May 2014 ’s hometown VOL. 25 #4 journal of Irish culture. $1.50 Worldwide at All contents copyright © 2014 Boston Neighborhood News, Inc. bostonirish.com Cross–Border Communion Cultural Center sets up new deal for Irish Festival Music, dance, and fun on tap over 3 weekends

By BIR Staff The Irish Cultural Centre of New England (ICCNE) in Canton is making a big change in the presentation of its annual Irish Festival this year. Since 1990, the non-profit organization has staged a three-day festival of Irish music, dance, and merriment over one weekend, usually early in the month of June. The event, once billed as the larg- est Irish outdoor celebration in the Northeast, was held in its early years on the cam- pus of off Route 138 in North Easton, and later was moved to the ICCNE’s Canton campus where it has taken place Boston’s Cardinal Seán O’Malley and seven other Roman Catholic bishops celebrated Mass and dis- for the last de- tributed Communion through the fence along the US-Mexico border in Nogales, Arizona, on April 1 to cade. Friday night will feature a “fare- commemorate the deaths of migrants in the desert and to pray for Congressional action on immigration This year, the well tour” performance by Black 47 and the Screaming Orphans. reform. Commentary by Peter F. Stevens and Bill O’Donnell, Pages 5 and 7. activities will Photo by George Martell/The Pilot Media Group take place on three successive weekends, beginning on Sat., May 31, with each weekend featuring a different theme. The event is branded “Boston Irish Festivals 2014 – Three ‘Overwhelming support’ gives lift weekends of Irish music, dance, sports, food, shopping, entertainment, kids activities and more.” The schedule includes: to inaugural Team MR8 in Marathon Saturday, May 31– Sports and children’s day, featur- ing a 5k road race (9 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. start), despite a grueling morn- By Bill Forry (Continued on page 14) Editor ing: He had been hurting For some — like Har- since Mile 4 and was a ry Benzan— the final half-hour off his planned stretch of the marathon time. He was pretty sure ‘Sister City’ pact on Boylston Street on he would finish, but he’d April 21 remains a blur. long-ago abandoned his original plan to hit the for Boston, Belfast Literally. He couldn’t The growing ties between the cities of Boston and see because of the tears deck on Boylston Street and do 27 push-ups at the Belfast in Northern will be affirmed later this streaming from both eyes month when the mayors of the two municipalities are as he neared the spot finish line. Still, as Benzan neared expected to sign a “Sister City” agreement. where his friends and Belfast’s Sinn Fein mayor, Mairtin O Muilleoir, neighbors were so cal- the end, the emotions and adrenalin took charge: He reached an agreement with Mayor Martin Walsh dur- lously and publicly at- ing a visit to Boston in March, according to a report tacked last year. dropped to his hands and knocked out the push- in the Belfast Telegraph. Benzan, one of the “The sister city agreement will explore academic, 100-plus runners on ups, accompanied by a few choice words for the business, and cultural links between the two cities,” the Team MR8— the mara- Telegraph reported. “Boston is the university capital thon team assembled in cowards who’d attacked Team MR8 marathoner Katy Kelly celebrated at his friends near this spot of the world, the Silicon Valley of life sciences, and the memory of eight-year-old hub of Irish America,” O Muilleoir told the newspaper. Martin Richard—coached the finish line with her husband Eddie Kelly.“Love last year. completely demolishes what the cowards attempted “It was one of the great- A source in Walsh’s office, who confirmed plans for young Martin on the soc- the agreement to the BIR, said the papers are expected cer fields of John to try and do to us. That picture symbolizes that est honors in my life,” love perfectly.” Photo courtesy Katy Kelly to be signed before O Muilleoir’s term as Belfast mayor Paul II Park. He endured (Continued on page 9) expires in early June.

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Part . ners In Bill Pay Com munity Banking Member FDIC Member DIF Page 2 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Immigration Q & A Irish International Immigrant Center Renewing a green card An agency accredited by US Department of Justice 100 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110 Why not naturalize, too? Telephone (617) 542-7654 Fax (617) 542-7655 Q. I’ve been a US legal permanent resident for almost Website:iiicenter.org Email: [email protected] ten years, and my green card is expiring soon. What is the current procedure for renewing it? Galway J-1 IWT A. Immigrants filing applications to renew perma- student is now Irish nent resident cards with a ten-year term of validity, American Partner- commonly known as “green cards,” need to file Form ship intern I-90 (which can be downloaded at uscis.gov) with US By Noor Hassan Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The For Conor Kelly, it form can be mailed or sent by courier to the addresses was love of big cities that shown in the instructions. For most applicants, the brought him to Boston. submission also can be made on-line; go to uscis.gov and After graduating from the follow the instructions for electronic filing of Form I-90. Galway-Mayo Institute of Applicants receive by mail a notice for a biometrics Technology with a degree (fingerprint and digital photograph) processing appoint- in Business and Informa- ment at a local USCIS Application Support Center. tion Technology, Conor Important: Applicants are being instructed to take applied for the 12-month to their biometrics appointments the records of any J-1 Irish Work and Travel arrests, convictions, or any other involvement in crimi- visa through the Irish nal matters since last being granted legal permanent International Immigrant resident status. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Center. He had already Mayor Walsh with IIIC staff and three guest speakers. (ICE) officers have been attending these appointments spent three summers in and reviewing the documentation supplied by appli- Boston on the J-1 Summer computer design skills,” to help: support, and all our other cants. Some applicants have been detained because Program, and had friends said president Joe Leary. Landlords – Let us sponsors. Thanks also to of the criminal records they submitted or because an and family already here Conor is loving his in- know if you have apart- our three brilliant guest ICE background investigation detected criminal convic- so it was the natural city ternship; he talked about ments or rooms available speakers, Paul Jennings, tions or outstanding arrest warrants. Accordingly, it of choice. one of his most recent proj- to rent from late May until Berlange Gauthier, and is imperative that you obtain legal advice before your Conor was thrilled to ects where he designed a end of August. Employ- Grace Kelly, for sharing biometrics appointment if you have any issues involv- return on the J-1 IWT marketing letter for an up- ers – Contact us with their stories of coming to ing past or pending criminal proceedings anywhere to experience our unique coming golf tournament, summer job openings. America. in the world. city: “Galway is consid- “I am really excited that Volunteers – Lend a IIIC’s Solas Awards IIIC can help you with the Form I-90 renewal filing ered a small city, so I something I designed will hand in IIIC’s cyber cafe Celebration October process, as well as the application for getting a new wanted to experience a reach such a large audi- this summer. Help the 30 – Save the Date green card when the original has been lost or stolen, or bigger city like Boston ence. It makes me proud.” J-1 summer students get On October 30, the Irish when the card contains incorrect information. and to take advantage of Throughout college, Conor settled into life in Boston. International Immigrant Note: Holders of two-year conditional permanent all the opportunities it held part time positions, Meet and assist young Center (IIIC) will hold resident cards based on marriage to a US citizen don’t and now he is eager to people from Ireland, enjoy its annual Solas Awards file Form I-90 to remove the condition; they use Form apply what he learned to Irish tea and catch up Celebration at the Boston I-751 instead. By the way, anyone who has been a legal his internship. He takes on all the happenings in Park Plaza Hotel. 2014 permanent resident long enough to be eligible for US advantage of any chance Ireland! marks the center’s 25th citizenship really ought to consider applying to become to attend local sporting We would love to hear year of assisting immi- a US citizen as soon as possible. IIIC can help you with events. He thoroughly from you. Please contact grants from Ireland and the all aspects of the naturalization application process. enjoyed the Blair Kahn at 617-542- from 120 nations as they For a free, confidential consultation on this or any game at Boston Univer- 7654, Ext. 18 or by e-mail integrate into American other aspect of immigration law, visit one of our legal sity organized by the IIIC at J1summer@iiicenter. society, and working with clinics. and most recently his trip org. partners to promote recon- Disclaimer: These articles are published to inform to TD Bank Garden to IIIC’s Business Lead- ciliation in Ireland. generally, not to advise in individual cases. Immigration Conor Kelly at the offices watch the ers Breakfast cele- Among our honorees, we of the Irish American play. “The Celtics lost but brates immigrants past are pleased to recognize law is always subject to change. The US Citizenship Partnership. and Immigration Services and US Department of State the atmosphere was still and present – The IIIC is Sister Lena Deevy, LSA, frequently amend regulations and alter processing and has to offer.” He landed in amazing. I loved it!” grateful to the 300 people for her dedicated work filing procedures. For legal advice seek the assistance Boston last Dec. 30th and Conor believes that the who chose to spend the supporting the immigrant of IIIC immigration legal staff. came to the IIIC just days international experience morning of April 24 with community and her 24 after his arrival. With the he is gaining will appeal the IIIC at our 5th an- years of leadership as the help of the Learning Ex- to employers back in Ire- nual Business Leaders IIIC’s former executive land, and he is excited to Breakfast where our key- director. Named from the IRISH INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRANT CENTER change Programs staff at the IIIC, Conor was given see what the future holds. note speaker was Mayor Gaelic word for “light,” IMMIGRATION LEGAL ASSISTANCE support and resources, J-1 summer students Marty Walsh. It was great IIIC’s Solas Awards are arriving soon – The Irish to hear from the mayor presented to people whose The Irish International Immigrant Center provides free legal and assisted in securing a International Immigrant about how immigrants - support and representation to the Irish immigrant community. Weekly quality internship at the work is inspirational and legal clinics where you can receive a free and confidential consultation with Irish American Partner- Center is gearing up for past and present - built who have been committed staff and volunteer attorneys are held throughout the Greater Boston area. ship, only steps away from the arrival of this year’s Boston and how a global to giving back to their For information, call us at (617) 542-7654. the IIIC office. “Conor is a J-1 summer students from perspective will be key to communities. welcome addition to the Ireland. In preparation, the future of our economy. Please mark your cal- Upcoming Clinic Schedule we are reaching out to the We would like to thank endars today for IIIC’s Irish American Partner- Tuesday, May 6th ship and will be a great local Irish community to our lead sponsor Arbella Solas Awards Celebration IIIC, 100 Franklin St. Lower Level, Downtown Boston give you the opportunity Insurance for its generous on Oct. 30. Entrance is at 201 Devonshire Street help particularly given his

Monday, May 12th Green Briar Pub, 304 Washington Street, Brighton

Tuesday, May 20th IIIC, 100 Franklin St. Lower Level, Downtown Boston Matters Of Substance Entrance is at 201 Devonshire Street

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It is important to when he finds it while still carrolladvertising.com is possible for everyone. I am devastated when he create a safe boundary sleeping at night, focusing Let us help! Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 3 Eire Society cites O’Donovan for its 2014 Gold Medal honor BIR Staff in London. He moved to he United States, and zens Bank now entering Brian O’Donovan, the Boston in 1980, met and in 1997, he became the its third year, Learning host of WGBH Radio’s married his wife Lindsay first GM/COO of the New Tours to Ireland, a “St. weekly program Celtic before they settled in West England Revolution soc- Patrick Day Celtic So- Sojourn, will receive Bos- Newton where they raised cer team. journ,” the annual Car- ton’s Eire Society 2014 their four children. O’Donovan has said toon Festival at Symphony Gold Medal honor at its O’Donovan attended that during these years Hall, and many other annual dinner next month graduate school at Em- his passion for public diverse events held at in Quincy. erson College, and got broadcasting was fed by WGBH’s new facilities in News of the honor was his first job with the New his continuing involve- Brighton. announced as the Irish England Patriots in 1984. ment with WGBH, where Each year The Eire group makes plans for its He began working as an he started broadcasting Society of Boston honors 77th annual awards ban- executive with Patriots his weekly program “A a person or persons who Brian O’Donovan quet on Thurs., June 12, owner Bob Kraft in 1989, Celtic Sojourn” in 1986. exemplify the best of Irish at the Neighborhood Club, eventually serving as a Since 2005, he has helped culture and ideals. Previ- Ireland William V. Shan- gala are $100 per per- with a reception at 6 p.m. team vice president of WGBH develop its brand ous recipients include the non and Jean Kennedy son, and reservations followed by dinner at 7. the Patriots from which as a regional arts present- filmmakers John Ford and Smith, former Speaker of can be made by e-mail Born and raised in position he helped lure er, creating such events John Huston, the Irish ac- the US House of Repre- to Barbara.s.fitzgerald@ Clonakilty, , the World Cup competi- as “A Christmas Celtic tresses Siobhan McKenna sentatives John W. Mc- gmail.com, or by postal the honoree graduated tion here in 1994. He Sojourn,” Boston Summer and Maureen O’Hara, the Cormack, and President mail to Beverly Armour, from University College later helped to establish Arts Festival with the Irish poet Seamus He- John F. Kennedy. 20 Shattuck Park Rd., Cork and spent two years in Boston Globe and Citi- aney, US Ambassadors to Seats for the June 12 Norwood MA, 02062. O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award Dublin-based clothier Primark to Senate President Murray to set up shop at Filene’s site Therese Murray, the world of, not just Ameri- Dublin-based clothing president of the Massa- can politics, but politics retailer Primark will open chusetts State Senate, has in general. She has been a new United States flag- been named the recipient a champion of welfare ship store in downtown of the third annual Tip causes, mental health, Boston next year at the O’Neill Irish Diaspora children’s welfare and corner of Washington and Award, which was estab- health, and the elderly. Summer streets in the lished to recognize the She has been the driving building made famous achievements of members force behind many very over the last century as Arnold Worldwide and of the Diaspora in other worthy state reforms in headquarters of legendary its associate firm Havas countries and to celebrate and has al- Filene’s department store Media will also have the global impact of Irish ways maintained her close company. their workspace in the people everywhere. links with the country of Plans call for the new Burnham, taking up some Sen. Murray, who will her heritage. tenant to take up four 125,000 square feet. receive the award during Murray’s father’s fam- floors of the Burnham Rising next to the Burn- the second weekend of ily hails from County Building with Primark ham Building is Millen- September in , Cork, and her mother’s having signed a lease on nium Tower, a 625-foot Donegal, has proven her- from Limerick and Dub- some 112,000 square feet edifice that will include self to be a worthy re- lin. She will be attending of space for the retail oper- several hundred luxury cipient, noted the award the annual prize giving ation and office space. The housing units residenc- committee, by carving out ceremony and the associ- company expects to have es above about 100,000 a very successful career in ated calendar of events jobs for 500-600 workers Buncrana in recognition roots and his impact on square feet of retail space. the predominantly male thaty are held each year in of Tip O’Neill’s Donegal world affairs. and management.

