in Belfast is having its 50th nan, found help at Boston’s Joe Leary of knowing Joe Byrne for anniversary Arts Festival late this year. And the Shriners Hospital, and when many years and I recently city of Derry in the western part of the North has then-Boston Globe columnist spent some time with him in a discussion about been named the UK City of Culture for 2013 and is Mike Barnicle told his story in the great success of Irish tourism in 2011 and the looking to an incredibly busy 12-month program. Ed Forry a 1996 column, “A child scarred extraordinary events that Ireland’s tourist industry Since peace arrived in Northern Ireland, it has by the madness,” Damien be- is preparing for this year and next. been said many times, “If you have not visited the came a local celebrity as the Boston Irish community “For the next two or more years,” said Byrne, “both North you have not been to Ireland.” An exaggera- gathered around to provide assistance. the North and the South of Ireland are creating tion, perhaps, but a trip there is worth considering. Mike Heffernan and Mary Devlin, owners of a an intriguing and provocative welcoming party for There is no more excited person than Joe Byrne West Roxbury Irish shop took up his cause, joined by all its visitors. “Ireland is not simply relying on its when he is laying out all these attractions. I’m sure scores of local Hibernians. Hundreds turned out at electrifying natural beauty or its legendary kind they will make his job somewhat easier, but the the Irish Social Club for a 1996 fund-raiser to help and generous people. Ireland is cleaning, building, success in tourism numbers is a reinforcement and pay the family’s transportation and living expenses. and preparing to make every visit comfortable, testament to the work he, his veteran staff, and his “He goes through a lot of pain for a few days after memorable, and satisfying.” predecessors have done for many years. the grafts, but his spirit is amazing,” Jonny Brennan For Americans, now is the time to consider adding With the U.S. economy getter stronger every day, said in a 1999 interview in the Irish Echo. “He loves Ireland to the list of vacation alternatives. more and more Americans are deciding to answer coming here. Most people here treat him like their Byrne and Michael Binchy, of Owenoak Interna- Joe’s call and plan a vacation in Ireland. One ex- own son…It’s been tough emotionally and financially tional in Connecticut, one of Ireland’s premier travel ample: the U.S. Naval Academy and Notre Dame for the whole family,” Brennan said. agencies, agree that not only is airfare to Ireland will play their annual football game in Dublin this Damien was made an honorary member of the $200-$300 less expensive than the cost of traveling year, on Sat., Sept. 1. Hotel rooms are already scarce. Watertown AOH, and one year he marched in the to most other destinations in Europe, but the euro Says Michael Binchy of Owenoak’s: “Our business St. Patrick’s Day parade. “When we looked up and currency is also much cheaper than it was last year was quite good last year and this year looks even saw those banners hanging from the windows and (or in the years before). better. We expect good solid growth this year.” The the placards that said, ‘Welcome, Damien, to South Hotel prices have fallen, restaurant prices are firm’s specialty is golf tours, one of Ireland’s great Boston,’ I swear to God it was very touching,” Jonny down, and the famous golf courses are soliciting natural attractions. With the success of Irish golfers Brennan said. business at much lower prices. Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, In an e-mail to the BIR last month, the grieving While Ireland’s general economy is suffering from and Graeme McDowell, golfers throughout the world dad said, “I’m writing to thank the people of Boston increased taxes, service cuts, and 14.5 percent unem- are planning trips to Ireland to see if they can catch for the generous help they gave us throughout the ployment as the Irish struggle to escape bank debt what it is in the Irish air the makes such incredible years that we visited Boston. The readers of your run up during the boom years (some say “foolish” golfers. Ireland has more golf courses per capita paper and so many more people opened their hearts years), the tourist industry and some other areas are than any country in the world, and most of them and homes to both Damien and the family. doing well. Visitor numbers from North America in are spectacular experiences. “Sadly Damien passed away on the 21st of Decem- 2011 were up 11.5 percent over 2010, to more than This year’s Irish Open will be played at Royal ber at the age of 24. He had met so many friends in a million visitors. Portrush on the North Antrim coast at the end of Boston and, indeed, the USA. I don’t think Damien Tourism is such a bright spot in the Irish economy June and international broadcasts from on site will and the family would have got through them difficult that it represents more than seven percent of all show the virtues of a legendarily tough course as years, only for the help and kindness of the people economic activity, with one out of every twelve Irish world-class golfers try to make a reasonable score of Boston, especially Michael Heffernan and Mary men and women employed in the business. But those on its linksland. Lucky Americans will be there to Devlin, who opened their home to us, the AOH in are only the basic numbers. As Byrne points out, the see it all for themselves. Watertown, who made him an honorary member, tourism industry is “very aggressively continuing So as Joe Byrne says: “We invite you to come and Jack Meehan, Paul Doyle, Kathleen Savage for its efforts to improve the visitor experience.” share our wonderful island. You will have a fantastic their help and friendship, and to the doctors and In Northern Ireland, for instance, a major new time, be very happy you were there, and contribute staff at the Shriners Hospital where Damien got Belfast Museum will be opening in April with a to the economy at the same time.” his treatment. “[Those are] only a few out of a long list I wish to thank. We had some lovely memories of Boston, Cause & effect & all of us the Irish community who we have met. So from the By James W. Dolan idea of a creator obsolete? bottom of our hearts again I would like to thank ev- Special to the Reporter I would argue that time itself is an effect and thus eryone of them and may god bless you all. “(Damien That God is the uncaused cause has long been one of caused by a force outside of time. Thus, what we see as Brennan 1987-2011. RIP)” the principal arguments for a supernatural, all-powerful an extended process measured over time may be dif- Damien was buried on Christmas Eve in St John’s being. Some unexplainable, mysterious force must have ferent apart from time. That may sound like so much Cemetery, Lylo, following a requiem mass at St An- begun the creative process, otherwise there would be science fiction but it is a plausible, albeit not provable, nothing, or so the argument goes. explanation for evolution. thony’s Church. His Boston friends were heartbroken I do not see existence as an infinite series of incoher- to learn that his death was at his own hand. To use a CSI analogy: The immediate cause of the victim’s death was a head wound caused by a projec- ent coincidences. That hypothesis, in my view, would tile that was fired from a weapon in the hands of an be more preposterous than belief in an Intelligent Be- assailant, the proximate cause, who was paid by the ing that created and in some mysterious way guides victim’s business partner who discovered the victim it. Without that belief, we are the product of some Boston Irish was having an affair with his wife. cataclysmic accident that by chance set the process in The string of remote cause spins out endlessly, each motion. Reducing it to those bare essentials gives rise one further removed from the murder but each neces- to the question: Where did the “stuff” that generated REPORTER sary for the crime itself. The confluence of all those the cataclysmic accident come from? The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: events that ended in the murder was the existence of the Religion and revelation are vehicles by which we persons involved, their relationships, their psychologi- reach out to the unknowable. There are believers, Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., cal profiles, values and motivations, to identify a few. frustrated with the obvious failings of religions, who 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 So, too, with science, as the web of life and the prefer to deal direct. There are others who believe it [email protected] www.bostonirish.com objects that surround us are better understood. With is all a fantasy. Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) each discovery, a door is opened to a new mystery, a At least for me, religion provides a more satisfactory Edward W. Forry, Publisher revelation that upon exploration and analysis leads answer to who what and why we are. The acceptance Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor to new and even more complicated discoveries, linked of an Almighty also provides a foundation that sup- William P. Forry, Contributing Editor one to another. ports belief in truth, justice, and love as absolutes that Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor As our knowledge deepens, we discover a vast ocean transcend man’s capacity to distort them. News Room: (617) 436-1222 Ads : (617) 436-1222 of cause and effect. Each new cause we discover is itself God exists at the end of causes -- the unexplainable an effect caused by something else. Where does this and unknowable source. It all comes down to a leap of Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] great unraveling take us? faith. Believers leap toward God; atheists leap toward On The Web at www.bostonirish.com Some say science will eventually be able to explain it science; and agnostics are reluctant to leap. Date of Next Issue: March, 2012 all; others say there is no explanation. Most believe that While acknowledging the deficiencies in all the worlds’ Deadline for Next Issue: Monday, February 20 at 2 p.m. effects must have a cause. If the world and its creatures great religions, including my own, I need the sense Published monthly in the first week of each month. had a more direct and immediate cause – the Genesis of purpose, structure, guidance, and comfort that my The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in ad- description – the source would be more apparent. faith provides on this journey. I am not strong enough to travel this road without it. vertisements beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. The However, it is now obvious that creation was an extended process occurring over billions of years. But James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court right is reserved by The Boston Irish Reporter to edit, reject, or cut judge who now practices law. any copy without notice. who or what started the process and who or what sustains it? Does the fact it was so remote render the Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 POINT OF VIEW / PETER F. STEVENS Is New Jersey Hall of Fame into rewarding bigotry? Thomas Nast, creator of lasting images of Santa Claus and Uncle Sam, treated the immigrant Irish of his era with contempt

By Peter F. Stevens no matter how skillfully rendered, are offensive. BIR Staff For the Boston Irish and the Irish of New York, Should bigotry be rewarded? Even if that bigotry Philadelphia, and other points of entry for immigrants, occurred some 150 years ago and was part, but hardly damning stereotypes clotted America’s newspapers, all, of the work of the man rightfully acclaimed as the magazines, and broadsides in the decades before Nast “Father of the Modern Political Cartoon?” Even if the left his own stamp on the abuse. During the 1830s and benevolent, bewhiskered Santa Claus image we all 1840s, telegraph inventor Samuel F.B. Morse helped know sprang from the gifted pen and artistry of that unleash a movement against Irish Catholics when cartoonist, Thomas Nast? he penned a bestselling book warning “native-born” In New Jersey, Americans that the Irish were the “foot soldiers” of a the Ancient Order papal plot to take over the United States. As Nativism of Hibernians and and later the Know-Nothing movement gained steam, many other people are fueling violence such as the bloody anti-Irish riots fighting to make sure in Philadelphia in 1844, sketches crude and refined that the anti-Irish, depicted simian-like Irish men, women, and children anti-Catholic Thomas “infecting” America with savagery, drunkenness, and Nast is not awarded sloth. Throughout the 19th century and into the 20th, enshrinement in the no matter the civic, social, military, artistic, and cul- New Jersey Hall of tural contributions of the Irish to American life, the Fame. In Boston pointed slurs stuck and continued to run in articles, Thomas Nast and the publishers he worked with in the mid-to-late columns, books, and, of course, cartoons. Yankee out of New York in the mid-to-late19th century left 19th century, Nast’s Boston proved one of the most fertile landscapes for little to the imagination when they meant to show cartoons were must- Nast’s work. how they felt about the immigrant Irish. The car- viewing for those who Nast, himself a German immigrant, began to bash toon above, entitled “The Usual Irish Way of Doing loathed all things the Irish when his first Harper’s cartoons appeared Things,” ran in the September 9, 1871, edition of Irish and Catholic, in 1860. His images of Paddy and Bridget mirrored Harper’s Weekly. The writings on the wall include, and they stoked the the written lines of his fellow New Yorker, George “Everything obnoxious to us shall be abolished.” … Thomas Nast resentment of Boston Templeton Strong, a famed attorney, diarist, and social “Our liberty has been taken away (killing Orange- Irish whether they had commentator: “…England is right about the lower men).” … “We must rule.” The caption on the barrel arrived from the old sod before, during, or after the class of Irish. They are brutal, base, cruel cowards… says, “Uncle Sam’s Gun Powder.” Famine. and as insolent as base….my own theory is that St. This graphic and caption information comes cour- That Thomas Nast was a brilliant artist, let alone Patrick’s campaign against the snakes is a Popish delusion. They perished of biting the Irish people.” tesy of the University of California at Davis from its caricaturist, is beyond dispute. A Harper’s Magazine collection, The History Project. retrospective of his work noted: “Like van Gogh, Nast’s Marching in lock-step with such editorial venom were Nast’s pen-and-brush slurs, which were imitated but pictorial effects derived from a solid knowledge of Dutch away from home” – a jail cell. Opper’s anti-Irish strip landscape, French academicism and realism, as well rarely so skillfully drawn as Nast’s scenes of two-fisted, hard-drinking, brutish Paddy. Historian William D. ran for more than three decades. as the work of... Leech, Tenniel, Doré, and Daumier.” Slowly, in the years after World War I, blatantly Nast not only gave America the beloved visage of a Griffin notes, “Prevailing racial theories held that the ‘Celt’ was a breed inferior to the ‘Anglo-Saxon,’ with anti-Irish stereotypes began to ebb in print; nonethe- genial Santa Claus, but also the image of Uncle Sam, less, vicious images of Paddy and Bridget simmered the donkey symbol of the Democratic Party, and the a distorted, simian physique that corresponded to his mental and moral shortcomings.” With Nast in the and flared intermittently even in such mainstream elephant of the GOP. The cartoonist’s biting images publications as Life magazine. When Al Smith ran also helped bring down Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall. vanguard, such virulent prejudice radiated from edito- rial cartoons and, later, comic strips alike. for president in 1928, anti-Irish and anti-Catholic But another set of images colored Nast’s career. For articles and cartoons ran rampant nationwide, but the pages of Harper’s Weekly, he crafted the image of a The vile turf turned so expertly by Nast inspired the likes of cartoonist Fred Opper, who, a few years before the era of unchecked editorial prejudice against Irish man who glowered beneath his battered hat, unshaven, Americans had waned by World War II and then the his face jutting ape-like beneath a filthy brim. In his Nast’s death, in 1902, began to pen a wildly popular comic strip entitled “The Doings of Happy Hooligan.” 1960 presidential election that vaulted John F. Ken- ragged, swallow-tailed coat and patched breeches and nedy to the White House. stockings and his square-toed, menacing “brogans,” he Like Nast, Opper perpetuated the hateful stereotype of the “deviant Irish.” As if the lead character’s surname, Today, the hateful stereotypes that tormented the appeared a creature who lurked in alleys and shadowy Boston Irish and Irish Americans reside in history’s doorways in search of prey. His frequent companion, “Hooligan,” was not enough to outrage Irish Americans, the ragged, scarlet-nosed, low-browed appearance of backwaters. Still, the furor over Nast’s nomination for her equally simian features glaring beneath a frayed a place in New Jersey’s Hall of Fame has roiled those bonnet, radiated her own brand of malevolence. They “Happy” embodied the traditional smears from Morse and Nast to Opper and his ilk. And how did Opper’s waters. While Nast’s place in the pantheon of notable were “Paddy and Bridget” – as much a part of Nast’s Americans cannot be denied, neither can the other, work as similarly cutting caricatures of African Ameri- “Irishman” and his inked friends comport themselves? They blundered from one buffoonish scheme to the darker side of his legacy, the vicious caricature of the cans. Even today, long after the artist vented his last Irish as a subspecies unworthy of American equality. bold-stroked prejudice against the Irish, the images, next, their chief concern staying out of their “home Subscribe Today to Boston’s Own Hometown Newspaper A Subscription to the Boston Irish Reporter Boston Irish Makes an Ideal Gift for Any Special Occasion. Why Not Order One Today for Yourself, REPORTER or for That Special Irish Someone in Your Life? We accept phone orders Order today, and we will send a gift card in your name. Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. with your Visa or Mastercard. Name______Call 617-436-1222 Address______Or Fax this order form to City______State______Zip______617-825-5516 Gift from______Order today, and we will send Charge to Visa______a gift card in your name. Enclose $35.00 for each gift subscription. Mastercard______