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All of this makes the Unionists late night comedian David Letterman would soon re- April was quite a month in Northern Ireland. Despite appear to be playing some sort of game rather than tire, it didn’t take long before the network named his the best efforts of Irish President Michael D. Higgins focusing on better government policies. successor: Stephen Tyrone Colbert, the quick-witted and Queen Elizabeth II to increase understanding be- Late March and April witnessed more violent attacks host of the satirical program “The Colbert Report” that tween Ireland and the UK, serious problems occurred on police and members of the Belfast community by appears four nights a week on Comedy Central, was in the North, including rioting, racist attacks, and petty Unionist/loyalist paramilitaries. Police said both the Ul- quickly named to the role. sectarian speeches. ster Defense Association (UDA) and the Volunteer Colbert, the South Carolinian co- It is hard to be sympathetic toward Force (UVF) were involved. In the town of Larne on the median whose ancestors emigrated some of the political/terrorist groups night of March 30, a hundred or so men, a number of from Ireland before and during the and individuals that still break them hooded and masked, attacked and destroyed the , is also a Sunday school the law and make inflammatory houses of new immigrants to Northern Ireland. Police teacher at his hometown Catholic remarks. It is not that Unionism is said the many of them were carrying sledgehammers parish in New Jersey, where he lives dying; it is more that their leaders and wielding bats. Several cars were burned. with his wife and three children. are being marginalized. Like the Police arrested some of the hoodlums, and the next A Jesuit priest, Father Jim Martin, more moderate Republicans here week another riot was held in nearby Carrickfergus to often joins Colbert on his program, in the United States who have to protest the arrests. This caused police to publicly warn and has developed a unique role as beware of Tea Party extremists, the residents to stay away from Carrickfergus. This is a a sort of “chaplain” to the Comedy Central audience. Unionist leaders have to curry favor strange way to encourage business investment. Joe Leary Thanks in large part to Colbert’s support, Father with the extremists in their party. Attacking immigrants is not new. Unionist/Loyalists Martin has seen his ministry grow across television Meanwhile on the Nationalist paramilitaries have decided Catholics are bad enough; and the burgeoning “social media” platforms of Twit- side, Martin McGuinness and other Sinn Fein politicians, they don’t want foreigners, too. Polish families, Chinese ter and Facebook. including Sinn Fein Lord Mayor of Belfast Mairtin O families, and anyone different-looking have been beaten In some ways, the Jesuit is the reincarnation of the Muilleoir, are basking in praiseful daily headlines for and had their houses damaged. Police have said the at- great TV priest, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, whose weekly their generous participation in the queen’s dinner for tacks in Larne were carried out by the UDA. Not to be telecasts in the 1950s were a staple for many American the Irish President at Windsor Castle in London. It outdone, the UVF was actively attacking immigrants households. It is easy to remember Bishop Sheen us- was a thinking reaction to an opportunity to further and their homes Unionist strongholds East and South ing chalk and a blackboard as he gave his half hour the cause of peace. Belfast, police said. The newspapers call attacks on for- talks, always writing the initials “JMJ” across the top. In a reaction to Sinn Fein attendance, an English eign immigrants racist while attacks between Catholics For his part, Jim Martin has become a prolific writer Conservative radical, Lord Norman Tebbit, former and Protestants are called sectarian. and spiritual adviser, always available for informed member of the British Parliament, called for Minister According to the Belfast Telegraph, the Police Service of Christian commentary. During Lent, he appeared McGuiness to be “shot in the back by the IRA” for at- Northern Ireland (PSNI) has released figures indicating with the commentators on MSNBC’s Morning Joe tending the dinner. It was a comment typical of the that two racist attacks occur every day in Belfast. Most program, and later he was especially incisive in his intensity that still exists. After some pointed media are against Polish and Chinese immigrants. commentaries on the canonization of the two , reaction, Tebbit apologized. These are not North/South issues or Catholic /Prot- St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II. It is a fact that extremist views amongst the Unionist estant issues; they are a sickness within the Loyalist At the end of April, Father Martin groups are still held firmly in Northern Ireland. Those paramilitary community that leadership in the city told his 70,000 Facebook follow- who see things that way seem possessed by animosity has been unable to overcome. Educators in Northern ers that he was joining a weekend towards anything Catholic or anything other than them- Ireland will tell you that one of their biggest problems retreat in Gloucester, and those of selves. Jim Allister, a Unionist member of the of the in the classroom is the prevalence of illiteracy amongst us who are his Facebook friends Northern Ireland Assembly known for his extremism, male Protestant youths. How do you communicate the received daily messages from him. has called for a ban on GAA shirts on University cam- values of right and wrong if a portion of the community Here’s a sample: puses. He claimed the shirt was “creating a substantial can neither read nor write? Morning meditation: This week- chill factor” for Protestant students at the University of All the while, the ground is shifting in Northern end, while I was helping to direct Ulster. He was roundly criticized and ridiculed by many Ireland, especially in education. The Belfast Telegraph a retreat at Eastern Point Retreat but he clearly thinks at least some of his constituency published its rankings of Northern Ireland’s grammar House in Gloucester, Mass. heard the approved of his call for the ban. schools on March 31, 2014. They announced their study Peter Robinson, the Unionist First Minister of the with the headline, “Every one of Northern Ireland’s top Fr. Jim Martin most beautiful reflections on Jesus’s friendship with women, from my Northern Ireland Assembly, in a grand gesture and five schools is a Catholic grammar.” Month by month, the co-directors. The first was on the Woman at the Well, with an apparent change of heart, now says he will Catholic community seems to be achieving more. Maybe from Kay Hanningan, PBVM; and the second on Mary be happy to meet if he visits Northern Unionist leaders would better serve their community Magdalene from Joanne Fantini, CSJA. Ireland. He previously had said he would not meet the by strengthening the education of their young people. Joanne, quoting the New Testament scholar Sandra Catholic pontiff. The reversal may have come after all Schneiders, IHM, said something wonderful about Mary Magdalene: In the Gospel of John, Mary Mag- Off the Bench dalene was the first person to whom Jesus appeared after the Resurrection. Jesus charges her to tell the Good News to the other disciples. This is the origin of my favorite title for Mary: ‘Apostle to the Apostle.’ Reflections on reaching 75 But as Schneiders writes, for the time between Mary’s nications age, we are wed to our devices. Knowing more, encounter with the Risen Lord and when she told the By James W. Dolan we understand less. Constantly stimulated by trivia, we other disciples, she was the only person who knew about Special to the Reporter have less time for reflection and prayer. the Resurrection. Having now for 75 years followed life’s path, I find I have long been of the opinion that what we view as For an hour or two, then, Mary Magdalene *was* the climbing more difficult, the upgrade steeper, and progress carries an entirely new set of often unantici- the church. the trail narrower as I move on. There are moments, pated problems, some of which are more difficult to solve It made me wonder: What would it mean for us to however, where one can rest, look back, and reflect on than the underlying condition. Each so-called remedy embody the church, for us to proclaim the message of the journey. or reform brings a whole new set of challenges. the Resurrection with our whole selves? What would I have lived during the terms of 13 presidents and The unintended consequences of industrialization are it mean to *be* the Resurrection for others? through 6 wars, one of which, contributing to climate change. Technology is eliminat- Evening meditation: 30-second retreat. – Think of the the Second World War, was ing jobs and will continue to do so. Improved health ocean as an image for the all-powerful God. Imagine necessary. In light of what care means people are living longer. With more money that as the waves recede, they carry out your worries has happened in North needed to care for the old and infirm, fewer resources with them, which are given over completely to God. – Korea, that “conflict” was are available to address the needs of the young and Eastern Point Retreat House, Gloucester, Mass. probably justified. Vietnam productive. The challenges of the 21st century will be Jim Martin’s regular postings on Facebook can be like was not. The Gulf War, Af- every bit as difficult, and the consequences of failure mini-retreat moments. For me, his meditations from ghanistan and Iraq remain more devastating than those of the past. his Gloucester retreat are wonderful reminders of that questionable and long term Great wealth underscores our most enduring inequal- time long ago, in 1961, when I joined 40 classmates they may be viewed as not ity – the disparity between the “haves” and “have-nots.” from BC High on retreat at that marvelous spiritual worth the effort. In what may be the most insidious threat to the future enclave on the rocky shores of Eastern Point. The Vietnam War, the of our democracy, the power elite, in aiming to protect Marvelous times, and wondrous spiritual memories. James W. Dolan sexual revolution, the drug culture, and the erosion of their status, may be able to corrupt the process of gov- religious faith had profound effects on society in the ernance. We are at a tipping point and so far we seem last half of the last century. Legal or illegal and right incapable of resolving this dilemma. Boston Irish or wrong provided less restraint than good or evil – the History teaches us that great nations come and go. moral absolutes of an earlier time. External threats foster internal decay. Decline is inevi- The churches of my youth were filled with people table. Power and wealth carry the seeds of their own REPORTER seeking meaning, purpose, and direction. Secularism, destruction. Great societies tend to falter from dysfunc- The Boston Irish Reporter is published monthly by: materialism, self-indulgence, and my church’s failure to tion, corruption, inflated notions of their own invulner- Boston Neighborhood News, Inc., renew itself and confront its own failings undermined ability, and naïve beliefs in their own “exceptionalism.” 150 Mt. Vernon St., Suite 120, Dorchester, MA 02125 its influence. With a new emphasis on love, compassion, Throughout history, empires have been born, one by [email protected] www.bostonirish.com tolerance, and understanding, that may change. one, have enjoyed a period of influence and prosperity Mary C. Forry, President (1983-2004) Age provides a frame of reference. It makes one a but eventually have taken their place in that long line Edward W. Forry, Publisher witness to extraordinary changes – some good, others of has-been nations, dreaming of a glory that has slowly Thomas F. Mulvoy Jr., Managing Editor bad – that have occurred over a lifetime. The one con- receded into the gathering mist shrouding empires of William P. Forry, Editor stant is human nature. We are flawed creatures. Some the past. Peter F. Stevens, Contributing Editor of us struggle to identify and overcome weaknesses Remember the final lines of “Ozymandias” as Percy News Room: (617) 436-1222 while others are oblivious. Are we more honest, more Bysshe Shelley describes an immense monument half Ads : (617) 436-1222 buried in the desert. On the pedestal, these words: Fax: (617) 825-5516 [email protected] truthful, or less violent? Is our democracy better able to identify and serve the common good? Are we becom- “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings; On The Web at www.bostonirish.com ing “exceptional” due to our weaknesses rather than Look on my works, ye mighty and despair! Date of Next Issue: June, 2014 to our strengths? Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Deadline for Next Issue: Tuesday May 23 at 2 p.m. That we have made important progress in many Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.” Published monthly in the first week of each month. areas is undeniable – race relations, gay rights, health The Boston Irish Reporter is not liable for errors appearing in advertisements beyond care, and technology, for example. At times it appears the cost of the space occupied by the error. The right is reserved by The Boston Irish that technology is consuming us. While recognizing its James W. Dolan is a retired Dorchester District Court Reporter to edit, reject, or cut any copy without notice. importance and inevitability, I worry that in a commu- judge who now practices law. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 5 Point of View Matters of conscience: the abortion-immigration tie-in

By Peter F. Stevens Anyone who caught New York Cardinal Timothy BIR Staff Dolan’s gushing words about Jeb Bush in his interview As the 2014 mid-term elections unfurl and as the with Nora O’Donnell saw and heard what might prove 2016 presidential campaigns loom ever closer, Car- the blueprint for conservative Catholics on the dual dinal Sean O’Malley and his fellow Roman Catholic pro-life issues track. In what can only be considered cardinals and bishops face a dilemma on the issue of a fawning endorsement of Bush without his actually immigration. O’Malley, while recently celebrating a uttering the word “endorsement,” Dolan seemed to Mass on the United States-Mexico border, asserted be giving a wink and a nod to American Catholics that immigration reform is “another pro-life issue.” to vote for Bush because he is pro-life on abortion In those words lurks a challenge to the long marriage and pro-immigration reform. What Dolan and his between America’s Catholic brass and the Republican fellow princes of the American Church won’t say is Party. So, too, do his words pose perhaps unwelcome that it’s unlikely that a Bush presidency will have soul-searching among conservative Irish American the stomach for a real battle on immigration reform Catholics – how to balance fervent anti-abortion beliefs with Republican senators and House members united with O’Malley’s belief that pro-life convictions include in their love for the unborn and their contempt for illegal, undocumented immigrants. Few in the Irish immigrants whose desperation to feed their families American community – be they conservative, liberal, is, as Jeb Bush correctly notes, often “an act of love.” or somewhere in the murky middle of politics – are Turning from conscience to commerce, the recent unaware that many Irish men, women, and children announcement that Irish clothing chain Primark has share that illegal status with Mexicans and others. signed on to open its first US store, in the historic So what are pro-life Catholic voters who invariably Burnham (the erstwhile Filene’s) Building is perhaps vote for Republican candidates on one issue – abor- fitting. It was an Irish immigrant who opened the first tion – supposed to do when it is the other party, the store in Boston’s annals –382 years ago, in 1632. The Democrats, that has a far better track record on entrepreneur’s name was John Cogan, described by immigration – notwithstanding the accurate right- historian John B. Cullen as “among those who came wing mantra that the Obama Justice Department over [in 1630] in the so-called Winthrop fleet, composed has deported illegal immigrants in record numbers? of “people from all parts,” including “several merchants In an interview with the Boston Globe’s John Allen, from the maritime ports of Ireland, of whom John Cardinal O’Malley upped the moral ante with his ad- Cogan was one.” Cogan originally settled in Dorches- monition that pro-life Catholics can no longer “turn a ter – making him one of the original OFDs – but, as blind eye” to the human suffering and the tragedies Cullen writes, that with “the keen and far-seeing eye that are taking place regarding the treacherous border of the man of business, he quickly discovered that crossing and the mass deportation of undocumented Boston was destined to be the location for men of his migrants. In short, Cardinal Sean contends that all stamp, and he moved there in 1632. Catholics must support immigration reform. The Irish merchant quickly earned a place of influ- Further complicating the issue for conservative Irish ence and esteem as one of Boston’s first commercial Catholics who have no love for any new immigrants and political movers and shakers, and on a plot of unless they hail from the old sod, likely Republican land on the northeast corner of the future State and presidential contender Jeb Bush has set off a fire- Washington Streets, he opened a store that stocked storm in the party with his deeply held conviction dry goods, hardware, and numerous other items for that compassionate immigration reform is an issue the fledgling settlement’s first business establishment. that can no longer be condemned by Republicans It was from Reverend Wilson, the pastor of Boston’s and accorded sympathetic lip-service by all too many first church, that Cogan purchased the lot for his Democrats. With a Mexican-born wife and as a con- store. Cullen points out, “To him [Cogan] belongs vert to Catholicism, Bush would probably attempt to Cardinal Seán O’Malley of Boston and 7 other bish- the honor of being the father of Boston merchants.” practice what he preaches on the issue; however, if he ops celebrated Mass on April 1 on the US-Mexico Cogan owned a large amount of property, and one can were to beat Hillary – yes, she is running – in 2016, border in Nogales, Arizona to commemorate the only speculate how much his tract at the intersection a monolithic, even Neanderthal, impediment to his deaths of migrants in the desert and to pray for of modern Beacon and Tremont streets – 322 feet on desire for immigration reform would be a large wing immigration reform. Beacon and 70 on Tremont – would be worth today. of his own party. Photo by George Martell/The Pilot Media Group

The Eire Society of Boston cordially invites you to attend the 77th Annual Gold Medal Dinner Honoring Brian O’Donovan June 12, 2014 The Neighborhood Club of Quincy 27 Glendale Road, Quincy, Massachusetts

Cocktail Reception 6:00-7:00 e-mail: [email protected] Dinner 7:00 $100 per person Postal mail: Beverly Amour Reservations 20 Shattuck Park Road Business Attire, Free Parking Norwood, MA 02062 Page 6 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com BRETT’S BOSTON By Margaret Brett Hastings Exclusive photos of Boston Irish people & events A large gathering of supporters turned out at Dorchester’s IBEW Hall April 19 for a fundraiser to benefit Katie O’Halloran, a special needs law school student from who was born with Femur Fibulka Ulna Syndrome (abnormalities of the thigh, forearm, and calf bones) and lives with no arms and a short, deformed left leg. The event was organized by a 14-member committee headed by Gabriel Mannion, owner of Twelve Bens Pub in Dorchester, with Mayor Martin J. Walsh as honorary chairman. The event raised funds to cover the costs 1. of Bebionis 3 prosthetic arms for Ms. O’Halloran. 1.) Johnny Joyce, Dor; Pat Corbett, Brighton; Joe Puliofico, Milton; Ann And Tom Gannon, Dedham; 2.) Paddy Mc Grath, Quincy; Kathleen and J.J. Nee, Cashel, Galway; John Joe Greally, Stoughton; 3.) Mayor Martin Walsh, Katie O’Halloran; 4.) Maurice And Eileen O’Connor, Needham; Tommy and Una Halloran Quincy; Noreen McGrath, Quincy; 5.) Car- mel Tuohy, Pat Nee, Eileen Fox Quincy; 6.) Rosario Sullivan, Dor; Fionna Joyce, Stoughton; Cathy Sul- livan Joyce, Stoughton; 7.) Joe Puliafico, Milton; Michael Cloherty, Carna, Galway; 8.) Tom and Anne Conneely, Newton; 9.) Val Feeney, Norwood; Joanne Folan, Dor.; 10.) Tracy and J.P. Keane, Braintree; 11.) Laura Davis, Jamaica Plain; John Ahearn, Jamaica Plain; 12.) Joe Lydon, Dor; Coley Lydon, Walpole; 13.) Maureen Curran, Quincy; Michael Mulkerrin, Quincy; 14.) Cathy Gray, Jacqui Gray, Eileen Murphy, Dor; Heather Corcoran, Arlington.