Mail to: Boston Irish Reporter Card # ______

150 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester, MA 02125 Exp______Page 6 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com From Gallivan Blvd. to ‘GBH, Quinn has finger on the pulse Before leaving for Ja- “What I really like about brother, Kenji, who lives Quinn and her brother pan, Quinn got her first re- radio is that there’s more next to her in-laws, the grew up in St. Gregory’s, porter gig writing a story intimacy there. There’s owners of the property. where they attended the for the Reporter about the an intimate relationship Because of the close prox- parish grammar school owners of the P&J Bait between the listener and imity, the family calls it and church. Her father, Shop retiring and selling the producer, whoever’s on “The Compound.” Quinn’s Joe, was originally from the establishment. the other end, whoever’s mother, Toshiko, lives on Savin Hill and World War Upon coming back to the in the studio, the voice,” Gallivan Blvd., just a ten- II veteran who came to be States, Quinn worked full- she says. minute walk away. known as the of St. Greg- time and attended grad Her job as a general “If I’m feeling moti- ory’s. His deep, baritone school part-time where assignment reporter at vated, I could walk to voice led the congregation she got an internship at ‘GBH requires that Quinn Mom’s, usually I drive,” in song for many years. He WGBH. be ready to write about she laughs. passed away in 2009. “Because I was a jour- just about anything. In “My mom’s Japanese Considering herself nalism major [at UMass], recent weeks, she has and so you don’t leave your geeky, Quinn did her there’s always that inter- reported about daily life parents, you sort of stick homework as soon as she est in telling stories,” she in the town of Burlington, around and take care of got home from school and says. “I just kept my foot reaction to the Occupy them,” she says. “It’s sort earned extra Girl Scout in the door.” movement in suburbia, of a deeply rooted value badges on her own time. Quinn was the weekend and the dangers of texting there in staying close to “I’ve made lifelong edition anchor for a year while walking, home when it comes to friends here. There are and, for the past two Quinn and her husband the Japanese tradition, people with strong values Cristina Quinn: News reporter at WGBH months, has been a field live in Dorchester, just but I guess it’s pretty and it’s a great neighbor- in Aizu in Japan’s Fuku- reporter. two units down from her worldwide.” hood,” Quinn said. By Jackie Gentile “What I set out to do Special to the Reporter shima prefecture where she “got bit by the radio in radio is to have those Whether she is anchor- ‘Aha!’ moments or those ing the weekend edition bug,” she says. On a weekly 15-min- ‘I’ve never thought of it radio show, reporting from that way’ moments for the the field or publishing ute radio show called Co. Roscommon Assoc. of Boston “Let’s English,” Quinn, listener,” she says. “That’s a story online, WGBH’s pretty cool. That’s like Cristina Quinn loves her as the station managers instructed, reported the yeah! Got you thinking, Annual St. Patrick’s Banquet work. didn’t I? Got you think- “I’m so glad that I’m civic news in English “un- naturally slowly” to an ing.” doing what I’m doing. News stories often take Sunday, March 11, 2012 I’m doing what I love,” audience of mostly Japa- nese speakers. Though an afternoon or a one-day she says. “I’m producing turnaround called a “cut 4-8 pm radio and stories and tell- Aizu is a small city, its university attracts many and copy” or a “wrap” ing these stories to a wide in the business. With audience.” foreigners. To help non- English-speaking natives stories requiring Quinn A Dorchester native, to visit various locations, Quinn graduated from and students, Quinn sug- gested that she speak at a interview people or record Boston Latin Academy natural sound, about a day and UMass Amherst more natural pace and the managers agreed. is needed for a completed with a journalism de- story that will be aired the gree. A self-proclaimed Speaking more quickly Elks Hall, Spring & Morrell Sts., West Roxbury allowed Quinn some air- next day. Feature pieces NPR junkie in her college that are not as news- days, she would tune in time to create a segment Corned Beef & Cabbage Catered Meal of the show where she heavy take about a week. while getting ready for For a four- to four-and- class. Before attending read essays and shared Music by Andy Healy Showband Tickets $35 stories of being a foreigner a-half minute feature, Emerson College’s media anywhere from a 24-hour arts graduate program, in Japan. She called it “Word Up.” turnaround to a week is Call Richie Gormley, President she participated in the needed, depending on the JET program and lived “I was kickin’ it the ‘90s 617-323-8600 way,” she laughs. urgency of the story.

SBLI has earned an A+ (Superior)* ratingrating yearyear afterafter yearyear fromfrom A.M.A.M. BestBest We’re Covered for Life Life Insurance for Your Team at Home

Heidi and Tedy Bruschi

When I had a stroke at age 31—just days after winning my third championship—it was a reminder that no matter how perfect things may seem today, you never know what’s coming tomorrow. That’s why my wife Heidi and I called SBLI. Now our most important team—our team at home—is prepared for the unexpected. 1-888-GET-SBLI www.SBLI.com

* Visit www.ambest.com to learn more. SBLI and The No Nonsense Life Insurance Company are registered trademarks of The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts. © 2010 The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts, Woburn, MA. All rights reserved. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7

Welcome to Boston, Taoiseach Enda Kenny

On behalf of the Board of Dirctors of The Irish American Partnership, we are very pleased to invite members of the Boston Irish community to a special breakfast in honor of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, Mr. Enda Kenny. The breakfast will be held at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Wharf Room, on Friday, February 17, at 8 o’clock. The Taoiseach is on a short visit to Boston and we are delighted to introduce him to our friends and contributors who have given so much to Ireland. Mr. Kenny will provide a report on current conditions in Ireland and affirm the importance of the role of Irish America. Mr. Kenny is a native of County Mayo, a region in which the Partnership has made a significant contribution to education programs. At the breakfast, the Partnership will present a gift of $7,500 to the Taoiseach for five additional schools in Mayo. We would be most appreciative of your support for this important event. You may purchase individual tickets, half a table, or a full table. Please RSVP to the Partnership at 617-723-2707. We look forward to seeing you at the breakfast. Sincerely,

Joseph F. Leary, Jr. Mary Sugrue McAleer President Executive Director

The list of schools below represents those who have received funding or support from Schools Receiving Support in 2011/2012 The Irish American Partnership during the past several months. The schools have received Mayo Science Glenisland National School, Islandeady, funding through the Primary School Library Program, the Primary School Science Program St. Joseph’s, Killaser, Co. Mayo Castlebar, Co. Mayo and the support of Integrated Education. Bekan National School Claremorris, Co. Mayo St. Mary’s Christian Brothers, Belfast, Co. Antrim Knock National School, Claremorris, Co. Mayo Tullycarnet Primary School, Belfast, Co. Antrim Barnacogue National School, Swinford, Northern Ireland Avoneil Primary School, Belfast, Co. Antrim Co. Mayo St. Mary’s Christian Brothers, Belfast, Colaiste Feirste, Belfast, Co. Antrim Kinaffee, National School, Swinford, Co. Mayo Co. Antrim Ballycastle, Integrated Primary School, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim Culleens, National School, Meelick, Swinford, Tullycarnet Primary School, Belfast, Co. Antrim Round Tower Integrated Primary School, Belfast, Co. Antrim Co. Mayo Avoneil Primary School, Belfast, Co. Antrim St. Mary’s Primary School, Mullaghbawn, Co. Armagh Culmore National School, Swinford, Co. Mayo Colaiste Feirste, Belfast, Co. Antrim Kilcrohan National School Durrus, Bantry, Co. Cork Groarty Integrated Primary School, Derry. Millstreet Convent National School, Millstreet, Co. Cork Galway Science Co. Derry Knocknagree National School, Duhallow, Co. Cork Milltown National School, Milltown, Tuam, Ballycastle, Integrated Primary School, Ballycastle, Groarty Integrated Primary School, Derry. Co. Derry Co. Galway Co. Antrim Scoil Roisin, Dungloe, Co. Donegal St. Brendan’s National School, Belmont, Round Tower Integrated Primary School, Meenagowan National School, Meenagowan, Co. Donegal Milltown, Co. Galway Belfast, Co. Antrim SN an Aingil Choimeadai, Keadue, Co. Donegal Carnageehy National School, Ballyglass, Blackwater Integrated College, Downpatrick, Scoil Chroine, Dungloe, Co. Donegal Milltown, Co. Galway Co. Down SN Mhuire, Belcruit, Co. Donegal Sylane National School, Sylane, Tuam, Blackwater Integrated College, Downpatrick, Co. Down Co. Galway Milltown National School, Milltown, Tuam, Co. Galway Kilconly National School, Kilconly, Tuam, Raffle Schools St. Brendan’s National School, Belmont, Milltown, Co. Galway Co. Galway SN Eoin Pol II, Inis Mor, Arainn, Co. Galway Carnageehy National School, Ballyglass, Milltown, Co. Galway SN Caomhain, Inis Oirthir, Arainn, Co. Galway Sylane National School, Sylane, Tuam, Co. Galway St. Patrick’s National School Drumshanbo, Kilconly National School, Kilconly, Tuam, Co. Galway Donegal Science Co. Leitrim SN Eoin Pol II, Inis Mor, Arainn, Co. Galway Scoil Roisin, Dungloe, Co. Donegal Roxboro National School, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo SN Caomhain, Inis Oirthir, Arainn, Co. Galway Meenagowan National School, Meenagowan, Co. St. Mary’s Primary School, Mullaghbawn, St. Clare’s National School, Kenmare, Co. Kerry Donegal Co. Armagh St. Patrick’s National School, Drunshanbo. Co. Leitrim SN an Aingil Choimeadai, Keadue, Co. Donegal Kilcrohan National School Durrus, Bantry, Annaduff National School, Aughamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim Scoil Chroine, Dungloe, Co. Donegal Co. Cork St. Joseph’s, Killaser, Co. Mayo SN Mhuire, Belcruit, Co. Donegal Millstreet Convent National School, Millstreet, Co. Bekan National School Claremorris, Co. Mayo Cork Knock National School, Claremorris, Co. Mayo Knocknagree National School, Duhallow, Barnacogue National School, Swinford, Co. Mayo Mayo Taoisach Visit Co. Cork Kinaffee, National School, Swinford, Co. Mayo Cornanool National School (St. Patrick’s ) Islandeady, Rooskey National School, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Culleens, National School, Meelick, Swinford, Co. Mayo Castlebar Co. Mayo Roscommon Culmore National School, Swinford, Co. Mayo *Taoiseach’s school St. Clare’s National School, Kenmare, Co. Kerry Cornanool National School (St. Patrick’s ) Islandeady, Castlebar Co. Mayo Leitir National School (St. Joseph’s) Leitir National School (St. Joseph’s) Islandeady, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Islandeady, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Others Clogernagh National School (St. Paul’s) Islandeady, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Clogernagh National School (St. Paul’s) Islandeady, Annaduff National School, Aughamore, Cogaula National School (St. Columbus) Islandeady, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Castlebar, Co. Mayo Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim Glenisland National School, Islandeady, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Cogaula National School (St. Columbus) Islandeady, Roxboro National School, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo Castlebar, Co. Mayo Total 41 Rooskey National School, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon Page 8 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BIR Profile That voice you hear is probably Mike McNally’s