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13. 14. Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 7 Boston Irish Reporter’s Here & There

By Bill O’Donnell the record regarding his actions as Burns Librarian. NOTABLE QUOTE Grand Time On Seamus Heaney Birthday – On O’Neill stated in open federal court that he had never “Deep wounds, which this has turned out to be, be- Sunday afternoon, April 13, at the auditorium on the read the agreement supporting the Belfast Project at BC, cause it was about collusion which affected the whole Bridgewater State University campus an audience for which he was nominally in charge. Coupled with that of Northern Ireland. A deep wound cannot be stitched of friends and fans came together to mark the 75th is the fact that O’Neill now admits (in a major Chronicle over and just left because it won’t heal. It will fester birthday of the poet Seamus Heaney, who died last of Higher Education article) that it was a “mistake” not and eventually burst. And that is what’s happening August. It was an old-fashioned, memory-laden birth- to specify that confidentiality only extended “to the extent in Northern Ireland at the minute.” day bash with stories, anecdotes, and travels with American law allows.” O’Neill also says he did not run – Geraldine Finucane, widow of Belfast lawyer Seamus tales, interrupted by applause and laughter. the wording past a lawyer. Patrick, who was assassinated at his home while A lovely day for a lovely man. An interesting sidebar item to the immediate issues having breakfast with his wife and children in 1989. The speakers and many in in any upcoming lawsuit is that O’Neill and Thomas She has been asking Britain for an open, public hear- the auditorium had known Hachey, executive director of BC’s Irish program, each ing for years without success. Seamus for decades and knew received, according to the Belfast Telegraph, a 25 percent Bertie Still Here, Playing Small Ball – Bertie of his ties to the Massachusetts cut of the royalties from Moloney’s best-selling “Voices Ahern, former Taoiseach and Fianna Fail Leader state university system and to from the Grave.” In the preface to the book, O’Neill and retired statesman, had a few unkind words to an array of faculty members and Hachey described it as “the inaugural volume of say about Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and who kept their close ties to the a planned series of publications drawn from BC’s Oral even avid Bertie watchers are unsure what raised the poet, both before and after his History Archive on the Troubles.” Ahern bile. All Bertie said was he “didn’t think much Nobel Prize award in 1995. (Disclosure: Bob O’Neill and I served for many years of Martin” and he “wouldn’t be saying anything nice The principal organizer together as directors of the Eire Society of Boston. We about him.” Hardly the words of an ogre, as Charlie of the birthday tribute was were also both presidents of the society and I wrote Bob’s Haughey painted Bertie, and usually not enough to Bridgewater State University citation when he was awarded the Society’s Gold Medal. raise a ripple even among the thin-skinned denizens Professor Emeritus Maureen Also, Bob and I had discussions and correspondence of the Dail. Connelly, who worked closely when I was inquiring about Boston College acquiring the But we have unearthed the reason for Bertie’s pique. on the program with Bridgewa- papers and artifacts of Dublin author Christy Brown, It seems some eight months ago Deputy Martin, speak- Bill O’Donnell ter’s Librarian and rare books of “My Left Foot” fame.) ing on Northern Ireland at the Merriman Summer archivist Orson Kingsley. The Flattery Never Ends – It seems that the British School, mentioned a litany of former politicians from Maureen and Seamus were friends for forty years. have a fixation on co-opting Irish books and authors for Albert Reynolds to John Hume. But not a word, She made available to the university Heaney notes, its UK books lists. Just as we Gaels are becoming used nary a mention, of the man who presided over the clos- letters, and assorted artifacts that she had accumulated to having Ireland annexed in print as part of the British ing days of the Celtic Tiger. Nothing about Bertie. And over the years of friendship with the internationally Isles (even saw it in the pages of the New York Times that wrapped it. Who can blame Bertie for reacting to celebrated poet. Books section), we still see Irish books labeled British. Martin’s snub. He didn’t savage anybody when they Among the speakers and participants in the warm, This time it was a major British newspaper, the Lon- took away his car and driver. But leaving him off the engaging afternoon of fond reminiscences and happy don Telegraph, taking ownership in its “top 20 British heroes list. Take that Micheal! times spent with the poet were Kevin Cullen, the novels” of these: Joyce’s “Ulysses,” Flann O’Brien’s “At The Last Time I saw Cobh – It has been eons Boston Globe columnist; Shaun O’Connell, author and Swim Two-Birds,” Iris Murdoch’s “The Sea, The Sea,” since I last walked the seaside streets of Cobh. What professor of English as UMass Boston; Robert “Bobby’ and John Banville’s “The Sea.” Seamus Heaney had a triggered memory of that historic port of departure Breen, a retired Boston firefighter and inspiration for wry disclaimer when they did it to him. was the report that a town memorial garden with an Heaney’s poem, “Helmet,” and Catherine Shannon, American Investors Buy Vast NI properties – A impressive glass wall has been opened there 102 years professor emeritus at Westfield State College. In ad- deep-pocket American investment firm has purchased after 123 passengers boarded the Titanic at its last dition, a number of those attending also participated some 850 properties, most of them in Northern Ireland. port of call. Only 44 who boarded her that day would with personal recollections of the poet. The sales also include other properties in the Irish Re- live to talk about their interrupted voyage. The musical accompaniment, much of it performed public, the UK, and Europe. The transaction between When last we were in Cobh it was a quiet Friday in tandem with readings from the poet’s writings, was Cerberus Capital Management and NAMA, the Irish some days after the 9/11 bombings in 2001. We had by Tipperary-born harpist, Mairead Doherty, a long- government’s troubled assets bank, saw land and build- overnighted in quiet Waterford with friends and had time friend of Seamus who has written music for the ings valued before the crash at almost $7 billion sold for begun our drive to Cobh for a quick visit and then on harp inspired by Heaney’s poetry. She is a graduate of $1.5 billion. Many of the properties are located in once- eastward. The auto, a Fiat, was down to fumes. Out to the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin and has strong commercial locations across the North. dinner late with friends I neglected to get some petrol resided in the Boston area for years. The new deal means that Cerberus, with solid Boston and that day was the official Day of Commemoration It was a grand afternoon in Bridgewater and Seamus area links, is now Northern Ireland’s biggest landlord. for the 9/11 losses, so ordered by the sympathetic Irish Heaney, who loved the craic and the chat and was The price had all the elements of a fire sale, but NAMA government. gifted with genius and a kind heart, would have loved was keen to sell off many of the properties they had My fellow travelers and I began an unpromising the free-wheeling event. acquired under duress during the 2008-9 crash and the search for a station foolish enough to ignore the Garda. Religious Columnist Criticizes Border Mass – subsequent recession. The Stormont government in the We drove on, mile after mile, slowing, then pulling into George Wiegel, a widely-read syndicated columnist North, represented by First Minister Peter Robinson, stations that were closed. Were their no renegades on appearing in Catholic regional newspapers, was heav- expressed delight, saying the deal was excellent news the Irish roads? Finally, I saw a door flash open, and I ily critical of Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley and for the economy. NAMA was also happy to dramatically pulled over. A station owner was retrieving something eight bishops for holding Mass on the border between cut its inventory. from his office. The signs outside read “No Petrol Today.” Nogales, Arizona, and Mexico. Weigel, a dependable The huge sale, though far from Boston and the US, After 10 minutes of pleading, and reminding him “yes man” over the years for conservative elements in could have an impact on some corporate holdings in we were Yanks and on our way to relatives across the Vatican, told a ETWN television audience of his the Boston area. Cerberus, organized in 1992, is one the country, and how much we loved Ireland, all our displeasure. He called the Mass, which included the of the world’s leading private investment firms with trips there, chatter, chatter. Your station owner never delivery of communion wafers through the 20-foot-high extensive property holdings in this part of the US and said a word, reopened his office, and, still silent, he security fence, “politicized” and “political theater.” He around the world. Familiar names dot the corporate appeared to do something to a wall panel inside. He also expressed concern about immigration reform and chain of command. motioned me to pull next to the pump, and he did his the Catholic approach to that hot button issue. Top Cerberus executives include former vice president thing. Wished us a whispered good luck on our trip and In his Nogales remarks, O’Malley said, “The desert is Dan Quayle and John Snow, Treasury Secretary in the wouldn’t accept a penny more than the pump display lined with unmarked graves of thousands. We are here second Bush administration. Many readers, especially called for. We never saw another petrol station opened today to say they are not forgotten.” The cardinal, who given Boston’s large Irish population, might be surprised on our journey that day. speaks fluent Spanish, has been outspoken in favor of to learn that Cerberus already owns a community-based RANDOM CLIPPINGS reform that includes a path to citizenship and a halt local hospital company, Steward Health Care, which it Report on the Irish banking elite: David Drumm, to an “inhumane deportation and detention system” bought in 2010. Cerberus/Steward owns eleven area the ex-Anglo-Irish bank chief, owes his old bank some that often splits apart families. hospitals, including Carney, St. Elizabeth’s, Norwood $7 million on an unpaid loan he took out during the Somebody should send a memo to Weigel that the Hospital, and Quincy Medical Center; around here it halcyon days when he was making $6 or $7 million Church is changing and he represents the rear guard employs 17,000 people and serves more than 150 com- annually. Not a word from Dublin about a trial or the elements of discredited Vatican ills. We’re moving on, munities. like. … The queen in London just turned 88, and not a George! The Fractious Conservative Circus – It must word about her son, the presumed heir to the throne. Belfast Authors To Sue BC Over Tape Miscues be getting closer to 2016 or folks like Rand Paul, a Do you think he’s timed out? … Last count for Trina – According to the Belfast Telegraph, the leading sure candidate for the Republican nomination in 2016, Vargo’s Irish Alliance, with 17 supportive members newspaper in the North for Protestants/unionists, the wouldn’t be trying to create some headlines or possibly of Congress signing on, but nothing happening. … Belfast Project authors are “intending to sue Boston move to the center with the no-incumbent election on The West is having a rough time. Now it’s the Aran College after the university admitted procedures about tap. The growling drum beat from Paul, a US senator Islands Air service desperate to keep the planes fly- when controversial material would be published weren’t from Kentucky, is his claim that Dick Cheney, who ing between Galway and the isles. … Galway’s Eyre checked by lawyers.” was out of government in 1995, said that going to war Square has already had one botched city square re-do The intended plaintiffs, Ed Moloney, Anthony in Iraq would be a disaster, too expensive, no exit strat- and plans are on to build an open air concert space. McIntyre, and Wilson McArthur, who did the egy, etc. Shift to Cheney as CEO at Halliburton. Then Better luck this time. … Killybegs, the fishing village research and supervised the tape recordings, contend he becomes George W. Bush’s VP and suddenly, says in Donegal, has some new jobs on the horizon to staff that BC “didn’t check with its lawyers before collecting Paul, Cheney is a war dog, all for going into Iraq, where the coming world’s largest marine food plant. … The taped confessional oral histories from IRA and UVF just as coincidentally Halliburton and Cheney can make North is still nicely exploiting TV’s Game of Thrones members detailing their involvement in murder and a “modest living” with one of America’s biggest military film locales for visiting tourists. …Ted Kennedy, Jr. other crimes committed during the Troubles.” contractors. Maybe it’s just another mean-spirited rumor. is running for a state senate seat in his home area in The key individual representing Boston College in Cheney already clearly qualifies for war criminal status. Connecticut. Nice to see someone willing to start at the the agreement covering the taped interviews is the Maybe this isn’t true either. Latest news from the political bottom. He’s a gutsy 52 and we wish him luck. former librarian at BC’s Burns Library, Robert K. corporate boardroom is that Texas-based KBR, a long- … For former NI Secretary of State Peter Hains’ call O’Neil. He retired after 26 years at BC and is moving time subsidiary of the aforementioned Halliburton, is for amnesty for all re Troubles-related crime, a solid to Arizona to enjoy the weather there and spend more under investigation for claims that the company required rejection by his own party. … Maybe age is catching time with his grandchildren. employees seeking to report fraud to sign confidentiality up to me but “The Pope’s Cologne” perfumeis a bit over Moloney, an Irish-born veteran journalist and author, agreements. the top. If the Vatican is broke, throw some big-lira said regarding the agreement, “We went ahead on the And news from Planet Beck. Glenn Beck, broad- art works out to auction. … A 100-year old Galway basis that the contract had been cleared with lawyers casting from a closet near you, was covering last year’s whiskey from the Nun Island Distillery just sold at and it was safe for the participants. Had we known the Boston Marathon bombing when he zeroed in on a Saudi auction for $5,500. … The tallest building in Ireland true position, the project would have been stillborn” It Arabian student, and falsely called the student a suspect (Belfast’s Obel Tower) at 28 stories has just been sold is at this delicate intersection where Moloney and his and also repeatedly identified the innocent young man for $32 million. … If you’re in Belfast, they have just colleagues’ contention and Boston College’s intentions as a participant in crimes after the student had been opened an exhibit, “Art of the Troubles,” at the Ulster re the tape recordings and legal backup come into sharp cleared. The student, himself injured in the bombing, is Museum thru September. Another perspective. conflict with one another. That conflict, resulting in suing deep pockets Beck for defamation and other insults. Finally, please spend some money on holiday in an ongoing bitterly contentious relationship between Here’s hoping that Beck, now out in the wilderness, has Ireland. The folks there could use a break. If they’re the Moloney group and BC, focuses directly on O’Neill, some money left from his earlier highly paid network home working you know they’re not bankers. Those his central role in the project, and his statements on gigs to soothe the plaintiff’s pain and suffering. folks are all off on Marbella or the like. Page 8 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

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Also 2285 – 2290 Dorchester Avenue For leasing information, or to tour contact: Louis S. Hadaya, Agent 617-595-7650 [email protected] Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 9 ‘Overwhelming support’ gives lift to Team MR8 (Continued from page 1) Benzan said later. “There are a few times in your life you get to do a great thing and do the right thing. I was lucky to be part of it. No matter how much pain, it was worth it. I was honored that they wanted me.” Thanks to Harry Benzan and his fellow Team MR8 members— all hand-picked by Bill and Denise Rich- ard and a small committee of friends— the inaugural marathon team has raised more than $1.25 million for the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation— more than doubling its initial goal of $500,000. More than 150 runners ran in Martin’s memory in the marathon or in the 5k tribute run held the Saturday before— including a large contingent from Martin’s home neighborhood. The Richards— Bill, Denise, Henry, and Jane— were active participants during preliminary road races held on Saturday and “felt the warmth of the community and especially Dorchester, as they ran with their team,” said Larry Marchese, a spokesman for the family. “Saturday afternoon, in a fitting moment at the BAA Youth Relays, Henry anchored his Youth Enrichment Services (YES) team to a victory, which filled Bill with From left, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Mrs. Sabina Higgins, Presi- pride,” said Marchese. dent Higgins, and the Duke of Edinburgh. Photo courtesy BBC The marathon team featured 102 runners, including more than two dozen Dorchester people. Katy Kelly, a Pope’s Hill resident and a friend of A first: Queen welcomes Irish head of state; the Richard family, was one of them. It was the fourth Boston Marathon for her, and she finished in a speedy 3:30. The crowd was “just electric” and she was lifted President Higgins stops in at Windsor Castle the whole way by their energy and solidarity. Katy’s daughter had drawn a peace sign on her yellow Team On April 8, Irish President Michael D Higgins met Minister and former IRA commander Martin McGuin- MR8 jersey. Her husband, Eddie Kelly, wrote Martin’s Queen Elizabeth II and her family on the first-ever ness, who attended a banquet hosted by the Queen - a name on her arms. state visit to Britain by Ireland’s head of state. move unthinkable only a decade ago. “From the very start in Hopkinton and all the way President Higgins and his wife Sabina met the The streets of Windsor were decked out in Union to finish, there was constant cheering: “Go Martin, go monarch at Windsor Castle – three years after the flags and Irish Tricolours ahead of the visit. After Team MR8!” I was thinking I was Martin the entire Queen’s historic visit to Dublin heralded the start of travelling to the Berkshire town from London with race. He was in my mind and in my heart the whole a new chapter in the relationship between the two the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the way,” said Katy, who started to struggle a bit around countries. The significance was been further deepened president and his wife were met by the Queen and Mile 22, but got a huge boost from the crowd through with the presence of Northern Ireland Deputy First the Duke of Edinburgh. Kenmore Square and beyond. “It was the best I ever felt. I felt like a seasoned marathoner going into it. But running in honor of Martin gave me so much more inspiration and energy. I felt such a strong connection to him and it was such a motivator. I truly believe that’s what carried me Subscribe Handmade since 1925 through,” said Kelly. Michelle Hobin, running in her third marathon, agreed that this one was different because of the Today! overwhelming support for the team members along the course. to the “It was just a lot more meaningful,” said Hobin, who teaches kindergarten at Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy in Neponset, where Martin was a kinder- Boston Irish garten pupil. “I would think about that when I was running. There’s a point where it gets tough and you Reporter think about stopping, but people would be cheering and it was very encouraging. It reminded us why we were running.” Call Patrick Brophy, another four-time Boston Marathon runner from Dorchester, said that memories of turn- 617-436-1222 ing onto Boylston Street “send shivers up your spine.” “From the moment you started, it was 26.2 miles of love,” said Brophy. “Even people who were passing by on the course, everyone had a pat on the back, thank- ing you for running. People were yelling out Martin’s name. It was amazing.” Brophy said that the crowd’s support became ex- tremely helpful to him around Mile 22— near Cleve- land Circle— where the long stretch up Beacon Street toward Kenmore Square seems to last forever. “Those last four miles can bury you. It was tough. It was hotter than expected and little to no breeze and you can see that Citgo sign for a long while.” The final blocks on Boylston made it all worth the effort, said Brophy, who ran last year, but could not finish due to the terror attack. “I knew the crowd would be wild on Boylston Street and it surpassed my expec- tations. It was 20 people deep and people were going nuts,” he remembered. “When you passed the spots where those bombs went off, it’s hard not to think of what they went through and how resilient the Rich- ards are. It gives you that extra boost. It’s hard to go past those spots, but it gives you a moment to reflect.” After the marathon, most of the Team MR8 mem- bers repaired to a Back Bay restaurant for celebratory drinks. Many of the Dorchester delegation finished the celebration at the Eire Pub. And what about next year? It’s going to be tough to top that, but it won’t be tough to keep fundraising,” said Brophy. “It was incredibly fulfilling endeavor. You think about what brought you to this point and you look at that Dorchester community and you know that it’s different than any other neigh- borhood in the world. Everyone surpassed their goals, in large part because the community rallied behind everyone—every one I talked to donated to multiple runners, multiple times. I’d love to duplicate that.” “The entire weekend was in incredibly emotional one for everyone involved,” added Larry Marchese. “It was also an undeniably powerful means of reclaiming our finish line, our race, and our city. It has been a long, painful journey back, but the Richards were pleased to be back on Boylston Street, and honored to have so many donning the bright yellow Team MR8 shirts with them.” Page 10 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Catching up with Billy Donlan

By Greg O’Brien nary in Brighton where he Special to the BIR served breakfast, lunch, They call up the mem- and dinner daily to 400 ory him at the Heights members of the clergy. with great reverence; he “The monsignors got was the Doug Flutie of the steak; the priests hot 1950s. At barely five feet, dogs and hamburgers,” eight inches tall with a big says Fran. So it is with stretch, Billy Donlan was pecking order. one of the finest Boston- After attending Our bred quarterbacks and Lady of the Presentation scholars to grace a grid- School in Brighton, Billy iron or lecture hall. Star- wowed them at BC High, ring on the Boston College staring in baseball (center teams of almost 60 years field), hockey (center), and ago, he was among the Billy Donlan football (QB) while never nation’s premier passers, at the Heights. getting anything less than throwing short tosses and but today, at 79, he can’t a “A” in his class work. tight 60-yard lasers with a speak for himself. That’s Wrote the late Jack Con- right hand slightly larger a challenge when you’ve way in the Boston Herald than his left, cupping the called signals at the high- of Donlan’s high school football like a grenade at est level in college sports. exploits, “Not since Harry a time when most quar- Four years ago, Donlan, Agganis at his high school terbacks were tossing who holds a doctorate peak has any schoolboy dirigibles. in philosophy, suffered displayed such amaz- Years earlier as a senior a debilitating stroke at ing forward passing and at BC High, Donlan was his home in Brighton’s all-around excellence.” captain of three varsity Oak Square after retir- Agganis, nicknamed the sports, an All-Scholastic, ing as chairman of the “Golden Greek” in the late All-America pick in foot- philosophy department 1940s and early 1950s, ball in leading a team that at Salem State College. passed up a career with won the city champion- He now lives in Spiddal the Cleveland Browns ship in football. And, yes, outside Galway, whence to play first base for the he was class valedicto- came his parents to the Red Sox. His early death rian. Every college in the United States, with his is considered one of the nation, including Har- wife Carmel (Francis), greatest tragedies in Bos- vard over in Cambridge, a Spiddal native, and ton’s sports history. coveted his brawn, and his daughters Claire, a Soon Harvard, Notre his brain. doctor, and Eileen, who Dame, and Boston College “Billy had an incredible is studying medicine. came knocking for Don- mind, but was rooted in Donlan was flown to Ire- lan, who wanted to play the sod,” says longtime land, courtesy of a group for the legendary coach friend and BC High class- of friends, after being Frank Leahy at Notre room legend Bill Burke discharged from Mass Dame. He took a 16-hour with understatement. General. train ride to South Bend “He was all we wanted to The oldest in a family for a look-see from both be: a brilliant student, an of four boys and a girl, sides. Leahy said he was outstanding athlete, and Donlan today uses a impressed, but with re- a really good guy.” walker while still mak- gret he told Donlan that Billy, deeply religious ing eye contact as he did quarterbacks at Notre T since childhood, humble with onrushing linemen. Dame had to be six feet and reflective to the core, He understands some of tall at least. To Donlan, is still a really good guy, what is said to him, and four inches had never says his prayers at night, seemed so long. And so the surrounded by family pic- job went to a kid named tures and photos of him Paul Horning, later an from his sporting days All-America and Heis- 2014 Thomas S. Durant, MD that seem to evoke strong man Trophy winner for emotions within. the Irish and celebrated Donlan spent most NFL Hall of Famer. Golf Tournament of his life carrying oth- Stung by the decision ers, and now family and but unbowed, Donlan friends are carrying accepted a scholarship Monday, June 16, 2014 him. The chief supporter at Harvard, the Proper among them is his young- Bostonian bastion. Then, 1:00 p.m. – Shotgun Start est brother, Fran, who, on three weeks later, he real- his first day of class at BC ized the Ivy League was 11:30 a.m. – Registration & Barbeque Lunch High was asked to stand not for a tough Catholic up as the Jesuit Father Irishman from Brighton, 1:00 p.m. – Shotgun Start D. Augustine Keane fixed so he enrolled at Holy his gaze on him, and said, Cross. But, he found that 5:30 p.m. – Reception, Awards & Live Auction “So you’re Billy’s little the Lord works in mys- brother!” He has worn terious ways. A month Father Keane’s anointed later, at yet another moniker with honor since crossroad in his life, he left Oyster Harbors Club then, and now, a half Worcester and enrolled at century or so later, he has Boston College. There, a 170 Grand Island Drive, Osterville, MA become Billy’s voice. post-pattern play from “Billy was a great men- where his father worked tor to me,” says Fran, a as a chef, he met a coach Thomas S. Durant, MD (1928-2001) spent his life chasing catastrophe and financial advisr at Janney named Mike Holovak, Montgomery in Hingham. who changed his life. chaos in some of the world’s most forsaken and forlorn spots. From his service as “As a kid he made me eat Holovak, who played for chief public health advisor in Saigon from 1966 to 1968, to a trip to Honduras in raw eggs for protein, and BC in the early 1940s, and threw tight spirals at my then for the Cleveland 2001 to comfort the victims of Hurricane Mitch, Dr. Durant, always found in his head to force me to react; Rams and Chicago Bears, trademark Red Sox cap, was a beacon of hope during virtually every international he made me study Latin evoked even greater grit when I was ten, and on and passion from Don- humanitarian crisis in recent decades. family car rides had me lan. The rest of the story read “Don Quixote” to is part of BC’s football A lifelong resident of Dorchester, Dr. Durant graduated from Boston him. They don’t make ‘em history. College, received his medical degree from Georgetown University, like Billy any more.” After graduation, Don- The Donlans are cut lan earned a master’s in and completed his training in obstetrics and gynecology at Boston from a swath of tree as philosophy, then declined City Hospital. After his service in Vietnam, he joined Mass General sturdy as an Irish oak. at the last minute a call Their mother, Bridg- to the priesthood before in 1968 as a clinician and assistant director, a role he continued until et (Cody), was born in earning a doctorate in phi- his death in 2001. Loughrea in Co. Galway; losophy at the University the Gaelic is Baile Locha of Cork. The old sod has, Continuing his legacy and open to MGH health care professionals and staff, the Riach, translated “town of of course, always been in the grey lake.” Their fa- his blood. Thomas S. Durant, MD Fellowship for Refugee Medicine seeks to honor and ther, William, was raised Donlan still has a house celebrate the life, spirit, humor, passion, joy, and the legacy of this extraordinary nearby in Lisnadrishna in Brighton, the same where the family tried to home he grew up in. It humanitarian by aiding victims of war, famine, and disaster. make do with land and a is filled with trophies, few cows. He was strict, photos, and sports memo- but deeply caring, a ditch rabilia, a museum of Questions about the Tournament may be directed to the Tournament Com- digger as many Irishmen sorts. “Billy’s spirit is still mittee or Mary Sugrue McAleer via e-mail at [email protected] or were upon arrival in Bos- there,” says Fran. “He will ton. Later, and for close to always be with us.” call 617-723-2707. a half-century, he became a chef at St. John’s Semi- Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 11

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2014 AS ONE OF AMERICA’S PREMIER IRISH ORGANIZATIONS

May 31: BOSTON IRISH FESTIVAL OF SPORTS AND CHILDREN’S DAY Gaelic Football, Hurling, Rugby, plus kids activities like field games, storytelling and face painting

JUNE 6-7: BOSTON IRISH FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Live music on Friday night, and all day & night Saturday

JUNE 14: BOSTON IRISH FESTIVAL FEIS Irish Step Dancing competitions, featuring hundreds of the region’s best Irish dancers. Hosted by the Harney Academy of Irish Dance.

Irish Cultural Centre 200 New Boston Dr. | Canton, MA 02021 781-664-4555 | www.IrishCulture.org

Where in the World Can You Find News about Ourselves & Our Town www.BostonIrish.Com Page 12 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Boston irish Boston Irish Arts, Entertainment, Reporter Travel & More Twice upon a time Aimee Doherty journeys “Into The Woods”

By R. J. Donovan means to achieve what they’re after. like you’re alone. Her relationship with Special to the BIR And although everyone gets his or her Rapunzel is similar to Lenny with the Fairy tales are filled with princes wish by the end of the first act, the story bunny in ‘Of Mice and Men.’ He loves it and witches and monsters and magic. continues in Act Two to show how their so much that he crushes it. I think a lot of Whatever trials the characters face, the ambitions come to haunt them. the characters have the same problem.” stories usually build to a happily-ever- When all is said and done, does marry- While some actors find Sondheim’s after ending. But did you ever wonder ing a prince really solve your problems? music and lyrics daunting and difficult, what happened after that? Does beauty trump power? As the lyrics Doherty feels the opposite. “His lyr- That’s the jumping off point for “Into note: “Witches can be right. Giants can ics draw me to the project,” she said. The Woods,” the Stephen Sondheim- be good. You decide what’s right. You “His lyrics aresecond to none. They tell James Lapine retelling of some of the decide what’s good.” such a story. Half of your work is done world’s most enduring fairy tales. Lyric The Boston actress Aimee Doherty has by just singing the words. They’re so Stage Company presents the 1987 Tony been cast as The Witch in the ensemble descriptive.” Award-winning musical from May 9 to at Lyric. From productions of “Nine” to “Ignorance is bliss,” she added with a June 15. “Grey Gardens,” “Wild Party,” “On the laught. “Some trained singers take a look In this musical mash-up, the lives Town,” “Speed The Plow,” “Follies” and at the music and freak out. I have a little of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack & The others, Doherty has become a Boston dance background and the rhythm and Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and favorite. Coincidentally, this is not her the rhythm changes make sense to me.” others are intertwined to create an adult first time performing “Into The Woods.” Born in Northampton, she was raised fable of morality, responsibility, and She played Cinderella in the New Rep in Bellingham. And despite first taking the consequence of our actions. And to production in 2005. to the stage for a high school production Aimee Doherty is The Witch in Ste- remind that we’re all connected, whether “That was the second professional of “Grease,” she actually came to her phen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods” we realize it or not. production I ever did,” she said. “It re- professional life as an actress a little at Lyric Stage Company of Boston, The story centers on a Baker and his ally introduced me to the Boston scene later than most. May 9 - June 15. wife longing to have a child. They live because it was so well received . . . (Now) She grew up attending shows with her also appearing in “Into The Woods” at next door to a Witch who once cursed I can’t wait to play The Witch. I think grandparents and listening to her Mom’s Lyric, playing the Steward. them into their childless existence. Now, it’s so interesting to play her because collection of cast albums. But theater Knowing the depth of her talents, the gnarled hag offers to lift the spell if she’s supernatural and I’ve never played was mainly a fun activity. It was only audiences may be surprised to learn they agree to venture into the woods and a part like that before. The possibilities after she’d been out of college for four that Doherty has a Bachelor of Science prove themselves via a series of tasks. are kind of endless.” years that “I started thinking maybe I degree in Environmental Chemistry It is on this journey that they Created on Broadway by Bernadette would do some community theater as a from UMass Amherst and is a freelance cross paths with the other characters Peters (and played by Meryl Streep in the way to express myself artistically and environmental consultant. – also on journeys – as they attempt to film version due out at Christmas), The have fun and get to know people. That’s “My Dad was always a big camper and collect “a cow as white as milk, a cape Witch clashes with all the characters, when I auditioned for ‘Wonderful Town’ I’ve always loved the mountains and be- as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn but has a particularly unhealthy bond at the Walpole Footlighters.” ing outdoors,” she said. “I was in college and a slipper as pure as gold.” with Rapunzel. Said Aimee, “It’s about It was in her next show that she would and I was studying microbiology . . . but They all resort to less than honorable the mistakes you make when you feel meet her husband, Jeff Mahoney, who’s (Continued on page 15) Heatons offer music ‘as a conversation’ Local launch of ‘Tell You in Earnest,’ at The Burren May 14