By Greg O’Brien radio personality Jess Cain, who took Special to the BIR an immediate liking to him. “Jess was a Ask Francis Michael McNally for a mentor and gave me my first opportunity resume, and he tosses out a self-effacing in a big market,” he says. one-pager that reads like a photo caption McNally was an immediate hit, so and doesn’t even begin to tell the story of much so that Cain one day—shortly this man of many voices. His education before Bobby Kennedy announced his essentials are to the point: bachelor of presidential bid—told his student to go science in finance from Boston College’s on air and “give it anything you got.” Carroll School of Management; master’s When the red light came on in the booth, in Broadcast Journalism from Boston McNally launched into his Kennedy im- University’s College of Communications; personation in a monologue that stunned participation in BC’s doctoral program Boston. “I would just like to announce in Educational Administration. His that as of this moment, I’m a candidate employment record is equally succinct: for president of the United States.” teacher, Boston Public Schools; adminis- Cain flipped out. “Cut, cut, cut!” he trative assistant to the Dorchester High yelled. The phones in the studio rang School headmaster; administrative as- like church bells. “No, no,” the station sistant to the deputy superintendent of manager assured callers time and again. the Boston Public Schools; media liaison “Kennedy has not announced! That was officer/intergovernmental affairs. just that lunatic from Boston College.” Then comes the denouement at the The shocking experience didn’t sour bottom of the page: voiceover artist Cain on McNally. The broadcaster specializing in radio, television, and continued offering him opportunities, documentary narrations. The reference though not live spots, and persuaded him is about as innocent as George Bailey to pursue a graduate degree in broad- losing a wad of dough in the classic It’s casting, rather than more gigs at the a Wonderful Life. Playboy Club. In the interim, McNally Mike McNally, born in Quincy and began substitute teaching at Dorchester raised in Dorchester, has recorded more High where he caught the eye of the voiceovers than perhaps anyone in headmaster who walked by the classroom America—by count, in excess of 10,000 one day and was amazed at McNally’s radio and television commercials and control over otherwise unruly students. documentaries over the last 30 years, re- “It was a carrot-and-stick approach,” lying on 50-to-100 distinct voices, among McNally says. “If the students cooper- them Jimmy Stewart, Jack Nicholson, ated in class, they were entertained later the Kennedy brothers, Elvis, Gregory with voices.” It was a quid pro quo that Peck, Dean Martin, Peter Falk and Telly no adolescent could pass up. Savalas. Who loves ya, baby? McNally was then offered a full time We all do in that at one time or another, Mike McNally: Voicemeister position teaching economic geography we’ve all heard McNally’s out-of-body and business math, filling the vacancy narrations. His veiled voice has enter- Gregory Peck, dropping his Adam’s apple deal, particularly with his son. The irony left, interestingly, by John Connolly, tained, edified, and informed millions of deep into his chest for the baritone. On a is that his father always wanted McNally who had joined the FBI and would later viewers and listeners on radio and TV roll, he engages in conversation with the to go to law school, and thus pushed—no enter into a fateful association with ads for prominent banks, institutions and Kennedy brothers, each accent wholly shoved—him in that direction. Whitey Bulger. products, like the trademark Colombo on target. “I remember when I was in seventh For a while, it looked as if McNally yogurt commercials he did years ago. McNally has a knack for studying grade at St. Ann’s in Neponset, and would be a professional educator—short McNally has made a lucrative living voices, a gift he discerned as a kid—one struggling with some of my school work,” of his dad’s vision for law school, but from all this. I hate to bother you, but reinforced with a delighted audience in McNally says. “My dad took me aside one something indeed more serious than could you pass me the check! the school playground. Explaining the day and boldly told me, ‘Son, you’re going making fun of others. Time to put the McNally also is known for his biting Kennedy idiom, he remarks, “Many to study at BC High, then you’re going big-boy pants on. satirical political commentaries, distin- people, particularly out-of-towners, to Boston College, then Boston College Well, not yet! After a stint of teach- guished PBS documentaries on Frontline think all Kennedys sound alike. That’s Law School, and then you’re going to ing and tenures as an administrative and the American Experience, and, early not true. Jack always sounded like he was become a judge.” assistant to the headmaster and deputy on, for his on stage dalliance at Boston’s yelling; he had a lazy “L,” and sounded Period. End of sentence. school superintendent, the lure of the old Playboy Club where he performed like he was in a phone booth. He didn’t Adding an exclamation point, his fa- microphone remained enticing; it was as a callow 20 year old who was not old seem happy, like he just got Jackie’s bill ther immediately drove him to see Boston the passion, the vision thing. McNally enough to be admitted. for her clothes. He was always serious. College, and then took him to BC High. not only had the voice, but “the look” for His range of talent and voices is enough Bobby was much higher-pitched. Even McNally was suitably impressed. His both radio and television. Tall, thin, and to render one artistically schizophrenic, though he was supposed to be the tough dad instructed him, as if whacking his handsome, with a velvet voice. or as the dictionary defines the word, guy, his voice was meek. Teddy sounded son with a piece of granite between the “It was kind of creepy when you an- “characterized by foolish mannerisms, a bit like Jack, but younger and more ears to make a point: “To get to Boston swered a cattle call for a casting session delusions, and regressive behavior.” nasal. His voice was more formal, as if College, you have to get to BC High. To in New York or Boston, and everyone Great work, if you can get it! McNally he was trying to live up to the accent.” get to BC High, you have to have much looked like you,” he recalls. still relishes the thought of making a For decades, McNally has been living better marks at St. Ann’s.” While McNally has appeared many career out of pretending to be someone up to the billing that he’s a class act and The moment was a turning point for times on camera, his sense of his true he isn’t, so much so that one wonders if on cue can talk his way in and out of McNally, not that it set him on fire for calling along with his pragmatic zeal he truly knows who he is. any thing. The first voice he ever did in the bar, but because it instilled in him (“thank you, Dad”) for making a good To an observer, the cacophony of grammar school was Snagglepuss, the the need for a vision in life and a passion living kept him in the recording studio. “I voices on a gray January mid-afternoon pink anthropomorphic cartoon mountain for what one pursues. wasn’t a trained actor, and it took all day is numbing in the snug living room of lion, best known for the catchphrase, Growing up in Dorchester on working- or two days to cut a TV commercial on a McNally’s Marina Bay condominium “Heavens to Murgatroyd!” class Chickatawbut Street, McNally was flat pay rate. I soon realized that I could in Quincy, high above the horizon. The “I just imagine the character or the schooled on street smarts. While his dad make more money doing voiceovers. You temptation to hear more is intoxicating. person, and let it happen,” McNally ex- was the disciplinarian, his mother Eliza- can do 15 voiceovers in an hour, if you’re In a flash, McNally obliges with a flush plains. “You channel them, if you will. beth (McLaughlin), with family roots in focused.” of other voices. You have to have a good ear, a liquid Sligo and throughout County Mayo, was Now in his mid-60s, McNally is still “Nicholson never seems to take a voice, and the ability to change tone, more tender. The combination produced focused on his trade, doing ten recording breath when he talks,” McNally says. pitch, and range. You glide into it. Often an artist with the drive of a fullback. sessions a month. He spends as much Then in his best mimic of Col. Nathan R. you exaggerate without over exaggerat- Both McNally and his younger brother down time as possible these days with Jessup in A Few Good Men, he declares, ing. It’s not a parody; it’s an impression.” Brian, who died years ago after a long his wife, Claire, a broker for Coldwell “May I ask you a question? The way I got First rule of thumb, he says, is: Find illness, had after-school jobs for the dis- Banker. The couple has no children. this thing figured, there ain’t no one who a unique voice. McNally found his own cipline of it and for the security of some So what does Mike McNally want to knows why I never have to breathe…and voice through the mentoring of his late walking around money. McNally worked do when he grows up? “I’m not growing I can’t handle what’s going on here…” father, Francis, a Belfast-born sales at Supreme Market bagging groceries up,” he says, indicating the big-boy pants Quicker than you can say To Kill A manager for John Hancock Insurance and at Berry’s Hardware, selling marine are still in the closet. “I love what I do.” Mockingbird, McNally transitions to Company, a guy who know how to close a equipment, a job retained during his There’s no question things can seem college years and his early stage days. bewildering with all those voices around Following the bearing set by his father, the house and in recording studios. For McNally enrolled at Boston College as a example, in one PBS documentary, Phillips Candy House pre-law student in finance after graduat- McNally recorded seven voices for a fine chocolates since 1925 ing from BC High. At the Heights, the Frontline piece about Panama and its course of his life changed direction with then military governor Manuel Noriega. an introduction to Ed Forry, one of the In the piece, McNally did voices for luminaries at BC’s radio station, WVBC, Noriega, his generals, and a newscaster. and now publisher of this newspaper, the Still, there’s no chance that McNally Boston Irish Reporter. Forry gave him suffers from an identity crisis. He will an audition, then his own show—“The always be able to distinguish his own Voices of Shannon”—for impersonations, voice, instilled through his father. “I’ve commentaries, and playing music. “I been blessed,” he says. “I know my voice didn’t write scripts, I just ad- libbed,” and will always follow it. I still can’t McNally recalls. “I did mock interviews believe I get paid for doing this.” with David Brinkley and people like Greg O’Brien is president of Stony Bobby Kennedy and Sen. Everett Dirk- Brook Group, a publishing and political/ sen. I had Walter Brennan as a member communications consulting company of the White House cabinet.” based on Cape Cod. He is a regular The howls throughout Fulton Hall contributor to the Boston Irish Reporter, propelled McNally away from the legal the editor/author of several books, and beat. Through his connection with the contributes to various regional and na- BC station, he was introduced to Boston tional publications. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell “home” we all, (except the mother-to-be) had a brac- perhaps, that will tell him about his now slow-moving Vatican Embassy Closing Spurs Criticism – The ing nightcap. In the morning over breakfast, Bobby “Papa” and what his life was like before he was here. recent decision by the Irish government to shut down and I had a lengthy political discussion, and it was A bit of me, maybe. its embassy in Rome is meeting with widespread public only then that I learned that the bright, articulate Enough already with the musings. I have begun disapproval. Although the closing was characterized young man was the former mayor of Galway, a Dail writing, slowly, page by page (oral histories: tensing as an economy move at the time, there is a feeling deputy, and a cabinet minister in the Fianna Fail and talking to a recorder’s click doesn’t work for me) among many of the country’s punters that it was a government. my “Letters to Aidan,” a simple, straightforward retaliatory back-of-the-hand to Rome. The current It seemed that when Galway got too hectic, Rob- narrative that lays aside the lectures and lessons reading of the public discontent is a resounding 93 ert “Bobby” Molloy had a habit of jumping into and bromides to hopefully remember a life well-lived percent opposed to the closing, while Taoiseach Enda his small boat with his friend and rowing from the and (even better) well-remembered: The frustrations, Kenny’s denunciation of the Vatican over its passive Galway pier to Kilronan Harbor in the Arans. Bobby the exciting events, the triumphs, the trials, the stance on clerical child abuse was has long since retired from active politics, but I al- good people, the rogues, and the generous hearts I broadly hailed by the same public ways remember that interlude forty years ago and have blissfully encountered on this journey. And, of last July. Critics of the embassy the boyish, likable Irishman who made our first Aran course, the mistakes (without sorrow or explanation). closing have targeted Tanaiste Isle visit one to remember. Let him figure out if I am recounting anything that and Foreign Affairs Minister Northern ‘Peace Walls’ Targeted, Update – A is worth saving or thinking about. He’s a bright boy. Eamon Gilmore as a principal while back in this space I noted that a solution to the He’ll get it. architect behind the move to shut contentious so-called Peace Walls had gathered some I do my “Letter to Aidan” on the computer’s word the embassy, alleging Gilmore momentum and a growing citizen consensus seemed processing and I do a hard copy and save one in my with a “raw hatred” of the Catholic to support that goal. Well, a fresh dynamic is coming PC documents, and it’s not for Aidan until he is a Church. into view and it is being shaped by the International young adult. It will not be read by anyone while I’m However, there have been indi- Fund for Ireland. Its purpose is to hear proposals here and it will not be novelistic nor anything anyone cations that both the government relative to dismantling the walls and how that can can label “literature.” Thank God. Bill O’Donnell and the Vatican would like to be accomplished using cross-community relation- But it will be from me and for Aidan when he’s reduce the heat generated by the ships to centralize the effort. The IFI believes that ready. I believe it’s one of my better decisions. And so Dublin-Rome imbroglio. The rhetoric on both sides there is growing support for tearing down the walls, far, I would recommend the process for anyone who has been toned down and relations have gradually but it needs to be “bolstered and intensified.” by a might not be around when a grandchild approaches improved. A new papal nuncio has been named, concerned citizenry. adulthood and might want to (painlessly) leave some- an Irish American with a solid Vatican pedigree, Across the six counties there are today some 60 thing of themselves. You could do a lot worse in the Monsignor Charles Brown. Early last month the walls, gates, or fences that separate the nationalist/ gift-giving department. new envoy, in a positive Vatican move, was made an Catholic community from its unionist/Protestant Irish On Top As Givers – I have bought this up on archbishop by Pope Benedict. neighbors. Since the 1994 ceasefire, the number of several occasions, maybe even too often, but I think Yet all the news is not serene between the Rome barriers has grown. They remain despite the fact that it’s important because it goes directly to character. and Dublin. The pope recently named 22 new car- the Good Friday agreement is 14 years old. Yet, the The World Giving Index recently came out and veri- fied what many of us have known for donkey years: dinals but seemed to snub Archbishop Diarmuid removal of the walls, many at critical interfaces, is Ireland is at the top of the ratings when it comes to Martin, head of the Dublin archdiocese, who was not a sensitive subject where there is “still fear in many giving. While Ireland has struggled from the halcyon included. Also two Irish bishops whom Archbishop communities about them coming down too quickly.” era of the Celtic Tiger into the recession and soldiered Martin wanted resignations from, remain at their A count in 2012 shows that in Belfast there are 42 walls or barriers. There are 11 in Derry, 5 in on, it has never as a people and a country backed posts in Ireland with Vatican support. Martin was off from looking outward with a keen charitable eye sent by the Vatican to stem the growing church crisis Portadown, one in Lurgan, and two others that are open periodically. and giving to worthwhile causes around the world. in Dublin but many in Rome now believe that he was It’s in the DNA. too outspoken, becoming more a man of the people The IFI has launched a $3 million fund that can be used to dismantle the walls, and also consider fund- The latest ratings by the Charitable Aid Founda- and less a creature of the Vatican. tion on giving for 2011 show that the Irish people are West Of Ireland Hit by Emigration – The so- ing projects such as shared community space where walls have come down. the most charitable nation in Europe. Among some called Live Register, which tracks the unemployed in 153 nations vetted for their giving (volunteered time, Ireland, has been going down in recent months but Vatican Envoys Agree On Romney, Tradi- tional Marriage – It’s a small club with sumptuous helping strangers, and donations to charity) Ireland officials there point to what they call mass emigra- comes in second to only one country, the United States, tion in recent years as the driving force, not new job offices and homes, and, of course, the fabled ambi- ence of the Eternal City itself. The role of America’s and that just by a single percentage point. creation. “We have just gone back to the 1950s. We As I said earlier, it goes to character. are exporting our young people all over the world,” ambassador to the Holy See is a grand presidential appointment, a key listening post amidst the legion The News Isn’t All Bumpy – Two firsts for Ireland said county official Michael Kilcoyne. The newly in two widely divergent areas. To begin, the IDA, elected chairman of the Kerry Gaelic Athletic As- of diplomats who call Rome home and reside there in regal splendor for four years or so. the Irish Development Authority, secured a record sociation, Patrick O’Sullivan, sees emigration as number of investments last year. The IDA reported the greatest challenges facing the GAA now. “It’s a Former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn can talk elo- quently about his days in Rome during the papacy of that (even in difficult times like now) 148 new invest- serious problem in the west of Ireland,” O’Sullivan ments, new companies’ operations were now open and said. “I don’t think our people realize that the west John Paul II. And so can a host of former Republican party bigwigs, save for Lindy Boggs (1997-2001) and operating in Ireland. Of those there was a 30 percent of Ireland is being cleaned out, with all the young increase in the number of companies investing for the people leaving. The clubs are the face of the parish; the aforementioned Flynn (1993-1997), who are both Democrats. (I probably should note that Jean and I first time. The new investments accounted for 13,000 if they disappear, then the parish loses its identity.” new jobs in 2011, up 20 percent from the previous Voting Machines Looking For A Home – The enjoyed a delightful dinner and the hospitality of the former Boston mayor at his US embassy residence year. The number of people employed by IDA client cost of the machines when purchased was $75 million companies is nearly 146,000. but in a bureaucratic nightmare —one of many au- in Rome one night during his tenure). In any event that is all prelude to the announcement Far from the executive suite, but intriguing for thored during the lengthy Fianna Fail tenure —they those folks who look towards the sea, is the report are now virtually worthless for anything but scrap early last month from five of the US Ambassadors to the Vatican over a recent 20-year period that as a from one of the world’s top big wave surfers claiming metal. Bertie Ahern’s brainchild, meant to modern- that in Ireland he has discovered two areas, in the ize electronic voting in the Republic, fell somewhat group they are endorsing Republican candidate Mitt Romney for president. No, nothing doing for Barack west coast of Donegal and off County Antrim, that short of expectations. The machines were ordered, are superb and ready for championship surfing. Al paid for, then soon after the purchase it was discovered Obama, nor from Lindy Boggs who succeeded Ray Flynn in Rome and is not among the envoy endorsees Mennie, who is on an international search for the that they “didn’t do the job.” Plain and simple. The largest wave areas for surfers, believes that Ireland voting machines were initially tried on a pilot basis signing on. The common thread for the ambassadorial endors- is the equal of Hawaii, considered among the best in the 2002 general election, but the plug was pulled surfing terrain anywhere. before the 2004 election as the flawed jump into the ers, it seems, is their commitment to “traditional values” shared by the Mittser aka/Willard, and “his RANDOM CLIPPINGS new millennium came to a grinding halt. Most of the Watching Luke Russert of NBC, son of late machines are stored in the Gormanstown army camp outstanding record in defense of marriage and the family.” There’s more, but you get the idea. No same- newsman Tim Russert, reporting from the halls of (the annual storage fee is around $200,000) available Congress provides a warm feeling and gives nepotism for sale with few if any takers on the horizon. sex marriages! Got it? When the group trumpets marriage and the family a good name. … Bruins goalie Tim Whatshisname Finance Minister Michael Noonan, with a curious had a perfect right to go viral on Obama, but it all bent for unearthing silver linings and a sense of humor they don’t mean newlyweds Jack and Sid, or Brianna and Alice. made sense when I read he was part of the Glen to match, suggested that the voting machines might Bertie Brings Down Old Colleagues – The Irish Beck looney mob. …Good for the Charitable Irish find new homes in Irish pubs around the world where Times reports that the entitlement of former Irish PMs for honoring three good men of accomplishment and emigrants would have a chance to vent their electoral to a range of perks has come to a crashing halt —a character, the Brett Brothers, Jim, Harry, and Bill. anger on the useless units. Good one, Michael! austerity move that will hardly be noticed (except in … Shame on Galway for blocking home sales there History Made On Aran Isle – History of a sort was anger) by other former Taoiseachs, yet will constitute because of petty, in-house rules, although things made recently when an Inish Mor driver received the a body blow to that royalish retiree, Bertie Ahern. are looking up nationally for over-mortgaged Irish first ever traffic ticket on the Aran Isles. The ticket His Bertieship racked up nearly $500,000 in the 36 homeowners. … A gaggle of Dublin transport officials written for parking in a restricted area at Kilronan months between 2008 and 2011 just for “secretarial drove across country to Galway to discuss public Harbor was the first since the new legislation went into services.” You don’t want to ask about the car and transport options when they should have used the effect in the new year. The number of motor vehicles driver (gone, blessedly) nor the royal ransom, oops, trains or buses they are paid to promote. … About on Inish Mor is estimated today at 400, a far cry from pension. And still a free man! Isn’t Ireland grand? time: Following link successes by the North’s Rory the tiny number of cars forty years earlier. But then, No matter how you slice the salami, $14,000 a McIlroy and Darren Clarke, it has been announced there have been other changes as well on the isles. month for, ahem, secretarial services, is several large that Royal Portrush on the Causeway Coast will host Back in the summer of 1972 my wife Jean (seven salon rooms full of appointment books, shorthand the Irish Open. months pregnant) and I spent several days on Inish notes and correspondence files, and maybe even a Is there anyone out there pining away for former Mor, quietly exploring the island while we luxuriated secretary or two. Massachusetts state treasurer Tim Cahill to make in the twin flow of music —the playful musical pub Giving Has Many Definitions – What does one a comeback? … Boston will have a big role in the sessions and the pervasive lilt of Gaelic that happily get for a grandson who seems to have most all that International Great Famine commemoration later surrounded us. One morning at the Kilronan pier, he needs? How many soccer balls or Gap shirts or this year. … Daniel O’Donnell (no relation) has a young man and his older friend invited the two new age electronic gadgets does an eight-year-old taken some time off but will soon be singing at a O’Donnells for a short sail, but Jean’s stomach said boy need? I didn’t have a good answer to that ques- venue near you. … The new TV series “Titanic, Blood no, so off I went and boarded with my new compan- tion but I thought about it, remembered the 1960s & Steel” in production now will be on BBC television ions. I enjoyed the sail in the choppy harbor and later heritage surge, the Roots phenomenon that followed this year after filming in Belfast and the Dublin that night we went to the nearby dance hall for a on the heels of the Gaels’ strong seanachie tradition. area. … Did you know that Sinn Fein is the second traditional ceili, the scene of the action, so to speak. I decided that I would try to leave something that a most popular political party in the Republic behind Our young host, who introduced himself as Bobby, grown grandson might just enjoy (or tolerate) when coalition leader Fine Gael. … They love Padre Pio warned us that the lights went off at ten o’clock but he’s an adult and I’m long gone, gone from Saturday in Ireland (canonized in 2002 by John Paul II) but following the ceili he would guide us back to the B&B morning breakfasts, and dopey jokes, and chilling out an Italian historian is claiming that he used carbolic where we all were staying. We walked through the at soccer matches. In so many words, I guess, I look acid to fake his stigmata. darkness, guided only be Bobby’s flashlight and once for something that I can leave, something tangible, Page 10 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Please join us for Irish International Immigrant Center the Taste of Ireland An agency accredited by US Department of Justice at Cape Cod Village 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Event set for Sunday, Feb. 12 Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] Sample the finest offerings from local Cape res- A Warm Welcome from a Resilient People taurants while enjoying music, dance, and a lot Everywhere I went, people of games to guarantee both parents and children By Sister Lena Deevy IIIC Executive Director told me that they feel let and afternoon of friendly fun. When: Sun., Feb. 12, In many ways, these down by the politicians @1p.m. Where: The Cape Cod Irish Village, 822 Main long January evenings and disgusted by the greed St., Route 28, So. Yarmouth, MA 02664. Telephone: are a blessing in disguise, and the fast-dealing of 508-771-0100.; Cost: $15. The event is being hosted a time when life slows the banks. I heard sto- by the Cape Cod Irish Village and the IIIC. down just enough to al- ries of friends and family In addition, the IIIC will offer a free immigra- low us a chance to reflect losing their jobs and in tion and citizenship workshop from 10:30 a.m. to on our experiences. I some cases, their homes. 12:30 p.m. was fortunate enough to In fact, some of the non- spend Christmas back in profits I met with told me IIIC Program Updates -- Free Immigration Legal that they are bracing for Clinics: Tues., Feb. 7, 4 p.m. at IIIC, 100 Franklin Ireland, but it is only now that I find myself able to a significant increase in Street, Boston; Mon., Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., at The Green process all that I saw and homelessness as families Briar Pub, 304 Washington St., Brighton. heard on my visit. Ireland struggle to pay the mort- Job Posting: IIIC is looking to hire a Citizenship has featured in some gage. And yet, for all of the Outreach Worker to recruit and assist immigrants gloomy news headlines hardship, many ordinary (primarily targeting but not exclusively Irish im- over the past couple of Mayor John Boyle, Councillor Dessie Larkin, Chair people are still willing to migrants) who have Lawful Permanent Residence years. The country is held of Donegal CDB Peace and Reconciliation Partner- dig deep and to pitch in to up as a cautionary tale, an ship, Seamus Neely, County Manager, and Michael help. This generosity has (LPR) become US citizens. The position will in- Heaney, Director of Service. volve organizing outreach campaigns, attending example of how fast things always been an important value in Ireland, but it is community events to encourage LPRs to attend a can go terribly wrong; a embracing change and for Christmas, but that joy diversity. The county is will seem a distant thing so heartening to see it still citizenship group processing workshop (sponsored destroyed economy, ris- ing unemployment, ris- fortunate to have such an now as January turns to being practiced in a time by the Greater Boston Citizenship Initiative), and ing emigration, and the impressive leaders such as February and separation when almost everyone is directing LPRs to meet with the IIIC Citizenship wide-scale loss of public Mayor John Boyle, Coun- once again becomes a re- feeling the pinch. Brother Specialist or to attend one of our free weekly legal confidence in those in cillor Dessie Larkin, Chair ality. I noticed something Kevin at the Capuchin services clinics for pre-screening consultation. The power, and much uncer- of Donegal CDB Peace however. Whereas in the Friary in Dublin spoke position is part-time (24 hours/week) for a 10- month tainty about the future of and Reconciliation Part- past, many emigrants of an unprecedented re- period, which could be extended for a longer period the Euro, and our role in nership, Seamus Neely, feared that they had sponse to his appeal and depending on future funding support for which there Europe. County Manager, and been forgotten by those at of the many who called is no present commitment. Please see iiicenter.org And yet, if I had to de- Michael Heaney, Director home, there is now a very offering donations of time scribe the general mood of Service. I was delighted clear determination that and money in assistance for the full job description. to return again to the Port Donegal’s emigrants be to struggling families and Families Needed for Wider Horizons Program of people I met there I would have to say that, Na Failte Welcome Cen- kept at the top of the agen- the homeless. I saw an -- The Wider Horizons program brings young Irish even in the midst of times ter in Letterkenny, and da. This was evidenced by increased interest in com- men and women to Boston for six week internships in which the temptation to the Regional Cultural one of the local Councilors, munity gardens, local job in community-based organizations. The experience is surely toward nega- Centre, where we saw Michael McMahon, who creating ventures, ‘buy- provides a great opportunity for personal and pro- tivity and despair, they evidence of great com- talked about the plight of ing Irish’, and I saw true fessional growth for these young adults. They pro- were remarkably positive. passion, creativity, and the undocumented and compassion for those who vide a tremendous contribution to the local Boston Nowhere was this more enterprise in the face of the sadness and grief of had lost homes, jobs etc. community with over 1,000 hours of service to local evident than in Donegal, significant economic and those who could not return I couldn’t finish this organizations in 2011 and return to Ireland with where I began my visit. I social. Everywhere we home. This concern for reflection without men- was there to participate went in Donegal we saw Ireland’s emigrants was tioning what a special new skills and confidence which allows many to a love of music, the Irish very noticeable and very treat it was to have the become future community leaders, youth workers, in the second segment of a community development language, and the arts widespread. Radio person- chance to catch up with care providers, and more. Please consider supporting exchange program that and the innovative ways alities like Pat Kenny, Joe two old friends while in this program by opening your home to one or two saw a group of Donegal in which the people have Duffy, and Marian Finu- Donegal. Many of you of these young adults for their six week stay! IIIC community leaders travel used these things to con- cane all featured stories will remember Denise Staff supports all host families throughout the six to Boston in September tribute to the economy and and phone-ins with the McCool who worked with week stay and compensation is provided. For more 2010. The welcome ex- particularly, to appeal to Irish overseas, both re- us years ago (and who information, contact Ann-Marie Byrne at 617-542- tended to us exceeded all tourists (especially those cent emigrants and those is responsible for the 7654, Ext. 16. of our expectations, and I among the Diaspora). that left many years ago. beautiful quilt that still can tell you that despite Donegal, as most read- Some of the stories people adorns our lobby). Denise, the difficulties posed by ers will know, has a long told were heartbreaking, her husband Finbar, and the economy, people in history of emigration by but there were also the their two children are now Donegal continue to be necessity. Sadly, Ireland’s inspirational and hopeful living back in Donegal. I defined by their enormous current economic troubles stories. People acknowl- had a lovely time visiting generosity and hospital- have once again seen edged the new ways to also with Cahal Stephens, ity. many area young people stay connected and spoke the talented architect The region is still one and whole families have to of the importance of the overseeing the Center’s FOLEY LAW OFFICES, P.C. where traditions are im- leave in search of employ- Diaspora in terms of the renovations. Cahal now portant and yet one of the ment. There was short- community, the economy, divides his time between Attorney John Philip Foley things that impressed us lived joy while I was there and tourism. Boston and Donegal. was the ways in which because some of these There is no question Permanent Residency & Citizenship • Family & Business young people were going that Ireland faces huge Immigration • Labor Certification & Temporary Visas Donegal is proving a leader when it comes to to be able to return home challenges at the moment. ALL Nationalities & AILA Members Matters Of Substance New Year’s Resolutions – Again By Danielle Owen to try again next year. your own or someone else’s It’s that time of the year Some of us are able to substance abuse problem. again. The time when replay this routine year Or, if you do want to quit you decide to change after year. But for others, the smokes, we can help all your bad habits at where drink or drugs are there too. We will have Citizenship Class once. No more cookies, a problem, the danger is more Smoking Cessa- Are you interested in becoming a U.S. Citizen? ice-cream, or candy in that there may not be a tion Groups in February. If you need to begin your application for citizenship, our Immigration and between meals. No more next year. Maybe you are finding it Citizenship Services Staff can also help you through the whole process. shopping for clothes you Are you concerned difficult to connect with don’t need. You are going about the way you used your children (aged 5-12 If you are interested, please join us at the Irish International Immigrant drink/drugs over Christ- Center for Citizenship Classes to prepare for the citizenship exam to give up smoking or try yrs) and would like things starting in March. to drink less. No more… mas and the New Year? to be different in 2012. no more…no more…!! You Does it feel like the party We will be running more is continuing but no one Active Parenting Now Choose Between Two Class Times pledge to be the healthi- around you is smiling? Or Groups in Dorchester. Thursday Afternoons est, most efficient person Danielle Owen 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM around. perhaps you are sick and We will also be running or And by the end of Janu- tired of cleaning up the Free Health screenings, ward to hearing from you. Thursday Evenings ary each year it seems mess after someone close Nutrition on a budget Let’s plan to make 2012 a 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM that somehow you haven’t to you, someone with a classes, as well as Stress great, guilt-free year! March 8, 2012 - April 12, 2012 managed to be as slim, drinking or drug problem. Management courses. To call Danielle at the For more information, please contact Chris Tegmo at the Irish International smoke-free, or perfect as Maybe you just want some There are lots of ways Irish International Im- Immigrant Center at (617) 542-7654 ext. 41 support in dealing with we can support you in migrant Center: Phone: To register, please visit our office during normal business hours. your plan had called for. You take a kind of comfort your partner/brother/ 2012. So, take heart! All 617-542-7654, Ext. 14; E- Irish International Immigrant Center Enter at 60 Arch in this, throw up your sister/parent’s drinking those resolutions you have mail: [email protected]. 100 Franklin St, LL 1 or drug use? Let us help made may not be in your Sand check out our web- Boston, MA 02110 hands and say, “what’s www.iiicenter.org the point anyway?” You you help you. We can chat, trash can by the beginning site: iiicenter.zippykid.

TOGETHER FOR ALL. swallow the guilt, throw in confidence, about any of February after all. We it/what-we-do/wellness- away the list and pledge concerns you have about are here and looking for- education-services/ Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11 Sen. Kerry seeks halt to US/British probe of BC archive (Continued from page 1) own, on our credit cards. My Twomey continues to press that afternoon, Twomey said she husband is out of work so I don’t the case that the release of the was not surprised by the court’s know how we’re going to pay Belfast Project tapes and related decision. “I was hopeful going for this. The stress is unbeliev- documents will do more harm in, but realistic,” Twomey told able; I wouldn’t wish this on my than good. the Irish Reporter. “We expected worst enemy. The constant fear “I came here because I felt this and we will be appealing it, you’re living with, it’s awful. If that the reality of this was not there’s no question about that. the subpoena succeeds and the being paid attention to: aca- But it was emotionally hard. archives are handed over and demic freedom, the protection Because this is my life and my used as criminal evidence, we’re of sources, the fact that the family’s life. And the life of the in danger now that’ll just kick British government is raiding people who participated in this it into a whole other level. I do academic archives – these are project.” believe my husband is being set all important issues but the Still, Twomey was cheered by up for assassination.” human part of it, the fact that the letter released by Senator The original subpoena, issued there are people’s lives, chil- Kerry, who met with her and last May and June, sought the dren’s lives, and in mine and with other Irish-American activ- records related to two indi- my children’s case, American ists concerned by the potential viduals, Brendan Hughes and lives, are at stake here. I came damage this British probe could Dolours Price, both of whom here to impress upon people have on the peace process in were alleged to be former IRA the very real dangers that this the North. members. BC has already is posing to very real people. I “We’re very heartened. I handed over documents involv- felt that that was getting lost in was in D.C. this week and the ing Hughes, who died three the shuffle.” reaction that we’ve been getting years ago. Twomey was joined in her pro- from Congress is exactly what Court documents indicate test of the court decision by a trio we need,” said Twomey, who that the current British inves- of Irish-American organizations lives with McIntyre and their tigation focuses on the killing that have been outspoken in this children in Belfast. “They, un- of Jean McConville, a Belfast case from the beginning: the like the court and unlike the mother who was abducted from Ancient Order of Hibernians, lawyers that are fighting this, her home in Dec. 1972. Her body the Brehon Law Society, and the understand the seriousness of was discovered on a beach in Irish American Unity Confer- this issue and the implications County Louth in 2003. She had ence. In a joint statement issued of American foreign policy and been shot in the head, alleg- Jan. 24, the groups criticized the they know that this subpoena is edly because the IRA believed British use of the Mutual Legal not the right thing and they’re that she was acting as a spy Assistance Treaty as “contrary working to get it stopped.” for British forces, although an to the Treaty’s purpose” and “to Twomey said she expected independent investigation in American cultural and justice to return to Boston in March, 2006 found no evidence of that values.” when a further hearing is charge. “The request for Attorney expected to be held regarding Lawyers for BC sought to General Holder to issue a sealed the release of more tapes from squash the subpoena, arguing subpoena for select records held the BC archives. She is fearful that the archives should be pro- by Boston College is intended that people interviewed by her tected from inspection because to intimidate academic and husband — who did so on the they were collected and pre- journalistic freedom of inquiry condition that their identities served for academic purposes. and to insure that the British would not be revealed to the However, BC’s arguments were version of the conflict in Ireland public until their deaths— could “I do believe my husband is being set up for assassination.” rejected by Judge Young in a is unencumbered,” read the be in danger of retaliation by - Carrie Twomey decision last year and the uni- statement. extremists on both sides of the versity was ordered to supply is also concerned for the safety “It’s affecting us terribly,” the evidence to the court. political divide in the North. She of her own family. Twomey said. “I’m here, on my Famine lament: ‘God have mercy on us’ (Continued from page 1) A handful of people wringing their hands and that “we can no longer nowhere to turn for help beneath blue skies, but in who dug up their pota- wailing bitterly the di- flatter ourselves with except God and the Brit- the afternoons, glowering toes immediately and saster that had left them even the chance of escape; ish. “If the English desert black clouds formed above laid them out to dry were foodless.” it [the blight] is north, us now,” a Famine letter the fields and unleashed able to rescue a fraction Ireland’s Catholic peas- south, east, and west of at UC, Dublin, relates, torrents of rain and re- of them, but not enough antry, largely dependent us.” “God in his glory they’ll lentless thunder and to ward off hunger for upon the potato for sus- As dreadful and fright- never see.” lightning. Temperatures long. Later named Phy- tenance, could only stare ening as the first few The year to come – dropped thirty degrees tophthora infestans, the at their ruined crop. A months of the blight “Black ‘47” – would com- or more in mere hours, lethal fungus had actually Dublin reporter noted, were, as instinctively as pel millions of the Irish and from the mountains, arrived in Ireland, as well “All [the crop] is now people across the coun- to believe that both the clouds of whitish vapor as other parts of Europe, black.” Stunned men, try grasped that mere English and God had in- seeped in all directions via American ships, a women, and children clot- survival now superseded deed deserted them. The across the landscape. By New World blight about ted churches large and all previous concerns, words of an Irish peasant twilight, strange pockets to ravage the Old. small, praying for some parents looked into their in 1846 proved prescient: of fog shrouded trees and By September 1846, a miraculous deliverance children’s terrified eyes “God have mercy on us. shrubs and swirled across sickening smell shrouded yet wondering, in the and fought to conceal their There will be nothing for the ground, birds van- the roads from Cork words of a farmer (from own fear. They knew only us but to lie down and die.” ishing until wind finally to Dublin and virtually a letter in the Univer- that like the dense fog dissipated the mist. The everywhere else across sity College, Dublin, Irish and vaporous clouds that fog left what looked like Ireland. Father Mathew, Folklore Department) had enveloped Ireland in AUTO BODY REPAIRS (617) 825-1760 a light frost on the potato the renowned Irish tem- whether “the hand of God what is still known as the (617) 825-2594 stalks. perance advocate, wrote: was in this,” whether “it’s “potato fog,” an unprec- FAX (617) 825-7937 In Cork and a few sur- “In many places, the a curse that has fallen on edented disaster had de- rounding areas the blight wretched people were the land.” scended upon them all. In appeared again at the end seated on the fences of In Fermoy, County the Famine’s beginning, of July. Panic soon spread their decaying gardens, Cork, a man lamented most felt that there was as fast as farmers across Free Pick-Up & Delivery Service Ireland went to bed with their plants seemingly healthy, then awoke to 150 Centre Street a sulfurous, “sewer-like” Dorchester, MA 02124 stench that sent families racing to their potato beds where they gaped and wailed at the sight of EIRE brown spots staining the Ireland’s stalks like sores on flesh and quickly turning black. Desperately, people pub eather ripped up the corrupted W stalks in hope that the Reported Monday, January 30, 2012 blight had not affected 795 Adams St. • Dorchester It was a mixed week with some miserable weather the potatoes themselves. interspersed with mild sunny days. On Tuesday it When they dug down rained most of the day, on Wednesday it was wet into the sodden soil, they and windy and Saturday was much like Tuesday. found slimy potatoes that “President’s Choice” It remained mild for the time of year. crumbled into a malodor- For the coming week the worst of the rain is fore- ous mush at the slightest cast for the eastern half of the country although here touch. No one, neither Serving Lunch & Dinner in the west we might see some rain on Monday and the simplest farmer nor Tuesday. On Wednesday it will turn cold and remain the most brilliant scien- cold for at least 48 hours with daytime temperatures tist, knew or could have Every day, of between 2C and 4C, dropping to around -3C at grasped that the blight night. What will happen after that isn’t too clear. came directly from the soil itself, not from the Latest Temperatures growth’s stem. 7 days a week Day 11C (52F)...... Night 6C (43F) Page 12 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