By Sean Smith You in Earnest” has plenty of solid trad Special to the BIR credentials and storylines: “The Cruel When you’ve been a musical duo, and a Salt Sea,” with nasty boyfriend, quick- couple, for as long as Matt and Shannon thinking girlfriend, and a loquacious Heaton – and we’re talking well into the parrot; the against-all-odds romance of second decade – you tend to know when “Gallant Hussar”; the chilling family dy- you’re onto something good. namics in “Edwin of the Lowlands Low” So a couple of years ago, the Heatons (accentuated by various manipulations – one of Boston’s most popular and high- of Matt’s electric guitar); and love and profile Irish music acts – saw a common steadfastness rewarded in “Her Mantle thread in the newest batch of songs they’d So Green.” been putting together in anticipation of Rather than focus strictly on the nar- recording their next album. “They really rative, however, the Heatons invite you had a strong quality of dialogue between to consider the words that pass between characters,” says Shannon. “It’s not that the main characters in each song. As we haven’t had those kind of songs in Shannon puts it, “Who’s talking to whom, our repertoire before, but as we looked what they seem to be saying – what they at the material we’d been working on, might actually be saying – and how it all we got excited about bringing a focus to fits into the human experience.” this new album: the idea of music as a “Mrs. McGrath” stands out as one of conversation.” the more intriguing tracks on the album That idea has now been realized, after – intriguing as much for how it wound an odyssey that included the Heatons’ up there as for the treatment it’s given. first foray into home-based recording, a The song (also known in some versions as crowd-sourcing campaign, and a special “My Son John” or “My Son Ted”), which trip to Thailand that served as the proj- Shannon Heaton says of “Tell You in Earnest,” the new CD she and husband revolves around a young soldier’s return ect’s official public launch. The Boston- Matt have released: “As we looked at the material we’d been working on, we home as a double amputee after fight- area release concert for the 10-track CD, got excited about bringing a focus to this new album: the idea of music as a ing against Napoleon in the Peninsular “Tell You in Earnest,” will take place conversation.” War, came to public attention largely May 14 at The Burren in Somerville’s Kelly Lorenz photo through the likes of the Clancy Broth- Davis Square. ers. In most settings, it comes across as Creating a so-called concept album Thai song, a Matt Heaton original, and a “We love the ‘pure drop’ in traditional a rabble-rousing, angry diatribe against is nothing new for the Heatons: “Fine cover of folk-rocker Richard Thompson’s music – always will. But we’re comfort- war, and, by extension, the British for Winter’s Night” (2007) was a collection motorcycle-and-leather tragedy “1952 able enough now, in our musical and recruiting Irishmen into their battles. of Christmas/winter season music, while Vincent Black Lightning.” Meanwhile, personal lives, where we can push out Matt, however, was largely unfamiliar love and romance was the governing electric guitars and gimmickry oc- a little. Actually, even as we are going with the song, and when he found it in theme of “Lover’s Well” (2009). But the casionally peek out amidst Shannon’s forward, we are returning to our roots: a text and looked at the lyrics he saw experience of planning and recording flute, whistle, and accordion, and Matt’s Matt was a rocker in his teens, I was other, equally compelling sentiments “Tell You in Earnest” represented a acoustic guitar, bouzouki and bodhran, playing Thai music in my teens. It’s nice displayed. And he devised a slowed- unique set of challenges, opportunities, along with cameos by Mike Block (cello), to be able to incorporate those aspects down, more quiescent arrangement that and milestones for the couple, who drew Jared Seabrook (snare drum), and Liz of ourselves into what we do.” tamps down the fervor of other versions, on unlikely past influences to continue Simmons (harmony vocals). “You get to a point where you can’t but doesn’t diminish the song’s emotional what has become a fascinating trajec- “I think there was a time when we please everyone, anyway,” says Matt. power; capping it off is a march composed tory across the Irish/traditional music probably wouldn’t have done some of “Irish music is rife with endless discus- by Matt that he plays on guitar to the universe. the things we did on this CD,” says sions about what is, and isn’t, appropri- accompaniment of a snare drum, evoking The result is a blend of some recogniz- Shannon. “We felt particularly conscious ate – and, honestly, I want nothing to do the song’s martial character but not in able elements of the Heaton oeuvre with about honoring our listeners, honoring with those discussions. I’m not a pres- a heavy-handed way. others that show their continued inter- the tradition, and not wanting to appear ervationist; I feel the pure traditional “When I first came upon it, I thought est in going beyond their earlier body of too flip or casual about the music we music is strong and well-established ‘How sad this is,’ ” says Matt. “Even work. In addition to ballads steeped in were playing. So, back then we might’ve enough so that it won’t crumble if we with that ‘too-rye-ah’ chorus, I just felt the Irish/British Isles folk tradition, “Tell second-guessed doing a Thai song, or push the boundaries a little.” You in Earnest” contains a traditional adding electronics. But for all the envelope-nudging, “Tell (Continued on page 14) Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 13 Féile Cheoil Boston, Round 2: Return to Melrose on May 17 By Sean Smith Special to the BIR One of the newer cel- ebrations of traditional Irish music in Boston returns for its second go- round this month, when Féile Cheoil Boston takes place on May 17 in Melrose. The day-long (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) event, established by Boston’s Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCE) Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Boston School of Music to showcase area Irish musi- cians – especially young ones – includes competi- tions in instrument and vocal categories, children’s activities, performances, sessions, and an evening concert headlined by the trio Open the Door for Three. The Féile Cheoil, co- hosted by the CCE School of Music and the Melrose Messina Arts Fund, will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 645 Main St. in Melrose. “So many things worked well last year, even with it being the first time,” says CCE School Executive Director Lisa Coyne, a co- founder and co-organizer of the Féile Cheoil. “We had a very good turn-out for the competitions, we had lots of adult volun- teers – especially parents – helping out, and they did a great job. We also had music going out on the In addition to competitions and performances, the Féile Cheoil features informal music sessions and activities for families and front lawn all afternoon, children. Sean Smith photo where people going by could stop and listen, and this was very important from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the tion adjudicators, which The Greenfields of Ameri- is a suggested donation of band in Tulla directed by in terms of engaging with venue. The competitions included piper Kieran ca, Liz Carroll, John Doyle, $10, $5 for children and renowned concertina play- the community. will take place from 1-4 O’Hare and fiddler Liz Danú, Robbie O’Connell, seniors. er Mary MacNamara. The “Now, we want to do p.m. Also there will be Knowles. O’Hare and The String Sisters, and Coyne notes that the Tulla musicians are sched- even better, and we’re very afternoon performances Knowles return this year, John Whelan. evening event will be uled to come to Boston in excited about this year.” and sessions with local along with bouzouki player Before the evening con- the launch of a four-part November, and will give a Competitions will be musicians such as Armand and vocalist Pat Broaders, cert begins there will be a concert series hosted by concert during their stay; held in such categories Aromin and Daniel Ac- as Open the Door for Three 6 p.m. performance by Re- the Comhaltas School their Boston counterparts as fiddle, flute, accordion cardi, Cara Frankowicz – a trio of highly acclaimed alta Geala, an ensemble of and the Melrose Messina would visit Ireland next and singing. Entrants can and the trio Ceol Corvus, musicians with strong young musicians from the Arts Fund, proceeds from February. register online through among others. roots in the Irish tradi- Comhaltas School. Féile which will go to support Updates and other in- the Féile Cheoil web- A highlight of the inau- tion whose individual and Cheoil 2014 champions a young traditional musi- formation are available at site [sites.google.com/a/ gural Féile, says Coyne, collective resumes include will be featured at 7:30 cians exchange program https://sites.google.com/a/ ccebostonmusicschool. was the evening concert “Riverdance,” Cherish the p.m., followed by Open involving the Boston Com- ccebostonmusicschool. org/feile-cheoil-boston] or given by the competi- Ladies, Mick Moloney and the Door for Three. There haltas School and a ceili org/feile-cheoil-boston. Greater Boston Yet another salute does well in for Seamus Connolly Mid-Atlantic Fleadh Cheoil The honors keep rolling in for master fiddler Sea- Irish musicians from mus Connolly, director of Greater Boston and Irish music programs at Eastern Massachusetts Boston College and one made an impressive of the area’s most cel- showing at the Mid- ebrated traditional Irish Atlantic Fleadh Cheoil musicians. Last month, held in Parsippany, NJ, Connolly – who is the April 25-27. Sullivan Artist-in-Resi- Winners included: dence at BC – was pre- Rory Coyne (melodeon, sented with the univer- Under-12); Seamus Noon sity’s 2014 Faculty Arts (solo flute, Under-12); Award, which recognizes Armand Aromin, Pat- faculty members for their rick Hutchinson and accomplishments and Benedict Gagliardi (trio, contributions to the arts. Over-18); Liam Hart Connolly is founder (English and Irish men’s and director of BC’s Gael- singing, Over-18); Pat- ic Roots Music, Song, rick Bowling (bodhran, Dance, Workshop and Over-18); Stuart Peak Lecture Series, which (banjo, accompaniment, brings some of the most Over-18). eminent performers of Among the second- Irish, Scottish, Cape place finishers were: Breton, and other Gaelic Michael Bey (accordi- music to campus for free on, Under-12); Audrey public concerts. He also Bulger (solo fiddle, Un- has organized and taught der-12); Josie Coyne fiddle classes as part of (trios, Under-15); Gavin the BC curriculum. Rice (banjo, Under-12); Patrick Bowling (solo This latest award for Seamus Connollly Connolly adds to a col- flute, Over-18). Siblings Conor, Alana and Claire O’Brien of Newton lection that includes and traditional arts – as Cultural Council Fel- First and second-place finishers qualify for the won two titles at last month’s World Irish Dance the National Heritage well as the Ellis Island lowship Award, among Championships in London: Conor was victorious Fellowship from the Medal of Honor from the others. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉire- ann, or “All-,” in the Men 20-21 competition, and their Senior National Endowment for National Ethnic Coali- – Boston College Office Mixed Ceili team also finished first. The O’Briens the Arts – the nation’s tion of Organizations of News & Public Affairs which takes place in August 10-17. are students at the O’Shea-Chaplin Academy of highest honor in the folk and the Massachusetts Irish Dance in Boston. Page 14 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com Heatons offer music ‘as a conversation’ (Continued from page 12) – life, love, society, some- playing the original’s girl dresses up as a sailor? there was an incredible times all three – but distinctive riff), Matt and So I thought, well, what if sadness in the words, and also are often marked Shannon’s vocal harmony more than one person in I wanted the arrangement by surprising bursts of on the final verse evoking the song did it?” to convey that. Doing a introspection and vul- all the exhilaration of a “Mon Rak Dawk Kam good cover of a song, I nerability, and above all, high-speed tear on the Tai” represents Shan- think, means doing some- clever writing. So it is open road, before revert- non’s longstanding love thing different that defies with “1952 Vincent,” a ing to the ambling 6/8 for the music and cul- expectations, and a really four-verse love story of pace as the curtain comes ture of Thailand, where good song can withstand a bad-boy biker and the down. she spent a significant a number of interpreta- girl of his dreams (“I’ve “Easy Come, Easy Go” amount of time in her tions.” seen you at the corners is yet another Matt con- youth. Recent years have Says Shannon, who had and cafes it seems/Red tribution, although the seen her integrating more heard more strident ver- hair and black leather, my impetus for it actually of it into the Heatons’ mu- sions of the song, “When favourite colour scheme”). came from Shannon: “We sic – she also sang a Thai Matt first brought ‘Mrs. Their love is doomed, of were actively trying to song on the “Lover’s Well” McGrath’ up, I was not course, and the finale is strike a balance in the album, and contributed convinced – there were festooned with typical subject matter, moods, a Thai tune to the afore- all these associations with Thompsonian flair: “I see tempo, etc., of the song mentioned “Easy Come, it, like the war theme, angels on Ariels in leather selections,” she explains. Easy Go.” She describes I found hard to shake. and chrome/Swooping “So, I said, ‘Hey, we need “Mon Rak Dawk Kam Matt rarely fights for a down from heaven to something that’s more Tai” as “a very romantic song, but he fought for carry me home.” modal, driving, Ameri- dialogue between two this one, and ultimately I “I’ve been singing ‘1952 can-sounding and light. young people about how understood what he was Vincent’ for a long time, Go to it, Matt.’” they love each other. I getting at. When you look and really love it – I Recalls Matt (no strang- knew it would really fit at the words closely, you’ll realized how well it fit er to songwriting, by the the bill – the tonality of it the criteria we had for a way, having penned a is so Irish.” The arrange- “Tell You in Earnest” includes not only ballads from see a lot of things going the Irish-English tradition, but a Thai folk song, on. There’s the issue of conversation,” says Matt. few for previous Heaton ment is marked by Matt’s “Once we decided to in- albums), “Yeah, I made a Matt Heaton original and a cover of a Richard parents needing to have playing “a northeast Thai Thompson song. pride in their kids going clude it, the question was the mistake of saying, pop guitar style,” and a off to fight, for example; how to do it differently, ‘How about a funny kind sweetly affecting cello ac- let’s get in a few takes’ – says. “So, being able to and there is the total- not only from Richard’s of song?’ And Shannon companiment from Block. but overall there was a lot go back to Thailand, and ity of loss, where death original but the cover ver- says, ‘OK, you come up “When we ask a special less pressure.” tell my friends ‘Matt and is not the only possible sions – bluegrass, Celtic, with one.’ And after I guest to record with us, we Moreover, having an I are making this music, outcome – so is mutila- and so on.” put on a blank stare for have a particular vibe in in-house studio afforded and I am who I am today, tion and disfigurement, “It’s a tender, and trag- a while, I tried to think mind,” says Shannon of both of them the opportu- because I was here and which is devastating in its ic, love story, and there’s of something.” Block, who has worked in nity to broaden their skill you helped me to see own way. So the dialogue a certain drama to it that The song he wound up classical (with Yo-Yo Ma, set, Matt says. “There what playing traditional in this song, really, is we wanted to play up,” writing plays farcically among others) and folk were a couple of times music is all about’ – that between mother and son says Shannon. on the cross-dressing/ idioms. “We wanted an when Shannon had to was one of my top five life over what they have lost.” The Heatons’ solution gender-disguise folk Asian string sound, and do some engineering and moments.” “1952 Vincent Black was to introduce some ballad genre a la “The Mike has a great ability production work, and In fact, Shannon says, Lightning” was another pacing alongside their Female Drummer” or to mix East and West. He she did a fantastic job. It during her own career of Matt’s suggestions accordion and bouzouki “William Taylor,” only brings a powerful, bassy was interesting to see her she has sought to teach, that survived Shannon’s accompaniment: The first with a twist – and then sound to ‘Her Mantle So express her great musical mentor and encourage initial reluctance to make two verses are at a slow, another at the very end. Green,’ and really helps ideas in a different way.” others – especially young the cut. Richard Thomp- jig-like jaunt, then the “To be honest, the whole drive it along.” Even as the Heatons musicians – to find the son’s songs are renowned tempo and time signature cross-dressing device in The Heatons also laud were working on the CD, joy and satisfaction of for dark humor and char- take on the driving veloc- folk songs seemed pretty the touches by Seabrook they were organizing playing traditional music. acters who are on the ity of the original (Shan- silly to me: I mean, can (on “Mon Rak Dawk Kam a crowd-sourcing cam- Appropriately enough, at wrong side of something non underscores this by you really not tell when a Tai” as well as “Mrs. paign via Indiegogo to the Burren concert this McGrath”) and Simmons fund a trip in February month and a few other on “Gallant Hussar.” to Thailand, where they upcoming dates, the Hea- “We wanted a beautiful presented concerts and tons plan to invite one or harmony on ‘Hussar,’ helped raise money to two budding musicians up one that could stand on support music and dance for a guest appearance. Barrett & Sullivan its own, and Liz has this programs at a Bangkok [The concert also will distinct, adventurous home for impoverished feature a performance by style; we knew she would children. It wasn’t the the trio of Laurel Martin, Attorneys at Law get it, and she did.” first time the Heatons had Mark Roberts and Kieran What also distinguished been to Thailand, but this Jordan.] the experience of making visit allowed Shannon to “Being able to bring this album was that the reconnect with some of the CD to Thailand was Heatons were able to her teachers and mentors a wonderful experience,” Telephone: 781-641-1850 record it on their home, in a special way. says Shannon, “but obvi- which took away the ne- “What I loved about ously, our life is in Boston, cessity having to put aside learning to play Thai and we look forward to time and money to book music was that we would sharing this music with a studio – not to mention play for funerals, or wed- our community here.” Personal Injury, Accidents, arrange care for their dings, or other occasions, For more on the May young son, Nigel, born and then we would hang 14 Heatons’ concert, go the year after “Lover’s out, talk, jam – just like to The Burren website at Real Estate, Well.” As Shannon notes, we do here, in the Irish burren.com. “Instead of blocking off, music community,” she say, a whole day to travel Business and Insurance Law to a studio and do some recording, we could fit in an hour here and there. Cultural Center Sometimes that meant Initial Consultation at No Charge having to go from zero to 60 – ‘OK, Nigel’s asleep, sets up new deal for Irish Festival Music, dance, and fun Burials in Looking to buy Massachusetts in the on tap over 3 weekends or Ireland (Continued from page 1) ers and Immigrant Soul, amusements, rides, tug dozens of bands, step Boston Area? of war, field games for dancing performances, kids, Boston Irish Wolf- vendors from all over Or perhaps your looking for hounds rugby clinics the East Coast with the and games, Irish Youth best Irish shopping to be Gormley found, great food, and that getaway out in the Berkshires. Sports League clinics and games at 3 p.m., more. Funeral Home Jack Conboy arts & crafts, food, music, Saturday, June 14 617-323-8600 GAA football and hurling – Second annual Boston games, starting at 4 p.m. Irish Festival Feis, an Exclusive Buyers Agent Friday, Saturday, Irish Step Dancing com- June 6-7 – Music Festi- petition, with some of the 781-799-7706 