Shamrock Nation Presents - The Legendary Larry Cunningham March 16th, 17th, 18th - 2012 For a St. Patrick’s Day Dance

Friday - March 16th 7:30 P.M. Concannons Village 60 Lenox Street, Norwood, MA 02062

Saturday - March 17th 3:00 P.M Afternoon Dance Irish Social Club 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

Tables of 10 will be available Sunday - March 18th to reserve for each of the dances. 4:00 P.M. Afternoon Dance - After the Parade Also Dan Hallissey will be Florian Hall performing to warm up the crowd. 55 Hallet Street, Dorchester, MA 02122

Tickets are $25.00 and can be reserved by calling Patrick at 781-534-3919 10 Ticket Deal - Purchase 10 Tickets and Receive a $20.00 Discount

Order online at shamrocknation.com Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Travel & More Conner’sReporter passions: Fiddler Conway Perform, preserve learned his Great American Music music ‘pure’ By R. J. Donovan Special to the BIR Baritone, pianist, and conductor Bradford Conner – Sligo style is on a mission. He sincerely hopes you’ll love great American music as much as he does. One conversation By Sean Smith proves he has a devotion and an insight for it that few Special to the BIR others possess. Brian Conway makes no bones about it: He under- Classically trained, Brad and partner Benjamin Sears Bradford Conner and Benjamin Sears, musicians stands that his particular tutelage in the Irish music have become the “go-to” guys in terms of impeccable and historians, are devoted to preserving and per- tradition was a profoundly rare thing, and he feels musical research. Together they helped found the criti- forming the Great American Songbook. very fortunate as a result. cally acclaimed American Classics, “devoted solely to “I think that, in my upbringing, I definitely got the piece of music, but it can help explain a time and place. music pure,” says Conway, who will bring his widely the performance of American music, giving voice to for- BC: The spirit of American music embodies who we gotten gems and newly discovered musical treasures.” admired fiddle-playing talents to the Boston area later are as the melting pot of America. I find that incredibly this month. “I was exposed to the fiddle music of Sligo In that vein, they’ve made history by diligently interesting because one of my other huge interests is working to rediscover, reconstruct, preserve, and in a very concentrated form, through people like Martin history, and you can actually define or be informed of Wynne and Andy McGann, who were schooled in that perform long-lost musical compositions by every- the history of the world through the Great American one from George Gershwin to Cole Porter. Having tradition. This is an experience most people even in Songbook. People like Irving Berlin and Ira Gershwin Ireland -- probably more than 90 percent -- haven’t wowed audiences with their cabaret performances and Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein, when they from New York to Paris, they’re currently complet- had. It’s been a major part of my life, and I’m thrilled wrote lyrics, they were lyrics of their time. And while with it.” ing scholarly writings on Irving Berlin in addition to for some that may be dating them, for me it means that working on a seven-volume set of Berlin recordings. Conway, with his mastery of the Sligo style, would it’s an exciting way to find out what was going on then seem to be a throwback in an age when regional varia- In March, American Classics will celebrate baseball and discover all the facets that make us American. as well as the 100th birthday of Boston’s own Fenway tions in Irish music tend to be less in evidence, espe- BIR: An example? cially on concert stages or professional recordings. And Park with “Fabulous Fenway,” a concert program sa- BC: The Gershwins wrote a show called “Of Thee I luting our national pastime. We spoke recently about like many of the musicians he regarded as mentors, Sing.” One of the opening numbers is (called) “Win- Conway approaches music as a dearly loved avocation, that concert and more. Here’s an edited look at our tergreen for President.” And the reason Wintergreen conversation: not a full-time occupation, having fashioned a success- should be president (in the lyric) is: “I love the Irish ful career in criminal justice. But the New York City BIR: So what, exactly, is an American Classic? and the Jews.” And I said, wow, this is so much fun BC: In the broadest sense of the term, an American native is unmistakably a man of his time, able to view because it’s telling you, not only is the show written for his Irish music experience in a wider context and amid Classic is that type of music which helps either shape New York, because that’s where the greatest popula- or pervade American culture to such an extent it influ- changes that, for better or worse, have influenced the tion of Irish and Jews were congregated at the time, tradition over the past few decades. ences not only how we think we are as Americans but but they were the ones going to the show. Everyone brings us together in a way that we realize we are all On Feb. 17, Conway will perform along with another got the joke and they loved (having it) pointed out that celebrated practitioner of a regional style, Cape Breton Americans. How’s that (laughing)? they were part of that melting pot that (at the time) (Continued on page 17) BIR: So an American Classic is not only a great (Continued on page 14) PLAYING BOSTON FOR THE LAST TIME!

TICKETS ON SALE FEB. 5! BOSTON OPERA HOUSE • APRIL 13-15 800-982-2787 ¥ BroadwayInBoston.com www.riverdance.com Page 14 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Conner’s passions: Perform, preserve Great American Music (Continued from page 13) Flavin, (who’ll do “Teddy At The Bat”). was New York. As someone in the Red Sox organiza- BIR: Music connects both intellectu- tion said, (Dick’s) the poet laureate of ally and emotionally. the Red Sox. BC: Music opens doors that nothing BIR: Is there a sweet spot in the else does. Last night I was listening to Fenway concert for you? something in the car. I’m driving down BC: The encore, (“Take Me Out To the road and I’m in a perfectly great The Ballgame”). Ben sings the verse, mood, but I realized I’m choking up over then you gesture to the audience and hearing something. Music has the power everyone breaks into song . . . As much to do that instantaneously in a way that as I love performing, I love the moment almost nothing else does. Certainly where everybody lets down their barriers great words and poetry (can). But music and they just sing out. They do it at the goes a little deeper. For people who get ballpark and they do it at our concerts Alzheimer’s, it’s the last part that goes. . . . Everyone is going at the top of their It sticks in there the longest. There’s a lungs and it’s really exciting. reason for that. BIR: As for your personal heritage, I BIR: Whether you’re on the research hear your Irish ancestors actually found- trail or standing center stage, you’re ed your hometown in West Virginia. known for being very passionate about BC: We’re talking about the 18th your work. century . . . Essentially, my namesake, BC: One of my greatest gratifications, Conner – they came from Connaught whether being a music director at a on the boat like everybody else -- they place like First Parish (Congregation in came down through Virginia . . . and they Bedford), or in the type of concerts that came to an area which is now Putnam Ben and I do, is helping people discover. Country, West Virginia. The name of The way I look at it, when I’m up on the town is Hurricane, which they pro- stage, I’m not performing, I’m sharing nounced “hurri-ken” . . . There (had been) my passion. That is how I work. And if a huge wind storm that had swept threw I’m successful, I share my passion, and the area. There were trees down. And those around me catch the bug. That’s James Conner said, ‘It looks like a hur- my goal – to continue to do that and to ricane has come through this area.’ So do it better. guess what? The name of my hometown BIR: Tell me a little about the “Fabu- [became] Hurricane. (Laughing) This lous Fenway” concerts. is how great history is made I suppose. BC: This goes back a couple of years R. J. Donovan is publisher of On- ago. A retirement community decided StageBoston.com. that they were going to throw a big Benjamin Sears and Bradford Conner celebrate baseball and the 100th birth- *** party on Opening Day. They had rented day of Fenway Park in “Fabulous Fenway,” a salute to our national pasttime. American Classics presents “Fabulous Wally, The Green Monster. They called was the genesis of the show. What’s three other performers (Cynthia Mork, Fenway.” March 2, Follen Community us and said we need someone who can happened now is that it has expanded Caroline Musica, Eric Bronner) besides Church, Lexington; March 4, Longy put together a short program of songs into a full two-part show . . . it includes us, plus (Broadcast Hall of Famer) Dick School of Music, Cambridge. Tickets: that have to do with baseball. And that 617-254-1125 or see amclass.org. Traditional sounds via piano on Feb. 4 at Follen Church Jacqueline Schwab, whose tal- in Lexington. Foster and Civil War tunes, Scots Cape Breton, and French Cana- and Irish fiddler Tony DeMarco, ents have graced the soundtrack Schwab, who has performed at and Irish fiddle tunes and airs, da. He has appeared throughout among others. For more on of “The Civil War” and other the White House for President hymns and spirituals, ragtime, the Northeast at contra dances, Reiner, see EricEid-Reiner.com. Ken Burns films, and the mul- Bill Clinton and on such popular blues, tango and Latin waltzes, concerts, weddings, festivals, Admission at the door is $15 for tifaceted performer Eric Eid- shows as “Late Night with Da- and contemporary Celtic music. and other events, including a adults, $10 for children, students Reiner will present a concert vid Letterman” and “A Prairie Her website is jacquelineschwab. “Boston Session” broadcast on and seniors. Follen Church is of solo piano arrangements of Home Companion,” will play com. WGBH-FM as part of Brian wheelchair-accessible. Contact traditional Celtic and American traditional dance tunes, as well Reiner’s forte is traditional O’Donovan’s “A Celtic Sojourn,” Eric Eid-Reiner at Eric.Eid. music on Sat., Feb. 4, at Follen as more reflective vintage Ameri- and contemporary music from and as an accompanist for Cape [email protected] or 781-863- Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave. can “heart songs”—Stephen New England, Ireland, Scotland, Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac 0140 for more information.

Saturday, February 11th- -7:00pm, at Florian Hall Family friendly, appropriate for all ages, $ 50 per person

includes, hors d’oeuves & Roast Beef Dinner, prizes, music and merriment cash bar & raffles Saint Ann Parish, Neponset benefit, for tickets information or to reserve a table today, call (617) 825-6180

•Flanagan's Wake is the hilarious interactive Irish wake – one of the longest running shows in Chicago for 16 smash years! According to Flanagan's best friend and drinkin' mate, "We'll keep waking him until we get it right."

•Join the villagers of the fictional village of Grapplin, County Sligo, Ireland, as they tell tales, sing songs and mourn the passing of one of their own.

•Share tales of your own experiences and misadventures with dear old Flanagan, or simply enjoy the stories and songs of the locals as they recall life with "Himself." Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15

dance tunes with aplomb, and provide similarly first- the taste. rate accompaniment for the songs. The guitar and Ian Walsh and Kevin Buckley, “Keeping it Reel” CD Roundup bouzouki backing by Jones and Treyz is masterful, – Walsh (fiddle, mandolin, vocals) and Buckley (guitar, complementary yet colorful. They all four shine on fiddle, bouzouki, lead vocals) are St. Louis natives, both By Sean Smith the Irish material, like the reel sets “Rosie’s” (includ- with a healthy diet of success in Irish music competi- Litha, “Dancing of the Light” – The whole united- ing “Jimmy Batty’s” by John Carty) and “Archway,” tions (including an All-Ireland fiddle title for Buckley), Europe idea may be fraught with political and economic which gradually gains strength until it finishes up who have played together for the ills, but it certainly seems to be doing well on the folk triumphantly with the traditional “Hare’s Paw,” and better part of 20 years. Their music front, with cross-continental collaborations such a medley of jigs that includes Charlie Lennon’s mag- repertoire reflects the cosmopoli- as the Scottish-Scandinavian ensemble Fribo, or Mozaik nificent “Flying Wheelchair.” Mann’s savory Bb flute tanism increasingly found in the and its Irish-Eastern European solos on the Galway air “Dark Slender Boy,” which folk/Celtic scene, blending Irish (and American) sound. The latest leads into Walther’s captivating, accordion-driven tunes and songs with music from of these is Litha, which comprises “New York Waltz.” Appalachia, French Canada, and Scotland’s Aaron Jones (formerly The singing is of equally high quality, led by Jones even Venezuela, with influences of Old Blind Dogs) and Claire and Walther but with graceful harmonies from Mann and sources including Frankie Mann (who’s played with the and Treyz. Jones takes center stage with two songs that Gavin, Paddy Fahy, Liz Carroll, Northern Irish band Craobh both mine optimism and hope from tragedy: Lister’s The Clancy Brothers, Kevin Burke as well as Tony Rua), and Gudrun Walther and “Icarus,” a retelling of the classic Greek myth (marred Rice, among others. Jurgen Treyz, members of the here only by a curious substitution of pronouns from Their musicianship is just fine, energetic yet pol- German band Cara that opened the original), and Polwart’s “Waterlily,” based on a true ished: The “Mayor Harrison’s Fedora/Paddy Fahy’s” eyes and ears here at the 2007 ICONS Festival with story of a doomed love affair in the former Yugoslavia. and “Done Gone/Reel Beatrice” reel sets stand out, its splendid interpretation of Irish traditional music. Walther captures some of the urban-detachment feel as does a hornpipe/set dance combo “Golden Eagle/ Their debut CD is an unlikely but entertaining, and of Vega’s “Gypsy,” but it’s balanced to great effect by Blackbird,” while their rendering of the Venezuelan sometimes compelling, collection of music from Irish the gorgeous group harmonies that bring a glint of waltz “La Partida” is suitably dramatic without seem- and German traditions, settings of German poetry, tenderness to the chorus. She is at her best on “Nun ing mockingly histrionic. original compositions, and covers of songs by the likes Will Der Lenz uns Grüssen,” a traditional German Buckley has a pleasant, endearing kind of singing of Karine Polwart, Anne Lister, and Suzanne Vega. ode to spring she learned from her mother, with an voice, though you wind up wishing you could hear it However unwieldy this combination might seem, it entrancing accordion-fiddle-whistle motif that conjures given a little more space in which to operate, instead of sure doesn’t sound that way: The album is full of gusto, up cornflowers budding in Saxony. being harnessed to up-tempo arrangements, as in “The creativity, and just plain lovely playing and singing. Litha wind up the album with the ultra-infectious Minstrel Boy.” That said, their 6/8 version of “Paddy’s Litha’s melodic strength comes from Mann (fiddle, “Ready for a Jar,” a band composition in the “crazy Green Shamrock Shore” gives the song a jauntier, flute, and whistle) and Walther (fiddle and accordion), adventures on the road” vein. And whether the jar more sanguine aspect than in previous incarnations, who take on both Irish jigs and reels and Bavarian in question holds Guinness or Sternburg, you’ll enjoy and “Say Darling Say” takes on an Irish-American character, enlivened by the Uilleann pipes of Tommy Martin and bodhran of Chris Weddle. The impression one gets is of a duo probably better suited for pub or stage than recording studio, but theirs is an honest, good-natured sound. “Legacy” – This eight-track (that’s the number of tracks, not the sound format; the 1970s are long gone) CD is a family project hatched by Mississippi producer, musician, and writer Steve Young to celebrate his Scots-Irish roots, and “the music of our ancestors” for serving as a reminder of “their joys and sorrows, their love and sacrifice, their determination to make a better life for their children.” Noble sentiments, to be sure, but the follow-through is less than satisfying. Except for a medley of jigs and the hymn “Be Thusa ‘mo Shuile (Be Thou My Vision),” the material here, instead of being adapted from tradition, has been composed by Young and his collaborators to evoke the aforementioned ancestral music. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but most of the people involved, with the exception of fiddler Deanie Richardson, who has toured with The Chieftains, appear to have pretty limited experience overall with Irish and Scottish music, and it shows. There’s also a vocal performance on one track that, frankly, is painful to hear. Why not take some time to actually learn songs and tunes associated with the parts of Scotland and Ireland whence your ancestors came, and then recruit people who really know the music to help you? That seems like a far better way to honor a legacy.

Large Format Printing Billboards • Banners 1022 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester 617-282-2100 carrolladvertising.com

“Serving Greater Boston since 1971” 1060 N. MaiN St., RaNdolph, Ma 02368 phone: 781-963-3660 fax: 781-986-8004 www.miltonmonuments.com email: [email protected] Page 16 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com ences of all ages who “Cirque du Celtique” flocked to festival events and subsequent parade at venues in Harvard into the heart of Harvard Square. In addition to per- Square. formances and participa- The BCMFest Board is tory events such as music grateful to all performers, sessions and dancing, this volunteers and other fes- year’s BCMFest included tival staff for their hard storytelling, songs, and work, and is especially ap- other activities aimed at preciative of the support The ninth annual BC- pleasant, unseasonably children and families, as from all who attended, MFest was blessed with mild weather, and audi- well as a carnivalesque and from the Greater Boston community. New sounds for “Celt- ic Music Monday”: Fol- lowing last month’s inau- SOLAS gural (and well-attended) BCMFest Session, the Sat., February 25, 8pm monthly BCMFest “Celtic Music Monday” series at Somerville Theatre Club Passim in Harvard “Solas offers a compellingly original, Square shifts back into strikingly contemporary view of traditional concert mode on Feb. 13, Celtic sounds.”—Los Angeles Times with an exciting new col- laboration headed up by innovative keyboardist Neil Pearlman. He will be joined by bagpiper Elijah ALTAN Wolcott, guitarist/mando- linist Eric McDonald, and Sat., March 10, 8pm fiddler Jenna Moynihan, along with multi-instru- Terry Weir during the Saturday “Dayfest” portion Somerville Theatre mentalist Hamish Fin- of BCMFest 2012. “Altan continues to be one of the Celtic world’s ley, performing Scottish Mike Passarini photo great treasures, gifted with a front line that is a music that sits squarely sheer powerhouse.”—Los Angeles Times between traditional and which is where I grew up, Boston area early last fall, contemporary. have a good jazz program, Pearlman has enjoyed Pearlman is the son of so on the one hand I would his settling-in period and Masters of Tradition Ed Pearlman and Laura be playing Scottish music making connections in Scott, two people whose with my family and on the area’s Celtic music MARTIN HAYES impact on Scottish music the other I’d be playing community. “The music and dance in the Boston jazz with my friends,” scene here is so open, and DENNIS CAHILL area during the 1980s says Pearlman. “When full of people who are very AND FRIENDS and 1990s continues to re- I went to college in New welcoming and willing to sound. While Neil became York City, I got exposed go in new directions. I’m Sat., April 14, 8pm involved at a very young to Cuban, Brazilian, and glad to have this oppor- age in his family’s music other Latin music, and I tunity to try out this new Somerville Theatre and dance activities, dur- found a lot of crossover collaboration.” ing his teens he began to in the rhythms for Scot- Admission to the con- FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION blaze his own trail, infus- tish music. If you listen, cert, which begins at 8 ing his largely traditional you can hear that Latin p.m., is $12, $6 for mem- 617.876.4275 www.WorldMusic.org Cape Breton-style piano and Celtic music have a bers of Passim, WGBH, accompaniment with jazz, similar pulse, and if you and WUMB. The event Tickets are also available at the Somerville Theatre box office Latin and other, more work with it, you can do also will be screened over Presented by World Music/CRASHarts contemporary influences. some pretty cool things.” the Web at concertwin- “The schools in Maine, Having moved to the dow.com. Celebrity Series of Boston The CHieftains 50th Anniversary Tour 2012: ‘Voice of Ages’ Paddy Moloney & The Chieftains with Special Guests Wednesday, March 14 8pm at SyMphony hall Don’t miss the fun as Paddy Moloney and his band return to Symphony Hall for a pre-St. Patrick’s Day bash! www.celebrityseries.org or call CelebrityCharge at 617.482.6661

chieftains10x8.indd 1 1/27/12 2:35 PM Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 Fiddler Conway learned his music ‘pure’ – Sligo style (Continued from page 13) in 2008, “Consider the Source.” He has fiddler Kimberley Fraser, and guitarist performed from one end of the US to the Mark Simos, at the Unity Somerville other, and made warmly received visits Church near Davis Square in Somerville. to Ireland and elsewhere in Europe. The event is sponsored by the Notlob In addition, Conway is a member of Concert Series [sites.google.com/site/ The Pride of New York, which could notlobmusic]. Fraser, who moved to the be described as a tribute band for the Boston area several years ago, is widely “New York style” of Irish music: Its acknowledged as one of the most talented other members – accordionist Billy Mc- young musicians to emerge from Cape Comiskey, pianist Brendan Dolan, and Breton, and has appeared at festivals flute and whistle player Joanie Madden and concerts around the world. Simos, of Cherish the Ladies – are, like Con- a songwriter whose compositions have way, embodiments of distinct styles and been recorded by Alison Kraus and Union legacies within Irish tradition. Station, among others, is an equally “We only play a few times a year, but I brilliant musician on guitar, piano and enjoy every minute we spend together,” fiddle. says Conway. “They are a great bunch “I’m really looking forward to playing of musicians who all respect the genera- with Kimberley,” says Conway, who first tions before, and who value the connec- met Fraser at the Swannoa Gathering, tion to the tradition. Although we tend an annual festival of traditional music in to come from different styles, we mesh North Carolina. “It’s going to be a split very well.” format: She and Mark will play a set, I’ll But through it all Conway has stayed play a set with Mark, and then we’ll all true to his primary – not “other” -- career collaborate on a few things. in criminal justice, which has seen him “It will be interesting to see what we amass a distinguished record of service work out -- she’s better at Irish than I am in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s at Cape Breton,” he adds, with a laugh. Office, where he pursued action on eco- “But you always relish the opportunity nomic crimes, narcotics cases, and the to play with such excellent musicians rackets with various district attorney like Kimberley and Mark. It enlarges bureaus. He is now deputy chief of the your world. office’s Public Integrity Bureau, which “And, of course, I’m happy to be going prosecutes public officials or others back to Boston, which is one of the epicen- affiliated with the legal system who Sligo-style fiddler Brian Conway will play a concert in Somerville later this month. ters of Irish traditional music along with commit crimes ranging from excessive New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. I force to fraud, as well as attorneys who don’t play in the pubs or at ceilis much are charged with misconduct. upcoming events that feature local Celtic McNally and McDonald, who played at anymore, so I don’t get up there as often For him, there was never a question of musicians: Andy Reiner and Julie Met- the ninth annual Boston’s Celtic Music as I used to. But I certainly am aware of making a living doing something other calf on February 4, and Katie McNally Fest last month, are two highly active how special a place it is for Irish music.” than music. “My parents instilled in me and Eric McDonald on March 2. Both con- members of the area Celtic scene who New York, of course, is a pretty special the need to have a profession,” he says. certs take place at the Loring-Greenough play powerful arrangements of music place for Irish music, and it was there, “My musical role models all had full-time House, 12 South Street, Jamaica Plain. culled from the Scottish and Cape Breton through the city’s Irish population, that jobs, like Martin Wynne, who worked for Reiner (fiddle, mandolin), raised in traditions. McNally, a New England Conway came into his own. After an the post office. However much I may love a musical family that embraced a va- Scottish fiddle champion, has performed initial introduction from his musician it, I didn’t want music to be my livelihood. riety of folk music traditions, is known as part of the ensemble Childsplay; father, Jim, and Limerick-born fiddler I really felt that would compromise my for his work with Blue Moose and the McDonald has displayed his guitar and Martin Mulvihill, Conway entered under art form, and just take the enjoyment of Unbuttoned Zippers, a unique quartet mandolin talents in a number of bands the guidance of Wynne and McGann, it away from me.” that combines Celtic, Appalachian and across the folk/acoustic music spectrum, who showed him the highly ornamen- Fortunately for Conway, he happens to Scandinavian styles with wholly original notably the Celtic/contra dance trio tal, triplet-rich style they played back love his job. “What I like about working material. Metcalf (fiddle, viola), a found- Matching Orange. in Sligo -- including McGann’s teacher, for the DA is, we’re on the right side ethi- ing member of the classical-folk crossover For information on these and other a gent named Michael Coleman whose cally. We’re helping victims, redressing Folk Arts Quartet, has become a regular Notlob events, see sites.google.com/site/ more than six dozen 78 recordings were wrongs, and doing things that play to on the New England contra dance circuit. notlobmusic. highly influential in 20th century Irish one’s natural sense of fairness.” music. He doesn’t see an overlap between Regional styles like those of Sligo, or these two areas of life, except perhaps for Clare, or Donegal, are by no means lost one thing: “I think I’ve actually become to posterity, says Conway, but in the past better in the courtroom since I released couple of decades he has seen what he my CDs, because that got me used to describes as a general “homogenization” performing in public.” of Irish music. Some of this may be due Conway’s primary outlet for his music to societal factors and trends beyond the is through sessions or other informal scope of musical tastes, but Conway also get-togethers with friends and family feels that the evolution of Irish music members, notably his sister Rose Conway into a performance art -- enhanced by Flanagan -- a founding member of Cher- “the ubiquitous tape recorder” -- since ish the Ladies -- and Rose’s daughters the 1960s has had an impact. Maeve and Bernadette, who play with “You see a lot of young players who the all-female band Girsa. Much like imitate the sound of a popular musician,” Boston, according to Conway, the greater he explains. “They will mimic the most New York City area has proved to be a conspicuous aspects of that musician’s wellspring of young Irish musicians, playing, rather than explore comprehen- particularly to the north in the com- sively the style he or she represents. And munity of Pearl River (the birthplace they’ll find and emulate aspects of other of Girsa), which seems to send several musicians they become interested in, and representatives to the All-Irelands al- instead of one distinctive musical style, most every year. they develop an assortment. “It’s interesting to see what’s happened “I’m not saying it’s bad or good, but with the music here,” says Conway. “For this is definitely something that differ- a while, the scene spread out from the entiates a lot of the Irish music you hear city, to the suburbs and surrounding today from how it sounded in the past.” areas. But now I think it’s come back After earning junior and senior All- around: The five boroughs all have ses- Ireland titles, Conway went on to record sions going on, and there are concert “The Apple in Winter” with another series, multiple branches of Comhaltas eminent New York City fiddler, Tony Ceoltoiri Eireann, and lots of people who DeMarco, as well as an album in tribute make things happen.” to McGann with Joe Burke and Felix Conway has done his part to uphold Dolan, and eventually release two of his the tradition in another, perhaps even own CDs, “First Through the Gate” and, more vital way: as a teacher and mentor who has aided plenty of aspiring fiddlers. And, thanks to Skype, he’s extended his teaching beyond the New York City area – all the way to Alaska, in fact. “We all seek that balance between work and pleasure in our lives,” he says. “I feel lucky in that I have a career that I love and believe in, as well as family and friends who mean the world to me. And on top of that, every so often, I get to go to a place like Boston and play music. I mean, to me that’s like getting paid to eat ice cream.” The Feb. 17 concert with Brian Con- way, Kimberley Fraser, and Mark Simos begins at 8 p.m. (doors open 7:30 p.m.). There is a suggested donation of $15 ($12 with advance reservation), $10 for students. For reservations, send e-mail to [email protected]. Cape Breton fiddler Kimberley Fraser, along with guitarist Mark Simos, will * * * appear in concert with Conway. Notlob Concerts will hold two other Page 18 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Traveling People Why I rent the same house each year in magical Rosturk Woods By Judy Enright and the other is a three- Special to the BIR bedroom, which is the one Each traveler has defi- I rent. nite likes and dislikes Both houses have wash- about what makes a trip ers, dryers, microwaves, special. Some are bound and kitchens large enough by time constraints and to seat eight comfort- can only get away from ably around long wooden their “real” lives for a tables. Every conceivable short time; others enjoy pot, pan, dish and glass spending more time to see is provided, and Louisa as much of a destination even stocks the house with as possible. American measuring cups With this in mind, I and spoons because we wanted to share how much bring recipes from home. I love renting a house in In the living/dining Ireland and why. There room there’s a large table are so many reasons: I at one end that becomes am able to invite friends my Irish “office” (internet and family to visit—and I service is provided, of have. I can plunk down my course.) At the other end suitcase for the duration of the living room, a couch and actually unpack. In and overstuffed chairs cir- addition, by renting the cle a cozy fireplace. Peat, same house for the past wood, and fire-starters are 10 years, I have been constantly replenished fortunate to meet and get by Alan. A television, DVD player, and lots of Croagh Patrick mountain is visible in the distance across Clew Bay from the house I rent every year to know many wonderful in Co. Mayo. Judy Enright photos and interesting Mayo movies are available and residents. there are rental stores in ROSTURK WOODS Westport if you don’t like I was initially intro- the selection. duced to Louisa and The bathrooms all have Alan Stoney and Rosturk walk-in showers with Woods guest accommoda- excellent water pressure, tion—in Mulranny, Co. which is not the case Mayo – 16 years ago when everywhere in Ireland. I stopped with my son for Jumbo, thick towels await a night of bed and break- on heated towel racks. fast. After that first visit, Bedrooms are spacious I stopped by for B&B if I and sheets are the finest was nearby. Then, in 2001, that Louisa can find. when I suffered a mile- The master bedroom stone birthday, I decided affords a brilliant view to rent a house, invite my of Clew Bay and Croagh family, and celebrate in Patrick—the Holy Moun- Ireland. Naturally, I chose tain—through French Rosturk Woods, which is doors that open onto a bal- about two hours by car cony that’s small but large from Shannon Airport. I enough for several outdoor have returned there every chairs and potted plants. year since and always in There are no screens on April and May when the any windows so opening weather is somewhat co- them at night, with lights operative, although there on, can result in some in- is definitely a reason why teresting winged visitors. Ireland is green. I leave them closed. I rent a three-bedroom, THE MAGIC south-facing modern There are so many reasons why I return to house with direct, pri- Freestanding six-bedroom house for rent at Rosturk Woods in Mulranny, Co. Mayo. vate access to Clew Bay. Rosturk Woods every Alan Stoney meticulous- spring, but John McK- sunrises and sunsets, have a vast knowledge of ranny Park Hotel, the happens from Sat., March ly maintains the many enna probably said it rainbows over Clew Bay the area (Alan is actually Loop Walk, and Mulranny 17, to Mon., March 19. You plantings, lawns, flower- best in the Bridgestone after a storm, the bleating a native of Mulranny and Causeway competed for can scarcely find a spot ing trees, and bushes on Irish Food Guide, when of sheep grazing on nearby grew up in Rosturk Castle and won a European in Ireland that doesn’t the extensive and beauti- he wrote: “Louisa and islands, the bark of a fox next door). And, there are Destination of Excellence do some kind of event to ful property. Alan Stoney’s B&B and as I drift off to sleep, the many other friends and (EDEN) award last year honor the patron saint. His wife, Louisa, is self-catering houses are whirring wings of geese as acquaintances with whom for “sustainable tourism.” It’s a fun time to be in completely detail-oriented one of those places that, they lift off the bay in the I’ve had a lot of laughs and For information about Ireland and get into the and ensures that renters quite simply, have the early morning. good times over the years. renting at Rosturk Woods, spirit. have every comfort. There magic. Magical location, I return for the people, I also return for the contact Louisa Stoney at One interesting and are two self-catering units magical ambience, utterly especially the Stoneys, great shopping and din- [email protected] or visit the different celebration is on at Rosturk Woods: one is a otherworldly...” who are not only fun but ing, for the beauty of the website rosturk-woods. Achill Island, Co. Mayo, six-bedroom house, espe- There truly is much also brilliant hosts, ever area, for the opportunity com where there is a long- cially suited for families, magic at Rosturk: brilliant ready to help. They both to photograph the ever- SELF-CATERING standing tradition of pipe changing weather and Self-catering options bands. The St. Patrick’s skies in the West of Ire- are available all over Day Band Festival starts land, and for the sheep. Ireland and you can rent with a 6 a.m. reveille, GREAT WESTERN everything from a castle followed by attendance GREENWAY to a cottage for varying at several Masses, per- The County Donegal Association, Boston A new plus for visitors prices and lengths of formances, and marches to this area is the im- time. Many accommoda- through the villages for mensely popular Great tion organizations, such much of the day. That St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance Western Greenway, the as The Hidden Ireland evening, traditional and longest off-road walking, (hiddenireland.com,) offer modern entertainment Saturday, March 3, 2012, 7:00 p.m. running, and cycling trail self-catering properties, is offered in many local Florian Hall in Ireland, which crosses as do most travel books hotels and pubs. 55 Hallet St., Dorchester the hills just across the and the internet. And, don’t miss the road from Rosturk Woods. Tourism Ireland also Titanic Experience that Hot & Cold Buffet The 28-mile long Gre- lists self-catering ac- opens in a specially-de- enway was built on a commodations as well signed building in Belfast Entertainment by Erin’s Melody long-abandoned railroad as all kinds of seasonal on March 31. Visit titan- Harney Academy of Irish Stepdance bed and is a tribute to happenings in Ireland at icbelfast.com for more the many farmers and their informative website: information. Special Guest, Direct from Donegal: other landowners who discoverireland.com. If a February or March Singer/Songwriter Shunie Crampsey gave pieces of their prop- GET READY trip to Ireland is in the erty to enable the project. St. Patrick is honored cards for you, be sure Tickets $40.00 per person Hope to see you all there! The first stage opened on March 17 and plans to check out the Tourist in 2010 and the entire are well underway for Board’s website, discov- For tickets and info: route, from Westport to the usual spectacular St. erireland.com, and the President JP Doherty, 617-605-9878 or Achill Sound, officially Patrick’s Festival in Dub- Northern Ireland tourist opened last summer. The lin, which this year runs board’s site, discovernor- Chairman Michael McCarron, 617-696-1702 Greenway has spawned a from March 16-19. There thernireland.com, for all Or any officer of the County Donegal Association number of bike-hire busi- are also festivals and the events going on in the nesses along the route and activities all across the Republic or in Northern boosted the local economy. country including Cork Ireland. The Greenway, Mul- City, where their festival Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 Irish educators discuss woes with Boston officials