val, featuring a “farewell best schools in New Eng- tour” performance by land competing. Plenty of 2055 Centre Street [email protected] Black 47 and the Scream- Irish food, music and fun West Roxbury, MA ing Orphans on Friday along with all the danc- From the Berkshires to Boston night, and on Saturday an ing! Performances begin all-day Irish music outlay at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. www.Gormleyfuneral.com Reliability • Integrity • Trust on multiple stages, with special guest Eileen Iv- Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 15 ‘The Lazy Farmer’ – incisive fusion of Irish and American sound By Sean Smith other instruments – McGann, Heaton, backdrop Heaton and Noveck provide strumming pattern by Cohen (also, the Special to the BIR and Noveck. Whatever their individual recalls the fretted-string dynamic of the lyrics have their special brand of dark Like many musicians throughout backgrounds, all four had consider- late 1960s/70s Irish bands like Planxty. humor: “Young Edmund fell to drinking/ Greater Boston – and beyond – Flynn able involvement in Irish/Celtic music: “Matt and Danny didn’t come in with and then fell into bed…”). “Conversation Cohen feels he owes a lot to the late McGann, though very much rooted in the experience or familiarity with old- with Death” is about as goosebump- guitarist-mandolinist John McGann, a American music, was no stranger to Irish time, bluegrass and other American inducing as they come (a popular version much-beloved figure in the area’s Irish music, and was part of the legendary trio music that John and I did,” says Cohen. of this song is Ralph Stanley’s cameo in music community. Along with consider- The Boston Edge, with fiddler Seamus “But instead of asking them to step out- the film “O Brother Where Art Thou?”), able amounts of advice, inspiration, and Connolly and accordionist Joe Derrane side what they do, I figured I’d use their what with pronouncements like “I’ve wisdom that he bequeathed to Cohen (McGann played on Derrane’s “Grove strengths to support the arrangements, come to get your soul/leave your body, over the years, McGann had a key role Lane” CD); Heaton, who also performs because these tunes, and the melodies and leave it cold/drop the flesh from off in planting the seed for a fascinating on bouzouki and bodhran, is half of a of these songs, have so much in common your frame/the earth and worms will have music project that has now borne fruit. popular Irish-American duo with his wife with the music of Ireland and Britain. their claim,” as Heaton’s bouzouki and That project would be Cohen’s Dead- Shannon; Noveck (mandolin, fiddle) has “So what we do is apply a kind of Noveck’s mandolin help churn the pot. string Ensemble, which explores the performed or recorded with a number contemporary Irish approach to the But back to those nuances and subtle- connections between various acoustic of prominent Irish musicians like John American versions of Irish-Anglo songs ties, because they do make for some fun, genres, principally Irish and old-time Whelan, Jerry O’Sullivan, and Liz Car- and tunes.” enlightening revelations. For instance, Appalachian, but also bluegrass, folk- roll, and teaches at the music school Nuances like that may or may not “Sailor Being Tired” has Cohen’s vocals rock, and even early music. They’ve run by Boston’s Comhaltas Ceoltóirí interest listeners, but the virtues and accompanied solely by an Indian drone just released their first CD, “The Lazy Éireann branch. rewards of this approach on “The Lazy instrument called a sruti box; listening Farmer” (Wepecket Island Records), and Cohen himself – a former student Farmer” are many. On the North Caro- to the inflections and ornaments as he will mark the occasion with a concert of English guitarist John Renbourn, lina fiddle tune “Lady Hamilton,” for sings over the sustained notes, it’s easy at Club Passim in Harvard Square on his resume includes stints with the example, Cohen flatpicks the melody to imagine uilleann pipes playing a slow May 5. John Whelan Band, Cathie Ryan, Aoife with Heaton’s bouzouki tracing a coun- air. Then there’s “Mathie Grove,” which McGann was an original member of Clancy, and Lawrence Nugent, among terpoint before shifting to more of a has all the makings (all-consuming pas- the band, whose ranks also include Matt others – has long been interested in the chordal accompaniment, at which time sion, adultery, nudity, and murder) of an Heaton and Danny Noveck. His death links between the American music tradi- Noveck’s mandolin enters to double up archetypal “Game of Thrones” subplot: in April of 2012 came about a year after tion and those of Ireland, England, and the melody; at times, it sounds like a With its pace and feel, as well as the the Deadstring Ensemble’s founding; Scotland, and has traversed some of this hornpipe you’d hear at your local Irish Cohen-written instrumental at the end, their album is dedicated to McGann, ground in his “neo-trad” band Annalivia session. Cohen also leads the way on it serves up a Southern mountains-style described as “mentor, friend, bandmate, (co-founded with his wife, Liz Simmons, the tune medley “Fine Times at Our tribute to the groundbreaking version plucked-string virtuoso, musical and who sings harmony vocals in spots on House/Falls of Richmond,” but the pres- recorded by Fairport Convention. comic genius.” But as Cohen relates, “The Lazy Farmer”). ence of Heaton’s bodhran and Noveck’s The other, not-to-be-overlooked reward McGann’s contribution to Deadstring The last couple of decades have been fiddle once again hint at the Irish/Celtic in “The Lazy Farmer” is the liner notes goes back a few years before it actually rife with Irish and American musical influences. Cohen provides for each track, as well as came together. fusion, from the ubiquitous Steve Earle The songs, whether you consider them information on the guitar tunings used on “I released a CD in 2005 called ‘Mellow song “Galway Girl” to the work of Tim at face (ear?) value or in the Anglo-Irish the album, and even on the modes (scales) Yell,’ which was mainly traditional and O’Brien, Grada, and Maura O’Connell, context, are simply outstanding. Dead- that make up the songs. There’s a lot of original American music and bluegrass,” to name a few; there are reel sets pair- string’s arrangements give plenty of technical stuff that may go right over the says Cohen. “I wrote a tune, ‘Dogwood ing uilleann pipes alongside dobros and space to the vocals, and the duets with head, but also plenty of useful details on Reel,’ on which I played guitar, and five-string (as opposed to tenor) banjos, Cohen and Simmons in particular, on song/tune sources and antecedents – as John accompanied me on mandolin and or contemporary Nashville-style songs the briskly paced “Neighbor Girl” and well as anecdotal nuggets, such as about octave mandolin. Even though the tune peppered with Irish flute or tin whistle. “Black Is the Color,” are nothing short of the fiddler Edden Hammons (source for definitely was in the character of Ameri- But Cohen and his cohorts zero in on the delightful; on both songs, as Cohen points the aforementioned “Fine Times/Rich- can folk tradition, John gave it some DNA of American music, largely via field out, his guitar-playing borrows elements mond” set), whose response to his wife’s Irish-Celtic touches, and that particular recordings and published collections of from Irish, bluegrass and old-time. suggestion that he get a job was, “I’ll lay track got a lot of accolades. songs or tunes from rural North Carolina, Of course, what would an album cel- my fiddle down for no damn woman.” “So for my next album, ‘Fierce Modal’ Virginia, Kentucky and elsewhere within ebrating the Anglo-Irish-American folk And Cohen also adds, where appropri- [released in 2009] – which was all original sight of the Appalachians. tradition be without a couple of chilling ate, a note about his own engagement tunes – I employed that methodology Rather than imbuing the songs with murder ballads? Cohen selects some real with a particular song or tune – in some of fusing different musical influences: an urban-contemporary, neutral voice, beauties. A North Carolina song, “Young cases, a field recording of a traditional bluegrass, old-time, Irish traditional, Cohen’s singing retains the “high lone- Emily” – with the distinctive steeply de- singer or musician; in another case, a folk rock, early music. And the more I some sound” with which they are as- scending interval in the first line of each Grateful Dead album. In this way, Cohen thought about the experience, the more sociated, while his guitar essays those verse, like a fatal fall from a cliff – features and the Deadstring Ensemble make their I thought how cool it would be to have a equally classic, intricate runs associated a recurring guitar-bouzouki-fiddle riff brand of music accessible on a number band which was rooted in that concept.” with bluegrass. But instead of employing that could’ve come as easily from a 1970s of levels, from the intellectual to the To get the sound he envisioned, Cohen banjos or dobros – or perhaps a string Paul Brady album (and, in fact, Brady did personal. Which makes it difficult, if not recruited three of his favorite guitar bass with a steady 2/4 rhythm – the bou- record a version of the song), and at one impossible, to resist. players who, like Cohen, also played zouki-mandolin (and occasional fiddle) point an ominous, the-bell-tolls-for-thee A time to recall, and mourn: Paddy Cronin, Henry Varian scene before returning latter half of the 20th is music for the kitchen profile endeavors was the to Ireland in 1990. He century. These LPs also and the fireside. There’s Village Coach House in was a protégé of Padraig constituted a bookend of nothing nicer than sitting Brookline Village, which O’Keeffe, a master of the sorts to the acetate discs down with a crowd inside he opened in the 1970s Sliabh Luachra fiddle he had recorded for Radio a house. I love that. Even with his brothers Liam style so strongly identi- Eireann in the 1940s – and if I’m on my own, I love and Jimmy. The pub fied with Cork and Kerry; now preserved in the Tra- to sit down and play for quickly became a hot Paddy Cronin Denis Murphy and Tom ditional Music Archives myself.” spot for Irish music and Henry Varian The late winter/early Billy Murphy, two other in Dublin – prior to his Adept in many drew local as well as tion as a mason restoring spring of 2014 held some Sliabh Luachra denizens, emigration. forms of expression visiting musicians, sing- old houses. In the days sadness for Boston’s Irish also were key figures in Even as he maintained Henry Varian, who died ers, and dancers. The following his death, Mr. music community, which Mr. Cronin’s musical de- his residence in Boston, April 10 from injuries Coach House’s Monday Varian’s friends and co- mourned the passing of velopment. Mr. Cronin was a regular sustained in a fall, grew night session in particular horts remembered fondly two of its stalwarts: Paddy But he became known visitor to Ireland for the up in Cork and came to proved enduringly popu- his penchant for singing Cronin, 88, a talented and for his own unique style, Fleadh Cheoil, The Gath- Boston in the 1960s. A lar; the pub also hosted “Raglan Road,” “Dirty influential fiddle player; which grew out of his as- ering, and other events. musician, singer and concerts and other special Old Town,” “It’s a Long and Henry Varian, 72, a sociation with musicians In 2007, he received the storyteller who was part events. People of that era Way from Clare to Here,” singer, musician, racon- from many different parts prestigious Gradam Saoil of the band Fenian Folk, recall the Coach House as among other songs, and teur, and co-owner of one of Ireland, and for his Lifetime Achievement Mr. Varian proved adept a launchpoint for more for his spontaneous recita- of Boston’s legendary Irish own compositions as well Award in honor of his in other forms of expres- than a few musical careers tions of poetry. music pubs. as his interpretations of many contributions to sion. He was co-founder of – not to mention romances In a Facebook conver- Mr. Cronin, who died on traditional tunes. The traditional Irish music the enormously popular and even marriages. sation, one former Coach March 15 in Tralee follow- albums he recorded in the and culture. “Sound of Erin” show, The Coach House closed House regular noted that ing a short illness, was a 1970s, including “Music But as he noted in an which debuted on WUNR- in the late 1980s, but Mr. for a while after the pub’s native of Reaboy, near the in the Glen,” “House in interview several years AM in 1973 and ran for Varian – after returning closing, Mr. Varian ran an Cork-Kerry border, but the Glen” and “Kerry’s ago, Mr. Cronin made 35 years. He also formed to Cork for a while, then antiques shop, where she moved to Boston in 1949 Own Paddy Cronin,” were clear his favorite venue the Irish Drama theatrical moving to Nantucket – re- bought an Irish tall clock. and was a mainstay in the regarded as landmarks for music: “I maintain that group and acted in a num- mained active in the area “It ticks in my front hall city’s vibrant Irish music in Irish music’s growing a house is the best place ber of Irish productions. Irish music scene, even now. RIP, Henry.” popularity during the to play the fiddle, which One of his most high- as he continued his voca- – Sean Smith For Aimee Doherty, a journey “Into The Woods” (Continued from page 12) working immediately. I was do it from time to time, but the Island. we get to have such variety . . after a while I realized that I just very lucky.” majority of my work is focused Overall, Doherty feels very . There’s a sense of community couldn’t spend my life in a lab The change in the economy on acting now.” lucky to be based in Boston and in Boston that I would miss if I looking through a microscope.” brought about changes in the Adding to her local history, has no plans to move on. “I have went to New York.” Her transition into environ- industry, and Doherty transi- her great- grandfather, a Shea, roots and I have family in Massa- R. J. Donovan is Editor and mental chemistry came almost tioned into working as a consul- emigrated from chusetts . . . I’m happily married, Publisher of onstageboston.com. by default. “I thought, how am tant. “In a nutshell, I worked to and in 1917 founded the profes- I have a house, and I kind of just *** I going to make all these credits clean up soil and groundwater sional roofing company, John F. love doing these shorter engage- “Into The Wood,” May 9 to transfer into a different major,” contamination at hazardous Shea Company in Mattapan. ments in Boston. As a matter of June 15, Lyric Stage Company she said. “And I started looking waste sites . . . I was in charge Her paternal Doherty ancestors fact, several of my friends who of Boston, 140 Clarendon Street at environmental science. When of developing remediation plans arrived in Boston from County work in New York are jealous in Boston. Tickets: 617-585-5678 I got out of school, I starred then supervising them. . . I still Monaghan via Prince Edwards of the artists in Boston because or lyricstage.com. Page 16 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com is so distinctive about these lavish mini-productions pre-industrial wardrobes, and heavy on the reverb. CD Reviews to warrant attention. “Celtic” as brand name. Putting aside the snark: Whatever one’s opinion of OK, admittedly that is a pretty reductionist descrip- By Sean Smith Celtic Thunder, sympathies must be extended to the tion, but there is a line to be drawn from McKennitt Paul Byrom, “Thinking of Home” • Byrom, a family and friends of George Donaldson, who died of a to the slickly commercial likes of “Celtic Woman.” Yet tenor born in Dublin, is a member of international heart attack March 12. Undoubtedly, Donaldson made what has made McKennitt stand out in particular are sensation Celtic Thunder. Does that tell you enough? many people happy with his music, whether on his the literary dimensions of her music, which includes This solo venture is his first “Irish album,” intended own or as a member of Celtic Thunder, and to have a references to or adaptations of Shakespeare, Tennyson, as an ode to both his native home and his current one voice stilled at such a young age – 46 – is sad indeed. Blake, and Yeats, among others, as well as her embrace of New York City, and contains his interpretations Loreena McKennitt, “The Journey So Far: The of “world” music along with other genres – riffs and of – as the publicity Best of Loreena McKennitt” • There are, perhaps, phrases drawn from Middle Eastern or Far East tradi- proclaims – “be- a couple of ways to tions (and instruments), with progressive-rock backing. loved Irish songs.” assess McKennitt: And then there’s the little matter of her voice: a You can probably what she repre- gorgeous theatrical soprano that, while hardly “tradi- guess, right? “The sents, and her ac- tional,” can do justice to traditional songs like “Bonny Last Rose of Sum- tual body of work. Portmore” and “As I Roved Out” and then, on another mer,” “Go Lassie The Canadian-born track, evoke an excursion through Old Constantinople Go (i.e. Wild Moun- singer, harpist, ar- in her piece “Marco Polo,” all of which are included on tain Thyme),” “The ranger and com- this double CD: Disc one is a collection of her “greatest Town I Loved So poser played a big hits,” culled from albums she released from 1985-2006, Well,” “The Min- role in fostering the including her three best-sellers, “The Visit,” “The Mask strel Boy” (spelled New Age/mystical/ and the Mirror,” and “The Book of Secrets”; disc two here as “Minstral”), spiritual interpre- offers highlights from her 2012 “Midsummer Night’s “ S h e n a n d o a h ” tation of Celtic mu- Tour” concert in Mainz, Germany. (spelled here as sic that emerged in As a sampling of an artistic vision, this can be pretty “Shanandoah”) and, inevitably, “Danny Boy.” There are the last decade or so enthralling stuff: “The Bonny Swans,” Yeats’ “Stolen also two Byrom originals, “A Sunny Morn in Septem- of the 20th century. In this setting, the distinguishing Child,” “Dante’s Prayer,” “Beneath a Phrygian Sky,” ber” and “Lady Liberty,” and Garth Brooks’ “Ireland.” characteristics of individual cultures, ethnicities or “All Souls Night,” “Caravanserai” – and so on. It’s by If you like the spectacle and orchestration that societies, if you will, are diminished in favor of a kind turns exotic, moody, and contemplative. The live per- typifies Celtic Thunder, then chances are you’ll like of romanticized universal peasantry; the peat farmer formances, obviously, present McKennitt at less of a “Thinking of Home.” Some of us, though, are skepti- from Galway, the shepherd in the Scottish Highlands, remove – and a somewhat more playful, even sassy, cal as to whether the world needs yet another go at the Welsh coal miner – hey, it’s all good. Now, throw in side on “As I Roved Out” – than her studio recordings. “Danny Boy” and its ilk, and – Byrom’s vocal talent a tin whistle or uilleann pipes, start the fog machine, For those who are less familiar with McKennitt, “The aside – may find it difficult to perceive what exactly and bring on the dancers/singers in their ambiguously Journey So Far” makes for a reasonably good roadmap. Therese Honey, “Summer’s End” • This Celtic harpist with the quite singular name is from Houston, and would seem to be largely unknown in these parts: With the exception of the Milwaukee Irish Festival and a couple of PBS Christmas specials – she has also per- formed with The Chieftains – her appearances have largely been based in the Southwest or thereabouts, a fair number of them at early music and Renaissance-themed events. “Summer’s End,” her fourth recording, is an entirely solo effort comprising traditional, contemporary, and original pieces. Yes, that foundational highness of the harpist Turlough O’Carolan is well represented here – Honey plays at least three of his compositions (possibly a fourth, according to one music scholar cited in the liner notes), including “Hewlett” and “Carolan’s Concerto.” But Honey’s repertoire ranges beyond the obvious and familiar, encompassing among other things a pair of Irish hornpipes, “Nellie, Your Favor I’m Afraid I’ll Not Gain/The Boys of Ballycastle,” a Scottish strathspey- and-reels medley, and a bluegrass tune (“Bonaparte Crossing the Rockies”) paired with another strathspey. Of course, an instrumental album based solely on any instrument – harp, fiddle or Moog synthesizer – might seem a less-than-inviting prospect for some. But it’s hard to carp about Honey’s virtuosity or her choice or presentation of material. She has a lovely touch, and a sound that – sorry about this – is as sweet as her name.