By Gintautas Dumcius Reporter Staff Boston Public School administrators met earlier this month with a group of Irish education officials who quizzed their American counterparts about such things as closing buildings and dealing with vacant seats in Irish classrooms -- about 80,000 of them. The Irish team, comprising officials from the public and private education sectors of the Repub- lic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, sat down with Superintendent Carol Johnson in between meetings with state Education Secretary Paul Reville and Brookline school officials. The group also visited the Codman Academy Public Charter School before heading to the Boston School Department’s Court Street headquarters to talk with Johnson. The visit was part of a 10-day trip to Boston and Indianapolis, which was hosted by the Irish Institute Boston School Superintendent Carol Johnson, center, and Boston School Committee member Michael at Boston College, with help from the U.S. State O’Neill, far left, met with educators from Ireland on Jan. 12. Photo by Gintautas Dumcius Department. Johnson said BPS officials and the to look hard and they simply cannot sustain the 500 Catholic primary and post-primary schools in visiting group agreed to communicate and share programs that they have been used to.” Northern Ireland; Anna Kelly, director of access and best practices, through technology and exchanges. O’Neill said group members also had questions lifelong learning at the University College Dublin, “The truth is, I think that a lot of the challenges we about how charter schools interact with public and the largest university in Ireland; Pamela Crum, face are very parallel to what they’re going through, parochial systems. principal at a primary school in County Armagh; maybe on a larger scale in some cases,” Johnson said They were also curious about contracts with and Michael Mulvey, director of academic affairs after the meeting, pointing to 80,000 empty seats principals. “I think that they may have been a little and registrar at the Dublin Institute of Technology. in the Irish educational system. surprised that we have one, two or three-year con- “I think it was interesting that they’re facing Johnson and other school department officials tracts with school leaders,” Johnson said. some of the same challenges we are, some around sought the closure of some schools and the merger The group included officials like Paul Bell, prin- leadership and teacher evaluation, others around of others in an effort to close a budget gap and cut cipal of the Botanic Primary School in Belfast; facilities and maximizing the use of facilities that down on 5,600 vacant seats in the school system. Malachy Crudden, education advisor at the Council they have, and, I think, figuring out how to distribute “Eighty thousand seats is a lot of seats,” Johnson for Catholic Maintained Schools, which oversees resources in equitable ways,” said Johnson. said. “We think we have a lot of seats. I think we’ve probably moved faster to close schools, it sounds like. I think they’re still wrestling with it.” Added Michael O’Neill, a school committee member Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Co. Antrim. who helped shepherd the group, “They’re starting Dublin tot, family find hope at Children’s Hospital Come Home To lreland This Year (...you’ll be glad if you do)

You'll have the craic, make new memories, rekindle old friendships, rediscover yourself - and your roots!. And all at superb value. So go on, spoil yourself, your family and friends and come home this year.

Elie Madden: In Boston for life-saving care. After all, we do reserve the warmest welcome for those we welcome home! After nearly a year- Foker and Russell Jen- and-a-half spent in hos- nings had developed a For more information and great value offers pitals, operating rooms, procedure tailor-made to visit discoverireland.com. and recovery units, a help small children with Dublin family’s lengthy their daughter’s condi- struggle to secure a tion. The family was healthy future for their joined by dad Eddie just ailing daughter may in time for Christmas, finally come to a happy marking the second year end here in Boston. in a row the family has Fourteen-month-old spent the holiday in a Elie Madden was born hospital room. weighing less than four Since their arrival, pounds and suffering Elie has undergone four from esophageal atre- operations to gradually sia – a rare disorder in lengthen her esophagus which her esophagus is using a series of sutures. too short to reach her One Monday morning stomach – and has spent last month, she awoke much of her young life from a month-long in- dependent on machin- duced coma. While the ery to keep her fed and family says Elie is in breathing. good spirits, they are But thanks to a tireless still unsure how long fundraising campaign by they may have to stay parents Eddie and Esti in Boston while doctors and an outpouring of work to repair the girl’s support in Ireland, Elie voice box and prevent fu- is now at Boston’s Chil- ture heart complications dren’s Hospital where associated with her low she is receiving treat- birth weight. ment that could give her For more informa- a chance at a normal, tion or to donate, visit healthy childhood. eliemadden.com. For Etsi, Elie, and her twin updates on Elie’s condi- sister Emie flew to Bos- tion, visit their Facebook ton in November after page “Operation Elie” learning that Children’s PAT TARANTINO Hospital doctors John

DIMENSIONS TOURISM IRELAND Supplied by: Tengo Two, S.L. Diaspora Campaign 2011 Page Trim: 10” X 16" Barcelona, Spain Publication: Boston Irish Bleed: 10.25” X 16.25" Tel: 011 [34] 652 081 624 Publish Date: March 2011 Live Area: 9” X 15" eMail: [email protected] Materials Date: Feb 25th, 2011 Page 20 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BRETT’S BOSTON By Harry Brett Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events

When Marine Corporal Michael Arki called his mother on her birthday, Dec. 30 to say he and his buddy, Marine Sergeant Ryan Pugsley were safely back in the United States after a combat tour in Afghanistan, Beverly Gilmore says “it was the best birthday present I ever had.” Their families embraced the men with a “welcome home” party Jan. 14 at the Braintree K of C Hall. In the photos are: 1.) Seated, Kathy Pugsley (mother), Ryan Pugsley, USMC, Steve Pugsley (dad) . Standing: Nicole, Sophia, Greg Craven; Steve Jr.; Dylan; Katie; and Jaclyn Pugsley. 2.) Sam Auciello; Mike Arki, USMC; Beverly Gilm- ore (mother); Nicholas and Olivia. Standing: Mandy Downing; Jacqualyn Arki; Patty Gilmore; Carolyn Arki; Ryley Comerford. 3.) Erin and mom Gavin Joyce, Braintree; 4.) Kevin McGarty and John Folan, Braintree; 5.) Ed Bulger and John Tanguay, Braintree; 6.) Dylyn Pugsley and cousin Dennis Muldoon, Weymouth; 7.) Tom 1. Gilmore, Dorchester; Carolyn Arki, Braintree; Kevin and Julie Brown, Braintree; 8.) Mike Arki, USMC; Mayor Joe Sullivan; Ryan Pugsley, USMC; all of Braintree; 9.) Frank Reidy, Pauline Height; Robin McFarland, all of Braintree; 10.) Sean, Nora and Carly Dolan, Kennebunk, Me.; 11.) Donna Muldoon, Weymouth; Hayley and Helen Johnson, Dorchester. Ryan Pugsley is on leave as a Braintree fire- fighter, and Mike Arki is a school teacher who hopes to become a police officer.

2.

3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

8. 9.

10. 11. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 21 The Irish Language by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic As we began the New Year, An Blian Úr, we re- viewed the Habitual Present, Habitual Past, and Definite Past tenses of “Class I” verbs – those regular Cross verbs of a single syllable. This month we will continue our review with the Future tense and then move on to “Class II” verbs – those of two syllables. Recall Words that Irish has no words of more than two syllables. Longer words are viewed as “compound words”, The Irish made up of two-word combinations or with prefixes such as có /koh/ “with”. This is similar to English “co- crosswords are ordinate”, Irish có plus maith “good” is cómhaith / KOH-wah/ or /KOH-vah/, “equal” or “parallel.” In Irish a service of an có and other prefixes are not hyphenated and often Ireland-based require that the following word be lenited (“aspirated”). The Irish “Future Tense” is similar to the Defi- website which nite Past in that it has only a single set of endings except for the “we”, muid, form. For “Class I” verbs provides Irish in the Future Tense these “endings” are –f(a)idh and –f(a)imid. –f(a)idh is pronounced /uh/ and Family Coats of –f(a)imid is /uh-muhj/. The f in the middle of a word is always “silent.” Arms by email. Cuirfidh sí rósóg. /KOOR-uh shee ROS-ok/ You are invited “She will plant a rose bush.” to visit Glanfaidh siad a seomra. /GLAHN-uh sheet uh SHOM-ruh/ www. “They will clean their room.” bigwood.com/ Glanfaimid ár seomra. /GLAHN-uh-muhj ahr SHOM-ruh/ heraldry “We will clean our room.” \ The Future is dissimilar from the Past tenses in that the initial consonant or vowel is not lenited. IRELAND IN CROSSWORDS ©-bigwood.com Cuirfidh mé rós. “I will plant (a) rose.” ACROSS 11. Lad ride in tune about the Republican aspiration Chuir mé rós. “I planted (a) rose.” 1. Melon clan’s joy. (anag.) Scottish leader of the Irish for 32 altogether. (6,7) Citizen Army during the Easter Rising of 1916. (5,8) 14. Wives torn in bits in Fermanagh agricultural centre Duinfidh mé an doras. “I will close the door.” 10. “Surely mortal — is a broomstick!” Swift (3) where Necarne castle is. (11) Dhuin mé an doras. “I shut the door.” 12. Ed, she is confused, but pays attention. (5) 19. Question: did the ropes get tangled back in Killure 13. On edge right before 999. (3) so perfectly? (5) There is no need to remind you that there is no 15. Wear this in the kitchen or pan will tip over. (5) 20. “Better build schoolrooms for the boy than —— and indefinite article, “a”, in Irish. However, it is neces- 16. Poetic before being included in Clogher edition. (3) gibbets for the man.” Eliza Cook. (5) sary to translate it into English. 17. Having had an inclination in a Rathkeale ante- 22. Lots dance out east about Ireland’s nearest neigh- Now let us begin to looking at regular “Class II” chamber. (5) bour. (8) verbs, those of two syllables. For these we will use 18. By all means sway about. (3) 23. I.e. lark about in Derry angling centre in the Bann céangail /KAHN-guhl/ “tie” and osgail /OS-guhl/ 19. Nice P.R. about the heir to the throne. (6) valley. (6) “open”. 21. He gets skill to turn to the Kerry rocky islands 9 24. Customer puts in fifty one to an American penny. (6) The first thing to do with “Class II” verbs, in every miles off Valentia with an old monastic settlement. (3,8) 27. Pat’s a mess when it comes to foreign food. (5) tense, is to “telescope” the final syllable. Since vowels 24. These boxes would be for Plato’s mentor if so 28. Fierce man-eating giant, therefore Roman retreats are “syllable centers”, this is easily accomplished by prefixed. (6) from Mayo green environment. (4) simply removing the last vowel(s). The final consonant 25. Golfer’s shout in secluded Westmeath village near 29. Apparently, colonels give a clue to what General is moved over to become part of the “root” word. This Castlepollard, with numerous ancient crosses. (4) McAuliffe said in reply to the Germans who demanded helps to maintain the meaning. 26. Second class stream yields a first rate sea fish! (5) his surrender in 1944. (4) However, there are still two syllables, the first one 28. “Satire is a sort of glass, wherein beholders do gen- and the “telescoped” second one to which the verbal erally discover everybody’s face but their —.” Swift. (3) CROSSWORD SOLUTION ON PAGE 22 endings are attached. 30. Get a tender back in Thurles running. (5) For example, the “root” of céangail drops the –ai- 31. Large ox-antelope appears when gun is broken. (3) and becomes céangl-, céan is the first syllable and 32. Is pan enough to take to the country? (5) –gl + person/tense ending is the second. 34. Old hated irregular in Ireland got his out in the Irish Sayings Oscail drops the –ai- to become oscl-. Os- is the first sun. (3) “Youth does not mind where it sets its foot.” syllable and –cl + person/tense ending is the second. 35. Seal led saints over to the offshore Wexford bird “Both your friend and your enemy think you will Most two-syllable verbs end in –(a)igh. These end- sanctuary where Bagenal Harvey was captured. (6,7) never die.” ings (–igh and –aigh) are pronounced like a vowel / \ “The well fed does not understand the lean.” ee/. In this case the entire ending is dropped. Salaigh “He who comes with a story to you brings two away /SAHL-ee/ “to soil” or “make dirty” becomes sal-. 2. Purple quartz found in mast they dismantled. (8) 3. “We are all born —. Some remain so.” Beckett. (3) from you” There are three “Person” endings in the Habitual “Quiet people are well able to look after themselves.” Present for two-syllable verbs -- “I”, -(a)ím /eem/, 4. “Eschew evil and do good: seek peace and —— it.” Psalm 34 verse 13 (5) “A friends eye is a good mirror.” “we” -(a)ímid /ee-muhj/, and - – “you, he, she, you-all, “It is the good horse that draws its own cart.” they” are all –(a)íonn /een/. The vowel in parentheses 5. See you apparently in the matter of the way to treat bacon. (4) “A lock is better than suspicion.” is “silent”, simply there to fulfill the Irish vowel rule “Two thirds of the work is the semblance.” for “balance”, “Broad to broad and slender to slender.” 6. “Yet malice never was his aim; He lashed the vice but spared the ——.” “He who gets a name for early rising can stay in bed The first two endings, for “I” and “we” are the same until midday.” for both one-syllable and two- syllable verbs in the Swift (his own epitaph) (4) 7. Guru seen in Kincora clearly. (6) “People live in each other’s shelter.” Present Habitual tense – (a)im and -(a)imid. The “The world would not make a racehorse of a donkey.” ending for all other persons is different, -(e)ann / 8. Run lag out of large Armagh linen town near Lough Neagh where George Russell, (AE), was born. (6) “You are not a fully fledged sailor unless you have uhn/ for one syllable and –a)ionn /een/ for two syl- sailed under full sail,” “and you have not built a wall lable verbs. 9. We’ve lent Beth’s version to Connemara’s high dozen. (3,6,4) unless you have rounded a corner.” Here are some examples of our “model” two syl- ADVERTISEMENT lable verbs: Céanglaím mo bhóg gach lá. /KAN-gleem moh VROHK gahk lah/ “I tie my shoe every day.” Céanglaímid ar brogaí gach lá. /KAN-glee-muhj ahr BROK-ee gahk lah/ “We tie our shoes every day” Photography by Céanglaionn sé a bhróg gach lá. /KAN-gleen shey uh VROHK gahk lah/ “He ties his shoe every day.” Oscail an doras! /AWS-kuhl uhn DOR-uhs/ “Shut the door!” Image Photo Service Osclaím an doras seo gach lá. /AWS-kleem uhn DOR-uhs shah gahk lah/ “I close this door every day.” Osclaimid an doras seo gach lá. /AWS-klee- • Weddings • Anniversaries muhj uhn DOR-uhs shaw gahk lah/ “We close this door every day.” Osclaionn siad an doras seo gach lá. • Banquets • Portraits /AWS-leen SHEE-uht uhn DOR-uhs shaw gahk lah/ “They close this door every day.” • Reunions