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150 Centre Street Dorchester, MA 02124 Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 17 Traveling People A ‘Sea Grey’ Connemara Special: The House Hotel

By Judy Enright clothing collected there Special to the BIR for sale by Gifty Kearns, Elegant but comfort- and the amazing bodhrans able, formal but relaxed, handmade by Malachy a place for the famous Kearns. You can buy spe- but also for the average cial bodhrans on site with Joe (and Joanne) – lovely Celtic designs or your coat Renvyle House Hotel in of arms. Connemara is all these Heading back toward things and more. Galway from Roundstone Even if the accommo- is a special treat if you dations were dreadful travel along the beautiful – which they most cer- coastline. We stopped one tainly are not – the loca- day for lunch at the Carna tion alone is well worth Bay Hotel in Carna and the price of admission. enjoyed excellent seafood Perched at the ocean’s chowder and then went edge, this grand dame of on to Glynsk House to the Renvyle Peninsula has indulge in a little (tax a storied history and is a free) shopping therapy. perfect choice for singles Glynsk House also opens (no single supplement), a restaurant specializing couples, or families. in local seafood during the “A SEA GREY tourist season. HOUSE” THINGS TO DO In his fascinating book, If you happen to be in “A Sea-Grey House, Connemara from May 2 The History of Renvyle to 4, be sure to stop by the House,” Guy St. John Connemara Mussel Fes- Williams writes, “On the tival in Tullycross. It’s a verge of Ireland’s West celebration of Killary mus- Coast, overlooking on one sels and includes mussel side a small peaceful lake, cooking demonstrations and on another the vast, and competitions, mu- wild Atlantic, stands a sic, children’s activities, long, low, grey house. Over drama, heritage walks, several centuries it has and a country market. been built, pulled down, Also scheduled from rebuilt, burnt to ashes and May 2 to 4 is the Leen- rebuilt once again. Its of- Renvyle House Hotel in Connemara was once the home of Oliver St. John Gogarty who opened it as a ane Mountain Walking ten turbulent history has hotel in 1930. He wrote, “My house...stands on a lake, but it stands also on the sea - waterlilies meet the Festival. See details at mirrored the vicissitudes golden seaweed.” Leenanevillage.com. of the troubled history of Connemara Bog Week Ireland, but its most pre- is scheduled from May cious asset has been its 23-June 2 in and around resilience, its capacity to Letterfrack. For details, survive.” visit Connemara Envi- And, indeed, survive ronmental Education & it has and flourished, Cultural Center at ceecc. winning many awards org. over the years includ- Just up the road from ing Georgina Campbell’s Connemara is Co. Mayo “Family Friendly Hotel and what could be more of the Year,” and a listing fun than spending time in Bridgestone Guide’s at Westport House in “100 Best Places to Stay Westport? A Pirate Queen in Ireland.” Festival is scheduled for A friend and I vis- May 3-5 and a Darkness ited this spring and were into Light 5K walk on warmly welcomed by May 8. Westport House Ronnie Counihan, the has adventure activities chief executive. A great and a caravan and camp- ambassador for the hotel ing park. And a tour of and for Ireland, he regaled Westport House itself is a us with stories about this definite must. The Browne property that he clearly family built the original loves and told us about its house in 1730 on the ruins fascinating past. of the Pirate Queen Grace Renvyle House was once O’Malley’s 16th Century home to the Dublin poet, castle. Westport House surgeon, and statesman opens daily at 10 a.m. from Oliver St. John Gogarty, March to early November. who opened it as a coun- For more information, try house hotel in 1930. visit westporthouse.ie As you might imagine, The Burren’s wildflow- the hotel attracted many ers have blossomed and luminaries of the day in- Charming bronze statues decorate the edges of a fountain outside the Renvyle House Hotel in Conne- the Burrenbeo Trust’s cluding W.B. Yeats and mara. Judy Enright photos “Burren in Bloom Fes- his sister, Lily Yeats, a tival” will celebrate famed embroiderer. Sev- green side salad. Thank- playground and assorted nos dancing classes and the street and do some throughout May. Nearly eral of Lily’s framed pieces fully, there was not a activities, including zip- participate in live perfor- shopping at The Forge or 40 events are planned, still grace the walls along ghost in sight. My friend wire, high ropes, and other mances. Prices for most pop into one of Leenane’s including walks, talks, with numerous other and I agreed that there activities in conjunction of the breaks include ac- pubs for a pint. and cultural events, with works of art. were few condiments, like with nearby Killary Ad- commodation, breakfast, Down the road is the something for all ages. Executive chef Tim mayonnaise, added and venture Center, nine-hole and dinner. lively and happening town Topics range from butter- O’Sullivan has earned nu- the crabmeat salad was, golf course, trout fishing, For more information, of Clifden where there’s flies to bats and farming merous culinary awards without a doubt, the very boating, canoeing, cycling, visit the website: renvyle. plenty to do. Clifden to flora. There are also ex- for the Renvyle House best either of us had ever croquet, lawn bowls, clay com boasts great pubs and hibitions, a photography Hotel and it’s no wonder. eaten. Fish, game, and pigeon shooting, two ten- CONNEMARA restaurants (my favorite workshop, book launches, Even though we only meat is locally sourced nis courts, yoga classes, So what is there to do in restaurant is Mitchell’s a family book picnic event, stopped for lunch, it was for the restaurant and Simran treatment rooms, Connemara once you have on the main street), an and the Burren Ecotour- an outstanding meal and the crab was as fresh as herb garden, infrared left the hotel grounds? excellent bookstore (the ism Network’s food and I plan to return sometime could be. sauna, and an outdoor Renvyle is on the Conne- Clifden Book Shop), and adventure trail events. for an overnight and din- After lunch, we walked hot tub. The grounds mara Loop and there several lovely gift and To download a festival ner, which I know will be around the hotel with were awash in daffodils are numerous activities, clothing stores. brochure, visit burrenin- superb. Sabina Flaherty, the front when we arrived and the sights and adventures Nothing is very far away bloom.com and for more SEANCES office manager, who talk- grounds were absolutely along that route. in this part of Ireland and information contact info@ We ate lunch in the spa- ed about the hotel and spectacular and very well Visitors can stop by it’s easy enough to take a burreninbloom.com. cious long lounge where the many upgrades and maintained. Connemara National Park spin from Clifden down to TRAVEL séances were once held showed us views from You can book for a night or Kylemore Abbey, take the charming little fishing Whenever or however by the likes of Yeats and some of the wonderful or more or sign on for one a trip on a glass-bottomed village of Roundstone for you reach the Emerald his wife to summon the bedrooms along the front of the many breaks such boat out of Ballinakill, lunch at O’Dowd’s Seafood Isle, there will be lots of 14-year-old red-haired of the building. Absolutely as a healthy living week- cruise Killary Harbor on Bar (run by the O’Dowd fun and lots of things to ghost who rambled the breathtaking! end, scuba diving break, a catamaran, or visit the family since 1906) or to do. Be sure to visit your halls. Undaunted by such The assets of Renvyle murder mystery or opera small town of Leenane stop at Roundstone Musi- favorite travel agent or go tales, we enjoyed a deli- House Hotel are many arias weekend, adventure where the Blackberry cal Instruments inside the online to Ireland.com for cious and beautifully – a heated swimming or painting, cycling, or Café and Restaurant walls of an old Franciscan all the information you’ll garnished crabmeat salad pool open from May to mid-week walking breaks. serves delicious lunches monastery and enjoy need to have a perfect trip. plate accompanied by a September, children’s You can also take sean and dinners. Step across the exceptional gifts and Page 18 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com The by Philip Mac AnGhabhann Celtic Fáilte do’n Bhealtaine ! “Welcome to May!”, the first month of the traditional Celtic calendar – Cross although almost all Irish now begin the year with “January”. In the past several months we learned that Irish ords uses the word “The” in front of a great many more W nations than English does. Irish uses “The” in front The Irish of nations such as France, Norway, and Spain. “Ireland” has two names. The “Official” name that crosswords are you see on government documents is Éire, /EH-ruh/. Colloqually, “Ireland” is Éirinn /EH-ruhn/ using a service of an what linguists call the “diminutive”, an ending that makes something “nearer and dearer” or “smaller” Ireland-based as in Cáit “Kate” and Cáitlin “Katie.” Diminutives in Irish are always end in -(a)in and website which may be attached to nouns and even some adjectives. Seán, “John”, can become Seánain. Johnny”. Some- provides Irish times diminutives can become a part of the word such as caip n “cap” A small amount” may be referred to Family Coats of as beagán /BEY-kuhn/. Recall that an “Irishman” or “woman” is Éirean- Arms by email. nach /EH-ruhn-ahk/; the plural is Éireannaí /EH- ruhn-ee/. The language is Gaeilge /GAHL-guh/. It You are invited is “Irish” not “Gaelic”. Gaelic is reserved for Gaeilge na hAlbain, “Scottish Gaelic.” to visit “England” is Sasana /SAH-suh-nuh/ , an “English person” a Sasanach and the English language is Bé- www. arla/BER-luh/ . :Scotland” is Albain /AH-luh-buhn/ , a Scottish person is Albanach /AHL-uh-buhn-ahk/ and, bigwood.com/ while the vast majority speak Béarla, there are still many whose home language is Gaielge na hAlban. heraldry “Wales” requires “The” - “The Little Britain”, An Bhreatain Bheag /uh VREH-tuhn veyk/. A “Welsh- man” is a Breatnach /BREHT-nahk/ and they speak Bhreatanais /VREH-tuh-eesh/. Again, here is a listing of other places, peoples, ©-bigwood.com and languages. The Irish for “language” is teanga IRELAND IN CROSSWORDS /CHEHN-guh/ , “tongue”. The ending –(n)ach is ACROSS 16. Last word in mean fashion. (4) equivalent to English “man” as in “Scotsman”. Lan- 1. Or find chiller. (anag.) Stepchildren of Aoife whom 17. Greasy sun out over U.C. (8) guages usually end in –is, equivalent to English “ish” she turned into Swans on Lough Derravaragh. (8,2,3) 18. E.g. rang up Sligo village underneath Ben Bulben and pronounced roughly the same as they are English 8. Protection found in popular Mourne location. (6) on the Bundoran road opposite Island. (6) “loan words.” 9. Pout face up until refreshment appears. (3,2,3) 19. “This goat-footed bard, this half-human visitor Place: People: Language 10. Fry air? No, but reduce its pressure. (6) to our age from the hag-ridden magic and enchanted Europe Eoraip Eorapach 12. Get up on hind legs about per can order. (6) woods of ——— antiquity.” Baron Keynes - (describing France An Fhrainic Francach 13. Impulses scrambled the last of the Carrickfergus Lloyd George) (6) Fhraincis letters. (5) 21. Soothe in the meandering vales. (5) Spain An Spáinn Spáinneach 14. Then avoid by cute diversion around engineer- Spáinnis ing work carrying the Dublin - Belfast rail line over CROSSWORD SOLUTION ON PAGE 19 Germany An Ghearmáin Gearmánach Drogheda. (3,5,7) Ghearmáinis 19. Tree falls over after a century on Mediterranean Russia An Rúis Rúsisenach island. (5) Rúisis 20. Threw in at the Gaelic game? (6) Netherlands An Ollain Ollanach 21. Make a quick grab for ants all over the small Irish Sayings Ollainnis church. (6) “Youth does not mind where it sets its foot.” Norway An Iorua Ioruach 22. Stretch little Leonard starts, then finishes after “Both your friend and your enemy think you will Ioruais note. (8) never die.” Asia An ise iseach 23. Salty pool covered up back in Portnoo gallery. (6) “The well fed does not understand the lean.” teanga iseach 24. Sweet stew clan. (anag.) Limerick market town with “He who comes with a story to you brings two away Japan An tSeapáin Seapánach a Knights Templars castle built in 1184. (9,4) from you” Seapánais “Quiet people are well able to look after themselves.” China An tSín Síneach DOWN “A friends eye is a good mirror.” Sínis 2. Oh, lure me in disorder for Bill first proposed and “It is the good horse that draws its own cart.” America Meiriceá Meiriceánach lost by Gladstone in 1885 and passed in 1912. (4,4) “A lock is better than suspicion.” Béarla 3. “Hail fellow, well met. All —— and wet: Find out, if “Two thirds of the work is the semblance.” Canada Ceanada Ceanadach you can, Who’s master, who’s man.” Swift. (5) 4. Storeys “He who gets a name for early rising can stay in bed Béarla agus Fhraincis one knocks to the ground. (6) until midday.” Irish cannot handle an initial /j/ or /ch/ sound so 5. Recite with a singing voice to nine others in Rosses “If you do not sow in the spring you will not reap in they both become /s/ as French “Jean” (“John”) became Point one time. (6) the autumn.” Séan and “China” becames Sín. 6. Hour train call. (anag.) Kerry mountain popularly “Put silk on a goat, and it’s still a goat.” Here are some words and phrases that I told you ascended through the Hag’s Glen and up the Devil’s “Listen to the sound of the river and you will get a trout.” would be used in future columns: Ladder to the peak at 3,314 feet. (13) “A persons heart is in his feet.” Irregular forms of Abair “Speak!” – Deirim, deir, 7. Jests shame pen. (anag.) Irish writer and poet (1880- “It is a long road