Now see if you can “telescope” these two-syllable • Groups • Families verbs into “roots”: 1.) tomhais “measure” 2.) tóraigh “look for” 3.) socraigh “arrange” 4.) seachain “avoid” • Special Occasions 5.) coisin “defend” 6.) cuidigh “to help” 7.) foghlaim “learn” 8.) fuagair “announce” 9.) eitigh “refuse” 10.) iompair “carry”. (617) 291-6609 Answers: 1.) tomhs- 2.) tór- 3.) socr- 4.) seachn- 5.) coisn- 6.) cuid- 7.) foghlm- 8.) fuagr- 9.) eit- 10.) iompr-. The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Page 22 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com From the Famine era to the present day (Continued from page 1) School Street in Boston. movement, served as society president in l851 and l854 By the 1960s and l970s, the second and third genera- while O’Brien led the organization in l860-61. Despite tion descendants of the 19th and early 20th century the hostile anti-Irish atmosphere and its small member- immigrants were moving into positions of power and ship, the society continued its work and gave $766 in influence in the city’s business, legal, and educational aid to approximately 660 people between l848 and1854 sectors. However, this upward mobility and assimila- The Civil War was a turning point in the society’s tion into American suburban life was not without its history because many of its members proved beyond cost in terms of a diminished sense of Irish identity and doubt that the Boston Irish could be patriotic Ameri- an informed awareness of the political and economic cans while simultaneously taking pride in their Irish conditions in their ancestral homeland. roots. At the war’s outbreak in 1861, CIS President In that vein, the society took on a rather “cut-glass O’Brien, who had come to Boston as a child in l832, Irish” character, focusing more on social events than called on his fellow Irish Bostonians to support the on its traditional humanitarian mission. Meanwhile, Union cause, as did Patrick Donahoe, so the 9th Mas- this distancing from Ireland was exacerbated as Irish sachusetts Regiment was predominantly Irish. Indeed, immigration to Massachusetts virtually ceased by the Donahoe provided a good deal of the funds for this new early 1970s. force. Society member and native of Queen’s County The society’s 250th anniversary celebration in l987 Colonel Thomas Cass led the Massachusetts 9th until was a gala affair that filled the ballroom of the Park he was wounded fatally at the Battle of Malvern Hill Plaza Hotel. The program centered on honoring indi- in July 1862. Lieutenant Colonel Patrick R. Guiney, viduals who had made major contributions to Irish The Eagle shown here adorns the opening page of a Tipperary native and also a CIS member, succeeded the 1810 Constitution of the Charitable Irish Society, culture in Ireland and the United States. Honorees Cass and led the regiment in a number of other battles. which is preserved in the society archives at the included Irish dramatist Brian Friel, Northern Irish Statues of Cass and Guiney today sit in the Boston Massachusetts Historical Society. The eagle, symbol poet Michael Longley, Professors John V. Kelleher of Public Garden and on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. of the United States of America, is shown with a Harvard University and Eoin McKiernan of the Irish The society’s prestige and reputation rose considerably lyre or harp on its shield representing Ireland. A American Cultural Institute. This decade also wit- as a result of the heroism of the officers and enlisted French bonnet also appears, a nod to the affinity of nessed the opening up of full membership to women men of the Massachusetts 9th. the Society to the ideals of the French Revolution. with the result that women now constitute almost Upward Mobility, 1870 to 1914 half of the board of directors. Catherine B. Shannon By l870, some upwardly mobile famine immigrants at the docks to assist Irish immigrants, especially became the first woman president in 1990 and has and many of their sons had joined the society. These women, in finding their relatives or suitable housing been followed in that position by A. Maureen Murphy, included Cork native Patrick A. Collins, who came to and employment. Paula Carroll, and Kelly A. Kassa. Boston in l844, joined the society in l870, and served Ireland’s National Struggle Renewing Our Tradition as its president in l876-77. Given the bitter memories held by famine immigrants The renewal of large-scale immigration of young Irish He had a distinguished political career as a Mas- and their children, it is not surprising that the society people to Boston in the mid-1980s caught the Boston sachusetts legislator, Congressman and, finally, as gave consistent support to Irish nationalist movements Irish establishment unawares. Many of these immi- mayor of Boston from l902 to 1905. Former President down to 1921. In 1880, when a potato crop failure in grants had no close relatives in the area to provide help Hugh O’Brien made history when he was elected as the west of Ireland raised the specter of another famine, or advice on housing and employment. As many were the first Catholic mayor of Boston in 1885 and served the society followed the precedent of l847 by cancel- “undocumented,” they were reluctant to reach out to four consecutive terms through l888. O’Brien oversaw ing its annual March dinner and donating $1,000 to the older established Irish community and remained many important initiatives that improved the qual- the Irish Land League, which was then led by Home isolated in poor sections of the city. After newspaper ity of life in the city, including sanitation and street Rule leader Charles Stewart Parnell. It gave vocal accounts detailed exploitation of these young Irish by widening projects, the building of the Boston Public support for Home Rule in l886, and when, after the employers and their difficulties in securing adequate Library at Copley Square, and the start of Frederick defeat of the first Home Rule Bill, Parnell’s enemies housing and health care, in l989 a small group of Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace, which has provided tried to implicate him in the infamous Phoenix Park Charitable Irish Society members, inspired by the beautiful natural vistas and oaseis for Bostonians murders of l882, the society contributed $209 to the society’s past record of assistance and their own family down to the present day. Parnell Defense Fund. Parnell was made an honor- experience of immigration, determined it was time to Another distinguished Bostonian who joined the soci- ary member of the society on St. Patrick’s Day, 1889. reaffirm the society’s original mission. A program of ety at this time was John Boyle O’Reilly, who took over In l887, the society refused to send a message of con- in-kind assistance and advice was developed in con- the editorship and ownership of the Pilot from Patrick gratulations to Queen Victoria on the occasion of her sultation with the Irish Pastoral Centre. A series of Donahoe soon after his arrival in Boston. O’Reilly Jubilee because it “…saw no action of Queen Victoria workshops were held where the young new Irish were was an eloquent champion of the Irish community, affecting the Irish people which can be commended, provided with information on how to access housing, constantly exposing instances of discrimination against and many that were education and health care, and most importantly how the Irish in employment, in the public schools, and in Inimical to them.” As a result of the suspension of to apply for the newly announced Donnelly visas. Over public life. A believer in the equality of all men, O’Reilly the implementation of the Home Rule Act during World 1,000 attended these workshops in l989 and this helped used his writing talents to expose racial and economic War I, the society petitioned President Woodrow Wilson to re-establish a bond between society members and injustice wherever he saw it, whether in the post-bellum in l9l8 to push the cause of Irish self-determination at new arrivals that had been waning. The society also South or in the urban factories of the Northeast. A the upcoming Paris Peace Conference. Many society began to make annual donations to the Irish Pastoral gifted orator, O’Reilly was the keynote speaker at the members were at Fenway Park when Irish Republican Center as well as to the Irish Immigration Center. In Charitable Irish Society’s 150th Anniversary Dinner leader Eamon de Valera, then on the run from British September 1992, the society held a large reception in 1887 and he composed a poem for the occasion. It authorities, spoke there in l920 during the Irish War honoring Congressmen Brian Donnelly and the $12,000 is to O’Reilly’s wife that the society owes the custom of of Independence. it raised was split between the Irish Pastoral Centre having bowls of shamrocks on the tables at the annual Given its early history and the inclusive nature of its and the Irish Immigration Center. Meanwhile, indi- St. Patrick’s Day Dinner. In l889, in his book on the membership, many Charitable Irish Society members vidual society members remained active in assisting Boston Irish, Bernard Cullen showed that among its took a keen interest in the developments associated recent immigrants to navigate the complicated citizen increased membership of Irish birth or ancestry, the with the outbreak of the Northern Irish troubles. In application process. On March l7, 1997, one hundred Charitable Irish Society included fifteen prominent the l970s the society funded summer visits to Cape of these young people were sworn in as United States lawyers, twenty-seven politicians and public servants, Cod by both Catholic and Protestant children from citizens in historic Faneuil Hall where 150 years earlier six physicians, and five journalists. the north. During the l980s and l990s the society the Jamestown project was launched by CIS member By the century’s end, other influential politicians provided a local platform at its annual dinners for Captain Robert Bennet Forbes and his colleagues on and businessmen had been enrolled in the society, northern politicians dedicated to resolving the North- the New England Relief Committee. including Patrick J. Kennedy and John F. “Honey” ern Irish conflict through dialogue and constitutional In 1997 the society instituted the Annual Silver Key Fitzgerald. In the next dozen years, Cardinal William means. Nobel Peace Laureate John Hume of the Social Award as a way to demonstrate and institutionalize its O’Connell was among those who joined. By 1912 the Democratic and Labor Party and Monica McWilliams, historic mission to help Irish immigrants. Honorees society had grown so dramatically that it capped its a founder and leader of the Northern Ireland Women’s are typically high profile members of the business and membership at 1,200. The 175th anniversary dinner Coalition, were among those northern politicians who professional community noted for their generosity to that year was addressed by President William Howard addressed the membership. Between l982 and l985 the Irish immigrants as well as the unsung individuals who Taft and attended by 1000 people. society also made financial contributions to support work quietly at the grass-roots level to provide needed From the l890s to the l930s, the society’s charitable three conferences held in Boston and Virginia where services to the immigrant community. The Silver Key giving consisted of annual donations to organizations representatives of the various northern and southern reception, which is usually held in the autumn, is the like the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Home for parties (with the exception of Sinn Fein) and Irish and society’s main annual fund-raiser and typically yields Destitute Catholic Children, whose boards and staff British government officials explored possible peaceful between $7,000 and $10,000. These funds are used included various society members. It did not ignore ways forward prior to the signing of the Anglo-Irish exclusively to provide timely assistance to individual the plight of newly arrived immigrants, however, and Agreement of November 1985. immigrants referred by the Irish and British consulates between 1890 and l930 the society paid for an agent The society also supported the l994 Reaching Com- as well as by the Irish Pastoral Centre and the Irish mon Ground Conference at Boston University where International Immigration Center. Thus the society PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 21 Catholic and Protestant women from Northern Ireland provides a virtual safety net for Irish immigrants as and the Republic of Ireland gathered to discuss their often their requests are of an emergency nature and political roles and aspirations in relation to the emerg- cannot be fulfilled by these other organizations. Us- ing Irish peace process. ing Silver Key funds we have provided assistance to Twentieth Century Highlights families made homeless by fires and personal financial Irish immigration decreased significantly in the crisis. We have paid airfares enabling immigrants to middle decades of the twentieth century, leading the return to Ireland when relatives there were serious ill society to focus more on social and cultural endeavors or had passed away. We have helped numerous Irish that spread awareness of Irish history and culture. immigrants through the naturalization and citizen- One of the most significant developments was the ship process by paying the fees associated with their contribution of $41,000 to endow a chair of Celtic Stud- applications. ies at Harvard University, and amount equivalent to As the society enters its 275th year, it remains firmly about $1.25 million today. Henry L. Shattuck, a soci- committed to its core missions: to help immigrants, to ety member with a distinguished Brahmin pedigree, nurture unity and harmony among all Irish people, anonymously provided these funds after meeting Irish and to advance their social, moral and civic interests President Douglas Hyde and discussing with him the on both sides of the Atlantic. . need to spread knowledge of Gaelic art, literature, and Catherine B. Shannon is a professor emerita of his- culture in the United States. Graduates of this pro- tory at Westfield State University. She was the first gram now teach in Irish studies programs throughout woman president of the Charitable Irish Society, serv- the United States. ing in 1990 and 1991. In more recent decades, the society made a major contribution to enable the Burns Library at Boston NEXT: Focusing on the speeches that four United College to purchase one of a few facsimile copies of States presidents gave at Charitable Irish Society the Book of Kells and also gave a significant contribu- events over the years. tion toward the cost of the Irish Famine Memorial on Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 23 Page 24 February 2012 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE COMMERCIALREAL ESTATE & INDUSTRIAL DONAHUEASSOCIATES.COM REAL508-588-1717 ESTATE DONAHUEASSOCIATES.COM508-588-1717 508-588-1717

OFFICE BUILDINGS * RETAIL BUILDINGS * INVESTMENTS CONTRACTOR’S YARDS * INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES OFFICE BUILDINGS * TRUCK TERMINALS * RETAIL BUILDINGS * RAIL SIDINGS * INVESTMENTS CONTRACTOR’S YARDS * INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES * TRUCK TERMINALS * RAIL SIDINGS

Randolph – Stoughton - 170,000 SF Industrial Readville – 11,000 SF Industrial - Randolph – Stoughton - 170,000 SF Industrial Readville1.4 acres – 11,000 - on-site SF Industrial fuel - 10,000 SF Industrial – FOR SALE - $2.75 PSF 1.4 acres - on-site fuel 10,000 SF Industrial – FOR SALE - $2.75 PSF Readville – 11,000 SF Industrial - Randolph – Stoughton - 170,000 SF Industrial 1.4 acres - on-site fuel 10,000 SF Industrial – FOR SALE - $2.75 PSF

Canton - 24,000 SF Industrial Canton – 29,000 SF Industrial , @ Canton – 20,000 SF - Rt 138- Canton – 29,000 SF Industrial , @ Canton – 20,000 SF - Rt 138- Canton - FOR 24,000 SALE SF Industrial Rt 95 - FOR SALE Industrial -Income – FOR SALE FOR SALE Rt 95 - FOR SALE Industrial -Income – FOR SALE Canton - 24,000 SF Industrial Canton – 29,000 SF Industrial , @ Canton – 20,000 SF - Rt 138- FOR SALE Rt 95 - FOR SALE Industrial -Income – FOR SALE

Stoughton – 21,000 SF – HI-BAY Canton – Neponset St. @ Rt 95 – units Stoughton – 21,000 SF – HI-BAY Brockton – Route 24 visibility – Cantonfrom – Neponset 4,500 SF St. to @16,000 Rt 95 SF – units with Cranes and Yard Area Brockton28,000 SF – industrialRoute 24 /showroomvisibility – from 4,500 SF to 16,000 SF with Cranes and Yard Area 28,000 SF industrial /showroom Canton – Neponset St. @ Rt 95 – units Stoughton – 21,000 SF – HI-BAY Brockton – Route 24 visibility – from 4,500 SF to 16,000 SF with Cranes and Yard Area 28,000 SF industrial /showroom

Avon Industrial Park - Stoughton – Rt 24 @ Rt 139 – units Holbrook – 114,000 SF Overhead Avon Industrial Park - Stoughtonfrom 10,000 – Rt 24SF @ to Rt35,000 139 –SF units Holbrook – 114,000 SF Overhead units from 3,600 SF to 55,000 SF from 10,000 SF to 35,000 SF Cranes, Heavy Power, FOR SALE @ units from 3,600 SF to 55,000 SF Cranes, Heavy$20. Power, PSF FOR SALE @ $20. PSF Avon Industrial Park - Stoughton – Rt 24 @ Rt 139 – units Holbrook – 114,000 SF Overhead units from 3,600 SF to 55,000 SF from 10,000 SF to 35,000 SF Cranes, Heavy Power, FOR SALE @ $20. PSF

Route 24 – 44,000 SF Office Building Fall River Industrial Park – Hi- Taunton- 13,000 SF Industrial - Route 24 – 44,000 SF Office Building Fall River Industrial Park – Hi- – FOR SALE - $2,800,000 Visibility at park entrance 9,000 SF - Taunton- FOR 13,000 SALE SF$375,000. Industrial - – FOR SALE - $2,800,000 VisibilityFOR at park SALE entrance $550,000 9,000 SF - FOR SALE $375,000. FOR SALE $550,000 Route 24 – 44,000 SF Office Building Fall River Industrial Park – Hi- Taunton- 13,000 SF Industrial - – FOR SALE - $2,800,000 Visibility at park entrance 9,000 SF - FOR SALE $375,000. FOR SALE $550,000