that has no turning.” deirimid (Present), dúirt (Past), déarfaidh (Fu- 1950) who wrote ‘The Crock of Gold’ . (5,8) “Necessity knows no law.” ture). In addition a new noun caint /kant/ “speech” 9. Owners latch up in neat Mayo village on the Sligo “The wearer best knows where the shoe pinches.” and cainteoir, /KANT-er/ “speaker”. This is the source border. (11) “There is no luck except where there is discipline.” of the English word “cant”, a term used to describe 11. You must see the faithful dog in , I do “The man with the boots does not mind where he a slang used by some to exclude non-cant speakers. insist. (4) places his foot.” Other words or phrases used are “learn” or “learn- 12. Ripe conversion of fairy on Greek roundabout. (4) “The light heart lives long.” ing” foghlaim, “go on a holiday” ag dul ar saoire / 15. Squirrel’s home back in the American garden in True greatness knows gentleness. SEE-ruh/, ‘business trip” turas. To “go on a visit” is pretty Ardmore. (4) When wrathful words arise a closed mouth is soothing. tabhair cuairt – tabhair , “give” is used idiomati- cally and is an irregular verb which you had some time ago. In the Present it is tugaim, tugann, and ADVERTISEMENT tugaimid; in the Past it is thug and thugamar, and the Future it is tabharfaidh and tabharfaimid. See if you can write these in Irish: (1.) “Do you speak Irish?” (2.) “I speak English but I speak a little Irish now.” (3.) “I will go to Spain tomorrow.” (4.) Photography by “Oh, will you go on a business trip or a vacation.” (5.) “Do you speak Spanish?” (6.) “Yes. I speak Spanish and French.” (7.) “How much is that cup?” (8.) “We Canadians speak English and French.” (9.) “Patrick Image Photo Service will go to Norway for a vacation.” (10.) “Didn’t he go to Asia at New Years.” (11.) “Does he speak any Japanese or Chinese languages?” • Weddings • Anniversaries (12.) “He has a little Japanese but he doesn’t speak any Chinese.” (13.) “He goes at three o’clock.” (14.) • Banquets • Portraits “Who is at the door?” Answers: (1.) A bhfuil Gaeilge agat? (2.) Tá Béarla agam ach tá beagan Gaeilge agam anois. • Reunions (3.) Beidh mé ag dul don Spáinn amarach. (4.) Oh, an bhfuil sé ag dul ar turas no saoire? (5.) • Groups • Families A bhfuil Spáinnis agat? (6.) Tá Spáinnis agus Fhraincis agam. (7.) Cén mhéad an cupa sin? • Special Occasions (8.) Deirimid Cheanada Béarla agus Fhraincis. (9.) Beidh Padruig ag dul saoire ar an Iorna. (10.) Nach thug sé don an ise ag an bliana úr? (11.) An deir sé teanga Seapánach no S neach? (617) 291-6609 (12.) Tá beagán Seapánach air nach tá Síneach air. (13.) Tiochfaidh sé anns trí o’clog. (14.) Cén atá ag an dorus? The official photographers of the Boston Irish Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Page 19 Baseball and injuries – Make no mistake, it’s a crisis The issue, friends, is perfect meshing of muscles in 1974 that it had no injuries. They are all the Sports/Clark Booth and nerves and fibers and more than a two percent rage in baseball as never ligaments – and gray mat- chance of being success- before, and we begin with But why pick on the Segura, indefinitely after ter – is more challenging ful. It was my pleasure a question: pitchers? Position play- he got smacked in the face or requires a higher degree to have known Tommy What do Kris Medlen, ers who’ve variously gone by a bat carelessly swung of physical fine-tuning and talked with him a Jarrod Parker, Carl down for the count this in the dugout by Ryan than the act of pitching a number of times when Luebke, Josh Johnson, still very young season Braun, the team’s gifted baseball over and over and he was first the Dodgers’ Brandon Beachy, and include Manny Macha- but clearly mistake-prone over again with maximum and then the Yankees’ Peter Moylan have in do, Jose Iglesias, Avisail star. What next? A pair force and urgency. The meal ticket, pitching 15 common other than the Garcia, Mark Texeiria, of superior performers demands of this activity more years after being On this, old-timers and fact that they are pitchers Brendon Ryan, Rafael who should know better – on the elbow and shoulder given a new tendon in his medical folks seem to employed by the major Furcal, Shane Victorino, Anaheim’s Josh Hamilton are unique. This is what left elbow and piling up agree. As for the modern- leagues of professional Will Middlebrooks, Matt and Washington’s Bryce makes the phenomenon achievements (288 wins day performers and those baseball? Kemp, Jose Reyes, Josh Harper – suffered serious of Tommy John surgery, for openers) that would who must coach, guide, Answer! These are the Hamilton, Ryan Zim- hand injuries that have by which dead elbows are have qualified him for en- and heal them, they in- six pitchers who early in merman, Jason Giambi, sidelined them by sliding brought back to life, so rollment at Cooperstown creasingly seem to be this season have already Jurickson Profar, Geovany into first base, long dis- engrossing; after fully 40 even if his good friend Doc unsure of what to think, or had Tommy John surgery Soto, Andre Beltre, Hanley dained by every thinking years, it still seems to be Jobe hadn’t immortalized do. What’s beyond dispute performed on them for the Ramirez, Gordon Beck- baseball person to be about a bit of a medical miracle. him. A smart fellow, he is the obvious: they have a second time in their rela- ham, Justin Ruggiano, the dumbest thing you can The remarkable proce- fully grasped the import crisis on their hands. tively brief careers. They Michael Cuddyer, Russell do on a ball field. There’s dure’s eminent deviser, of his role. What Tommy Is it about pitching too are the so-called “revision- Martin, Cameron Maybin, never any accounting for Dr. Frank Jobe, called it John did for his profession much? Or not enough? ists.” There have been 14 Francisco Cervelli, Chris sheer stupidity. “ulnar collateral ligament 40 years ago was truly About throwing too hard, of these “repeats” in the Davis, Shin-Soo Choo, Quads, obliques, and reconstruction.” He died historic. He is first class, or using too many trick last two years. Over the and Bryce Harper. Speak- lats seem high among this only a month ago, at age always has been. pitches? Is it all about previous 16 years, there ing of all-star teams, how season’s most vulnerable 89, and in his latter years And like Dr. Jobe, he’s mechanics? Does youth were but 18. easy would it be to compose body parts. Hamstrings he was reputedly a bit mystified by how casu- sport need to be reformed? Next question: What of one from that lusty group? are the new injury of choice shocked by how routine ally the procedure is now Should conditioning proce- Ivan Nova, Matt Moore, in mind none of for position players while, the procedure had become viewed, believing, as the dures be strengthened or Luke Hochevar, Bob- these lists is the total as has been increasingly with players increasingly good doctor did, that more relaxed? Is radical surgery by Parnell, and Patrick number. They are but sam- the case in recent years, opting for it as if it were attention should be given always the answer? Might Corbin? plings of some of the more the elbow is the Achilles no bigger a deal than a to preventing arm injuries it never be the answer? Answer! They are the interesting and relevant heel of the pitchers. This root canal. And who can than to repairing them. There are many theories most prominent among cases. The ranks of all the is not about these guys be- blame them, given how He feels strongly that but no consensus. Mean- the batch of ten other injured and disabled are ing wimps. Baseball, with many careers have been the problem begins when while, the casualties pile hurlers who have been quite longer. Some wounds its emphasis on minute saved thanks to his bold pitchers are teen-age up. It’s being called “an committed to the radical are products of the bizarre. and precise details over and brilliant conception. phenoms, being grossly epidemic,” an over-state- TJ procedure for elbow re- The Reds sterling lefty mere brawn and bluster, According to the latest over-used and obliged to ment fairly typical of the pairs since the start of this flame-thrower, Aroldis is a hard game to play study, 124 pitchers who pitch 12 months a year, sporting media, which can season, which we should Chapman, got decked by a while even slightly im- were on big-league rosters with no break. Like most now and again be guilty remind you was scarcely a line drive off his face that paired. Little wounds that last year can thank him old-timers, John disputes of scrambled perspective. month ago. Obviously, the almost killed him. It was would not bench a hockey for their careers. That is pitch counts and sees no True epidemics have to single-season record for TJ the most shocking such player a single shift can stunning, and this year’s problem with pitchers do with deeper and far surgeries – 36 in 2012 – is incident since the poten- land a baseball player on number is growing by the simply pitching, as long more serious calamities in jeopardy given that the tially wonderful career of the disabled list. Jarome hour. as they’re fundamentally than the mere ordeals of demand for this spectacu- Herb Score was abruptly Iginla missed only one But considerable credit healthy to begin with. millionaire ballplayers, lar remedy always rises as sidetracked by a scream- period when he fractured also goes to Doc Jobe’s But too often nowadays however painful. the season bears on and ing liner off the bat of the his finger this season but, original guinea pig, the the seeds of a pitcher’s Not that Tommy John there are six months to go. Yankees’ Gil McDougald tough as he may be, he crafty lefty Tommy John, destruction have been surgery is a day at the Moreover, you can add to in 1957. couldn’t have swung a bat who was informed when he firmly planted by the time beach, mind you. We un- this group the likes of An- And then there is the with that injury, let alone consented to the surgery they reach the big leagues. derstand that much. drew Bailey, Dylan Bundy, ridiculous. The Brewers thrown with that hand. Neftali Feliz, and Joel just lost their wonderful For no endeavor in all Hanrahan, among others, young shortstop, Jean of sports in terms of the Irish Social Club of Boston, Inc. still recovering from TJ 119 Park Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132 617-327-7306 surgery performed last PUZZLE SOLUTION FROM PAGE 18 Incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, June 27, 1945 year. Then there are the FRIDAY (and sometimes) SATURDAY NIGHT CHEER PUB NIGHTS pitchers sidelined exten- Socials every Doors open at 5:30 pm – Free Admission – Live music 8-11 pm sively by arm woes that, Sunday Evening SCHEDULE OF EVENTS while not as dramatic at 8:00 pm All held on SUNDAYS at 8 pm except where otherwise noted as the TJ cases, remain problematic? This roll MAY 30 Friday – West Roxbury Rocks fundraiser for call includes Derek Hol- 3 Saturday – “Dance for Dochas – Dance of the Ethos AgeWell West Roxbury Program. land, Matt Harrison, Doug Hope” Suicide Prevention Fundraiser. Music Music, buffet, raffles, auction. Admission is Fister, Jonathan Broxton, by Devri and direct-from-Ireland: Friends of only $35. Call Ann Glora for more information Jeremy Hellickson, Alex Emmet. 7 pm. Admission is $20. at 617-477-6616. 4 Sunday – Erin’s Melody with Margaret Dalton 31 Saturday – SMA Fathers Spring Dance. Great Cobb, David Robertson, 10 Saturday – Lucy’s Love Bus Fundraiser. raffles, including a limited number $100 ticket Johan Santana, Yu Dar- Admission is $20. with top prize of $8,000. Music by Fintan vish, A.J. Burnett, Clay- 11 Sunday – Fintan Stanley Stanley. Admission is only $10. Call Fr. Darcy ton Kershaw, Chris Sale, 15 Thursday – A Taste of West Roxbury for more info at 781-326-3288. Scott Feldman, Wandy fundraiser for West Roxbury Main Streets: Rodriguez, Jason Grilli, $25 admission. There are over 20 restaurants participating. Anibal Sanchez, and Matt 17 Saturday – Irish Pastoral Centre Volunteer Harvey? Surely an impres- Appreciation Night. Music by Andy Healy. sive collection (including There will be raffles and admission is only $15 the highest paid pitcher 18 Sunday – Noel Henry Irish Show Band in baseball history, Ker- 24 Saturday – Pub Night with Colm O’ Brien 25 Sunday – Andy Healy shaw) from which you could easily cull an all-star 29 Thursday – Members Meeting at 7:30 pm staff. Follow us on Twitter @irishsocialbos Follow us on Facebook: Irish Social Club of Boston 20th Annual Boston Beara Society Please join us to celebrate the art, history and music of the EIRE , Co. Cork. Sunday May 18th, The Phillips House, Dorchester, MA. pub Dinner and dancing from 2 to 7pm with DJ, Connie Cal- laghan. 795 Adams St. • Dorchester Guest Artist direct from Ireland “…Truly unique and Great Irish Cultural Ambassador” “President’s Choice” Seán Ó Sé Serving Lunch & Dinner Tickets $50 available in advance by calling 617.328.6690 Every day, Please visit our website, www.Bostonbearasociety.com 7 days a week Page 20 May 2014 BOSTON IRISH Reporter Worldwide at www.bostonirish.com

Wild Atlantic Way

T he road isn’t going to rise up to meet you all the way over there in America, you know.

If you’re looking for one good reason to come home to Ireland this year, we’ll give you a million. That’s the record number of visitors who came from the U.S. during the year of The Gathering. And the wonderful festivals, music and sporting events are still going strong in 2014. So make plans today to visit the friends and family you’ve missed and we’re fairly certain the road will rise up to meet you along the way.

Find out more at Ireland.com

TOURISM IRELAND DIMENSIONS Publication: Boston Irish Reporter Page Trim: 10" x 16" Supplied by: Tengo Two, S.L. Barcelona, Spain Publish Date: Feb , 2014 Bleed: 10.25" x 16.25" Tel: 011 [34] 652 081 624 Materials Date: Feb 24, 2014 Live Area: 9" x 15" eMail: [email protected]